Anticancer Activity of Erianin: Cancer-Specific Target Prediction Based on Network Pharmacology

Targeting CD8+ T cells with natural products for tumor therapy: Revealing insights into the mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Despite significant advances in cancer immunotherapy over the past decades, such as T cell-engaging chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), therapeutic failure resulting from various factors remains prevalent. Therefore, developing combinational immunotherapeutic strategies is of great significance for improving the clinical outcome of cancer immunotherapy. Natural products are substances that naturally exist in various living organisms with multiple pharmacological or biological activities, and some of them have been found to have anti-tumor potential. Notably, emerging evidences have suggested that several natural compounds may boost the anti-tumor effects through activating immune response of hosts, in which CD8+ T cells play a pivotal role.

METHODS

The data of this review come from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials (https://clinicaltrials.gov/) with the keywords "CD8+ T cell", "anti-tumor", "immunity", "signal 1", "signal 2", "signal 3", "natural products", "T cell receptor (TCR)", "co-stimulation", "co-inhibition", "immune checkpoint", "inflammatory cytokine", "hesperidin", "ginsenoside", "quercetin", "curcumin", "apigenin", "dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOPS)", "luteolin", "shikonin", "licochalcone A", "erianin", "resveratrol", "procyanidin", "berberine", "usnic acid", "naringenin", "6-gingerol", "ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GL-PS)", "neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP)", "paclitaxel", "source", "pharmacological activities", and "toxicity". These literatures were published between 1993 and 2023.

RESULTS

Natural products have considerable advantages as anti-tumor drugs based on the various species, wide distribution, low price, and few side effects. This review summarized the effects and mechanisms of some natural products that exhibit anti-tumor effects via targeting CD8+ T cells, mainly focused on the three signals that activate CD8+ T cells: TCR, co-stimulation, and inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Clarifying the role and underlying mechanism of natural products in cancer immunotherapy may provide more options for combinational treatment strategies and benefit cancer therapy, to shed light on identifying potential natural compounds for improving the clinical outcome in cancer immunotherapy.

Non-clinical investigations about cytotoxic and anti-platelet activities of gamma-terpinene

Gamma-terpinene (γ-TPN) is a cyclohexane monoterpene isolated from plant essential oils, such as tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), oregano (Origanum vulgare), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris Marchand), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.). Terpenes are widely studied molecules pharmacologically active on the cardiovascular system, hemostasis, and antioxidant actions. Herein, it was investigated the cytotoxic and antiplatelet activity of γ-TPN using different non-clinical laboratory models. For in silico evaluation, the PreADMET, SwissADME, and SwissTargetPrediction softwares were used. Molecular docking was performed using the AutoDockVina and BIOVIA Discovery Studio databases. The cytotoxicity of γ-TPN was analyzed by the MTT assay upon normal murine endothelial SVEC4-10 and fibroblast L-929 cells. Platelet aggregation was evaluated with platelet-rich (PRP) and platelet-poor (PPP) plasma from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), in addition to SVEC4-10 cells pre-incubated with γ-TPN (50, 100, and 200 µM) for 24 h. SHR animals were pre-treated by gavage with γ-TPN for 7 days and divided into four groups (negative control, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected to measure nitrite using the Griess reagent. Gamma-TPN proved to be quite lipid-soluble (Log P = +4.50), with a qualified profile of similarity to the drug, good bioavailability, and adequate pharmacokinetics. It exhibited affinity mainly for the P2Y12 receptor (6.450 ± 0.232 Kcal/mol), moderate cytotoxicity for L-929 (CC50 = 333.3 µM) and SVEC 4-10 (CC50 = 366.7 µM) cells. The presence of γ-TPN in SVEC 4-10 cells was also able to reduce platelet aggregation by 51.57 and 44.20% at lower concentrations (50 and 100 µM, respectively). Then, γ-TPN has good affinity with purinergic receptors and an effect on the reversal of platelet aggregation and oxidative stress, being promising and safe for therapeutic targets and subsequent studies on the control of thromboembolic diseases.

