Anticancer Activity of the Marine Triterpene Glycoside Cucumarioside A2-2 in Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Despite recent advances in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), treatment is inevitably hampered by the development of drug resistance. Thus, new drugs are urgently needed. We investigated the efficacy, toxicity, and mechanism of action of the marine triterpene glycoside cucumarioside A2-2 (CA2-2) using an in vitro CRPC model. CA2-2 induced a G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells and caspase-dependent apoptosis executed via an intrinsic pathway. Additionally, the drug inhibited the formation and growth of CRPC cell colonies at low micromolar concentrations. A global proteome analysis performed using the 2D-PAGE technique, followed by MALDI-MS and bioinformatical evaluation, revealed alterations in the proteins involved in cellular processes such as metastatic potential, invasion, and apoptosis. Among others, the regulation of keratin 81, CrkII, IL-1β, and cathepsin B could be identified by our proteomics approach. The effects were validated on the protein level by a 2D Western blotting analysis. Our results demonstrate the promising anticancer activity of CA2-2 in a prostate cancer model and provide insights on the underlying mode of action.

Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfates with Rare Disaccharide Branches from the Sea Cucumbers Psolus peronii and Holothuria nobilis: Structures and Influence on Hematopoiesis

Two fucosylated chondroitin sulfates were isolated from the sea cucumbers Psolus peronii and Holothuria nobilis using a conventional extraction procedure in the presence of papain, followed by anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel. Their composition was characterized in terms of quantitative monosaccharide and sulfate content, and structures were mainly elucidated using 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. As revealed by the data of the NMR spectra, both polysaccharides along with the usual fucosyl branches contained rare disaccharide branches α-D-GalNAc4S6R-(1→2)-α-L-Fuc3S4R → attached to O-3 of the GlcA of the backbone (R = H or SO3-). The polysaccharides were studied as stimulators of hematopoiesis in vitro using mice bone marrow cells as the model. The studied polysaccharides were shown to be able to directly stimulate the proliferation of various progenitors of myelocytes and megakaryocytes as well as lymphocytes and mesenchymal cells in vitro. Therefore, the new fucosylated chondroitin sulfates can be regarded as prototype structures for the further design of GMP-compatible synthetic analogs for the development of new-generation hematopoiesis stimulators.

Sulfated Triterpene Glycosides from the Far Eastern Sea Cucumber Cucumaria djakonovi: Djakonoviosides C1, D1, E1, and F1; Cytotoxicity against Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines; Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships

Four new mono- and trisulfated triterpene penta- and tetraosides, djakonoviosides C1 (1), D1 (2), E1 (3), and F1 (4) were isolated from the Far Eastern sea cucumber Cucumaria djakonovi (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida), along with six known glycosides found earlier in other Cucumaria species. The structures of unreported compounds were established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra as well as by HR-ESI-MS data. The set of compounds contains six different types of carbohydrate chains including two new ones. Thus, djakonovioside C1 (1) is characterized by xylose as the second residue, that was a branchpoint in the pentasaccharide chain. Meanwhile, only quinovose and rarely glucose have been found earlier in pentasaccharide chains branched at C-2 of the second sugar unit. Djakonovioside E1 (3) is characterized by a tetrasaccharide trisulfated chain, with glucose as the second residue. So, in the series of isolated glycosides, three types of sugars in the second position were presented: the most common, quinovose-in six compounds; glucose-in three substances; and the rare xylose-in one glycoside. The set of aglycones was composed of holostane- and non-holostane-type polycyclic systems; the latter comprised normal and reduced side chains. Noticeably, isokoreoside A (9), isolated from C. djakonovi, was a single glycoside having a 9(11)-double bond, indicating two oxidosqualenecyclases are operating in the process of the biosynthesis of aglycones. Some of the glycosides from C. djakonovi, which were characterized by pentasaccharide branched chains containing one to three sulfate groups, are chemotaxonomic features of the representatives of the genus Cucumaria. The assortment of sugar parts of Cucumaria's glycosides was broadened with previously undescribed penta- and tetrasaccharide moieties. The metabolic network of sugar parts and aglycones is constructed based on biogenetic relationships. The cytotoxic action of compounds 1-10, isolated from C. djakonovi, against human breast cancer cell lines was investigated along with the hemolytic activity. Erythrocytes were, as usual, more sensitive to the membranolytic action of the glycosides than cancer cells. The triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line was more vulnerable to the action of glycosides in comparison with the other tested cancer cells, while the MCF-7 cell line was less susceptible to cytotoxic action. Djakonovioside E1 (3) demonstrated selective action against ER-positive MCF-7 and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cell lines, while the toxic effect in relation to normal mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A) was absent. Cucumarioside A2-5 (6) inhibited the formation and growth of colonies of cancer cells to 44% and tumor cell migration to 85% of the control. Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) were calculated on the basis of the correlational analysis of the physicochemical properties and structural features of the glycosidic molecules and their membranolytic activity. QSAR revealed the extremely complex nature of such relationships, but these calculations correlated well with the observed SAR.

Djakonoviosides A, A1, A2, B1-B4 - Triterpene Monosulfated Tetra- and Pentaosides from the Sea Cucumber Cucumaria djakonovi: The First Finding of a Hemiketal Fragment in the Aglycones; Activity against Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Seven new monosulfated triterpene glycosides, djakonoviosides A (1), A₁ (2), A₂ (3), and B₁-B₄ (4-7), along with three known glycosides found earlier in the other Cucumaria species, namely okhotoside A₁-1, cucumarioside A₀-1, and frondoside D, have been isolated from the far eastern sea cucumber Cucumaria djakonovi (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida). The structures were established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and confirmed by HR-ESI-MS data. The compounds of groups A and B differ from each other in their carbohydrate chains, namely monosulfated tetrasaccharide chains are inherent to group A and pentasaccharide chains with one sulfate group, branched by C-2 Qui2, are characteristic of group B. The aglycones of djakonoviosides A₂ (3), B₂ (5), and B₄ (7) are characterized by a unique structural feature, a 23,16-hemiketal fragment found first in the sea cucumbers' glycosides. The biosynthetic pathway of its formation is discussed. The set of aglycones of C. djakonovi glycosides was species specific because of the presence of new aglycones. At the same time, the finding in C. djakonovi of the known glycosides isolated earlier from the other species of Cucumaria, as well as the set of carbohydrate chains characteristic of the glycosides of all investigated representatives of the genus Cucumaria, demonstrated the significance of these glycosides as chemotaxonomic markers. The membranolytic actions of compounds 1-7 and known glycosides okhotoside A₁-1, cucumarioside A₀-1, and frondoside D, isolated from C. djakonovi against human cell lines, including erythrocytes and breast cancer cells (MCF-7, T-47D, and triple negative MDA-MB-231), as well as leukemia HL-60 and the embryonic kidney HEK-293 cell line, have been studied. Okhotoside A₁-1 was the most active compound from the series because of the presence of a tetrasaccharide linear chain and holostane aglycone with a 7(8)-double bond and 16β-O-acetoxy group, cucumarioside A₀-1, having the same aglycone, was slightly less active because of the presence of branching xylose residue at C-2 Qui2. Generally, the activity of the djakonoviosides of group A was higher than that of the djakonoviosides of group B containing the same aglycones, indicating the significance of a linear chain containing four monosaccharide residues for the demonstration of membranolytic action by the glycosides. All the compounds containing hemiketal fragments, djakonovioside A₂ (3), B₂ (5), and B₄ (7), were almost inactive. The most aggressive triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line was the most sensitive to the glycosides action when compared with the other cancer cells. Okhotoside A₁-1 and cucumarioside A₀-1 demonstrated promising effects against MDA-MB-231 cells, significantly inhibiting the migration, as well as the formation and growth, of colonies.

