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Li J, Zhu C, Zhang Z, Zheng X, Wang C, Zhang H. Paeoniflorin increases the anti-tumor efficacy of sorafenib in tumor-bearing mice with liver cancer via suppressing the NF-κb/PD-l1 axis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24461. [PMID: 38312647 PMCID: PMC10835185 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24461] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sorafenib (Sor) represents a first-line therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its efficacy is constrained by secondary failure, which limits its clinical use. Recent studies have indicated that the suppression of Programmed cell death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) may potentiate Sor's anti-liver cancer effects; furthermore, PD-L1 expression is known to be regulated by NF-κB. Previous research has demonstrated that paeoniflorin (PF) downregulates the NF-κB axis, nevertheless, current research has not yet determined whether PF can synergistically enhance the efficacy of Sor against HCC by modulating the NF-κB/PD-L1 pathway. Methods The study employed a H22 hepatoma-bearing mouse model, which was treated with PF, Sor, and their combination over a period of 12 days. The impact of PF and Sor on tumor growth, proliferation, apoptosis, T-cell subsets, IL-2 and IFN-γ production, and NF-κB and PD-L1 expression was assessed. Moreover, Splenic lymphocyte from normal mice and tumor cells from model mice were co-cultured in vitro, and the tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity was analyzed. In the final phase of the study, Huh-7 cells were stimulated with PF in combination with an NF-κB activator or inhibitor, and the subsequent production of NF-κB and PD-L1 was investigated. Results PF and Sor exhibit a synergistic anti-tumor effect, compared to the use of Sor alone, the combined use of PF and Sor significantly increased the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumor tissue, markedly enhanced the cytotoxic activity of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and reversed the depletion of interleukin-2 and the increase in PD-L1 expression following Sor intervention. This combination also further reduced the level of IFN-γ in peripheral blood and the expression of NF-κB and PD-L1 in tumor tissue. Additionally, in vitro experiments confirmed that PF reduces the expression of PD-L1 in Huh-7 liver cancer cells by inhibiting NF-κB. Conclusions PF plays a synergistic role of Sor inhibiting HCC progression by regulating the NF-κB/PD-L1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfei Li
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine and Cancer (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Chenghui Zhu
- Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, China
| | - Zengyu Zhang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University No. 548, Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Xiaorong Zheng
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine and Cancer (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Chunlei Wang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine and Cancer (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine and Cancer (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
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Xue JC, Yuan S, Hou XT, Meng H, Liu BH, Cheng WW, Zhao M, Li HB, Guo XF, Di C, Li MJ, Zhang QG. Natural products modulate NLRP3 in ulcerative colitis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1265825. [PMID: 37849728 PMCID: PMC10577194 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1265825] [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: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a clinically common, progressive, devastating, chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine that is recurrent and difficult to treat. Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is a protein complex composed of multiple proteins whose formation activates cysteine aspartate protease-1 (caspase-1) to induce the maturation and secretion of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, promoting the development of inflammatory responses. Recent studies have shown that NLRP3 is associated with UC susceptibility, and that it maintains a stable intestinal environment by responding to a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. The mainstay of treatment for UC is to control inflammation and relieve symptoms. Despite a certain curative effect, there are problems such as easy recurrence after drug withdrawal and many side effects associated with long-term medication. NLRP3 serves as a core link in the inflammatory response. If the relationship between NLRP3 and gut microbes and inflammation-associated factors can be analyzed concerning its related inflammatory signaling pathways, its expression status as well as specific mechanism in the course of IBD can be elucidated and further considered for clinical diagnosis and treatment of IBD, it is expected that the development of lead compounds targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome can be developed for the treatment of IBD. Research into the prevention and treatment of UC, which has become a hotbed of research in recent years, has shown that natural products are rich in therapeutic means, and multi-targets, with fewer adverse effects. Natural products have shown promise in treating UC in numerous basic and clinical trials over the past few years. This paper describes the regulatory role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in UC and the mechanism of recent natural products targeting NLRP3 against UC, which provides a reference for the clinical treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Chen Xue
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University College of Basic Medicine, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Shuo Yuan
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Hou
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Huan Meng
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Bao-Hong Liu
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Wen-Wen Cheng
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Hong-Ben Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xue-Fen Guo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Chang Di
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Min-Jie Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qing-Gao Zhang
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University College of Basic Medicine, Yanji, Jilin, China
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Yang M, Yan Q, Luo Y, Wang B, Deng S, Luo H, Ye B, Wang X. Molecular mechanism of Ganji Fang in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification technology. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1016967. [PMID: 36744264 PMCID: PMC9892186 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1016967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor harmful to human health. Ganji Fang (GJF) has good clinical efficacy in the treatment of HCC, but its mechanism is still unclear. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of GJF in the treatment of HCC through network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experiments. Methods: A series of network pharmacology methods were used to identify the potential targets and key pathways of GJF in the treatment of HCC. Then, molecular docking technology was used to explore the binding ability of key active ingredients and targets in GJF. Multiple external databases were used to validate the key targets. In in vitro experiments, we performed MTT assays, wound-healing assays, cell cycle assays, apoptosis assays and RT‒qPCR to verify the inhibitory effect of GJF on the Human hepatoma G2 (HepG2) cells. Result: A total of 162 bioactive components and 826 protein targets of GJF were screened, and 611 potential targets of HCC were identified. Finally, 63 possible targets of GJF acting on HCC were obtained. KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the top five pathways were the cell cycle, cellular senescence, p53 signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation. Among them, we verified the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CCNE1, PKN1, CCND2, CDK4, EPHA2, FGFR3, CDK6, CDK2 and HSP90AAI were enriched in the PI3K/Akt pathway. The molecular docking results showed that the docking scores of eight active components of GJF with the two targets were all less than -5.0, indicating that they had certain binding activity. In vitro cell experiments showed that GJF could inhibit the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells, block the cell cycle and induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells, which may be related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In summary, EPHA2 may be an important target of GJF in HCC, and pachymic acid may be an important critical active compound of GJF that exerts anticancer activity. Conclusion: In general, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the molecular mechanism of GJF in HCC may involve induction of G0/G1 phase cycle arrest through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and promote apoptosis of hepatoma cell lines. This study provides a scientific basis for the subsequent clinical application of GJF and the in-depth study of its mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaolun Yang
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Yan
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuehua Luo
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boqing Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shicong Deng
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiyan Luo
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoqian Ye
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiongwen Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xiongwen Wang,
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Wang J, Li G, Zhong W, Zhang H, Yang Q, Chen L, Wang J, Yang X. Effect of Dietary Paeoniae Radix Alba Extract on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Metabolism, Serum Biochemistry, and Small Intestine Histomorphology of Raccoon Dog During the Growing Period. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:839450. [PMID: 35445094 PMCID: PMC9014091 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.839450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Paeoniae radix alba extract (PRA extract) has the functions of regulating immunity, resisting inflammation, and has antioxidant properties. However, current recommendations of dietary PRA extract levels for raccoon dogs were inadequate. The purpose of this experimental study was to gain information allowing for better estimating the effects of PRA extract on raccoon dogs, and their PRA requirements. Fifty healthy male raccoon dogs of (120 ± 5) days old were randomly divided into 5 groups (group PRA0, PRA1, PRA2, PRA4, PRA8) with 10 animals in each group and 1 in each replicate. Five kinds of experimental diets were prepared with five levels of Paeoniae radix alba extract (0, 1, 2, 4, 8 g/kg) in the basic diet. The prefeeding period was 7 days and the experimental period was 40 days. The results showed that the average daily feed intake in group PRA1 and PRA2 was significantly higher than that in other groups (P < 0.01). The dry matter excretion in group PRA8 was significantly higher than that in other groups (P < 0.01), while the dry matter digestibility and protein digestibility in group PRA8 were significantly lower than those in other groups (P < 0.01). Nitrogen retention in group PRA1 and PRA2 was significantly higher than that in group PRA8 (P < 0.05). With the increase of the content of Paeoniae radix alba extract in diet, the activity of alkaline phosphatase in group PRA2 was significantly higher than that in group PRA0 (P < 0.05); The activity of serum SOD in group PRA4 was significantly higher than that in other groups (P < 0.01). The content of serum IgA in group PRA2 was significantly higher than that in other groups (P < 0.05). The content of TNF-α in intestinal mucosa in group PRA1 and group PRA2 was significantly lower than that in group PRA0 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we found that dietary Paeoniae radix alba extract intake significantly improved the feed intake and nitrogen deposition of Ussuri raccoon dog, increased the content of serum IgA and reduced the content of TNF-α in the small intestinal mucosa. We suggest that an estimated dietary Paeoniae radix alba extract level of 1 to 2 g/kg could be used as a guide to achieve the optimal performance of raccoon dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agriculture University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Zhong
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Haihua Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Qianlong Yang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Lihong Chen
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Jinming Wang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Xuewen Yang
- China Animal Husbandry Group, Beijing, China
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Yu W, Zeng M, Xu P, Liu J, Wang H. Effect of paeoniflorin on acute lung injury induced by influenza A virus in mice. Evidences of its mechanism of action. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 92:153724. [PMID: 34509953 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza often leads to acute lung injury (ALI). Few therapeutics options such as vaccines and other antiviral drugs are available. Paeoniflorin is a monoterpene glucoside isolated from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. that has showed good anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. However, it is not known whether paeoniflorin has an effect on influenza virus-induced ALI. PURPOSE To investigative the protective effect and potential mechanism of paeoniflorin on ALI induced by influenza A virus (IAV). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The anti-influenza activity of paeoniflorin in vitro was investigated. Influenza virus A/FM/1/47 was intranasally infected in mice to induce ALI, and paeoniflorin (50 and 100 mg/kg) was given orally to mice during 5 days, beginning 2 h after infection. On day 6 post-infection, body and lung weights, histology and survival were observed, and the lungs were examined for viral load, cytokine and cellular pathway protein expression. RESULTS Results showed that paeoniflorin (50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced IAV-induced ALI. It reduces pulmonary oedema and improves histopathological changes in the lung, and also diminishes the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lung. It was shown that paeoniflorin (50 and 100 mg/kg) alleviated IAV-induced ALI, as evidenced by improved survival in infected mice (40% and 50%, respectively), reduced viral titer in lung tissue, improved histological changes, and reduced lung inflammation. Paeoniflorin also improves pulmonary fibrosis by reducing the levels of pulmonary fibrotic markers (collagen type IV, alpha-smooth muscle actin, hyaluronic acid, laminin, and procollagen type III) and downregulating the expression levels of type I collagen (Col I) and type III collagen (Col III) in the lung tissues. Additionally, paeoniflorin inhibits the expression of αvβ3, TGF-β1, Smad2, NF-κB, and p38MAPK in the lung tissues. CONCLUSION The results showed that paeoniflorin (50 and 100 mg/kg) protected against IAV-induced ALI, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and lung collagen deposition through down-regulation of activation of αvβ3/TGF-β1 pathway in lung tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendi Yu
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Rd., San Yuanli St., Bai Yun Dist., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Maosen Zeng
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Rd., San Yuanli St., Bai Yun Dist., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
| | - Peiping Xu
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Rd., San Yuanli St., Bai Yun Dist., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China.