Emerging trends of phytochemicals as ferroptosis modulators in cancer therapy

Ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death characterized by dependence on iron and lipid peroxidation, has been implicated in a wide range of clinical conditions including neurological diseases, cardiovascular disorders, acute kidney failure, and various types of cancer. Therefore, it is critical to suppress cancer progression and proliferation. Ferroptosis can be triggered in cancer cells and some normal cells by synthetic substances, such as erastin, Ras-selective lethal small molecule-3, or clinical pharmaceuticals. Natural bioactive compounds are traditional drug discovery tools, and some have been therapeutically used as dietary additives or pharmaceutical agents against various malignancies. The fact that natural products have multiple targets and minimal side effects has led to notable advances in anticancer research. Research has indicated that ferroptosis can also be induced by natural compounds during cancer treatment. In this review, we focused on the most recent developments in emerging molecular processes and the significance of ferroptosis in cancer. To provide new perspectives on the future development of ferroptosis-related anticancer medications, we also provide a summary of the implications of natural phytochemicals in triggering ferroptosis through ROS production and ferritinophagy induction in a variety of malignancies.

Targets and Effects of Common Biocompounds of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Delphinidin-3-Sambubiosid, Quercetin, and Hibiscus Acid) in Different Pathways of Human Cells According to a Bioinformatic Assay

The utilization of food as a therapeutic measure for various ailments has been a prevalent practice throughout history and across different cultures. This is exemplified in societies where substances like Hibiscus sabdariffa have been employed to manage health conditions like hypertension and elevated blood glucose levels. The inherent bioactive compounds found in this plant, namely, delphinidin-3-sambubioside (DS3), quercetin (QRC), and hibiscus acid (HA), have been linked to various health benefits. Despite receiving individual attention, the specific molecular targets for these compounds remain unclear. In this study, computational analysis was conducted using bioinformatics tools such as Swiss Target Prediction, ShinnyGo 0.77, KEGG, and Stringdb to identify the molecular targets, pathways, and hub genes. Supplementary results were obtained through a thorough literature search in PubMed. DS3 analysis revealed potential genetic alterations related to the metabolism of nitrogen and glucose, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation, particularly impacting the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. QRC analysis demonstrated interconnected targets spanning multiple pathways, with some overlap with DS3 analysis and a particular focus on pathways related to cancer. HA analysis revealed distinct targets, especially those associated with pathways related to the nervous system. These findings emphasize the necessity for focused research on the molecular effects of DS3, QRC, and HA, thereby providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic pathways.

Erianin suppressed lung cancer stemness and chemotherapeutic sensitivity via triggering ferroptosis

The previous research has focused on the suppressive effects of Erianin on tumor progression, but its impact on cancer stemness has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Erianin on lung cancer stemness. First, we screened various concentrations Erianin to ensure that it did not affect lung cancer cell viability. Subsequently, we found that Erianin significantly attenuated lung cancer stemness through various analyses, including qRT-PCR, western blot, sphere-formation, and ALDH activity detection. Furthermore, Erianin was shown to enhance chemosensitivity of lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, three inhibitors (cell apoptosis inhibitor, necrosis inhibitor, and ferroptosis inhibitor) were added into lung cancer cells with Erianin treatment, respectively, and we found that Erianin mainly suppressed lung cancer stemness through ferroptosis. Taken together, this study reveals that Erianin has the potential to suppress lung cancer stemness and could be a valuable chemotherapeutic enhancer for lung cancer.

