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Li G, Shang C, Li Q, Chen L, Yue Z, Ren L, Yang J, Zhang J, Wang W. Combined Shikonin-Loaded MPEG-PCL Micelles Inhibits Effective Transition of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:4497-4508. [PMID: 36186533 PMCID: PMC9519018 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s374895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Shikonin is well known for its anti-inflammatory activity in cardiovascular diseases. However, the application of shikonin is limited by its low water solubility and poor bioavailability. Methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (ε-caprolactone) (MPEG-PCL) is considered a promising delivery system for hydrophobic drugs. Therefore, in this study, we prepared shikonin-loaded MPEG-PCL micelles and investigated their effect on endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) induced by inflammatory cytokines. Methods Shikonin was encapsulated in MPEG-PCL micelles using an anti-solvent method and the physiochemical characteristics of the micelles (particle size, zeta potential, morphology, critical micelle concentration (CMC), drug loading and encapsulation efficiency) were investigated. Cellular uptake of micelles in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was evaluated using fluorescence microscopy. In vitro EndMT inhibition was explored in HUVECs by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Results The average particle size of shikonin-loaded MPEG-PCL micelles was 54.57±0.13 nm and 60 nm determined by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The zeta potential was −6.23±0.02 mV. The CMC of the micelles was 6.31×10−7mol/L. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were 0.88±0.08% and 43.08±3.77%, respectively. The MPEG-PCL micelles significantly improved the cellular uptake of cargo with low water solubility. Real-time PCR analysis showed that co-treatment with TNF-α and IL-1β successfully induced EndMT in HUVECs, whereas this process was significantly inhibited by shikonin and shikonin-loaded MPEG-PCL micelles, with greater inhibition mediated by the shikonin-loaded MPEG-PCL micelles. Conclusion Shikonin-loaded MPEG-PCL micelles significantly improved the EndMT-inhibiting effect of the free shikonin. MPEG-PCL is suitable for use more generally as a lipophilic drug carrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenxu Shang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lifang Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zejun Yue
- Department of Medical Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingxuan Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiye Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weirong Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Weirong Wang, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No. 76 Yanta West Road, Xi’an, 710061, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 29 82655362, Email
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Jing Z, Yu W, Li A, Chen X, Chen Y, Chen J. Trifluoperazine Synergistically Potentiates Bortezomib-Induced Anti-Cancer Effect in Multiple Myeloma via Inhibiting P38 MAPK/NUPR1. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2022; 257:315-326. [DOI: 10.1620/tjem.2022.j044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zizi Jing
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
| | - Anmao Li
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
| | - Xuanxin Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
| | - Yuying Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
| | - Jianbin Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
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Zhu L, Li K, Liu M, Liu K, Ma S, Cai W. Anti-cancer Research on Arnebiae Radix-derived Naphthoquinone in Recent Five Years. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2021; 17:218-230. [PMID: 34886780 DOI: 10.2174/1574892816666211209164745] [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] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, many naphthoquinone compounds with anticancer activity have been identified in Arnebiae Radix, and some of them have the potential to be developed into anticancer drugs. OBJECTIVE This article aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the anticancer effects of naphthoquinone compounds through a detailed review of literature and Chinese patents, and discuss their potential to be developed as anticancer drugs for clinical application. METHODS Research papers were collected through the databases of PubMed, Cnki and SciDirect using keyword searches "naphthoquinone compounds" and "anticancer". The keywords of "shikonin" and "shikonin derivatives" were also used in PubMed, Cnki and SciDirect databases to collect research articles. The Chinese patents were collected using the Cnki patent database. RESULTS Naphthoquinone compounds have been found to possess anti-cancer activity, and their modes of action are associated with inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, promoting autophagy in cancer cells, anti-cancer angiogenesis and inhibition of cell adhesion, invasion and metastasis, inhibiting glycolysis and inhibiting DNA topoisomerase activity. CONCLUSION Most of the naphthoquinone compounds show effective anti-cancer activity in vitro. The structure modification of naphthoquinone aims to develop anti-cancer drugs with high efficacy and low toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 41800. China
| | - Kailin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 41800. China
| | - Mingjuan Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 41800. China
| | - Kexin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 41800. China
| | - Shengjun Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 41800. China
| | - Wei Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 41800. China
