Combination effects of salvianolic acid B with low-dose celecoxib on inhibition of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo

Adjuvant role of Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge in cancer chemotherapy: A review of its bioactive components, health-promotion effect and mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment strategy. However, its effectiveness is constrained by toxicity and adverse effects. The Lamiaceae herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge has a long history of therapeutic use in the treatment of blood stasis illnesses, which are believed by traditional Chinese medicine to be connected to cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review summarized the common toxicity of chemotherapy and the potential chemo-adjuvant effect and mechanisms of active ingredients from S. miltiorrhiza, hoping to provide valuable information for the development and application of S. miltiorrhiza resources.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literatures were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar and Google Scholar databases from 2002 to 2022. The inclusion criteria were studies reporting that S. miltiorrhiza or its constituents enhanced the efficiency of chemotherapy drugs or reduced the side effects.

RESULTS

Salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, salvianolic acid C, rosmarinic acid, tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone I and miltirone are the primary adjuvant chemotherapy components of S. miltiorrhiza. The mechanisms mainly involve inhibiting proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, inducing apoptosis, regulating autophagy and tumor microenvironment. In addition, they also improve chemotherapy drug-induced side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The bioactive compounds of S. miltiorrhiza are shown to inhibit proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, induce apoptosis and autophagy, regulate immunity and tumor microenvironment when combined with chemotherapy drugs. However, further clinical studies are required to validate the current studies.

Development of pullulan/chitosan/salvianolic acid ternary fibrous membranes and their potential for chemotherapeutic applications

This study investigates the feasibility of centrifugal spinning for producing fibrous membranes containing pullulan, chitosan, and danshen extract. The danshen extract is composed of 20 wt% salvianolic acid B (SA). Citric acid was added to the mixture as a crosslinking agent to promote its use in the aqueous medium. The influence of the danshen concentration (25 wt% and 33 wt%) on fiber morphology, thermal behavior, and the biochemical effect was analyzed. Developed fiber-based membranes consist of long, continuous, and uniform fibers with a sparse scattering of beads. Fiber diameter analysis shows values ranging from 384 ± 123 nm to 644 ± 141 nm depending on the concentration of danshen. The nanofibers show adequate aqueous stability after crosslinking. Thermal analysis results prove that SA is loaded into nanofibers without compromising their structural integrity. Cell-based results indicate that the developed nanofiber membranes promote cell growth and are not detrimental to fibroblast cells. Anticancer studies reveal a promising inhibition to the proliferation of HCT116 colon cancer cells. The developed systems show potential as innovative systems to be used as a bioactive chemotherapeutic drug that could be placed on the removed tumor site to prevent development of colon cancer microdeposits.

Salvianolic acid B inhibits myocardial I/R-induced ROS generation and cell apoptosis by regulating the TRIM8/GPX1 pathway

CONTEXT

Salvianolic acid B (SalB) can attenuate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the mechanisms are not entirely known.

OBJECTIVE

Our study investigates if SalB protects cardiomyocytes against I/R injury by regulating Tripartite motif (TRIM) protein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AC16 cardiomyocytes were treated with I/R, and then with SalB (10, 25 and 50 μM) for 24 h, while control cells were cultured under normal conditions. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to I/R injury, and then intravenously injected with 20, 40, or 60 mg/kg SalB or saline, as a control, rats received sham operation and saline injection.

RESULTS

Upon treatment, apoptotic rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased 10-, 3.8-, and 1.3-fold, respectively, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced by 62.1% compared to control cells. I/R treatment elevated the mRNA and protein expression of TRIM8. SalB treatment remarkably abolished the above-mentioned effects of I/R treatment. TRIM8 knock-down could partially alleviate I/R-induced myocardial injury. TRIM8 overexpression promoted cardiomyocyte injury, which was alleviated by SalB. Moreover, TRIM8 negatively regulated protein expression of antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1). TRIM8 protein interacted with GPX1 and TRIM8 overexpression promoted GPX1 ubiquitnation. GPX1 knock-down abolished the protective effects of SalB on I/R-injured cardiomyocytes. Our in vivo experiments confirmed the effects of SalB on I/R-induced myocardial injury.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

SalB protected cardiomyocytes from I/R-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo, which was partly mediated by the TRIM8/GPX1 axis. This suggests that down-regulation of TRIM8 expression may ameliorate I/R-induced myocardial injury.

Assessment of the Phytochemical and Nutrimental Composition of Dark Chia Seed (Salvia hispánica L.)

Chia seeds are rich sources of different macro and micronutrients associated with health benefits; thus, they may be considered as a functional food. However, the composition depends on the variety, origin, climate and soil. Here, we show a comprehensive characterization of extractable and non-extractable phenolic compounds of dark chia seed Salvia hispanica L. using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight (HPLC-ESI-QTOF) and discuss potential health benefits associated with the presence of a number of nutritional and bioactive compounds. We report that dark chia from Jalisco is a high-fiber food, containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids (phenylalanine and tryptophan), and nucleosides (adenosine, guanidine and uridine), and rich in antioxidant phenolic compounds, mainly caffeic acid metabolites. Our data suggest that chia seeds may be used as ingredients for the development of functional foods and dietary supplements.

Salvianolic acid B noncovalently interacts with disordered c-Myc: a computational and spectroscopic-based study

Aims: c-Myc, along with its partner MAX, regulates the expression of several genes, leading to an oncogenic phenotype. The MAX interacting interface of c-Myc is disordered and uncharacterized for small molecule binding. Salvianolic acid B possesses numerous therapeutic properties, including anticancer activity. The current study was designed to elucidate the interaction of the Sal_Ac_B with the disordered bHLH domain of c-Myc using computational and biophysical techniques. Materials & methods: The binding of Sal_Ac_B with Myc was studied using computational and biophysical techniques, including molecular docking and simulation, fluorescence lifetime, circular dichroism and anisotropy. Results & conclusions: The study demonstrated a high binding potential of Sal_Ac_B against the disordered Myc peptide. The binding of the compounds leads to an overall conformational change in Myc. Moreover, an extensive simulation study showed a stable Sal_Ac_B/Myc binding.