| | - Jinyuan Liu
- Basic Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Huixian Wang
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Rd., San Yuanli St., Bai Yun Dist., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, PR China
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Zhou Y, Liu X, Gao Y, Tan R, Wu Z, Zhong Q, Zeng F. Paeoniflorin Affects Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Inhibiting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway through Downregulation of 5-HT1D. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 22:1246-1253. [PMID: 33038910 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666201009153808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with high mortality. Paeoniflorin is a pinane monoterpene picroside with anti-tumor effect isolated from Chinese peony root and white peony root. OBJECTIVE The study was conducted to investigate the underlying mechanism of Paeoniflorin (PF) regulating Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) progression via 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1D (5-HT1D). METHODS HepG2 and SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells were treated with different concentrations of PF (0, 5, 10, 20 μM). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were examined by CCK-8 and colony formation assays, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and transwell assay, respectively. RTqPCR assay was used to detect the expression level of 5-HT1D, and Western blot assay was used to detect the expressions of 5-HT1D and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins. RESULTS With the increase in PF concentration, the mRNA levels of 5-HT1D in HepG2 and SMMC- 7721 hepatoma cells were decreased in a dose-dependent manner, and the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion ability of cells were gradually weakened, while the apoptosis rate was gradually increased. Overexpression of 5-HT1D significantly promoted the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, and increased the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins, β -actenin, survivin, C-myc, and Cyclin D1. Furthermore, 5-HT1D overexpression could reverse the effect of PF on hepatoma cells and inhibit the expressions of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins. CONCLUSION PF may inhibit the progression of HCC by blocking Wnt/β-catenin pathway expression through downregulating 5-HT1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou 215009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xun Liu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou 215009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yahan Gao
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou 215009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rulan Tan
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou 215009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou 215009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qixin Zhong
- Department of Cardiovascular, Shenzhen Hospital of GuangZhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6001 Beihuan Avenue, Futian District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong 518034, China
| | - Feng Zeng
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, China
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Antitumor Effects of Paeoniflorin on Hippo Signaling Pathway in Gastric Cancer Cells. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:4724938. [PMID: 33531900 PMCID: PMC7837793 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4724938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Paeoniflorin has been reported to exert antitumor effects on human cancers. However, the role of paeoniflorin in gastric cancer and the underlying molecular mechanism are unelucidated. Therefore, we determined whether paeoniflorin could exhibit anticancer activity in gastric cancer cells. Methods MTT was used to measure the viability of cells after paeoniflorin treatment. FACS was performed to examine cell apoptosis. Wound healing and transwell invasion assays were conducted to examine cell migratory and invasive activities. Western blotting was used to explore the mechanism by which paeoniflorin exerted tumor suppressive effects. Results We found that paeoniflorin suppressed cell growth, enhanced apoptosis, and reduced cell invasion. Notably, we showed that paeoniflorin inhibited the expression of TAZ in gastric cancer cells. The overexpression of TAZ abrogated the antitumor activity of paeoniflorin in gastric cancer cells. In contrast, the downregulation of TAZ promoted the tumor suppressive effects of paeoniflorin treatment. Conclusion Hence, targeting TAZ with paeoniflorin could be a novel approach for the treatment of human gastric cancer.
