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Huang Q, Guo K, Ren Y, Tan J, Ren Y, Zhang L, Zheng C, Xu H. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of gambogenic acid derivatives: Unraveling their anti-cancer effects by inducing pyroptosis. Bioorg Chem 2024; 145:107182. [PMID: 38359707 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Gambogenic acid (GNA), a caged xanthone derived from Garcinia hanburyi, exhibits a wide range of anti-cancer properties. The caged skeleton of GNA serves as the fundamental pharmacophore responsible for its antitumor effects. However, limited exploration has focused on the structural modifications of GNA. This study endeavors to diversify the structure of GNA and enhance its anti-cancer efficacy. Sulfoximines, recognized as pivotal motifs in medicinal chemistry due to their outstanding properties, have featured in several anti-cancer drugs undergoing clinical trials. Accordingly, a series of 33 GNA derivatives combined with sulfoximines were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-cancer effects against MIAPaCa2, MDA-MB-231, and A549 cells in vitro. The activity screening led to the identification of compound 12k, which exhibited the most potent anti-cancer effect. Mechanistic studies revealed that 12k primarily induced pyroptosis in MIAPaCa2 and MDA-MB-231 cells by activating the caspase-3/gasdermin E (GSDME) pathway. These findings suggested that 12k is a promising drug candidate in cancer therapy and highlighted the potential of sulfoximines as a valuable functional group in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Keke Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yitao Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiaqi Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yi Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changwu Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Hongxi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Liu Z, Wang X, Li J, Yang X, Huang J, Ji C, Li X, Li L, Zhou J, Hu Y. Gambogenic acid induces cell death in human osteosarcoma through altering iron metabolism, disturbing the redox balance, and activating the P53 signaling pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110602. [PMID: 37302459 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents with extremely poor prognosis. Gambogenic acid (GNA), one of the major bioactive ingredients isolated from Gamboge, has been shown to possess a multipotent antitumor effect, its activity on OS remains unclear yet. In this study, we found that GNA could trigger multiple cell death modalities, including ferroptosis and apoptosis in human OS cells, reduce the cell viability, inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness. Furthermore, GNA provoked oxidative stress leading to GSH depletion-inducing ROS generation and lipid peroxidation, altered iron metabolism represented by the induction of labile iron, mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, mitochondrial morphological changed, decreased the cell viability. In addition, ferroptosis inhibitors (Fer-1) and apoptosis inhibitors (NAC) can partially reversed GNA' s effects on OS cells. Further investigation showed that GNA augmented the expression of P53, bax, caspase 3 and caspase 9 and decreased the expression of Bcl-2, SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX4). In vivo, GNA was showed to delay tumor growth significantly in axenograft osteosarcoma mouse model. In conclusion, this study reveals that GNA simultaneously triggers ferroptosis and apoptosis in human OS cells by inducing oxidative stress via the P53/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilin Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xuezhong Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Jianping Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Chuang Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xuyang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Lan Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Jianlin Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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Du M, Geng T, Yu R, Song G, Cheng H, Cao Y, He W, Haleem A, Li Q, Hu R, Chen S. Smart anti-vascular nanoagent induces positive feedback loop for self-augmented tumor accumulation. J Control Release 2023; 356:595-609. [PMID: 36924896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
How to achieve efficient drug accumulation in the tumor with low vascular density is a great challenge but the key to push the limit of anti-vascular therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we report a charge-reversible nanoparticles of gambogenic acid (CRNP-GNA) that would induce the positive feedback loop between increased tumor vascular permeability and improved drug accumulation. This positive feedback loop would remarkably improve tumor vascular permeability for efficient drug accumulation through few residue vessels. As compared to its charge-irreversible analogue in the latter injections, the accumulation in tumor and vascular permeability and retention indexes (VPRI) in CRNP-GNA group respectively boosted from nearly equal to 8.32 and 60 times, while its tumorous microvessel density decreased from nearly equal to only 7%. The self-augmented accumulation consequently amplified the antitumor efficacy via multiple pathways of anti-angiogenesis, vascular disruption and pro-apoptosis, where 5 out of 6 tumors in animal models were completely cured by CRNP-GNA. This work confirms that the underlying positive feedback loop for anti-vascular therapy could be induced by charge-reversible drug delivery nanosystem to achieve efficient and self-augmented drug accumulation even in the tumor with few vessels. It provides a novel strategy to conquer the dilemma between anti-vascular efficacy and drug accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Du
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, China
| | - Tingting Geng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, China
| | - Rongrong Yu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, China
| | - Gang Song
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, China
| | - Weidong He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Abdul Haleem
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Qinglin Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, China
| | - Rongfeng Hu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, China.
| | - Shengqi Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, China.
