Ginsenoside Rg3 enhances the anticancer effect of 5‑FU in colon cancer cells via the PI3K/AKT pathway

Review on anti-tumour lipid nano drug delivery systems of traditional Chinese medicine

In recent years, the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of cancer has received widespread attention. Treatment of tumours using TCM can effectively reduce the side effects of anti-tumour drugs, meanwhile to improve the treatment efficacy of patients. However, most of the active ingredients in TCM, such as saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, volatile oils, etc., have defects such as low bioavailability and poor solubility in clinical application, which seriously restrict the application of TCM. Meanwhile, the encapsulation of TCM into lipid nano-delivery systems for cancer therapy has received much attention. Lipid nano-delivery systems are obtained by using phospholipids as the base material and adding other auxiliary materials under a certain preparation process, including, for example, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), microemulsions, and self-microemulsion drug delivery systems (SMEDDS), can resolve the application problems of TCM by improving the efficacy of active ingredients of TCM and reducing the toxicity of anti-tumour drugs. This paper focuses on the categories, development status, and research progress of lipid nano delivery system of TCM, aiming to provide a certain theoretical basis for further in-depth research and rational application of these systems.

Study on the Effect of Quinoa Saponins on Human Colon Cancer HT-29 Cells

Quinoa saponins can inhibit the survival of specific cancer cells. However, there is still a lack of systematic research on the effects of quinoa saponins on colon cancer cells. This experiment confirmed that quinoa saponins prevented human colon cancer HT-29 cells from growing in vitro. The MTT experiment revealed that quinoa saponins significantly decreased the proliferative vitality of HT-29 cells. In comparison to the control group, the proportion of cell number in the G0/G1 phase increased by 22.97% and the rate of apoptosis increased by 22.55% after treating cells with quinoa saponins (40 μg/mL). By regulating the expression of Cyclin D1 and p21, it caused the cell cycle to be blocked in the G0/G1 phase. It also promoted the expression of Caspase3 and Bax while suppressing the expression of Bcl-2, which led to the apoptosis of HT-29 cells. In addition, quinoa saponins caused cells to undergo autophagy by upregulating the expression of LC-3II and Beclin1, while the addition of autophagy inhibitors significantly reduced the inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Finally, the migration of HT-29 cells was also inhibited by quinoa saponins. After treating cells with quinoa saponins (40 μg/mL), compared with that in the control group, the wound healing rate of cells decreased by 38.21% and the migration ability decreased by 69.48%. The potential mechanism could be connected to increasing E-cadherin expression while decreasing N-cadherin expression. Importantly, all of these changes induced by quinoa saponins were dose dependent. Overall, these findings give a scientific basis for the anticancer mechanism of quinoa saponins.

Inhibition of hERG by ESEE suppresses the progression of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant cancers. Emodin is a lipophilic anthraquinone commonly found in medicinal herbs and known for its antitumor properties. However, its clinical utility has been hampered by low druggability. We designed and synthesized a new compound named Emodin succinimidyl ethyl ester (ESEE), which improves the bioavailability and preserves the original pharmacological effects of Emodin. In vitro, we have confirmed that ESEE induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells, suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibits the growth of subcutaneous transplantation tumors associated with colon cancer. And, in vivo, ESEE robustly inhibited tumor growth. Human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene (hERG) is aberrantly expressed in various cancer cells, where they play an important role in cancer progression. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a tyrosine kinase overexpressed in cancer cells and plays an important role in the progression of tumors to a malignant phenotype. Mechanistically, the anti-CRC properties of ESEE are exerted through direct binding with hERG, which impedes the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling axis-dependent apoptotic cascade.

The inhibitory efficacy of Ginsenoside Rg3 on proliferation and migration of colonic carcinoma cells through the JAK3/STAT5 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the efficacy of Ginsenoside Rg3 on the reproduction and immigration of HCT-116 cells and its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Analysis of the cell cycle along with the colony formation assay, and MTT test were performed to detect the effect of Ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3) on proliferation of HCT-116 cells. Transwell assay and Cell scratch wound method were carried out to determine the impact on the immigration. The differential expressed genes obtained by RNA-sequencing were intersected with the predicted target genes of GRg3, and PPI was constructed to analyze hub genes. The key target gene expression and its downstream genes were evaluated by western blot assay.