Pharmacological Effects of Salvianolic Acid B Against Oxidative Damage

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is one of the main active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza, with strong antioxidant effects. Recent findings have shown that Sal B has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic effects and can promote stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, aging, and liver fibrosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) include oxygen free radicals and oxygen-containing non-free radicals. ROS can regulate cell proliferation, survival, death and differentiation to regulate inflammation, and immunity, while Sal B can scavenge oxygen free radicals by providing hydrogen atoms and reduce the production of oxygen free radicals and oxygen-containing non-radicals by regulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes. The many pharmacological effects of Sal B may be closely related to its elimination and inhibition of ROS generation, and Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-related protein 1 may be the core link in its regulation of the expression of antioxidant enzyme to exert its antioxidant effect. What is confusing and interesting is that Sal B exhibits the opposite mechanisms in tumors. To clarify the specific target of Sal B and the correlation between its regulation of oxidative stress and energy metabolism homeostasis will help to further understand its role in different pathological conditions, and provide a scientific basis for its further clinical application and new drug development. Although Sal B has broad prospects in clinical application due to its extensive pharmacological effects, the low bioavailability is a serious obstacle to further improving its efficacy in vivo and promoting clinical application. Therefore, how to improve the availability of Sal B in vivo requires the joint efforts of many interdisciplinary subjects.

Possible applications of salvianolic acid B against different cancers

Cancer is the second death causing disease worldwide after cardiovascular abnormalities. The difficulty in treating tumor cells with more precise targeted interventions and recurrence of cancer after treatment may pose great difficulty in developing sustainable therapeutic regimens. These limitations have prompted the need to explore several compounds with ability to cease tumor growth while at the same time induce apoptosis of tumor cells. Several studies have emphasized the use of natural compounds as antitumor agents due to their high efficacy against cancer cells and low toxicity in normal cells. Salvianolic acid B (SAB), a naturally occurring phenolic compound extracted from the radix of Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza can induce apoptosis in different types of tumor cells. It can be used to treat cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, hepatic fibrosis, and cancers. Several studies have shown that SAB can mitigate tumorigenesis by modulating MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and NF-ĸB signaling pathways. It also sensitizes the tumor cells to different anti-cancer agents by reversing the multi-drug resistance mechanisms found in tumor cells. This review summarizes the studies showing antitumor potential of SAB in different types of cancer cell lines, animal models and highlights the possible mechanisms through which SAB can induce apoptosis, inhibit growth and metastasis in tumor cells. Moreover, the possible role of nano-technological approaches to induce targeted delivery of SAB to eradicate tumor cells has been also discussed.

Salvianolic Acid B Slows the Progression of Breast Cancer Cell Growth via Enhancement of Apoptosis and Reduction of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Angiogenesis

Breast cancer is the current leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. Although current chemotherapeutic drugs effectively reduce the progression of breast cancer, most of these drugs have many unwanted side effects. Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) is a bioactive compound isolated from the root of Danshen Radix with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Since free radicals play a key role in the initiation and progression of tumor cells growth and enhance their metastatic potential, the current study was designed to investigate the antitumor activity of Sal-B and compare it with the antitumor activity of the traditional anticancer drug, cisplatin. In vitro, Sal-B decreased the human breast cancer adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells proliferation in a concentration and time dependent manner. In vivo and similar to cisplatin treatment, Sal-B significantly reduced tumor volume and increased the median survival when compared to tumor positive control mice group injected with Ehrlich solid carcinoma cell line (ESC). Sal-B decreased plasma level of malondialdehyde as a marker of oxidative stress and increased plasma level of reduced glutathione (GSH) as a marker of antioxidant defense when compared to control ESC injected mice. Either Sal-B or cisplatin treatment decreased tumor tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), and Cyclin D1 in ESC treated mice. Contrary to cisplatin treatment, Sal-B did not decrease tumor tissue Ki-67 protein in ESC injected mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Sal-B or cisplatin treatment increased the expression of the apoptotic markers caspase-3 and P53. Although Sal-B or cisplatin significantly reduced the expression of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ESC injected mice, only Sal-B reduced expression level of COX-2 in ESC injected mice. Our data suggest that Sal-B exhibits antitumor features against breast cancer cells possibly via enhancing apoptosis and reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis.

Salvianolic acid A & B: potential cytotoxic polyphenols in battle against cancer via targeting multiple signaling pathways

Nature has generously offered life-saving therapies to mankind by providing evolutionarily optimized drug-like entities in the form of natural products. These splendid gifts of nature have served as most suitable candidates for anti-cancer drug discovery due to their pleiotropic activity on target molecules. This review aims to provide an update on the natural sources and bioactivities of such gifts from nature, salvianolic acid A & B, which are major bioactive constituents of a traditional Chinses medicinal herb, Salvia miltiorrhiza. Salvianolic acid A & B have been reported to owe anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective activities. Currently salvianolic acids have been emerged as potent anti-cancer molecules. Salvianolic acid A & B fight cancer progression by prompting apoptosis, halting cell cycle and adjourning metastasis by targeting multiple deregulated signaling networks of cancer. Moreover, salvianolic acid A & B display potency towards sensitizing cancer cells to chemo-drugs. The review purposes that salvianolic acid A & B supply a novel opportunity for drug discovery but further experimentation is mandatory to embellish the knowledge of their pharmacological usage and to access their toxicological limits in order to establish these compounds as potential multitarget future drugs.

PKA/β2-AR-Gs/Gi signaling pathway is associated with anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects of Fuzi and Banxia combination on rats subjected to pressure overload

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Either Aconite Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) or Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia) exerts anti-inflammatory activity and their combination has long been used in China for treating cardiovascular diseases. However, combination of two drugs is controversially prohibited in clinical prescriptions because it serves a representative incompatible pairs in "eighteen antagonisms". Up to date, whether the combination of Fuzi and Banxia could be used for treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) especially charactered by systemic inflammation and the potential mechanisms have not been elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The pros and cons of Fuzi in combination with Banxia were evaluated in pressure overload (PO) rat models of HF in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to abdominal aorta constriction or sham-operated procedure. From week 12, rats were administered with low dose Fuzi (5.4 g kg^-1 d^-1), Banxia (5.4 g kg^-1 d^-1), combination (5.4 g kg^-1 d^-1 + 5.4 g kg^-1 d^-1), high dose Fuzi (10.8 g kg^-1 d^-1) or with vehicle (n = 15 per group) orally for additional 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Fuzi alone treatment led to exaggerated cardiac-renal response to PO, and occurred dramatically at high dose as manifested by markedly exacerbated cardiac-renal inflammation and myocardial fibrosis. Further studies revealed that cardiotoxicity of Fuzi may be associated with highly expression levels of β2-AR and PKA. In contrast, coadministration of Fuzi and Banxia restored cardiac function, as indicated by relieving inflammation and fibrosis as well as normalizing electrocardiogram parameters, which were accompanied by PKA down-regulation. More importantly, both high dose Fuzi and combination treatment enhanced induction of apoptosis, which could be partially associated with inhibition of β2-AR-Gi signaling.

