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Marchesi E, Perrone D, Navacchia ML. Molecular Hybridization as a Strategy for Developing Artemisinin-Derived Anticancer Candidates. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2185. [PMID: 37765156 PMCID: PMC10536797 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin is a natural compound extracted from Artemisia species belonging to the Asteraceae family. Currently, artemisinin and its derivatives are considered among the most significant small-molecule antimalarial drugs. Artemisinin and its derivatives have also been shown to possess selective anticancer properties, however, there are several limitations and gaps in knowledge that retard their repurposing as effective anticancer agents. Hybridization resulting from a covalent combination of artemisinin with one or more active pharmacophores has emerged as a promising approach to overcome several issues. The variety of hybridization partners allows improvement in artemisinin activity by tuning the ability of conjugated artemisinin to interact with various molecule targets involved in multiple biological pathways. This review highlights the current scenario of artemisinin-derived hybrids with potential anticancer activity. The synthetic approaches to achieve the corresponding hybrids and the structure-activity relationships are discussed to facilitate further rational design of more effective candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Marchesi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Daniela Perrone
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Navacchia
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 40129 Bologna, Italy
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Wong KH, Yang D, Chen S, He C, Chen M. Development of Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems of Dihydroartemisinin for Cancer Therapy: A Review. Asian J Pharm Sci 2022; 17:475-490. [PMID: 36105316 PMCID: PMC9459003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Immunomolecular evaluation of dihydroartemisinin effects on apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell lines. Leuk Res 2021; 110:106702. [PMID: 34571432 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2021.106702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, has recently shown to induce apoptosis in many types of cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of DHA on apoptosis in human chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cell lines. METHODS The cells were treated separately and combined by DHA and Fludurabine (FLU) during 24, 48 and 72 hours. The cell viabilities determined by XTT method. Following separate and combined treatment of IC50 concentrations of DHA and FLU to the cells during 24 hours, the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine the effects on apopotis staining with AnnexinV FITC and PI. mRNA and protein expression levels of TCTP, Mcl-1, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 were analyzed to find out the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis by using quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometric methods. RESULTS Treatment with DHA alone or in combination with FLU induced apoptosis in a dose dependent manner in CLL cells. DHA alone was more effective than FLU alone or combined treatment with DHA and FLU. Our results suggest that Bcl-2 protein family member Bax was active in the apoptotic response of CLL cells after DHA treatment. Moreover, the apoptotic response induced by DHA was independent from the p53 mutation status of the CLL cells. CONCLUSION DHA might be a potential anti-cancer therapeutic for CLL.
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Xiong Y, Huang J. Anti-malarial drug: the emerging role of artemisinin and its derivatives in liver disease treatment. Chin Med 2021; 16:80. [PMID: 34407830 PMCID: PMC8371597 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00489-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives belong to a family of drugs approved for the treatment of malaria with known clinical safety and efficacy. In addition to its anti-malarial effect, artemisinin displays anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects in vivo and in vitro. Recently, much attention has been paid to the therapeutic role of artemisinin in liver diseases. Several studies suggest that artemisinin and its derivatives can protect the liver through different mechanisms, such as those pertaining to inflammation, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and induction of apoptosis and autophagy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of artemisinin and its derivatives in treating liver diseases. Further pharmacological research will aid in determining whether artemisinin and its derivatives may serve as promising medicines for the treatment of liver diseases in the future. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xiong
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jianrong Huang