A Mass Spectrometry Database for Sea Cucumber Triterpene Glycosides

Sea cucumber triterpene glycosides are a class of secondary metabolites that possess distinctive chemical structures and exhibit a variety of biological and pharmacological activities. The application of MS-based approaches for the study of triterpene glycosides allows rapid evaluation of the structural diversity of metabolites in complex mixtures. However, the identification of the detected triterpene glycosides can be challenging. The objective of this study is to establish the first spectral library containing the mass spectra of sea cucumber triterpene glycosides using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The library contains the electrospray ionization tandem mass spectra and retention times of 191 triterpene glycosides previously isolated from 15 sea cucumber species and one starfish at the Laboratory of the Chemistry of Marine Natural Products of the G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry. In addition, the chromatographic behavior and some structure-related neutral losses in tandem MS are discussed. The obtained data will accelerate the accurate dereplication of known triterpene glycosides and the annotation of novel compounds, as we demonstrated by the processing of LC-MS/MS data of Eupentacta fraudatrix extract.

Chilensosides E, F, and G-New Tetrasulfated Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Paracaudina chilensis (Caudinidae, Molpadida): Structures, Activity, and Biogenesis

Three new tetrasulfated triterpene glycosides, chilensosides E (1), F (2), and G (3), have been isolated from the Far-Eastern sea cucumber Paracaudina chilensis (Caudinidae, Molpadida). The structures were established based on extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and confirmed by HR-ESI-MS data. The compounds differ in their carbohydrate chains, namely in the number of monosaccharide residues (five or six) and in the positions of sulfate groups. Chilensosides E (1) and F (2) are tetrasulfated pentaosides with the position of one of the sulfate groups at C-3 Glc3, and chilensoside G (3) is a tetrasulfated hexaoside. The biogenetic analysis of the glycosides of P. chilensis has revealed that the structures form a network due to the attachment of sulfate groups to almost all possible positions. The upper semi-chain is sulfated earlier in the biosynthetic process than the lower one. Noticeably, the presence of a sulfate group at C-3 Glc3-a terminal monosaccharide residue in the bottom semi-chain of compounds 1 and 2-excludes the possibility of this sugar chain's further elongation. Presumably, the processes of glycosylation and sulfation are concurrent biosynthetic stages. They can be shifted in time in relation to each other, which is a characteristic feature of the mosaic type of biosynthesis. The hemolytic action of compounds 1-3 against human erythrocytes and cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines were tested. The compounds showed moderate hemolytic activity but were inactive against cancer cells, probably because of their structural peculiarities, such as the combination of positions of four sulfate groups.

The Isolation, Structure Elucidation and Bioactivity Study of Chilensosides A, A1, B, C, and D, Holostane Triterpene Di-, Tri- and Tetrasulfated Pentaosides from the Sea Cucumber Paracaudina chilensis (Caudinidae, Molpadida)

Five new triterpene (4,4,14-trimethylsterol) di-, tri- and tetrasulfated pentaosides, chilensosides A (1), A₁ (2), B (3), C (4), and D (5) were isolated from the Far-Eastern sea cucumber Paracaudina chilensis. The structures were established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and confirmed by HR-ESI-MS data. The structural variability of the glycosides concerned the pentasaccharide chains. Their architecture was characterized by the upper semi-chain consisting of three sugar units and the bottom semi-chain of two sugars. Carbohydrate chains of compounds 2–5 differed in the quantity and positions of sulfate groups. The interesting structural features of the glycosides were: the presence of two sulfate groups at C-4 and C-6 of the same glucose residue in the upper semi-chain of 1, 2, 4, and 5 and the sulfation at C-3 of terminal glucose residue in the bottom semi-chain of 4 that makes its further elongation impossible. Chilensoside D (5) was the sixth tetrasulfated glycoside found in sea cucumbers. The architecture of the sugar chains of chilensosides A–D (1–5), the positions of sulfation, the quantity of sulfate groups, as well as the aglycone structures, demonstrate their similarity to the glycosides of the representatives of the order Dendrochirotida, confirming the phylogenetic closeness of the orders Molpadida and Dendrochirotida. The cytotoxic activities of the compounds 1–5 against human erythrocytes and some cancer cell lines are presented. Disulfated chilensosides A₁ (2) and B (3) and trisulfated chilensoside C (4) showed significant cytotoxic activity against human cancer cells.

Structures and Biologic Activity of Chitonoidosides I, J, K, K1 and L-Triterpene Di-, Tri- and Tetrasulfated Hexaosides from the Sea Cucumber Psolus chitonoides

Five new triterpene di-, tri- and tetrasulfated hexaosides (chitonoidosides I (1), J (2), K (3), K₁ (4) and L (5)) were isolated from the Far-Eastern sea cucumber Psolus chitonoides, collected near Bering Island (Commander Islands) from a depth of 100–150 m. The structural variability of the glycosides concerned both the aglycones (with 7(8)- or 9(11)-double bonds) and carbohydrate chains differing from each other by the third sugar residue (Xyl or sulfated by C-6 Glc) and/or by the fourth—terminal in the bottom semi-chain—residue (Glc or sulfated by C-6 MeGlc) as well as by the positions of a sulfate group at C-4 or C-6 in the sixth—terminal in the upper semi-chain—residue (MeGlc). Hemolytic activities of these compounds 1–5 against human erythrocytes as well as cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, HeLa, DLD-1 and HL-60, were studied. The hexaosides, chitonoidosides K (3) and L (5) with four sulfate groups, were the most active against tumor cells in all the tests. Noticeably, the sulfate group at C-4 of MeGlc6 did not decrease the membranolytic effect of 5 as compared with 3, having the sulfate group at C-6 of MeGlc6. Erythrocytes were, as usual, more sensitive to the action of the studied glycosides than cancer cells, although the sensitivity of leukemia promyeloblast HL-60 cells was higher than that of other tumor cells. The glycosides 1 and 2 demonstrated some weaker action in relation to DLD-1 cells than against other tumor cell lines. Chitonoidoside K₁ (4) with a hydroxyl at C 25 of the aglycone was not active in all the tests. The metabolic network formed by the carbohydrate chains of all the glycosides isolated from P. chitonoides as well as the aglycones biosynthetic transformations during their biosynthesis are discussed and illustrated with schemes.

Triterpene Glycosides from the Far Eastern Sea Cucumber Psolus chitonoides: Chemical Structures and Cytotoxicities of Chitonoidosides E1, F, G, and H

Four new triterpene disulfated glycosides, chitonoidosides E1 (1), F (2), G (3), and H (4), were isolated from the Far-Eastern sea cucumber Psolus chitonoides and collected near Bering Island (Commander Islands) at depths of 100-150 m. Among them there are two hexaosides (1 and 3), differing from each other by the terminal (sixth) sugar residue, one pentaoside (4) and one tetraoside (2), characterized by a glycoside architecture of oligosaccharide chains with shortened bottom semi-chains, which is uncommon for sea cucumbers. Some additional distinctive structural features inherent in 1-4 were also found: the aglycone of a recently discovered new type, with 18(20)-ether bond and lacking a lactone in chitonoidoside G (3), glycoside 3-O-methylxylose residue in chitonoidoside E1 (1), which is rarely detected in sea cucumbers, and sulfated by uncommon position 4 terminal 3-O-methylglucose in chitonoidosides F (2) and H (4). The hemolytic activities of compounds 1-4 and chitonoidoside E against human erythrocytes and their cytotoxic action against the human cancer cell lines, adenocarcinoma HeLa, colorectal adenocarcinoma DLD-1, and monocytes THP-1, were studied. The glycoside with hexasaccharide chains (1, 3 and chitonoidoside E) were the most active against erythrocytes. A similar tendency was observed for the cytotoxicity against adenocarcinoma HeLa cells, but the demonstrated effects were moderate. The monocyte THP-1 cell line and erythrocytes were comparably sensitive to the action of the glycosides, but the activity of chitonoidosides E and E1 (1) significantly differed from that of 3 in relation to THP-1 cells. A tetraoside with a shortened bottom semi-chain, chitonoidoside F (2), displayed the weakest membranolytic effect in the series.

