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Li Y, Zhao M, Lin Y, Jiang X, Jin L, Ye P, Lu Y, Pei R, Jiang L. Licochalcone A induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and interacts with venetoclax in acute myeloid leukemia. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 968:176418. [PMID: 38350590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176418] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a challenge because of the complexity and heterogeneity of this malignancy. Despite the recent approval of several novel targeted drugs, resistance seems inevitable, and clinical outcomes are still suboptimal. Increasing evidence supports the use of natural plants as an important source of anti-leukemic therapeutics. Licochalcone A (LCA) is an active flavonoid isolated from the roots of licorice, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., possessing extensive anti-tumor activities. However, its effects on AML and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we showed that LCA decreased the viability of established human AML cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. LCA significantly induced mitochondrial apoptotic cell death, accompanied by the downregulation of MCL-1, upregulation of BIM, truncation of BID, and cleavage of PARP. A prominent decline in the phosphorylation of multiple critical molecules, including AKT, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), ERK, and P38 was observed upon LCA treatment, indicating PI3K and MAPK signals were suppressed. Both transcription and translation of c-Myc were also inhibited by LCA. In addition, LCA enhanced the cytotoxicity of the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax. Furthermore, the anti-survival and pro-apoptotic effects were confirmed in primary blasts from 10 patients with de novo AML. Thus, our results expand the applications of LCA, which can be regarded as a valuable agent in treating AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youhong Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Mengting Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ye Lin
- Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xia Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Lili Jin
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Peipei Ye
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Renzhi Pei
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Department of Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
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Shi H, Zhang L, Yu TK, Zhuang L, Ke H, Johnson B, Rath E, Lee K, Klebe S, Kao S, Qin KL, Pham HNT, Vuong Q, Cheng YY. Leptospermum extract (QV0) suppresses pleural mesothelioma tumor growth in vitro and in vivo by mitochondrial dysfunction associated apoptosis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1162027. [PMID: 37476375 PMCID: PMC10354640 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1162027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a highly aggressive, fast-growing asbestos-induced cancer with limited effective treatments. There has been interest in using naturally occurring anticancer agents derived from plant materials for the treatment of PM. However, it is unclear if an aqueous extract from Leptospermum polygalifolium (QV0) has activity against PM. Here we investigated the anti-cancer properties of QV0 and Defender® (QV0 dietary formula) in vitro and in vivo, respectively. QV0 suppressed the growth of eight PM cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, effective at concentrations as low as 0.02% w/v (equivalent to 0.2 mg/ml). This response was found to be associated with inhibited cell migration, proliferation, and colony formation but without evident cell cycle alteration. We observed mitochondrial dysfunction post-QV0 treatment, as evidenced by significantly decreased basal and maximal oxygen consumption rates. Ten SCID mice were treated with 0.25 mg/g Defender® daily and exhibited reduced tumor size over 30 days, which was associated with an average extension of seven days of mouse life. There was no evidence of liver toxicity or increased blood glucose post-treatment in animals treated with Defender®. Significantly enhanced tumor apoptosis was observed in the Defender®-treated animals, correlating to mitochondrial dysfunction. Lastly, the high levels of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of QV0 and Defender® were detected in HPLC analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this study constitutes the first demonstration of an improved host survival (without adverse effects) response in a QV0-treated PM mouse model, associated with evident inhibition of PM cell growth and mitochondrial dysfunction-related enhancement of tumor apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaikai Shi
- Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Le Zhang
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, The University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ta-Kun Yu
- Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ling Zhuang
- Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Ke
- Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben Johnson
- Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Rath
- Giannoulatou Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Pathology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonja Klebe
- Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Pathology, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Steven Kao
- Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Karl Lijun Qin
- Quality Global Supply Pty. Ltd., Tuggerah, NSW, Australia
| | - Hong Ngoc Thuy Pham
- College of Engineering, Science and the Environment, University of Newcastle, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Food Technology, Nha Trang University, Nha Trang, Vietnam
| | - Quan Vuong