RESULTS

The GRg3 can inhibit the reproduction and immigrating ability of colonic carcinoma cells, decrease the ability of colony formation in HCT-116 cells, and arrest the G2 phase. JAK3 was identified as a key target gene. Western blot assay revealed decreased levels of p-STAT5 and JAK3 post-treatment with RG3, while STAT5a and STAT5b did not change significantly.

CONCLUSION

The GRg3 inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT5 but not the expression of total protein by inhibiting the expression of JAK3, and then inhibits the proliferation and migration of HCT-116 cells.

Natural products‐based antiangiogenic agents: New frontiers in cancer therapy

Angiogenesis, vital for tumor growth and metastasis, is a promising target in cancer therapy. Natural compounds offer potential as antiangiogenic agents with reduced toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of natural product‐based antiangiogenic therapies, focusing on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. A systematic search identified relevant articles from 2019 to 2023. Various natural compounds, including polyphenols, terpenes, alkaloids, cannabinoids, omega‐3 fatty acids, polysaccharides, proteins, and carotenoids, were investigated for their antiangiogenic properties. Challenges such as dose standardization, routes of administration, and potential side effects remain. Further studies, including in‐depth animal models and human epidemiological studies, must elucidate clinical efficacy and safety. Synergistic effects with current antiangiogenic therapies, such as bevacizumab and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, should be explored. Additionally, the potential hormone‐dependent effects of compounds like genistein highlight the need for safety evaluation. In conclusion, natural products hold promise as adjunctive therapies to conventional antineoplastic drugs in modulating angiogenesis in cancer. However, robust clinical trials are needed to validate preclinical findings and ensure safety and efficacy.

Ginsenosides: an immunomodulator for the treatment of colorectal cancer

Ginsenosides, the primary bioactive ingredients derived from the root of Panax ginseng, are eagerly in demand for tumor patients as a complementary and alternative drug. Ginsenosides have increasingly become a "hot topic" in recent years due to their multifunctional role in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) and regulating tumor microenvironment (TME). Emerging experimental research on ginsenosides in the treatment and immune regulation of CRC has been published, while no review sums up its specific role in the CRC microenvironment. Therefore, this paper systematically introduces how ginsenosides affect the TME, specifically by enhancing immune response, inhibiting the activation of stromal cells, and altering the hallmarks of CRC cells. In addition, we discuss their impact on the physicochemical properties of the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we discuss the application of ginsenosides in clinical treatment as their efficacy in enhancing tumor patient immunity and prolonging survival. The future perspectives of ginsenoside as a complementary and alternative drug of CRC are also provided. This review hopes to open up a new horizon for the cancer treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine monomers.

Elucidation of the mechanism of action of ailanthone in the treatment of colorectal cancer: integration of network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

Background: Ailanthone, a small compound derived from the bark of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, has several anti-tumour properties. However, the activity and mechanism of ailanthone in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be investigated. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the mechanism of ailanthone in the treatment of CRC by employing a combination of network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and molecular biological technique. Methods: The druggability of ailanthone was examined, and its targets were identified using relevant databases. The RNA sequencing data of individuals with CRC obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed. Utilizing the R programming language, an in-depth investigation of differentially expressed genes was carried out, and the potential target of ailanthone for anti-CRC was found. Through the integration of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, GO and KEGG enrichment studies to search for the key pathway of the action of Ailanthone. Then, by employing molecular docking verification, flow cytometry, Transwell assays, and Immunofluorescence to corroborate these discoveries. Results: Data regarding pharmacokinetic parameters and 137 target genes for ailanthone were obtained. Leveraging The Cancer Genome Atlas database, information regarding 2,551 differentially expressed genes was extracted. Subsequent analyses, encompassing protein-protein interaction network analysis, survival analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and molecular docking verification, revealed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as pivotal mediators of ailanthone against CRC. Additionally, the in vitro experiments indicated that ailanthone substantially affects the cell cycle, induces apoptosis in CRC cells (HCT116 and SW620 cells), and impedes the migration and invasion capabilities of these cells. Immunofluorescence staining showed that ailanthone significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT protein and suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells. Conclusion: Therefore, our findings indicate that Ailanthone exerts anti-CRC effects primarily by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Additionally, we propose that Ailanthone holds potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of human CRC.