Structure-Activity Relationships of Holothuroid's Triterpene Glycosides and Some In Silico Insights Obtained by Molecular Dynamics Study on the Mechanisms of Their Membranolytic Action

The article describes the structure-activity relationships (SAR) for a broad series of sea cucumber glycosides on different tumor cell lines and erythrocytes, and an in silico modulation of the interaction of selected glycosides from the sea cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix with model erythrocyte membranes using full-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The in silico approach revealed that the glycosides bound to the membrane surface mainly through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The mode of such interactions depends on the aglycone structure, including the side chain structural peculiarities, and varies to a great extent. Two different mechanisms of glycoside/membrane interactions were discovered. The first one was realized through the pore formation (by cucumariosides A₁ (40) and A₈ (44)), preceded by bonding of the glycosides with membrane sphingomyelin, phospholipids, and cholesterol. Noncovalent intermolecular interactions inside multimolecular membrane complexes and their stoichiometry differed for 40 and 44. The second mechanism was realized by cucumarioside A₂ (59) through the formation of phospholipid and cholesterol clusters in the outer and inner membrane leaflets, correspondingly. Noticeably, the glycoside/phospholipid interactions were more favorable compared to the glycoside/cholesterol interactions, but the glycoside possessed an agglomerating action towards the cholesterol molecules from the inner membrane leaflet. In silicosimulations of the interactions of cucumarioside A₇ (45) with model membrane demonstrated only slight interactions with phospholipid polar heads and the absence of glycoside/cholesterol interactions. This fact correlated well with very low experimental hemolytic activity of this substance. The observed peculiarities of membranotropic action are in good agreement with the corresponding experimental data on hemolytic activity of the investigated compounds in vitro.

Triterpene Glycosides from the Far Eastern Sea Cucumber Thyonidium (=Duasmodactyla) kurilensis (Levin): The Structures, Cytotoxicities, and Biogenesis of Kurilosides A3, D1, G, H, I, I1, J, K, and K1

Nine new mono-, di-, and trisulfated triterpene penta- and hexaosides, kurilosides A₃ (1), D₁ (2), G (3), H (4), I (5), I₁ (6), J (7), K (8), and K₁ (9) and two desulfated derivatives, DS-kuriloside L (10), having a trisaccharide branched chain, and DS-kuriloside M (11), having hexa-nor-lanostane aglycone with a 7(8)-double bond, have been isolated from the Far-Eastern deep-water sea cucumber Thyonidium (=Duasmodactyla) kurilensis (Levin) and their structures were elucidated based on 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI mass-spectrometry. Five earlier unknown carbohydrate chains and two aglycones (having a 16β,(20S)-dihydroxy-fragment and a 16β-acetoxy,(20S)-hydroxy fragment) were found in these glycosides. All the glycosides 1–9 have a sulfate group at C-6 Glc, attached to C-4 Xyl1, while the positions of the other sulfate groups vary in different groups of kurilosides. The analysis of the structural features of the aglycones and the carbohydrate chains of all the glycosides of T. kurilensis showed their biogenetic relationships. Cytotoxic activities of the compounds 1–9 against mouse neuroblastoma Neuro 2a, normal epithelial JB-6 cells, and erythrocytes were studied. The highest cytotoxicity in the series was demonstrated by trisulfated hexaoside kuriloside H (4), having acetoxy-groups at C(16) and C(20), the latter one obviously compensated the absence of a side chain, essential for the membranolytic action of the glycosides. Kuriloside I₁ (6), differing from 4 in the lacking of a terminal glucose residue in the bottom semi-chain, was slightly less active. The compounds 1–3, 5, and 8 did not demonstrate cytotoxic activity due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in their aglycones.

Kurilosides A1, A2, C1, D, E and F-Triterpene Glycosides from the Far Eastern Sea Cucumber Thyonidium (= Duasmodactyla) kurilensis (Levin): Structures with Unusual Non-Holostane Aglycones and Cytotoxicities

Six new monosulfated triterpene tetra-, penta- and hexaosides, namely, the kurilosides A₁ (1), A₂ (2), C₁ (3), D (4), E (5) and F (6), as well as the known earlier kuriloside A (7), having unusual non-holostane aglycones without lactone, have been isolated from the sea cucumber Thyonidium (= Duasmodactyla) kurilensis (Levin) (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida), collected in the Sea of Okhotsk near Onekotan Island from a depth of 100 m. Structures of the glycosides were established by 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI mass spectrometry. Kurilosides of the groups A and E contain carbohydrate moieties with a rare architecture (a pentasaccharide branched by C(4) Xyl1), differing from each other in the second monosaccharide residue (quinovose or glucose, correspondingly); kurilosides of the group C are characterized by a unique tetrasaccharide branched by a C(4) Xyl1 sugar chain; and kurilosides of the groups D and F are hexaosides differing from each other in the presence of an O-methyl group in the fourth (terminal) sugar unit. All these glycosides contain a sulfate group at C-6 of the glucose residue attached to C-4 Xyl1 and the non-holostane aglycones have a 9(11) double bond and lack γ-lactone. The cytotoxic activities of compounds 1-7 against mouse neuroblastoma Neuro 2a, normal epithelial JB-6 cells and erythrocytes were studied. Kuriloside A₁ (1) was the most active compound in the series, demonstrating strong cytotoxicity against the erythrocytes and JB-6 cells and a moderate effect against Neuro 2a cells.

Structures and Bioactivities of Quadrangularisosides A, A1, B, B1, B2, C, C1, D, D1-D4, and E from the Sea Cucumber Colochirus quadrangularis: The First Discovery of the Glycosides, Sulfated by C-4 of the Terminal 3-O-Methylglucose Residue. Synergetic Effect on Colony Formation of Tumor HT-29 Cells of these Glycosides with Radioactive Irradiation

Thirteen new mono-, di-, and trisulfated triterpene glycosides, quadrangularisosides A-D₄ (1-13) have been isolated from the sea cucumber Colochirus quadrangularis, which was collected in Vietnamese waters. The structures of these glycosides were established by 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI (High Resolution Electrospray Ionization) mass spectrometry. The novel carbohydrate moieties of quadrangularisosides D-D₄ (8-12), belonging to the group D, and quadrangularisoside E (13) contain three sulfate groups, with one of them occupying an unusual position-at C(4) of terminal 3-O-methylglucose residue. Quadrangularisosides A (1) and D₃ (11) as well as quadrangularisosides A₁ (2) and D₄ (12) are characterized by the new aglycones having 25-hydroperoxyl or 24-hydroperoxyl groups in their side chains, respectively. The cytotoxic activities of compounds 1-13 against mouse neuroblastoma Neuro 2a, normal epithelial JB-6 cells, erythrocytes, and human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells were studied. All the compounds were rather strong hemolytics. The structural features that most affect the bioactivity of the glycosides are the presence of hydroperoxy groups in the side chains and the quantity of sulfate groups. The membranolytic activity of monosulfated quadrangularisosides of group A (1, 2) against Neuro 2a, JB-6 cells, and erythrocytes was relatively weak due to the availability of the hydroperoxyl group, whereas trisulfated quadrangularisosides D₃ (11) and D₄ (12) with the same aglycones as 1, 2 were the least active compounds in the series due to the combination of these two structural peculiarities. The erythrocytes were more sensitive to the action of the glycosides than Neuro 2a or JB-6 cells, but the structure-activity relationships observed for glycosides 1-13 were similar in the three cell lines investigated. The compounds 3-5, 8, and 9 effectively suppressed the cell viability of HT-29 cells. Quadrangularisosides A₁ (2), C (6), C₁ (7), and E (13) possessed strong inhibitory activity on colony formation in HT-29 cells. Due to the synergic effects of these glycosides (0.02 μM) and radioactive irradiation (1 Gy), a decreasing of number of colonies was detected. Glycosides 1, 3, and 9 enhanced the effect of radiation by about 30%.

