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Khwaza V, Aderibigbe BA. Potential Pharmacological Properties of Triterpene Derivatives of Ursolic Acid. Molecules 2024; 29:3884. [PMID: 39202963 PMCID: PMC11356970 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29163884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) and its derivatives have garnered significant attention due to their extensive pharmacological activity. UA is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in a variety of plants, such as apples, rosemary, thyme, etc., and it possesses a range of pharmacological properties. Researchers have synthesized various derivatives of UA through structural modifications to enhance its potential pharmacological properties. Various in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that UA and its derivatives possess diverse biological activities, such as anticancer, antifungal, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. This review article provides a review of the biological activities of UA and its derivatives to show their valuable therapeutic properties useful in the treatment of different diseases, mainly focusing on the relevant structure-activity relationships (SARs), the underlying molecular targets/pathways, and modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vuyolwethu Khwaza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Blessing A. Aderibigbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa
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2
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Similie D, Minda D, Bora L, Kroškins V, Lugiņina J, Turks M, Dehelean CA, Danciu C. An Update on Pentacyclic Triterpenoids Ursolic and Oleanolic Acids and Related Derivatives as Anticancer Candidates. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:952. [PMID: 39199198 PMCID: PMC11351203 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13080952] [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: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a global health problem, with the incidence rate estimated to reach 40% of the population by 2030. Although there are currently several therapeutic methods, none of them guarantee complete healing. Plant-derived natural products show high therapeutic potential in the management of various types of cancer, with some of them already being used in current practice. Among different classes of phytocompounds, pentacyclic triterpenoids have been in the spotlight of research on this topic. Ursolic acid (UA) and its structural isomer, oleanolic acid (OA), represent compounds intensively studied and tested in vitro and in vivo for their anticancer and chemopreventive properties. Since natural compounds can rarely be used in practice as such due to their characteristic physico-chemical properties, to tackle this problem, their derivatization has been attempted, obtaining compounds with improved solubility, absorption, stability, effectiveness, and reduced toxicity. This review presents various UA and OA derivatives that have been synthesized and evaluated in recent studies for their anticancer potential. It can be observed that the most frequent structural transformations were carried out at the C-3, C-28, or both positions simultaneously. It has been demonstrated that conjugation with heterocycles or cinnamic acid, derivatization as hydrazide, or transforming OH groups into esters or amides increases anticancer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Similie
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.S.); (L.B.); (C.D.)
- Research and Processing Center of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Daliana Minda
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.S.); (L.B.); (C.D.)
- Research and Processing Center of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Larisa Bora
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.S.); (L.B.); (C.D.)
- Research and Processing Center of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Vladislavs Kroškins
- Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Riga Technical University, Paula Valdena Str. 3, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (V.K.); (J.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Jevgeņija Lugiņina
- Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Riga Technical University, Paula Valdena Str. 3, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (V.K.); (J.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Māris Turks
- Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Riga Technical University, Paula Valdena Str. 3, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (V.K.); (J.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Research and Processing Center of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Corina Danciu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.S.); (L.B.); (C.D.)
- Research and Processing Center of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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Li H, Cai X, Yang X, Zhang X. An overview of PROTACs targeting MDM2 as a novel approach for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116506. [PMID: 38761584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
MDM2 genes amplification or altered expression is commonly observed in various cancers bearing wild-type TP53. Directly targeting the p53-binding pocket of MDM2 to activate the p53 pathway represents a promising therapeutic approach. Despite the development of numerous potent MDM2 inhibitors that have advanced into clinical trials, their utility is frequently hampered by drug resistance and hematologic toxicity such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The emergence of PROTAC technology has revolutionized drug discovery and development, with applications in both preclinical and clinical research. Harnessing the power of PROTAC molecules to achieve MDM2 targeted degradation and p53 reactivation holds significant promise for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize representative MDM2 PROTAC degraders and provide insights for researchers investigating MDM2 proteins and the p53 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Li
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinhui Cai
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Srisomsap C, Chaisuriya P, Liana D, Aiyarakanchanakun P, Audsasan T, Weeraphan C, Svasti J, Phanumartwiwath A. Pharmacological Properties of White Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Leaves: Suppressing Migratory and Invasive Activities Against A549 Lung Cancer Cells. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 79:387-393. [PMID: 38691297 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-024-01184-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Morus alba known as a white mulberry is a medicinal plant that has been used in food ingredients and traditional medicine. M. alba leaves contain various bioactive phenolic compounds, in particular chlorogenic acid (CGA), which is a major bioactive ingredient. Their anticancer potency of M. alba leaf extracts derived from Soxhlet extraction was evaluated based on cytotoxicity and antimigratory and antiinvasive properties. The dichloromethane extract exhibited the highest nitric oxide radical scavenging activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 780 μg/mL, promising cytotoxicity against HuCCA-1, MCF-7, and A-549 cells with IC50 values of 59.18, 62.20, and 103.25 μg/mL, respectively. CGA selectively inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 26.75 μg/mL and showed potent radical scavenging activity against DPPH radicals (IC50 = 18.85 μg/mL). An ethanolic extract derived from the gradient Soxhlet extraction suppressed A549 lung cancer cell migration and invasion more effectively than CGA with no migratory inhibition effect on noncancerous HaCaT cells. Furthermore, the ethanolic extract and CGA accelerated HaCaT wound closure at 20 µg/mL, which was the same as allantoin. Bioactive ingredients including triterpenes, steroids, phenolics, and flavonoids were mainly detected in all extracts. The highest content of CGA (52.23 g/100 g dry weight) was found in the ethanolic extract derived from the gradient Soxhlet extraction. These findings show the potency of the dichloromethane extract as a cytotoxic agent against various cancer types and the ethanolic extract as an antimetastatic agent by their antimigratory and antiinvasive activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantragan Srisomsap
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Papada Chaisuriya
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Desy Liana
- College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | | | | | - Churat Weeraphan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Jisnuson Svasti
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
- Program in Applied Biological Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
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Sarwar MS, Ramirez CN, Kuo HCD, Chou P, Wu R, Sargsyan D, Yang Y, Shannar A, Peter RM, Yin R, Wang Y, Su X, Kong AN. Triterpenoid ursolic acid regulates the environmental carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene-driven epigenetic and metabolic alterations in SKH-1 hairless mice for skin cancer interception. Carcinogenesis 2024; 45:288-299. [PMID: 38466106 PMCID: PMC11102768 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental carcinogens accountable to developing skin cancers. Recently, we reported that exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a common PAH, causes epigenetic and metabolic alterations in the initiation, promotion and progression of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). As a follow-up investigation, this study examines how dietary triterpenoid ursolic acid (UA) regulates B[a]P-driven epigenetic and metabolic pathways in SKH-1 hairless mice. Our results show UA intercepts against B[a]P-induced tumorigenesis at different stages of NMSC. Epigenomic cytosines followed by guanine residues (CpG) methyl-seq data showed UA diminished B[a]P-mediated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) profiles. Transcriptomic RNA-seq revealed UA revoked B[a]P-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of skin cancer-related genes, such as leucine-rich repeat LGI family member 2 (Lgi2) and kallikrein-related peptidase 13 (Klk13), indicating UA plays a vital role in B[a]P-mediated gene regulation and its potential consequences in NMSC interception. Association analysis of DEGs and DMRs found that the mRNA expression of KLK13 gene was correlated with the promoter CpG methylation status in the early-stage comparison group, indicating UA could regulate the KLK13 by modulating its promoter methylation at an early stage of NMSC. The metabolomic study showed UA alters B[a]P-regulated cancer-associated metabolisms like thiamin metabolism, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism during the initiation phase; pyruvate, citrate and thiamin metabolism during the promotion phase; and beta-alanine and pathothenate coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis during the late progression phase. Taken together, UA reverses B[a]P-driven epigenetic, transcriptomic and metabolic reprogramming, potentially contributing to the overall cancer interception against B[a]P-mediated NMSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shahid Sarwar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Christina N Ramirez
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Hsiao-Chen Dina Kuo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Pochung Chou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Renyi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Davit Sargsyan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Yuqing Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ahmad Shannar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Rebecca Mary Peter
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ran Yin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Yujue Wang
- Metabolomics Shared Resource, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Su
- Metabolomics Shared Resource, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Ah-Ng Kong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Zhao RR, Wu JH, Tong LW, Li JY, Lu YS, Shao JW. Multifunctional metal-coordinated Co-assembled carrier-free nanoplatform based on dual-drugs for ferroptosis-mediated cocktail therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 660:257-276. [PMID: 38244494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) pose challenges to efficient drug delivery and the antitumor efficacy of combined or synergistic therapies. Herein, a metal-coordinated carrier-free nanodrug (named as USFe3+ LA NPs) was developed for ferroptosis-mediated multimodal synergistic anti-HCC. Natural product ursolic acid (UA) was incorporated to enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to sorafenib (SRF). Surface decoration of cell penetration peptide and epithelial cell adhesion molecule aptamer facilitated the uptake of USFe3+ LA NPs by HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, Fe3+ ions could react with intracellular hydrogen peroxide, generating toxic hydroxyl radical (·OH) for chemodynamical therapy (CDT) and amplified ferroptosis by cystine/glutamate antiporter system (System Xc-), which promoted the consumption of glutathione (GSH) and inhibited the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Notably, these all-in-one nanodrugs could inhibit tumor metastasis and induced immunogenic cell death (ICD). Last but not least, the nanodrugs demonstrated favorable biocompatibility, augmenting the immune response against the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) by increasing cytotoxic T cell infiltration. In vivo studies revealed significant suppression of tumor growth and distant metastasis. Overall, our work introduced a novel strategy for applications of metal-coordinated co-assembled carrier-free nano-delivery system in HCC combination therapy, especially in the realms of cancer metastasis prevention and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Rui Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Ju-Hong Wu
- National & Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Ling-Wu Tong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Jin-Yu Li
- National & Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Yu-Sheng Lu
- Fujian-Taiwan-Hongkong-Macao Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Intelligent Pharmaceutics, College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Jing-Wei Shao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China; Fujian-Taiwan-Hongkong-Macao Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Intelligent Pharmaceutics, College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China.