- College of Engineering, Science and the Environment, University of Newcastle, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuen Yee Cheng
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, The University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Hsieh MJ, Ho HY, Lo YS, Lin CC, Chuang YC, Abomughaid MM, Hsieh MC, Chen MK. Semilicoisoflavone B Induces Apoptosis of Oral Cancer Cells by Inducing ROS Production and Downregulating MAPK and Ras/Raf/MEK Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4505. [PMID: 36901935 PMCID: PMC10003514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide. Despite advancement in treatment, advanced-stage OSCC is associated with poor prognosis and high mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer activities of semilicoisoflavone B (SFB), which is a natural phenolic compound isolated from Glycyrrhiza species. The results revealed that SFB reduces OSCC cell viability by targeting cell cycle and apoptosis. The compound caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and downregulated the expressions of cell cycle regulators including cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2, 6, and 4. Moreover, SFB induced apoptosis by activating poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and caspases 3, 8, and 9. It increased the expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak, reduced the expressions of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and increased the expressions of the death receptor pathway protein Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), and TNFR1-associated death domain protein (TRADD). SFB was found to mediate oral cancer cell apoptosis by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The treatment of the cells with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) caused a reduction in pro-apoptotic potential of SFB. Regarding upstream signaling, SFB reduced the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2, p38, and JNK1/2 and suppressed the activation of Ras, Raf, and MEK. The human apoptosis array conducted in the study identified that SFB downregulated survivin expression to induce oral cancer cell apoptosis. Taken together, the study identifies SFB as a potent anticancer agent that might be used clinically to manage human OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ju Hsieh
- Oral Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yu Ho
- Oral Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sheng Lo
- Oral Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chieh Lin
- Oral Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Chuang
- Oral Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ming-Chang Hsieh
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Kuan Chen
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
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Deng N, Qiao M, Li Y, Liang F, Li J, Liu Y. Anticancer effects of licochalcones: A review of the mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1074506. [PMID: 36755942 PMCID: PMC9900005 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1074506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease with a high fatality rate representing a serious threat to human health. Researchers have tried to identify effective anticancer drugs. Licorice is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological properties, and licorice-derived flavonoids include licochalcones like licochalcone A, licochalcone B, licochalcone C, licochalcone D, licochalcone E, and licochalcone H. By regulating the expression in multiple signaling pathways such as the EGFR/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, p38/JNK, JAK2/STAT3, MEK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, and MKK4/JNK pathways, and their downstream proteins, licochalcones can activate the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and death receptor pathway, promote autophagy-related protein expression, inhibit the expression of cell cycle proteins and angiogenesis factors, regulate autophagy and apoptosis, and inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. Among the licochalcones, the largest number of studies examined licochalcone A, far more than other licochalcones. Licochalcone A not only has prominent anticancer effects but also can be used to inhibit the efflux of antineoplastic drugs from cancer cells. Moreover, derivatives of licochalcone A exhibit strong antitumor effects. Currently, most results of the anticancer effects of licochalcones are derived from cell experiments. Thus, more clinical studies are needed to confirm the antineoplastic effects of licochalcones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Deng
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Qiao
- Chongqing Institute for Food and Drug Control, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengyan Liang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Yanfeng Liu,
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Li MT, Xie L, Jiang HM, Huang Q, Tong RS, Li X, Xie X, Liu HM. Role of Licochalcone A in Potential Pharmacological Therapy: A Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:878776. [PMID: 35677438 PMCID: PMC9168596 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.878776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LA), a useful and valuable flavonoid, is isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC. and widely used clinically in traditional Chinese medicine. We systematically updated the latest information on the pharmacology of LA over the past decade from several authoritative internet databases, including Web of Science, Elsevier, Europe PMC, Wiley Online Library, and PubMed. A combination of keywords containing “Licochalcone A,” “Flavonoid,” and “Pharmacological Therapy” was used to help ensure a comprehensive review. Collected information demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological properties for