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Chen L, Gong J, Yong X, Li Y, Wang S. A review of typical biological activities of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives. RSC Adv 2024; 14:6557-6597. [PMID: 38390501 PMCID: PMC10882267 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra08025k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic acid, a triterpenoid compound primarily sourced from licorice root, exhibits noteworthy biological attributes, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Despite these commendable effects, its further advancement and application, especially in clinical use, have been hindered by its limited druggability, including challenges such as low solubility and bioavailability. To enhance its biological activity and pharmaceutical efficacy, numerous research studies focus on the structural modification, associated biological activity data, and underlying mechanisms of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives. This review endeavors to systematically compile and organize glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives that have demonstrated outstanding biological activities over the preceding decade, delineating their molecular structures, biological effects, underlying mechanisms, and future prospects for assisting researchers in finding and designing novel glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives, foster the exploration of structure-activity relationships, and aid in the screening of potential candidate compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Jingwen Gong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Xu Yong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Youbin Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Shuojin Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
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Li X, Du Y, Huang S, Yang Y, Lu D, Zhang J, Chen Y, Zhang L, Nan Y, Yuan L. Exploring the molecular mechanism of glycyrrhetinic acid in the treatment of gastric cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:3839-3856. [PMID: 37171392 PMCID: PMC10449304 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
There is a wide range of pharmacological effects for glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA). Previous studies have shown that GRA could inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, showing a promising value in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). Nonetheless, the precise mechanism of the effect of GRA on GC remains unclear. We explored cellular and molecular mechanisms of GRA based on network pharmacology and in vitro experimental validation. In this study, we predicted 156 potential therapeutic targets for GC with GRA from public databases. We then screened the hub targets using protein-protein interaction network (PPI) and conducted clinical correlation analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment showed that GRA made anti-GC effects through multiple targets and pathways, particularly the MAPK signaling pathway. Next, molecular docking results revealed a potential interaction between GRA and MAPK3. In addition, qRT-PCR experiments revealed that 18β-GRA was able to suppress mRNA expression of KRAS, ERK1 and ERK2 in AGS cells. Western blotting results also revealed that 18β-GRA was able to suppress the expression of KRAS and p-ERK1/2 proteins in AGS cells. Additionally, immunofluorescence assays revealed that 18β-GRA inhibited p-ERK1/2 nuclear translocation in AGS cells. These results systematically reveal that 18β-GRA may have anti-tumor effects on GC by modulating the MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuhua Du
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shicong Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Doudou Lu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Junfei Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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Hussain H, Ali I, Wang D, Hakkim FL, Westermann B, Ahmed I, Ashour AM, Khan A, Hussain A, Green IR, Shah STA. Glycyrrhetinic acid: a promising scaffold for the discovery of anticancer agents. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:1497-1516. [PMID: 34294017 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1956901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oleanane-type pentacyclic triterpenes named glycyrrhetinic acids (GAs) featuring a C-30 carboxylic acid group, are extracted from the licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis). Numerous biological properties of GA have been reported and have attracted researchers from all over the world in recent years due to the peculiar GA scaffold-based semisynthetic cytotoxic effects. AREAS COVERED This review represents the applications of semisynthetic derivatives of GA for the development of future cancer treatments. Included in the review are important structural features of the semisynthetic GAs crucial for cytotoxic effects. EXPERT OPINION Numerous semisynthetic GA derivatives illustrated excellent cytotoxic effects toward various cancer cells. Notably the C-3(OH) at ring A along with C30-CO2H at ring E as vital structural features, make GA very appealing as a lead scaffold for medicinal chemistry, since these two groups permit the creation of further chemical diversity geared toward improved cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, numerous GA derivatives have been synthesized and indicate that compounds featuring cyanoenone moieties in ring A, or compounds having the amino group or nitrogen comprising heterocycles and hybrids thereof, illustrate more potent cytotoxicity. Furthermore, GA has a great capability to be conjugated with other anticancer molecules to synergistically enhance their combined cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidayat Hussain
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Iftikhar Ali
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Key Laboratory for Applied Technology of Sophisticated Analytical Instruments of Shandong Province, Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China.,Department of Chemistry, Karakoram International University, Gilgit, Pakistan