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Saha P, Hegde M, Chakraborty K, Singha A, Mukerjee N, Ghosh D, Kunnumakkara AB, Khan MS, Ahmad MI, Ghosh A, Kumer A, Sil SK. Targeted inhibition of colorectal cancer proliferation: The dual-modulatory role of 2,4-DTBP on anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Survivin proteins. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18150. [PMID: 38494866 PMCID: PMC10945088 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Survivin, are consistently overexpressed in numerous human malignancies, notably in colorectal cancer. 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound known for its diverse biological activities, including anti-cancer properties. The mechanism behind 2,4-DTBP-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells, specifically regarding Bcl-2 and Survivin, remains to be elucidated. In this study, we employed both in silico and in vitro methodologies to underpin this interaction at the molecular level. Molecular docking demonstrated a substantial binding affinity of 2,4-DTBP towards Bcl-2 (ΔG = -9.8 kcal/mol) and Survivin (ΔG = -5.6 kcal/mol), suggesting a potential inhibitory effect. Further, molecular dynamic simulations complemented by MM-GBSA calculations confirmed the significant binding of 2,4-DTBP with Bcl-2 (dGbind = -54.85 ± 6.79 kcal/mol) and Survivin (dGbind = -32.36 ± 1.29 kcal/mol). In vitro assays using HCT116 colorectal cancer cells revealed that 2,4-DTBP inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in both a dose- and time-dependent manner. Fluorescence imaging and scanning electron microscopy illustrated the classical features associated with apoptosis upon 2,4-DTBP exposure. Cell cycle analysis through flow cytometry highlighted a G1 phase arrest and apoptosis assay demonstrated increased apoptotic cell population. Notably, western blotting results indicated a decreased expression of Bcl-2 and Survivin post-treatment. Considering the cytoprotective roles of Bcl-2 and Survivin through the inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction, our findings of disrupted mitochondrial bioenergetics, characterized by reduced ATP production and oxygen consumption, further accentuate the functional impairment of these proteins. Overall, the integration of in silico and in vitro data suggests that 2,4-DTBP holds promise as a therapeutic agent targeting Bcl-2 and Survivin in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha Saha
- Molecular Genetics and Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Human PhysiologyTripura UniversitySuryamaninagarTripuraIndia
| | - Mangala Hegde
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT‐AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and BioengineeringIndian Institute of Technology (IIT) GuwahatiGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Kanak Chakraborty
- Molecular Genetics and Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Human PhysiologyTripura UniversitySuryamaninagarTripuraIndia
| | - Achinta Singha
- Molecular Genetics and Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Human PhysiologyTripura UniversitySuryamaninagarTripuraIndia
| | - Nobendu Mukerjee
- Center for Global Health ResearchSaveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical SciencesChennaiTamil NaduIndia
- Department of Health SciencesNovel Global Community Educational FoundationHebershamNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Deepshikha Ghosh
- Cell Biology and Physiology DivisionCSIR‐Indian Institute of Chemical BiologyKolkataWest BengalIndia
| | - Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT‐AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and BioengineeringIndian Institute of Technology (IIT) GuwahatiGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Mohd Shahnawaz Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of ScienceKing Saud UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Md Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Structural Biology, School of MedicineUTHEALTH Science CenterSan AntonioTexasUSA
| | - Arabinda Ghosh
- Department of Computational Biology and BiotechnologyMahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva ViswavidalayaGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Ajoy Kumer
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and SciencesIUBAT‐International University of Business Agriculture and TechnologyDhakaBangladesh
| | - Samir Kumar Sil
- Molecular Genetics and Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Human PhysiologyTripura UniversitySuryamaninagarTripuraIndia
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Khan A, Khan A, Khan MA, Malik Z, Massey S, Parveen R, Mustafa S, Shamsi A, Husain SA. Phytocompounds targeting epigenetic modulations: an assessment in cancer. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1273993. [PMID: 38596245 PMCID: PMC11002180 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1273993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
For centuries, plants have been serving as sources of potential therapeutic agents. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in investigating the effects of plant-derived compounds on epigenetic processes, a novel and captivating Frontier in the field of epigenetics research. Epigenetic changes encompass modifications to DNA, histones, and microRNAs that can influence gene expression. Aberrant epigenetic changes can perturb key cellular processes, including cell cycle control, intercellular communication, DNA repair, inflammation, stress response, and apoptosis. Such disruptions can contribute to cancer development by altering the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis. However, these modifications are reversible, offering a unique avenue for therapeutic intervention. Plant secondary compounds, including terpenes, phenolics, terpenoids, and sulfur-containing compounds are widely found in grains, vegetables, spices, fruits, and medicinal plants. Numerous plant-derived compounds have demonstrated the potential to target these abnormal epigenetic modifications, including apigenin (histone acetylation), berberine (DNA methylation), curcumin (histone acetylation and epi-miRs), genistein (histone acetylation and DNA methylation), lycopene (epi-miRs), quercetin (DNA methylation and epi-miRs), etc. This comprehensive review highlights these abnormal epigenetic alterations and discusses the promising efficacy of plant-derived compounds in mitigating these deleterious epigenetic signatures in human cancer. Furthermore, it addresses ongoing clinical investigations to evaluate the therapeutic potential of these phytocompounds in cancer treatment, along with their limitations and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqsa Khan
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Asifa Khan
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Aasif Khan
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Health Science Centre at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Zoya Malik
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Sheersh Massey
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Rabea Parveen
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Saad Mustafa
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Center for Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Syed A. Husain
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
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Abdallah WE, Shams KA, El-Shamy AM. Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities for different extracts of Casuarina equisetifolia. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:128. [PMID: 38509538 PMCID: PMC10956242 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04422-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Casuarina equisetifolia belongs to the Casuarina species with the most extensive natural distribution, which contain various phytochemicals with potential health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and biological activities of different extracts of Casuarina equisetifolia. METHODS The n-hexane extract was analyzed for its unsaponifiable and fatty acid methyl esters fractions, while chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol extracts were studied for their phenolic components. Six different extracts of C. equisetifolia needles were evaluated for their total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. RESULTS The n-hexane extract contained mainly hydrocarbons and fatty acid methyl esters, while ten phenolic compounds were isolated and identified in the chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol extracts. The methanolic extract exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, highest antioxidant activity, and most potent cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines. The ethyl acetate extract showed the most significant inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. CONCLUSION Casuarina equisetifolia extracts showed promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. Overall, Casuarina equisetifolia is a versatile tree with a variety of uses, and its plant material can be used for many different purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Elsayed Abdallah
- Chemistry of Medicinal Plants Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St. (FormerEl Tahrir St.), Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt.
