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Abstract Background Colon cancer, a prominent contributor to global cancer-related deaths, prompts the need for innovative treatment strategies. Euphorbia resinifera O. Berg (E. resinifera) and Euphorbia officinarum subsp. echinus Hook. f. & Coss Vindt (E. echinus) and their bee-derived products have been integral to traditional Moroccan medicine due to their potential health benefits. These plants have historical use in addressing various health issues, including cancer. However, their effects against colon cancer remain unclear, and the specific mechanisms underlying their anti-cancer effects lack comprehensive investigation. Methods The study aimed to assess the potential anti-cancer effects of Euphorbia extract on colon cancer cell lines (DLD-1) through various techniques. The apoptosis, migration, and proliferation of DLD-1 cells were measured in DLD-1 cells. In addition, we conducted High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis to identify the profile of phenolic compounds present in the studied extracts. Results The extracts demonstrated inhibition of colon cancer cell migration. E. resinifera flower and E. echinus stem extracts show significant anti-migratory effects. Regarding anti-proliferative activity, E. resinifera flower extract hindered proliferation, whereas E. echinus flower extract exhibited dose-dependent inhibition. Apoptosis assays revealed E. resinifera flower extract inducing early-stage apoptosis and E. echinus flower extract promoting late-stage apoptosis. While apoptotic protein expression indicated, E. resinifera stem and propolis extracts had minimal impact on apoptosis. Conclusion The findings provide evidence supporting the beneficial effects of E resinifera and E. echinus extracts on colon cancer and exerting anti-cancer properties.

BackgroundUsenamine A (UA) is a natural compound isolated from the lichen Usnea diffracta, and its therapeutic effects on rheumatic diseases are not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of UA and its therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Materials and methodsMolecular docking was performed between the 3D structure of UA and the TNF-TNFR2 complex. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from RA and AS patients were treated with UA, and cell viability was measured using the MTS assay and flow cytometry. The in vitro effects of co-culture with UA were determined by measuring inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-17A, and GM-CSF, using flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The in vivo effects of UA were evaluated using an arthritis mouse model.ResultsThe docking complex of UA bound to the TNF-TNFR2 complex exhibited docking scores of −5.251 kcal/mol and −6.274 kcal/mol, confirming their active sites. UA did not affect cell viability and suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines in the PBMCs of RA (IFN-γ, IL-17A, and GM-CSF) and AS (GM-CSF) patients. The ELISA also confirmed reduced cytokine levels in the co-culture of UA and PBMCs from RA or AS patients. In the arthritis mouse model, significantly reduced clinical and histological scores were observed in the UA treatment group.ConclusionOur findings suggest that UA has potential as a binding target for TNF, suppresses inflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on arthritis in a mouse model.

Drug-resistant infectious diseases pose a substantial challenge and threat to medical regimens. While adaptive laboratory evolution provides foresight for encountering such situations, it has inherent limitations. Novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) have garnered attention for overcoming these hurdles. Multi-stimuli responsive DDSs are particularly effective due to their reduced background leakage and targeted drug delivery to specific host sites for pathogen elimination. Bacterial infections create an acidic state in the microenvironment (pH: 5.0–5.5), which differs from normal physiological conditions (pH: 7.4). Infected areas are characterized by the overexpression of hyaluronidase, gelatinase, phospholipase, and other virulence factors. Consequently, several effective stimuli-responsive DDSs have been developed to target bacterial pathogens. Additionally, biofilms, structured communities of bacteria encased in a self-produced polymeric matrix, pose a significant challenge by conferring resistance to conventional antimicrobial treatments. Recent advancements in nano-drug delivery systems (nDDSs) show promise in enhancing antimicrobial efficacy by improving drug absorption and targeting within the biofilm matrix. nDDSs can deliver antimicrobials directly to the biofilm, facilitating more effective eradication of these resilient bacterial communities. Herein, this review examines challenges in DDS development, focusing on enhancing antibacterial activity and eradicating biofilms without adverse effects. Furthermore, advances in immune system modulation and photothermal therapy are discussed as future directions for the treatment of bacterial diseases.

