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Steinbuch SC, Lüß AM, Eltrop S, Götte M, Kiesel L. Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer: From Molecular Pathologies to Clinical Relevance. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4306. [PMID: 38673891 PMCID: PMC11050613 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084306] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting reproductive-aged women, characterized by the growth of ectopic endometrial tissue. Despite being benign, endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC). Ovarian cancer is rare, but more common in women with endometriosis, particularly endometrioid and clear-cell carcinomas. Factors such as hormonal imbalance, reproductive history, environmental exposures, and genetic predisposition contribute to the malignant transformation of endometriosis. Thus, understanding potential risk factors causing malignancy is crucial. Over the past few decades, various genetic mutations, microRNAs, as well as tumor microenvironmental factors have been identified, impacting pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR, DNA repair mechanisms, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Thus, this review aims to summarize molecular studies involved in EAOC pathogenesis as potential therapeutic targets. However, further research is needed to better understand the molecular and environmental factors driving EAOC development, to target the susceptibility of endometriotic lesions to malignant progression, and to identify effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Charlotte Steinbuch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Lüß
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stephanie Eltrop
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Götte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Interfaculty Centre (CiMIC), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ludwig Kiesel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Faraji F, Kooshki L, Webber K, Bishayee A. Modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis by natural compounds: a comprehensive and critical review. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:501-574. [PMID: 37792223 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells employ multiple signaling mediators to escape the hypoxic condition and trigger angiogenesis and metastasis. As a critical orchestrate of tumorigenic conditions, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is responsible for stimulating several target genes and dysregulated pathways in tumor invasion and migration. Therefore, targeting HIF-1 pathway and cross-talked mediators seems to be a novel strategy in cancer prevention and treatment. In recent decades, tremendous efforts have been made to develop multi-targeted therapies to modulate several dysregulated pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. In this line, natural compounds have shown a bright future in combating angiogenic and metastatic conditions. Among the natural secondary metabolites, we have evaluated the critical potential of phenolic compounds, terpenes/terpenoids, alkaloids, sulfur compounds, marine- and microbe-derived agents in the attenuation of HIF-1, and interconnected pathways in fighting tumor-associated angiogenesis and invasion. This is the first comprehensive review on natural constituents as potential regulators of HIF-1 and interconnected pathways against cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. This review aims to reshape the previous strategies in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Faraji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Leila Kooshki
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6714415153, Iran
| | - Kassidy Webber
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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Mares C, Udrea AM, Buiu C, Staicu A, Avram S. Therapeutic Potentials of Aconite-like Alkaloids: Bioinformatics and Experimental Approaches. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:159-175. [PMID: 36994982 DOI: 10.2174/1389557523666230328153417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Compounds from plants that are used in traditional medicine may have medicinal properties. It is well known that plants belonging to the genus Aconitum are highly poisonous. Utilizing substances derived from Aconitum sp. has been linked to negative effects. In addition to their toxicity, the natural substances derived from Aconitum species may have a range of biological effects on humans, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer characteristics. Multiple in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of their therapeutic effects. In this review, the clinical effects of natural compounds extracted from Aconitum sp., focusing on aconitelike alkaloids, are investigated particularly by bioinformatics tools, such as the quantitative structure- activity relationship method, molecular docking, and predicted pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. The experimental and bioinformatics aspects of aconitine's pharmacogenomic profile are discussed. Our review could help shed light on the molecular mechanisms of Aconitum sp. compounds. The effects of several aconite-like alkaloids, such as aconitine, methyllycacintine, or hypaconitine, on specific molecular targets, including voltage-gated sodium channels, CAMK2A and CAMK2G during anesthesia, or BCL2, BCL-XP, and PARP-1 receptors during cancer therapy, are evaluated. According to the reviewed literature, aconite and aconite derivatives have a high affinity for the PARP-1 receptor. The toxicity estimations for aconitine indicate hepatotoxicity and hERG II inhibitor activity; however, this compound is not predicted to be AMES toxic or an hERG I inhibitor. The efficacy of aconitine and its derivatives in treating many illnesses has been proven experimentally. Toxicity occurs as a result of the high ingested dose; however, the usage of this drug in future research is based on the small quantity of an active compound that fulfills a therapeutic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Mares
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Udrea
- Laser Department, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Magurele, 077125, Romania
- Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences Section, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, 50567, Romania
| | - Catalin Buiu
- Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, Bucharest, 060042, Romania
| | - Angela Staicu
- Laser Department, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Magurele, 077125, Romania
| | - Speranta Avram
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
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Kozieł MJ, Piastowska-Ciesielska AW. Estrogens, Estrogen Receptors and Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14673. [PMID: 37834120 PMCID: PMC10572993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and the most concerning issues in gynecological oncology in recent years. It is postulated that many factors may contribute to the development of ovarian cancer, including hormonal imbalance. Estrogens are a group of hormones that have an important role both in physiological and pathological processes. In ovarian cancer, they may regulate proliferation, invasiveness and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Estrogen signaling also takes part in the regulation of the biology of the tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes the information connected with estrogen receptors, estrogens and their association with a tumor microenvironment. Moreover, this review also includes information about the changes in estrogen receptor expression upon exposition to various environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Justyna Kozieł