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Kamarya Y, Lijie X, Jinyao L. Chemical Constituents and their Anti-Tumor Mechanism of Plants from Artemisia. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:1838-1844. [PMID: 34238198 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210708125230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, chemotherapy is still the main treatment method for cancer, but its side effects and multidrug resistance limit the therapeutic effect seriously. Now the screening of anti-tumor drugs with higher efficiency and lower toxicity from natural products is one of the important research directions for oncotherapy. Artemisia has a variety of anti-tumor constituents, which can exert its anti-tumor effect by inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, arresting cell cycle, accelerating iron ion-mediated oxidative damage, etc. Objective: This paper will provide a focused, up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the anti-tumor active constituents and their mechanisms of plants in Artemisia. METHOD The relevant information about Artemisia and its bioactive components comes from scientific databases (such as PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct). RESULTS Here we have discussed the present situation and mechanism of bioactive components of Artemisia in anti-tumor. The application prospect of active components of Artemisia in cancer prevention and treatment was investigated. CONCLUSION The information summarized in this review may provide new ideas for the follow-up treatment of cancer and contribute to the development of new, effective, multi-side effects and fewer side effects of antineoplastic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Kamarya
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xia Lijie
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Li Jinyao
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
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Navacchia ML, Marchesi E, Perrone D. Bile Acid Conjugates with Anticancer Activity: Most Recent Research. Molecules 2020; 26:E25. [PMID: 33374573 PMCID: PMC7793148 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The advantages of a treatment modality that combines two or more therapeutic agents in cancer therapy encourages the study of hybrid functional compounds for pharmacological applications. In light of this, we reviewed recent works on hybrid molecules based on bile acids. Due to their biological properties, as well as their different chemical/biochemical reactive moieties, bile acids can be considered very interesting starting molecules for conjugation with natural or synthetic bioactive molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Navacchia
- Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, National Research Council, Piero Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Marchesi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Daniela Perrone
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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Alven S, Aderibigbe BA. Nanoparticles Formulations of Artemisinin and Derivatives as Potential Therapeutics for the Treatment of Cancer, Leishmaniasis and Malaria. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E748. [PMID: 32784933 PMCID: PMC7466127 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12080748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer, malaria, and leishmaniasis remain the deadly diseases around the world although several strategies of treatment have been developed. However, most of the drugs used to treat the aforementioned diseases suffer from several pharmacological limitations such as poor pharmacokinetics, toxicity, drug resistance, poor bioavailability and water solubility. Artemisinin and its derivatives are antimalarial drugs. However, they also exhibit anticancer and antileishmanial activity. They have been evaluated as potential anticancer and antileishmanial drugs but their use is also limited by their poor water solubility and poor bioavailability. To overcome the aforementioned limitations associated with artemisinin and its derivatives used for the treatment of these diseases, they have been incorporated into nanoparticles. Several researchers incorporated this class of drugs into nanoparticles resulting in enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Their potential efficacy for the treatment of parasitic infections such as malaria and leishmaniasis and chronic diseases such as cancer has been reported. This review article will be focused on the nanoparticles formulations of artemisinin and derivatives for the treatment of cancer, malaria, and leishmaniasis and the biological outcomes (in vitro and in vivo).
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Luo Y, Guo Q, Zhang L, Zhuan Q, Meng L, Fu X, Hou Y. Dihydroartemisinin exposure impairs porcine ovarian granulosa cells by activating PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 403:115159. [PMID: 32721431 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is an artemisinin derivative commonly used in malaria therapy, and a growing number of studies have focused on the potent anticancer activity of DHA. However, the reproductive toxicity of anticancer drugs is a major concern for young female cancer patients. Previous studies have suggested that DHA can cause embryonic damage and affect oocyte maturation. Here, we explored the side effects of DHA exposure on ovarian somatic cells. We exposed porcine granulosa cells to 5 μM and 40 μM DHA for 24 h or 48 h in vitro. DHA inhibited granulosa cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and, in the 48 h treatment group, DHA enhanced the apoptotic rate. We observed that the levels of intracellular calcium, mitochondrial calcium, and ATP concentration were elevated with DHA treatment. In granulosa cells exposed to DHA, the mRNA levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes GRP78 and ATF4 were increased. Furthermore, analysis of the unfolded protein response signaling pathway showed that the protein levels of P-PERK, P-eIF2α, and ATF4 were upregulated by DHA exposure. These results demonstrate that in granulosa cells, DHA exposure induces endoplasmic reticulum stress that then activates the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling pathway, thus providing insight into the mechanism underlying DHA-induced reproductive toxicity, and giving reference to DHA use in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qing Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qingrui Zhuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lin Meng