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Folic acid modified TPGS as a novel nano-micelle for delivery of nitidine chloride to improve apoptosis induction in Huh7 human hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 22:1. [PMID: 33407916 PMCID: PMC7789002 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-020-00461-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The development of novel and effective drugs for targeted human hepatocellular carcinoma still remains a great challenge. The alkaloid nitidine chloride (NC), a component of a traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to have anticancer properties, but doses at therapeutic levels have unacceptable side effects. Here we investigate folic acid modified D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS-FA) as a potential carrier for controlled delivery of the drug. Methods Synthesized TPGS-FA was characterized by FTIR, UV-visible and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and TPGS loaded with NC was evaluated for its ability to induce apoptosis in Huh7 cells by Annexin V/PI and MTT assays, and observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy and inverted phase contrast microscopy. Results TPGS-FA/NC complexes were prepared successfully, and were homogenious with a uniform size of ~ 14 nm diameter. NC was released from the TPGS-FA/NC complexes in a controlled and sustained manner under physiological conditions (pH 7.4). Furthermore, its cytotoxicity to hepatocarcinoma cells was greater than that of free NC. Conclusions TPGS-FA is shown to be useful carrier for drugs such as NC, and TPGS-FA/NC could potentially be a potent and safe drug for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-020-00461-y.
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Yuan M, Yan ZG, Sun DY, Luo XN, Xie LH, Li MC, Wang S, Shi QQ, Zhang YL. New Insights into the Impact of Ecological Factor on Bioactivities and Phytochemical Composition of Paeonia veitchii. Chem Biodivers 2020; 17:e2000813. [PMID: 33155408 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Paeonia veitchii has been widely distributed in China under different ecological types. Its roots contain diverse phytochemical constituents, which possess very high bioactivities. However, the influence of ecological factors on activities and ingredients of P. veitchii roots still remains unknown. The purpose of this research was to analyze the variation in bioactivities and phytochemical composition of P. veitchii roots upon exposure to various ecological factors. Seven P. veitchii populations collected from different regions in China were evaluated. The results of correlation analysis suggested that four major ecological factors, including average annual temperature, elevation, total potassium, and organic matter, had a strong correlation with the bioactivities of P. veitchii roots. Further, the major ecological factors were also highly correlated with the contents of naringin, gallic acid, benzoylpaeoniflorin, and paeoniflorin. The principal component analysis results supported four major metabolites as the main contributing ingredients. All populations were classified into three groups, G1, G2, and G3, through hierarchical cluster analysis. G1 showed more significant advantages in the above-mentioned four ecological factors, four active ingredients, and bioactivities compared to the other two groups. P. veitchii roots growing at lower average annual temperature, high elevation, rich total potassium and organic matter in the soils were presumed to have relatively higher bioactivities. These data expand the study on the bioactivities and phytochemical composition of P. veitchii roots and have a guiding significance for the ecological factor selection during the cultivation process of this herbaceous peony species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yuan
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Zhen-Guo Yan
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Dao-Yang Sun
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ning Luo
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Li-Hang Xie
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Chen Li
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Shu Wang
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Qian-Qian Shi
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Long Zhang
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P. R. China
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Ma X, Zhang W, Jiang Y, Wen J, Wei S, Zhao Y. Paeoniflorin, a Natural Product With Multiple Targets in Liver Diseases-A Mini Review. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:531. [PMID: 32410996 PMCID: PMC7198866 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin is derived from Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., Paeonia lactiflora Pall., or Paeonia veitchii Lynch and has been used in traditional medical applications for more than 2,000 years. Paeoniflorin is a monoterpenoid glycoside with various effects on liver diseases. Recent studies have revealed that paeoniflorin demonstrates a wide range of activities, including hepatic protection, cholestasis alleviation, liver fibrosis attenuation, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease prevention, and hepatocellular carcinoma inhibition involved in multiple pathways. Moreover, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and immune regulation with the regulation of TLR4-NF-κB, ROCK/NF-κB, HO-1, mitochondria-dependent as well as HMGB1‐TLR4 signaling pathways are correlated with hepatic protection in liver injury and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Antioxidative mechanisms, anti-inflammation, and hepatic transporter regulation involved in NOX4, PI3K/Akt/Nrf2, NF‐κB, NTCP, BSEP, as well as MRP2 signals are mainly relevant to the anticholestatic effect of paeoniflorin. The inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation and alleviation of extracellular matrix deposition via vast signals such as mTOR/HIF-1α, TGF-β1/Smads, and JAK2/STAT6 are primarily involved in the antifibrotic effect of paeoniflorin. The regulation of macrophages also contributes to the alleviation effect on liver fibrosis. In addition, the reduction of invasion, metastasis, and adhesion and the induction of apoptosis-related targets, including Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, are related to its effect on hepatocellular carcinoma. The literature indicates that paeoniflorin might have potent efficacy in complex liver diseases and demonstrates the profound medicinal value of paeoniflorin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yinxiao Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianxia Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shizhang Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Liu H, Zang L, Zhao J, Wang