In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Holotoxin A1 From the Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus During Ionizing Radiation

Radiation therapy is one of the most important approaches to cancer therapy, but radiotoxicity to normal tissue is a serious limitation of this treatment. Compounds which are able to either sensitize cancer cells or protect normal cells to radiation are of great interest. The cytotoxicity of holotoxin A1 and the effects of radiation against DLD-1 and HT-29 cells were measured by MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay. The effect of the combination of holotoxin A1 with X-ray on colony formation of cancer cells was determined by the soft agar assay. The effect of holotoxin A1 on the recovery of peripheral blood leukocyte number, mass, and cellularity of the lymphoid organs of irradiated mice, as well as on growth of murine Ehrlich solid carcinoma was studied. Holotoxin A1 enhanced the sensitivity of colorectal carcinoma cells to radiation in vitro. Injection of holotoxin A1 to mice led to an increase in the spleen endogenous colony number and peripheral blood leukocyte number, as well as the weight and cellularity of the lymphoid organs of the irradiated mice. Holotoxin A1 in combination with X-ray radiation effectively inhibited the growth of Ehrlich solid carcinoma in vivo. Holotoxin A1 is suggested to be a promising agent for improving the efficiency of radiotherapy.

Psolusosides C3 and D2-D5, Five Novel Triterpene Hexaosides From the Sea Cucumber Psolus fabricii (Psolidae, Dendrochirotida): Chemical Structures and Bioactivities

Five new triterpene glycosides, psolusosides C3 (1), D2 (2), D3 (3), D4 (4), and D5 (5), have been isolated from the sea cucumber Psolus fabricii. The structures of these glycosides were elucidated by 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. All the compounds contain hexasaccharide carbohydrate chains, differing from each other in the third monosaccharide residue: xylose was found in psolusosides of group C and glucose in group D. Aglycones of the isolated compounds belong to the holostane type, contain 9(11)-double bond and 16-keto-group and have different side chains. The hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes and cytotoxic activity against mouse Ehrlich carcinoma cells (ascite form) and neuroblastoma Neuro 2A cells of 1 to 5 as well as the psolusosides isolated by us earlier, C1, C2, and D1, 26-nor-25-oxo-holotoxin A1, and holotoxin A1, have been studied. Psolusosides C2, D1, and D2 (2) having the aglycones without hydroxy group in the side chain showed the strongest hemolytic action in this series. Psolusoside D3 (3) containing a peroxide group in the side chain of its aglycone was surprisingly highly cytotoxic in all the tests.

Non-holostane aglycones of sea cucumber triterpene glycosides. Structure, biosynthesis, evolution

Triterpene glycosides are known as characteristic metabolites of sea cucumbers (class Holothuroidea, phylum Echinodermata). The most of them have lanostane aglycones containing 18(20)-lactone, i.e. belongs to so-called holostane series. However non-holostane glycosides having no lactone (with the both normal and shortened side chains) or containing 18(16)-lactone function were also found in these invertebrates last a few decades. In addition, some very rare findings of the glycosides containing rearranged lanostane skeleton systems were reported. Probably, these natural products are formed in result of intramolecular aldol condensation of 1,6-diketo precursors as well as by Meinwald rearrangement of 1,2-epoxy precursor or pinacol-pinacolone rearrangement of fully substituted 1,2-diol precursor. Structures, biosynthesis and evolution of non-holostane aglycones of sea cucumber triterpene glycosides are discussed. Biological properties of the glycosides with hon-holostane aglycones are also discussed.

Structures and Bioactivities of Six New Triterpene Glycosides, Psolusosides E, F, G, H, H1, and I and the Corrected Structure of Psolusoside B from the Sea Cucumber Psolus fabricii

Seven sulfated triterpene glycosides, psolusosides B (1), E (2), F (3), G (4), H (5), H₁ (6), and I (7), along with earlier known psolusoside A and colochiroside D have been isolated from the sea cucumber Psolus fabricii collected in the Sea of Okhotsk. Herein, the structure of psolusoside B (1), elucidated by us in 1989 as a monosulfated tetraoside, has been revised with application of modern NMR and particularly MS data and proved to be a disulfated tetraoside. The structures of other glycosides were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI mass-spectrometry. Psolusosides E (2), F (3), and G (4) contain holostane aglycones identical to each other and differ in their sugar compositions and the quantity and position of sulfate groups in linear tetrasaccharide carbohydrate moieties. Psolusosides H (5) and H₁ (6) are characterized by an unusual sulfated trisaccharide carbohydrate moiety with the glucose as the second sugar unit. Psolusoside I (7) has an unprecedented branched tetrasaccharide disulfated carbohydrate moiety with the xylose unit in the second position of the chain. The cytotoxic activities of the compounds 2-7 against several mouse cell lines-ascite form of Ehrlich carcinoma, neuroblastoma Neuro 2A, normal epithelial JB-6 cells, and erythrocytes-were quite different, at that hemolytic effects of the tested compounds were higher than their cytotoxicity against other cells, especially against the ascites of Ehrlich carcinoma. Interestingly, psolusoside G (4) was not cytotoxic against normal JB-6 cells but demonstrated high activity against Neuro 2A cells. The cytotoxic activity against human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells and the influence on the colony formation and growth of HT-29 cells of compounds 1-3, 5-7 and psolusoside A was checked. The highest inhibitory activities were demonstrated by psolusosides E (2) and F (3).

Psolusosides C1, C2, and D1, Novel Triterpene Hexaosides from the Sea CucumberPsolus fabricii (Psolidae, Dendrochirotida)

Three new triterpene glycosides, psolusosides C1 (1), C2 (2) and D1 (3) have been isolated from the sea cucumber Psolus fabricii collected in the Sea of Okhotsk in the shallow waters of Onekotan Island (Kurile Islands). Five known glycosides: cladolosides B, M1, P2, isolated earlier from the sea cucumbers of genus Cladolabes and holotoxin A1 with 27- nor-25-oxo-holotoxin A1, isolated earlier from Apostichopus japonicus have also been found. The glycoside structures were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR mass-spectrometry. Compounds 1–3 possess hexasaccharide carbohydrate chains, identical for 1 and 2 and different in the third monosaccharide residue for 3. All the glycosides comprise holostane type aglycones with a 9(11)-double bond and a 16-keto-group and differ from each other in the side chains structures.

Sulfated Glycosides from the Sea Cucumbers Block Ca2+ Flow in Murine Neuroblastoma Cells

Recently the ability of triterpene glycosides from sea cucumbers to interact with purinergic receptors of P2X family on the membranes of immune cells enhancing the reversible ATP-dependent Ca2+ intake and therefore modulating (stimulating) the receptor's activity was discovered. As a result the activation of cellular immunity on the organism level was observed. Purinergic receptors are associated with a series of important functions in normal and pathophysiology, thus the searching of its new modulators (both stimulants and blockers) seems to be very important medical and scientific task. The cytotoxic activity of four triterpene glycosides isolated from different species of sea cucumbers: liouvilloside A (1) from Pseudocolochirus violaceus, fallaxoside D1 (2) from Cucumaria fallax and magnumosides C3 (3) and C4 (4) from Massinium (=Neothynidium) magnum against neuroblastoma Neuro 2A cells was tested. The glycosides 1 and 4 were the most cytotoxic in the series (EC50 5.0 μM and 21.5 μM, correspondingly). Moreover, non-cytotoxic concentration (1 μM) of these compounds inhibited ATP-dependent Ca2+ intake into the Neuro 2A cells, containing P2X7 receptors on the surface, by 53 and 47%, correspondingly. The ability of sea cucumbers triterpene glycosides to block the purinergic receptors in vitro is first discovered.

Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix. Structure and Cytotoxic action of Cucumarioside D with a Terminal 3-O-Me-Glucose Residue Unique for this Species

New minor triterpene glycoside, cucumarioside D (1) identified earlier as a candidate to new glycoside using LC-ESI QTOF-MS has been isolated from the sea cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix as individual substance. The structure of the glycoside was elucidated using 2D NMR spectroscopy and MS. The glycoside has non-sulfated pentasaccharide carbohydrate chain branched by the second sugar (quinovose) and having 3-O-methylglucose as a terminal monosacharide residue that is an unique structural feature of sea cucumber triterpene glycosides from this species. A moderate cytotoxic activity of the glycoside 1 against the ascyte form of Echlich carcinoma cells and hemolytic activity has been found.

Cucumarioside A₂-2 Causes Macrophage Activation in Mouse Spleen

The immunomodulatory effect of triterpene glycoside cucumarioside A₂-2 (CA₂-2), isolated from the Far Eastern sea cucumber Cucumaria japonica, was compared with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on mouse spleen. It has been shown that the intraperitoneal (i.p.) glycoside administration leads to increased spleen macrophage activating markers iba-1, IL-1β, iNOs, ROS and NO formation, with additional change of macrophage phenotype to M1. The mass spectrometry profiles of peptide/protein were obtained using MALDI-TOF-MS on the different parts of spleen sections isolated by laser mircodissection techniques. It was found that i.p. stimulation of animals with CA₂-2 leads to marked changes in the intensity of the characteristic peaks of spleen peptides/proteins, primarily in red pulp.

Metabolite Profiling of Triterpene Glycosides of the Far Eastern Sea Cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix and Their Distribution in Various Body Components Using LC-ESI QTOF-MS

The Far Eastern sea cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix is an inhabitant of shallow waters of the south part of the Sea of Japan. This animal is an interesting and rich source of triterpene glycosides with unique chemical structures and various biological activities. The objective of this study was to investigate composition and distribution in various body components of triterpene glycosides of the sea cucumber E. fraudatrix. We applied LC-ESI MS (liquid chromatography–electrospray mass spectrometry) of whole body extract and extracts of various body components for metabolic profiling and structure elucidation of triterpene glycosides from the E. fraudatrix. Totally, 54 compounds, including 26 sulfated, 18 non-sulfated and 10 disulfated glycosides were detected and described. Triterpene glycosides from the body walls, gonads, aquapharyngeal bulbs, guts and respiratory trees were extracted separately and the distributions of the detected compounds in various body components were analyzed. Series of new glycosides with unusual structural features were described in E. fraudatrix, which allow clarifying the biosynthesis of these compounds. Comparison of the triterpene glycosides contents from the five different body components revealed that the profiles of triterpene glycosides were qualitatively similar, and only some quantitative variabilities for minor compounds were observed.

Magnumosides B3, B4 and C3, Mono- and Disulfated Triterpene Tetraosides from the Vietnamese Sea Cucumber Neothyonidium (= Massinium) magnum

Two new monosulfated triterpene glycosides, magnumosides B3 (1) and B4 (2) and one new disulfated triterpene glycoside, magnumoside C3 (3) have been isolated from the tropical Indo-West Pacific sea cucumber Neothynidium (=Massinium) magnum (Phyllophoridae, Dendrochirotida) collected in the Vietnamese shallow waters. The structures of the glycosides were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass-spectrometry. All the isolated glycosides are characterized by the non-holostane type aglycones having 18(16)-lactone and 7(8)-double bond and differing from each other by the side chains structures and the quantity of sulfate groups in the carbohydrate chains. The cytotoxic activity of the compounds 1–3 against mouse spleen lymphocytes and ascite form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma cells, human colorectal carcinoma DLD-1 as well as their hemolytic effects have been studied. Magnumoside B4 (2) greatly suppressed the colony formation and decreased the size of colonies of DLD-1 cancer cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations. The study on synergism of effects of radiation and compounds 1–3 on proliferation of DLD-1 cells showed that the tested compounds almost equally enhanced antiproliferative effect of radioactive irradiation.

Nine New Triterpene Glycosides, Magnumosides A₁-A₄, B₁, B₂, C₁, C₂ and C₄, from the Vietnamese Sea Cucumber Neothyonidium (=Massinium) magnum: Structures and Activities against Tumor Cells Independently and in Synergy with Radioactive Irradiation

Nine new sulfated triterpene glycosides, magnumosides A₁ (1), A₂ (2), A₃ (3), A₄ (4), B₁ (5), B₂ (6), C₁ (7), C₂ (8) and C₄ (9) as well as a known colochiroside B₂ (10) have been isolated from the tropical Indo-West Pacific sea cucumber Neothynidium (=Massinium) magnum (Phyllophoridae, Dendrochirotida) collected in the Vietnamese shallow waters. The structures of new glycosides were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass-spectrometry. All the isolated new glycosides were characterized by the non-holostane type lanostane aglycones having 18(16)-lactone and 7(8)-double bond and differed from each other by the side chains and carbohydrate moieties structures. Magnumoside A₁ (1) has unprecedented 20(24)-epoxy-group in the aglycone side chain. Magnumosides of the group A (1-4) contained disaccharide monosulfated carbohydrate moieties, of the group B (5, 6)-tetrasaccharide monosulfated carbohydrate moieties and, finally, of the group C (7-9)-tetrasaccharide disulfated carbohydrate moieties. The cytotoxic activities of the compounds 1-9 against mouse spleen lymphocytes, the ascites form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma cells, human colorectal carcinoma DLD-1 cells as well as their hemolytic effects have been studied. Interestingly, the erythrocytes were more sensitive to the glycosides action than spleenocytes and cancer cells tested. The compounds 3 and 7 significantly inhibited the colony formation and decreased the size of colonies of DLD-1 cancer cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Moreover, the synergism of effects of radioactive irradiation and compounds 3 and 7-9 at subtoxic doses on proliferation of DLD-1 cells was demonstrated.

Frondoside A induces AIF-associated caspase-independent apoptosis in Burkitt lymphoma cells

For patients with refractory or relapsed Burkitt lymphoma (BL), no standard therapy is available for second-line treatment to date. Nonfunctional caspases-dependent apoptosis pathways, inactivating p53 mutations and pro-survival autophagy prevent activity of conventional chemotherapy. Thus, new drugs bypassing these mechanisms of resistance are required. Here, we investigated the efficacy of the marine natural compound frondoside A (FrA) in eight BL cell lines. FrA revealed cytotoxic effects in all cell lines tested including the multiresistant CA46 cells. Remarkably, FrA induced caspases- and p53-independent apoptosis, which was characterized by decreased expression of antiapoptotic survivin and Bcl-2, mitochondria targeting (release of cytochrome C, HtrA2/Omi and the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and altered production of ROS) and translocation of AIF to the nuclei. In addition, signs of inhibition of pro-survival autophagy were observed. Thus, FrA is a promising candidate for the treatment of refractory or relapsed BL revealing resistances to standard therapies.

The marine triterpene glycoside frondoside A induces p53-independent apoptosis and inhibits autophagy in urothelial carcinoma cells

Background

Advanced urothelial carcinomas represent a considerable clinical challenge as they are difficult to treat. Platinum-based combination regimens obtain response rates ranging from 40 to 70% in first-line therapy of advanced urothelial carcinoma. In the majority of cases, however, the duration of these responses is limited, and when progression occurs, the outcome is generally poor. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. The purpose of the current research is to investigate the anticancer effects and the mode of action of the marine triterpene glycoside frondoside A in p53-wild type and p53-deficient human urothelial carcinoma cells.