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunpeng Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Zou J, Ma Q, Sun R, Cai J, Liao H, Xu L, Xia J, Huang G, Yao L, Cai Y, Zhong X, Guo X. Dihydroartemisinin inhibits HepG2.2.15 proliferation by inducing cellular senescence and autophagy. BMB Rep 2020. [PMID: 31383247 PMCID: PMC6726210 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2019.52.8.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been reported to possess anti-cancer activity against many cancers. However, the pharmacologic effect of DHA on HBV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine whether DHA could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2.2.15 cells and uncover the underlying mechanisms involved in the effect of DHA on HepG2.2.15 cells. We found that DHA effectively inhibited HepG2.2.15 HCC cell proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. DHA also reduced the migration and tumorigenicity capacity of HepG2.2.15 cells. Regarding the underlying mechanisms, results showed that DHA induced cellular senescence by up-regulating expression levels of proteins such as p-ATM, p-ATR, γ-H2AX, P53, and P21 involved in DNA damage response. DHA also induced autophagy (green LC3 puncta gathered together and LC3II/LC3I ratio increased through AKT-mTOR pathway suppression). Results also revealed that DHA-induced autophagy was not linked to senescence or cell death. TPP1 (telomere shelterin) overexpression could not rescue DHA-induced anticancer activity (cell proliferation). Moreover, DHA down-regulated TPP1 expression. Gene knockdown of TPP1 caused similar phenotypes and mechanisms as DHA induced phenotypes and mechanisms in HepG2.2.15 cells. These results demonstrate that DHA might inhibit HepG2.2.15 cells proliferation through inducing cellular senescence and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Zou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College; Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College; Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College; Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College; Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
| | - Ru Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College; Department of Blood Transfusion, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
| | - Jiajing Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College; Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College; Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
| | - Hebin Liao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
| | - Lei Xu
- Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
| | - Jingruo Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College; Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College; Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
| | - Guangcheng Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College; Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College; Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
| | - Lihua Yao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College; Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College; Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
| | - Yan Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College; Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College; Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
| | - Xiaowu Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College; Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College; Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
| | - Xiaolan Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College; Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College; Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, P.R.China
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Su QH, Xu XQ, Wang JF, Luan JW, Ren X, Huang HY, Bian SS. Anticancer Effects of Constituents of Herbs Targeting Osteosarcoma. Chin J Integr Med 2019; 25:948-955. [PMID: 31161441 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-019-2941-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a rare primary malignancy of bone that is prone to early metastasis. Resection surgery and chemotherapeutic regimens are current standard treatments for osteosarcoma. However, the long-term survival rate of patients with osteosarcoma is low due to a high risk of metastasis. Hence, a new approach is urgently needed to improve the treatment of osteosarcoma. Compared with chemotherapy, natural active constituents isolated from herbs exhibit less adverse effects and better anti-tumor effects. This study aimed to summarize the anticancer effects of constituents of herbs on the progression and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells. It showed that many constituents of herbs inhibited osteosarcoma by targeting proliferation, matrix metalloproteinases, integrin and cadherin, and angiogenesis. The findings might be beneficial for the development of new drugs and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hong Su
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China
| | - Xiao-Qun Xu
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China
| | - Jun-Fu Wang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China