- Department of Cell Cultures and Genomic Analysis, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- BRaIn Laboratories, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wanda Piastowska-Ciesielska
- Department of Cell Cultures and Genomic Analysis, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- BRaIn Laboratories, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
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Jin D, Huang NN, Wei JX. Hepatotoxic mechanism of cantharidin: insights and strategies for therapeutic intervention. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1201404. [PMID: 37383714 PMCID: PMC10293652 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1201404] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD), a natural compound derived from Mylabris, is widely used in traditional Oriental medicine for its potent anticancer properties. However, its clinical application is restricted due to its high toxicity, particularly towards the liver. This review provides a concise understanding of the hepatotoxic mechanisms of CTD and highlights novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate its toxicity while enhancing its anticancer efficacy. We systematically explore the molecular mechanisms underlying CTD-induced hepatotoxicity, focusing on the involvement of apoptotic and autophagic processes in hepatocyte injury. We further discuss the endogenous and exogenous pathways implicated in CTD-induced liver damage and potential therapeutic targets. This review also summarizes the structural modifications of CTD derivatives and their impact on anticancer activity. Additionally, we delve into the advancements in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems that hold promise in overcoming the limitations of CTD derivatives. By offering valuable insights into the hepatotoxic mechanisms of CTD and outlining potential avenues for future research, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop safer and more effective CTD-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Na-Na Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing-Xia Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
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Mareş C, Udrea AM, Şuţan NA, Avram S. Bioinformatics Tools for the Analysis of Active Compounds Identified in Ranunculaceae Species. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:842. [PMID: 37375790 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemical compounds from extracts of three Ranunculaceae species, Aconitum toxicum Rchb., Anemone nemorosa L. and Helleborus odorus Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd., respectively, were isolated using the HPLC purification technique and analyzed from a bioinformatics point of view. The classes of compounds identified based on the proportion in the rhizomes/leaves/flowers used for microwave-assisted extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction were alkaloids and phenols. Here, the quantifying of pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics and pharmacodynamics helps us to identify the actual biologically active compounds. Our results showed that (i) pharmacokinetically, the compounds show good absorption at the intestinal level and high permeability at the level of the central nervous system for alkaloids; (ii) regarding pharmacogenomics, alkaloids can influence tumor sensitivity and the effectiveness of some treatments; (iii) and pharmacodynamically, the compounds of these Ranunculaceae species bind to carbonic anhydrase and aldose reductase. The results obtained showed a high affinity of the compounds in the binding solution at the level of carbonic anhydrases. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors extracted from natural sources can represent the path to new drugs useful both in the treatment of glaucoma, but also of some renal, neurological and even neoplastic diseases. The identification of natural compounds with the role of inhibitors can have a role in different types of pathologies, both associated with studied and known receptors such as carbonic anhydrase and aldose reductase, as well as new pathologies not yet addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cătălina Mareş
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Udrea
- Laser Department, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Atomistilor 409, 077125 Magurele, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Anca Şuţan
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Piteşti, 1 Targul din Vale Str., 110040 Pitesti, Romania
| | - Speranţa Avram
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
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Xiang G, Xing N, Wang S, Zhang Y. Antitumor effects and potential mechanisms of aconitine based on preclinical studies: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1172939. [PMID: 37180714 PMCID: PMC10174313 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1172939] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Herbs originating from the Aconitum L. (Ranunculaceae), such as Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux. (Wutou), Aconitum pendulum Busch. (Tiebangchui), and Aconitum kusnezoffii Reichb. (Caowu), etc. are highly valued for their medicinal properties. The roots and tubers of these herbs are commonly used to treat an array of ailments, including joint pain and tumors. The alkaloids present in them are the primary active components, with aconitine being the most notable. Aconitine has gained attention for its exceptional anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its potential as an anti-tumor and cardiotonic agent. However, the exact process through which aconitine hinders the growth of cancerous cells and triggers their programmed cell death remains unclear. Therefore, we have undertaken a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the current research on the potential antitumor properties of aconitine. Methods: We conducted a thorough search of relevant preclinical studies in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, VIP, WanFang Data, CNKI, Embase, Cochrane Library, and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The search was conducted up until 15 September 2022, and the data were statistically analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software. The number of tumor cell value-added, tumor cell apoptosis rate, thymus index (TI), and Bcl-2 gene expression level were the main indicators to be analyzed. Results: After applying the final inclusion criteria, a total of thirty-seven studies, comprising both in vivo and in vitro research were analyzed. The results showed that treatment with aconitine led to a significant reduction in tumor cell proliferation, a noteworthy increase in the rate of apoptosis among tumor cells, a decrease in the thymus index, and a reduction in the expression level of Bcl-2. These results suggested that aconitine could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities of tumor cells by regulating Bcl-2 etc., thereby enhancing the anti-tumor effects. Conclusion: In summary, our present study demonstrated that aconitine effectively reduced tumor size and volume, indicating a strong anti-tumor effect. Additionally, aconitine could increase the expression levels of caspase-3, Bax and other targets. Mechanistically, it may regulate the expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 through the NF-κB signaling pathway, ultimately inhibiting tumor cell proliferation through autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelin Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Research Center for Academic Inheritance and Innovation of Ethnomedicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Research Center for Academic Inheritance and Innovation of Ethnomedicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Research Center for Academic Inheritance and Innovation of Ethnomedicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Shaohui Wang, ; Yi Zhang,