| | - Khaled Ahmed Shams
- Chemistry of Medicinal Plants Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St. (FormerEl Tahrir St.), Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Moursi El-Shamy
- Physical Chemistry Department, Electrochemistry and Corrosion Lab, National Research Centre, El-Bohouth St. 33, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
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Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Faraji F, Kooshki L, Webber K, Bishayee A. Modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis by natural compounds: a comprehensive and critical review. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:501-574. [PMID: 37792223 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Faraji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Leila Kooshki
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6714415153, Iran
| | - Kassidy Webber
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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11
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Wu L, Shan L, Xu D, Lin D, Bai B. Pyroptosis in cancer treatment and prevention: the role of natural products and their bioactive compounds. Med Oncol 2024; 41:66. [PMID: 38281254 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02293-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Targeting programmed cell death (PCD) has been emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer. Pyroptosis, as a type of PCDs, leads to the cleavage of the gasdermin family and the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors. Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and gasdermin E (GSDME) are the two main executors of pyroptosis. Pyroptosis in tumor and immune cells is essential for tumor progression. Natural products, especially Chinese medicinal herb and their bioactive compounds have recently been regarded as anti-tumor agents that regulate cell pyroptosis under different circumstances. Here, we review the underlying mechanisms of natural products that activate pyroptosis in tumor cells and inhibit pyroptosis in immune cells. Pyroptosis activation in tumor cells leads to tumor cell death, yet pyroptosis inhibition in immune cells may prevent tumor occurrence. Elucidation of the signaling pathways involved in pyroptosis contributes to the understanding of the anti-tumor role of natural products and their potential clinical applications. Therefore, we outline a promising strategy for cancer therapy and prevention using natural products via modulation of pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyi Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, 3# East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Shan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Dengyong Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Dengfeng Lin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingjun Bai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Lv Y, Li W, Liao W, Jiang H, Liu Y, Cao J, Lu W, Feng Y. Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Based on Natural Products. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:541-569. [PMID: 38260243 PMCID: PMC10802180 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s443692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural products have proven to have significant curative effects and are increasingly considered as potential candidates for clinical prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Compared with synthetic drugs, natural products not only have diverse structures but also exhibit a range of biological activities against different disease states and molecular targets, making them attractive for development in the field of medicine. Despite advancements in the use of natural products for clinical purposes, there remain obstacles that hinder their full potential. These challenges include issues such as limited solubility and stability when administered orally, as well as short durations of effectiveness. To address these concerns, nano-drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising solution to overcome the barriers faced in the clinical application of natural products. These systems offer notable advantages, such as a large specific surface area, enhanced targeting capabilities, and the ability to achieve sustained and controlled release. Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have provided further evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of nanoparticle-based systems in delivering natural products in preclinical disease models. This review describes the limitations of natural product applications and the current status of natural products combined with nanotechnology. The latest advances in nano-drug delivery systems for delivery of natural products are considered from three aspects: connecting targeting warheads, self-assembly, and co-delivery. Finally, the challenges faced in the clinical translation of nano-drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lv
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Liao
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiansheng Cao
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenfei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yufei Feng
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Mohamed MS, Ibrahim NA, Gouda AM, badr M, El-Sherief HA. Design, synthesis and molecular docking of 1,2,4-triazole schiff base hybrids as tubulin, EGFR inhibitors and apoptosis-inducers. J Mol Struct 2023; 1286:135621. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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14
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Unraveling the function of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer: Metastasis, therapy response, and revisiting molecular pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114395. [PMID: 36804124 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a dangerous form of cancer that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is a major global health concern, and the aggressive behavior of tumor cells makes it difficult to treat, leading to poor survival rates for patients. One major challenge in treating CRC is the metastasis, or spread, of the cancer, which is a major cause of death. In order to improve the prognosis for patients with CRC, it is necessary to focus on ways to inhibit the cancer's ability to invade and spread. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that is linked to the spread of cancer cells, also known as metastasis. The process transforms epithelial cells into mesenchymal ones, increasing their mobility and ability to invade other tissues. This has been shown to be a key mechanism in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), a particularly aggressive form of gastrointestinal cancer. The activation of EMT leads to increases in the spread of CRC cells, and during this process, levels of the protein E-cadherin decrease while levels of N-cadherin and vimentin increase. EMT also contributes to the development of resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in CRC. Non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a role in regulating EMT in CRC, often through their ability to "sponge" microRNAs. Anti-cancer agents have been shown to suppress EMT and reduce the progression and spread of CRC cells. These findings suggest that targeting EMT or related mechanisms may be a promising approach for treating CRC patients in the clinic.
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15
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Zhao H, Tang S, Tao Q, Ming T, Lei J, Liang Y, Peng Y, Wang M, Liu M, Yang H, Ren S, Xu H. Ursolic Acid Suppresses Colorectal Cancer by Down-Regulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Activity. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3981-3993. [PMID: 36826439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence points to an abnormally active Wnt/β-catenin signaling as a key player in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis. Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid that has been found in a broad variety of fruits, spices, and medicinal plants. UA has been shown to have potent bioactivity against a variety of cancers, including CRC, with the action mechanism obscure. Our study tried to learn more about the efficacy of UA on CRC and its functional mechanism amid the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. We determined the efficacy of UA on CRC SW620 cells with respect to the proliferation, migration, clonality, apoptosis, cell cycle, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade, with assessment of the effect of UA on normal colonic NCM460 cells. Also, the effects of UA on the tumor development, apoptosis, cell cycle, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis were evaluated after a subcutaneous SW620 xenograft tumor model was established in mice. In this work, we showed that UA drastically suppressed proliferation, migration, and clonality; induced apoptosis; and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase of SW620 cells, without the influence on NCM460 cells, accompanied by weakened activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Besides, UA markedly deterred the growth of the xenograft tumor, ameliorated pathological features, triggered apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle in xenograft CRC tissue, by lessening the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. Overall, UA may inhibit the malignant phenotype, induce apoptosis, and arrest the cell cycle of CRC, potentially by attenuating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis, providing insights into the mechanism for the potency of UA on CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qiu Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tianqi Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jiarong Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuanjing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuhui Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Minmin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Maolun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Haibo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
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16
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Liu Z, Zhang C, Cui B, Wang Y, Lim K, Li K, Thiery JP, Chen J, Ho CL. Targeted EpCAM-binding for the development of potent and effective anticancer proteins. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114443. [PMID: 36863098 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-based cancer therapies are considered an alternative to conventional anticancer regimens, providing multifunctional properties while showing low toxicity. However, its widespread use is limited by absorption and instability issues, resulting in higher dosage requirements and a prolonged onset of bioactivity to elicit the desired response. Here, we developed a non-invasive antitumor treatment using designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin)-anticancer protein-conjugate that specifically targets the cancer biomarker, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). The DARPin-anticancer proteins bind to EpCAM-positive cancer cells and improve the in vitro anticancer efficacy by over 100-folds within 24 h, where the DARPin-tagged human lactoferrin fragment (drtHLF4) IC50 value is within the nanomolar range. Orally administered drtHLF4 was readily absorbed into the systemic flow of the HT-29 cancer murine model, exerting its anticancer effect on other tumors in the host body. Orally administered drtHFL4 cleared HT29-colorectal tumors using a single dose, whereas intratumoral injection cleared HT29-subcutaneous tumors within three doses. This approach addresses the limitations of other protein-based anticancer treatments by providing a non-invasive anticancer therapy with improved potency and tumor-specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China.
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China.
| | - Beiming Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yijie Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China.
| | - Kaisheng Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- Guangzhou Laboratory, No. 9 XingDaoHuanBei Road, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou 510005, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Chun Loong Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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17
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Liao W, Zhang L, Chen X, Xiang J, Zheng Q, Chen N, Zhao M, Zhang G, Xiao X, Zhou G, Zeng J, Tang J. Targeting cancer stem cells and signalling pathways through phytochemicals: A promising approach against colorectal cancer. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154524. [PMID: 36375238 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are strongly associated with high tumourigenicity, chemotherapy or radiotherapy resistance, and metastasis and recurrence, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, targeting CSCs may be a promising approach. Recently, discovery and research on phytochemicals that effectively target colorectal CSCs have been gaining popularity because of their broad safety profile and multi-target and multi-pathway modes of action. PURPOSE This review aimed to elucidate and summarise the effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals with potential anti-CSC agents that could contribute to the better management of CRC. METHODS We reviewed PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, ScienceDirect and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from the original publication date to March 2022 to review the mechanisms by which phytochemicals inhibit CRC progression by targeting CSCs and their key signalling pathways. Phytochemicals were classified and summarised based on the mechanisms of action. RESULTS We observed that phytochemicals could affect the biological properties of colorectal CSCs. Phytochemicals significantly inhibit self-renewal, migration, invasion, colony formation, and chemoresistance and induce apoptosis and differentiation of CSCs by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (e.g., diallyl trisulfide and genistein), the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway (e.g., caffeic acid and piperlongumine), the neurogenic locus notch homolog protein pathway (e.g., honokiol, quercetin, and α-mangostin), the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway (e.g., curcumin, morin, and ursolic acid), and other key signalling pathways. It is worth noting that several phytochemicals, such as resveratrol, silibinin, evodiamine, and thymoquinone, highlight multi-target and multi-pathway effects in restraining the malignant biological behaviour of CSCs. CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates the potential of targeted therapies for colorectal CSCs using phytochemicals. Phytochemicals could serve as novel therapeutic agents for CRC and aid in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Liao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xian Chen
- Department of Pathology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Juyi Xiang
- Center for drug evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Nianzhi Chen
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Maoyuan Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xiaolin Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- Center for drug evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing 100022, China.
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China; Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China.
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Wang HL, Chen Y, Wang YQ, Tao EW, Tan J, Liu QQ, Li CM, Tong XM, Gao QY, Hong J, Chen YX, Fang JY. Sirtuin5 protects colorectal cancer from DNA damage by keeping nucleotide availability. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6121. [PMID: 36253417 PMCID: PMC9576705 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33903-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous study, we reported that sirtuin5 (SIRT5), a member of the NAD+-dependent class III histone deacetylase family, is highly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC). Herein we show that SIRT5 knockdown impairs the production of ribose-5-phosphate, which is essential for nucleotide synthesis, resulting in continuous and irreparable DNA damage and consequently leading to cell cycle arrest and enhanced apoptosis in CRC cells. These SIRT5 silencing-induced effects can be reversed by nucleoside supplementation. Mechanistically, SIRT5 activates transketolase (TKT), a key enzyme in the non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, in a demalonylation-dependent manner. Furthermore, TKT is essential for SIRT5-induced malignant phenotypes of CRC both in vivo and in vitro. Altogether, SIRT5 silencing induces DNA damage in CRC via post-translational modifications and inhibits tumor growth, suggesting that SIRT5 can serve as a promising target for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Lian Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Chen
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Qian Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - En-Wei Tao
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Tan
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian-Qian Liu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Min Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Mei Tong
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin-Yan Gao
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Hong
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Xuan Chen
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Yuan Fang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Piet M, Paduch R. Ursolic and oleanolic acids in combination therapy inhibit migration of colon cancer cells through down-regulation of the uPA/uPAR-dependent MMPs pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 368:110202. [PMID: 36191607 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is one the most lethal cancers worldwide. Since chemotherapy is burdened with harmful effects, agents capable of enhancing the chemotherapeutic effect are being sought. Ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) were analyzed for such properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of UA and OA administered individually and in combination with each other and/or a cytostatic drug camptothecin-11 (CPT-11) to limit the viability and migration of colorectal cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cytotoxic effect of UA, OA and CPT-11 and impact on normal and cancer cell migration rate were assessed. Furthermore, the effect on factors crucial in cancer metastasis: MMP-2 and -9, uPA/uPAR, and E-cadherin were assessed with ELISA, Western Blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Statistical analysis was performed with One-Way Anova with Dunnett's test. RESULTS The studied compounds exhibited the most favorable properties, i.e. they reduced the viability and migration of cancer cells. Furthermore, the secretion, activity, and cellular level of cancer MMP-2 and -9 were decreased, as a result of uPA/uPAR down-regulation. The agents also increased the level of cellular E-cadherin. The effect of the studied agents on normal cells was milder. CONCLUSIONS The compounds exhibited stronger activity when administered in combination and, combined with CPT-11, enhanced anti-tumorigenic activity of the drug. The migration-limiting activity was based on down-regulation of the uPA/uPAR-dependent MMP pathway. Moreover, UA and OA exhibited a protective effect towards normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Piet
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Roman Paduch
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland; Department of General Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, ul Chmielna 1, 20-079, Lublin, Poland.