Methods

Activity of frondoside A was examined in the human urothelial carcinoma cell lines RT112, RT4, HT-1197, TCC-SUP, T-24, and 486p. Effects of frondoside A on cell viability, either alone or in combination with standard cytotoxic agents were investigated, and synergistic effects were analyzed. Pro-apoptotic activity was assessed by Western blotting and FACS, alone and in combination with a caspases-inhibitor. The impact of functional p53 was investigated by siRNA gene silencing and the p53 inhibitor pifithrin-α. Effects on autophagy were studied using LC3B-I/II and SQSTM/p62 as markers. The unpaired Student’s t-test was used for comparison of the data sets.

Results

Frondoside A shows high cytotoxicity in urothelial carcinoma cells with IC_50s ranging from 0.55 to 2.33 μM while higher concentrations of cisplatin are required for comparable effects (IC₅₀ = 2.03 ~ 5.88 μM). Induction of apoptosis by frondoside A was associated with the regulation of several pro-apoptotic factors, like caspase-3, -8, and -9, PARP, Bax, p21, DNA fragmentation, and externalization of phosphatidylserine. Remarkably, inhibition of p53 by gene silencing or pifithrin-α pretreatment, as well as caspase inhibition, did not suppress apoptotic activity of frondoside A, while cisplatin activity, in contrast, was significantly decreased. Frondoside A inhibited pro-survival autophagy, a known mechanism of drug resistance in urothelial carcinoma and showed synergistic activity with cisplatin and gemcitabine.

Conclusions

A unique combination of properties makes marine compound frondoside A a promising candidate for the treatment of human urothelial carcinomas.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3085-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In vitroAnticancer Activities of Some Triterpene Glycosides from Holothurians of Cucumariidae, Stichopodidae, Psolidae, Holothuriidae and Synaptidae families

Triterpene glycosides isolated from holothurians are natural products known to possess cytotoxic properties against cancer cells. However, their anticancer prophylactic activity has not been studied sufficiently. The anticancer prophylactic, cytotoxic, and pro-apoptotic properties of 18 triterpene glycosides, as well as their effects on the transcriptional activities of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), were examined using methods that included EGF-induced JB6 Cl41 P+ cell transforation in soft agar, flow cytometry, MTS assessment of cell viability, and a luciferase activity assay. The compounds inhibited EGF-induced neoplastic JB6 Cl41 P+ cell transforation in soft agar and caused apoptosis and necrosis of human HL-60 and THP-1 leukemia cells. AP-1 and NF-κB were involved in the cellular response to the treatment by the compounds. Conclusion: glycosides isolated from holothurians of Cucumariidae, Stichopodidae, Psolidae, Holothuriidae and Synaptidae families have potential for development as new antitumor agents and as instruments to study AP-1 and NF-κB.

In vitro Anticancer Activities of Some Triterpene Glycosides from Holothurians of Cucumariidae, Stichopodidae, Psolidae, Holothuriidae and Synaptidae families

Triterpene glycosides isolated from holothurians are natural products known to possess cytotoxic properties against cancer cells. However, their anticancer prophylactic activity has not been studied sufficiently. The anticancer prophylactic; cytotoxic, and pro-apoptotic properties of 18 triterpene glycosides, as well as their effects on the transcriptional activities of activator protein-I (AP-1) and nuclear factor-KB (NF-KB), were examined using methods that included EGF-induced JB6 C141 P' cell transformation in soft agar, flow cytometry, MTS assessment of cell viability, and a luciferase activity assay. The compounds inhibited EGF-induced neoplastic JB6 C141 P' cell transformation in soft agar and caused apoptosis and necrosis of human HL-60 and THP-I leukemia cells. AP- and NF-KB were involved in the cellular response to the treatment by the compounds. Conclusion: glycosides isolated from holothurians of Cucumariidae, Stichopodidae, Psolidae, Holothuriidae and Synaptidae families have potential for development as new antitumor agents and as instruments to study AP-I and NF-kB.

Fallaxosides C₁, C₂, D₁ and D₂, Unusual Oligosulfated Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Cucumariafallax (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida, Holothurioidea) and Taxonomic Status of this Animal

Four hew triterpene glycosides, fallaxosides C, (1), C2 (2), D, (3) and D2 (4) along with the known cucumarioside A3-2 (5) and koreoside A (6) have-been isolated from the sea cucumber Cucumaria fallax (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida). Structures of the glycosides have been elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. All of the glycosides are rare non-holostane derivatives having shortened side chains and contain pentasaccharide carbohydrate moieties with two or three sulfate groups. Structures of these triterpene glycosides and their comparison with those earlier isolated from Cucuniaria spp. and Pseudocnus dubiosus leoninus allow us to suggest that the present assignment of C. fallax to the genus Pseudocnus is not correct, and this species.should be assigned to the genus Cucumaria. Cytotoxic activity of glycosides 1-5 against the ascite form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma cells and mouse spleen lymphocytes and hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes have been studied. The glycosides were expectedly not active in all the tests due to the absence of an 18(20)-lactone in their aglycones and the presence of several sulfate groups. There was one exception, cucumarioside A₃-2 (5), which. demonstrated a weak cytotoxicity against lymphocytes and moderate hemolytic activity.

Fallaxosides C1, C2, D1 and D2, Unusual Oligosulfated Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Cucumaria fallax (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida, Holothurioidea) and Taxonomic Status of this Animal

Four new triterpene glycosides, fallaxosides C1 (1), C2 (2), D1 (3) and D2 (4) along with the known cucumarioside A3-2 (5) and koreoside A (6) have been isolated from the sea cucumber Cucumaria fallax (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida). Structures of the glycosides have been elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. All of the glycosides are rare non-holostane derivatives having shortened side chains and contain pentasaccharide carbohydrate moieties with two or three sulfate groups. Structures of these triterpene glycosides and their comparison with those earlier isolated from Cucumaria spp. and Pseudocnus dubiosus leoninus allow us to suggest that the present assignment of C. fallax to the genus Pseudocnus is not correct, and this species should be assigned to the genus Cucumaria. Cytotoxic activity of glycosides 1–5 against the ascite form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma cells and mouse spleen lymphocytes and hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes have been studied. The glycosides were expectedly not active in all the tests due to the absence of an 18(20)-lactone in their aglycones and the presence of several sulfate groups. There was one exception, cucumarioside A3-2 (5), which demonstrated a weak cytotoxicity against lymphocytes and moderate hemolytic activity.

Colochiroside E, an Unusual Non-holostane Triterpene Sulfated Trioside from the Sea Cucumber Colochirus Robustus and Evidence of the Impossibility of a 7(8)-Double Bond Migration in Lanostane Derivatives having an 18(16)-Lactone

The unusual non-holostane triterpene glycoside, colochiroside E (1) was isolated from the sea cucumber Colochirus robustus (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida). The structure of 1 was established by analysis of ID, 2D NMR and HRESI MS data. Colochiroside E (1) belongs to a rare group of glycosylated 9β-H-lanosta-18(16)-lactones and has an unprecedented sulfated trisaccharide carbohydrate chain consisting of two glucose and one xylose units. In contrast with (9β-H)-7(8)-unsaturated holostane glycosides, the 7(8)-double bond in the having (9β-H)-configuration aglycone of colochiroside E is not capable of migration into the 8(9)- and then into the 9(11)-position on treatment with HC1. The formation of a chlorine derivative of 1 was observed under these conditions.

Colochiroside E, an Unusual Non-holostane Triterpene Sulfated Trioside from the Sea Cucumber Colochirus robustus and Evidence of the Impossibility of a 7(8)-Double Bond Migration in Lanostane Derivatives having an 18(16)-Lactone

The unusual non-holostane triterpene glycoside, colochiroside E (1) was isolated from the sea cucumber Colochirus robustus (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida). The structure of 1 was established by analysis of 1D, 2D NMR and HRESI MS data. Colochiroside E (1) belongs to a rare group of glycosylated 9β-H-lanosta-18(16)-lactones and has an unprecedented sulfated trisaccharide carbohydrate chain consisting of two glucose and one xylose units. In contrast with (9β-H)-7(8)-unsaturated holostane glycosides, the 7(8)-double bond in the having (9β-H)-configuration aglycone of colochiroside E is not capable of migration into the 8(9)- and then into the 9(11)-position on treatment with HCl. The formation of a chlorine derivative of 1 was observed under these conditions.