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Tao S, Yang L, Wu C, Hu Y, Guo F, Ren Q, Ma L, Fu P. Gambogenic acid alleviates kidney fibrosis via epigenetic inhibition of EZH2 to regulate Smad7-dependent mechanism. Phytomedicine 2022; 106:154390. [PMID: 35994849 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics regulating gene expression plays important role in kidney fibrosis. Natural products originating from diverse sources including plants and microorganisms are capable to influence epigenetic modifications. Gambogenic acid (GNA) is a caged xanthone extracted from gamboge resin, exudation of Garcinia hanburyi Hook.f., and the effect of GNA on kidney fibrosis with its underlying mechanism on epigenetics remains unknown. PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the role of GNA against kidney fibrogenesis by histone methylation mediating gene expression. METHODS Two experimental mice of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and folic acid (FA) were given two dosages of GNA (3 and 6 mg/kg/d). TGF-β1 was used to stimulate mouse tubular epithelial (TCMK-1) cells and siRNAs were transfected to verify the underlying mechanisms of GNA. Histological changes were evaluated by HE, MASSON stainings, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Western blot and qPCR were used to measure protein/gene transcription levels. RESULTS GNA dose-dependently alleviated UUO-induced kidney fibrosis and FA-induced kidney early fibrosis, indicated by the pathology and fibrotic factor changes (α-SMA, collagen I, collagen VI, and fibronectin). Mechanically, GNA reduced enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and H3K27me3, promoted Smad7 transcription, and inhibited TGF-β/Smad3 fibrotic signaling in injured kidneys. Moreover, with TGF-β1-induced EZH2 increasing, GNA suppressed α-SMA, fibronectin and collagen levels in tubular epithelial TCMK-1 cells. Although partially decreasing EZH2, GNA did not influence fibrotic signaling in Smad7 siRNA-transfected TCMK-1 cells. CONCLUSION Epigenetic inhibition of EZH2 by GNA ameliorated kidney fibrogenesis via regulating Smad7-meidated TGF-β/Smad3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Tao
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lina Yang
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chenzhou Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fan Guo
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qian Ren
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Ping Fu
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Pesonen L, Svartsjö S, Bäck V, de Thonel A, Mezger V, Sabéran-Djoneidi D, Roos-Mattjus P. Gambogic acid and gambogenic acid induce a thiol-dependent heat shock response and disrupt the interaction between HSP90 and HSF1 or HSF2. Cell Stress Chaperones 2021; 26:819-833. [PMID: 34331200 PMCID: PMC8492855 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-021-01222-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells rely on heat shock proteins (HSPs) for growth and survival. Especially HSP90 has multiple client proteins and plays a critical role in malignant transformation, and therefore different types of HSP90 inhibitors are being developed. The bioactive natural compound gambogic acid (GB) is a prenylated xanthone with antitumor activity, and it has been proposed to function as an HSP90 inhibitor. However, there are contradicting reports whether GB induces a heat shock response (HSR), which is cytoprotective for cancer cells and therefore a potentially problematic feature for an anticancer drug. In this study, we show that GB and a structurally related compound, called gambogenic acid (GBA), induce a robust HSR, in a thiol-dependent manner. Using heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) or HSF2 knockout cells, we show that the GB or GBA-induced HSR is HSF1-dependent. Intriguingly, using closed form ATP-bound HSP90 mutants that can be co-precipitated with HSF1, a known facilitator of cancer, we show that also endogenous HSF2 co-precipitates with HSP90. GB and GBA treatment disrupt the interaction between HSP90 and HSF1 and HSP90 and HSF2. Our study implies that these compounds should be used cautiously if developed for cancer therapies, since GB and its derivative GBA are strong inducers of the HSR, in multiple cell types, by involving the dissociation of a HSP90-HSF1/HSF2 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Pesonen
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Biochemistry, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, 20520, Åbo/Turku, Finland
| | - Sally Svartsjö
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Biochemistry, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, 20520, Åbo/Turku, Finland
| | - Viktor Bäck
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Biochemistry, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, 20520, Åbo/Turku, Finland
| | - Aurélie de Thonel
- Université de Paris, UMR7216 Épigénétique et Destin Cellulaire, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Mezger
- Université de Paris, UMR7216 Épigénétique et Destin Cellulaire, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Délara Sabéran-Djoneidi
- Université de Paris, UMR7216 Épigénétique et Destin Cellulaire, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Pia Roos-Mattjus
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Biochemistry, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, 20520, Åbo/Turku, Finland.