Z, Li L. Paeoniflorin inhibits cell viability and invasion of liver cancer cells via inhibition of Skp2. Oncol Lett 2020; 19:3165-3172. [PMID: 32256812 PMCID: PMC7074174 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF) has been demonstrated to exert tumor suppressive functions in various types of human cancer. However, the mechanisms of PF-mediated anti-tumor activity have not been fully elucidated. S-phase kinase associated protein 2 (Skp2) has been characterized as an oncoprotein that contributes to carcinogenesis. Therefore, the inhibition of Skp2 may be a useful approach for the treatment of various types of human cancer. The present study explored whether PF inhibited the expression of Skp2 in liver cancer cells, leading to cell viability inhibition, induction of apoptosis, and suppression of migration and invasion. PF treatment led to inhibition of Skp2 expression in liver cancer cells. The overexpression of Skp2 abolished PF-mediated anti-cancer activity, whereas the downregulation of Skp2 enhanced this type of activity. The data indicated that PF may be considered as a novel inhibitor of Skp2 in liver cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Department of Liver Disease, Yantai Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yantai, Shangdong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Lili Zang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital, Yantai, Shangdong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital, Yantai, Shangdong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Zhaolin Wang
- Department of Information and Electrical Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, Shangdong 264025, P.R. China
| | - Lingyun Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital, Yantai, Shangdong 264003, P.R. China
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Liu Y, Yang H, Guo Q, Liu T, Jiang Y, Zhao M, Zeng K, Tu P. Cucurbitacin E Inhibits Huh7 Hepatoma Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Metastasis via Suppressing MAPKs and JAK/STAT3 Pathways. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030560. [PMID: 32012950 PMCID: PMC7037518 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacin E (CuE), a highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpene from Cucurbitaceae, has shown to exhibit potent cytotoxic and anti-proliferative properties against several human cancer cells. However, the underlying effects and mechanisms of CuE regarding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been well understood. In the current study, unbiased RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis was applied to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. CuE could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration of Huh7 cells, meanwhile CuE exhibited potent anti-angiogenic activity. RNA-seq analysis revealed that CuE negatively regulated 241 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in multiple processes including cytoskeleton formation, angiogenesis and focal adhesion. Further analysis revealed that CuE effectually regulated diversified pharmacological signaling pathways such as MAPKs and JAK-STAT3. Our findings demonstrated the role of CuE in inhibiting proliferation and migration, providing an insight into the regulation of multiple signaling pathways as a new paradigm for anti-cancer treatment strategy.
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Anti-Invasion and Antimetastatic Effects of Porcine Recombinant NK-lysin on SMMC-7721 Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:5318729. [PMID: 31119174 PMCID: PMC6500710 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5318729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The high invasion and metastasizing abilities of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the primary reasons for the high mortality rate of patients. Therefore, identification of agents to inhibit invasion and metastasis is very important for treatment of HCC. We analyzed the anti-invasion and antimetastatic effects of porcine recombinant NK-lysin, which was designed and expressed in vitro by our research group, on SMMC-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cells via wound-healing assays, adhesion assays, invasion assays, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blot analysis. MTT assay results indicated that NK-lysin inhibited the growth of SMMC-7721 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. NK-lysin reduced the ability of cell migration, adhesion, and invasion. Based on gene and protein expression analysis, NK-lysin decreased β-catenin and MMP-2 expression. These results suggested that NK-lysin has anti-invasion and antimetastatic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro by reducing the level of the β-catenin and MMP-2.
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Paeoniflorin Inhibits Hepatocyte Growth Factor- (HGF-) Induced Migration and Invasion and Actin Rearrangement via Suppression of c-Met-Mediated RhoA/ROCK Signaling in Glioblastoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:9053295. [PMID: 30886866 PMCID: PMC6388352 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9053295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF), as one of the important valid natural compounds of the total glucosides of peony, has displayed a potential effect in cancer prevention and treatment. Aggressive migration and invasion, as an important process, can contribute to tumor progression through infiltrating the surround normal tissue. Actin cytoskeleton rearrangement plays a key role in cells migration and invasion, involving multiple signal pathways. HGF/c-Met signal, as an important couple of oncoprotein, has been demonstrated to regulate actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. In our study, we aim to explore whether paeoniflorin can inhibit migration and invasion and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement via regulation of HGF/c-Met/RhoA/ROCK signal. Various approaches were applied to demonstrate the mechanism of paeoniflorin-mediated anticancer effect, including cell wound healing assay, invasion assay, immunofluorescence staining and transfection, and western blotting. We observed that paeoniflorin inhibited HGF-induced migration and invasion and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement in glioblastoma cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of HGF-induced migration and invasion and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement involved c-Met-mediated RhoA/ROCK signaling in glioblastoma. Thus, our study proved that paeoniflorin could inhibit migration and invasion and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement through inhibition of HGF/c-Met/RhoA/ROCK signaling in glioblastoma, suggesting that paeoniflorin might be a candidate compound to treat glioblastoma.