Colochirosides A1, A2, A3, and D, Four Novel Sulfated Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Colochirus Robustus (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida)

Four new triterpene glycosides, colochirosides A1 (1), A2 (2), A3 (3) and D (4), have been isolated from the sea cucumber Colochirus robustus (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida). Structures of the glycosides have been elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass-spectrometry. Colochiroside D (4) has a new type of carbohydrate chain having the only sulfate group attached to C-6 of the third (glucose) monosaccharide residue. Cytotoxic activities of glycosides 1–4 against the ascite form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma cells and hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes have been studied. Hemolytic activity of the glycosides was higher than cytotoxic. Glycosides 1, 3 and 4 demonstrated strong effects, whereas compound 2 showed only moderate activity.

Colochirosides A₁, A₂, A₃, and D, Four Novel Sulfated Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Colochirus robustus (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida)

Four new triterpene glycosides, colochirosides A₁ (1), A₂ (2), A₃ (3) and D (4), have been isolated from the sea cucumber Colochirus robustus (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida). Structures of the glycosides have been elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass-spectrometry. Colochiroside D (4) has a new type of carbohydrate chain having the only sulfate group attached to C-6 of the third (glucose) monosaccharide residue. Cytotoxic activities of glycosides 1-4 against the ascite form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma cells and hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes have been studied. Hemolytic activity of the glycosides was higher than cytotoxic. Glycosides 1, 3 and 4 demonstrated strong effects, whereas compound 2 showed only moderate activity.

The marine triterpene glycoside frondoside A exhibits activity in vitro and in vivo in prostate cancer

Despite recent advances in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), outcome of patients remains poor due to the development of drug resistance. Thus, new drugs are urgently needed. We investigated efficacy, toxicity and mechanism of action of marine triterpene glycoside frondoside A (FrA) using CRPC cell lines in vitro and in vivo. FrA revealed high efficacy in human prostate cancer cells, while non-malignant cells were less sensitive. Remarkably, proliferation and colony formation of cells resistant to enzalutamide and abiraterone (due to the androgen receptor splice variant AR-V7) were also significantly inhibited by FrA. The marine compound caused cell type specific cell cycle arrest and induction of caspase-dependent or -independent apoptosis. Up-regulation or induction of several pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bad, PTEN), cleavage of PARP and caspase-3 and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins (survivin and Bcl-2) were detected in treated cells. Global proteome analysis revealed regulation of proteins involved in formation of metastases, tumor cell invasion, and apoptosis, like keratin 81, CrkII, IL-1β and cathepsin B. Inhibition of pro-survival autophagy was observed following FrA exposure. In vivo, FrA inhibited tumor growth of PC-3 and DU145 cells with a notable reduction of lung metastasis, as well as circulating tumor cells in the peripheral blood. Increased lymphocyte counts of treated animals might indicate an immune modulating effect of FrA. In conclusion, our results suggest that FrA is a promising new drug for the treatment of mCRPC. Induction of apoptosis, inhibition of pro-survival autophagy, and immune modulatory effects are suspected modes of actions.

Colochirosides B1, B2, B3 and C, Novel Sulfated Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Colochirus robustus (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida)

Four new triterpene glycosides, colochirosides B1 (1), B2 (2), B3 (3) and C (4) have been isolated from the sea cucumber Colochirus robustus (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida). Six known earlier glycosides from representatives of two families of the order Dendrochirotida have also been found in C. robustus. Structures of the glycosides have been elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. All the glycosides belong to the holostane series and contain tetrasaccharide linear carbohydrate chains with one or two sulfate groups. Cytotoxic activities of glycosides 1-4 against the ascite form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma cells and hemolytic activities against mouse erythrocytes have been studied. Hemolytic activity of the glycosides was higher than cytotoxic. Glycosides 3 and 4 demonstrated strong effects, whereas compounds 1 and 2 containing the hydroxy-group in the side chains showed moderate hemolytic activity and were not cytotoxic.

The Assignment of the Absolute Configuration of C-22 Chiral Center in the Aglycones of Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Cladolabes schmeltzii and Chemical Transformations of Cladoloside C

The absolute R-configuration of the C-22 chiral center in cladoloside C (1) and therefore in all related glycosides isolated from the sea cucumber Cladolabes schmeltzii has been assigned by Mosher‘s method. Some chemical transformations of the native glycoside 1 were carried out to apply this method. This resulted in the isolation and elucidation of chemical structures of progenin 2 and artefact aglycones 3 and 4, obtained from 1 and assignment of the absolute R-configuration of C-22 in the progenin 2. The coincidence of C-22 configurations in the studied compounds with those of the earlier known lanostane-type aglycone of frondoside C and holostane-type aglycone of cladoloside C (1) confirms the generic biosynthetic pathways to different types of sea cucumber glycoside aglycones. It suggests the same R-configuration of C-22 chiral centers in all the sea cucumber glycosides having C-22 functionalities.

The Assignment of the Absolute Configuration of C-22 Chiral Center in the Aglycones of Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Cladolabes schmeltzi and Chemical Transformations of Cladoloside C

The absolute R-configuration of the C-22 chiral center in cladoloside C (1) and therefore in all related glycosides isolated from the sea cucumber Cladolabes schmeltzii has been assigned by Mosher's method. Some chemical transformations of the native glycoside 1 were carried out to apply this method. This resulted in the isolation and elucidation of chemical structures of progenin 2 and artefact aglycones 3 and 4, obtained from 1 and assignment of the absolute R-configuration of C-22 in the progenin 2. The coincidence of C-22 configurations in the studied compounds with those of the earlier known lanostane-type aglycone of frondoside C and holostane-type aglycone of cladoloside C (1) confirms the generic biosynthetic pathways to different types of sea cucumber glycoside aglycones. It suggests the same R-configuration of C-22 chiral centers in all the sea cucumber glycosides having C-22 functionalities.

Structures and biological activities of cladolosides C3, E1, E2, F1, F2, G, H1 and H2, eight triterpene glycosides from the sea cucumber Cladolabes schmeltzii with one known and four new carbohydrate chains

Eight new nonsulfated triterpene glycosides, cladolosides C3(1), E1(2), E2(3), F1(4), F2(5), G(6), H1(7) and H2(8) have been isolated from the tropical Indo-West Pacific sea cucumber Cladolabes schmeltzii (Cladolabinae, Sclerodactylidae, Dendrochirotida) collected in the Vietnamese shallow waters. The structures of the glycosides were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass-spectrometry. Glycosides 2, 3, 4, and 5 have pentasaccharide branched carbohydrate moieties and differ from each other by monosaccharide compositions and aglycone structures. At that, glycosides 2 and 3 contain three xylose, one 3-O-methyl-glucose and one quinovose residues, while glycosides 4 and 5 have two quinovose, two xylose and one 3-O-methyl-glucose residues. Compounds 1 and 6-8 are hexaosides differing from each other by aglycone structures and by the fifth monosaccharide residue, which proved to be glucose in cladoloside C3(1), xylose in cladoloside G(6) and quinovose in cladolosides H1(7) and H2(8). The presence of quinovose residue in the fifth position, as in 4, 5, 7 and 8 has never been earlier found in carbohydrate chains of triterpene glycosides from sea cucumbers. The carbohydrate chains with xylose in the fifth position of pentaosides and hexaosides are also very unusual for holothurious glycosides. All the substances demonstrate strong or moderate cytotoxic and hemolytic effects with hexaosides being more active than the corresponding pentaosides. Peculiarities of the biosynthesis and biochemical evolution of glycosides of this type are discussed.