Ginsenoside Rg3: A Review of its Anticancer Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Applications

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating various diseases and is increasingly being recognized as a complementary therapy for cancer. A promising natural compound extracted from the Chinese herb ginseng is ginsenoside Rg3, which has demonstrated significant anticancer effects. It has been tested in a variety of cancers and tumors and has proven to be effective in suppressing cancer.

OBJECTIVES

This work covers various aspects of the role of ginsenoside Rg3 in cancer treatment, including its biological functions, key pathways, epigenetics, and potential for combination therapies, all of which have been extensively researched and elucidated. The study aims to provide a reference for future research on ginsenoside Rg3 as an anticancer agent and a support for the potential application of ginsenoside Rg3 in cancer treatment.

Dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PF-04979064 regulates tumor growth in gastric cancer and enhances drug sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to 5-FU

Gastric cancer (GC) is characterized by high tumor heterogeneity, increased surgical difficulty, and limited chemotherapy efficacy, and it is associated with a poor prognosis. The abnormal proliferation of cells involves abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Inhibition of this signaling pathway can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis. This study evaluated the effect of PF-04979064, a dual inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR, on human GC cells. PF-04979064 significantly inhibited the proliferation of human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells and the undifferentiated GC cell line HGC-27, promoting cell apoptosis. Combination treatment with PF-04979064 and the GC first-line clinical drug 5-FU showed synergistic effects, and PF-04979064 markedly increased the sensitivity of GC cells to chemotherapy drugs. Western blot results showed that PF-04979064 significantly inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in GC cells, whereas RNA seq results demonstrated substantial alterations in gene expression profiles upon treatment with PF-04979064. This study provides insight into the effects of PF-04979064, thereby establishing a solid foundation for its potential clinical application in the treatment of GC.

Specific gut microbiome signature predicts hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients with microvascular invasion

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess differences in intestinal microflora between patients with operable hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) with microvascular invasion (MVI) and those without MVI. Additionally, we investigated the potential of the microbiome as a non-invasive biomarker for patients with MVI.

METHODS

We analyzed the preoperative gut microbiomes (GMs) of two groups, the MVI (n = 46) and non-MVI (n = 56) groups, using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing data. At the operational taxonomic unit level, we employed random forest models to predict MVI risk and validated the results in independent validation cohorts [MVI group (n = 17) and non-MVI group (n = 15)].

RESULTS

β diversity analysis, utilizing weighted UniFrac distances, revealed a significant difference between the MVI and non-MVI groups, as indicated by non-metric multidimensional scaling and principal coordinate analysis. We also observed a significant correlation between the characteristic intestinal microbial communities at the genus level and their main functions. Nine optimal microbial markers were identified, with an area under the curve of 79.76% between 46 MVI and 56 non-MVI samples and 79.80% in the independent verification group.

CONCLUSION

This pioneering analysis of the GM in patients with operable HBV-HCC with and without MVI opens new avenues for treating HBV-HCC with MVI. We successfully established a diagnostic model and independently verified microbial markers for patients with MVI. As preoperative targeted biomarkers, GM holds potential as a non-invasive tool for patients with HBV-HCC with MVI.

