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Advances on Delivery of Cytotoxic Enzymes as Anticancer Agents. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123836. [PMID: 35744957 PMCID: PMC9230553 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most serious human diseases, causing millions of deaths worldwide annually, and, therefore, it is one of the most investigated research disciplines. Developing efficient anticancer tools includes studying the effects of different natural enzymes of plant and microbial origin on tumor cells. The development of various smart delivery systems based on enzyme drugs has been conducted for more than two decades. Some of these delivery systems have been developed to the point that they have reached clinical stages, and a few have even found application in selected cancer treatments. Various biological, chemical, and physical approaches have been utilized to enhance their efficiencies by improving their delivery and targeting. In this paper, we review advanced delivery systems for enzyme drugs for use in cancer therapy. Their structure-based functions, mechanisms of action, fused forms with other peptides in terms of targeting and penetration, and other main results from in vivo and clinical studies of these advanced delivery systems are highlighted.
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Deng Z, Teng YJ, Zhou Q, Ouyang ZG, Hu YX, Long HP, Hu MJ, Mei S, Lin FX, Dai XJ, Zhang BY, Feng T, Tian XF. Shuyu pills inhibit immune escape and enhance chemosensitization in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1725-1740. [PMID: 34853646 PMCID: PMC8603453 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i11.1725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by dysregulation of the immune microenvironment and the development of chemoresistance. Specifically, expression of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis, an immune checkpoint, may lead to tumour immune escape, resulting in disease progression. The latest research shows that tumour immune escape may be caused by the upregulation of PD-L1 mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and simultaneous inhibition of HIF-1α and PD-L1 has the potential to enhance the host’s antitumour immunity. Moreover, inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis may mitigate tumour chemoresistance. Shuyu pills (SYPs) contain immunity-enhancing and antitumour components, making them a potential HCC treatment.
AIM To investigate the efficacy of SYPs for HCC treatment via simultaneous HIF-1α and PD-L1 inhibition and the mechanism involved.
METHODS A subcutaneous xenograft tumour model was first established in BALB/c nude mice by the subcutaneous injection of 1 × 107 SMMC-7721 cells. Male mice (male, 5 weeks old; n = 24) were then randomly divided into the following four groups (n = 6): Control (0.9% normal saline), SYP (200 mg/kg), SYP + cisplatin (DDP) (200 mg/kg + 5 mg/kg DDP weekly via intraperitoneal injection), and DDP (5 mg/kg cisplatin weekly via intraperitoneal injection). The dose of saline or SYPs for the indicated mouse groups was 0.2 mL/d via intragastric administration. The tumour volumes and body weights of the mice were measured every 2 d. The mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation after 14 d of continuous treatment, and the xenograft tissues were excised and weighed. Western blot assays were used to measure the protein expression of HIF-1α, PD1, PD-L1, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells in HCC tumours from mice. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used for real-time quantitative detection of PD-1, PD-L1, and HIF-1α mRNA expression. An immunofluorescence assay was conducted to examine the expression of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells.
