Anti-angiogenic activity of gecko aqueous extracts and its macromolecular components in CAM and HUVE-12 cells

Unveiling potent bioactive compounds and anti-angiogenic pathways in Gekko swinhonis Guenther for gastric cancer therapy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gekko swinhonis Guenther, commonly referred to as Gecko in the following text, belongs to the genus Gekko within the family Gekko. Its dried whole body is a widely utilized traditional Chinese medicine, demonstrating significant efficacy in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies, particularly gastric cancer (GC). Nevertheless, the composition of the gecko is complex, necessitating further research into its active ingredients for the treatment of GC.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Isolation and characterization of the most active components in Gecko based on their anti-GC mechanisms of vascular endothelial cell inhibition and anti-neovascularization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We utilized the enzymatic hydrolysate of Geckos to investigate its effectiveness and underlying mechanisms. Initially, we assessed its efficacy in ectopic and in-situ GC tumor-bearing mouse models. Subsequently, we evaluated the effectiveness of peptides, aliphatics, and small molecules derived from Gecko using CCK-8 and 3D tumor spheroid assays. The activities of peptides S1-S4 were further examined through these experiments. Finally, we screened, synthesized, and investigated five potential peptides for their pharmacodynamics in the CCK-8 assay and in the in-situ GC model mice.

RESULTS

The Gecko can inhibit the formation of blood vessels in the tumor microenvironment, providing a localized treatment for GC. The peptide components significantly inhibit vascular endothelial cells and impede the formation of new blood vessels, with the S2 peptide sections (0.3 KD - 3 KD) demonstrating the most potent inhibitory activity against angiogenesis. One of the active peptides effectively suppresses the growth of in-situ GC in nude mice through angiogenesis inhibition and also modulates immunity, all while exhibiting excellent biosafety.

CONCLUSIONS

We have achieved a significant breakthrough in the local treatment of GC using Gecko. Through pharmacodynamic experiments and a systematic process of isolation and identification, we identified the most effective anti-GC ingredients of Gecko, based on their mechanisms of inhibiting vascular endothelial cells and promoting anti-angiogenesis. Furthermore, we synthesized a lead peptide that demonstrates promising therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Current wildlife crime (Indian scenario): major challenges and prevention approaches

The constant depletion of wild flora and fauna in India due to uncontrolled human activities, natural habitat destruction and covert poaching activities is threatening the ecological balance. The poaching and trafficking of wild species in the lure of money as well as fashion has wiped out a range of wildlife species that call for critical attention to tackle this menace. There are many transit routes through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, which are major hubs for wildlife trafficking in India, in both domestic and international markets. The poaching of wild animals and plants slowly erases biodiversity, which in turn affects the survival of humans and other living species. Therefore, there is an urgent need to check ongoing wildlife crimes, raise the number of endangered species, rehabilitate exotic/extinct species and restore natural ecosystems. In this article, we collected wildlife crime data from web portals of various stakeholders, government agencies and authentic news sources, and discuss the current crime trends, challenges, and prevention approaches required to control and restore wildlife biodiversity in India.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10531-023-02577-z.

Gekko gecko extract attenuates airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in a murine model of ovalbumin-induced asthma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gekko gecko is used as a traditional medicine for various diseases including respiratory disorders in northeast Asian countries, mainly Korea, Japan, and China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Allergic asthma is a chronic respiratory disease caused by an inappropriate immune response. Due to the recent spread of coronavirus disease 2019, interest in the treatment of pulmonary disorders has rapidly increased. In this study, we investigated the anti-asthmatic effects of G. gecko extract (GGE) using an established mouse model of ovalbumin-induced asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To evaluate the anti-asthmatic effects of GGE, we evaluated histological changes and the responses of inflammatory mediators related to allergic airway inflammation. Furthermore, we investigated the regulatory effects of GGE on type 2 helper T (Th2) cell activation.

RESULTS

Administration of GGE attenuated asthmatic phenotypes, including inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus production, and expression of Th2 cytokines. Furthermore, GGE treatment reduced Th2 cell activation and differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that GGE alleviates allergic airway inflammation by regulating Th2 cell activation and differentiation.