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Jun-Zeng, Huang TY, Wang ZZ, Gong YF, Liu XC, Zhang XM, Huang XY. Scar-reducing effects of gambogenic acid on skin wounds in rabbit ears. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 90:107200. [PMID: 33246825 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a dermal fibroproliferative disease that often occurs following abnormal wound healing. To date, there is no satisfied treatment strategies for improvement of scar formation with few side effects. The effects of gambogenic acid (GNA) on scar hypertrophy has not been studied previously. The present study was undertaken to find out the scar-reducing effects of GNA (0.48, 0.96 or 1.92 mg/ml) on skin wounds in rabbit ears. Scar evaluation index (SEI), collagen I (Col1) and collagen III (Col3), microvascular density (MVD), CD4+T cells and macrophages, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), phospho-VEGFR 2 (p-VEGFR2) and p-FGFR1, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in scar tissue were detected using various methods, respectively. Our data showed that GNA significantly reduced SEI, and the expression of Col1 and Col3 in scar tissue in a concentration-dependent manner. Also, it decreased MVD, the infiltration of CD4+T cells and macrophages, and the levels of VEGFR2, p-VEGFR2, FGFR1, p-FGFR1, TGF-β1, CTGF, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, in addition to upregulated IL-10 in scar tissue. As a result, this study revealed that GNA reduced HS formation, which was associated with the inhibition of neoangiogenesis, local inflammatory response and growth factor expression in scar tissue during wound healing. These findings suggested that GNA may be considered as a preventive and therapeutic candidate for HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Zeng
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Tian-Yu Huang
- Grade 2016, The First Department of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yong-Fang Gong
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xing-Cun Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xue-Ying Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China.
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Zhao Q, Zhong J, Bi Y, Liu Y, Liu Y, Guo J, Pan L, Tan Y, Yu X. Gambogenic acid induces Noxa-mediated apoptosis in colorectal cancer through ROS-dependent activation of IRE1α/JNK. Phytomedicine 2020; 78:153306. [PMID: 32854039 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambogenic acid (GNA), an active component of Garcinia hanburyi Hook.f. (Clusiaceae) (common name gamboge), exerts anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. However, the underlying mechanism of GNA in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still not well understood. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the antitumor effects and mechanisms of GNA on CRC in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Cell viability, colony formation and cell apoptosis assays were performed to determine the antitumor effects of GNA. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to evaluate the expression of genes or proteins affected by GNA in vitro and in vivo. HCT116 colon cancer xenografts and the APCmin/+ mice model were used to confirm the antitumor effects of GNA on CRC in vivo. RESULTS GNA induced Noxa-mediated apoptosis by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. Moreover, GNA triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which subsequently activated inositol-requiring enzyme-1α (IRE1α) leading to JNK phosphorylation. ROS scavenger attenuated GNA-induced IRE1α activation and JNK phosphorylation. Knockdown of IRE1α also prevented GNA-induced JNK phosphorylation. In vivo, GNA suppressed tumor growth and progression in HCT116 colon cancer xenografts and the APCmin/+ mices model. CONCLUSION These findings revealed that GNA induced Noxa-mediated apoptosis by activating the ROS/IRE1α/JNK signaling pathway in CRC both in vitro and in vivo. GNA is therefore a promising antitumor agent for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zhao
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Jing Zhong
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Products Research and Development, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Yun Bi
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Yingxiang Liu
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Jian Guo
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Longrui Pan
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yan Tan
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China.