RESULTS Compared to mice in the control group, those in the SYP and SYP + DDP groups exhibited reduced tumour volumes and tumour weights. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expression levels of the oncogene HIF1α and that of the negative immunomodulatory factors PD-1 and PD-L1 were decreased in both the SYP and SYP + DDP groups, with the decrease effects being more prominent in the SYP + DDP group than in the SYP group (HIF-1α protein: Control vs SYP, P = 0.0129; control vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0004; control vs DDP, P = 0.0152, SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0448; HIF-1α mRNA: control vs SYP, P = 0.0009; control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; control vs DDP, P = 0.0003, SYP vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0192. PD-1 protein: Control vs SYP, P = 0.0099; control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001, SPY vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0009; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P < 0.0001; PD-1 mRNA: control vs SYP, P = 0.0002; control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; control vs DDP, P = 0.0003, SPY vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0003; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0002. PD-L1 protein: control vs SYP, P < 0.0001; control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; control vs DDP, P < 0.0001, SPY vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0040; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0010; PD-L1 mRNA: Control vs SYP, P < 0.0001; control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; control vs DDP, P < 0.0001, SPY vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0014). Additionally, the quantitative and protein expression levels of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were simultaneously upregulated in the SYP + DDP group, whereas only the expression of CD4+ T cells was upregulated in the SYP group. (CD4+ T cell quantitative: Control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001, SYP vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0005; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0002. CD4+ T cell protein: Control vs SYP, P = 0.0033; Control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; Control vs DDP, P = 0.0021, SYP vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0004; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0006. Quantitative CD8+ T cells: Control vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0013; SYP vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0347; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0043. CD8+ T cell protein: Control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; SYP vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P < 0.0001). Finally, expression of HIF-1α was positively correlated with that of PD-1/PD-L1 and negatively correlated with the expression of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells.
CONCLUSION SYPs inhibit immune escape and enhance chemosensitization in HCC via simultaneous inhibition of HIF-1α and PD-L1, thus inhibiting the growth of subcutaneous xenograft HCC tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Deng
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yong-Jie Teng
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhao-Guang Ouyang
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510132, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu-Xing Hu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hong-Ping Long
- Experiment Center of Medical Innovation, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Mei-Jie Hu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Si Mei
- Department of Physiology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Feng-Xia Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Group, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518133, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xin-Jun Dai
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bo-Yu Zhang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ting Feng
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xue-Fei Tian
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
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Xu B, Tang B, Wei J. Role of STAT1 in the resistance of HBV to IFN-α. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:550. [PMID: 33850522 PMCID: PMC8027746 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to explore the mechanism of hepatitis B virus (HBV) resistance to interferon (IFN), and the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). HepG2.2.15 cells were stimulated with a long-term (6-24 weeks) low-dose interferon (IFN)α-2b (10-70 IU/ml), so as to construct and screen a HepG2.2.15 cell model resistant to IFNα-2b. The changes of STAT1 and other proteins in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, before and after drug resistance, were compared. The phosphorylation of STAT1 in HepG2.2.15 cells resistant to IFNα-2b was significantly decreased, and the expression level of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 was downregulated. Decreased phosphorylation of STAT1 in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway a contributor to the development of resistance to IFN-α in HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingfa Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230061, P.R. China
| | - Bo Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huainan First People's Hospital, Huainan, Anhui 232007, P.R. China
| | - Jiajia Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
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Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Therapeutic Mechanisms Underlying Beimu-Gualou Formula Activity against Bronchiectasis with In Silico Molecular Docking Validation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:3656272. [PMID: 33488758 PMCID: PMC7803403 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3656272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The classical Chinese herbal prescription Beimu-Gualou formula (BMGLF) has been diffusely applied to the treatment of respiratory diseases, including bronchiectasis. Although concerning bronchiectasis the effects and mechanisms of action of the BMGLF constituents have been partially elucidated, it remains to be determined how the formula in its entirety exerts therapeutic effects. Methods In this study, the multitarget mechanisms of BMGLF against bronchiectasis were predicted with network pharmacology analysis. Using prepared data, a drug-target interaction network was established and subsequently the core therapeutic targets of BMGLF were identified. Furthermore, the biological function and pathway enrichment of potential targets were analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and pivotal signaling pathways of BMGLF. Finally, virtual molecular docking was performed to assess the affinities of compounds for the candidate targets. Results The therapeutic action of BMGLF against bronchiectasis involves 18 core target proteins, including the aforementioned candidates (i.e., ALB, ICAM1, IL10, and MAPK1), which are assumed to be related to biological processes such as drug response, cellular response to lipopolysaccharide, immune response, and positive regulation of NF-κB activity in bronchiectasis. Among the top 20 signaling pathways identified, mechanisms of action appear to be primarily related to Chagas disease, allograft rejection, hepatitis B, and inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusion In summary, using a network pharmacology approach, we initially predicted the complex regulatory profile of BMGLF against bronchiectasis in which multilink suppression of immune/inflammatory responses plays an essential role. These results may provide a basis for novel pharmacotherapeutic approaches for bronchiectasis.