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Zhang JW, Li LX, Wu WZ, Pan TJ, Yang ZS, Yang YK. Anti-Tumor Effects of Paeoniflorin on Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:6405-6413. [PMID: 30208371 PMCID: PMC6146785 DOI: 10.12659/msm.912227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in China, and the development of effective drugs is urgently needed. Here, we report on Paeoniflorin (PF), a product isolated from the roots of the peony plant, as a possible candidate because of its anti-tumor effects on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PF in human colorectal cancer (CRC). Material/Methods Cell proliferation, wound healing, and Transwell assays were used to analyze the effects of PF on in vitro cell migration and invasion of HCT116 and SW480, 2 colorectal cancer cell lines. The tumor xenograft model was used to verify the anti-metastasis effects of PF in vivo. The RNA and protein levels of epithelia-cadherin (E-cadherin), Vimentin, and histone deacetylase2 (HDAC2) were measured by qPCR and Western blot analysis to explore the mechanism involved. Results Our results showed that PF inhibited colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion and suppressed the metastatic potential of the cancer cells in vivo. Moreover, PF significantly decreased the expression of HDAC2 and Vimentin, while increasing the expression of E-cadherin. Conclusions These results suggest that PF inhibits colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion ability and reverses the EMT process, through inhibiting the expression of HDAC2, and then affects the expression level of E-cadherin and Vimentin at the cell level. Our results were also verified in the tumor xenograft model. This indicates that PF may be a candidate for colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Li-Xin Li
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Wei-Zhong Wu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Ting-Jia Pan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Zhao-Shuo Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Yun-Ke Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (mainland)
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Paeoniflorin Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Human Glioblastoma Cells via Suppression Transforming Growth Factor β-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:760-774. [PMID: 29423667 PMCID: PMC5842263 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2478-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF) is a polyphenolic compound derived from Radix Paeoniae Alba thathas anti-cancer activities in a variety of human malignancies including glioblastoma. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), characterized as losing cell polarity, plays an essential role in tumor invasion and metastasis. TGFβ, a key member of transforming growth factors, has been demonstrated to contribute to glioblastoma aggressiveness through inducing EMT. Therefore, the present studies aim to investigate whether PF suppresses the expression of TGFβ and inhibits EMT that plays an important role in anti-glioblastoma. We found that PF dose-dependently downregulates the expression of TGFβ, enhances apoptosis, reduces cell proliferation, migration and invasion in three human glioblastoma cell lines (U87, U251, T98G). These effects are enhanced in TGFβ siRNA treated cells and abolished in cells transfected with TGFβ lentiviruses. In addition, other EMT markers such as snail, vimentin and N-cadherin were suppressed by PF in these cell lines and in BALB/c nude mice injected with U87 cells. The expression of MMP2/9, EMT markers, are also dose-dependently reduced in PF treated cells and in U87 xenograft mouse model. Moreover, the tumor sizes are reduced by PF treatment while there is no change in body weight. These results indicate that PF is a potential novel drug target for the treatment of glioblastoma by suppression of TGFβ signaling pathway and inhibition of EMT.
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Jin LB, Zhu J, Liang CZ, Tao LJ, Liu B, Yu W, Zou HH, Wang JJ, Tao H. Paeoniflorin induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis through the upregulation of Bcl-2 X-associated protein and downregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 in human osteosarcoma cells. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:5095-5101. [PMID: 29363721 PMCID: PMC5865973 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF), extracted from the peony root, has been proved to possess antineoplastic activity in different cancer cell lines. However, it remains unclear whether PF has an antineoplastic effect against osteosarcoma cells. The present study investigated the effects and the specific mechanism of PF on various human osteosarcoma cell lines. Using the multiple methods to detect the activity of PF on HOS and Saos-2 human osteosarcoma cell lines, including an MTS assay, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting, it was demonstrated that PF induces inhibition of proliferation, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in the osteosarcoma cell lines in vitro, and activation of cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-poly (ADPribose) polymerase in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the pro-apoptotic factors Bcl-2 X-associated protein and BH3 interacting domain death agonist were uregulated, while the anti-apoptotic factors B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-extra large were downregulated. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that PF has a promising therapeutic potential in for osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Bin Jin
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Cheng-Zhen Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Li-Jiang Tao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Han Hui Zou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Huimin Tao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
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Yue M, Li S, Yan G, Li C, Kang Z. Paeoniflorin inhibits cell growth and induces cell cycle arrest through inhibition of FoxM1 in colorectal cancer cells. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:240-249. [PMID: 29301438 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1407892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF) exhibits tumor suppressive functions in a variety of human cancers. However, the function of PF and molecular mechanism in colorectal cancer are elusive. In the present study, we investigated whether PF could exert its antiproliferative activity, anti-migration, and anti-invasive function in colorectal cancer cells. We found that PF inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis and blocked cell cycle progression in the G0/G1 phase in colorectal cancer cells. Moreover, we found that PF suppressed cell migration and invasion in colorectal cancer cells. FoxM1 has been reported to play an important oncogenic role in human cancers. We also determine whether PF inhibited the expression of FoxM1, leading to its anti-cancer activity. We found that PF treatment in colorectal cancer cells resulted in down-regulation of FoxM1. The rescue experiments showed that overexpression of FoxM1 abrogated the tumor suppressive function induced by PF treatment. Notably, depletion of FoxM1 promoted the anti-tumor activity of PF in colorectal cancer cells. Therefore, inhibition of FoxM1 could participate in the anti-tumor activity of PF in colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yue