| | - Jun-Wen Luan
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China
| | - Xia Ren
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China
| | - Hai-Yan Huang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, China
| | - Si-Shan Bian
- Department of Orthopaedics, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
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Li J, Li TX, Ma Y, Zhang Y, Li DY, Xu HR. Bursopentin (BP5) induces G1 phase cell cycle arrest and endoplasmic reticulum stress/mitochondria-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in human colon cancer HCT116 cells. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:130. [PMID: 31123429 PMCID: PMC6521404 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-0849-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bursopentin (BP5) is a multifunctional pentapeptide found in the chicken bursa of Fabricius. Recent study indicated that BP5 significantly stimulates expression of p53 protein in colon cancer HCT116 cells. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of BP5 on HCT116 cell proliferation remain largely unclear. Methods Analyses of cell viability, cell cycle arrest as well as apoptosis were performed to study the actions of BP5 on HCT116 cells. Western blot analyse was assayed to measure the cell cycle-related and apoptosis-related proteins. Specific siRNAs targeting IRE1, ATF-6, and PERK were used for IRE1, ATF-6, and PERK knockdown, respectively. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using a H2DCF-DA green fluorescence probe. Cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were measured using Fluo-3 AM and JC-1 stains, respectively. Results BP5 possessed strong inhibitory effects on the cell growth and induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells. Mechanistically, BP5 arrested the cell cycle at G1 phase by increasing p53 and p21 expression and decreasing cyclin E1-CDK2 complex expression. BP5 treatment dramatically activated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptotic pathway, as revealed by the significantly enhanced expression of unfolded protein response (UPR) sensors (IRE1α, ATF6, PERK) as well as downstream signaling molecules (XBP-1s, eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP), and by the significantly altered the BP5-induced phenotypic changes in IRE1, ATF6, and PERK knockdown cells. Additionally, BP5-induced ER stress was accompanied by the accumulation of cytosolic free Ca2+ and intracellular ROS. Furthermore, BP5 treatment resulted in the increase of Bax expression, the decrease of Bcl-2 expression and the reduction of ΔΨm, subsequently causing a release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm and finally enhancing the activities of caspase-9 and -3. In addition, z-VAD-fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor, markedly rescued BP5-induced cell viability reduction and reduced BP5-induced apoptosis. Conclusions Our present results suggest that BP5 has an anticancer capacity to arrest cell cycle at G1 phase and to trigger ER stress/mitochondria-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in HCT116 cells. Therefore, our findings provide insight into further investigations of the anticancer activities of BP5. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12935-019-0849-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- 1Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 People's Republic of China.,2Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Xiang Li
- 3Department of Clinical Medicine, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000 People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Ma
- 1Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 People's Republic of China.,2Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Zhang
- 1Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 People's Republic of China.,2Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 People's Republic of China
| | - De-Yuan Li
- 4Key Lab of Animal Disease Diagnosis and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Rong Xu
- 1Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 People's Republic of China.,2Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 People's Republic of China.,5Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 People's Republic of China
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Yao Z, Bhandari A, Wang Y, Pan Y, Yang F, Chen R, Xia E, Wang O. Dihydroartemisinin potentiates antitumor activity of 5-fluorouracil against a resistant colorectal cancer cell line. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 501:636-642. [PMID: 29738772 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although the combination of chemotherapy and surgical resection has effectively increased the survival rate of colorectal cancer patients in recent decades, acquired drug resistance is still a problem that leads to treatment failure. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin, has recently been reported to show anticancer effects against numerous types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. This study showed that DHA exerted a strong anticancer effect against several colorectal cancer cell lines. We also found that p53 knockout colorectal cancer HCT116 cells (HCT116 TP53-/-) were not sensitive to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment, unlike wild-type HCT116 cells. Interestingly, co-treatment with DHA could effectively restore the anticancer effect of 5-FU against HCT116 TP53-/- cells, which manifested as the inhibition of proliferation and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis and was accompanied by the upregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and downregulation of the BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX). These findings suggested that DHA could effectively sensitize cells to 5-FU through ROS-mediated apoptosis and the alteration of the BCL-2/BAX expression ratio, which indicated that this may be one of the mechanisms of the DHA-promoted 5-FU anticancer effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Yao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Adheesh Bhandari
