Solasodine inhibits human colorectal cancer cells through suppression of the AKT/glycogen synthase kinase-3β/β-catenin pathway

Molecular Pathways Governing the Termination of Liver Regeneration

The liver has the unique capacity to regenerate, and up to 70% of the liver can be removed without detrimental consequences to the organism. Liver regeneration is a complex process involving multiple signaling networks and organs. Liver regeneration proceeds through three phases: the initiation phase, the growth phase, and the termination phase. Termination of liver regeneration occurs when the liver reaches a liver-to-body weight that is required for homeostasis, the so-called "hepatostat." The initiation and growth phases have been the subject of many studies. The molecular pathways that govern the termination phase, however, remain to be fully elucidated. This review summarizes the pathways and molecules that signal the cessation of liver regrowth after partial hepatectomy and answers the question, "What factors drive the hepatostat?" SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Unraveling the pathways underlying the cessation of liver regeneration enables the identification of druggable targets that will allow us to gain pharmacological control over liver regeneration. For these purposes, it would be useful to understand why the regenerative capacity of the liver is hampered under certain pathological circumstances so as to artificially modulate the regenerative processes (e.g., by blocking the cessation pathways) to improve clinical outcomes and safeguard the patient's life.

Talaromides A-C, Bioactive Cyclic Heptapeptides from Talaromyces siglerae Isolated from a Marine Sponge

Three new cyclic heptapeptides, talaromides A-C (1-3), were isolated from cultures produced by the fungus Talaromyces siglerae (Ascomycota), isolated from an unidentified sponge. The structures, featuring an unusual proline-anthranilic moiety, were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and chemical transformations, including the advanced Marfey's method and GITC derivatization. Talaromides A and B inhibited migration activity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells without significant cytotoxicity.

Yi Qi Chu Tan Formula (YQCTF) inhibited the progress of lung cancer via regulating tumor-associated neutrophil: An integrated study of network pharmacology, proteomics and pharmacodynamics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yi Qi Chu Tan Formula (YQCTF), a prescription consisting of eight traditional Chinese medicine for treating lung cancer, has been clinically proven to be effective in improving the life quality and prolonging the survival time of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of YQCTF on NSCLC mice model and further explore its therapeutic targets by using network pharmacology, proteomics and pharmacodynamic methodologies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The network pharmacology analysis was firstly conducted to screen out the potential active ingredients and therapeutic targets of YQCTF against NSCLC. Three kinds of extracts, i.e. the water extract (WE), water extraction-alcohol precipitation (WEAP) and alcohol extract (AE) of YQCTF were prepared, which chemical compositions were subsequently analyzed by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and which anti-neoplastic efficacy was examined on NSCLC mice model. Mice tumor tissues were collected for proteomics analysis, and the immunomodulatory effects of YQCTF extracts on the tumor microenvironment (TME) were further validated by using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, ELISA and Western blot.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology identified 60 conjunct genes and ample cancer-related signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets of YQCTF. Protein-protein interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that YQCTF might negatively regulate cancer-related inflammation. UPLC-MS/MS analysis showed that the main components of YQCTF include at least ginsenosides, solasodine, solamargine, solasonine, peimisine, peiminine, peimine and sipeimine-3β-D-glucosihde. All kinds of YQCTF extracts significantly inhibited the growth of lung cancer allograft and regulated the ratio of immune cells in tumor tissues, i.e. upregulated the fractions of T cells, promoted the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), increased the M1/M2 ratio of tumor-related macrophages, but reduced the number of Tregs and immunosuppressive neutrophils. Proteomics identified neutrophils to be the most prominently enriched target linked to NETs formation in mice tumor tissue, which is verified by the downregulation of neutrophil recruiting factors involving IL-6, HIF-1α and IL-8, as well as the decreases of NETs-related biomarkers including H3cit, MPO, CD18, MMP9 and ICAM-1 in immunofluorescence, ELISA and Western blot analysis.

CONCLUSION

YQCTF inhibited the progress of mice NSCLC allograft, suppressed the pro-tumorigenic tumor-associated neutrophils and improved the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME).

Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Decoction inhibits liver metastasis of colorectal cancer via enhancing natural killer cells function

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Complementary treatment with valuable efficacy and less toxic or side effect is in urgent need for colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Decoction (YHJD) is a polyherbal formulation which has been applied in clinic to treat CRC for a long period of time. Nevertheless, the potential active ingredients and molecular mechanism remains to be further explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To probe the effective compounds of YHJD and its underlying pharmacological effects. Moreover, the influence on liver metastasis of CRC as well as function of natural killer (NK) cells results from YHJD was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The active ingredients and target genes of YHJD was examined through TCMSP databases. Compound-compound target network was performed by applying Cytoscape3.9.1 software. The CRC-related disease targets were explored via DisGeNET database. Venn database was used to find the common genes between CRC and YHJD. Protein-protein interaction network was established by STRING database. Biological process and signaling pathways potentially regulated by YHJD were evaluated by DAVID database. Western blot assay was then conducted to further investigate the effect of YHJD on PI3K-AKT signaling. The association between NK cells content and TNM or pathological stages of CRC was studied through TCGA database. The killing efficiency of NK cells was researched by CCK8 experiment. In vivo assay and HE staining were performed to assess the anti-liver metastasis effect of YHJD. The variation of NK cells content was authenticated by applying flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTS

We firstly found 176 active ingredients and 268 target genes of YHJD. Compound-compound target network was then established consisted of 455 nodes and 3989 edges. Then 707 disease targets associated with CRC were discovered and 42 common genes between CRC and YHJD were identified. Protein-protein interaction network was further constructed, among which 5 vital genes including TP53, AKT1, TNF, MYC and CCND1 were recognized. GO and KEGG analysis was performed to explore probable biological process and signaling pathways regulated by YHJD. Particularly, the ratio of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT at protein level representing the activation of PI3K-AKT signaling could be suppressed by YHJD. In addition, bioinformatic analysis detected reduced NK cells content in CRC tissues, which gave rise to more advanced node, metastasis and pathological stages. We next presented that YHJD can improve the killing effect of NK cells on CRC. At meantime, YHJD was capable of suppressing liver metastasis of CRC in vivo as well as promoting the content of NK cells, while the improving effect was partially neutralized by anti-ASGM1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research indicates that YHJD can prohibit liver metastasis of CRC in vivo. The therapeutic effectiveness is linked to regulation of multiple targets and effector process, especially PI3K-AKT signaling as well as immune response dominated by NK cells.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Active components of Solanum nigrum and their antitumor effects: a literature review

Cancer poses a serious threat to human health and overall well-being. Conventional cancer treatments predominantly encompass surgical procedures and radiotherapy. Nevertheless, the substantial side effects and the emergence of drug resistance in patients significantly diminish their quality of life and overall prognosis. There is an acute need for innovative, efficient therapeutic agents to address these challenges. Plant-based herbal medicines and their derived compounds offer promising potential for cancer research and treatment due to their numerous advantages. Solanum nigrum (S. nigrum), a traditional Chinese medicine, finds extensive use in clinical settings. The steroidal compounds within S. nigrum, particularly steroidal alkaloids, exhibit robust antitumor properties either independently or when combined with other drugs. Many researchers have delved into unraveling the antitumor mechanisms of the active components present in S. nigrum, yielding notable progress. This literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of the research advancements concerning the active constituents of S. nigrum. Furthermore, it outlines the action mechanisms of select monomeric anticancer ingredients. Overall, the insights derived from this review offer a new perspective on the development of clinical anticancer drugs.

Identifying promising GSK3β inhibitors for cancer management: a computational pipeline combining virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3β), a serine/threonine protein kinase, has been discovered as a novel target for anticancer drugs. Although GSK3β is involved in multiple pathways linked to the etiology of various cancers, no specific GSK3β inhibitor has been authorized for cancer therapy. Most of its inhibitors have toxicity effects therefore, there is a need to develop safe and more potent inhibitors. In this study, a library of 4,222 anti-cancer compounds underwent rigorous computational screening to identify potential candidates for targeting the binding pocket of GSK3β. The screening process involved various stages, including docking-based virtual screening, physicochemical and ADMET analysis, and molecular dynamics simulations. Ultimately, two hit compounds, BMS-754807 and GSK429286A, were identified as having high binding affinities to GSK3β. BMS-754807 and GSK429286A exhibited binding affinities of -11.9, and -9.8 kcal/mol, respectively, which were greater than that of the positive control (-7.6 kcal/mol). Further, molecular dynamics simulations for 100 ns were employed to optimize the interaction between the compounds and GSK3β, and the simulations demonstrated that the interaction was stable and consistent throughout the study. These hits were also anticipated to have good drug-like properties. Finally, this study suggests that BMS-754807 and GSK429286A may undergo experimental validation to evaluate their potential as cancer treatments in clinical settings.

