Elucidating the inhibitory mechanisms of the ethanolic extract of the fruiting body of the mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea on the proliferation and migration of murine leukemia WEHI-3 cells and their tumorigenicity in a BALB/c allograft tumor model

Antrodia cinnamomea and its compound dehydroeburicoic acid attenuate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by upregulating ALDH2 activity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver disease, but currently has no specific medication in clinic. Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) is a medicinal fungus and it has been shown that AC can inhibit high fat diet (HFD)-induced lipid deposition in mouse livers, but the effective monomer in AC and mechanism against NAFLD remain unclear. It has been reported that aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) activation shows protective effects on NAFLD. Our previous study demonstrates that AC and its monomer dehydroeburicoic acid (DEA) can upregulate the ALDH2 activity on alcoholic fatty liver disease mouse model, but it is not clear whether the anti-NAFLD effects of AC and DEA are mediated by ALDH2.

AIM TO STUDY

To elucidate the active compound in AC against NAFLD, study whether ALDH2 mediates the anti-NAFLD effects of AC and its effective monomer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

WT mice, ALDH2-/- mice and ALDH2-/- mice re-expressed ALDH2 by lentivirus were fed with a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet or high fat diet (HFD) to induce NAFLD, and AC at the different doses (200 and/or 500 mg/kg body weight per day) was administrated by gavage at the same time. Primary hepatocytes derived from WT and ALDH2-/-mice were stimulated by oleic acid (OA) to induce lipid deposition, and the cells were treated with AC or DEA in the meantime. Lentivirus-mediated ALDH2-KD or ALDH2-OE were used to knock down or overexpress ALDH2 expression in HepG2 cells, respectively. Finally, the effects of DEA against NAFLD as well as its effects on upregulating liver ALDH2 and removing the harmful aldehyde 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) were studied in the MCD diet-induced NAFLD mouse model.

RESULTS

In WT mice fed with a MCD diet or HFD, AC administration reduced hepatic lipid accumulation, upregulated ALDH2 activity in mouse livers, decreased 4-HNE contents both in mouse livers and serum, inhibited lipogenesis, inflammation and oxidative stress and promoted fatty acid β-oxidation. These effects were abolished in ALDH2 KO mice but could be restored by re-expression of ALDH2 by lentivirus. In primary hepatocytes of WT mice, AC and DEA inhibited OA-induced lipid accumulation and triglyceride (TG) synthesis, promoting the β-oxidation of fatty acid in the meantime. However, these effects were lost in primary hepatocytes of ALDH2 KO mice. Moreover, the expression level of ALDH2 significantly affected the inhibitory effects of AC and DEA on OA-induced lipid deposition in HepG2 cells. The effects of AC and DEA on suppressing lipid deposition, inhibiting mitochondrial ROS levels, reducing TG synthesis, and promoting β-oxidation of fatty acid were all enhanced with the overexpression of ALDH2 and reduced with the knockdown of ALDH2 expression. DEA showed dose-dependent effects on inhibiting liver lipid deposition, elevating ALDH2 activity and reducing 4-HNE levels in the livers of MCD diet-induced NAFLD mice.

CONCLUSION

DEA is the effective compound in AC against NAFLD. The related anti-NAFLD mechanisms of AC and DEA were through upregulating ALDH2 expression and activity, thus enhancing the elimination of 4-HNE in the livers, and sequentially alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting fatty acid β-oxidation and decreasing lipogenesis.

Treasures from the forest: Evaluation of mushroom extracts as anti-cancer agents

Mushrooms provide a reliable source of bioactive compounds and have numerous nutritional values, which is one of the reasons why they are widely used for culinary purposes. They may also be a remedy for several medical conditions, including cancer diseases. Given the constantly increasing number of cancer incidents, the great anticancer potential of mushrooms has unsurprisingly become an object of interest to researchers. Therefore, this review aimed to collect and summarize all the available scientific data on the anti-cancer activity of mushroom extracts. Our research showed that mushroom extracts from 92 species, prepared using 12 different solvents, could reduce the viability of 38 various cancers. Additionally, we evaluated different experimental models: in vitro (cell model), in vivo (mice and rat model, case studies and randomized controlled trials), and in silico. Breast cancer proved to be sensitive to the highest number of mushroom extracts. The curative mechanisms of the studied mushrooms consisted in: inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, unregulated proportion of cells in cell cycle phases, induction of autophagy and phagocytosis, improved response of the immune system, and induction of apoptotic death of cells via upregulation of pro-apoptotic factors and downregulation of anti-apoptotic genes. The processes mainly involved the expression of caspases -3, -8, -9, AKT, p27, p53, BAX, and BCL2. The quoted results could lead to the classification of mushrooms as nutraceuticals used to prevent a variety of disorders or to support treatment of cancer diseases.