Erianin Impedes the Proliferation and Metastatic Migration Through Suppression of STAT-3 Phosphorylation in Human Esophageal Cancer Cells

In this study, we have investigated erianin, a natural phenolic drug that impedes proliferation and metastatic migration through suppression of STAT-3 phosphorylation in human esophageal cancer cells. Eca-109 cells were treated with different concentrations of erianin (4, 8, 12 µM) for 24 h, and then cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastatic markers were evaluated. Erianin-induced cytotoxicity and cell proliferation were examined using MTT and crystal violet staining techniques. The measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the study of apoptotic changes were conducted through flow cytometry. Furthermore, protein expression analyses via western blotting included an evaluation of JAK-STAT3, cell survival, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis-related proteins. Moreover, erianin treatment-associated MMP expressions were studied by RT-PCR. In this study, erianin treatment induces substantial cytotoxicity and ROS production based on the concentrations in Eca-109 cells. Moreover, erianin inhibits the MAPK phosphorylation, proliferation, and metastatic protein in Eca-109 cells. STAT-3 is a crucial transcriptional factor that regulates numerous downstream proteins, such as proliferation, anti-apoptosis, and metastatic proteins. In this study, erianin treatment inhibited the protein expression of IL-6, IL-10, JAK-1, and p-STAT-3 expressions leading to induce apoptosis in Eca-109 cells. Moreover, erianin inhibited the expression of proliferation, metastatic, and anti-apoptotic markers in Eca-109 cells. Hence, erianin suppressed the JAK/STAT-3 signaling pathway and demonstrates potential as a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of esophageal cancer.

Diosbulbin C, a novel active ingredient in Dioscorea bulbifera L. extract, inhibits lung cancer cell proliferation by inducing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest

BACKGROUND

Despite the critical progress of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapeutic approaches, the clinical outcomes remain considerably poor. The requirement of developing novel therapeutic interventions is still urgent. In this study, we showed for the first time that diosbulbin C, a natural diterpene lactone component extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Dioscorea bulbifera L., possesses high anticancer activity in NSCLC.

METHODS

A549 and NCI-H1299 cells were used. The inhibitory effects of the diosbulbin C on NSCLC cell proliferation were evaluated using cytotoxicity, clone formation, EdU assay, and flow cytometry. Network pharmacology methods were used to explore the targets through which the diosbulbin C inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation. Molecular docking, qRT-PCR, and western blotting were used to validate the molecular targets and regulated molecules of diosbulbin C in NSCLC.

RESULTS

Diosbulbin C treatment in NSCLC cells results in a remarkable reduction in cell proliferation and induces significant G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. AKT1, DHFR, and TYMS were identified as the potential targets of diosbulbin C. Diosbulbin C may inhibit NSCLC cell proliferation by downregulating the expression/activation of AKT, DHFR, and TYMS. In addition, diosbulbin C was predicted to exhibit high drug-likeness properties with good water solubility and intestinal absorption, highlighting its potential value in the discovery and development of anti-lung cancer drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Diosbulbin C induces cell cycle arrest and inhibits the proliferation of NSCLC cells, possibly by downregulating the expression/activation of AKT, DHFR, and TYMS.

Network Pharmacology Analysis and Machine-Learning Models Confirmed the Ability of YiShen HuoXue Decoction to Alleviate Renal Fibrosis by Inhibiting Pyroptosis

Purpose

YiShen HuoXue decoction (YSHXD) is a formulation that has been used clinically for the treatment of renal fibrosis (RF) for many years. We aimed to clarify therapeutic effects of YSHXD against RF and potential pharmacological mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

We used network pharmacology analysis and machine-learning to screen the core components and core targets of YSHXD against RF, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to confirm the reliability of the results. Finally, we validated the network pharmacology analysis experimentally in HK-2 cells and a rat model of RF established by unilateral ureteral ligation (UUO).

Results

Quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, beta-sitosterol, wogonin, stigmasterol, isorhamnetin, baicalein, and dihydrotanshinlactone progesterone were identified as the main active components of YSHXD in the treatment of unilateral ureteral ligation-induced RF, with IL-6, IL1β, TNF, AR, and PTGS2 as core target proteins. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the relationship between compounds and target proteins. The potential molecular mechanism of YSHXD predicted by network pharmacology analysis was confirmed in HK-2 cells and UUO rats. YSHXD downregulated NLRP3, ASC, NF-κBp65, Caspase-1, GSDMD, PTGS2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, α-SMA and upregulated HGF, effectively alleviating the RF process.