LA, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, bone protection, blood glucose and lipid regulation, neuroprotection, and skin protection. LA activity is mediated through several signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, P53, NF-κB, and P38. Caspase-3 apoptosis, MAPK inflammatory, and Nrf2 oxidative stress signaling pathways are also involved with multiple therapeutic targets, such as TNF-α, VEGF, Fas, FasL, PI3K, AKT, and caspases. Recent studies mainly focus on the anticancer properties of LA, which suggests that the pharmacology of other aspects of LA will need additional study. At the end of this review, current challenges and future research directions on LA are discussed. This review is divided into three parts based on the pharmacological effects of LA for the convenience of readers. We anticipate that this review will inspire further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ting Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Mei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong-Sheng Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong-Mei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Wu Y, Wang Z, Du Q, Zhu Z, Chen T, Xue Y, Wang Y, Zeng Q, Shen C, Jiang C, Liu L, Zhu H, Liu Q. Pharmacological Effects and Underlying Mechanisms of Licorice-Derived Flavonoids. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:9523071. [PMID: 35082907 PMCID: PMC8786487 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9523071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the most frequently prescribed natural medicine in China and has been used for more than 2,000 years. The flavonoids of licorice have garnered considerable attention in recent decades due to their structural diversity and myriad pharmacological effects, especially as novel therapeutic agents against inflammation and cancer. Although many articles have been published to summarize different pharmacological activities of licorice in recent years, the systematic summary for flavonoid components is not comprehensive. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the pharmacological and mechanistic data from recent researches on licorice flavonoids and their bioactive components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhuxian Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qunqun Du
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhaoming Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yaqi Xue
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Quanfu Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chunyan Shen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Cuiping Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Li Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hongxia Zhu
- Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510315, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Phytochemicals in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment-Review on the Current Trends of Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158279. [PMID: 34361048 PMCID: PMC8348618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but highly aggressive tumor of pleura arising in response to asbestos fibers exposure. MPM is frequently diagnosed in the advanced stage of the disease and causes poor prognostic outcomes. From the clinical perspective, MPM is resistant to conventional treatment, thus challenging the therapeutic options. There is still demand for improvement and sensitization of MPM cells to therapy in light of intensive clinical studies on chemotherapeutic drugs, including immuno-modulatory and targeted therapies. One way is looking for natural sources, whole plants, and extracts whose ingredients, especially polyphenols, have potential anticancer properties. This comprehensive review summarizes the current studies on natural compounds and plant extracts in developing new treatment strategies for MPM.
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Zhang Z, Yang L, Hou J, Tian S, Liu Y. Molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer activities of licorice flavonoids. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 267:113635. [PMID: 33246112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Licorice has been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of gastric, liver, and respiratory disease conditions for more than two thousand years. It is a major component of several Chinese patent medicines certificated by National Medical Products Administration that possess great anticancer activities. AIM OF THE STUDY To comprehensively summarize the anticancer activities of licorice flavonoids, explain the underlying molecular mechanisms, and assess their therapeutic potentials and side-effects. METHODS PubMed, Research Gate, Web of Science, Google Scholar, academic journals, and Science Direct were used as information sources, with the key words of "anticancer", "licorice", "flavonoids", and their combinations, mainly from 2000 to 2019. RESULTS Sixteen licorice flavonoids are found to possess anticancer activities. These flavonoids inhibit cancer cells through blocking cell cycle and regulating multiple signaling pathways. The major pathways targeted by licorice flavonoids include: the MAPK pathway, PI3K/AKT pathway, NF-κB pathway, death receptor - dependent extrinsic signaling pathway, and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. CONCLUSION Licorice flavonoids are a group of versatile molecules that have pleiotropic effects on cell growth, survival and cell signaling. Many of the flavonoids possess inhibitory activities toward cancer cell growth and hence have a great therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. However, additional preclinical studies are still needed to assess their in vivo efficacy and possible toxicities. It is also imperative to evaluate the effects of licorice flavonoids on the metabolism of other drugs and explore the potential synergistic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Lin Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Jiaming Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Shaokai Tian