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20
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Nisar S, Masoodi T, Prabhu KS, Kuttikrishnan S, Zarif L, Khatoon S, Ali S, Uddin S, Akil AAS, Singh M, Macha MA, Bhat AA. Natural products as chemo-radiation therapy sensitizers in cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113610. [PMID: 36030591 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy (CT), and/or radiation therapy (RT) are the treatment of choice for most advanced tumors. Unfortunately, treatment failure due to intrinsic and acquired resistance to the current CT and RT is a significant challenge associated with poor patient prognosis. There is an urgent need to develop and identify agents that can sensitize tumor cells to chemo-radiation therapy (CRT) with minimal cytotoxicity to the healthy tissues. While many recent studies have identified the underlying molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for CRT failure, using small molecule inhibitors to chemo/radio sensitize tumors is associated with high toxicity and increased morbidity. Natural products have long been used as chemopreventive agents in many cancers. Combining many of these compounds with the standard chemotherapeutic agents or with RT has shown synergistic effects on cancer cell death and overall improvement in patient survival. Based on the available data, there is strong evidence that natural products have a robust therapeutic potential along with CRT and their well-known chemopreventive effects in many solid tumors. This review article reports updated literature on different natural products used as CT or RT sensitizers in many solid tumors. This is the first review discussing CT and RT sensitizers together in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Nisar
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Cancer immunology and genetics, Sidra Medicine, Qatar
| | - Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Lubna Zarif
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Summaiya Khatoon
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahid Ali
- International Potato Center (CIP), Shillong, Meghalaya, India
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ammira Al-Shabeeb Akil
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mayank Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
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21
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Esmeeta A, Adhikary S, Dharshnaa V, Swarnamughi P, Ummul Maqsummiya Z, Banerjee A, Pathak S, Duttaroy AK. Plant-derived bioactive compounds in colon cancer treatment: An updated review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113384. [PMID: 35820317 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is the third most predominant cancer caused by genetic, environmental and nutritional factors. Plant-based compounds are very well known to regress colon cancer in many ways, like delaying tumor growth, managing chemotherapy and radiation therapy side-effects, and working at the molecular levels. Medicinal plants contain many bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenol compounds, caffeic acid, catechins, saponins, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol and luteolin glycosides, carnosic acid, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid, emodin, and eugenol and anthricin. These bioactive compounds can reduce tumor cell proliferation via several mechanisms, such as blocking cell cycle checkpoints and promoting apoptosis through activating initiator and executioner caspase. Traditional medicines have been used globally to treat cancers because of their anti-cancer effects, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-mutagenic effects, and anti-angiogenic effects. In addition, these medicines effectively suppress early and intermediate stages of carcinogenesis when administered in their active and pure form. However, traditional medicine is not very popular due to some critical challenges. These include poor solubility and absorption of these compounds, intellectual property-related issues, involvement of drug synergism, absence of drug-likeness, and unsure protocols for their extraction from the plant source. Using bioactive compounds in colon cancer has equal advantages and limitations. This review highlights the benefits and challenges of using bioactive compounds derived from plants for colon cancer. We have also discussed using these compounds to target cancer stem cell self-renewal, its effects on cancer cell metabolism, safety parameters, easy modulation, and their bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Esmeeta
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
| | - Subhamay Adhikary
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
| | - V Dharshnaa
- Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - P Swarnamughi
- Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Z Ummul Maqsummiya
- Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Antara Banerjee
- Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chennai, India.
| | - Asim K Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
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22
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Antiangiogenic Phytochemicals Constituent of Diet as Promising Candidates for Chemoprevention of Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020302. [PMID: 35204185 PMCID: PMC8868078 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the extensive knowledge on cancer nature acquired over the last years, the high incidence of this disease evidences a need for new approaches that complement the clinical intervention of tumors. Interestingly, many types of cancer are closely related to dietary habits associated with the Western lifestyle, such as low fruit and vegetable intake. Recent advances around the old-conceived term of chemoprevention highlight the important role of phytochemicals as good candidates for the prevention or treatment of cancer. The potential to inhibit angiogenesis exhibited by many natural compounds constituent of plant foods makes them especially interesting for their use as chemopreventive agents. Here, we review the antitumoral potential, with a focus on the antiangiogenic effects, of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, such as quercetin or myricetin; terpenoids, such as ursolic acid or kahweol; and anthraquinones from Aloe vera, in different in vitro and in vivo assays, and the available clinical data. Although clinical trials have failed to assess the preventive role of many of these compounds, encouraging preclinical data support the efficacy of phytochemicals constituent of diet in the prevention and treatment of cancer, but a deeper understanding of their mechanisms of action and better designed clinical trials are urgently needed.
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23
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Cao X, He Q. Ursolic acid inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of human papillary thyroid carcinoma cells via CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis through cancer-associated fibroblasts. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271221111333. [PMID: 35786050 DOI: 10.1177/09603271221111333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
As a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, Ursolic acid (UA) broads range of biological effects. CXCL12 is a ligand for CXCR4 and CXCR7 proteins on thyroid cancer cells. Here we examined the effects of UA on the proliferation, migration and invasion of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTCs) in a dose-manner. In addition, UA can reduce the expression levels of CXCR4 and CXCR7 in PTCs. In addition to this direct anticancer pathway, studies have shown that UA can play an anticancer role by affecting the secretion of CXCL12 in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). After treated with UA, normal fibroblasts and CAFs culture medium (CM) showed differential CXCL12 expression levels. We prepared fibroblast conditioned medium according to the intervention of UA, then cultured TPC-1 and B-CPAP cells with differential CM, and detected significant differences in the proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells. Our findings uncovered an indirect anticancer mechanism of UA. This cancer chemopreventive properties is expected to make UA a clinically useful chemopreventive agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjiao Cao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The 960th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Jinan, China
| | - Qingqing He
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The 960th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Jinan, China
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24
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Li S, Wu R, Wang L, Dina Kuo HC, Sargsyan D, Zheng X, Wang Y, Su X, Kong AN. Triterpenoid ursolic acid drives metabolic rewiring and epigenetic reprogramming in treatment/prevention of human prostate cancer. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:111-121. [PMID: 34727410 PMCID: PMC8665082 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a triterpenoid phytochemical with a strong anticancer effect. The metabolic rewiring, epigenetic reprogramming, and chemopreventive effect of UA in prostate cancer (PCa) remain unknown. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of UA in PCa xenograft, and its biological effects on cellular metabolism, DNA methylation, and transcriptomic using multi-omics approaches. The metabolomics was quantified by liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) while epigenomic CpG methylation in parallel with transcriptomic gene expression was studied by next-generation sequencing technologies. UA administration attenuated the growth of transplanted human VCaP-Luc cells in immunodeficient mice. UA regulated several cellular metabolites and metabolism-related signaling pathways including S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), methionine, glucose 6-phosphate, CDP-choline, phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, glycolysis, and nucleotide sugars metabolism. RNA-seq analyses revealed UA regulated several signaling pathways, including CXCR4 signaling, cancer metastasis signaling, and NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response. Epigenetic reprogramming study with DNA Methyl-seq uncovered a list of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with UA treatment. Transcriptome-DNA methylome correlative analysis uncovered a list of genes, of which changes in gene expression correlated with the promoter CpG methylation status. Altogether, our results suggest that UA regulates metabolic rewiring of metabolism including SAM potentially driving epigenetic CpG methylation reprogramming, and transcriptomic signaling resulting in the overall anticancer chemopreventive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanyi Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- International Center for Aging and Cancer, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Renyi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lujing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Hsiao-Chen Dina Kuo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Davit Sargsyan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Xi Zheng
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yujue Wang
- Metabolomics Shared Resource, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Su
- Metabolomics Shared Resource, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ah-Ng Kong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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25
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Lőrincz A, Mihály J, Wacha A, Németh C, Besztercei B, Gyulavári P, Varga Z, Peták I, Bóta A. Combination of multifunctional ursolic acid with kinase inhibitors for anti-cancer drug carrier vesicles. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 131:112481. [PMID: 34857267 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A sterically stabilized unilamellar nanocarrier vesicle (SSV) system containing dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, ursolic acid and PEGylated phospholipid has been developed by exploiting the structural advantages of ursolic acid: by spontaneously attaching to the lipid head groups, it induces curvature at the outer side of the bilayers, allowing the preparation of size-limited vesicles without extrusion. Ursolic acid (UA) also interacts with the PEG chains, supporting steric stabilization even when the amount of PEGylated phospholipid is reduced. Using fluorescence immunohistochemistry, vesicles containing ursolic acid (UA-SSVs) were found to accumulate in the tumor in 3 h on xenografted mouse, suggesting the potential use of these vesicles for passive tumor targeting. Further on, mono- and combination therapy with UA and six different kinase inhibitors (crizotinib, erlotinib, foretinib, gefitinib, refametinib, trametinib) was tested on seven cancer cell-lines. In most combinations synergism was observed, in the case of trametinib even at very low concentration (0.001 μM), which targets the MAPK pathway most often activated in human cancers. The coupled intercalation of UA and trametinib (2:1 molar ratio) into vesicles causes further structural advantageous molecular interactions, promoting the formation of small vesicles. The high drug:lipid molar ratio (~0.5) in the novel type of co-delivery vesicles enables their direct medical application, possibly also overcoming the multidrug resistance effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lőrincz
