Combined BRM270 and endostatin inhibit relapse of NSCLC while suppressing lung cancer stem cell proliferation induced by endostatin

Endostatin (ES, ENDO) has been reported to suppress the growth of tumors while inducing the proliferation of lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs), causing a poor prognosis for lung cancer. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether BRM270 can inhibit the proliferation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Endostatin + BRM270 showed anti-tumor effects by reducing tumor volume and increasing survival. Administration of BRM270 reduced the number of aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive (ALDH+) cells and the level of ALDH1A1 expression in tumors by increasing the level of miR-128 while decreasing the levels of BMI-1, ABCC-5, E2F3, and c-MET. The luciferase activity of miR-128 promoter was increased by an increasing concentration of BRM270. In addition, BMI-1, ABCC-5, E2F3, and c-MET were identified as candidate targets of miR-128, and the overexpression of miR-128 significantly reduced mRNA/protein levels of BMI-1, ABCC-5, E2F3, and c-MET in A549 and H460 cells. Administration of BRM270 inhibited the expression of BMI-1, ABCC-5, E2F3, and c-MET in a dose-dependent manner. In this study, we showed for the first time that the combined administration of endostatin and BRM270 achieved anti-tumor effects while suppressing the proliferation of stem cells.

BRM270 Suppresses Cervical Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics and Progression by Inhibiting SOX2

BACKGROUND/AIM

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women worldwide. BRM270 (BRMLife) has therapeutic potential for cancer treatment owing to its ability to inhibit cell proliferation, and expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 133 in CD133⁺ cancer cells. This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of plant extract formulation BRM270 against cervical cancer progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) was tested in four different cervical cancer cell lines, HeLA, SiHa, Caski and C33A. SOX2-expressing SiHa and C33A cell lines were selected for further experiments on the in vitro and in vivo effects of BRM270 on cervical cancer progression using western blotting, flow cytometry, sphere-formation assay, magnetic-activated cell sorting of CD133⁺ cervical cancer cells, and xenografts in female athymic BALB/c nude mice.

RESULTS

In the present study, in cervical cancer stem cells (CSCs), we found that BRM270 inhibited expression of SOX2, which is associated with cervical cancer initiation and metastasis. BRM270 also inhibited CD133 expression and induced apoptosis of CSCs and suppressed CD133⁺ CSC proliferation and sphere formation in vitro as well as SiHa and C33A cell xenograft tumor growth in vivo. This was accompanied by down-regulation of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

CONCLUSION

BRM270 might be an effective agent for cervical cancer treatment.

BRM270 targets cancer stem cells and augments chemo-sensitivity in cancer

Over the past decade, a number of studies have demonstrated the resistance of cancer cells to conventional drugs and have recognized this as a major challenge in cancer therapy. While attempting to understand the underlying mechanisms of chemoresistance, several studies have suggested that the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumors is one of the major pathways contributing toward resistance. Chemoresistance leads to cancer treatment failure and worsens the prognosis of patients. Natural herbal compounds are gaining attention as an alternative treatment strategy for cancer. These compounds may be effective against chemoresistant cells either alone or synergistically alongside conventional drugs, sensitizing cancer cells and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. BRM270 is a natural compound made from seven herbal plant (Saururus chinensis, Citrus unshiu Markovich, Aloe vera, Arnebia euchroma, Portulaca oleracea, Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina and Scutellaria bacicalensis) extracts used in Asian traditional medicine and has the potential to target CSCs. Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of BRM270 against chemoresistant cancer and its synergy alongside existing cancer drugs, including paclitaxel and gefitinib. These effects have been observed against various cancer types, including resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), glioblastoma, multi-drug resistant osteosarcoma, cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer and hepatocarcinoma. The present review discusses the effects of BRM270 treatment against CSC-associated chemoresistance in common types of cancer.

BRM270, a Compound from Natural Plant Extracts, Inhibits Glioblastoma Stem Cell Properties and Glioblastoma Recurrence

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and lethal human brain tumors, and the median survival of patients with GBM is only 14 months. Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) are regarded as a main cause of GBM recurrence, because of their self-renewal and drug resistance properties. Therefore, targeting GSCs is an important therapeutic strategy for GBM. In this study, we show the effects of BRM270, a compound from natural plant extracts, on GSCs in vitro and GBM recurrence in vivo. BRM270 induced apoptotic cell death and inhibited cell growth and "stemness" both in vitro and in vivo. Combining BRM270 treatment with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) dramatically increased mice survival and tumor growth inhibition. Taken together, our results suggested that BRM270 synergizes with CCRT as a therapeutic agent to target GSCs.