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
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Yuan LW, Jiang XM, Xu YL, Huang MY, Chen YC, Yu WB, Su MX, Ye ZH, Chen X, Wang Y, Lu JJ. Licochalcone A inhibits interferon-gamma-induced programmed death-ligand 1 in lung cancer cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 80:153394. [PMID: 33130472 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which can be induced by interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the tumor microenvironment, is a critical immune checkpoint in cancer immunotherapy. Natural products which reduce IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 might be exert immunotherapy effect. Licochalcone A (LCA), a natural compound derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin. (Fabaceae), was found to interfere IFN-γ-induced PD-L1. PURPOSE The aim of this study is to further clarify the effect and the mechanism of LCA on inhibiting IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 in lung cancer cells. METHODS The expression levels of PD-L1 were evaluated by flow cytometry, western blot and qRT-PCR. Click-iT protein synthesis assay and luciferase assay were used to identify the effect of LCA on protein synthesis. Jurkat T cell proliferation and apoptosis in the co-culture system were detected by flow cytometry. Flow cytometry was also applied to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. RESULTS LCA downregulated IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 protein expression and membrane localization in human lung cancer cells, regardless of inhibiting PD-L1 mRNA level or promoting its protein degradation. LCA decreased apoptosis and proliferative inhibition of Jurkat T cells caused by IFN-γ-induced PD-L1-expressing in A549 cells in the co-culture system. Strikingly, LCA was verified as a protein synthesis inhibitor, which reduced both cap-dependent and -independent translation. LCA inhibited PD-L1 translation, likely due to inhibition of 4EBP1 phosphorylation (Ser 65) and activation of PERK-eIF2α pathway. Furthermore, LCA induced ROS generation in a time-dependent manner in lung cancer cells. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) not only revered ROS generation triggered by LCA but also restored IFN-γ-induced expression of PD-L1. Both the inhibition of 4EBP1 phosphorylation (Ser 65) and activation of PERK-eIF2α axis triggered by LCA was restored by co-treatment with NAC. CONCLUSION LCA abrogated IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression via ROS generation to abolish the protein translation, indicating that LCA has the potential to be applied in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luo-Wei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yu-Lian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mu-Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yu-Chi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Wei-Bang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Min-Xia Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zi-Han Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jin-Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Synthetic methods and biological applications of retrochalcones isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza species: A review. RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rechem.2021.100216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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11
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Recent advances in α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds as mitochondrial toxins. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 183:111687. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Licochalcone A-Induced Apoptosis Through the Activation of p38MAPK Pathway Mediated Mitochondrial Pathways of Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111441. [PMID: 31739642 PMCID: PMC6912226 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Licochalcone A (LicA) is isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra and possesses antitumor and anti-invasive activities against several tumor cells. However, the antitumor effects of LicA on human osteosarcoma cells have yet to be demonstrated either in vitro or in vivo. METHODS Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction were detected with Annexin V/PI staining and JC-1 staining by flow cytometry. The expressions of caspase- or mitochondrial-related proteins were demonstrated by western blotting. Antitumor effect of LicA on 143B xenograft mice in vivo. RESULTS LicA could inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells, as evidenced by a decrease in cell viability, loss of mitochondrial membrane potentials, and activation of caspases. LicA treatment substantially reduced the expression of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 and increased the expression of cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-PARP, and Bax in HOS and U2OS cells. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis suppression mediated by Z-VAD or tauroursodeoxycholic acid significantly reduced LicA-induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. The study also determined that LicA treatment induced p38MAPK phosphorylation, but siRNA-p38 or BIRB796 substantially reversed cell viability through the inhibition of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathways. Finally, an in vivo study revealed that LicA significantly inhibited 143B xenograft tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that LicA has antitumor activities against human osteosarcoma cells through p38MAPK regulation of mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathways in vitro and in vivo.