Conclusion

YSHXD exerts important anti-inflammatory and anti-cellular inflammatory necrosis effects by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway, indicating that YSHXD represents a new strategy and complementary approach to RF therapy.

Erianin alleviates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder. Its pathogenesis is complicated but highly related to aberrant Th17 overactivation. Uncontrolled Th17 cell expansion and activation in populations and associated activities contribute to the progression of RA. Although clinical RA remedies are available, not all RA patients respond to these treatments, and adverse effects are always a concerning issue during treatment. To expand the repertoire of possible anti-RA remedies, we chose the phytochemical compound erianin, isolated from Dendrobium sp., and evaluated its antiarthritic effect in vitro and in vivo. We found that erianin efficiently controlled the differentiation and activation of Th17 cell development from primary CD4 T cells, limiting IL-17A cytokine production and RORγT transcript generation. In line with molecular docking models, the essential signaling pathway for Th17 polarization, the JAK/STAT3 pathway, was inhibited upon erianin treatment, with dose-dependent inhibition of phosphorylation shown by western blotting. More importantly, erianin treatment reduced arthritic manifestations and proinflammatory cytokine levels in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice, as well as protecting the joint histological microstructure. Overall, erianin revealed a promising inhibitory effect on Th17 overactivation and decreased disability in CIA mice. Therefore, erianin could be further developed as a candidate RA remedy.

Secondary Metabolomic Analysis and In Vitro Bioactivity Evaluation of Stems Provide a Comprehensive Comparison between Dendrobium chrysotoxum and Dendrobium thyrsiflorum

The stems of Dendrobium chrysotoxum (DC) are commonly used as health-promoting foods due to their excellent biological activities. However, the stems of D. thyrsiflorum (DT) are often used to meet the scarcity of DC in production because of their highly similar morphology. However, the related metabolomic and bioactive information on the stems of DC and DT are largely deficient. Here, secondary metabolites of DC and DT stems were identified using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, and their health-promoting functions were evaluated using several in vitro arrays. A total of 490 metabolites were identified in two stems, and 274 were significantly different. We screened out 10 key metabolites to discriminate the two species, and 36 metabolites were determined as health-promoting constituents. In summary, DT stems with higher extract yield, higher total phenolics and flavonoids, and stronger in vitro antioxidant activities demonstrated considerable potential in food and health fields.

Erianin suppresses constitutive activation of MAPK signaling pathway by inhibition of CRAF and MEK1/2

Constitutive activation of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway (MAPK pathway) frequently occurs in many cancers harboring RAS or RAF oncogenic mutations. Because of the paradoxical activation induced by a single use of BRAF or MEK inhibitors, dual-target RAF and MEK treatment is thought to be a promising strategy. In this work, we evaluated erianin is a novel inhibitor of CRAF and MEK1/2 kinases, thus suppressing constitutive activation of the MAPK signaling pathway induced by BRAF V600E or RAS mutations. KinaseProfiler enzyme profiling, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), cellular thermal shift assay, computational docking, and molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to screen and identify erianin binding to CRAF and MEK1/2. Kinase assay, luminescent ADP detection assay, and enzyme kinetics assay were investigated to identify the efficiency of erianin in CRAF and MEK1/2 kinase activity. Notably, erianin suppressed BRAF V600E or RAS mutant melanoma and colorectal cancer cell by inhibiting MEK1/2 and CRAF but not BRAF kinase activity. Moreover, erianin attenuated melanoma and colorectal cancer in vivo. Overall, we provide a promising leading compound for BRAF V600E or RAS mutant melanoma and colorectal cancer through dual targeting of CRAF and MEK1/2.