Bioactive Piperazic Acid-Bearing Cyclodepsipeptides, Lydiamycins E-H, from an Endophytic Streptomyces sp. Associated with Cinnamomum cassia

A chemical investigation of the endophytic Streptomyces sp. HBQ95, associated with the medicinal plant Cinnamomum cassia Presl, enabled the discovery of four new piperazic acid-bearing cyclodepsipeptides, lydiamycins E-H (1-4), and one known compound (lydiamycin A). Their chemical structures, including absolute configurations, were defined by a combination of spectroscopic analyses and multiple chemical manipulations. Lydiamycins F-H (2-4) and A (5) exhibited antimetastatic activity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells without significant cytotoxicity.

Solasodine suppresses the metastasis of gastric cancer through claudin-2 via the AMPK/STAT3/NF-κB pathway

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies, and it has become the third most common malignant tumour in the world. Targeting metastasis has also become a key and difficult point in the treatment of GC. Solasodine is an active ingredient isolated from Solanum nigrumL. for the treatment of various cancers, such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. In the present study, we investigated the role and mechanism of solasodine in inhibiting GC. In vitro, we found that solasodine not only promoted cell death but also inhibited the migration and invasion of HGC27 and AGS cells. Solasodine regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduced the expression of claudin-2 (CLDN2). Moreover, overexpression of CLDN2 inhibited the prometastatic phenotype and EMT of GC, and solasodine recovered this phenotype. Furthermore, the knockdown of CLDN2 had the opposite effect. We also found that the AMPK activators metformin and AICAR activated phosphorylation of AMPK and downregulated the expression of RhoA and CLDN2, indicating that AMPK was the upstream regulator of CLDN2. Solasodine could also activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibit the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Therefore, solasodine may have prevented EMT by modulating the AMPK/STAT3/NF-κB/CLDN2 signalling pathway. In vivo, we established a xenograft model to investigate the phosphorylation of AMPK and the expression of CLDN2 from tumour tissues, and we found that solasodine inhibited tumour growth through AMPK-CLDN2 pathway. To sum up, solasodine prevented EMT by modulating the AMPK/STAT3/NF-κB/CLDN2 signalling pathway, becoming a new solution for inhibiting GC metastasis.

Exploring the components and mechanism of Solanum nigrum L. for colon cancer treatment based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Background

Solanum nigrum L. (SNL) (Longkui) is a Chinese herb that can be used to treat colon cancer. The present study explored the components and mechanisms of SNL in treating colon cancer by using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Methods

The components of SNL were collected from the TCMSP, ETCM, HERB, and NPASS databases. Meanwhile, the target proteins of these ingredients were collected/predicted by the TCMSP, SEA, SwissTargetPrediction, and the STITCH databases colon cancer-related target genes were identified from TCGA and GTEx databases. The interaction networks were established via Cytoscape 3.7.2. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathways were enriched by using the David 6.8 online tool. Finally, the binding of key components and targets was verified by molecular docking, and the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) was used to detect the efficiency of apigenin and kaempferol binding to the AURKB protein in CT26 cells.

Results

A total of 37 SNL components, 796 SNL targets, 5,356 colon cancer genes, and 241 shared targets of SNL and colon cancer were identified. A total of 43 key targets were obtained through topology analysis. These key targets are involved in multiple biological processes, such as signal transduction and response to drug and protein phosphorylation. At the same time, 104 signaling pathways, such as pathways in cancer, human cytomegalovirus infection, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, are also involved. The binding of the four key components (i.e., quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, and luteolin) and the key targets was verified by molecular docking. The CETSA results showed that apigenin and kaempferol were able to bind to the AURKB protein to exert anti-CRC effects.

Conclusions

Quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, and luteolin are the main components of SNL in treating colon cancer. SNL regulates multiple bioprocesses via signaling pathways, such as pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt, and cell cycle signaling pathways.