Promising Anti-cancer Therapeutics From Mushrooms: Current Findings and Future Perceptions

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, medicines derived from natural sources have drawn much attention as potential therapeutic agents in the suppression and treatment of cancer because of their low toxicity and fewer side effects.

OBJECTIVE

The present review aims to assess the currently available knowledge on the ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of bioactive compounds obtained from medicinal mushrooms towards cancer treatment.

METHODS

A literature search has been conducted for the collection of research papers from universally accepted scientific databases. These research papers and published book chapters were scrutinized to retrieve information on ethnomedicinal uses of mushrooms, different factors involved in cancer cell proliferation, clinical and in silico pharmaceutical studies made for possible treatments of cancer using mushroom derived compounds. Overall, 241 articles were retrieved and reviewed from the year 1970 to 2020, out of which 98 relevant articles were finally considered for the preparation of this review.

RESULTS

This review presents an update on the natural bioactive substances derived from medicinal mushrooms and their role in inhibiting the factors responsible for cancer cell proliferation. Along with it, the present review also provides information on the ethnomedicinal uses, solvents used for extraction of anti-cancer metabolites, clinical trials, and in silico studies that were undertaken towards anticancer drug development from medicinal mushrooms.

CONCLUSION

The present review provides extensive knowledge on various anti-cancer substances obtained from medicinal mushrooms, their biological actions, and in silico drug designing approaches, which could form a basis for the development of natural anti-cancer therapeutics.

Chemical modifications of ergostane-type triterpenoids from Antrodia camphorata and their cytotoxic activities

In order to discover potential antitumor agents from natural products, chemical modifications of ergostane-type triterpenoids from Antrodia camphorata yielded ten new compounds. They include nine C-26 amide derivatives of antcin G (1) and a methyl antcin B (4) derivative with hydroxyamino groups at C-3 and C-7. Chemical structures of the new compounds were elucidated by NMR and MS analyses. Furthermore, cytotoxicities of the triterpenoid derivatives were evaluated using four human cancer cell lines (HL60, U251, SW480, and MCF-7). As a result, 1a, 1g, and 4a exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against HL60, U251, and SW480 with IC₅₀ values of 0.7 ± 0.9, 2.9 ± 1.3, and 2.2 ± 0.6 μM, respectively. Molecular docking indicates that 1a, 1g, and 4a have strong binding affinity with DNA topoisomerase IIα (-9.3, -7.9, and -7.4 kcal/mol, respectively), and that they could be potent topoisomerase IIα inhibitors.

Activity of Cordycepin From Cordyceps sinensis Against Drug-Resistant Tumor Cells as Determined by Gene Expression and Drug Sensitivity Profiling