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yinghao Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yiyuan Pan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Rongfa Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Erjie Xia
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Ouchen Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
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Toxicity and related mechanisms of dihydroartemisinin on porcine oocyte maturation in vitro. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 341:8-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Im E, Yeo C, Lee HJ, Lee EO. Dihydroartemisinin induced caspase-dependent apoptosis through inhibiting the specificity protein 1 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma SK-Hep-1 cells. Life Sci 2018; 192:286-292. [PMID: 29128513 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, well known for a safe and effective first-line antimalarial agent. This study investigated whether and how DHA induces apoptosis focusing on the specificity protein 1 (Sp1) pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) SK-Hep-1 cells. MAIN METHODS The cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell cycle analysis was performed after PI staining by flow cytometry system. Apoptosis was confirmed by DAPI staining and by detecting cytoplasmic histone-associated-DNA-fragments using a cell death detection ELISAPLUS kit. The expression of proteins involved in apoptosis was evaluated by Western blot. The nuclear localization of Sp1 was evaluated by immunofluorescence assay. KEY FINDINGS DHA exerted potent cytotoxicity against HCC SK-Hep-1 cells compared with normal hepatocyte AML12 cells. The sub-G1 DNA content and apoptosis index were increased by DHA, which was accompanied by nuclei condensation and fragmentation. DHA activated caspase 3, caspase 8, and caspase 9 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). DHA-induced apoptotic cell death, activation of caspases and cleavage of PARP were dramatically inhibited by pan caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. DHA down-regulated protein expression and nuclear localization of Sp1, which in turn decreased Sp1 downstream target protein, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis. Decreased Sp1 protein expression by DHA was restored by proteasome inhibitor MG132. DHA led to a down-regulation of phospho-ERK, -p38 and -JNK without affecting their total forms. SIGNIFICANCE These results demonstrate that DHA induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in HCC SK-Hep-1 cells by proteasome-dependent degradation of Sp1, which is involved in mitogen-activate protein kinase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Im
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Changhwan Yeo
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jeong Lee
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ok Lee
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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From ancient herb to modern drug: Artemisia annua and artemisinin for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 46:65-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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16
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Chen H, Gu S, Dai H, Li X, Zhang Z. Dihydroartemisinin Sensitizes Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells to Arsenic Trioxide via Apoptosis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2017; 179:203-212. [PMID: 28261759 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-017-0975-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an effective anti-cancer drug for treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia and other types of human cancer. However, we have found that lung cancer cells constantly develop a high level of resistance to ATO. In this study, we have explored a possibility of combination of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and ATO treatments to reduce ATO resistance of lung cancer cells. We determined the combinatory effects of DHA and ATO on cytotoxicity of human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. We showed that co-exposure to DHA and ATO of A549 cells synergistically increased the cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death in the cells. We found that the synergistic effect of DHA and ATO in promoting apoptosis mainly resulted from increased cellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage. ATO alone only exerted moderate growth inhibitory effects on A549 cells. The results indicate that DHA can significantly sensitize ATO-induced cytotoxicity of A549 lung cancer cells through apoptosis mediated by ROS-induced DNA damage. Interestingly, we found that the combinatory treatment of DHA and ATO did not result in significant adverse effects in normal human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. Our results further provide evidence for the potential application of combinatory effects of DHA and ATO as a safe therapy for human lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, No. 16, Section 3, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyan Gu