CONCLUSION

Thus, combination of Fuzi and Banxia elicited concurrent protective and toxic effects in PO induced HF. The protective effect appeared to predominate and was associated with suppression of PKA/β2-AR-Gs signaling pathway. Unlike the eighteen antagonisms theory where Fuzi and Banxia combination was considered incompatible, in the present study, this herb pairs appeared to be benefit, and probably had potential therapeutic prospect in treating HFpEF and diseases associated with inflammation.

Salvianolic Acids: Potential Source of Natural Drugs for the Treatment of Fibrosis Disease and Cancer

Salvianolic acids, the most effective and abundant compounds extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), are well known for its good anti-oxidative activity. Danshen has been extensively used as a traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular-related diseases in China and other Asian countries for hundreds of years. Recently, more and more studies have demonstrated that salvianolic acids also have a good effect on the alleviation of fibrosis disease and the treatment of cancer. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that salvianolic acids can modulate signal transduction within fibroblasts and cancer cells. It is discovered that the cancer treatment of salvianolic acids is not only because salvianolic acids promote the apoptosis of cancer cells, but also due to the inhibition of cancer-associated epithelial-mesenchymal transition processes. In this article, we review a variety of studies focusing on the comprehensive roles of salvianolic acids in the treatment of fibrosis disease and cancer. These perspectives on the therapeutic potential of salvianolic acids highlight the importance of these compounds, which could be the novel and attractive drugs for fibrosis disease and cancer.

The Protective Effects of Ciji-Hua'ai-Baosheng II Formula on Chemotherapy-Treated H22 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mouse Model by Promoting Tumor Apoptosis

Ciji-Hua'ai-Baosheng II Formula (CHB-II-F) is a traditional Chinese medical formula that has been shown in clinical practice to relieve side effects of chemotherapy and improve quality of life for cancer patients. In order to understand the mechanism of its protective effects on chemotherapy, mice with transplanted H₂₂ hepatocellular carcinoma were employed in this study. Ninety-two mice were injected subcutaneously with H₂₂ HCC cell suspension into the right anterior armpit. After mice were treated with 5-fluorine pyrimidine (5-FU), they were divided into six groups as untreated group, 5-FU group, 5-FU plus Yangzheng Xiaoji Capsule group and three groups of 5-FU plus different concentrations of CHB-II-F. Twenty mice were euthanized after 7 days of treatment in untreated and medium concentration of CHB-II-F groups and all other mice were euthanized after 14 days of treatment. Herbal components/metabolites were analyzed by UPLC-MS. Tumors were evaluated by weight and volume, morphology of light and electron microscope, and cell cycle. Apoptosis were examined by apoptotic proteins expression by western blot. Four major components/metabolites were identified from serum of mice treated with CHB-II-F and they are β-Sitosterol, Salvianolic acid, isobavachalcone, and bakuchiol. Treatment of CHB-II-F significantly increased body weights of mice and decreased tumor volume compared to untreated group. Moreover, CHB-II-F treatment increased tumor cells in G₀-G₁ transition instead of in S phase. Furthermore, CHB-II-F treatment increased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and decreased the expression anti-apoptotic protein. Therefore, CHB-II-F could improve mice general condition and reduce tumor cell malignancy. Moreover, CHB-II-F regulates apoptosis of tumor cells, which could contribute its protective effect on chemotherapy.

Combination therapy with atorvastatin and celecoxib delays tumor formation in a Fanconi anemia mouse model

BACKGROUND

Fanconi anemia is an inherited bone marrow failure disorder associated with a high incidence of leukemia and solid tumors. Currently, no interventions to prevent or delay the formation of solid tumors are available.

PROCEDURE

Two of the most important hallmarks of Fanconi anemia are inflammation and oxidative stress. In this study, we administrated the antioxidant atorvastatin and the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib to cohorts of Fancd2^-/- /Trp53^+/- mice, a model of Fanconi anemia. Treatment started at weaning and continued until the mice developed a palpable mass or suffered from >20% weight loss. Tumor samples and selected tissues were subjected to histopathological examination. χ² test was performed to analyze tumor incidence, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were evaluated with log-rank test. In addition, a small cohort of mice was monitored for the safety of the drugs.

RESULTS

The combined oral administration of both drugs significantly delayed tumor onset in Fancd2^-/- /Trp53^+/- mice. Specifically, the treatment delayed the onset of ovarian tumors in Fancd2^-/- /Trp53^+/- mice and increased the mean ovarian tumor-free survival time by 17%, whereas this combinatorial drug regimen did not have a significant effect on other tumor types. In addition, no detrimental effects on hematopoiesis from the drug treatment were observed during a 12-month safety monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented here suggest that a combination of atorvastatin and celecoxib may be a good candidate for chemoprevention in Fanconi anemia.

Four New Depsides Isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza and Their Significant Nerve-Protective Activities

By investigating of the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which is one of the most widely used Chinese herbs, we used phytochemical methods successfully to obtain twelve depsides: four depsides (1⁻4) that were previously undescribed, along with eight known ones (5⁻12). Their structure characteristics were assessed by HR-ESIMS, CD, NMR (¹H, ¹³C, HSQC, HMBC) data analyses. These four newly isolated compounds (1⁻4), as well as the other eight compounds (5⁻12), show extraordinary protective effects on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in HS-SY5Y cells. Among them, depside 4 and depside 6 displayed more obviously protective effects than others.

Antitumor properties of Salvianolic acid B against triple-negative and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells via ceramide-mediated apoptosis

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with limited treatment options. It is urgent to develop new therapeutics against this disease. Salvinolic acid B (Sal-B) is a leading bioactive component of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, a well-known Chinese medicine for treating various diseases without appreciable adverse effects. To understand the antitumor properties of Sal-B against TNBC, we analyzed its effects on the cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis of triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells with the hormone receptor-positive MCF-7 cells as the control. The in vitro analysis showed that Sal-B could significantly reduce the cell viability and suppress the proliferation of both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells with decreased cyclin B1 expression, but with no noticeable cell cycle phase change. In mouse models, Sal-B markedly inhibited the growth, decreased the PCNA expression, and increased the cell apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 tumor xenografts. To understand the antitumor mechanisms, we analyzed the expression levels of ceramides, and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-xL and survivin) and pro-apoptotic (caspase-3 and caspase-8) proteins. We found that Sal-B enhanced the ceramide accumulation and inhibited the anti-apoptotic protein expression. Interestingly, the ceramide accumulation was accompanied by decreased expression of glucosylceramide and GM3 synthases, two key enzymes regulating ceramide metabolism. These findings indicate that Sal-B exerts its antitumor effects at least partially by inducing the ceramide accumulation and ceramide-mediated apoptosis via inhibiting the expression of glucosylceramide and GM3 synthases, which was independent of estrogen receptor α. Sal-B appears to be a promising therapeutic agent against TNBC.

