Dihydroisotanshinone I combined with radiation inhibits the migration ability of prostate cancer cells through DNA damage and CCL2 pathway

The effect and mechanism of astragalus polysaccharides on T cells and macrophages in inhibiting prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

The impact and underlying mechanisms of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on prostate cancer, particularly its role in immunomodulation, remain inadequately elucidated.

METHODS

This study employed the XTT assay for assessing proliferation in prostate cancer cells and macrophages. T cell proliferation was determined using the Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester labeling assay. APS's effect on T cells and macrophages was scrutinized via flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, ELISA, quantitative PCR and cytokine membrane arrays. The effect of APS on interaction between PD-L1 and PD-1 was investigated by the PD-L1/PD-1 homogeneous assay. Additionally, the impact of conditioned medium from T cells and macrophages on PC-3 cell migration was explored through migration assays.

RESULTS

It was observed that APS at concentrations of 1 and 5 mg/mL enhanced the proliferation of CD8+ T cells. At a concentration of 5 mg/mL, APS activated both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, attenuated PD-L1 expression in prostate cancer cells stimulated with interferon gamma (IFN-γ) or oxaliplatin, and moderately decreased the population of PD-1+ CD4+ and PD-1+ CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, APS at this concentration impeded the interaction between PD-L1 and PD-1, inhibited the promotion of prostate cancer migration mediated by RAW 264.7 cells, THP-1 cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells, and initiated apoptosis in prostate cancer cells treated with conditioned medium from APS (5 mg/mL)-treated CD8+ T cells, RAW 264.7 cells, or THP-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate a potential role of 5 mg/mL APS in modulating the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and influencing the immune response, encompassing T cells and macrophages. Consequently, further in vivo research is recommended to assess the efficacy of APS.

Role of DNA damage response in cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian failure in mice

AIM

To investigate the DNA damage response (DDR) in a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced mouse model of premature ovarian failure (POF).

METHODS

The POF model was established by injecting mice with CTX. The body, ovarian weights, the estrus cycle, and pathological changes of the ovaries were recorded. The serum levels of 17 β-estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured. The expression of Ki67, β-galactosidase (β-gal), p21, p53, γH2AX, and pATM in ovarian tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of β-gal, γH2AX, and pATM was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining of primary cultured granulosa cells (GCs).

RESULTS

The body and ovarian weights decreased, the estrus cycles were erratic, and the FSH level increased, whereas the E2 level decreased in POF mice compared to controls. The pathological consequences of POF revealed an increase in atretic follicles, corpus luteum, and primordial follicles and a decrease in the number of primary, secondary, and tertiary follicles. Ki67 expression was reduced, β-gal, p21, p53, γH2AX, and pATM expression were elevated in the ovaries of POF mice. The expression of β-gal, γH2AX, and pATM increased in GCs with the concentration in a time-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

In total, CTX induced POF in mice, which was mediated by the DDR pathway of ATM-P53-P21.

A review of tanshinone compounds in prostate cancer treatment

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant epithelial tumors in men worldwide. PCa patients are initially sensitive to chemotherapy, but patients in the advanced stages of PCa eventually develop resistance, leaving them with limited therapeutic options. Therefore, it is very important to screen new drugs for treating PCa. Salvia miltiorrhiza is a common Chinese herbal medicine used in some Asian countries. It has many functions and is widely used to treat a variety of diseases, including heart diseases and cancers. For the past few years, research has shown that liposoluble constituents of tanshinones (TANs), including cryptotanshinone, TAN IIA, dihydrotanshinone I, and TAN I, exhibit good anticancer activity in PCa. In this study, we review the progress of TAN compounds (cryptotanshinone, TAN IIA, dihydrotanshinone I, and TAN I) in treating PCa over the past decade. These compounds can act on the same molecular mechanisms, as they have a very similar structure; they are also found to work slightly differently in PCa. According to current studies, compared with other TAN compounds, TAN IIA appears to hold more potential for treating PCa. The toxicity, side effects or biodistribution of Salvia miltiorrhiza and these four TANs need to be confirmed with further research. Findings obtained in this study may provide important information for the potential clinical application of cryptotanshinone, TAN IIA, dihydrotanshinone I, and TAN I in the treatment of PCa.