Bornyl acetate extracted from Sharen () inhibits proliferation, invasion and induces apoptosis by suppressing phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling in colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antitumor effects of bornyl acetate (BA) isolated from Sharen (Fructus Amomi) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

SW480 and HT29 cells were treated with increasing doses of BA in order to determine its antitumor effects in vitro. Cell viability, colony formation, cell cycle, and apoptosis as well as migration and invasion were assessed using various assays. In addition, the in vivo antitumor effects of BA were assessed using a xenograft mouse model. We then assessed the mechanism of action of BA by conducting pathway activator-mediated rescue experiments and assessed the protein levels by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

BA showed anti-CRC tumor activities in vitro by suppressing cell proliferation and colony formation, inducing apoptosis, blocking cell cycle, and inhibiting migration and invasion. These effects were mediated via suppression of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway. In the tumor xenograft experiment, BA was found to repress tumor growth in vivo with low toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated that BA exerts antitumor effects by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway, with low toxicity. Thus, BA might be a potential novel therapeutic agent for CRC.

Ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits the malignant progression of cervical cancer cell by regulating AKT2 expression

Although ginsenoside Rg3 has been shown to exert anticancer effects in various malignancies, the effects and molecular mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg3 in cervical cancer (CC) remain unclear. This study explored the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on CC development at the cellular level. The effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on cell proliferation was measured using colony formation and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays. Migration, invasion, and in vitro angiogenesis of CC cells were detected using wound healing, transwell, and tube formation assays, respectively. In addition, we explored the target genes and molecular mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg3 in CC cells overexpressing AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 (AKT2). The results indicated that ginsenoside Rg3 suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation of CC cells in vitro. In addition, ginsenoside Rg3 treatment decreased the expression of AKT2 in CC cells. Moreover, ginsenoside Rg3 treatment partially reversed AKT2 overexpression-mediated reduction in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation. In conclusion, the above findings suggested that ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits CC progression via regulation of AKT2 expression, which might provide a potential therapeutic target for tumor therapy.

Clinical effect and safety of targeted therapy combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced colon cancer

Objective

To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced colon cancer.

Methods

This is a retrospective study. The subjects of this study were 120 patients with advanced colon cancer who were admitted to The No.2 Hospital of Baoding from November 30, 2019 to November 30, 2021. The enrolled patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 60 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were given F0LF0X4 regimen, while those in the study group were provided with Bevacizumab therapy on the basis of the method in the control group. All patients were evaluated after two cycles of treatment. The comparison of outcome measures included the curative effects, adverse drug reactions, improvement of quality-of-life scores and changes in tumor markers between the two groups.

Results

The total effective rate of the study group was significantly better than that of the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse drug reactions between the two groups. After treatment, the study group had a significantly higher rate of improved quality of life score, while the obviously lower rate of the aggravated score than those in the control group. The levels of CEA, CA19-9 and CA125 in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment.

Conclusion

Targeted therapy combined with chemotherapy is a safe and effective therapeutic option that has a definite curative effect in the treatment of patients with advanced colon cancer.

Research progress of ginseng in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers

Cancer has become one of the major causes of human death. Several anticancer drugs are available; howeve their use and efficacy are limited by the toxic side effects and drug resistance caused by their continuous application. Many natural products have antitumor effects with low toxicity and fewer adverse effects. Moreover, they play an important role in enhancing the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents, reducing toxic side effects, and reversing chemoresistance. Consequently, natural drugs are being applied as potential therapeutic options in the field of antitumor treatment. As natural medicinal plants, some components of ginseng have been shown to have excellent efficacy and a good safety profile for cancer treatment. The pharmacological activities and possible mechanisms of action of ginseng have been identified. Its broad range of pharmacological activities includes antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-stress, anti-fibrotic, central nervous system modulating, cardioprotective, and immune-enhancing effects. Numerous studies have also shown that throuth multiple pathways, ginseng and its active ingredients exert antitumor effects on gastrointestinal (GI) tract tumors, such as esophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Herein, we introduced the main components of ginseng, including ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and sterols, etc., and reviewed the mechanism of action and research progress of ginseng in the treatment of various GI tumors. Futhermore, the pathways of action of the main components of ginseng are discussed in depth to promote the clinical development and application of ginseng in the field of anti-GI tumors.