Role of COX-2/PGE2 Mediated Inflammation in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A significant amount of research indicates that the cyclooxygenase/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway of inflammation contributes to the development and progression of a variety of cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx (OSCC). Although there have been promising results from studies examining the utility of anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of OSCC, this strategy has been met with only variable success and these drugs are also associated with toxicities that make them inappropriate for some OSCC patients. Improved inflammation-targeting therapies require continued study of the mechanisms linking inflammation and progression of OSCC. In this review, a synopsis of OSCC biology will be provided, and recent insights into inflammation related mechanisms of OSCC pathobiology will be discussed. The roles of prostaglandin E2 and cluster of differentiation factor 147 (CD147) will be presented, and evidence for their interactions in OSCC will be explored. Through continued investigation into the protumourigenic pathways of OSCC, more treatment modalities targeting inflammation-related pathways can be designed with the hope of slowing tumour progression and improving patient prognosis in patients with this aggressive form of cancer.

Bioactivities, biosynthesis and biotechnological production of phenolic acids in Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen in Chinese), is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal plant, which is used as not only human medicine but also health-promotion food. Danshen has been extensively used for the treatment of various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. As a major group of bioactive constituents from S. miltiorrhiza, water-soluble phenolic acids such as salvianolic acid B possessed good bioactivities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and other health-promoting activities. It is of significance to improve the production of phenolic acids by modern biotechnology approaches to meet the increasing market demand. Significant progresses have been made in understanding the biosynthetic pathway and regulation mechanism of phenolic acids in S.miltiorrhiza, which will facilitate the process of targeted metabolic engineering or synthetic biology. Furthermore, multiple biotechnology methods such as in vitro culture, elicitation, hairy roots, endophytic fungi and bioreactors have been also used to obtain pharmaceutically active phenolic acids from S. miltiorrhiza. In this review, recent advances in bioactivities, biosynthetic pathway and biotechnological production of phenolic acid ingredients were summarized and future prospective was also discussed.

Salvianolic acid B reverses multidrug resistance in nude mice bearing human colon cancer stem cells

Salvianolic acid B (SalB) is a water-soluble phenolic compound, extractable from Salvia miltiorrhiza, and has previously been demonstrated to reverse tumor multidrug resistance (MDR) in colon cancer cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are closely associated with drug resistance. Therefore, establishing a nude mouse model bearing human colon CSCs is important for the study of the mechanisms underlying colon cancer drug resistance as well as the reversal of drug resistance. The present study aimed to establish a nude mouse model bearing human colon CSCs and to investigate the effects of SalB on the drug resistance exhibited by the nude mouse model as well as determine its underlying mechanism. Cells from two colon cancer cell lines (LoVo and HCT-116) were cultured in serum-free medium to obtain CSCs-enriched spheroid cells. Following this, nude mice were transplanted with LoVo and HCT-116 colon CSCs to establish the CSC nude mouse model, which was subsequently demonstrated to exhibit MDR. The results of the present study revealed that following treatment with SalB, the chemotherapeutic drug resistance of xenografts was reversed to a certain extent. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the expression levels of cluster of differentiation (CD)44, CD133, transcription factor sox-2 (SOX2) and ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2) proteins, and the results demonstrated that treatment with SalB downregulated the expression of CD44, SOX2 and ABCG2 proteins in both LoVo and HCT-116 colon CSCs xenografts. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that a serum-free suspension method can be performed to successfully isolate colon CSCs. In addition, a nude mice bearing colon CSCs animal model was successfully established, and associated tumors were confirmed to exhibit MDR. Furthermore, SalB was demonstrated to successfully reverse MDR in nude mice bearing LoVo and HCT-116 colon CSCs, as well as suppress the expression of CD44, SOX2 and ABCG2 proteins.

Curcumol potentiates celecoxib-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer

Combinatorial therapies that target multiple signaling pathways may provide improved therapeutic responses over monotherapies. Celecoxib and curcumol are two highly hydrophobic drugs which show bioavailability problems due to their poor aqueous solubility. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of celecoxib and curcumol alone and in combination on cell proliferation, invasion, migration, cell cycle and apoptosis induction in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Our data showed that the sensitivity of a combined therapy using low concentration of celecoxib and curcumol was higher than that of celecoxib or curcumol alone. Suppression of NF-κB transcriptional activity, activation of caspase-9/caspase-3, cell cycle G1 arrest, and inhibition of survival MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway contributed to the synergistic effects of this combination therapy for induction of apoptosis. Additionally, either celecoxib alone or in combination with curcumol inhibited NSCLC cell migration and invasion by suppressing FAK and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activities. Furthermore, the combined treatment reduced tumor volume and weight in xenograft mouse model, and significantly decreased tumor metastasis nodules in lung tissues by tail vein injection. Our results confirm and provide mechanistic insights into the prominent anti-proliferative activities of celecoxib and/or curcumol on NSCLC cells, which provide a rationale for further detailed preclinical and potentially clinical studies of this combination for the therapy of lung cancer.

Salvianolic acid B reverses multidrug resistance in HCT‑8/VCR human colorectal cancer cells by increasing ROS levels

Salvianolic acid B (SalB) a water-soluble phenolic compound, extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has previously been demonstrated to reverse tumor multidrug resistance (MDR), including in colorectal cancer. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are oxygen radicals generated during aerobic metabolism (superoxide and hydroxyl radicals) and superoxide easily generating free radicals (H₂O₂). The concept that increased ROS levels can lead to augmented tumor cell-sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs has become notable. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of ROS in mediating the effect of SalB on drug resistance and the correlation with drug resistance-associated protein, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and apoptosis-associated proteins, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax). In the current study, through utilizing the multidrug resistant colorectal cancer cell line, HCT-8/VCR, it was demonstrate that SalB reversed MDR in HCT-8/VCR. In addition, SalB significantly increased ROS levels, which may have accelerated the apoptosis of HCT-8/VCR cells by downregulating Bcl-2 and increasing Bax protein expression. Furthermore the increased intracellular ROS levels may have inhibited P-gp expression at the gene and protein levels. In conclusion, the data of the current study demonstrate that SalB reversed MDR in HCT-8/VCR cells, and the effect is associated with increased ROS levels, which may downregulate P-gp expression and promote tumor cell apoptosis, which in turn increases the sensitivity of drug-resistant cells to chemotherapy drugs.