The escalating pandemic brought about by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus is threatening global health, and thus, it is necessary to develop effective antiviral drugs. Usenamine A is a dibenzo-furan derivative separated from lichen Usnea diffracta showing broad-spectrum activity against different viruses. We evaluate that usenamine A has antiviral effects against novel SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant pseudotyped viruses (PVs) in A549 cells. In addition, usenamine A significantly suppresses SARS-CoV-2 PV-induced mitochondrial depolarization, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, apoptosis, and inflammation. Usenamine A also causes the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to become less stable. Thus, usenamine A shows potential as an antiviral drug that can provide protection against COVID-19.

Abstract Background Natural products can serve as one of the alternatives, exhibiting high potential for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2. Herein, we report a screening platform to test the antiviral efficacy of a natural product library against SARS-CoV-2 and verify their activity using lung organoids. Methods Since SARS-CoV-2 is classified as a risk group 3 pathogen, the drug screening assay must be performed in a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory. To circumvent this limitation, pseudotyped viruses (PVs) have been developed as replacements for the live SARS-CoV-2. We developed PVs containing spikes from Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 and improved the infection in an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-dependent manner. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived lung organoids were generated to test the SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic efficacy of natural products. Results Flavonoids from our natural product library had strong antiviral activity against the Delta- or Omicron-spike-containing PVs without affecting cell viability. We aimed to develop strategies to discover the dual function of either inhibiting infection at the beginning of the infection cycle or reducing spike stability following SARS-CoV-2 infection. When lung cells are already infected with the virus, the active flavonoids induced the degradation of the spike protein and exerted anti-inflammatory effects. Further experiments confirmed that the active flavonoids had strong antiviral activity in lung organoid models. Conclusion This screening platform will open new paths by providing a promising standard system for discovering novel drug leads against SARS-CoV-2 and help develop promising candidates for clinical investigation as potential therapeutics for COVID-19. Graphical Abstract

EGFR-mediated tumors have been targeted to overcome several different malignant cancers. EGFR overexpression and mutations are directly related to the malignancy, which makes the therapy more complicated. One reason for the malignancy is the induction of AP1 followed by inflammation via IL-6 secretion. Current therapeutic strategies to overcome EGFR-mediated tumors are tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies, and the combination of these two agents with classic chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Although the strategies are straightforward and have shown promising efficacy in several studies, there are still hurdles to overcoming the adverse effects and limited efficacy. This study reviews the current therapeutic strategies to target EGFR family members, how they work, and their effects and limitations. We also suggest developing novel strategies to target EGFR-mediated tumors in a novel approach. A lysosome is the main custodial staff to discard unwanted amounts of EGFR and other receptor tyrosine kinase molecules. Targeting this organelle may be a new approach to overcoming EGFR-mediated cancers.

Ehretia tinifolia (E. tinifolia) L., an evergreen tree with substantial biological activity, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, has been used in many herbal and traditional medicines. To elucidate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and the underlying mechanisms, we applied a methanol extract of E. tinifolia (ETME) to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse immortalized Kupffer cells. ETME suppressed the LPS-induced increase in nitric oxide, a mediator for oxidative stress and inflammation, and restored LPS-mediated depletion of total glutathione level by stabilizing antioxidative nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the subsequent increase in heme oxygenase-1 levels. Furthermore, ETME inhibited the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. The inhibitory effects of ETME on pro-inflammatory responses were regulated by ETME-mediated dephosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs: p38, p44/p42, and stress-associated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and inhibition of nuclear localization of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). These results suggest that ETME is a possible candidate for protecting Kupffer cells from LPS-mediated oxidative stress and excessive inflammatory responses by activating antioxidant Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibiting pro-inflammatory NF-κB and MAPKs, respectively.