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences - Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Group of Biological Nanochemistry, Magyar tudósok boulevard 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - J Mihály
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences - Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Group of Biological Nanochemistry, Magyar tudósok boulevard 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - A Wacha
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences - Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Group of Biological Nanochemistry, Magyar tudósok boulevard 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Cs Németh
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences - Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Group of Biological Nanochemistry, Magyar tudósok boulevard 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - B Besztercei
- Semmelweis University, Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Tűzoltó street 37-47, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - P Gyulavári
- Semmelweis University, Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Tűzoltó street 37-47, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Z Varga
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences - Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Group of Biological Nanochemistry, Magyar tudósok boulevard 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - I Peták
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, 833 S. Wood street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Oncompass Medicine Ltd., Retek street 34, 1024 Budapest, Hungary; Semmelweis University, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Nagyvárad square 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - A Bóta
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences - Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Group of Biological Nanochemistry, Magyar tudósok boulevard 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
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26
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Alam M, Ali S, Ahmed S, Elasbali AM, Adnan M, Islam A, Hassan MI, Yadav DK. Therapeutic Potential of Ursolic Acid in Cancer and Diabetic Neuropathy Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12162. [PMID: 34830043 PMCID: PMC8621142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid frequently found in medicinal herbs and plants, having numerous pharmacological effects. UA and its analogs treat multiple diseases, including cancer, diabetic neuropathy, and inflammatory diseases. UA inhibits cancer proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and induced cell death, scavenging free radicals and triggering numerous anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins. The biochemistry of UA has been examined broadly based on the literature, with alterations frequently having been prepared on positions C-3 (hydroxyl), C12-C13 (double bonds), and C-28 (carboxylic acid), leading to several UA derivatives with increased potency, bioavailability and water solubility. UA could be used as a protective agent to counter neural dysfunction via anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is a potential therapeutic drug implicated in the treatment of cancer and diabetic complications diseases provide novel machinery to the anti-inflammatory properties of UA. The pharmacological efficiency of UA is exhibited by the therapeutic theory of one-drug → several targets → one/multiple diseases. Hence, UA shows promising therapeutic potential for cancer and diabetic neuropathy diseases. This review aims to discuss mechanistic insights into promising beneficial effects of UA. We further explained the pharmacological aspects, clinical trials, and potential limitations of UA for the management of cancer and diabetic neuropathy diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzar Alam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Sabeeha Ali
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Sarfraz Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India;
| | - Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali
- Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Sakaka P.O. Box 2014, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Hambakmoeiro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21924, Korea
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27
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Wang S, Chang X, Zhang J, Li J, Wang N, Yang B, Pan B, Zheng Y, Wang X, Ou H, Wang Z. Ursolic Acid Inhibits Breast Cancer Metastasis by Suppressing Glycolytic Metabolism via Activating SP1/Caveolin-1 Signaling. Front Oncol 2021; 11:745584. [PMID: 34568078 PMCID: PMC8457520 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.745584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy and the leading causality of cancer-associated mortality among women worldwide. With proven efficacy, Oldenlandia diffusa has been extensively applied in breast cancer treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. However, the bioactive compounds of Oldenlandia diffusa accounting for its anti-breast cancer activity and the underlying biological mechanisms remain to be uncovered. Herein, bioactivity-guided fractionation suggested ursolic acid as the strongest anti-breast cancer compound in Oldenlandia diffusa. Ursolic acid treatment dramatically suppressed the proliferation and promoted mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in breast cancer cells while brought little cytotoxicities in nonmalignant mammary epithelial cells in vitro. Meanwhile, ursolic acid dramatically impaired both the glycolytic metabolism and mitochondrial respiration function of breast cancer cells. Further investigations demonstrated that ursolic acid may impair the glycolytic metabolism of breast cancer cells by activating Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) signaling, as Cav-1 knockdown could partially abrogate the suppressive effect of ursolic acid on that. Mechanistically, ursolic acid could activate SP1-mediated CAV1 transcription by promoting SP1 expression as well as its binding with CAV1 promoter region. More meaningfully, ursolic acid administration could dramatically suppress the growth and metastasis of breast cancer in both the zebrafish and mouse xenotransplantation models of breast cancer in vivo without any detectable hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity or hematotoxicity. This study not only provides preclinical evidence supporting the application of ursolic acid as a promising candidate drug for breast cancer treatment but also sheds novel light on Cav-1 as a druggable target for glycolytic modulation of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqi Wang
- Section of Science and Technology, Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Mammary Disease, Panyu Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Chang
- Department of Mammary Disease, Panyu Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juping Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Neng Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bowen Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hesheng Ou
- Section of Science and Technology, Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Ursolic Acid and Related Analogues: Triterpenoids with Broad Health Benefits. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081161. [PMID: 34439409 PMCID: PMC8388988 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a well-studied natural pentacyclic triterpenoid found in herbs, fruit and a number of traditional Chinese medicinal plants. UA has a broad range of biological activities and numerous potential health benefits. In this review, we summarize the current data on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of UA and review the literature on the biological activities of UA and its closest analogues in the context of inflammation, metabolic diseases, including liver and kidney diseases, obesity and diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders. We end with a brief overview of UA’s main analogues with a special focus on a newly discovered naturally occurring analogue with intriguing biological properties and potential health benefits, 23-hydroxy ursolic acid.
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Wang L, Yin Q, Liu C, Tang Y, Sun C, Zhuang J. Nanoformulations of Ursolic Acid: A Modern Natural Anticancer Molecule. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:706121. [PMID: 34295253 PMCID: PMC8289884 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.706121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpene derived from fruit, herb, and other plants. UA can act on molecular targets of various signaling pathways, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, promote cycle stagnation, and induce apoptosis, thereby exerting anticancer activity. However, its poor water-solubility, low intestinal mucosal absorption, and low bioavailability restrict its clinical application. In order to overcome these deficiencies, nanotechnology, has been applied to the pharmacological study of UA. Objective: In this review, we focused on the absorption, distribution, and elimination pharmacokinetics of UA in vivo, as well as on the research progress in various UA nanoformulations, in the hope of providing reference information for the research on the anticancer activity of UA. Methods: Relevant research articles on Pubmed and Web of Science in recent years were searched selectively by using the keywords and subheadings, and were summarized systematically. Key finding: The improvement of the antitumor ability of the UA nanoformulations is mainly due to the improvement of the bioavailability and the enhancement of the targeting ability of the UA molecules. UA nanoformulations can even be combined with computational imaging technology for monitoring or diagnosis. Conclusion: Currently, a variety of UA nanoformulations, such as micelles, liposomes, and nanoparticles, which can increase the solubility and bioactivity of UA, while promoting the accumulation of UA in tumor tissues, have been prepared. Although the research of UA in the nanofield has made great progress, there is still a long way to go before the clinical application of UA nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qianqian Yin
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China.,Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
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Haque A, Brazeau D, Amin AR. Perspectives on natural compounds in chemoprevention and treatment of cancer: an update with new promising compounds. Eur J Cancer 2021; 149:165-183. [PMID: 33865202 PMCID: PMC8113151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second deadliest disease worldwide. Although recent advances applying precision treatments with targeted (molecular and immune) agents are promising, the histological and molecular heterogeneity of cancer cells and huge mutational burdens (intrinsic or acquired after therapy) leading to drug resistance and treatment failure are posing continuous challenges. These recent advances do not negate the need for alternative approaches such as chemoprevention, the pharmacological approach to reverse, suppress or prevent the initial phases of carcinogenesis or the progression of premalignant cells to invasive disease by using non-toxic agents. Although data are limited, the success of several clinical trials in preventing cancer in high-risk populations suggests that chemoprevention is a rational, appealing and viable strategy to prevent carcinogenesis. Particularly among higher-risk groups, the use of safe, non-toxic agents is the utmost consideration because these individuals have not yet developed invasive disease. Natural dietary compounds present in fruits, vegetables and spices are especially attractive for chemoprevention and treatment because of their easy availability, high margin of safety, relatively low cost and widespread human consumption. Hundreds of such compounds have been widely investigated for chemoprevention and treatment in the last few decades. Previously, we reviewed the most widely studied natural compounds and their molecular mechanisms, which were highly exploited by the cancer research community. In the time since our initial review, many promising new compounds have been identified. In this review, we critically review these promising new natural compounds, their molecular targets and mechanisms of anticancer activity that may create novel opportunities for further design and conduct of preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abedul Haque
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Daniel Brazeau
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Administration and Research, School of Pharmacy, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25701, USA
| | - Arm R Amin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, School of Pharmacy, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25701, USA.