| | - Daijie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Key Laboratory for Applied Technology of Sophisticated Analytical Instruments of Shandong Province, Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | | | - Bernhard Westermann
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ishtiaq Ahmed
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ahmed M Ashour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, University of Okara, Okara, Pakistan
| | - Ivan R Green
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa
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Bomfim de Sá C, Brito Lira A, Filho AADO, de Oliveira KM, Rolim da Paz A, Castro de Morais M, de Sousa DP, Tafaela Dias G, Rodrigues Melo C, Pessôa HDLF, Maria Bezerra Luna Lima C, de Fátima Formiga Melo Diniz M. In silico, in vitro, and in vivo investigation of antioxidant potential and toxicity of ethyl ferulate. Drug Chem Toxicol 2021; 45:1769-1779. [PMID: 33632037 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2021.1878207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
By submitting this manuscript, each author certifies that they have made a direct and substantial contribution to the work reported in the manuscript. In this manuscript the conception, design, investigation, acquisition of data and analysis, interpretation of data and writing of the article were conducted by author Camila Bomfim de Sá under the guidance of professors Margareth de Fátima Formiga Melo Diniz, Hilzeth de Luna Freire Pessôa and Caliandra Maria Bezerra Luna Lima, who also approved the final version of the manuscript. Professor Damião Pergentino de Sousa and his student Mayara Castro de Morais performed the production, synthesis and chemical characterization of ethyl ferulate (EF). Professor Abrahão Alves de Oliveira Filho assessed the in silico tests. PhD student Andressa Brito Lira participated in the critical review of the text for important intellectual content and assisted in the in vitro antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity tests. Kardilandia Mendes de Oliveira participated in acute oral toxicity tests evaluating the biochemical parameters. Students, Tafaela Dias and Cinthia Rodrigues Melo also assisted in the acute oral toxicity testing and preparing of slides for histopathological analysis. Pathologist Alexandre Rolim da Paz analyzed the histopathology results. EF, a phenolic compound of the large class of phenylpropanoids, is derived from ferulic acid and is produced both naturally and synthetically. Its principal pharmacological activities are: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate the in silico, in vitro and in vivo toxicity and antioxidant activity of EF. The in silico prediction showed more than 20 biological activities as well as good absorption at the biological membranes and no theoretical toxicity. However, EF presented high environmental toxicity. EF presented low hemolytic potential and exerted protective activity for the erythrocyte membrane for only blood type O. EF presented antioxidant activity against H2O2 at all concentrations and all blood types, but no effect against phenylhydrazine, being unable to prevent its oxidative effects. In the acute nonclinical toxicological trial, the treated animals presented behavioral changes (e.g., sedation). Feed intake was higher for the 2000 mg/kg group, but with no significant difference in weight change. The biochemical parameters presented no differences between treated and control animals, and the organs remained intact with no change. Thus, EF presents a low toxic profile and this study provides important information about the toxicity of this compound, suggesting future safe use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Bomfim de Sá
- Program of Postgraduate Studies in Natural Products and Synthetic Bioactive, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Andressa Brito Lira
- Program of Postgraduate Studies in Natural Products and Synthetic Bioactive, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | | | - Kardilandia Mendes de Oliveira
- Program of Postgraduate Studies in Development and Technological Innovation in Medicine, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | | | - Mayara Castro de Morais
- Program of Postgraduate Studies in Natural Products and Synthetic Bioactive, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Damião Pergentino de Sousa
- Program of Postgraduate Studies in Natural Products and Synthetic Bioactive, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Program of Postgraduate Studies in Development and Technological Innovation in Medicine, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Tafaela Dias
- Program of Postgraduate Studies in Natural Products and Synthetic Bioactive, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Cinthia Rodrigues Melo
- Program of Postgraduate Studies in Natural Products and Synthetic Bioactive, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Hilzeth de Luna Freire Pessôa
- Program of Postgraduate Studies in Development and Technological Innovation in Medicine, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | | | - Margareth de Fátima Formiga Melo Diniz
- Program of Postgraduate Studies in Natural Products and Synthetic Bioactive, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Program of Postgraduate Studies in Development and Technological Innovation in Medicine, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