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Research Center for Academic Inheritance and Innovation of Ethnomedicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Shaohui Wang, ; Yi Zhang,
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Li L, Zhang L, Liao T, Zhang C, Chen K, Huang Q. Advances on pharmacology and toxicology of aconitine. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2022; 36:601-611. [PMID: 35060168 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Aconitum alkaloids are considered to be the characteristic bioactive ingredients of Aconitum species, which are widely applied to the treatment of diverse diseases, and aconitine (AC) is found in most Aconitum plants. Research evidence shows that low-dose AC has a good therapeutic potential in heart failure, myocardial infarction, neuroinflammatory diseases, rheumatic diseases, and tumors, which has become one of the hotspots in global research in recent years. However, the cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity of AC have also attracted extensive attention. Excessive use of AC always induces ventricular tachyarrhythmia and heart arrest, even can be potentially lethal. Therefore, AC cannot simply be regarded as a good medicine or a toxicant, but its underlying curative and toxic properties remained chaos. In order to dig the unique pharmacological value of AC while preventing its toxicity, the pharmacological activities and toxic effects of AC were summarized in this paper, providing new insight into the safe and effective use of AC in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuying Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Zigong City, Zigong, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tingting Liao
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Keling Chen
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qun Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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An insight into current advances on pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and detoxification of aconitine. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113115. [PMID: 35605296 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aconitine is a diterpenoid alkaloid, which mainly exists in the plants of Aconitum. In the last decade, a plethora of studies on the pharmacological activities of aconitine has been conducted and demonstrated that aconitine possessed an extensive range of pharmacological activities such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, local anesthesia, and immunomodulatory effects. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that aconitine may have the characteristics of poor bioavailability, wide distribution, and slow elimination. However, studies have also found that aconitine has toxic effects on the heart, nerves, embryos, etc. Therefore, we believe that aconitine may not be suitable for heart patients and pregnant women to treat related diseases. It is important to note that all of these pharmacological effects require further high-quality studies to determine the clinical efficacy of aconitine. This review aims to summarize the advances in pharmacological, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and detoxification of aconitine in the last decade with an emphasis on its anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities, to provide researchers with the latest information and point out the limitations of relevant research at the current stage and the aspects that should be strengthened in future research.
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Gao J, Fu Y, Song L, Long M, Zhang Y, Qin J, Liu H. Proapoptotic Effect of Icariin on Human Ovarian Cancer Cells via the NF-[Formula: see text]B/PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway: A Network Pharmacology-Directed Experimental Investigation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 50:589-619. [PMID: 35114909 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x22500239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Based on network pharmacology tools and public bioinformatics databases, the pharmacodynamic target and key mechanism of icariin (ICA) in the treatment of ovarian cancer (OC) were identified and experimentally verified. Our previous research showed that TNF, MMP9, STAT3, PIK3CA, ERBB2, MTOR, IL2, PTGS2, KDR and F2 are important targets of ICA in the treatment of OC. TNF, as a hub gene in tumor tissues, was associated with poor prognosis. ICA acted on OC mainly through the biological functions of various kinases, and the pathway with the highest accuracy ([Formula: see text]-value) was PI3K. Meanwhile, we observed a close upstream and downstream relationship between NF-[Formula: see text]B and the Pl3K-AKT pathway. This study further verified the mechanism of ICA in promoting apoptosis of SKOV3 cells through the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway and the tandem relationship between NF-[Formula: see text]B and the Pl3K-AKT pathway. The assay results demonstrated that ICA can promote the apoptosis of SKOV3 cells as indicated by the proapoptotic markers Bax, Bcl-xl and Caspase-3 and the key factors of the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway (NF-[Formula: see text]Bp65, p-NF-[Formula: see text]Bp65, p-I[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text] and I[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text]. ICA can block the classical NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway by inhibiting I[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text] phosphorylation and consequently blocking the activation of the NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway in SKOV3 cells. ICA can also promote apoptosis by blocking the activation of the NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway in SKOV3 cells via inhibition of NF-[Formula: see text]Bp65 nuclear translocation. After using a PI3K pathway inhibitor, we further discovered that ICA may reduce AKT signal transduction by inhibiting the level of Akt phosphorylation, resulting in a loss of PI3K/Akt-dependent activation of the NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Yanjin Fu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Linliang Song
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Mengsha Long
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Yiyao Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Jiajia Qin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P. R. China
| | - Haiquan Liu
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huizhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong 516001, P. R. China
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Silva ALG, Carvalho NV, Paterno LG, Moura LD, Filomeno CL, de Paula E, Báo SN. Methylene blue associated with maghemite nanoparticles has antitumor activity in breast and ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Cancer Nanotechnol 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s12645-021-00083-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cancer constitutes group of diseases responsible for the second largest cause of global death, and it is currently considered one of the main public health concerns nowadays. Early diagnosis associated with the best choice of therapeutic strategy, is essential to achieve success in cancer treatment. In women, breast cancer is the second most common type, whereas ovarian cancer has the highest lethality when compared to other neoplasms of the female genital system. The present work, therefore, proposes the association of methylene blue with citrate-coated maghemite nanoparticles (MAGCIT–MB) as a nanocomplex for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer.