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Zha L, Qian J, Wang B, Liu H, Zhang C, Dong Q, Chen W, Hong L. In vitro/in vivo evaluation of pH-sensitive Gambogenic acid loaded Zein nanoparticles with polydopamine coating. Int J Pharm 2020; 587:119665. [PMID: 32702449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
As one of the active pharmaceutical ingredients in Gamboge, Gambogenic acid (GNA) has shown diverse anti-tumor activities. To reduce the vascular irritation of GNA and improve its water solubility, tumor targeting, and bioavailability, GNA loaded Zein nanoparticles (GNA@Zein NPs) was further coated by polydopamine (PDA) to develop GNA@Zein-PDA NPs by anti-solvent precipitation and surface modification. The results showed that particle size and Zeta potential of GNA@Zein-PDA NPs were about 310 nm and -40.8 mV with core-shell morphology confirmed by TEM. GNA@Zein-PDA NPs increased the water solubility of GNA by more than 700 times and showed pH-sensitive release behavior in PBS with pH 6.86. In vitro cytotoxicity tests showed that GNA@Zein-PDA NPs had higher inhibitory activity on HepG2 cells than free GNA, and their IC50 were 1.59 μg/mL and 9.89 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the hemolysis and vascular irritation assay showed that GNA@Zein-PDA NPs had good cytocompatibility and reduced the irritation of GNA to blood vessels. Moreover, the in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments exhibited that the Cmax and AUC0-t of GNA@Zein-PDA NPs were significantly improved approximately by 2.09-fold and 3.48-fold over that of GNA, respectively. In conclusion, GNA@Zein-PDA NPs solve many defects of GNA and provide a tumor-targeting drug delivery for GNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Zha
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jiajia Qian
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center Minhang Branch Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Beilei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huanhuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Caiyun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Qiannian Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Weidong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Lufeng Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Wang M, Li S, Wang Y, Cheng H, Su J, Li Q. Gambogenic acid induces ferroptosis in melanoma cells undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 401:115110. [PMID: 32533954 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is characterized by high malignancy and early onset of metastasis. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an early event during tumor metastasis. Tumor cells that develop EMT can escape apoptosis, but they are vulnerable to ferroptosis inducers. Gambogenic acid (GNA), a xanthone found in Gamboge, has cytotoxic effects in highly invasive melanoma cells. This study investigated the anti-melanoma effect and mechanism of action of GNA in TGF-β1-induced EMT melanoma cells. We found that GNA significantly inhibited the invasion, migration and EMT in melanoma cells, and these cells exhibited small mitochondrial wrinkling (an important feature of ferroptosis). An iron chelator, but not an apoptosis inhibitor or a necrosis inhibitor, abolished the inhibitory effects of GNA on proliferation, invasion and migration of TGF-β1-stimulated melanoma cells. GNA upregulated the expression of p53, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the model cells, contributing to the mechanisms underlying GNA-induced ferroptosis. Collectively, our findings suggest that GNA induces ferroptosis in TGF-β1-stimulated melanoma cells via the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Youlin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Jingjing Su
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Qinglin Li
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicial Formula of Anhui Province, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China.
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10
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Zhou S, Zhao N, Wang J. Gambogenic acid suppresses bladder cancer cells growth and metastasis by regulating NF-κB signaling. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 96:1272-1279. [PMID: 32491272 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambogenic acid (GNA) is one of the main active components of Gamboge, and its anticancer role has been reported in some cancers. The study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of GNA on the proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer (BC) cells and its potential regulatory mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS BC cell lines (BIU-87 cells, T24 cells, and J82 cells) were treated with different doses of GNA for different time, and then the effects of GNA on BC cell were examined in vitro using CCK-8 assay, apoptosis assays, and Transwell tests. NF-κB signaling activity was detected by the NF-κB p65 luciferase reporter assay. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of cIAP2, XIAP, Survivin, and p65. RESULTS GNA inhibited the viability of BC cells in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent manner and facilitated apoptosis of BC cells. Moreover, GNA could remarkably impede the migration and invasion abilities of BC cells. In terms of mechanism, GNA administration reduced the activity of NF-κB signaling and down-regulated the expressions of p65, survivin, XIAP, and cIAP2. CONCLUSION GNA blocks the growth and metastasis of BC cells via inhibiting the NF-κB signal transduction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Zhou
- Department of Urology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Jialei Wang
- Department of Urology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
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11