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, No. 16, Section 3, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huangmei Dai
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, No. 16, Section 3, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyang Li
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, No. 16, Section 3, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zunzhen Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, No. 16, Section 3, Renmin Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Xu W, Lu C, Yao L, Zhang F, Shao J, Zheng S. Dihydroartemisinin protects against alcoholic liver injury through alleviating hepatocyte steatosis in a farnesoid X receptor-dependent manner. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 315:23-34. [PMID: 27939985 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a common etiology of liver diseases, characterized by hepatic steatosis. We previously identified farnesoid X receptor (FXR) as a potential therapeutic target for ALD. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been recently identified to possess potent pharmacological activities on liver diseases. This study was aimed to explore the impact of DHA on ALD and further elaborate the underlying mechanisms. Gain- or loss-of-function analyses of FXR were applied in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Results demonstrated that DHA rescued FXR expression and activity in alcoholic rat livers. DHA also reduced serodiagnostic markers of liver injury, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase. DHA improved alcohol-induced liver histological lesions, expression of inflammation genes, and inflammatory cell infiltration. In addition, DHA not only attenuated hyperlipidemia but also reduced hepatic steatosis through regulating lipogenesis and lipolysis genes. In vitro experiments further consolidated the concept that DHA ameliorated ethanol-caused hepatocyte injury and steatosis. Noteworthily, DHA effects were reinforced by FXR agonist obeticholic acid or FXR expression plasmids but abrogated by FXR antagonist Z-guggulsterone or FXR siRNA. In summary, DHA significantly improved alcoholic liver injury by inhibiting hepatic steatosis, which was dependent on its activation of FXR in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chunfeng Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lu Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Pang Y, Qin G, Wu L, Wang X, Chen T. Artesunate induces ROS-dependent apoptosis via a Bax-mediated intrinsic pathway in Huh-7 and Hep3B cells. Exp Cell Res 2016; 347:251-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Xu G, Zou WQ, Du SJ, Wu MJ, Xiang TX, Luo ZG. Mechanism of dihydroartemisinin-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer PC3 cells: An iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis. Life Sci 2016; 157:1-11. [PMID: 27234895 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in men in the world. Advanced PCa, especially castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), is difficult to cure. There is an urgent need to develop novel agents for CPRC. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin and is a well-known antimalarial drug. DHA has been documented to be a potential anticancer agent for PCa. However, the mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of DHA are still unknown. MAIN METHODS Proteomics analysis based on iTRAQ technology was performed to determine the protein profile changes in human prostate cancer PC3 cells treated by DHA, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. KEY FINDINGS DHA induced obvious apoptosis in PC3 cells. Using iTRAQ technology, we found 86 differentially expressed proteins linked to the cytotoxicity of DHA in PC3 cells. Gene ontology analysis showed the differentially expressed proteins were mainly associated with the protein synthesis and translation. Protein interaction network analysis and KEGG pathway analysis revealed altered aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and metabolic pathways. Moreover, one candidate protein, heat shock protein HSP70 (HSPA1A), was identified by western blot analysis. SIGNIFICANCE Our results indicate that multiple mechanisms involved in the anticancer activity of DHA in PC3 cells. Decreased HSP70 expression may have an important role in DHA-induced apoptosis in PC3 cells. Our data also provide novel insights into the anticancer mechanisms of DHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Xu
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wen-Qin Zou
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Shi-Juan Du
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ming-Jun Wu
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ting-Xiu Xiang
- Artron BioResearch Inc., 3938 North Fraser Way, Burnaby, BC, V5J 5H6, Canada
| | - Zi-Guo Luo