Salvianolic acid B protects against myocardial damage caused by nanocarrier TiO2; and synergistic anti-breast carcinoma effect with curcumin via codelivery system of folic acid-targeted and polyethylene glycol-modified TiO2 nanoparticles

Targeted delivery by the folate ligand is an effective way to enhance an anti-breast carcinoma effect, due to its high affinity for the folate receptor, which is overexpressed in many tumor cells. In this study, we firstly synthesized a folic acid (FA)-targeted and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified TiO₂ nanocarrier. Then, an FA-PEG-TiO₂ nanoparticle (NP) codelivery system loaded with curcumin and salvianolic acid B were prepared by emulsion evaporation–solidification at low temperature. The obtained folate-targeted NPs (FA-NPs) showed more cytotoxicity on MCF7 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells than a nontargeted NP group. Apart from a synergistic anti-breast cancer effect with curcumin, salvianolic acid B protects the cardiovascular system from oxidative injury by the TiO₂ nanocarrier. With coumarin 6 as a fluorescent probe to observe cellular uptake of NPs, the results of in vitro cellular uptake demonstrated FA-NPs exhibited higher cellular uptake and accumulation in MCF7 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells than nontargeted NPs. Then, in vivo biodistribution of NPs was further qualitatively and quantitatively confirmed by in vivo imaging. More importantly, the animal study further suggested that FA-NPs had significantly stronger antitumor effects via receptor-mediated targeted delivery. Consequently, FA-PEG-TiO₂ NPs loaded with curcumin and salvianolic acid B could be a promising drug-delivery system to treat breast cancer.

Cellular uptake and anticancer activity of salvianolic acid B phospholipid complex loaded nanoparticles in head and neck cancer and precancer cells

Salvianolic acid B (SalB) was demonstrated to be a promising chemopreventive agent for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the previous studies by our and other research institution, but the properties like low efficacy, poor systemic delivery, and low bioavailability has hampered its clinical applications. To continue our research program focused on the use of natural compounds on cancer chemoprevention, we propose a first example of phospholipid complex loaded nanoparticles (PLC-NPs) encapsulating SalB as a potential carrier for intervention of HNSCC (HN13, HN30) cells and precancer Leuk1 cells in this study. Qualitative and quantitive studies of cellular uptake showed that intracellular accumulation of SalB was significantly higher when HN13, HN30 and Leuk1 cells were incubated with SalB-PLC-NPs complex (nano-SalB) as against free-SalB. Cell viability assay revealed that the cell growth of HN13 and HN30 cells was significantly inhibited of 56.1% and 29.3%, respectively, for nano-SalB compared to an equivalent amount of free-SalB (P<0.001). Moreover, cell cycle and apoptosis assay showed that a clear trend of cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis was also observed within the HNSCC cells treated with nano-SalB. Collectively, this study demonstrated that nano-SalB was significantly more potent had an anticancer effect against HNSCC cells, which serves as the first step toward establishing SalB nano-formulations as promising cancer chemopreventive agents. The current study could pave a new way for the development of drugs that target HNSCC in the future.

hnRNPA2/B1 activates cyclooxygenase-2 and promotes tumor growth in human lung cancers

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is highly expressed in tumor cells and has been regarded as a hallmarker for cancers, but the excise regulatory mechanism of COX-2 in tumorigenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we pulled down and identified a novel COX-2 regulator, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNPA2/B1), which could specifically bind to COX-2 core promoter and regulate tumor growth in non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Knockdown of hnRNPA2/B1 by shRNA or siRNA downregulated COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, and suppressed tumor cell growth in NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, overexpression of hnRNPA2/B1 up-regulated the levels of COX-2 and PGE2 and promoted tumor cell growth. We also showed that hnRNPA2/B1 expression was positively correlated with COX-2 expression in NSCLC cell lines and tumor tissues, and the up-regulated expression of hnRNPA2/B1 and COX-2 predicted worse prognosis in NSCLC patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the activation of COX-2 expression by hnRNPA2/B1 was mediated through the cooperation with p300, a transcriptional co-activator, in NSCLC cells. The hnRNPA2/B1 could interact with p300 directly and be acetylated by p300. Exogenous overexpression of p300, but not its histone acetyltransferase (HAT) domain deletion mutation, augmented the acetylation of hnRNPA2/B1 and enhanced its binding on COX-2 promoter, thereby promoted COX-2 expression and lung cancer cell growth. Collectively, our results demonstrate that hnRNPA2/B1 promotes tumor cell growth by activating COX-2 signaling in NSCLC cells and imply that the hnRNPA2/B1/COX-2 pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for human lung cancers.

Biomarkers for enhancing the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common head and neck malignancy. The incidence of NPC is higher in Southern China and Southeast Asia compared with Western countries. Given its high radiosensitivity, the standard treatment for NPC is radiotherapy. However, radioresistance remains a serious obstacle to successful treatment. Radioresistance can cause local recurrence and distant metastases in some patients after treatment by radiation. Thus, special emphasis has been given to the discovery of effective radiosensitizers. This review aims to discuss the biomarkers, classified according to the main mechanisms of radiosensitization, which can enhance the sensitivity of NPC cells to ionizing radiation.

Functions of MiRNA-128 on the regulation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth and apoptosis

Background

Incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has continuously increased in past years while its survival rate has not been significantly improved. There is a critical need to better understand the genetic regulation of HNSCC tumorigenesis and progression. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the function of miRNA-128 (miR-128) in the regulation of HNSCC growth and its putative targets in vitro and in vivo systems.

Methods

The function and targets of miR-128 were investigated in human HNSCC cell lines (JHU-13 and JHU-22), which were stably transfected with the miR-128 gene using a lentiviral delivery system. The expression levels of miR-128 and its targeted proteins were analyzed with qRT-PCR, Western blotting and flow cytometry. The binding capacity of miRNA-128 to its putative targets was determined using a luciferase report assay. MTT, colony formation, and a tumor xenograft model further evaluated the effects of miR-128 on HNSCC growth.

Results

We generated two miR-128 stably transfected human HNSCC cell lines (JHU-13^miR-128 and JHU-22^miR-128). Enforced expression of miR-128 was detected in both cultured JHU-13^miR-128 and JHU-22^miR-128 cell lines, approximately seventeen to twenty folds higher than in vector control cell lines. miRNA-128 was able to bind with the 3′-untranslated regions of BMI-1, BAG-2, BAX, H3f3b, and Paip2 mRNAs, resulting in significant reduction of the targeted protein levels. We found that upregulated miR-128 expression significantly inhibited both JHU-13^miR-128 and JHU-22^miR-128 cell viability approximately 20 to 40%, and the JHU-22^miR-128 tumor xenograft growth compared to the vector control groups.