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Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Licochalcone A through ROS-Mediated Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Bladder Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153820. [PMID: 31387245 PMCID: PMC6696302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LCA) is a chalcone that is predominantly found in the root of Glycyrrhiza species, which is widely used as an herbal medicine. Although previous studies have reported that LCA has a wide range of pharmacological effects, evidence for the underlying molecular mechanism of its anti-cancer efficacy is still lacking. In this study, we investigated the anti-proliferative effect of LCA on human bladder cancer cells, and found that LCA induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptotic cell death. Our data showed that LCA inhibited the expression of cyclin A, cyclin B1, and Wee1, but increased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1, and increased p21 was bound to Cdc2 and Cdk2. LCA activated caspase-8 and -9, which are involved in the initiation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, respectively, and also increased caspase-3 activity, a typical effect caspase, subsequently leading to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Additionally, LCA increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and reduced the integrity of mitochondria, which contributed to the discharge of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm. Moreover, LCA enhanced the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, the interruption of ROS generation using ROS scavenger led to escape from LCA-mediated G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Collectively, the present data indicate that LCA can inhibit the proliferation of human bladder cancer cells by inducing ROS-dependent G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis.
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Gong J, Sheng W, Ma D, Huang G, Liu F. DNA methylation status of TBX20 in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:75. [PMID: 31138201 PMCID: PMC6540552 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-019-0534-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background TBX20 plays an important role in heart development; however, its epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) remains unclear. Methods The methylation levels of the TBX20 promoter region in the right ventricular myocardial tissues of TOF and control samples were measured by the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Bisulphite-sequencing PCR (BSP) was used to confirm the TBX20 methylation of CpG sites in cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to detect the influence of TBX20 methylation and Sp1 transcription factors on gene activity. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to explore the binding of the Sp1 transcription factor to the TBX20 promoter. Results TOF cases had a significantly lower TBX20_M1 methylation level than controls (median methylation: 20.40% vs. 38.73%; p = 0.0047). The Sp1 transcription factor, which binds to Sp1 binding sites in the TBX20_M1 region and promotes TBX20 gene activity, was blocked by the methylation of Sp1 binding sites in normal controls. With decreasing methylation in the TOF cases, the Sp1 transcription factor can bind to its binding site within the TBX20 promoter M1 region and promote TBX20 gene expression. Conclusions Hypomethylation of the TBX20 promoter region was observed in the TOF cases, and the high expression of the TBX20 gene may be caused by activated Sp1 transcription factor binding because of the decreasing methylation at the Sp1 transcription factor binding sites within TBX20_M1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gong
- Children Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Wei Sheng
- Children Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Duan Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Guoying Huang
- Children Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China.
| | - Fang Liu
- Children Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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15
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Nam GH, Jo KJ, Park YS, Kawk HW, Kim SY, Kim YM. In vitro and in vivo Induction of p53-Dependent Apoptosis by Extract of Euryale ferox Salisb in A549 Human Caucasian Lung Carcinoma Cancer Cells Is Mediated Through Akt Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2019; 9:406. [PMID: 31192119 PMCID: PMC6540844 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death, and mortality rates have steadily been increasing. Recently, several studies were conducted to develop novel, physiologically active compounds from medicinal plant extracts. Several plant-derived extracts and molecules regulate and inhibit signaling molecules associated with the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Euryale ferox salisb is a medicinal plant that is effective against different types of cancers. In this study, we investigated the apoptotic effects of E. ferox salisb extract (ESE) in A549 lung cancer cells, exerted by the inhibition of the Akt protein and activation of the p53 protein. Our results show that ESE induces apoptosis via the regulation of mitochondrial outer membrane potential and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We demonstrate that apoptosis is induced in a p53-dependent manner when cells are treated with pifithrin-α (a p53 inhibitor) and LY294002 (an Akt inhibitor). The apoptotic effects from ESE were observed in vivo in Balb/c-nu mice bearing A549 xenografts. Altogether, these results suggest that E. ferox salisb extracts exert anti-cancer effects in a p53-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gun-He Nam
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Nano Technology, Hannam University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Jo Jo
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Nano Technology, Hannam University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Ye-Seul Park
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Nano Technology, Hannam University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hye Won Kawk
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Nano Technology, Hannam University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Sang-Yong Kim
- Department of Food Science and Bio Technology, Shinansan University, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Young-Min Kim
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Nano Technology, Hannam University, Daejeon, South Korea
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16
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Wong JH, Sze SCW, Ng TB, Cheung RCF, Tam C, Zhang KY, Dan X, Chan YS, Shing Cho WC, Ng CCW, Waye MMY, Liang W, Zhang J, Yang J, Ye X, Lin J, Ye X, Wang H, Liu F, Chan DW, Ngan HYS, Sha O, Li G, Tse R, Tse TF, Chan H. Apoptosis and Anti-cancer Drug Discovery: The Power of Medicinal Fungi and Plants. Curr Med Chem 2019; 25:5613-5630. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170720165005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this account is to review the compounds capable of eliciting
mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells produced by medicinal fungi and plants.