Cordycepin is one of the substantial components of the parasitic fungus Cordyceps sinensis as well as other Cordyceps species. It exerts various effects such as antimetastatic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. Assorted studies revealed in vitro and in vivo anticancer influence of cordycepin and put forward its potential for cancer therapy. However, the role of multidrug resistance-associated mechanisms for the antitumor effect of cordycepin has not been investigated in great detail thus far. Therefore, we searched cordycepin’s cytotoxicity with regard to well-known anticancer drug resistance mechanisms, including ABCB1, ABCB5, ABCC1, ABCG2, EGFR, and TP53, and identified putative molecular determinants related to the cellular responsiveness of cordycepin. Bioinformatic analyses of NCI microarray data and gene promoter transcription factor binding motif analyses were performed to specify the mechanisms of cordycepin towards cancer cells. COMPARE and hierarchical analyses led to the detection of the genes involved in cordycepin’s cytotoxicity and sensitivity and resistance of cell lines towards cordycepin. Tumor-type dependent response and cross-resistance profiles were further unravelled. We found transcription factors potentially involved in the common transcriptional regulation of the genes identified by COMPARE analyses. Cordycepin bypassed resistance mediated by the expression of ATP-binding cassete (ABC) transporters (P-gp, ABCB5, ABCC1 and BCRP) and mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The drug sensitivity profiles of several DNA Topo I and II inhibitors were significantly correlated with those of cordycepin’s activity. Among eight different tumor types, prostate cancer was the most sensitive, whereas renal carcinoma was the most resistant to cordycepin. NF-κB was discovered as a common transcription factor. The potential of cordycepin is set forth as a potential new drug lead by bioinformatic evaluations. Further experimental studies are warranted for better understanding of cordycepin’s activity against cancer.

Terpenoids from the medicinal mushroom Antrodia camphorata: chemistry and medicinal potential

Covering: up to February 2020Antrodia camphorata is a medicinal mushroom endemic to Taiwan for the treatment of intoxication, liver injury, cancer, and inflammation. Owing to its rare occurrence and potent pharmacological activities, efforts have been devoted to identify its bioactive constituents, especially terpenoids. Since 1995, a total of 162 terpenoids including triterpenoids, meroterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and steroids have been characterized. The ergostane-type triterpenoids (antcins) and meroterpenoids (antroquinonols) are characteristic constituents of A. camphorata. The terpenoids show anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective activities. This review summarizes the research progress on terpenoids in A. camphorata during 1995-2020, including structural diversity, resources, biosynthesis, pharmacological activities, metabolism, and toxicity. The medicinal potential of the terpenoids is also discussed.

Antrodia cinnamomea Enhances Chemo-Sensitivity of 5-FU and Suppresses Colon Tumorigenesis and Cancer Stemness via Up-Regulation of Tumor Suppressor miR-142-3p

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) regimen remains the backbone of the first-line agent to treat colon cancer, but often these patients develop resistance. Cancer stem cells (CSC's) are considered as one of the key contributors in the development of drug resistance and tumor recurrence. We aimed to provide preclinical evidence for Antrodia cinnamomea (AC), as a potential in suppressing colon cancer CSC's to overcome 5-FU drug-resistant. In-vitro assays including cell viability, colony formation, AC + 5-FU drug combination index and tumor sphere generation were applied to determine the inhibitory effect of AC. Mouse xenograft models also incorporated to evaluate in vivo effect of AC. AC treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony formation and tumor sphere generation. AC also inhibited the expression of oncogenic markers (NF-κB, and C-myc), EMT/metastasis markers (vimentin and MMP3) and stemness associated markers (β-catenin, SOX-2 and Nanog). Sequential treatment of AC and 5-FU synergized and reduces colon cancer viability both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, AC mediated anti-tumor effect was associated with an increased level of tumor suppressor microRNAs especially, miR142-3p. AC can be a potent synergistic adjuvant, down-regulates cancer stemness genes and enhances the antitumor ability of 5-FU by stimulating apoptosis-associated genes, suppressing inflammation and metastasis genes through miR142-3p in colon cancer.

Therapeutic Potential and Biological Applications of Cordycepin and Metabolic Mechanisms in Cordycepin-Producing Fungi

Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), a cytotoxic nucleoside analogue found in Cordyceps militaris, has attracted much attention due to its therapeutic potential and biological value. Cordycepin interacts with multiple medicinal targets associated with cancer, tumor, inflammation, oxidant, polyadenylation of mRNA, etc. The investigation of the medicinal drug actions supports the discovery of novel targets and the development of new drugs to enhance the therapeutic potency and reduce toxicity. Cordycepin may be of great value owing to its medicinal potential as an external drug, such as in cosmeceutical, traumatic, antalgic and muscle strain applications. In addition, the biological application of cordycepin, for example, as a ligand, has been used to uncover molecular structures. Notably, studies that investigated the metabolic mechanisms of cordycepin-producing fungi have yielded significant information related to the biosynthesis of high levels of cordycepin. Here, we summarized the medicinal targets, biological applications, cytotoxicity, delivery carriers, stability, and pros/cons of cordycepin in clinical applications, as well as described the metabolic mechanisms of cordycepin in cordycepin-producing fungi. We posit that new approaches, including single-cell analysis, have the potential to enhance medicinal potency and unravel all facets of metabolic mechanisms of cordycepin in Cordyceps militaris.