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Kim SH, Kang SH, Kang BS. Therapeutic effects of dihydroartemisinin and transferrin against glioblastoma. Nutr Res Pract 2016; 10:393-7. [PMID: 27478545 PMCID: PMC4958641 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2016.10.4.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Artemisinin, a natural product isolated from Gaeddongssuk (artemisia annua L.) and its main active derivative, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), have long been used as antimalarial drugs. Recent studies reported that artemisinin is efficacious for curing diseases, including cancers, and for improving the immune system. Many researchers have shown the therapeutic effects of artemisinin on tumors such as breast cancer, liver cancer and kidney cancer, but there is still insufficient data regarding glioblastoma (GBM). Glioblastoma accounts for 12-15% of brain cancer, and the median survival is less than a year, despite medical treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of DHA and transferrin against glioblastoma (glioblastoma multiforme, GBM). MATERIALS/METHODS This study was performed through in vitro experiments using C6 cells. The toxicity dependence of DHA and transferrin (TF) on time and concentration was analyzed by MTT assay and cell cycle assay. Observations of cellular morphology were recorded with an optical microscope and color digital camera. The anti-cancer mechanism of DHA and TF against GBM were studied by flow cytometry with Annexin V and caspase 3/7. RESULTS MTT assay revealed that TF enhanced the cytotoxicity of DHA against C6 cells. An Annexin V immune-precipitation assay showed that the percentages of apoptosis of cells treated with TF, DHA alone, DHA in combination with TF, and the control group were 7.15 ± 4.15%, 34.3 ± 5.15%, 66.42 ± 5.98%, and 1.2 ± 0.15%, respectively. The results of the Annexin V assay were consistent with those of the MTT assay. DHA induced apoptosis in C6 cells through DNA damage, and TF enhanced the effects of DHA. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrated that DHA, the derivative of the active ingredient in Gaeddongssuk, is effective against GBM, apparently via inhibition of cancer cell proliferation by a pharmacological effect. The role of transferrin as an allosteric activator in the GBM therapeutic efficacy of DHA was also confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk Hee Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Hyejeon College, Chungnam 32244, Korea
| | - Seong Hee Kang
- Department of Radiological Science, College of Medical Science, Konyang University, 158 Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Bo Sun Kang
- Department of Radiological Science, College of Medical Science, Konyang University, 158 Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Korea
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Qin G, Zhao C, Zhang L, Liu H, Quan Y, Chai L, Wu S, Wang X, Chen T. Dihydroartemisinin induces apoptosis preferentially via a Bim-mediated intrinsic pathway in hepatocarcinoma cells. Apoptosis 2016; 20:1072-86. [PMID: 25935454 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-015-1132-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This report is designed to dissect the detail molecular mechanism by which dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin, induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. DHA induced a loss of the mitochondrial transmemberane potential (ΔΨm), release of cytochrome c, activation of caspases, and externalization of phosphatidylserine indicative of apoptosis induction. Compared with the modest inhibitory effects of silencing Bax, silencing Bak largely prevented DHA-induced ΔΨm collapse and apoptosis though DHA induced a commensurable activation of Bax and Bak, demonstrating a key role of the Bak-mediated intrinsic apoptosis pathway. DHA did not induce Bid cleavage and translocation from cytoplasm to mitochondria and had little effects on the expressions of Puma and Noxa, but did increase Bim and Bak expressions and decrease Mcl-1 expression. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of DHA was remarkably reduced by silencing Bim, and modestly but significantly reduced by silencing Puma or Noxa. Silencing Bim or Noxa preferentially reduced DHA-induced Bak activation, while silencing Puma preferentially reduced DHA-induced Bax activation, demonstrating that Bim and to a lesser extent Noxa act as upstream mediators to trigger the Bak-mediated intrinsic apoptosis pathway. In addition, silencing Mcl-1 enhanced DHA-induced Bak activation and apoptosis. Taken together, our data demonstrate a crucial role of Bim in preferentially regulating the Bak/Mcl-1 rheostat to mediate DHA-induced apoptosis in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiqi Qin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
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Chen SS, Hu W, Wang Z, Lou XE, Zhou HJ. p8 attenuates the apoptosis induced by dihydroartemisinin in cancer cells through promoting autophagy. Cancer Biol Ther 2015; 16:770-9. [PMID: 25891535 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2015.1026477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) exhibits anticancer activities in a variety of cancer cells, but DHA alone are not effective enough for cancer therapy. In this study we found the stress-regulated protein p8 was obviously increased after DHA treatment in several cancer cells, which further to induce autophagy by the upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein ATF4 and CHOP. Furthermore, when we silenced p8 by siRNA in cancer cells, the apoptosis induced by DHA were notably increased, whereas the overexpression of p8 in cancer cells leaded to the resistance to DHA-induced apoptosis. Moreover, we found the inhibition of autophagy with chloroquine (CQ) can enhance the anticancer effect of DHA both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we found that p8-mediated autophagy attenuates DHA-induced apoptosis in cancer cells, which provides evidence to support the use p8 as a cancer therapeutic target, and suggests that the combination treatment with DHA and autophagy inhibitor might be an effective cancer therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Sang Chen