Anticancer activity of sea cucumber triterpene glycosides

Triterpene glycosides are characteristic secondary metabolites of sea cucumbers (Holothurioidea, Echinodermata). They have hemolytic, cytotoxic, antifungal, and other biological activities caused by membranotropic action. These natural products suppress the proliferation of various human tumor cell lines in vitro and, more importantly, intraperitoneal administration in rodents of solutions of some sea cucumber triterpene glycosides significantly reduces both tumor burden and metastasis. The anticancer molecular mechanisms include the induction of tumor cell apoptosis through the activation of intracellular caspase cell death pathways, arrest of the cell cycle at S or G2/M phases, influence on nuclear factors, NF-κB, and up-down regulation of certain cellular receptors and enzymes participating in cancerogenesis, such as EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), Akt (protein kinase B), ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinases), FAK (focal adhesion kinase), MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9) and others. Administration of some glycosides leads to a reduction of cancer cell adhesion, suppression of cell migration and tube formation in those cells, suppression of angiogenesis, inhibition of cell proliferation, colony formation and tumor invasion. As a result, marked growth inhibition of tumors occurs in vitro and in vivo. Some holothurian triterpene glycosides have the potential to be used as P-gp mediated MDR reversal agents in combined therapy with standard cytostatics.

Structures of eremophilane-type sesquiterpene glucosides, alticolosides A-G, from the Far Eastern endemic Ligularia alticola Worosch

Seven eremophilane-type sesquiterpene glucosides, alticolosides A-G, have been isolated from aerial parts of the endemic Far Eastern species Ligularia alticola Worosch. (Family Asteraceae) along with two known compounds, monoterpenoid glycoside (4S)-α-terpineol 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and norditerpenoid glycoside 7(8)-dihydro-β-ionone 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. Alticoloside D was identified with the earlier known 8-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2-oxo-eremophila-1(10),8,11-triene, but the stereostructure of the latter was revised on the basis of ROESY and CD data. All the glycosides are derivatives of new eremophilane-type aglycones, differing from known eremophilanes in details of planar and/or stereo structures except for the aglycone of alticoloside E.

Triterpene Glycosides of Sea Cucumbers (Holothuroidea, Echinodermata) as Taxonomic Markers

Triterpene glycosides are characteristic metabolites of sea cucumbers (Holothurioidea, Echinodermata). The majority of the glycosides belong to the holostane type {lanostane derivatives with an 18(20)-lactone}. Carbohydrate chains of these glycosides contain xylose, glucose, quinovose, 3- O-methylglucose, and, rarely, 3- O-methylxylose, 3- O-methylglucuronic acid, 3- O-methylquinovose, and 6- O-acetyl-glucose. The glycosides are specific for genera, groups of genera and even for species. The advantages and problems in the use of triterpene glycosides as taxonomic markers in the systematics of sea cucumbers are discussed.

Triterpene glycosides of sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea, Echinodermata) as taxonomic markers

Triterpene glycosides are characteristic metabolites of sea cucumbers (Holothurioidea, Echinodermata). The majority of the glycosides belong to the holostane type {lanostane derivatives with an 18(20)-lactone}. Carbohydrate chains of these glycosides contain xylose, glucose, quinovose, 3-O-methylglucose, and, rarely, 3-O-methylxylose, 3-O-methylglucuronic acid, 3-O-methylquinovose, and 6-O-acetyl-glucose. The glycosides are specific for genera, groups of genera and even for species. The advantages and problems in the use of triterpene glycosides as taxonomic markers in the systematics of sea cucumbers are discussed.

Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Cladolabes schmeltzii. II. Structure and Biological Action of Cladolosides A1-A6

Six new triterpene glycosides, cladolosides A1–A6(1–6), have been isolated from the Vietnamese sea cucumber Cladolabes schmeltzii (Cladolabinae, Sclerodactylidae, Dendrochirotida). Structures of the glycosides were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and MS. All the glycosides have nonsulfated tetrasaccharide linear carbohydrate moieties. Glycoside 6 has a glucose residue as the third monosaccharide unit, while the rest of the compounds comprise a xylose in this postion of the carbohydrate chain. Glycosides 1–6 differ from each other in the structures of their holostane aglycones. Cytotoxic activities of glycosides 1–6 were studied against mouse spleenocytes, along with hemolytic activities against mouse erythrocytes. All the compounds, except cladoloside A5(5) posessing a hydroxy-group in the aglycone side chain, demonstrated rather strong cytotoxic and hemolytic effects. The most active glycosides were cladolosides A1(1) and A2(2) having two O-acetic groups and the xylose residue in the third position of the sugar chain.

Triterpene glycosides from the sea cucumber Cladolabes schmeltzii. II. Structure and biological action of cladolosides A1-A6

Six new triterpene glycosides, cladolosides Al-A6 (1-6), have been isolated from the Vietnamese sea cucumber Cladolabes schmeltzii (Cladolabinae, Sclerodactylidae, Dendrochirotida). Structures of the glycosides were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and MS. All the glycosides have nonsulfated tetrasaccharide linear carbohydrate moieties. Glycoside 6 has a glucose residue as the third monosaccharide unit, while the rest of the compounds comprise a xylose in this postion of the carbohydrate chain. Glycosides 1-6 differ from each other in the structures of their holostane aglycones. Cytotoxic activities of glycosides 1-6 were studied against mouse spleenocytes, along with hemolytic activities against mouse erythrocytes. All the compounds, except cladoloside A5 (5) posessing a hydroxy-group in the aglycone side chain, demonstrated rather strong cytotoxic and hemolytic effects. The most active glycosides were cladolosides A1 (1) and A2 (2) having two O-acetic groups and the xylose residue in the third position of the sugar chain.

Kolgaosides A and B, Two New Triterpene Glycosides from the Arctic Deep Water Sea Cucumber Kolga hyalina (Elasipodida: Elpidiidae)

Two novel triterpene holostane nonsulfated pentaosides, kolgaosides A (1) and B (2), and one known, holothurinoside B (3), were isolated from the Arctic sea cucumber Kolga hyalina, the second representative of the family Elpidiidae, order Elasipodida, from which triterpene glycosides have been obtained. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated using 1H and 13C NMR and 2D NMR procedures (HSQC, HMBC, COSY, ROESY, TOCSY) and HRESI mass-spectrometry. Kolgaosides A (1) and B (2) demonstrate low cytotoxic activity against the cells of the ascite form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma and moderate hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes, despite the presence of hydroxy groups in the side chains of the aglycones. The glycosides of K. hyalina are similar to those of the Antarctic sea cucumber Rhipidothuria racowitzai Hèrouard, 1901 (= Achlionice violaescupidata) (Elasipodida: Elpidiidae); this may have chemotaxonomic significance.

Kolgaosides A and B, two new triterpene glycosides from the Arctic deep water sea cucumber Kolga hyalina (Elasipodida: Elpidiidae)

Two novel triterpene holostane nonsulfated pentaosides, kolgaosides A (1) and B (2), and one known, holothurinoside B (3), were isolated from the Arctic sea cucumber Kolga hyalina, the second representative of the family Elpidiidae, order Elasipodida, from which triterpene glycosides have been obtained. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated using 1H and 13C NMR and 2D NMR procedures (HSQC, HMBC, COSY, ROESY, TOCSY) and HRESI mass-spectrometry. Kolgaosides A (1) and B (2) demonstrate low cytotoxic activity against the cells of the ascite form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma and moderate hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes, despite the presence of hydroxy groups in the side chains of the aglycones. The glycosides of K. hyalina are similar to those of the Antarctic sea cucumber Rhipidothuria racowitzai Hèrouard, 1901 (=Achlionice violaescupidata) (Elasipodida: Elpidiidae); this may have chemotaxonomic significance.