Targeting ferroptosis using Chinese herbal compounds to treat respiratory diseases

BACKGROUND

Respiratory diseases pose a grave threat to human life. Therefore, understanding their pathogenesis and therapeutic strategy is important. Ferroptosis is a novel type of iron-dependent programmed cell death, distinct from apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy, characterised by iron, reactive oxygen species, and lipid peroxide accumulation, as well as glutathione (GSH) depletion and GSH peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inactivation. A close association between ferroptosis and the onset and progression of respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lung injury, bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer, has been reported. Recent studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds exhibit unique advantages in the treatment of respiratory diseases owing to their natural properties and potential efficacy. These compounds can effectively regulate ferroptosis by modulating several key signalling pathways such as system Xc- -GSH-GPX4, NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, Nrf2-GPX4, and Nrf2/HO-1, thus playing a positive role in improving respiratory diseases.

PURPOSE

This comprehensive review systematically outlines the regulatory role of ferroptosis in the onset and progression of respiratory diseases and provides evidence for treating respiratory diseases by targeting ferroptosis with TCM compounds. These insights aim to offer potential remedies for the clinical prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We searched scientific databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CNKI using keywords such as "ferroptosis","respiratory diseases","chronic obstructive pulmonary disease","bronchial asthma","acute lung injury","pulmonary fibrosis","lung cancer","traditional Chinese medicine","traditional Chinese medicine compound","monomer", and "natural product" to retrieve studies on the therapeutic potential of TCM compounds in ameliorating respiratory diseases by targeting ferroptosis. The retrieved data followed PRISMA criteria (preferred reporting items for systematic review).

RESULTS

TCM compounds possess unique advantages in treating respiratory diseases, stemming from their natural origins and proven clinical effectiveness. TCM compounds can exert therapeutic effects on respiratory diseases by regulating ferroptosis, which mainly involves modulation of pathways such as system Xc- -GSH-GPX4,NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, Nrf2-GPX4, and Nrf2/HO-1.

CONCLUSION

TCM compounds have demonstrated promising potential in improving respiratory diseases through the regulation of ferroptosis. The identification of specific TCM-related inducers and inhibitors of ferroptosis holds great significance in developing more effective strategies. However, current research remains confined to animal and cellular studies, emphasizing the imperative for further verifications through high-quality clinical data.

The anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect and mechanism of Chiehyuan herbal oral protection solution

The Chiehyuan herbal oral protection solution (GB-2) is a herbal mixture commonly utilized in Taiwan for combating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as per traditional Chinese medicine practices. This study assessed the clinical impact of GB-2 through prospective clinical trials. With twice-daily use for a week, GB-2 was shown to diminish the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in oral mucosal cells. Moreover, after two weeks of use, it could reduce transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMRPSS2) expression in these cells. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that GB-2 lessened the entry efficiency of the Omicron, L452R-D614G, T478K-D614G, and L452R-T478K-D614G variants of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentivirus. It also impeded the interaction between ACE2 and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) presenting N501Y-K417N-E484A-G339D-Q493R-G496S-Q498R and L452R-T478K mutations. Glycyrrhizic acid, a major compound in GB-2, also hindered the entry of the Omicron variant (BA.1) of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentivirus by obstructing the binding between ACE2 and the RBD presenting the N501Y-K417N-E484A-G339D-Q493R-G496S-Q498R mutation. To sum up, these findings suggest that GB-2 can decrease ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression in oral mucosal cells. Both glycyrrhizic acid and GB-2 were found to reduce the entry efficiency of the Omicron variant (BA.1) of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentivirus and block the binding between ACE2 and the RBD with the N501Y-K417N-E484A-G339D-Q493R-G496S-Q498R mutation. This evidence implies that GB-2 might be a potential candidate for further study as a preventative measure against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Gold nanoparticles enhances radiosensitivity in glioma cells by inhibiting TRAF6/NF-κB induced CCL2 expression