The medicinal fungi discussed encompass Cordyceps, Ganoderma species, Coriolus versicolor
and Hypsizygus marmoreus. The medicinal plants discussed comprise Astragalus
complanatus, Dendrobium spp, Dioscorea spp, Glycyrrhiza spp, Panax notoginseng,
Panax ginseng, and Momordica charantia. These compounds have the potential of development
into anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Ho Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen Cho Wing Sze
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Randy Chi Fai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chit Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kalin Yanbo Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiuli Dan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yau Sang Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - William Chi Shing Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Mary Miu Yee Waye
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weicheng Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinfang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Enzyme Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Xiuyun Ye
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Enzyme Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Juan Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Enzyme Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Xiujuan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Hexiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Department of Microbiology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - David Wai Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hextan Yuen Sheung Ngan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ou Sha
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guohui Li
- Vita Green Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd, Vita Green Health Products (HK) Ltd Genning Partners Company Limited, and Hong Kong Institute of Medical Research, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ryan Tse
- Vita Green Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd, Vita Green Health Products (HK) Ltd Genning Partners Company Limited, and Hong Kong Institute of Medical Research, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tak Fu Tse
- Vita Green Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd, Vita Green Health Products (HK) Ltd Genning Partners Company Limited, and Hong Kong Institute of Medical Research, Hong Kong, China
| | - Helen Chan
- Vita Green Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd, Vita Green Health Products (HK) Ltd Genning Partners Company Limited, and Hong Kong Institute of Medical Research, Hong Kong, China
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Lu WJ, Wu GJ, Chen RJ, Chang CC, Lien LM, Chiu CC, Tseng MF, Huang LT, Lin KH. Licochalcone A attenuates glioma cell growth in vitro and in vivo through cell cycle arrest. Food Funct 2018; 9:4500-4507. [PMID: 30083664 DOI: 10.1039/c8fo00728d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LA), an active ingredient of licorice, has multiple biological activities, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Although LA exerts antitumor effects in various cancer cells, its role in gliomas remains unclear. Therefore, this study determined whether LA inhibits glioma cell growth in vitro and in vivo. The present data revealed that LA effectively inhibited the growth of U87 glioma cells by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases; cell cycle arrest was attributed to the LA-mediated reduction of mRNA and protein levels of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases. Moreover, subcutaneous (flank) and orthotopic (brain) tumor models were used to determine the role of LA in gliomas. LA significantly alleviated tumor growth in both models. These findings indicate that LA exerts antitumor effects in gliomas in vitro and in vivo and that it is a potential agent for treating glioblastoma multiforme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Jung Lu
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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18
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Yoon G, Cheon SH, Shim JH, Cho SS. Design and Evaluation of Licochalcone A Derivatives as Anticancer Agents. Nat Prod Commun 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1801300609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
New derivatives of licochalcone A were synthesized and evaluated for their potential anticancer activities. Compounds 6 (( E)-N-(4-(3-(5-bromo-4-hydroxy-2-methoxy phenyl) acryloyl) phenyl)-4-isopropylbenzamide) and 8 (1-(3-dimethylamino-phenyl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-propenone) showed potent activity against the screened cancer cell lines with that of compound 6 ranging from 6.9 ± 0.2 μM to 22.9 ± 3.1 μM, and that of compound 8 from 4.2 ± 0.5 μM to 11.8 ± 0.7 μM. Both compounds showed stronger cytotoxicity than that of licochalcone A. These two candidates have very different substituents and could be considered as promising lead compounds for further development of potent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goo Yoon