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Sheng Q, Li F, Chen G, Li J, Li J, Wang Y, Lu Y, Li Q, Li M, Chai K. Ursolic Acid Regulates Intestinal Microbiota and Inflammatory Cell Infiltration to Prevent Ulcerative Colitis. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:6679316. [PMID: 34007853 PMCID: PMC8111854 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6679316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory bowel disorder in the colon and rectum leading to low life-quality and high societal costs. Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural product with pharmacological and biological activities. The studies are aimed at investigating the protective and treatment effects of UA against the dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced UC mouse model and its underlying mechanism. UA was orally administered at different time points before and after the DSS-induced model. Mice body weight, colon length, and histological analysis were used to evaluate colon tissue damage and therapeutic evaluation. Intestinal transcriptome and microbe 16 s sequencing was used to analyze the mechanisms of UA in the prevention and treatment of UC. The early prevention effect of UA could effectively delay mouse weight loss and colon length shorten. UA alleviated UC inflammation and lowered serum and colon IL-6 levels. Three classical inflammatory pathways: MAPKs, IL-6/STAT3, and PI3K were downregulated by UA treatment. The proportion of macrophages and neutrophils in inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced in UA treatment groups. UA could significantly reduce the richness of intestinal flora to avoid the inflammatory response due to the destruction of the intestinal epithelial barrier. The function of UA against UC was through reducing intestinal flora abundance and regulating inflammatory and fatty acid metabolism signaling pathways to affect immune cell infiltration and cytokine expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinsong Sheng
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Fei Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610101, China
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Guanping Chen
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610101, China
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Jing Li
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - YiFan Wang
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Yingyan Lu
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Qun Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610101, China
| | - Mingqian Li
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Kequn Chai
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Tradition Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China
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Targeting the crosstalk between canonical Wnt/β-catenin and inflammatory signaling cascades: A novel strategy for cancer prevention and therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107876. [PMID: 33930452 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Emerging scientific evidence indicates that inflammation is a critical component of tumor promotion and progression. Most cancers originate from sites of chronic irritation, infections and inflammation, underscoring that the tumor microenvironment is largely orchestrated by inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory molecules. These inflammatory components are intimately involved in neoplastic processes which foster proliferation, survival, invasion, and migration, making inflammation the primary target for cancer prevention and treatment. The influence of inflammation and the immune system on the progression and development of cancer has recently gained immense interest. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved signaling strategy, has a critical role in regulating tissue development. It has been implicated as a major player in cancer development and progression with its regulatory role on inflammatory cascades. Many naturally-occurring and small synthetic molecules endowed with inherent anti-inflammatory properties inhibit this aberrant signaling pathway, making them a promising class of compounds in the fight against inflammatory cancers. This article analyzes available scientific evidence and suggests a crosslink between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inflammatory pathways in inflammatory cancers, especially breast, gastrointestinal, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. We also highlight emerging experimental findings that numerous anti-inflammatory synthetic and natural compounds target the crosslink between Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inflammatory cascades to achieve cancer prevention and intervention. Current challenges, limitations, and future directions of research are also discussed.
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Rawat L, Nayak V. Ursolic acid disturbs ROS homeostasis and regulates survival-associated gene expression to induce apoptosis in intestinal cancer cells. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:369-375. [PMID: 34141150 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid is a natural compound possessing several therapeutic properties including anticancer potential. In present study, cytotoxic and antimetastatic properties of ursolic acid were investigated in intestinal cancer cell lines INT-407 and HCT-116. The cells growth and number were decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner in both the cell lines. It also increases reactive oxygen species levels in the cells in order to induce apoptosis. Ursolic acid was found to be a significant inhibitor of cancer cells migration and gene expression of migration markers FN1, CDH2, CTNNB1 and TWIST was also downregulated. Ursolic acid treatment downregulated the gene expression of survival factors BCL-2, SURVIVIN, NFKB and SP1, while upregulated the growth-restricting genes BAX, P21 and P53. These results indicate that ursolic acid has anticancer and antimetastatic properties against intestinal cancer. These properties could be beneficial in cancer treatment and could be used as complementary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxminarayan Rawat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus, NH-17B, Zuarinagar, Goa, 403726, India
| | - Vijayashree Nayak
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus, NH-17B, Zuarinagar, Goa, 403726, India
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Qi Z, Yang G, Deng T, Wang J, Zhou H, Popov SA, Shults EE, Wang C. Design and linkage optimization of ursane-thalidomide-based PROTACs and identification of their targeted-degradation properties to MDM2 protein. Bioorg Chem 2021; 111:104901. [PMID: 33878647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is an accessible triterpenoid, widely applied in the design and synthesis of antitumor compounds. However, the mechanism of its anti-tumor effect is still unclear. To verify the molecular mechanism of its biological activity, based on the bifunctional activity of ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of the target protein of the proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) strategy, here we report the design, synthesis and cellular activity of six UA PROTAC hydrochloride compounds 1A-1F, in which UA acts as the binding ligand of the PROTAC and is linked to thalidomide (E3 ligand) through a series of synthetic linkers. The results revealed that compound 1B, connected with a POE-3 (3-Polyoxyether) possessed remarkable in vitro antitumor activity (with the IC50 value of 0.23 ~ 0.39 μM against A549, Huh7, HepG2). WB results demonstrated that the administration of compound 1B induced significant degradation of MDM2 (only 25% to that of SM1), and promoted the expression of P21 and PUMA proteins, and thus inhibited the proliferation (77.67% of 1B vs 60.37% of CON in G1 phase) and promoted the apoptosis (26.74% of 1B vs 3.35% of CON) of A549 cells. This work demonstrated proof of designing the efficient target protein degradation by UA PROTACs with the POE linkers. In addition, we confirmed that UA possess the characteristic of targeted-binding the protein of murine double minute-2 protein (MDM2). This will lay a foundation for the comprehensive utilization of forest natural compound UA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Qi
- Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forest, Nanjing 210042, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Guliang Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Rice and By-products Processing, Food Science and Engineering College, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Tao Deng
- Institute of Tropical Medicine & the Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 501405, PR China
| | - Jianmin Wang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410012, PR China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forest, Nanjing 210042, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Sergey A Popov
- Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Acad. Lavrentyev ave. 9, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elvira E Shults
- Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Acad. Lavrentyev ave. 9, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Chengzhang Wang
- Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forest, Nanjing 210042, Jiangsu, PR China.