Conclusions

miR-128 acted as a tumor suppressor inhibiting the HNSCC growth by directly mediating the expression of putative targets. Our results provide a better understanding of miRNA-128 function and its potential targets, which may be valuable for developing novel diagnostic markers and targeted therapy.

Cytotoxic effects of solvent-extracted active components of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge on human cancer cell lines

Herbal extracts and dietary supplements may be extracted from the medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine, and are used increasingly commonly worldwide for their benefits to health and quality of life. Thus, ensuring that they are safe for human consumption is a critical issue for the preparation of plant extracts as dietary supplements. The present study investigated extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (S. miltiorrhiza), traditionally used in Asian countries to treat a variety of conditions, as a dietary supplement or as an ingredient in functional foods. Dried S. miltiorrhiza root was extracted with various solvents and under varying extraction conditions, and the effects of the extracts on the viability of five human cancer cell lines were compared. Extracts obtained using 100% ethanol and 100% acetone as solvents exhibited more potent effects compared with extracts obtained using 70 and 30% aqueous ethanol. Furthermore, the active components of S. miltiorrhiza ethanol extracts, known as tanshinones, were investigated. Dihydrotanshinone I was observed to exhibit a higher cytotoxic potential compared with the other tanshinones in the majority of the examined cell lines. Conversely, cryptotanshinone exhibited weak anti-cancer activity. In summary, the results of the present study suggest that the active components obtained from an ethanol extract of S. miltiorrhiza possess the potential to be used as ingredients in functional and health care foods that may be used to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapeutics in the prevention and/or treatment of cancer.

Salvia miltiorrhiza injection restores apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes cultured with serum from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (SMI) is a water‑soluble agent, derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), that is traditionally used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Furthermore it has been demonstrated to possess the ability to induce apoptosis of tumor cells. However, it remains unclear whether SMI can induce apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast‑like synoviocytes (FLS), which are hyperplastic in RA due to defective apoptosis. There is also evidence that allogenic serum may be associated with the induction of apoptosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of serum during SMI‑induced apoptosis in RA FLS. The results demonstrated that SMI could induce apoptosis of RA FLS, cultured with fetal bovine serum (FBS), in a dose‑dependent manner. In addition, SMI decreased the expression of nuclear factor‑κB in RA FLS nuclear extracts and inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor‑α. Fas ligand expression was not detected in RA FLS, in either the presence or absence of SMI. The pro‑apoptotic genes B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2) associated X protein (Bax) and Fas, were shown to be upregulated following SMI stimulation, whereas the expression levels of the anti‑apoptotic gene Bcl‑2, were downregulated. Upon replacement of FBS with normal human serum, the apoptotic rate and Bax mRNA expression levels following SMI stimulation, were unchanged. However, culturing RA FLS with patient' serum (RPS), restored the apoptotic rate and Bax mRNA expression levels following SMI stimulation. There may be numerous mechanisms by which SMI inhibits RA FLS proliferation. The present study demonstrated that SMI can restore apoptosis of RA FLS cultured with RPS. These results indicate that SMI may have a potential role in the treatment of synovial hyperplasia of RA.

Effect of nimesulide on the growth of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of nimesulide on the growth of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of NIM on Hep-2 cell proliferation was measured by the MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the cell cycle and apoptosis in Hep-2 cells. A Western blot analysis was used to detect changes in the protein expression levels of COX-2, Survivin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in Hep-2 cells. A Hep-2 tumor xenograft model was established in nude mice to observe tumor growth. The changes in the xenograft tumors were observed after hematoxylin/eosin staining. The expression levels of COX-2, Survivin and PCNA proteins and mRNA were measured by immunohistochemical analysis and RT-PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

NIM had time- and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of Hep-2 cells. NIM could prevent the progression of the cell cycle. After NIM treatment, COX-2, Survivin and PCNA protein levels were reduced in the Hep-2 cells. The volume and weight of the xenograft tumors in the NIM treatment group were significantly reduced. The NIM treatment group also exhibited significantly reduced expression levels of COX-2, Survivin and PCNA at both the protein and mRNA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that NIM has significant inhibitory effects on the growth of Hep-2 cells and xenograft tumors in nude mice. Selective COX-2 inhibitors could potentially become part of a comprehensive treatment for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Additional research and development will provide new and broader prospects for the prevention and treatment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

The anticancer properties of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen): a systematic review

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen in Chinese) is a classical Huoxue Huayu (a traditional Chinese medical term means promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis) herb with 1000 years of clinical application. It mainly contains two groups of ingredients: the hydrophilic phenolic acids and the lipophilic tanshinones. Both groups have demonstrated multiple bioactivities, such as antioxidative stress, antiplatelet aggregation, anti-inflammation, among others. Recent data have demonstrated that its lipophilic compounds, especially the tanshinones, show potent anticancer activities both in vitro and in vivo. The anticancer effects of the hydrophilic phenolic acids have also been reported. Furthermore, tanshinones provide structural skeletons for chemical modifications, allowing for a series of derivatives of interests. This review provides a systematic summary of the anticancer profile and the underlying mechanisms of the bioactive compounds isolated from Danshen with special emphasis on tanshinones, aiming to bring new insights for further research and development of this ancient herb.

Preliminary evaluation of the interactions of Panax ginseng and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge with 5-fluorouracil on pharmacokinetics in rats and pharmacodynamics in human cells

An increasing number of cancer patients are using herbs in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic treatment. It is therefore important to study the potential consequences of the interactions between herbs and anticancer drugs. The effects of extracts from Panax ginseng (PGS) and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) on the pharmacokinetics of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were performed in vivo and detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while, an ATP assay was used to study the pharmacodynamic interactions in vitro. The results of the pharmacokinetic experiments showed a significant increase in the elimination half-life (t1/2(k e )) of 5-FU in the PGS-pretreated group and in the area under the curve (AUC) in the SMB-pretreated group compared with the control group. However, after SMB pretreatment, weight loss was observed in rats. The results of pharmacodynamic experiments showed that neither PGS nor SMB, when used alone, directly inhibited cancer cell growth at 0.1-100 μg/ml. Moreover, PGS had a synergistic cytotoxic effect with 5-FU on human gastric cancer cells but not on normal gastric cells. The results imply that when combined with 5-FU, PGS may be a better candidate for further study. This study might provide insights for the selection of herbal-chemotherapy agent interactions.