Suppression of Cell Growth, Migration and Drug Resistance by Ethanolic Extract of Antrodia cinnamomea in Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells and C57BL/6J Allograft Tumor Model

The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory activities of ethanolic extracts from Antrodia cinnamomea (EEAC) on lung cancer. Cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were analyzed using (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound-healing assay, Western blotting, and a murine tumor model were separately used to examine cell migration, protein expression, and tumor repression. Our results showed that EEAC induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase resulting decreased cell viability in A549 cells. Moreover, EEAC up-regulated the growth-suppressing proteins, adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p21 and p27, but down-regulated the growth-promoting proteins, protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian tarfet of rapamycin (mTOR), extracellular signal-regulating kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), retinoblastoma protein (Rb), cyclin E, and cyclin D1. EEAC also inhibited A549 cell migration and reduced expression of gelatinases. In addition, our data showed that tumor growth was suppressed after treatment with EEAC in a murine allograft tumor model. Some bioactive compounds from EEAC, such as cordycepin and zhankuic acid A, were demonstrated to reduce the protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and cyclin D1 in A549 cells. Furthermore, EEAC enhanced chemosensitivity of A549 to paclitaxel by reducing the protein levels of caveolin-1. Our data suggests that EEAC has the potential to be an adjuvant medicine for the treatment of lung cancer.

A review on the nucleic acid constituents in mushrooms: nucleobases, nucleosides and nucleotides

Mushrooms have become increasingly important as a reliable food source. They have also been recognized as an important source of bioactive compounds of high nutritional and medicinal values. The nucleobases, nucleosides and nucleotides found in mushrooms play important roles in the regulation of various physiological processes in the human body via the purinergic and/or pyrimidine receptors. Cordycepin, a 3'-deoxyadenosine found in Cordyceps sinensis has received much attention as it possesses many medicinal values including anticancer properties. In this review, we provide a broad overview of the distribution of purine nucleobases (adenine and guanine); pyrimidine nucleobases (cytosine, uracil, and thymine); nucleosides (uridine, guanosine, adenosine and cytidine); as well as novel nucleosides/tides in edible and nonedible mushrooms. This review also discusses the latest research focusing on the successes, challenges, and future perspectives of the analytical methods used to determine nucleic acid constituents in mushrooms. Besides, the exotic taste and flavor of edible mushrooms are attributed to several nonvolatile and water-soluble substances, including the 5'-nucleotides. Therefore, we also discuss the total flavor 5'-nucleotides: 5'-guanosine monophosphate (5'-GMP), 5'-inosine monophosphate (5'-IMP), and 5'-xanthosine monophosphate (5'-XMP) in edible mushrooms.

Natural Modulators of Endosomal Toll-Like Receptor-Mediated Psoriatic Skin Inflammation

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that can be initiated by excessive activation of endosomal toll-like receptors (TLRs), particularly TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9. Therefore, inhibitors of endosomal TLR activation are being investigated for their ability to treat this disease. The currently approved biological drugs adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, ustekinumab, ixekizumab, and secukizumab are antibodies against effector cytokines that participate in the initiation and development of psoriasis. Several immune modulatory oligonucleotides and small molecular weight compounds, including IMO-3100, IMO-8400, and CPG-52364, that block the interaction between endosomal TLRs and their ligands are under clinical investigation for their effectiveness in the treatment of psoriasis. In addition, several chemical compounds, including AS-2444697, PF-05387252, PF-05388169, PF-06650833, ML120B, and PHA-408, can inhibit TLR signaling. Although these compounds have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in animal models, their therapeutic potential for the treatment of psoriasis has not yet been tested. Recent studies demonstrated that natural compounds derived from plants, fungi, and bacteria, including mustard seed, Antrodia cinnamomea extract, curcumin, resveratrol, thiostrepton, azithromycin, and andrographolide, inhibited psoriasis-like inflammation induced by the TLR7 agonist imiquimod in animal models. These natural modulators employ different mechanisms to inhibit endosomal TLR activation and are administered via different routes. Therefore, they represent candidate psoriasis drugs and might lead to the development of new treatment options.