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Citores L, Iglesias R, Ferreras JM. Antiviral Activity of Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:80. [PMID: 33499086 PMCID: PMC7912582 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are rRNA N-glycosylases from plants (EC 3.2.2.22) that inactivate ribosomes thus inhibiting protein synthesis. The antiviral properties of RIPs have been investigated for more than four decades. However, interest in these proteins is rising due to the emergence of infectious diseases caused by new viruses and the difficulty in treating viral infections. On the other hand, there is a growing need to control crop diseases without resorting to the use of phytosanitary products which are very harmful to the environment and in this respect, RIPs have been shown as a promising tool that can be used to obtain transgenic plants resistant to viruses. The way in which RIPs exert their antiviral effect continues to be the subject of intense research and several mechanisms of action have been proposed. The purpose of this review is to examine the research studies that deal with this matter, placing special emphasis on the most recent findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José M. Ferreras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, E-47011 Valladolid, Spain; (L.C.); (R.I.)
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Asrorov AM, Gu Z, Min KA, Shin MC, Huang Y. Advances on Tumor-Targeting Delivery of Cytotoxic Proteins. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 3:107-118. [PMID: 32259092 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Great attention has been paid to cytotoxic proteins (e.g., ribosome-inactivating proteins, RIPs) possessing high anticancer activities; unlike small drugs, cytotoxic proteins can effectively retain inside the cells and avoid drug efflux mediated by multidrug resistance transporters due to the large-size effect. However, the clinical translation of these proteins is severely limited because of various biobarriers that hamper their effective delivery to tumor cells. Hence, in order to overcome these barriers, many smart drug delivery systems (DDS) have been developed. In this review, we will introduce two representative type I RIPs, trichosanthin (TCS) and gelonin (Gel), and overview the major biobarriers for protein-based cancer therapy. Finally, we outline advances on the development of smart DDS for effective delivery of these cytotoxic proteins for various applications in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akmal M Asrorov
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, 83, M. Ulughbek Street, Tashkent 100125, Uzbekistan
| | - Zeyun Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kyoung Ah Min
- College of Pharmacy and Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Inje University, 197 Injero, Gimhae, Gyeongnam 50834, Korea
| | - Meong Cheol Shin
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Korea
| | - Yongzhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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Song Y, Wang Z, Li H, Xing W, Wu Y, Li C, Liu Y, Han J, Wang W. The ethyl acetate extracts of radix trichosanthis protect retinal vascular endothelial cells from high glucose-induced injury. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 240:111954. [PMID: 31085225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.111954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Radix trichosanthis (RT) is a popular plant in China to treat diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of different extracts of RT and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS Ethyl acetate extracts of radix trichosanthis (ERT), methanol extracts of radix trichosanthis (MRT) and water extracts of radix trichosanthis (WRT) were prepared. The retinal vascular endothelial cells (RVEC) were stimulated with high glucose or high glucose plus different extracts of RT. Then, cell viability, Transwell assay, tube formation and BrdU assay were measured. In the end, the Hippo and Notch signaling pathways were evaluated to clarify the pharmacological mechanism. RESULTS The results indicated that ERT exhibited the best efficacy. It significantly inhibited cell viability, blocked cell migration, attenuated tube formation and reduced the ratio of proliferated cells. It also adjusted the Hippo and Notch signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS ERT suppressed high glucose-induced injury in REVC by regulating the Hippo and Notch signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongli Song
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Zhenglin Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Hongli Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Wei Xing
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Yan Wu
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Chun Li
- Modern Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Yonggang Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Material Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Jing Han
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