Salvianolic acid B induces apoptosis in human glioma U87 cells through p38-mediated ROS generation

Salvianolic acid B (SalB), the main water-soluble bioactive compounds isolated from the traditional Chinese medical herb Danshen, has been shown to exert anti-cancer effect in several cancer cell lines. The aim of our study was to investigate the potential anti-cancer effect of SalB in human glioma U87 cells. We found that treatment with SalB significantly decreased cell viability of U87 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. SalB also enhanced the intracellular ROS generation and induced apoptotic cell death in U87 cells. Western blot analysis suggested that SalB increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and p53 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, blocking p38 activation by specific inhibitor SB203580 or p38 specific siRNA partly reversed the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, and ROS production induced by SalB treatment. The anti-tumor activity of SalB in vivo was also demonstrated in U87 xenograft glioma model. All of these findings extended the anti-cancer effect of SalB in human glioma cell lines, and suggested that these inhibitory effects of SalB on U87 glioma cell growth might be associated with p38 activation mediated ROS generation. Thus, SalB might be concerned as an effective and safe natural anticancer agent for glioma prevention and treatment.

Salvianolic acid B possesses vasodilation potential through NO and its related signals in rabbit thoracic aortic rings

Salviae miltiorrhizae, a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Salvianolic acid B is identified as one of the most important water-soluble active ingredients in Salviae miltiorrhizae and associated with the activation of Ca(2+) channel of cytomembrane. But the further mechanism of action was not very clearly. In our study, we investigated the vasodilation activity of salvianolic acid B using the isolated thoracic aortic rings from Japanese white rabbit. Salvianolic acid B significantly released the contraction of the isolated thoracic aortic rings induced by phenylephrine and CaCl(2) while had no effects on the aortic rings with KCl stimulated. Different with Di-ao-xin-xue-kang capsule, salvianolic acid B caused an increase of Ca(2+) in cytoplasm from not only activation of Ca(2+) channel in cytomembrane but also release of endogenous Ca(2+). Then, a series of endogenous Ca(2+) inhibitors were pretreated to explore the mechanism of salvianolic acid B, and the results provided further evidences that salvianolic acid B causes intracellular calcium release in ryanodine receptors-dependent manners. Moreover, combining l-arginine (l-Arg) with salvianolic acid B promoted the vasodilation activity suggesting a relationship with nitric oxide (NO). To further investigated its mechanism, both guanylate cyclase (GC) inhibitor and NO Synthase inhibitor were used and demonstrated to block vasodilation activity of the aortic rings. Our findings reveal a NO-sGC-cGMP signals dependence mechanism of salvianolic acid B on its vasodilation activity which provide an evidence for its subsequent application in clinic.

Pharmacological actions and therapeutic applications of Salvia miltiorrhiza depside salt and its active components

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a traditional medical herb known as danshen, has been widely used in China to improve blood circulation, relieve blood stasis, and treat coronary heart disease. S miltiorrhiza depside salt is a novel drug recently developed at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica; it contains magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) and its analogs, rosmarinic acid (RA) and lithospermic acid (LA), as active components. The drug has been used in the clinic to improve blood circulation and treat coronary heart disease. The pharmacological effects of the depside salt from S miltiorrhiza and its components have been extensively investigated. Experimental studies have demonstrated that magnesium lithospermate B possesses a variety of biological activities, especially protective effects in the cardiovascular system such as attenuation of atherosclerosis and protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid also show beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. This paper reviews the recent findings regarding the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological actions of the active components of S miltiorrhiza depside salt, based on published works and our own observations.

Phospho-ΔNp63α-dependent regulation of autophagic signaling through transcription and micro-RNA modulation

Cisplatin was shown to induce the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-dependent phosphorylation of tumor protein p63 isoform, (ΔNp63α), leading to a transcriptional regulation of specific genes implicated in the control of cell death of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells. We previously observed that the cisplatin-induced phosphorylated (p)-ΔNp63α transcriptionally regulates the expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in SCC cells. We found here that cisplatin exposure of SCC cells led to modulation of the members of the autophagic pathway, such as Atg1/Ulk1, Atg3, Atg4A, Atg5, Atg6/Becn1, Atg7, Atg9A and Atg10, by a direct p-ΔNp63α-dependent transcriptional regulation. We further found that specific miRNAs (miR-181a, miR-519a, miR-374a and miR-630), which are critical downstream targets of the p-ΔNp63α, modulated the protein levels of ATG5, ATG6/BECN1, ATG10, ATG12, ATG16L1 and UVRAG, adding another level of expression control for autophagic pathways in SCC cells upon cisplatin exposure. Our data support the notion that the cisplatin-induced p-ΔNp63α could regulate key pathways implicated in response of cancer cells to chemotherapeutics.

MicroRNA-211 expression promotes colorectal cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo by targeting tumor suppressor CHD5

Background

Chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 5 (CHD5) is a newly identified tumor suppressor that is frequently downregulated in a variety of human cancers. Our previous work revealed that the low expression of CHD5 in colorectal cancer is correlated with CHD5 promoter CpG island hypermethylation. In this study, we investigated the effect of microRNA-211 (miR-211)-regulated CHD5 expression on colorectal tumorigenesis.

Methodology/Principal Findings

miR-211 was predicted to target CHD5 by TargetScan software analysis. A stably expressing exogenous miR-211 colorectal cancer cell line (HCT-116^miR-211) was generated using lentiviral transduction and used as a model for in vitro and in vivo studies. The expression level of miR-211 in HCT-116^miR-211 cells was upregulated by 16-fold compared to vector control cells (HCT-116^vector). Exogenous miR-211 directly binds to the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of CHD5 mRNA, resulting in a 50% decrease in CHD5 protein level in HCT-116^miR-211 cells. The levels of cell proliferation, tumor growth, and cell migration of HCT-116^miR-211 cells were significantly higher than HCT-116^vector cells under both in vitro and in vivo conditions, as determined using the methods of MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, scratch assay, and tumor xenografts, respectively. In addition, we found that enforced expression of miR-211 in HCT-116 cells was able to alter p53 pathway-associated regulatory proteins, such as MDM2, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bax.

Conclusion/Significance

Our results demonstrate that CHD5 is a direct target of miR-211 regulation. Enforced expression of miR-211 promotes tumor cell growth at least in part by downregulating the expression level of the CHD5 tumor suppressor. Our results provide a better understanding of the association of between miR-211-regulated CHD5 expression and CHD5 function in colorectal tumorigenesis.

Modulation of growth and angiogenic potential of oral squamous carcinoma cells in vitro using salvianolic acid B

Background

Our previous studies showed that Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) inhibited 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral carcinogenesis in hamsters and such anti-cancer effects might be related to the inhibition of angiogenesis. This study was aimed to further investigate the anti-proliferative effect of Sal B on the most common type of oral cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the possible mechanisms of action with respect to angiogenesis inhibition.

Methods

Two well-characterized oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, CAL27 and SCC4, and premalignant leukoplakia cells were treated with different concentrations of Sal B. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay. cDNA microarray was utilized to evaluate the expression of 96 genes known to be involved in modulating the biological processes of angiogenesis. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis was conducted to confirm the cDNA microarray data.