Solasodine suppress MCF7 breast cancer stem-like cells via targeting Hedgehog/Gli1

BACKGROUND

Recently, a novel therapy to treat cancer has been to target cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of solasodine, a steroidal alkaloid isolated from Solanum incanum L., on MCF7 CSCs and to understand the compound's underlying mechanism of action.

METHOD

A tumorsphere formation assay was used to evaluate the effects of solasodine on the proliferation and self-renewal ability of MCF7 CSCs. The level of expression of proteins associated with cancer stemness markers and Hh signaling mediators was determined. The interaction between solasodine and Gli1 was calculated by molecular docking and further demonstrated by cellular thermal shift assay.

RESULTS

Solasodine significantly decreased the proliferation of MCF7 tumorspheres and showed a stronger cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells with higher levels of Gli1 expression. The results showed that the levels of CD44 and ALDH1 expression were suppressed. Furthermore, expression of CD24 was enhanced by solasodine, via a mechanism that involved dampening Gli1 expression and blocking the nuclear translocation of this protein in MCF7 tumorspheres. Computational studies predicted that solasodine showed a high affinity with the Gli1 zinc finger domain that resulted from hydrogen-bonds to the THR243 and ASP216 amino acids residues. In addition, solasodine specifically bound with Gli1 and enhanced Gli1 protein stability in MCF7 cells.

CONCLUSION

Here, our findings indicated that solasodine can directly suppresses Hh/Gli1 signaling, and is a novel anticancer candidate that targets CSCs.

Orally administered solasodine, a steroidal glycoalkaloid, suppresses ovalbumin-induced exaggerated Th2-immune response in rat model of bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic lung disorder, that affects an estimated 262 million people worldwide, thereby, causing a large socio-economic burden. Drug molecules from natural sources have exhibited a good promise in providing an alternative therapy in many chronic ailments. Solasodine, a glycoalkaloid has received an immense interest due to its large pharmacological and industrial value, however, its usefulness in asthma control has not been investigated till date. In this work, solasodine was tested for its ability to reverse several characteristics of bronchial asthma induced by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminium hydroxide in experimental rats. Treating asthmatic animals with solasodine (1 mg/kg b.w. or 10 mg/kg b.w.) or dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg b.w.) reversed OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness, infiltration of inflammatory cells and histamine levels in the airways. Furthermore, as compared to OVA-control rats, allergen-induced elevated levels of IgE, nitrites, nitric oxide, and pro-inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-1β, LTD-4, and Th2-cytokines, particularly, IL-4, IL-5 were remarkably reduced in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood. These findings are supported by significant protection offered by various treatments against OVA-induced airway inflammation and mast cell degranulation in mesenteric tissues. Further, In-silico molecular docking studies performed to determine inhibitory potential of solasodine at IL-4 and IL-5, demonstrated strong affinity of phytocompound for these receptors than observed with antagonists previously reported. Results of current study imply that solasodine has therapeutic promise in allergic asthma, presumably due to its ability to prevent mast cell degranulation and consequent generation of histamine and Th2-associated cytokines in airways.

Potentiation of Antibiotic Action and Efflux Pump Inhibitory Effect on Staphylococcus aureus Strains by Solasodine

A worrisome fact is the increase in microbial resistance, which has as its main cause the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Scientific studies have investigated bioactive compounds such as steroidal sapogenins, in the perspective of new beneficial alternatives for the control of bacterial resistance. Therefore, the objective of this work was to verify the antibacterial activity as well as the modifying action of antibiotics associated with solasodine and its ability to inhibit the efflux pump mechanism in strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Tests were performed to verify the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, the action-modifying potential of antibiotics and the inhibitory capacity of the efflux pump NorA and MepA through synergistic effects on the antibiotic and ethidium bromide were evaluated. Solasodine showed significant results for the standard bacteria with an MIC of 512 μg/mL, and when associated with the antibiotics gentamicin and nofloxacin for the multidrug-resistant bacteria S. aureus 10, Escherichia coli 06, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 24, it showed a 50% reduction in MIC. The association of solasodine with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin against S. aureus K2068 (MepA) showed synergism, with a reduction in the MIC of the antibiotic from 64 μg/mL to 40 μg/mL, and also a reduction in the MIC when the antibiotic was used in conjunction with the efflux pump inhibitors. Solasodine may be acting on the mechanism of action of the antibiotic, as it has shown a potentiating effect when associated with antibiotics, inducing a reduction in the MIC against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, this study demonstrated significant results for the potentiating action of solasodine when associated with antibiotics of clinical importance.