Experimental Evidence for the Anti-Metastatic Action of Ginsenoside Rg3: A Systematic Review

Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of death in cancer patients. Due to the limitations of conventional cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, there is a need for novel therapeutics to prevent metastasis. Ginsenoside Rg3, a major active component of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, inhibits tumor growth and has the potential to prevent tumor metastasis. Herein, we systematically reviewed the anti-metastatic effects of Rg3 from experimental studies. We searched for articles in three research databases, MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) through March 2022. In total, 14 studies (eight animal and six in vitro) provide data on the anti-metastatic effects of Rg3 and the relevant mechanisms. The major anti-metastatic mechanisms of Rg3 involve cancer stemness, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) behavior, and angiogenesis. Taken together, Rg3 would be one of the herbal resources in anti-metastatic drug developments through further well-designed investigations and clinical studies. Our review provides valuable reference data for Rg3-derived studies targeting tumor metastasis.

Examination of Combined Treatment of Ginsenoside Rg3 and 5-Fluorouracil in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells

Chemotherapy is a commonly used strategy for advanced lung cancer patients. However, its clinical application is restrained due to its toxicity and drug resistance. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) has a strong anticancer influence on colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and other malignant tumors. However, it is still unclear whether Rg3 can cooperate with 5-FU to inhibit the tumor growth and angiogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This study examined the combined treatment of Rg3 and 5-FU in LUAD. It was revealed that the combined treatment could notably enhance the suppression on proliferative, invasive, and migratory abilities and angiogenesis in LUAD cells A549 and SPC-A-1. On the other hand, we also discovered that Rg3 or 5-FU could suppress the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway and downregulate VEGFA expression in LUAD cells. Collectively, this study suggested that Rg3 combined chemotherapy may perform a more powerful drug efficiency in LUAD cells.

Role of Ginseng, Quercetin, and Tea in Enhancing Chemotherapeutic Efficacy of Colorectal Cancer

As the most common gastrointestinal malignancy, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Although multimodal chemotherapy has effectively improved the prognosis of patients with CRC in recent years, severe chemotherapy-associated side effects and chemoresistance still greatly impair efficacy and limit its clinical application. In response to these challenges, an increasing number of traditional Chinese medicines have been used as synergistic agents for CRC administration. In particular, ginseng, quercetin, and tea, three common dietary supplements, have been shown to possess the potent capacity of enhancing the sensitivity of various chemotherapy drugs and reducing their side effects. Ginseng, also named “the king of herbs”, contains a great variety of anti-cancer compounds, among which ginsenosides are the most abundant and major research objects of various anti-tumor studies. Quercetin is a flavonoid and has been detected in multiple common foods, which possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, especially with stronger anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. As one of the most consumed beverages, tea has become particularly prevalent in both West and East in recent years. Tea and its major extracts, such as catechins and various constituents, were capable of significantly improving life quality and exerting anti-cancer effects both in vivo and in vitro. In this review, we mainly focused on the adjunctive effects of the three herbs and their constituents on the chemotherapy process of CRC.

The Effect of Shenyi Capsule on Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Combined with Chemotherapy from the Yin-Yang Perspective

As an example of Shenyi capsule on non-small-cell lung cancer combined with chemotherapy, this review discusses the synergistic effect and mechanism of natural drugs in oncotherapy from the yin-yang perspective in ancient Chinese philosophy, so as to reflect the therapeutic principle of natural drugs for tumor more comprehensively. The major focuses of this review are on the philosophical thinking of yin-yang as a tool which can not only explain the effect of Shenyi capsule in NSCLC combined with chemotherapy but also explore the mechanism of Shenyi capsule at the cellular and molecular level. Learning from the "yin-yang" thinking of ancient Chinese philosophy will bring more enlightenment to the research and development of traditional Chinese drugs in the future.