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Natural Medicine Research Institute, Mokpo National University, Muan Jeonnam 534–729, South Korea
| | - Seung Hoon Cheon
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Shim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Natural Medicine Research Institute, Mokpo National University, Muan Jeonnam 534–729, South Korea
| | - Seung Sik Cho
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Natural Medicine Research Institute, Mokpo National University, Muan Jeonnam 534–729, South Korea
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19
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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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20
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Xue L, Zhang WJ, Fan QX, Wang LX. Licochalcone A inhibits PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway activation and promotes autophagy in breast cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:1869-1873. [PMID: 29399197 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that Licochalcone A possesses anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-bacterial, anti-malarial and anti-parasitic activities. In the present study the potential anticancer effects of Licochalcone A on MCF-7 cells were investigated. Licochalcone A significantly decreased cell viability and promoted autophagy and apoptosis, as demonstrated by an MTT assay, acridine orange staining and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining, respectively. Western blot analyses demonstrated that Licochalcone A treatment activated the LC3-II signaling pathway while suppressing the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/RAC-α serine-threonine-protein kinase (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. In addition, Licochalcone A significantly increased caspase-3 activity and significantly decreased B-cell lymphoma-2 expression. The results from the present study indicate that Licochalcone A inhibits PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation, and promotes autophagy and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xue
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Jie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Xia Fan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Liu-Xing Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
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Chen X, Liu Z, Meng R, Shi C, Guo N. Antioxidative and anticancer properties of Licochalcone A from licorice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 198:331-337. [PMID: 28111219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Licochalcone A (LCA) is a characteristic chalcone that is found in licorice, which is a traditional medicinal plant. In traditional medicine, LCA possesses many potential biological activities, including anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. AIM OF THE STUDY To determine the antioxidant activity of LCA and, on this basis, to investigate the role of its anticancer activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS To validate the antioxidant activity of LCA, the proteins SOD, CAT and GPx1 were analyzed using western blotting and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays. Oxidative free radicals are associated with cancer cells. Therefore, the anticancer activity of LCA was also evaluated. To assess the anticancer activity, cell viability assays were performed and apoptosis was evaluated. In addition, MAPK-related proteins were analyzed using western blotting. RESULTS The experimental data showed that the EC50 of LCA is 58.79±0.05μg/mL and 46.29±0.05μg/mL under the two conditions tested, with or without PBS. In addition, LCA at a concentration of approximately 2-8μg/mL can induce the expression of SOD, CAT and GPx1 proteins. Further, LCA inhibits the growth of HepG2 cells through cell proliferation arrest and the subsequent induction of apoptosis, and LCA attenuated the p38/JNK/ERK signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION The results showed that LCA suppresses the oxidation of cells and markedly inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells. These findings confirm the traditional use of LCA in folk medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Chen
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 130062, China
| | - Zuojia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Rizeng Meng
- Jilin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Ce Shi
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 130062, China
| | - Na Guo
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 130062, China.