Results

Sal B induced growth inhibition in OSCC cell lines but had limited effects on premalignant cells. A total of 17 genes showed a greater than 3-fold change when comparing Sal B treated OSCC cells to the control. Among these genes, HIF-1α, TNFα and MMP9 are specifically inhibited, expression of THBS2 was up-regulated.

Conclusions

Sal B has inhibitory effect on OSCC cell growth. The antitumor effect can be attributed to anti-angiogenic potential induced by a decreased expression of some key regulator genes of angiogenesis. Sal B may be a promising modality for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Enforced expression of miR-101 inhibits prostate cancer cell growth by modulating the COX-2 pathway in vivo

It is commonly agreed that there is an association of chronic inflammation with tumorigenesis. COX-2, a key regulator of inflammation-producing prostaglandins, promotes cell proliferation and growth; thus, overexpression of COX-2 is often found in tumor tissues. Therefore, a better understanding of the regulatory mechanism(s) of COX-2 could lead to novel targeted cancer therapies. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of microRNA-101 (miR-101)-regulated COX-2 expression and the therapeutic potential of exogenous miR-101 for COX-2-associated cancer. A stably expressing exogenous miR-101 prostate cancer cell line (BPH1(CmiR101)) was generated by using lentiviral transduction as a tool for in vitro and in vivo studies. We found that miR-101 inhibited COX-2 posttranscriptional expression by directly binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of COX-2 mRNA. The regulatory function of miR-101 was also confirmed by using antisense DNA. As a result, exogenous miR-101 is able to effectively suppress the growth of cultured prostate cancer cells and prostate tumor xenografts. The average tumor weight was significantly lower in the BPH1(CmiR101) group (0.22 g) than the BPH1(Cvec) group (0.46 g). Expression levels of the cell growth regulators, such as cyclin proteins, PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), were also studied. In conclusion, COX-2 is a direct target in miR-101 regulation of posttranscription. Exogenous miR-101 suppresses the proliferation and growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that exogenous miR-101 may provide a new cancer therapy by directly inhibiting COX-2 expression.

Improvement of prostate cancer detection by integrating the PSA test with miRNA expression profiling

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is limited in prostate cancer diagnosis due to its inaccuracy. A new approach which integrates the PSA test with miRNA profiling was investigated to improve prostate cancer diagnosis. Six prostate cancer-related miRNAs (miR-16, -21, -34c, -101, -125b, -141) were tested in five cultured prostate cell lines and 20 human prostate specimens. We found that the miRNA expression profiles were significantly different between nontumorigenic and tumorigenic cell lines and specimens. Positive predictive value analysis of prostate cancer was increased from 40% to 87.5% by integrating patient PSA blood levels with miR-21 and miR-141 profiles.

ΔNp63α/IRF6 interplay activates NOS2 transcription and induces autophagy upon tobacco exposure

Tobacco-induced oxidative stress leads to chronic inflammation and is implicated in the development of many human epithelial cancers, including head and neck cancer. Cigarette smoke exposure was shown to induce the expression of the ΔNp63α and nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells and immortalized oral keratinocytes. The NOS2 promoter was found to contain various cognate sequences for several transcription factors including interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-6 and p63, which were shown in vivo binding to the NOS2 promoter in response to smoke exposure. Small interfering (si)-RNAs against both ΔNp63α and IRF6 decreased the induction of NOS2 promoter-driven reporter luciferase activity and were shown to inhibit NOS2 activity. Furthermore, both mainstream (MSE) and sidestream (SSE) smoking extracts induced changes in expression of autophagic marker, LC3B, while siRNA against ΔNp63α, IRF6 and NOS2 modulated these autophagic changes. Overall, these data support the notion that ΔNp63α/IRF6 interplay regulates NOS2 transcription, thereby underlying the autophagic-related cancer cell response to tobacco exposure.

DeltaNp63alpha confers tumor cell resistance to cisplatin through the AKT1 transcriptional regulation

Strategies to address resistance to platin drugs are greatly needed in human epithelial cancers (e.g., ovarian, head/neck, and lung) where platins are used widely and resistance occurs commonly. We found that upon ΔNp63α overexpression, AKT1 and phospho-AKT1 levels are upregulated in cancer cells. Investigations using gel-shift, chromatin immunoprecipitation and functional reporter assays implicated ΔNp63α in positive regulation of AKT1 transcription. Importantly, we found that ΔNp63α, AKT1, and phospho-AKT levels are greater in 2008CI3 CDDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells than in 2008 CDDP-sensitive cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of ΔNp63α expression dramatically decreased AKT1 expression, whereas knockdown of either ΔNp63α or AKT1 decreased cell proliferation and increased death of ovarian and head/neck cancer cells. Conversely, enforced expression of ΔNp63α increased cancer cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis. Together, our findings define a novel ΔNp63α-dependent regulatory mechanism for AKT1 expression and its role in chemotherapeutic resistance of ovarian and head/neck cancer cells.

Revisiting the association between candidal infection and carcinoma, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Tobacco and alcohol are risk factors associated with cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract, but increasingly the role of infection and chronic inflammation is recognized as being significant in cancer development. Bacteria, particularly Helicobacter pylori, and viruses such as members of the human papilloma virus family and hepatitis B and C are strongly implicated as etiological factors in certain cancers. There is less evidence for an association between fungi and cancer, although it has been recognized for many years that white patches on the oral mucosa, which are infected with Candida, have a greater likelihood of undergoing malignant transformation than those that are not infected.

Objective

This article reviews the association between the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma in potentially malignant oral lesions with chronic candidal infection and describes mechanisms that may be involved in Candida-associated malignant transformation.

Salvianolic Acid B, a potential chemopreventive agent, for head and neck squamous cell cancer

Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is one of the top ten cancers in the United States. The survival rate of HNSCC has only marginally improved over the last two decades. In addition, African-American men bear a disproportionate burden of this preventable disease. Therefore, a critical challenge of preventive health approaches is warranted. Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge, which is a well-know Chinese medicines has been safely used to treat and prevent aging diseases for thousand of years. Recently, the anticancer properties of Sal-B have received more attention. Sal-B significantly inhibits or delays the growth of HNSCC in both cultured HNSCC cells and HNSCC xenograft animal models. The following anticancer mechanisms have been proposed: the inhibition of COX-2/PGE-2 pathway, the promotion of apoptosis, and the modulation of angiogenesis. In conclusion, Sal-B is a potential HNSCC chemopreventive agent working through antioxidation and anti-inflammation mechanisms.