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Shikonin promotes ubiquitination and degradation of cIAP1/2-mediated apoptosis and necrosis in triple negative breast cancer cells. Chin Med 2021; 16:16. [PMID: 33526051 PMCID: PMC7851907 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00426-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Shikonin (SKO) is a natural naphthoquinone derived from Chinese herbal medicine Arnebiae Radix with high development potentials due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. Overwhelming evidences have indicated that SKO can induce both necrosis and apoptosis in cancer cells, while the mechanisms for triple negative breast cancer cells is still need to be disclosed. Methods In this study, kinds of molecular biological technologies, including flow-cytometry, Western blot, immunoprecipitation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), were applied for investigation on the underlying mechanisms of SKO induced necrosis and apoptosis for MDA-MB-231 cells. Inhibitors were also used for validation ofthe key signaling pathways involved in SKO triggered necrosis and apoptosis. Results We found that SKO significantly triggered necrosis and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells in both a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Mechanism studies demonstrated that SKO significantly promoted the autoubiquitination levels and facilitated the proteasome dependent degradation of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (cIAP1) and cIAP2 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Autoubiquitination and degradation of cIAP1 and cIAP2 induced by SKO further led to significant decreased ubiquitination and inactivation of RIP1, which played an important role in inhibition of pro-survival and accelerating of necrosis of MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with proteasome inhibitor lactacystin significantly rescued the cell viability induced by treatment of SKO. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that SKO promotes the autoubiquitination and degradation of cIAP1 and cIAP2, which further induces the decrease of the ubiquitination of RIP1 to inhibit the activation of pro-survival signaling pathways and accelerate the necrosis of MDA-MB-231 cells. The disclosed mechanisms of SKO induced necrosis and apoptosis in our study is firstly reported, and it is believed that SKO could be considered as a potential candidate and further developed for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer.
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Liu C, Xuan LQ, Li K, Feng Z, Lv C, Li XJ, Ji XD, Wan R, Shen J. Shikonin Inhibits Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Line QBC939 by Regulating Apoptosis, Proliferation, and Invasion. Cell Transplant 2021; 30:963689720979162. [PMID: 33508949 PMCID: PMC7863558 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720979162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to clarify whether Shikonin causes proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion in cholangiocarcinoma cells and to investigate the mechanism of action. QBC939 cells were cultured with different doses of Shikonin, and then 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium assay was used to detect cell viability. Apoptosis of cells was detected using flow cytometry with Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assay after being stained with Hoechst 33242. The role of Shikonin on the invasive and metastasis ability was detected using Transwell invasion assay. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. Shikonin inhibited proliferation and invasive ability of QBC939 cells in a dose-dependent manner; at the same time, apoptosis of cells was also observed in a concentration-dependent fashion. Moreover, Annexin V/PI assay and Transwell invasion assay results indicated that Shikonin induced apoptosis and invasion inhibitory probably due to upregulation of caspase-3 and caspase-8 expression and downregulation of MMP-9 and EGFR expression in a concentration-dependent fashion. Shikonin could enhance apoptosis and inhibit proliferation and invasion of QBC939 cells; such biological behaviors mainly occurred via upregulating the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-8 and downregulating the expression of MMP-9 and EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Li-Qian Xuan
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Feng
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Chan Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xing-Jia Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Dan Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Rong Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy Center, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Bao C, Liu T, Qian L, Xiao C, Zhou X, Ai H, Wang J, Fan W, Pan J. Shikonin inhibits migration and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer cells by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition via miR-17-5p/PTEN/Akt pathway. J Cancer 2021; 12:76-88. [PMID: 33391404 PMCID: PMC7738816 DOI: 10.7150/jca.47553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a great threat to global women's health due to its high metastatic potential. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered as a key event in the process of metastasis. So the pharmacological targeting of EMT might be a promising strategy in improving the therapeutic efficacy of TNBC. Here, we investigated the effect of shikonin exerting on EMT and consequently the metastasis of TNBC cells and its underlying mechanism. Methods: The invasive and migratory capacities of MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells were tested using transwell invasion and wound healing assay. MiR-17-5p expression was examined by qRT-PCR. MiR-17-5p targeted genes were predicted with different bioinformatic algorithms from four databases (TargetScan, miRanda, PITA and picTar) and further screened by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The differential expressions of predicted genes and their correlations with miR-17-5p were identified in breast cancer patients based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The interaction between phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and miR-17-5p was analyzed by luciferase reporter assay. The overexpression vector and small interfering RNA were constructed to investigate the role PTEN played in metastasis and EMT regulation. The expressions of EMT markers, protein kinase B (Akt) and phospho-Akt (p-Akt) were evaluated by western blot. Results: Shikonin suppressed the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells and meanwhile the corresponding alterations of EMT biomarkers were observed in shikonin treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Shikonin inhibited the expression of miR-17-5p, which was upregulated in breast cancer. The 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of PTEN was found to be direct binding target of miR-17-5p by luciferase reporter assays. PTEN functioned as a suppressor both in the metastasis and EMT of TNBC cells. Moreover, Akt and p-Akt (Ser473) were involved in the process of inhibition in cancer cell migration, invasion and EMT by shikonin. Conclusions: Shikonin inhibits migration and invasion of TNBC cells by suppressing EMT via miR-17-5p/PTEN/Akt pathway. This suggests shikonin as a promising therapeutic agent to counteract metastasis in the TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Bao