Gliomas are inherently difficult to treat by radiotherapy because glioma cells become radioresistant over time. However, combining radiotherapy with a radiosensitizer could be an effective strategy to mitigate the radioresistance of glioma cells. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as a promising nanomaterial for cancer therapy, but little is known about whether AuNPs and X-ray radiation have cytotoxic synergistic effects against tumors. In this study, we found that the combination of AuNPs and X-ray irradiation significantly reduced the viabilities, as well as the migration and invasion, of glioma cells. Mechanistically, we observed that the AuNPs inhibited radiation-induced CCL2 expression by inhibiting the TRAF6/NF-κB pathway, which likely manifested the synergistic therapeutic effect between the AuNPs and X-ray radiation. The AuNPs also re-sensitized radioresistant glioma cells by inhibiting CCL2 expression. These results were also observed in another tumor cell line with a different molecular pattern, indicating that the underlying mechanism may be ubiquitous through cancer cells. Lastly, using the glioma mouse model, we observed that AuNPs significantly reduced tumor growth in the presence of X-ray radiation compared to radiotherapy alone.

Pharmacological Targeting of Ferroptosis in Cancer Treatment

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic mode of Regulated Cell Death (RCD) driven by excessive accumulation of toxic lipid peroxides and iron overload. Ferroptosis could be triggered by inhibiting the antioxidant defense system and accumulating iron-dependent Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that react with polyunsaturated fatty acids in abundance. Emerging evidence over the past few years has revealed that ferroptosis is of great potential in inhibiting growth and metastasis and overcoming tumor cell resistance. Thus, targeting this form of cell death could be perceived as a potentially burgeoning approach in cancer treatment. This review briefly presents the underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis and further aims to discuss various types of existing drugs and natural compounds that could be potentially repurposed for targeting ferroptosis in tumor cells. This, in turn, will provide critical perspectives on future studies concerning ferroptosis-based cancer therapy.

Dihydroisotanshinone I as a Treatment Option for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are the most common cancers of the head and neck, and their prevalence is rapidly increasing. HNSCCs present a clinical challenge because of their high recurrence rate, therapeutic resistance to radiation and chemotherapy drugs, and adverse effects. Hence, traditional Chinese herbal treatment may be advantageous to therapeutic strategies for HNSCCs. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a well-known Chinese herb, has been extensively applied in treatments for various diseases, including cancer, because of its high degree of safety and low rate of adverse effects despite its unclear mechanism. Thus, we aimed to explore the possible anticancer effects and mechanisms of dihydroisotanshinone I (DT), a compound in danshen (extract from danshen), on HNSCCs. Three HNSCCs cell lines were used for in vitro studies, and a Detroit 562 xenograft mouse model was chosen for in vivo studies. Our in vitro results showed that DT could initiate apoptosis, resulting in cell death, and the p38 signaling partially regulated DT-initiated cell apoptosis in the Detroit 562 model. In the xenograft mouse model, DT reduced tumor size with no obvious adverse effect of hepatotoxicity. The present study suggests that DT is a promising novel candidate for anti-HNSCCs therapy.

Potential Simultaneous Inhibitors of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Transmembrane Protease, Serine 2

Outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 occurred in Wuhan and has rapidly spread to almost all parts of world. GB-1, the herbal formula from Tian Shang Sheng Mu of Chiayi Puzi Peitian Temple, is used for the prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 in Taiwan. In this study, we investigated that the effect of GB-1 and the index compounds of GB-1 on the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression through in vitro and in vivo study. In our result, GB-1 can inhibit ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein expression in HepG2 cells, 293T cells, and Caco-2 cells without cytotoxicity. For the mouse model, GB-1 treatment could decrease ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression levels of the lung and kidney tissue without adverse effects, including nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. In the compositions of GB-1, 0.5-1 mg/ml of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC. extract could not inhibit ACE2 mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 cells. In addition, theaflavin-3-gallate could inhibit protein expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 without significant cytotoxicity. Our results suggest that GB-1 and theaflavin-3-gallate could act as potential candidates for prophylaxis or treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection through inhibiting protein expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 for the further study.