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Alper P, Salomatina OV, Salakhutdinov NF, Ulukaya E, Ari F. Soloxolone methyl, as a 18βH-glycyrrhetinic acid derivate, may result in endoplasmic reticulum stress to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 30:115963. [PMID: 33383441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Being one of the leading causes of cancer death among women, various chemotherapeutic agents isolated from natural compounds are used in breast cancer treatment and consequently studies to develop new drugs still continue. There are several studies on 18βH-glycyrrhetinic acid, a secondary metabolite which is found in Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice roots), as a potential anticancer agent. In this study, the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Soloxolone methyl compound, a semisynthetic derivative of 18βH-glycyrrhetinic acid were investigated on breast cancer cells (MCF-7, MDA-MBA-231). Soloxolone methyl is found to be cytotoxic on both MCF-7 and MDA-MBA-231 breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Especially in MDA-MB-231 cells apoptosis is detected to be triggered by ER stress. The antigrowth effects of Soloxolone methyl were determined using MTT and ATP assays. To identify the mode of cell death (apoptosis/necrosis), fluorescent staining (Hoechst 33342 and Propidium iodide) and caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 (M30-antigen) analyses were used. In addition, apoptosis was investigated on gene and protein levels by PCR and Western Blotting. Soloxolone methyl decreased cell viability on cells in a dose and time-dependent manner and induced apoptosis markers. An increase on apoptotic proteins related to endoplasmic reticulum stress (IRE1-α, Bip, CHOP) was also determined in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, an increase of apoptotic gene expressions was determined in both cells treated with Soloxolone methyl. Advance analyses should be performed to elucidate the potential of Soloxolone methyl as an anticancer agent in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Alper
- Bursa Uludag University, Faculty of Science and Arts, Department of Biology, 16059 Bursa, Turkey; Istanbul University, Aziz Sancar Experimental Medicine Research Institute, Molecular Medicine, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oksana V Salomatina
- N.N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent'ev Ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nariman F Salakhutdinov
- N.N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent'ev Ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Engin Ulukaya
- Istinye University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, 34010 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ferda Ari
- Bursa Uludag University, Faculty of Science and Arts, Department of Biology, 16059 Bursa, Turkey.
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6
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Zheng QX, Wang R, Xu Y, He CX, Zhao CY, Wang ZF, Zhang R, Dehaen W, Li HJ, Huai QY. Design, Preparation and Studies Regarding Cytotoxic Properties of Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives. Biol Pharm Bull 2020; 43:102-109. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rui Wang
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven
| | - Yan Xu
- Marine College, Shandong University
| | | | | | | | | | - Wim Dehaen
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven
| | - Hui-Jing Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai
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7
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Synthesis and biological activity of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives as antitumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 178:623-635. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Alho DPS, Salvador JAR, Cascante M, Marin S. Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Novel A-Ring Cleaved Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives. Molecules 2019; 24:E2938. [PMID: 31416117 PMCID: PMC6721064 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24162938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of new glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives was synthesized via the opening of its ring A along with the coupling of an amino acid. The antiproliferative activity of the derivatives was evaluated against a panel of nine human cancer cell lines. Compound 17 was the most active compound, with an IC50 of 6.1 µM on Jurkat cells, which is 17-fold more potent than that of glycyrrhetinic acid, and was up to 10 times more selective toward that cancer cell line. Further biological investigation in Jurkat cells showed that the antiproliferative activity of compound 17 was due to cell cycle arrest at the S phase and induction of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela P S Alho
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, 3000-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge A R Salvador
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, 3000-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Marta Cascante
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Marin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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Xu M, Li N, Zhao Z, Shi Z, Sun J, Chen L. Design, synthesis and antitumor evaluation of novel celastrol derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 174:265-276. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Shukla A, Tyagi R, Meena S, Datta D, Srivastava SK, Khan F. 2D- and 3D-QSAR modelling, molecular docking and in vitro evaluation studies on 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives against triple-negative breast cancer cell line. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:168-185. [PMID: 30686140 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1570868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are one of the most aggressive and complex forms of cancers in women. TNBCs are commonly known for their complex heterogeneity and poor prognosis. The present work aimed to develop a predictive 2D and 3D quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models against metastatic TNBC cell line. The 2D-QSAR was based on multiple linear regression analysis and validated by Leave-One-Out (LOO) and external test set prediction approach. QSAR model presented regression coefficient values for training set (r2), LOO-based internal regression (q2) and external test set regression (pred_r2) which are 0.84, 0.82 and 0.75, respectively. Five properties, Epsilon4 (electronegativity), ChiV3cluster (valence molecular connectivity index), chi3chain (retention