Beta-mangostin demonstrates apoptogenesis in murine leukaemia (WEHI-3) cells in vitro and in vivo

Background

Beta-mangostin (BM) is a xanthone-type of natural compound isolated from Cratoxylum arborescens. This study aimed to examine the apoptosis mechanisms induced by BM in a murine monomyelocytic cell line (WEHI-3) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

A WEHI-3 cell line was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of BM by MTT. AO/PI and Hoechst 33342 dyes, Annexin V, multiparametric cytotoxicity 3 by high content screening (HCS); cell cycle tests were used to estimate the features of apoptosis and BM effects. Caspase 3 and 9 activities, ROS, western blot for Bcl2, and Bax were detected to study the mechanism of apoptosis. BALB/c mice injected with WEHI-3 cells were used to assess the apoptotic effect of BM in vivo.

Results

BM suppressed the growth of WEHI-3 cells at an IC₅₀value of 14 ± 3 μg/mL in 24 h. The ROS production was increased inside the cells in the treated doses. Both caspases (9 and 3) were activated in treating WEHI-3 cells at 24, 48 and 72 h. Different signs of apoptosis were detected, such as cell membrane blebbing, DNA segmentation and changes in the asymmetry of the cell membrane. Another action by which BM could inhibit WEHI-3 cells is to restrain the cell cycle at the G1/G0 phase. In the in vivo study, BM reduced the destructive effects of leukaemia on the spleen and liver by inducing apoptosis in leukaemic cells.

Conclusion

BM exerts anti-leukaemic properties in vitro and in vivo.

Antrodia cinnamomea alleviates cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and enhances chemo-sensitivity of line-1 lung carcinoma xenografted in BALB/cByJ mice

Whereas cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II) is a first-line medicine to treat solid cancerous tumors, it often causes serious side effects. New medicines that have an equivalent or even better therapeutic effect but with free or less side effects than cisplatin are highly anticipated in cancer therapy. Recent reports revealed that Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) possesses hepatoprotective activity in addition to anticancer. In this study, we wanted to know whether AC enhances chemo-sensitivity of cisplatin and/or alleviates cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, as well as the underlying mechanisms thereof. Our results indicated that AC inhibited proliferation of line-1 lung carcinoma cells and rescued hepatic HepG2 cells from cisplatin-induced cell death in vitro. The fact is that AC and cisplatin synergized to constrain growth of line-1 lung carcinoma cells in BALB/cByJ mice. Quantitative real-time PCR further revealed that AC promoted expression of apoptosis-related genes, while it decreased expression of NF-κB and VEGF in tumor tissues. In liver, AC reduced cisplatin-induced liver dysfunctions, liver inflammation and hepatic apoptosis in addition to body weight restoration. In summary, AC is able to increase cisplatin efficacy by triggering expression of apoptosis-related genes in line-1 lung cancer cells as well as to protect liver from tissue damage by avoiding cisplatin-induced hepatic inflammation and cell death.

Antrodia cinnamomea Inhibits Migration in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells: The Role of ERp57 and PGK-1