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Yu Q, Zhang B, Zhou Y, Ge Q, Chang J, Chen Y, Zhang K, Peng D, Chen W. Co-delivery of gambogenic acid and VEGF-siRNA with anionic liposome and polyethylenimine complexes to HepG2 cells. J Liposome Res 2019; 29:322-331. [PMID: 29745740 DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2018.1473423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective: The combination of two or more different mechanisms of drugs in the treatment of cancer has become one of the effective methods. The purpose of this study was to successfully prepare a non-viral delivery system that could efficiently co-delivery siRNA and gambogenic acid (GNA) to improve the anti-cancer efficiency in HepG2 cells. Methods: The delivery system was prepared by a two-step method. First, the GNA-anionic liposome took shape by a solvent evaporation method, and then the liposome was bound to the PEI/siRNA complex by electrostatic interaction to form the final carrier system (lipopolyplexes). Agarose gel electrophoresis, MTT, particle size and zeta potential were detected to analyse the lipopolyplexes formation. The transfection efficiency of siRNA was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to assess the VEGF protein expression levels of HepG2 cells. The cell apoptosis assay was used to assess the anti-tumour superiority of lipopolyplexes. Results: GNA-PEI/siRNA-liposome (lipopolyplexes) are significantly less cytotoxicity compared to PEI mediated carriers. Simultaneously, the results of flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that the lipopolyplexes could successfully carry siRNA into the cytoplasm, and the western-blot result evidence that the delivery system has a potential for VEGF to express down. Also compared with the control group, the results of apoptosis test suggest that the lipopolyplexes can significantly promote cell apoptosis. Conclusion: The delivery system has a potential in the combination of various drugs for cancer therapy in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongfang Yu
- The Collage of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , Anhui , China.,Institute of Drug Metabolism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China
| | - Bian Zhang
- The Collage of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , Anhui , China.,Institute of Drug Metabolism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China
| | - Yali Zhou
- The Collage of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , Anhui , China.,Institute of Drug Metabolism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China
| | - Qin Ge
- The Collage of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , Anhui , China.,Institute of Drug Metabolism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China
| | - Jiali Chang
- The Collage of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , Anhui , China.,Institute of Drug Metabolism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China
| | - Yunna Chen
- The Collage of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , Anhui , China.,Institute of Drug Metabolism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China
| | - Kaiqi Zhang
- The Collage of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , Anhui , China.,Institute of Drug Metabolism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China
| | - Daiyin Peng
- The Collage of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , Anhui , China.,Institute of Drug Metabolism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China
| | - Weidong Chen
- The Collage of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , Anhui , China.,Institute of Drug Metabolism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine , Hefei , China
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12
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Liu P, Wu X, Dai L, Ge Z, Gao C, Zhang H, Wang F, Zhang X, Chen B. Gambogenic Acid Exerts Antitumor Activity in Hypoxic Multiple Myeloma Cells by Regulation of miR-21. J Cancer 2017; 8:3278-3286. [PMID: 29158801 PMCID: PMC5665045 DOI: 10.7150/jca.19290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is an inseparable component of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, accounting for aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM). Gambogenic acid (GNA) has proven to be an attractive option for treatment of tumors due to its tumor suppressive activity. Herein, we found that GNA exhibits remarkable apoptotic activity against MM cells even under hypoxia. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) has been found over-expressed in MM patients and associated with the occurrence and development of MM. Direct studies have shown that there is a functional link between hypoxia and miR-21 expression in multiple types of tumors. In the current study, we found that hypoxia increased miR-21 expression in U266 cells and miR-21 induced by hypoxia was associated with concurrent reductions in its target PTEN. After treatment with GNA, miR-21 expression in hypoxic U266 cells was strikingly downregulated in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, we identified that regulation of miR-21/PTEN by GNA under hypoxia is related with inhibition of HIF-1α accumulation and STAT3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, in vivo study revealed that intravenous GNA injection could significantly suppress tumor growth and the miR-21/PTEN pathway is involved in GNA's anti-tumor effects. Taken together, all these results indicated that GNA could be a highly potent therapeutic for human MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Liu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology (Key Department of Jiangsu Medicine), Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Wu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology (Key Department of Jiangsu Medicine), Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Dai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology (Key Department of Jiangsu Medicine), Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Ge
- Department of Hematology and Oncology (Key Department of Jiangsu Medicine), Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Gao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology (Key Department of Jiangsu Medicine), Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongming Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology (Key Department of Jiangsu Medicine), Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology (Key Department of Jiangsu Medicine), Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology (Key Department of Jiangsu Medicine), Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoan Chen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology (Key Department of Jiangsu Medicine), Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
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