index for three-membered ring), TNN5 (nitrogen atoms separated through 5 bond distance) and nitrogen counts, were identified as important structural features responsible for anticancer activity of MDA-MB-231 inhibitors. Five novel derivatives of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) named GA-1, GA-2, GA-3, GA-4 and GA-5 were semi-synthesised and screened through the QSAR model. Further, in vitro activities of the derivatives were analysed against human TNBC cell line, MDA-MB-231. The result showed that GA-1 exhibits improved cytotoxic activity to that of parent compound (GA). Further, atomic property field (APF)-based 3D-QSAR and scoring recognise C-30 carboxylic group of GA-1 as major influential factor for its anticancer activity. The significance of C-30 carboxylic group in GA derivatives was also confirmed by molecular docking study against cancer target glyoxalase-I. Finally, the oral bioavailability and toxicity of GA-1 were assessed by computational ADMET studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Shukla
- Metabolic and Structural Biology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rekha Tyagi
- Medicinal Chemistry Division, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjeev Meena
- Biochemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dipak Datta
- Biochemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Srivastava
- Medicinal Chemistry Division, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Feroz Khan
- Metabolic and Structural Biology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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11
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Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Novel Heterocyclic Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24040766. [PMID: 30791593 PMCID: PMC6412232 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24040766] [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: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A new series of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives has been synthesized via the introduction of different heterocyclic rings conjugated with an α,β-unsaturated ketone in its ring A. These new compounds were screened for their antiproliferative activity in a panel of nine human cancer cell lines. Compound 10 was the most active derivative, with an IC50 of 1.1 µM on Jurkat cells, which is 96-fold more potent than that of glycyrrhetinic acid, and was 4-fold more selective toward that cancer cell line. Further biological studies performed in Jurkat cells showed that compound 10 is a potent inducer of apoptosis that activates both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
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12
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Li X, Liu Y, Wang N, Liu Y, Wang S, Wang H, Li A, Ren S. Synthesis and discovery of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives inhibiting cancer stem cell properties in ovarian cancer cells. RSC Adv 2019; 9:27294-27304. [PMID: 35529208 PMCID: PMC9070660 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra04961d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in ovarian cancer treatment, the five-year overall survival rate is less than 30% with the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). To develop CSC-targeting therapy, a series of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) derivatives containing cinnamamide moiety have been designed, synthesized, and screened for their antiproliferative activity in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells. Most of the compounds exhibited stronger antiproliferative activity than GA, and compound 7c was the most active one. Further biological studies showed that compound 7c could induce apoptosis and suppress migration. In addition, compound 7c could not only observably decrease the colony formation and sphere formation ability, but also significantly reduce the CD44+, CD133+, and ALDH+ subpopulation in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that compound 7c is a promising anti-CSC agent for further anti-ovarian cancer studies. 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives containing cinnamamide moiety could inhibit cancer stem cell properties in ovarian cancer cells.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Li
- Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Design
- School of Pharmacy
- Liaocheng University
- Liaocheng 252000
- China
| | - Yihua Liu
- Central Laboratory
- Liaocheng People's Hospital
- Liaocheng 252000
- China
| | - Na Wang
- Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Design
- School of Pharmacy
- Liaocheng University
- Liaocheng 252000
- China
| | - Yuyu Liu
- Shandong Qidu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
- Zibo 255400
- China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Design
- School of Pharmacy
- Liaocheng University
- Liaocheng 252000
- China
| | - Hongmin Wang
- Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Design
- School of Pharmacy
- Liaocheng University
- Liaocheng 252000
- China
| | - Aihua Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Liaocheng People's Hospital
- Liaocheng 252000
- China
| | - Shaoda Ren
- Central Laboratory
- Liaocheng People's Hospital
- Liaocheng 252000
- China