- a Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , Jilin , 130021 , China
| | - Shiquan Li
- a Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , Jilin , 130021 , China
| | - Guoqiang Yan
- a Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , Jilin , 130021 , China
| | - Chenyao Li
- a Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , Jilin , 130021 , China
| | - Zhenhua Kang
- a Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , Jilin , 130021 , China
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Ouyang J, Xu H, Li M, Dai X, Fu F, Zhang X, Lan Q. Paeoniflorin exerts antitumor effects by inactivating S phase kinase-associated protein 2 in glioma cells. Oncol Rep 2017; 39:1052-1062. [PMID: 29286139 PMCID: PMC5802027 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.6175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF), a natural compound isolated from Paeoniae radix, has been shown to exert antitumor effects in various types of human cancers including glioma. However, the mechanism of action is not well understood. S-phase kinase-associated protein (Skp)2 functions as an oncogene in many cancers. In the present study, we investigated whether Skp2 mediates the anti-glioma activity of PF. We found that PF inhibited glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Skp2 expression was downregulated in glioma cells treated with PF. PF-induced antitumor effects in glioma cells were abolished by Skp2 overexpression but were enhanced by RNA interference of Skp2. Moreover, PF treatment inhibited U87 cell-derived tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. These results demonstrate that PF exerts its antitumor effects in part by inhibiting Skp2 expression in glioma cells and could be a promising therapeutic agent for glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ouyang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
| | - Xingliang Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
| | - Fengqing Fu
- Clinical Immunology Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Clinical Immunology Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Qing Lan
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
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Zhang J, Wang F, Wang H, Wang Y, Wu Y, Xu H, Su C. Paeoniflorin inhibits proliferation of endometrial cancer cells via activating MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:5445-5451. [PMID: 29285074 PMCID: PMC5740769 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PAE), a principal bioactive component of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., appears to have antitumor properties. However, the pharmacological activity of PAE in endometrial cancer and the specific mechanisms have remained largely elusive. The present study aimed to determine the antitumor activity of PAE in the human endometrial cancer cell line RL95-2 and explore the potential mechanisms. Cell proliferation was assessed to evaluate the antitumor effect of PAE towards RL95-2 cells via a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Protein expression was examined to investigate changes in the signaling pathways of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB in RL95-2 cells during PAE treatment by western blot analysis. The results revealed that PAE significantly and dose- and time-dependently inhibited the proliferation of RL95-2 cells. In addition, PAE activated MAPK signaling pathways (p38, JNK and ERK) and the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, p38 MAPK and NF-κB inhibitors (SB203580 and MG-132, respectively) prevented PAE-induced proliferative inhibition in RL95-2 cells. However, ERK and JNK inhibitors (PD98059 and BI-78D3, respectively) did not produce such an inhibition. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that PAE exerts its anti-proliferative activity via activating p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in endometrial cancer cells, providing a potential new drug of choice for endometrial cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Fengchun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Huali Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Yanna Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Chen Su
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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Lee SI, Bae JA, Ko YS, Lee KI, Kim H, Kim KK. Geijigajakyak decoction inhibits the motility and tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer cells. Altern Ther Health Med 2016; 16:288. [PMID: 27527352 PMCID: PMC4986256 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1281-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Recent studies report that inflammatory diseases of the large intestine are associated with colorectal cancer. Geijigajakyak Decoction (GJD) has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, in light of the connection between chronic bowel inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC), we asked whether GJD inhibits colorectal tumorigenesis. Methods The effects of GJD on the viability and proliferation of CRC cells were evaluated using MTT and BrdU assays, respectively. The motility of CRC cells was examined by a Transwell migration/invasion assay and immunoblot analysis was used to examine the signaling pathways associated with migration. A syngeneic Balb/c mice allograft model, in which CT26 cells were injected into the dorsum, was used to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of GJD in vivo. Results GJD had no cytotoxic effects against HCT116 CRC cells, although it did inhibit their proliferation. GJD inhibited the migration of HCT116 cells, and suppressed the invasion of HCT116, Caco2, and CSC221 CRC cells. In addition, GJD downregulated the expression of p-JNK and p-p38 MAPK, which are downstream signaling molecules associated with invasiveness. Furthermore, oral administration of GJD (333 mg/kg, twice a day) inhibited tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. Conclusions GJD inhibited the motility of human CRC cells and suppressed tumorigenesis in a mouse model. These results suggest that GJD warrants further study as a potential adjuvant anti-cancer therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1281-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Biersack B. Current state of phenolic and terpenoidal dietary factors and natural products as non-coding RNA/microRNA modulators for improved cancer therapy and prevention. Noncoding RNA Res 2016; 1:12-34. [PMID: 30159408 PMCID: PMC6096431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic regulation of cancer cells by small non-coding RNA molecules, the microRNAs (miRNAs), has raised particular interest in the field of oncology. These miRNAs play crucial roles concerning pathogenic properties of cancer cells and the sensitivity of cancer cells towards anticancer drugs. Certain miRNAs are responsible for an enhanced activity of drugs, while others lead to the formation of tumor resistance. In addition, miRNAs regulate survival and proliferation of cancer cells, in particular of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), that are especially drug-resistant and, thus, cause tumor relapse in many cases. Various small molecule compounds were discovered that target miRNAs that are known to modulate tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance. This review comprises the effects of naturally occurring small molecules (phenolic compounds and terpenoids) on miRNAs involved in cancer diseases.