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35
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Shi Y, Leng Y, Liu D, Liu X, Ren Y, Zhang J, Chen F. Research Advances in Protective Effects of Ursolic Acid and Oleanolic Acid Against Gastrointestinal Diseases. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2021; 49:413-435. [PMID: 33622215 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x21500191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal tract plays an essential role in protecting tissues from the invasion of external harmful substances due to impaired barrier function. Furthermore, it participates in immunomodulation by intestinal microorganisms, which is important in health. When the intestinal tract is destroyed, it can lose its protective function, resulting in multiple systemic complications. In severe cases, it may lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Thus far, there are no curative therapies for intestinal mucosal barrier injury, other than a few drugs that can relieve symptoms. Thus, the development of novel curative agents for gastrointestinal diseases remains a challenge. Ursolic acid (UA) and its isomer, Oleanolic acid (OA), are pentacyclic triterpene acid compounds. Both their aglycone and glycoside forms have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antibacterial, antiviral, antihypertensive, anti-obesity, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardio protective, hepatoprotective, and anti-neurodegenerative properties in living organisms. In recent years, several studies have shown that UA and OA can reduce the risk of intestinal pathological injury, alleviate intestinal dysfunction, and restore intestinal barrier function. The present study evaluated the beneficial effects of UA and OA on intestinal damage and diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Shi
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yufang Leng
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Disheng Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Xin Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yixing Ren
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Feng Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
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36
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Yang M, Hu C, Cao Y, Liang W, Yang X, Xiao T. Ursolic Acid Regulates Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Colon Adenocarcinoma by Suppressing Cyclin B1. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:622212. [PMID: 33628185 PMCID: PMC7898669 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.622212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: The biological functions of cyclin B1 (CCNB1) in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) will be explored in this study. Furthermore, the therapeutic effects and potential molecular mechanisms of ursolic acid (UA) in COAD cells will also be investigated in vitro. Methods: COAD data were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined with differential analysis. The biological functions of CCNB1 were analyzed through the GeneCards, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), and the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) databases. Therapeutic effects of UA on COAD cell lines HCT-116 and SW-480 were analyzed by CCK-8 and high-content screening (HCS) imaging assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect cell cycle changes of SW-480 and HCT-116 cells. Levels of mRNA and expression proteins of HCT-116, SW-480, and normal colon epithelial cells NCM-460 were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. Results: CCNB1 was highly expressed and acted as an oncogene in COAD patients. CCNB1 and its interacting genes were significantly enriched in the cell cycle pathway. UA effectively inhibited the proliferation and injured COAD cells. In addition, UA arrested cell cycle of COAD cells in S phase. With regard to the molecular mechanisms of UA, we demonstrated that UA can significantly downregulate CCNB1 and its interacting genes and proteins, including CDK1, CDC20, CCND1, and CCNA2, which contributed to cell cycle blocking and COAD treatment. Conclusion: Results from this study revealed that UA possesses therapeutic effects on COAD. The anti-COAD activities of UA are tightly related to suppression of CCNB1 and its interacting targets, which is crucial in abnormal cell cycle process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Yang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Changxiao Hu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Yibo Cao
- Colorectal and Anal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China.,Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Chengdu Anorectal Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanling Liang
- Colorectal and Anal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiangdong Yang
- Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Chengdu Anorectal Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianbao Xiao
- Colorectal and Anal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
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Ladurner A, Schwarz PF, Dirsch VM. Natural products as modulators of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs). Nat Prod Rep 2021; 38:757-781. [PMID: 33118578 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00047g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 1994 to 2020 Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs) belong to a subfamily of the nuclear receptor superfamily and possess prominent roles in circadian rhythm, metabolism, inflammation, and cancer. They have been subject of research for over two decades and represent attractive but challenging drug targets. Natural products were among the first identified ligands of RORs and continue to be of interest to this day. This review focuses on ligands and indirect modulators of RORs from natural sources and explores their roles in a therapeutic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ladurner
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Patrik F Schwarz
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Verena M Dirsch
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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38
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Kozak J, Forma A, Czeczelewski M, Kozyra P, Sitarz E, Radzikowska-Büchner E, Sitarz M, Baj J. Inhibition or Reversal of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer: Pharmacological Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010277. [PMID: 33383973 PMCID: PMC7795012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) constitutes one of the hallmarks of carcinogenesis consisting in the re-differentiation of the epithelial cells into mesenchymal ones changing the cellular phenotype into a malignant one. EMT has been shown to play a role in the malignant transformation and while occurring in the tumor microenvironment, it significantly affects the aggressiveness of gastric cancer, among others. Importantly, after EMT occurs, gastric cancer patients are more susceptible to the induction of resistance to various therapeutic agents, worsening the clinical outcome of patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for the newest pharmacological agents targeting EMT to prevent further progression of gastric carcinogenesis and potential metastases. Therapies targeted at EMT might be combined with other currently available treatment modalities, which seems to be an effective strategy to treat gastric cancer patients. In this review, we have summarized recent advances in gastric cancer treatment in terms of targeting EMT specifically, such as the administration of polyphenols, resveratrol, tangeretin, luteolin, genistein, proton pump inhibitors, terpenes, other plant extracts, or inorganic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kozak
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Alicja Forma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Marcin Czeczelewski
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Paweł Kozyra
- Student Research Group, Independent Radiopharmacy Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Sitarz
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Radzikowska-Büchner
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior in Warsaw, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Monika Sitarz
- Department of Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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Lee NR, Meng RY, Rah SY, Jin H, Ray N, Kim SH, Park BH, Kim SM. Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Autophagy by Ursolic Acid Inhibits Growth and Metastasis of Esophageal Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9409. [PMID: 33321911 PMCID: PMC7764507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) possesses various pharmacological activities, such as antitumorigenic and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of UA against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) (TE-8 cells and TE-12 cells). The cell viability assay showed that UA decreased the viability of ESCC in a dose-dependent manner. In the soft agar colony formation assay, the colony numbers and size were reduced in a dose-dependent manner after UA treatment. UA caused the accumulation of vacuoles and LC3 puncta, a marker of autophagosome, in a dose-dependent manner. Autophagy induction was confirmed by measuring the expression levels of LC3 and p62 protein in ESCC cells. UA increased LC3-II protein levels and decreased p62 levels in ESCC cells. When autophagy was hampered using 3-methyladenine (3-MA), the effect of UA on cell viability was reversed. UA also significantly inhibited protein kinase B (Akt) activation and increased p-Akt expression in a dose-dependent manner in ESCC cells. Accumulated LC3 puncta by UA was reversed after wortmannin treatment. LC3-II protein levels were also decreased after treatment with Akt inhibitor and wortmannin. Moreover, UA treatment increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ESCC in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Diphenyleneiodonium (an ROS production inhibitor) blocked the ROS and UA induced accumulation of LC3-II levels in ESCC cells, suggesting that UA-induced cell death and autophagy are mediated by ROS. Therefore, our data indicate that UA inhibits the growth of ESCC cells by inducing ROS-dependent autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Ri Lee
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea;
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Ruo Yu Meng
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (R.Y.M.); (N.R.)
| | - So-Young Rah
- Department of Biochemistry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (S.-Y.R.); (B.H.P.)
| | - Hua Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Navin Ray
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (R.Y.M.); (N.R.)
| | - Seong-Hun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea;
| | - Byung Hyun Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (S.-Y.R.); (B.H.P.)
| | - Soo Mi Kim
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (R.Y.M.); (N.R.)
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Nahari G, Braitbard O, Larush L, Hochman J, Tshuva EY. Effective Oral Administration of an Antitumorigenic Nanoformulated Titanium Complex. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:108-112. [PMID: 32657024 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Orally administered anticancer drugs facilitate treatment, but the acidic conditions in the stomach often challenge their availability. PhenolaTi is a TiIV -based nontoxic anticancer drug with marked in-vivo efficacy. We report that nanoformulation protects phenolaTi from decomposition in stomach-like conditions. This is evidenced by similar NMR characteristics and similar in-vitro cytotoxicity toward murine (CT-26) and human (HT-29) colon cancer cells before and after incubation of nanoformulated phenolaTi (phenolaTi-F) at pH 2, unlike results with the unformulated form of the complex. Furthermore, administration of phenolaTi-F in animal drinking water revealed a notable inhibition of tumor growth in Balb/c and immune-deficient (Nude) mice inoculated with CT-26 and HT-29 cells, respectively. In-vivo efficacy was at least similar to that of the corresponding intraperitoneal treatment with phenolaTi-F and the clinically employed oral drug, capecitabine. No body weight loss or clinical signs of toxicity were evident in the phenolaTi-F-treated animals. These findings demonstrate a new convenient mode of cancer treatment through oral administration by safe titanium-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilad Nahari
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Ori Braitbard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Liraz Larush
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Jacob Hochman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Edit Y Tshuva
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
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41
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Park HJ, Chi GY, Choi YH, Park SH. The root bark of Morus alba L. regulates tumor-associated macrophages by blocking recruitment and M2 polarization of macrophages. Phytother Res 2020; 34:3333-3344. [PMID: 32677743 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote tumor growth and metastasis, and are closely related with poor prognosis of cancers. Therefore, TAMs have been an attractive target in cancer therapy. This study investigated whether the root bark of Morus alba L. (MA) regulates TAMs. Methylene chloride extract of MA (MEMA) decreased the migration of RAW264.7 cells and THP-1 macrophages toward cancer cells via inhibition of focal adhesion kinase and Src activity. In addition, MEMA inhibited the phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated secretion of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 from cancer cells, leading to the decreased chemotaxis of macrophages. Finally, MEMA-suppressed M2 macrophage polarization induced by interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 or IL-6. MEMA downregulated the mRNA expression of M2 macrophage markers and decreased the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 and STAT3 in RAW264.7 cells. Suppression of M2 polarization of macrophages by MEMA resulted in the reduced migration of Lewis lung carcinoma cells when the conditioned media from RAW264.7 cells was used as a chemoattractant. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MEMA regulates TAMs by blocking the recruitment of macrophages into tumor microenvironments and by inhibiting M2 polarization of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ji Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyoo-Yong Chi
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung-Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Hyung Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Khatoon E, Banik K, Harsha C, Sailo BL, Thakur KK, Khwairakpam AD, Vikkurthi R, Devi TB, Gupta SC, Kunnumakkara AB. Phytochemicals in cancer cell chemosensitization: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 80:306-339. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Zhang N, Liu S, Shi S, Chen Y, Xu F, Wei X, Xu Y. Solubilization and delivery of Ursolic-acid for modulating tumor microenvironment and regulatory T cell activities in cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2020; 320:168-178. [PMID: 31926193 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a potent triterpenoid compound found in plants and fruits with activities modulating key cell signaling pathways involving STATs, NF-κB, and TRAIL. But it's highly hydrophobic and very poorly soluble in nature. It had been prepared as nanocrystals, solid dispersion and loaded in nanoparticles but the achieved systemic exposure and circulation half-life were not ideal. We reported the development of UA-liposomes made by HPβCD assisted active loading. Compared to lipid suspensions of UA (Lipid-UA) with similar lipid composition, the novel process enabled the formation of UA-Ca crystalline structures inside the liposomes and therefore sustained release of UA in vivo. While the UA-liposomes were not generally toxic towards 4T1 triple negative breast cancer cells, they could effectively modulate CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells from 4T1 tumor bearing mouse by inhibiting STAT5 phosphorylation and IL-10 secretion. In vivo administration of UA-liposomes at 10 mg/kg dose led to reduced numbers of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) residing in tumor tissues. These changes signified the correction of the tumor mediated immune-suppressive microenvironment. The UA-liposomes treatment alone was already effective in deterring tumor growth. Such a formulation may be highly promising as an immunotherapy agent and be combined with chemotherapeutics or targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shounan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sanyuan Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuetan Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengwei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhong Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China; School of Pharmacy and Chemistry, Dali University, China.