Anti-tumor effects of Solanum nigrum L. extraction on C6 high-grade glioma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Solanum nigrum L. (SN) is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-tumor effects, has been used in cancer for centuries, but the role on high-grade gliomas (HGG) is not clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work was to investigate the anti-tumor effects of SN extract on rat C6 glioma in vitro and in vivo, providing a new medium for the treatment of HGG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After identification and quality inspection of SN medicinal materials by HPLC-MS/MS and HPLC, CCK8 and colony formation assay were conducted to study the effects of SN on vitality and proliferation of C6 cells. Cell morphology was evaluated by HE staining, and flow cytometry was used for apoptosis analysis. The effects on cell migration and invasion were determined by transwell and wound healing assay. Western blot was used to further investigate the influence of SN on migration, invasion and apoptosis of tumor cells. In addition, the rat intracranial transplanted tumor model was used to evaluate the effects of SN on growth and infiltration of tumor and proliferation of transplanted tumor cells.

RESULTS

SN extract suppressed the viability of C6 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The extract attenuated cell cloning, migration and invasion, and induced cell Annexin V+ PI+ late-stage apoptosis. Besides, SN induced the expression of apoptotic proteins including Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3, downregulated anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and decreased the level of migratory proteins MMP-2 and MMP-9. Moreover, SN reduced the growth and infiltration of C6 glioma tissue and suppressed the proliferation of tumor cells in rat brain.

CONCLUSIONS

SN extract has significant inhibitory activity on the growth and invasion of C6 HGG in vivo and in vitro.

IPM712, a vanillin derivative as potential antitumor agents, displays better antitumor activity in colorectal cancers cell lines

Colorectal cancer (CRC), a major health threat in the world, ranks third in incidence and second in mortality among cancers. Chemotherapy, an important treatment for colorectal cancer, have be limited in the clinic due to the resistance and side effect. Studies have shown that PI3K-related regulatory pathways play a colossal role in colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is a good strategy to find a new drug which works by affecting the PI3K signaling pathway. In this paper, we obtained a new vanillin derivative (IPM712) by modifying the structure of IPM711 and tested its anticancer activity in vitro and toxicity in vivo. Results showed that IPM712 has a better anticancer activity than 5-Fu in HCT116 and SW480 cell lines. Furthermore, IPM712 can inhibit cell proliferation, migration and induce the apoptosis by affecting PI3K-related protein expression. Acute toxicity experiments show that IPM712 has no significant toxicity at therapeutic concentrations. Based on these results, IPM712 is a promising anticancer drug candidate for human colorectal cancer therapy.

Solasonine promotes ferroptosis of hepatoma carcinoma cells via glutathione peroxidase 4-induced destruction of the glutathione redox system

Solasonine is a compound isolated from Solanum melongena that has anti-infection properties, and promotes neurogenesis. However, the use of solasonine for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not yet been reported. So, the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of solasonine for the treatment of HCC. The effects of solasonine were tested using the HCC cell lines HepG2 and HepRG. Metabolomics analysis was conducted to assess the effects of solasonine on tumor growth of nude mice xenografts using HepG2 cells. The data demonstrated that solasonine significantly suppressed proliferation of HepG2 and HepRG cells. A mouse xenograft model of HepG2 tumor formation confirmed that solasonine suppressed tumor volume and weight, and inhibited HCC cell migration and invasion, as determined with the Transwell and scratch wound assays. To further reveal the underlying regulatory mechanism, metabolomics analysis was performed. The results revealed the effects of solasonine on glutathione metabolism, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and glutathione synthetase (GSS). The glutathione-dependent lipid hydroperoxidase GPX4 prevents ferroptosis by converting lipid hydroperoxides into non-toxic lipid alcohols. Ferroptosis has previously been implicated in the cell death that underlies several degenerative conditions, and induction of ferroptosis by the inhibition of GPX4 has emerged as a therapeutic strategy to trigger cancer cell death. Solasonine increased lipid ROS levels in HepG2 cells by suppression of GPX4 and GSS. However, the use of a ferroptosis inhibitor reversed solasonine-induced ROS production and cell apoptosis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that solasonine promotes ferroptosis of HCC cells via GPX4-induced destruction of the glutathione redox system.