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Shi WW, Wong KB, Shaw PC. Structural and Functional Investigation and Pharmacological Mechanism of Trichosanthin, a Type 1 Ribosome-Inactivating Protein. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10080335. [PMID: 30127254 PMCID: PMC6115768 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10080335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichosanthin (TCS) is an RNA N-glycosidase that depurinates adenine-4324 in the conserved α-sarcin/ricin loop (α-SRL) of rat 28 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). TCS has only one chain, and is classified as type 1 ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP). Our structural studies revealed that TCS consists of two domains, with five conserved catalytic residues Tyr70, Tyr111, Glu160, Arg163 and Phe192 at the active cleft formed between them. We also found that the structural requirements of TCS to interact with the ribosomal stalk protein P2 C-terminal tail. The structural analyses suggest TCS attacks ribosomes by first binding to the C-terminal domain of ribosomal P protein. TCS exhibits a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities including anti-tumor, anti-virus, and immune regulatory activities. This review summarizes an updated knowledge in the structural and functional studies and the mechanism of its multiple pharmacological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wei Shi
- Centre for Protein Science and Crystallography, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin New Town, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kam-Bo Wong
- Centre for Protein Science and Crystallography, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin New Town, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Pang-Chui Shaw
- Centre for Protein Science and Crystallography, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin New Town, Hong Kong, China.
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Li J, Li H, Zhang Z, Wang N, Zhang Y. The anti-cancerous activity of recombinant trichosanthin on prostate cancer cell PC3. Biol Res 2016; 49:21. [PMID: 27015938 PMCID: PMC4807558 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-016-0081-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Trichosanthin produced in the root tube of Trichosanthes kirilowii shows anti-tumor activity on a series of cancer cells including Hela, MCF-7, HL-60. But there is little information about its effect on the carcinogenesis of prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE This work was designed to study the role of trichosanthin on prostate cancer cells PC3. MATERIALS AND METHODS Trichosanthin was expressed in BL21 strain and purified by affinity chromatography. MTT assay was designed to determine the effect of trichosanthin on growth of PC3 cells at doses of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 120 μg/ml. Then the effect of 50 μg/ml rTCS alone or combined with 2 μM IL-2 on PC3 cell proliferation was analyzed. And the mechanism of rTCS was studied by western blot. After that the in vivo effect of rTCS combined with IL-2 was explored in mice bearing PC3 xenograft tumor. RESULTS Trichosanthin was successfully expressed in BL21 and purified by 100 mM imidazole. It was shown to inhibit proliferation of PC3 cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 50.6 μg/ml. When combined with cytokine IL-2, a significant synergic effect was obtained. The inhibition rate on PC3 was around 50 % in combination group while only 35.5 % in single rTCS group at 50 μg/ml. Further, the expression of full length caspase-8 and Bcl-2 decreased significantly while cleaved caspase-8 and Bax were up-regulated, which suggest that caspase-8-mediated apoptosis pathway may be activated by rTCS in PC3 cells. Moreover, our data demonstrated that tumor volume and tumor weight were significantly reduced in rTCS-treated or rTCS/IL-2-treated nude mice bearing PC3 xenograft tumor compared with control. And significant difference was also found between rTCS and rTCS/IL-2 group. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that rTCS is a potential agent with high in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity on PC3 cells. And rTCS combined with IL-2 is a promising strategy in treating patients with prostate cancer in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- JinLong Li
- />Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southeast University, Zhongfu Road 1-1, Nanjing, 210003 China
- />Department of Biochemistry and State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China
| | - Hui Li
- />Department of Neonatology, The Taizhou People’s Hospital, Taizhou, 225300 China
| | - ZhaoLi Zhang
- />Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003 China
| | - NianYue Wang
- />Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southeast University, Zhongfu Road 1-1, Nanjing, 210003 China
| | - YongChen Zhang
- />Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southeast University, Zhongfu Road 1-1, Nanjing, 210003 China
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