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Bürtin F, Mullins CS, Linnebacher M. Mouse models of colorectal cancer: Past, present and future perspectives. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:1394-1426. [PMID: 32308343 PMCID: PMC7152519 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i13.1394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common diagnosed malignancy among both sexes in the United States as well as in the European Union. While the incidence and mortality rates in western, high developed countries are declining, reflecting the success of screening programs and improved treatment regimen, a rise of the overall global CRC burden can be observed due to lifestyle changes paralleling an increasing human development index. Despite a growing insight into the biology of CRC and many therapeutic improvements in the recent decades, preclinical in vivo models are still indispensable for the development of new treatment approaches. Since the development of carcinogen-induced rodent models for CRC more than 80 years ago, a plethora of animal models has been established to study colon cancer biology. Despite tenuous invasiveness and metastatic behavior, these models are useful for chemoprevention studies and to evaluate colitis-related carcinogenesis. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) mirror the pathogenesis of sporadic as well as inherited CRC depending on the specific molecular pathways activated or inhibited. Although the vast majority of CRC GEMM lack invasiveness, metastasis and tumor heterogeneity, they still have proven useful for examination of the tumor microenvironment as well as systemic immune responses; thus, supporting development of new therapeutic avenues. Induction of metastatic disease by orthotopic injection of CRC cell lines is possible, but the so generated models lack genetic diversity and the number of suited cell lines is very limited. Patient-derived xenografts, in contrast, maintain the pathological and molecular characteristics of the individual patient’s CRC after subcutaneous implantation into immunodeficient mice and are therefore most reliable for preclinical drug development – even in comparison to GEMM or cell line-based analyses. However, subcutaneous patient-derived xenograft models are less suitable for studying most aspects of the tumor microenvironment and anti-tumoral immune responses. The authors review the distinct mouse models of CRC with an emphasis on their clinical relevance and shed light on the latest developments in the field of preclinical CRC models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Bürtin
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock 18057, Germany
| | - Christina S Mullins
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock 18057, Germany
| | - Michael Linnebacher
- Molecular Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock 18057, Germany
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Choudhari AS, Mandave PC, Deshpande M, Ranjekar P, Prakash O. Phytochemicals in Cancer Treatment: From Preclinical Studies to Clinical Practice. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1614. [PMID: 32116665 PMCID: PMC7025531 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a severe health problem that continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide. Increasing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression has led to the development of a vast number of anticancer drugs. However, the use of chemically synthesized drugs has not significantly improved the overall survival rate over the past few decades. As a result, new strategies and novel chemoprevention agents are needed to complement current cancer therapies to improve efficiency. Naturally occurring compounds from plants known as phytochemicals, serve as vital resources for novel drugs and are also sources for cancer therapy. Some typical examples include taxol analogs, vinca alkaloids such as vincristine, vinblastine, and podophyllotoxin analogs. These phytochemicals often act via regulating molecular pathways which are implicated in growth and progression of cancer. The specific mechanisms include increasing antioxidant status, carcinogen inactivation, inhibiting proliferation, induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis; and regulation of the immune system. The primary objective of this review is to describe what we know to date of the active compounds in the natural products, along with their pharmacologic action and molecular or specific targets. Recent trends and gaps in phytochemical based anticancer drug discovery are also explored. The authors wish to expand the phytochemical research area not only for their scientific soundness but also for their potential druggability. Hence, the emphasis is given to information about anticancer phytochemicals which are evaluated at preclinical and clinical level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit S Choudhari
- Combi-Chem Bio-Resource Center, Organic Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
| | - Pallavi C Mandave
- Interactive Research School of Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, India
| | - Manasi Deshpande
- Department of Dravyaguna Vigan, Ayurved Pharmacology, College of Ayurved, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, India
| | | | - Om Prakash
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States.,Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Hasan Abdali M, Afshar S, Sedighi Pashaki A, Dastan D, Gholami MH, Mahmoudi R, Saidijam M. Investigating the effect of radiosensitizer for Ursolic Acid and Kamolonol Acetate on HCT-116 cell line. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115152. [PMID: 31771799 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.115152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was evaluating the cytotoxic and radiosensitizing effects of Ursolic Acid (UA) and Kamolonol Acetate (KA) on HCT116 cell line and finally investigating the functional role of NF-κB and CCND1 genes in the radiosensitizing activity of UA and KA. MATERIALS AND METHOD The cytotoxic effects of UA and KA by MTT assay was evaluated on HCT-116. Clonogenic assay was performed to investigate of radiosensitizing effects of UA and KA on HCT116. To assessment the expression levels of NF-κB and CCND1 genes, real-time PCR method was used. RESULTS The results of MTT assay revealed that UA and KA have cytotoxic effects on HCT116 cell line. According to clonogenic assay, survival fraction of treated cells with UA and KA has been decreased compared to the survival fraction of untreated cells. UA and KA lead to the decrease in the expression level of NF-κB. Synergistic effect of radiosensitizing agents with radiation was only approved for UA and 2 Gy of radiation. CONCLUSION Based on our study, UA and KA have cytotoxic effects on HCT116 cell line. Furthermore, UA may lead to radiosensitization of human colorectal tumor cells by NF-κB1 and CCND1signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maede Hasan Abdali
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Saeid Afshar
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Dara Dastan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Roghayeh Mahmoudi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Massoud Saidijam
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Liposome Delivery of Natural STAT3 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer. PHARMACEUTICAL FRONTIERS 2019; 1. [PMID: 31886474 DOI: 10.20900/pf20190007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment, cytokines, growth factors, and oncogenes mediate constitutive activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in both cancer cells and infiltrating immune cells. STAT3 activation in cancer cells drives tumorigenic changes that allow for increased survival, proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis. The modulation of immune cells is more complicated and conflicting. STAT3 signaling drives the myeloid cell phenotype towards an immune suppressive state, which mediates T cell inhibition. On the other hand, STAT3 signaling in T cells leads to proliferation and T cell activity required for an anti-tumor response. Targeted delivery of STAT3 inhibitors to cancer cells and myeloid cells could therefore improve therapeutic outcomes. Many compounds that inhibit the STAT3 pathways for cancer treatment include peptide drugs, small molecule inhibitors, and natural compounds. However, natural compounds that inhibit STAT3 are often hydrophobic, which reduces their bioavailability and leads to unfavorable pharmacokinetics. This review focuses specifically on liposome-encapsulated natural STAT3 inhibitors and their ability to target cancer cells and myeloid cells to reduce tumor growth and decrease STAT3-mediated immune suppression. Many of these liposome formulations have led to profound tumor reduction and examples of combination formulations have been shown to eliminate tumors through immune modulation.
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Wang T, Hong S, Luo Y, Lv H, Zhang Y, Pei R. Self-Assembled saRNA Delivery System Based on Rolling Circle Transcription for Aptamer-Targeting Cancer Therapy. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:4737-4746. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shanni Hong
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yu Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Haiyin Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Renjun Pei
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
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Luo H, Vong CT, Chen H, Gao Y, Lyu P, Qiu L, Zhao M, Liu Q, Cheng Z, Zou J, Yao P, Gao C, Wei J, Ung COL, Wang S, Zhong Z, Wang Y. Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine. Chin Med 2019; 14:48. [PMID: 31719837 PMCID: PMC6836491 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Luo
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Chi Teng Vong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peng Lyu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zehua Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peifen Yao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Caifang Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
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Kim GH, Kan SY, Kang H, Lee S, Ko HM, Kim JH, Lim JH. Ursolic Acid Suppresses Cholesterol Biosynthesis and Exerts Anti-Cancer Effects in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4767. [PMID: 31561416 PMCID: PMC6802365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormally upregulated cholesterol and lipid metabolism, observed commonly in multiple cancer types, contributes to cancer development and progression through the activation of oncogenic growth signaling pathways. Although accumulating evidence has shown the preventive and therapeutic benefits of cholesterol-lowering drugs for cancer management, the development of cholesterol-lowering drugs is needed for treatment of cancer as well as metabolism-related chronic diseases. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic terpenoid, suppresses cancer growth and metastasis, but the precise underlying molecular mechanism for its anti-cancer effects is poorly understood. Here, using sterol regulatory element (SRE)-luciferase assay-based screening on a library of 502 natural compounds, this study found that UA activates sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2). The expression of cholesterol biosynthesis-related genes and enzymes increased in UA-treated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The UA increased cell cycle arrest and apoptotic death in HCC cells and reduced the activation of oncogenic growth signaling factors, all of which was significantly reversed by cholesterol supplementation. As cholesterol supplementation successfully reversed UA-induced attenuation of growth in HCC cells, it indicated that UA suppresses HCC cells growth through its cholesterol-lowering effect. Overall, these results suggested that UA is a promising cholesterol-lowering nutraceutical for the prevention and treatment of patients with HCC and cholesterol-related chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geon-Hee Kim
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Sang-Yeon Kan
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Hyeji Kang
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Sujin Lee
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Hyun Myung Ko
- Department of Life Science, College of Science and Technology, Woosuk University, 66 Daehak-ro, Jincheon-eup, Chungcheongbuk-do 27841, Korea.
| | - Ji Hyung Kim
- College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Ji-Hong Lim
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
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