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou , PR China
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Dihydroartemisinin-Induced Apoptosis is Associated with Inhibition of Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase Activity in Colorectal Cancer. Cell Biochem Biophys 2015; 73:137-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s12013-015-0643-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Lu M, Sun L, Zhou J, Yang J. Dihydroartemisinin induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells through the mitochondria-dependent pathway. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:5307-14. [PMID: 24519064 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-1691-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Artemisia annua, has been shown to exhibit antitumor activity in various cancer cells, including colorectal cancer. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying its antitumor activity in colorectal cancer remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated DHA-induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells in vitro. The results showed that DHA treatment significantly reduced cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, DHA induced G1 cell cycle arrest, apoptotic cell death, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We also found that DHA decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential; activated the caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9; and increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Meanwhile, the translocation of apoptotic inducing factor (AIF) and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria were observed. Strikingly, the free radical scavenger N-acetylcysteine or the caspase-3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO significantly prevented DHA-induced apoptotic cell death. Taken together, we concluded that DHA-triggered apoptosis in HCT-116 cells occurs through the ROS-mediated mitochondria-dependent pathway. Our data suggest that DHA has great potential to be developed as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of human colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China,
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Feng X, Li L, Jiang H, Jiang K, Jin Y, Zheng J. Dihydroartemisinin potentiates the anticancer effect of cisplatin via mTOR inhibition in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells: involvement of apoptosis and autophagy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 444:376-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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ApoG2 induces ER stress-dependent apoptosis in gastric cancer cells in vitro and its real-time evaluation by bioluminescence imaging in vivo. Cancer Lett 2013; 336:260-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Copple IM, Mercer AE, Firman J, Donegan G, Herpers B, Wong MH, Chadwick J, Bringela AD, Cristiano MLS, van de Water B, Ward SA, O'Neill PM, Park BK. Examination of the cytotoxic and embryotoxic potential and underlying mechanisms of next-generation synthetic trioxolane and tetraoxane antimalarials. Mol Med 2012; 18:1045-55. [PMID: 22669474 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2012.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Semisynthetic artemisinin-based therapies are the first-line treatment for P. falciparum malaria, but next-generation synthetic drug candidates are urgently required to improve availability and respond to the emergence of artemisinin-resistant parasites. Artemisinins are embryotoxic in animal models and induce apoptosis in sensitive mammalian cells. Understanding the cytotoxic propensities of antimalarial drug candidates is crucial to their successful development and utilization. Here, we demonstrate that, similarly to the model artemisinin artesunate (ARS), a synthetic tetraoxane drug candidate (RKA182) and a trioxolane equivalent (FBEG100) induce embryotoxicity and depletion of primitive erythroblasts in a rodent model. We also show that RKA182, FBEG100 and ARS are cytotoxic toward a panel of established and primary human cell lines, with caspase-dependent apoptosis and caspase-independent necrosis underlying the induction of cell death. Although the toxic effects of RKA182 and FBEG100 proceed more rapidly and are relatively less cell-selective than that of ARS, all three compounds are shown to be dependent upon heme, iron and oxidative stress for their ability to induce cell death. However, in contrast to previously studied artemisinins, the toxicity of RKA182 and FBEG100 is shown to be independent of general chemical decomposition. Although tetraoxanes and trioxolanes have shown promise as next-generation antimalarials, the data described here indicate that adverse effects associated with artemisinins, including embryotoxicity, cannot be ruled out with these novel compounds, and a full understanding of their toxicological actions will be central to the continuing design and development of safe and effective drug candidates which could prove important in the fight against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Copple
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The University of Liverpool, Sherrington Buildings, Ashton Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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Development of artemisinin compounds for cancer treatment. Invest New Drugs 2012; 31:230-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-012-9873-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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