Small Molecular Immune Modulators as Anticancer Agents

After decades of intense effort, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been conclusively demonstrated to be effective in cancer treatments and thus are revolutionizing the concepts in the treatment of cancers. Immuno-oncology has arrived and will play a key role in cancer treatment in the foreseeable future. However, efforts to find novel methods to improve the immune response to cancer have not ceased. Small-molecule approaches offer inherent advantages over biologic immunotherapies since they can cross cell membranes, penetrate into tumor tissue and tumor microenvironment more easily, and are amenable to be finely controlled than biological agents, which may help reduce immune-related adverse events seen with biologic therapies and provide more flexibility for the combination use with other therapies and superior clinical benefit. On the one hand, small-molecule therapies can modulate the immune response to cancer by restoring the antitumor immunity, promoting more effective cytotoxic lymphocyte responses, and regulating tumor microenvironment, either directly or epigenetically. On the other hand, the combination of different mechanisms of small molecules with antibodies and other biologics demonstrated admirable synergistic effect in clinical settings for cancer treatment and may expand antibodies' usefulness for broader clinical applications. This chapter provides an overview of small-molecule immunotherapeutic approaches either as monotherapy or in combination for the treatment of cancer.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncotherapy: The Research Status

In China, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) plays a vital role in the comprehensive treatment of cancer. As an auxiliary and supplement of major treatment modalities for cancer such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, both clinical observations and biomolecular research have confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of TCM in cancer.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in induction of apoptosis by oridonin in colon cancer COLO205 cells

Background

Oridonin has been demonstrated to have anticancer effect on all kinds of cancer cells and it has shown anti-tumor activity in some tumors partially via the inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The study investigated the anticancer effect of oridonin on colon carcinoma cell line COLO205 and explored underlying mechanism.

Methods

Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to assess cell viability. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the apoptosis. The key target genes and proteins involved in Wnt/β-catenin pathway were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting. The xenograft tumor model of colon cancer COLO205 cell was introduced to detect anti-tumor effects in vivo. Transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was adopted to test the apoptotic cells in the tumor tissues.

Results

Oridonin inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer COLO205 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Oridonin induced apoptosis by increasing the cleavage of caspases in vitro. Furthermore, the expression levels of β-catenin and its downstream targets, including c-myc, cyclinD1 and survivin were significantly reduced. Nevertheless the knockdown of β-catenin by specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) could augment the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects by oridonin in COLO205 cells. Meanwhile, oridonin also increased protein expression level of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and decreased the phosphorylation level of GSK3β. In vivo, oridonin treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth of COLO205 cell xenografts, and which was accompanied by the restrain of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions

Our present study demonstrated that the growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in colon cancer COLO205 cells by oridonin could be partially mediated through discontinuing Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Isobavachalcone isolated from Psoralea corylifolia inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis via inhibiting the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway in colorectal cancer cells

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common form of cancer associated with a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. Given the limited efficacy of current therapies for CRC, interest in novel therapeutic agents isolated from natural sources has increased. We studied the anticancer properties of isobavachalcone (IBC), a flavonoid isolated from the herb Psoralea corylifolia, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine, in an in vitro model of CRC.

Materials and methods: Cell viability and growth of CRC cells were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays following treatment with varying concentrations of IBC, respectively. Apoptosis was examined by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and flow cytometry with Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining. Western blot analysis was used to analyze expression of apoptosis-associated protein pathway and the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Results: Initial experiments showed that IBC inhibited proliferation and colony formation of human CRC cell lines in dose- and time-dependent manners. The antiproliferative effect of IBC resulted from induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by morphological changes in the nucleus, flow cytometry analysis, upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP, changes in the ratio of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, translocation of Bax from the cytosol to the mitochondria, and decreased expression of two inhibitors of apoptosis family proteins, XIAP, and survivin. Western blot analysis of signaling pathway proteins demonstrated that IBC downregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which has previously been associated with CRC, by inhibiting the AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that IBC inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis through inhibition of the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway in CRC. These results suggest the potential of IBC as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of CRC.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta inhibitors as novel cancer treatments and modulators of antitumor immune responses