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Pastorino G, Cornara L, Soares S, Rodrigues F, Oliveira MBPP. Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Phytother Res 2018; 32:2323-2339. [PMID: 30117204 PMCID: PMC7167772 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, consumers are paying much more attention to natural medicines and principles, mainly due to the general sense that natural compounds are safe. On the other hand, there is a growing demand by industry for plants used in traditional medicine that could be incorporated in foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, or even pharmaceuticals. Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. belongs to the Fabaceae family and has been recognized since ancient times for its ethnopharmacological values. This plant contains different phytocompounds, such as glycyrrhizin, 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid, glabrin A and B, and isoflavones, that have demonstrated various pharmacological activities. Pharmacological experiments have demonstrated that different extracts and pure compounds from this species exhibit a broad range of biological properties, including antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. A few toxicological studies have reported some concerns. This review addresses all those issues and focuses on the pharmacological activities reported for G. glabra. Therefore, an updated, critical, and extensive overview on the current knowledge of G. glabra composition and biological activities is provided here in order to explore its therapeutic potential and future challenges to be utilized for the formulation of new products that will contribute to human well‐being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Cornara
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sónia Soares
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Wang R, Li Y, Huai XD, Zheng QX, Wang W, Li HJ, Huai QY. Design and preparation of derivatives of oleanolic and glycyrrhetinic acids with cytotoxic properties. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:1321-1336. [PMID: 29861624 PMCID: PMC5968802 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s166051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background The structural modification of natural products with the aim to improve the anticancer activity is a popular current research direction. The pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds oleanolic acid (OA) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) are distributed widely in nature. Methods In this study, various oleanolic acids and glycyrrhetinic acids were designed and synthesized by using the combination principle. The in vitro anticancer activities of new OA and GA derivatives were tested by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method with SGC-7901 (gastric cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), Eca-109 (esophageal cancer), HeLa (cervical cancer), Hep-G2 (hepatoma cancer) and HSF (normal human skin fibroblast) cells. Results and conclusion The screening results showed that the compound 3m presented the highest inhibitory activities against SGC-7901, MCF-7 and Eca-109 cell lines with IC50 values of 7.57±0.64 μM, 5.51±0.41 μM and 5.03±0.56 μM, respectively. In addition, this compound also showed effective inhibition of Hep-G2 cells with an IC50 value of 4.11±0.73 μM. Moreover, compound 5b showed the strongest inhibitory activity against Hep-G2 cells with an IC50 value of 3.74±0.18 μM and compound 3l showed strong selective inhibition of the HeLa cells with the lowest IC50 value of 4.32±0.89 μM. A series of pharmacology experiments indicated that compound 5b could induce Hep-G2 cells autophagy and apoptosis. These compounds will expand the structural diversity of anti-cancer targets and confirm the prospects for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Yang Li
- Zhong Yuan Academy of Biological Medicine, Liaocheng People's Hospital/Affiliated Liaocheng Hospital, Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Xu-Dong Huai
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | | | - Wei Wang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Hui-Jing Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, China
| | - Qi-Yong Huai
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
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15
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Xu B, Wu GR, Zhang XY, Yan MM, Zhao R, Xue NN, Fang K, Wang H, Chen M, Guo WB, Wang PL, Lei HM. An Overview of Structurally Modified Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives as Antitumor Agents. Molecules 2017; 22:E924. [PMID: 28574470 PMCID: PMC6152714 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22060924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic Acid (GA), a triterpenoid aglycone component of the natural product glycyrrhizinic acid, was found to possess remarkable anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing activity in various cancer cell lines. Though GA was not as active as other triterpenes, such as betulinic acid and oleanolic acid, it could trigger apoptosis in tumor cells and it can be obtained easily and cheaply, which has stimulated scientific interest in using GA as a scaffold to synthesize new antitumor agents. The structural modifications of GA reported in recent decades can be divided into four groups, which include structural modifications on ring-A, ring-C, ring-E and multiple ring modifications. The lack of a comprehensive and recent review on this topic prompted us to gather more new information. This overview is dedicated to summarizing and updating the structural modification of GA to improve its antitumor activity published between 2005 and 2016. We reviewed a total of 210 GA derivatives that we encountered and compiled the most active GA derivatives along with their activity profile in different series. Furthermore, the structure activity relationships of these derivatives are briefly discussed. The included information is expected to be of benefit to further studies of structural modifications of GA to enhance its antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Xu
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
| | - Gao-Rong Wu
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
| | - Xin-Yu Zhang
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
| | - Meng-Meng Yan
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
| | - Rui Zhao
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
| | - Nan-Nan Xue
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
| | - Kang Fang
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
| | - Meng Chen
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
| | - Wen-Bo Guo
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
| | - Peng-Long Wang
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
| | - Hai-Min Lei
- School of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China.