Results
In vitro studies showed that T-47D and A2780 cancer cell lines underwent a significant reduction in cell viability after treatment with MAGCIT–MB, an event not observed in non-tumor (HNTMC and HUVEC) cells and MDA-MB-231, a triple-negative breast cancer cell line. Flow cytometry experiments suggest that the main mechanism of endocytosis involved in the interiorization of MAGCIT–MB is the clathrin pathway, whereas both late apoptosis and necrosis are the main types of cell death caused by the nanocomplex. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy reveal significant changes in the cell morphology. Quantification of reactive oxygen species confirmed the MAGCIT–MB cytotoxic mechanism and its importance for the treatment of tumor cells. The lower cytotoxicity of individual solution of maghemite nanoparticles with citrate (MAGCIT) and free methylene blue (MB) shows that their association in the nanocomplex is responsible for its enhanced therapeutic potential in the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer in vitro.
Conclusions
Treatment with MAGCIT–MB induces the death of cancer cells but not normal cells. These results highlight the importance of the maghemite core for drug delivery and for increasing methylene blue activity, aiming at the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer.
Graphic Abstract
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Liu Y, Sun H, Li C, Pu Z, Wu Z, Xu M, Li X, Zhang Y, Li H, Dong J, Bi R, Xie H, Liang D. Comparative HPLC-MS/MS-based pharmacokinetic studies of multiple diterpenoid alkaloids following the administration of Zhenwu Tang and Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata extracts to rats. Xenobiotica 2021; 51:345-354. [PMID: 33332226 DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2020.1866229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstracts Zhenwu Tang (ZWT) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is primarily composed of Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata (FZ) and diterpenoid alkaloids are believed to be the pharmacologically active compounds of ZWT. In this study, the pharmacokinetic profiles of hypaconitine, mesaconitine, aconitine, benzoylmesaconitine, benzoylaconitine, and benzoylhypacoitine were assessed in rats following intragastric ZWT administration. Furthermore, differences in the pharmacokinetic profiles of these six alkaloids were assessed as a function of rat sex and the administration of ZWT or FZ extracts to these animals. Plasma levels of these alkaloids were quantified via HPLC-MS/MS. Significant differences in key pharmacokinetic parameters were observed when comparing rats administered FZ or ZWT. Relative to FZ extract treatment, ZWT administration was associated with Cmax and AUC0-∞ values of benzoylmesaconitine that were about 3.5 and 5.5 times higher. Considerable variations in hypaconitine pharmacokinetic parameters were also revealed between female and male rats. The Cmax and AUC0-∞ of hypaconitine were about 2.5- and 2.7-fold elevated in female rats in comparison with male rats. These results suggested that the other compounds within ZWT can enhance the absorption of benzoylmesaconitine, while hypaconitine exhibits higher bioavailability in female rats, as compared with male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhao Liu
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Hua Sun
- Anhui Provincial Center for Drug Clinical Evaluation, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Li
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Zhicheng Pu
- Anhui Provincial Center for Drug Clinical Evaluation, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Zijing Wu
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Maodi Xu
- Anhui Provincial Center for Drug Clinical Evaluation, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Xianghong Li
- Anhui Provincial Center for Drug Clinical Evaluation, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | | | - Hongjin Li
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Dong
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Runlei Bi
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Haitang Xie
- Anhui Provincial Center for Drug Clinical Evaluation, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Dahu Liang
- Anhui Provincial Center for Drug Clinical Evaluation, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
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