As a kinase at the crossroads of numerous metabolic and cell growth signaling pathways, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) is a highly desirable therapeutic target in cancer. Despite its involvement in pathways associated with the pathogenesis of several malignancies, no selective GSK-3β inhibitor has been approved for the treatment of cancer. The regulatory role of GSK-3β in apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA repair, tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis reflects the therapeutic relevance of this target and provides the rationale for drug combinations. Emerging data on GSK-3β as a mediator of anticancer immune response also highlight the potential clinical applications of novel selective GSK-3β inhibitors that are entering clinical studies. This manuscript reviews the preclinical and early clinical results with GSK-3β inhibitors and delineates the developmental therapeutics landscape for this potentially important target in cancer therapy.

Solasodine reverses stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human colorectal cancer

Adverse side effects of conventional chemotherapy, acquired resistance and fatal tumor metastasis of human colorectal cancer (CRC) are propelling the exploration for novel selective anticarcinogens. Solasodine is a main active component isolated from Solanum incanum L that exhibited a potent stemness and invasion inhibitory effect on human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. Colony Spheroid formation assay showed that solasodine dose-dependently prohibited HCT116 cell stemness. CD133, CD44, Nanog, Oct-4 and Sox-2 were inhibited by solasodine to reverse stemness and similar mechanism was stimulated in vivo. Transwell and scratch wound assays revealed that solasodine impeded HCT116 cell invasion and migration potential strengthened by TGF-β1. Moreover, solasodine attenuated TGF-β1-induced EMT and decreased MMPs while in vivo study showed the same trend. The results of this study implied that solasodine may be a novel therapeutic drug for CRC treatment.

Raddeanin A inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in human colorectal cancer through downregulating the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signaling pathway

AIMS

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most lethal human malignancies with high incidence and lack of effective therapy. Raddeanin A (RA), an active triterpenoid saponins, has been demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of tumor. But the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of RA in CRC remain elusive. Here, we investigated the efficacy and mechanism of RA in CRC both in vitro and in vivo.

MAIN METHODS

Cell viability was investigated to evaluate cytotoxic activity by MTT method. Apoptosis induced by RA was studied using Annexin V-FITC/PI binding and JC-1 staining by flow cytometry analysis. The xenograft mouse model of CRC was used to investigate anti-tumor effects in vivo. The key proteins involved in mitochondrial apoptotic, Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathway were detected by Western blotting, Immunofluorescence, and Immunohistochemistry.

KEY FINDINGS

RA induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation of SW480 and LOVO cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, RA efficiently inhibited tumor growth in xenograft mouse model. RA could down regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling to display anti-tumor effects via suppression of p-LRP6, induction of AKT inactivation, removal of GSK-3β inhibition and attenuation of β-catenin. Meanwhile, RA also suppressed the NF-κB pathway by decreasing the phosphorylation of IKBα to induce subsequently mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE

In summary, RA suppressed the growth and triggered the apoptosis of CRC through discontinuing Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. These findings suggested that RA may hold a promise as a novel therapeutic agent for CRC therapy.

Solasodine inhibits human colorectal cancer cells through suppression of the AKT/glycogen synthase kinase-3β/β-catenin pathway

Solasodine is a main active component isolated from Solanum incanum L. that performs a wide range of functions containing anti‐oxidant, anti‐infection, and neurogenesis promotion. In this study, we explored the influence of solasodine on three types of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. The results show that solasodine prohibited CRC cell proliferation dose‐ and time‐dependently and impeded CRC cell motility by downregulating MMPs. Solasodine was also found to fuel caspase‐cascade reaction and increase the ratio between Bax and Bcl‐2 so as to induce CRC cell apoptosis. When cells were pretreated with AKT activator (insulin‐like growth factor‐1) followed by solasodine, the solasodine‐induced apoptosis was partially abrogated by insulin‐like growth factor‐1. Moreover, solasodine hindered tumor development and stimulated similar mechanisms in vivo. In general, our study provides the first evidence that solasodine has a suppressive effect on CRC cells and that this agent may be a novel therapeutic drug for CRC treatment.