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Key Words
- 1,25-D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3
- 18-AGA, 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid
- 3,6-DHF, 3,6-dihydroxyflavone
- AKBA, 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid
- Anticancer drugs
- CAPE, caffeic acid phenethyl ester
- CDODA-Me, methyl 2-cyano-3,11-dioxo-18β-olean-1,12-dien-30-oate
- Dox, doxorubicin
- EGCG, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate
- MicroRNA
- PEG, polyethylene glycol
- PPAP, polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol
- Polyphenols
- RA, retinoic acid
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- TQ, thymoquinone
- Terpenes
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
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23
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Yang N, Cui H, Han F, Zhang L, Huang T, Zhou Y, Zhou J. Paeoniflorin inhibits human pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis via suppression of MMP-9 and ERK signaling. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:1471-1476. [PMID: 27446455 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidation effects, as well as specific pharmacological effects on smooth muscle and the immune, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of paeoniflorin on pancreatic cancer cells and to elucidate the mechanisms by which these effects occur. In the present study, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays were performed to assess cell viability and cell cytotoxicity of BXPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells, respectively. Cellular apoptosis and caspase-3/9 activities were analyzed using an Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide Apoptosis Detection kit, a DAPI staining assay and colorimetric kits, respectively. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) protein expression in BXPC-3 cells were also investigated using gelatin zymography assays and western blot analysis, respectively. In the present study, paeoniflorin was found to inhibit the cell viability and increase cell cytotoxicity of BXPC-3 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, cellular apoptosis, as well as caspase-3 and -9 activity of BXPC-3 cells was increased following paeoniflorin treatment. Notably, paeoniflorin reduced MMP-9 and ERK protein expression in BXPC-3 cells. These results indicate that paeoniflorin exhibits a potential anticancer effect by enhancing human pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis via the suppression of MMP-9 and ERK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanmu Yang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, P.R. China
| | - Hong Cui
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, P.R. China
| | - Feng Han
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, P.R. China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, P.R. China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, P.R. China
| | - Jinxue Zhou
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, P.R. China
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24
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Zhou Z, Wang S, Song C, Hu Z. Paeoniflorin prevents hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human breast cancer cells. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:2511-8. [PMID: 27175085 PMCID: PMC4854234 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s102422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF) is a monoterpene glycoside extracted from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Previous studies have demonstrated that PF inhibits the growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumors in vivo and in vitro. However, the effect of PF on hypoxia-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer cells remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of PF on hypoxia-induced EMT in breast cancer cells, as well as characterize the underlying mechanism. The results presented in this study demonstrate that PF blocks the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells by repressing EMT under hypoxic conditions. PF also significantly attenuated the hypoxia-induced increase in HIF-1α level. Furthermore, PF prevented hypoxia-induced expression of phosphorylated PI3K and Akt in MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, PF prevented hypoxia-induced EMT in breast cancer cells by inhibiting HIF-1α expression via modulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This finding provides evidence that PF can serve as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Zhou
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunchang Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, People's Republic of China
| | - Caijuan Song
- Department of Immunization Program, Zhengzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuang Hu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, People's Republic of China
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25
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Li JZ, Tang XN, Li TT, Liu LJ, Yu SY, Zhou GY, Shao QR, Sun HP, Wu C, Yang Y. Paeoniflorin inhibits doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by downregulating microRNA-1 expression. Exp Ther Med 2016; 11:2407-2412. [PMID: 27284328 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anthracycline anti-tumor antibiotic. Because of its cardiotoxicity, the clinical application of DOX is limited. Paeoniflorin (PEF), a monoterpene glucoside extracted from the dry root of Paeonia, is reported to exert multiple beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. The present study was designed to explore the protective effect of PEF against DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the underlying mechanism. In cultured H9c2 cells, PEF (100 µmol/l) was added for 2 h prior to exposure to DOX (5 µmol/l) for 24 h. Cell viability, creatine kinase activity, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and the expression of microRNA-1 (miR-1) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were measured following treatment with PEF and/or DOX. The results showed that treatment with DOX notably induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, concomitantly with enhanced ROS generation, upregulated miR-1 expression and downregulated Bcl-2 expression. These effects of DOX were significantly inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with PEF. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of PEF on DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis may be associated with downregulation of miR-1 expression via a reduction in ROS generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Zhe Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruikang Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Neng Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruikang Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, P.R. China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Jinghong, Yunnan 666100, P.R. China
| | - Li-Juan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330029, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Yi Yu
- Advanced Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Guang-Yu Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruikang Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Rui Shao
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruikang Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Ping Sun
- Department of Anesthesia, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruikang Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruikang Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530011, P.R. China
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