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22
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Zhu W, Wang H, Zhang W, Xu N, Xu J, Li Y, Liu W, Lv S. Protective effects and plausible mechanisms of antler-velvet polypeptide against hydrogen peroxide induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 95:610-619. [PMID: 28177676 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2016-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Antler velvet polypeptide (VAP) is a prominent bioactive component of antler velvet. Whereas uncharacterized crude extracts have typically been used in pharmacological studies, in this study, the velvet polypeptide was isolated and purified by acid water extraction, ethanol precipitation, ammonium sulfate fractionation and precipitation, and chromatography, progressively. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were induced with H2O2 followed purified polypeptide treatment. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The apoptosis of cells was detected by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. A cell analyzer was used to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by flow cytometry. Oxidative stress related biochemical parameters were detected, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was examined by Western blot analysis. The results indicated that a 7.0 kDa polypeptide (VAP II) was isolated from antler velvet. VAP II enhanced cell viability, decreased cell apoptosis, reversed depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased ROS levels, inhibited oxidative stress, and regulated the downstream signaling apoptotic cascade expression caused by H2O2. The protective effects of VAP II on HUVECs suggests a potential strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhe Zhu
- a Department of Biochemistry, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Huiyan Wang
- a Department of Biochemistry, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- a Department of Biochemistry, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Na Xu
- a Department of Biochemistry, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Junjie Xu
- a Department of Biochemistry, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Yan Li
- a Department of Biochemistry, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Wensen Liu
- b Institute of Military Veterinary Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130117, P.R. China
| | - Shijie Lv
- a Department of Biochemistry, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
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Benvenuto M, Mattera R, Taffera G, Giganti MG, Lido P, Masuelli L, Modesti A, Bei R. The Potential Protective Effects of Polyphenols in Asbestos-Mediated Inflammation and Carcinogenesis of Mesothelium. Nutrients 2016; 8:nu8050275. [PMID: 27171110 PMCID: PMC4882688 DOI: 10.3390/nu8050275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is a tumor of the serous membranes linked to exposure to asbestos. A chronic inflammatory response orchestrated by mesothelial cells contributes to the development and progression of MM. The evidence that: (a) multiple signaling pathways are aberrantly activated in MM cells; (b) asbestos mediated-chronic inflammation has a key role in MM carcinogenesis; (c) the deregulation of the immune system might favor the development of MM; and (d) a drug might have a better efficacy when injected into a serous cavity thus bypassing biotransformation and reaching an effective dose has prompted investigations to evaluate the effects of polyphenols for the therapy and prevention of MM. Dietary polyphenols are able to inhibit cancer cell growth by targeting multiple signaling pathways, reducing inflammation, and modulating immune response. The ability of polyphenols to modulate the production of pro-inflammatory molecules by targeting signaling pathways or ROS might represent a key mechanism to prevent and/or to contrast the development of MM. In this review, we will report the current knowledge on the ability of polyphenols to modulate the immune system and production of mediators of inflammation, thus revealing an important tool in preventing and/or counteracting the growth of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Mattera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Gloria Taffera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Maria Gabriella Giganti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Paolo Lido
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome 00164, Italy.
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
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Zhang R, Feng X, Zhan M, Huang C, Chen K, Tang X, Kang T, Xiong Y, Lei M. Transcription Factor Sp1 Promotes the Expression of Porcine ROCK1 Gene. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17010112. [PMID: 26784181 PMCID: PMC4730353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17010112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) gene plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability, tumorigenesis and myogenesis. However, little is known about the regulatory elements governing the transcription of porcine ROCK1 gene. In the current study, the transcription start site (TSS) was identified by 5'-RACE, and was found to differ from the predicted one. The region in ROCK1 promoter which is critical for promoter activity was investigated via progressive deletions. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that the region from -604 to -554 bp contains responsive elements for Sp1. Subsequent experiments showed that ROCK1 promoter activity is enhanced by Sp1 in a dose-dependent manner, whereas treatment with specific siRNA repressed ROCK1 promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), DNA pull down and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed Sp1 can bind to this region. qRT-PCR and Western blotting research followed by overexpression or inhibition of Sp1 indicate that Sp1 can affect endogenous ROCK1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Overexpression of Sp1 can promote the expression of myogenic differentiation 1(MyoD), myogenin (MyoG), myosin heavy chain (MyHC). Taken together, we conclude that Sp1 positively regulates ROCK1 transcription by directly binding to the ROCK1 promoter region (from -604 to -532 bp) and may affect the process of myogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Xiaoting Feng
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- College of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Bioengineering Institute, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Mengsi Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Cong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Kun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Xiaoyin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Tingting Kang
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Yuanzhu Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Minggang Lei
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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