GB-2 inhibits ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression: In vivo and in vitro studies

After the first case of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, COVID-19 has rapidly spread to almost all parts of world. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor can bind to spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Then, the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can be cleaved and activated by transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) of the host cells for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are potential antiviral targets for treatment of prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we discovered that 10-250 μg/mL of GB-2, from Tian Shang Sheng Mu of Chiayi Puzi Peitian Temple, can inhibit ACE2 mRNA expression and ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein expression in HepG2 and 293 T cells without cytotoxicity. GB-2 treatment could decrease ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression level of lung tissue and kidney tissue without adverse effects, including nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, in animal model. In the compositions of GB-2, we discovered that 50 μg/mL of theaflavin could inhibit protein expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Theaflavin could inhibit the mRNA expression of ACE2. In conclusion, our results suggest that GB-2 and theaflavin could act as potential compounds for ACE2 and TMPRSS2 inhibitors in the further clinical study.

The effect of ionizing radiation on the subcellular localization and kinase activity of protein kinase CK2 in human non-small cell lung cancer cells

Protein kinase CK2 is a ubiquitously expressed kinase in eukaryotes, which is known to phosphorylate many protein substrates. Because CK2 is involved in the regulation of various signaling pathways, we wondered whether CK2 participated in the regulation of ionizing radiation (IR) induced biological process. In this study, we investigated the effect of IR on the subcellular localization and kinase activity in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Immunofluorescent results showed that CK2 subunits shuttle into the nucleus mostly beginning 1 h after IR and lasting more than 6 h. We also conducted in vitro kinase assay and observed an increase in CK2 kinase activity at 6 h after IR. Furthermore, an increase in S phase was observed at 6 h after IR. Colony formation assay results demonstrated that CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 significantly enhanced the effect of irradiation in NSCLC cells. These results indicated that CK2 may be implicated in the regulation of IR-induced biological process.

Antrodia cinnamomea extract inhibits the proliferation of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells through apoptosis and skp2/microRNAs pathway

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and affects 1.38 million women worldwide per year. Antiestrogens such as tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator, are widely used in clinics to treat ER-positive breast tumors. However, remissions of breast cancer are often followed by resistance to tamoxifen and disease relapse. Despite the increasing understanding of the resistance mechanisms, effective regimens for treating tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer are limited. Antrodia cinnamomea is a traditional medicinal mushroom native only to Taiwan. In this study, we aimed to examine in vitro effect of antrodia cinnamomea in the tamoxifen-resistant cancer.

METHODS

Antrodia cinnamomea was studied for its biological activity against proliferation of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer by XTT assay. Next, the underlying mechanism was studied by flow cytometry, qPCR and Western's blotting assay.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that the ethanol extract of antrodia cinnamomea (AC) can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, including MCF-7 cell and tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cell lines. Combination treatment with AC and 10- 6 M tamoxifen have the better inhibitory effect on the proliferation of tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cells than only AC did. AC can induce apoptosis in these breast cancer cells. Moreover, it can suppress the mRNA expression of skp2 (S-phase kinase-associated protein 2) by increasing the expressions of miR-21-5p, miR-26-5p, and miR-30-5p in MCF-7 and tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the ethanol extract of antrodia cinnamomea could be a novel anticancer agent in the armamentarium of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer management. Moreover, we hope to identify additional pure compounds that could serve as promising anti-breast cancer candidates for further clinical trials.