Evidences suggest that ERp57 and PGK-1 signaling lead to cancer cell proliferation and migration. We hypothesized that ERp57 and PGK-1 down-regulation may inactivate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -9 expressions and inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) migration. Antrodia cinnamomea is widely prescribed as an adjuvant to treat HCC in Taiwan. We aimed to investigate if ethanol extract of fruiting bodies of Antrodia cinnamomea (EEAC) and its active ingredients (i.e., zhankuic acid A, cordycepin, and adenosine) can modulate HCC cancer cells migration through ERp57 and PGK-1 and other molecular pathways such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK. ERp57 and PGK-1 siRNA were transfected into HCC to determine effects on MMP-2/-9 expressions and cell migration. We then examined the inhibitory effects of EEAC and its active ingredients on HCC migration and its related mechanisms including ERp57, PGK-1, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways. Down-regulation of ERp57 and PGK-1 by siRNA decreased MMP-2, -9 expressions and Transwell cell migration in HCC. Nontoxic EEAC markedly inhibited migration of HCC, and significantly inhibited activities and protein expressions of MMP-2 and -9, while the expression of the endogenous inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) of these proteins increased. Nontoxic EEAC and its active ingredients decreased ERp57, GLUD-1, GST-pi, and PGK-1 protein expressions. Finally, nontoxic EEAC inhibited the phosphorylated FAK, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signaling. Our findings first indicate that EEAC and its ingredients effectively suppress HCC migration. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms appear to be mediated, in part, through the down-regulation of ERp57, PGK-1, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt.

Antrodia cinnamomea Extract Inhibits Th17 Cell Differentiation and Ameliorates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasiform Skin Inflammation

Antrodia cinnamomea (A. cinnamomea) is a Chinese medicinal herb that possesses a broad range of bioactivities, including anti-inflammation. Given that the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, we investigated whether A. cinnamomea could inhibit the development of Th17 cells, the main producer of IL-17, and exhibit therapeutic effects on an animal model of psoriasis. We found that A. cinnamomea extract (AC) inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells as well as the production of IL-17A, IL-21, and IL-22 from these cells. This effect was associated with the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation and RORγt expression. Notably, the oral administration of AC reduced psoriasis-like inflammation in imiquimod-mediated dermal damage, repressed the expression of IL-17A, IL-22, and TNF-α in skin lesions, and decreased the infiltration of CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and neutrophils into the dermis. Finally, serum levels of IL-17A were decreased in AC-treated mice with psoriasis-like skin inflammation. Taken together, these findings indicate that AC inhibits Th17 cell differentiation, suggesting a role for A. cinnamomea in the treatment of psoriasis and other Th17 cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.

2,3,5-Trimethoxy-4-cresol, an anti-metastatic constituent from the solid-state cultured mycelium of Antrodia cinnamomea and its mechanism

Antrodia cinnamomea is a valuable and unique edible fungus originating from the forests of Taiwan. In this study, an anti-metastatic compound, 2,3,5-trimethoxy-4-cresol (TMC), was isolated from the solid-state cultured mycelium of A. cinnamomea. According to the results obtained from cell wound healing, cell migration and invasion assays, TMC effectively suppressed movement, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells at the dosage of 5-40 μM, which was non-toxic to A549 cells. In addition, TMC reduced protein expression of Akt, MMP-2 and MMP-9 and enhanced E-cadherin and TIMP-1 protein expression, which are known to regulate cell adhesion, migration and invasion. Taken together, TMC effectively suppresses movement, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells, and achieves an anti-cancer metastasis effect.

The functional influences of common ABCB1 genetic variants on the inhibition of P-glycoprotein by Antrodia cinnamomea extracts

Antrodia cinnamomea is a traditional healthy food that has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticacer effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the ethanolic extract of A. cinnamomea (EEAC) can affect the efflux function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and the effect of ABCB1 genetic variants on the interaction between EEAC and P-gp. To investigate the mechanism of this interaction, Flp-In™-293 cells stably transfected with various genotypes of human P-gp were established and the expression of P-gp was confirmed by Western blot. The results of the rhodamine 123 efflux assay demonstrated that EEAC efficiently inhibited wild-type P-gp function at an IC50 concentration of 1.51 ± 0.08 µg/mL through non-competitive inhibition. The IC50 concentrations for variant-type 1236T-2677T-3435T P-gp and variant-type 1236T-2677A-3435T P-gp were 5.56 ± 0.49 µg/mL and 3.33±0.67 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the inhibition kinetics of EEAC also changed to uncompetitive inhibition in variant-type 1236T-2677A-3435T P-gp. The ATPase assay revealed that EEAC was an ATPase stimulator and was capable of reducing verapamil-induced ATPase levels. These results indicate that EEAC may be a potent P-gp inhibitor and higher dosages may be required in subjects carrying variant-types P-gp. Further studies are required to translate this basic knowledge into clinical applications.