Carbon nanotubes (CNT)-loaded ginsenosides Rb3 suppresses the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in triple-negative breast cancer

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), as advanced nanotechnology with specific properties and structures, have presented practical drug delivery properties. Ginsenoside Rg3 is a component of puffed ginseng and demonstrates anti-cancer activities. To explore the effect of CNTs-loaded Rg3 (Rg3-CNT) on the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling and the development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Our data revealed that Rg3 inhibited the cell viability of TNBC cells, in which Rg3-CNT further enhanced this effect in the system. Similarly, the colony formation of TNBC cells was decreased by Rg3, while Rg3-CNT could reinforce its effect in the cells. Besides, the treatment of Rg3 induced apoptosis of TNBC cells, in which Rg3-CNT treatment further increased the phenotype in the cells. Remarkably, Rg3-CNT, but not Rg3, attenuated PD-L1 expression in TNBC cells. Rg3-CNT decreased the PD-L1 upregulation induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in breast cancer cells. Importantly, Rg3-CNT was able to reduce PD-1 expression in activated T cells. Specifically, Rg3-CNT reduced the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in a T cell/triple-negative TNBC cell co-culture system. Moreover, the levels of IFN-γ, interleukins-2 (IL-2), interleukins-9 (IL-9), interleukins-10 (IL-10), interleukins-22 (IL-22), and interleukins-23 (IL-23) were significantly stimulated in the activated T cells, while the treatment of Rg3-CNT could reverse these phenotypes in the cells. Rg3-CNT attenuated the TNBC cell growth in vivo. The Rg3-CNT improved the anti-cancer effect of Rg3 toward TNBC by inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism by which Rg3-CNT attenuates the development of TNBC. Rg3-CNT may be applied as the potential therapeutic strategy for immunotherapy of TNBC.

Knockdown of SNORA47 Inhibits the Tumorigenesis of NSCLC via Mediation of PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a frequently diagnosed aggressive cancer all over the world. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a group of non-coding mediatory RNAs. A previous report indicated that small nucleolar RNA 47 (SNORA47) is upregulated in NSCLC. However, the role of SNORA47 in NSCLC is unclear.

Material and Methods

Cell proliferation was measured by immunofluorescence staining. Cell apoptosis and cycle of NSCLC were tested by flow cytometry and the protein expressions were investigated by Western-blot. Meanwhile, cell migration and invasion were detected by transwell assay. Xenograft mice model was established to detect the effect of SNORA47 knockdown on tumor growth of NSLC in vivo.

Results

Knockdown of SNORA47 significantly inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells via inducing cell apoptosis. Moreover, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells were notably decreased by SNORA47 shRNA. SNORA47 knockdown significantly induced G1 arrest in NSCLC cells via regulation of p27 Kip1, CDK2, and cyclin D1. Meanwhile, SNORA47 shRNA inhibited EMT process and PI3K/Akt signaling in NSCLC cells. Finally, silencing of SNORA47 significantly inhibited the tumor growth of NSCLC in vivo.

Conclusion

Knockdown of SNORA47 significantly inhibited the tumorigenesis of NSCLC via inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling and EMT process. Thereby, our finding might shed a new light on exploring the strategies for the treatment of NSCLC.

Insights into the antitumor mechanism of ginsenosides Rg3

Panax ginseng, an ancient herb, belonging to Chinese traditional medicine, is an important herb that has a remarkable impact on various diseases. Ginsenoside Rg3, one of the most abundant ginsenosides, exerts significant functions in the prevention of various types of cancers with few side effects. In the present review, its functional molecular mechanisms are explored, including the improvement of antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties, immune regulation, induction of tumor apoptosis, prevention of tumor invasion and metastasis, tumor proliferation and angiogenesis, and reduction of chemoresistance and radioresistance. On the other hand, metabolism, pharmacokinetics and clinical indications of Rg3 are also discussed. The biological functional role of ginsenoside Rg3 may be associated with that it is a steroid glycoside with diverse biological activities and many signaling pathway can be regulated. Many clinical trials are highly needed to confirm the functions of ginsenoside Rg3.