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Wang R, Zheng QX, Wang W, Feng L, Li HJ, Huai QY. Design and Synthesis of New Anticancer Glycyrrhetinic Acids and Oleanolic Acids. Biol Pharm Bull 2017; 40:703-710. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b17-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Marine College, Shandong University
| | | | - Wei Wang
- Marine College, Shandong University
| | - Ling Feng
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong
| | - Hui-jing Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology
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17
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Guo W, Yan M, Xu B, Chu F, Wang W, Zhang C, Jia X, Han Y, Xiang H, Zhang Y, Wang P, Lei H. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of the novel glycyrrhetinic acid-cinnamoyl hybrids as anti-tumor agents. Chem Cent J 2016. [PMCID: PMC5395518 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-016-0222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) derivatives had shown not only cytotoxicity but also could trigger apoptosis in various human cancer cell lines. Moreover, cinnamic acid (CA) and its phenolic analogues as potent antitumor agents were employed in the design of anti-tumor drugs. To further improve the anti-tumor activity of GA and CA derivatives, a series of novel compounds were designed and synthesized using GA and CA derivatives fragments. Results The result showed that all the novel glycyrrhetinic acid-cinnamoyl (GA–CA) hybrids presented higher antitumor activity on the tumor cell lines of HepG2, HT-29, Hela and lower cytotoxicity on three non-tumor cells lines MDCK, HY926, H9C2 than the parent compounds (IC50 > 50 μM). It was worth noting that 8a had a superior cytotoxicity effect on Hela cells (IC50 = 8.54 μM) than on other cancer cell lines (IC50 > 15 μM). And it also indicated that 8a showed lower cytotoxicity (IC50 > 27 μM) towards MDCK, HY926 and H9C2 cells than cisplatin (DDP, IC50 < 10 μM). Moreover, according to the acute toxicity, it could be indicated that the LD50 of 8a exceeded 3.0 g/kg by oral administration in mice. The further research using Giemsa, H33342 staining, flow cytometric analysis and caspase-3 assay showed that 8a could cause Hela cell damage, nuclei lysis and apoptosis. In addition, the structure–activity relationships of these hybrids were briefly discussed. Conclusions Compared with GA, target compounds demonstrated better anti-tumor activity, among which 8a was the most active one. What’s more, structure–activity relationship analysis also revealed that hybrids with trans olefinic bond group show higher antitumor activity than those without olefinic bond, such as 1a > 1b, 6a > 2b, 8a > 3b, 9a > 4b. In addition, it was found that the methoxy substituent might enhance selectivity of GA–CA hybrids towards regular non-cancerous cells MDCK, HY926 and H9C2, such as 4a, 6a, 7a, 8a. However, there might be less relationship between the cytotoxicity and the quantity, position of methoxy moiety. Hence, it is urgent need to synthesize efficient, low toxicity and multi-target anti-tumor compounds based on the structure combination principle.
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Langer D, Wicher B, Szczołko W, Gdaniec M, Tykarska E. Self-assembly modes of glycyrrhetinic acid esters in view of the crystal packing of related triterpene molecules. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION B, STRUCTURAL SCIENCE, CRYSTAL ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS 2016; 72:584-92. [PMID: 27484379 DOI: 10.1107/s2052520616008180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The crystal structures of three ester derivatives of glycyrrhetinic acid (GE) are reported. X-ray crystallography revealed that despite differences in the size of the ester substituents (ethyl, isopropyl and 2-morpholinoethyl) the scheme of molecular self-assembly is similar in all three cases but differs significantly from that observed in other known GE esters. According to our analysis, the two basic patterns of self-assembly of GE esters observed in their unsolvated crystals correspond to two distinct orientations of the ester groups relative to the triterpene backbone. Moreover, comparison of the self-assembly modes of GE esters in their unsolvated forms with the supramolecular organization of GE and carbenoxolone in their solvated crystals revealed that ester substituents replace solvent molecules hydrogen bonded to the COOH group at the triterpene skeleton, resulting in similar packing arrangements of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Langer
- Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Poznań Uniwersity of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6, Poznań 60-780, Poland
| | - Barbara Wicher
- Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Poznań Uniwersity of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6, Poznań 60-780, Poland
| | - Wojciech Szczołko
- Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Poznań Uniwersity of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6, Poznań 60-780, Poland
| | - Maria Gdaniec
- Faculty of Chemistry, A. Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89b, Poznań 61-614, Poland
| | - Ewa Tykarska
- Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Poznań Uniwersity of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6, Poznań 60-780, Poland
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