- Program of Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Pingxiang city, No.10 Pingchuxi Road, Pingxiang 337000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingbo Qian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, No.481 Binwen Road, Hangzhou 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Xiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, No.481 Binwen Road, Hangzhou 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinru Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, No.481 Binwen Road, Hangzhou 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Ai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, No.481 Binwen Road, Hangzhou 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Jue Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, No.481 Binwen Road, Hangzhou 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Weimin Fan
- Program of Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou310003, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Jie Pan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, No.481 Binwen Road, Hangzhou 310053, People's Republic of China
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Tang Q, Liu L, Zhang H, Xiao J, Hann SS. Regulations of miR-183-5p and Snail-Mediated Shikonin-Reduced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cervical Cancer Cells. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:577-589. [PMID: 32103900 PMCID: PMC7023881 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s236216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Shikonin, the main ingredient of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has been reported to have antitumor effects via multiple targets and signaling pathways. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the effects in cervical cancer still remained unknown. Methods MTT, wound-healing, transwell assays and flow cytometry experiments were used to measure cell growth, migration, invasion, and cell cycle analysis. Western blot was used to examine protein levels of Snail, Vimentin and E-cadherin. The expression level of miR-183-5p was measured via qRT-PCR. The E-cadherin promoter activity was detected via Secrete-PairTM Dual Luminescence Assay Kit. The transient transfection experiments were used for silencing of E-cadherin and overexpression of Snail genes. Tumor xenograft and bioluminescent imaging experiments were carried out to confirm the in vitro findings. Results We showed that shikonin inhibited cell viability, migration and invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest in a dose-dependent manner in cervical cancer Hela and C33a cells. Mechanistically, we found that shikonin increased miR-183-5p expression and inhibited expression of transcription factor Snail protein. The mimics of miR-183-5p reduced, while the inhibitors of miR-183-5p reversed shikonin-inhibited Snail protein expression. In addition, shikonin decreased Vimentin, increased E-cadherin protein expressions and E-cadherin promoter activity, the latter was reversed in cells transfected with exogenous Snail overexpression vectors. Moreover, silencing of E-cadherin significantly abolished shikonin-inhibited cervical cancer cell growth. Similar findings were also observed in vivo using one xenograft mouse model. Conclusion Our results show that shikonin inhibits EMT through inhibition of Snail and stimulation of miR-183-5p expressions, which resulted in induction of E-cadherin expression. Thus, blockade of EMT could be a novel mechanism underlying the anti-cervical cancer effects of shikonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Tang
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihua Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Swei Sunny Hann
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120, People's Republic of China
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Guo C, He J, Song X, Tan L, Wang M, Jiang P, Li Y, Cao Z, Peng C. Pharmacological properties and derivatives of shikonin-A review in recent years. Pharmacol Res 2019; 149:104463. [PMID: 31553936 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Shikonin is the major bioactive component extracted from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon which is also known as "Zicao" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Recent studies have shown that shikonin demonstrates various bioactivities related to the treatment of cancer, inflammation, and wound healing. This review aimed to provide an updated summary of recent studies on shikonin. Firstly, many studies have demonstrated that shikonin exerts strong anticancer effects on various types of cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, inducing apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis. Shikonin also triggers Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation, suppressing exosome release, and activate anti-tumor immunity in multiple molecular mechanisms. Examples of these effects include modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPKs signaling; inhibiting the activation of TrxR1, PKM2, RIP1/3, Src, and FAK; and regulating the expression of ERP57, MMPs, ATF2, C-MYC, miR-128, and GRP78 (Bip). Next, the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of shikonin were also reviewed. Furthermore, several studies focusing on shikonin derivatives were reviewed, and these showed that, with modification to the naphthazarin ring or side chain, some shikonin derivatives display stronger anticancer activity and lower toxicity than shikonin itself. Our findings suggest that shikonin and its derivatives could serve as potential novel drug for the treatment of cancer and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjie Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Junlin He
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaominting Song
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Peidu Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuzhi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhixing Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.
| | - Cheng Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China; School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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