An overload of hepatic fatty acids, such as oleic acid is a key trigger of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we investigated whether Artemisia frigida, a valuable traditional medicine used to treat various diseases, could mitigate OA-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. Then, to identify the active substances in A. frigida, a phytochemistry investigation was conducted using a bioassay-guided isolation method. Consequently, one terpene (1) and one flavone (2) were identified. Compound 1 ((+)-dehydrovomifoliol) exhibited potent effects against lipid accumulation in OA-induced HepG2 cells, without causing cyto-toxicity. Notably, treatment with (+)-dehydrovomifoliol decreased the expression levels of three genes related to lipogenesis (SREBP1, ACC, and FASN) and increased those of three genes related to fatty acid oxidation (PPARα, ACOX1, and FGF21). In addition, similar results were observed for SREBP1, PPARα, and FGF21 protein levels. The effects of (+)-dehydrovomifoliol were partially reversed by treatment with the PPARα antagonist GW6471, indicating the important role of the PPARα–FGF21 axis in the effects of (+)-dehydrovomifoliol. Based on its effects on hepatic lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation signaling via the PPARα–FGF21 axis, (+)-dehydrovomifoliol isolated from A. frigida could be a useful early lead compound for developing new drugs for NAFLD prevention.

Prolonged exposure to fine dust (FD) increases the risk of skin inflammation. Stimulated epidermal cells release growth factors into their extracellular environment, which can induce inflammation in dermal cells. Algae are considered rich sources of bioactive materials. The present study emphasized the effect of low-molecular-weight fucoidan isolated from Sargassum confusum (LMF) against FD-induced inflammation in HaCaT keratinocytes and underneath fibroblasts (HDFs) in an integrated culture model. HDFs were treated with media from FD-stimulated HaCaT with LMF treatments (preconditioned media). The results suggested that FD increased the oxidative stress in HaCaT, thereby increasing the sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle up to 587%, as revealed via flow cytometric analysis. With preconditioned media, HDFs also displayed oxidative stress; however, the increase in the sub-G1 phase was insignificant compared with HaCaT. LMF dose-dependently regulated the NF-κB/MAPK signaling in HaCaT. Furthermore, significant downregulation in NF-κB/MAPK signaling, as well as inflammatory cytokines, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, matrix metalloproteinases, and reduction in relative elastase and collagenase activities related to the extracellular matrix degeneration were observed in HDFs with a preconditioned media treatment. Therefore, we concluded that HDFs were protected from inflammation by preconditioned media. Continued research on tissue culture and in vivo studies may reveal the therapeutic potential of LMF.

Symplocos sumuntia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don (S. sumuntia) is a traditional medicinal herb used in Asia to treat various pathologies, including cough, stomachache, tonsillitis, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Although the anti-inflammatory activity of S. sumuntia has been reported, little is known about its anti-inflammatory activity and molecular mechanisms in microglial cells. Therefore, we investigated the inhibitory effects of S. sumuntia methanol extract (SSME) on the inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV2 cells. The SSME significantly inhibited the LPS-stimulated inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, as well as the production of nitric oxide (NO), a proinflammatory mediator. The production of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1β, was suppressed by the SSME in the LPS-induced BV2 cells. The mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of SSME involves the suppression of the LPS-stimulated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as JNK. Moreover, we showed that the LPS-stimulated nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/p65 protein, followed by IκB degradation, was decreased by the SSME treatment. Collectively, these results showed that the SSME induced anti-inflammatory effects via the suppression of the MAPK signaling pathways, accompanied by changes in the NF-κB translocation into the nucleus. Therefore, SSME may be employed as a potential therapeutic candidate for various inflammatory diseases.

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 plays an important role during hibernation by catalyzing the degradation of heme to biliverdin/bilirubin, ferrous iron, and carbon monoxide, which activates the protective mechanisms against stress. In this context, it was important to analyze the metabolic processes of heme. Nevertheless, to date, no study has approached on biosynthesis of heme. Therefore, our study aims to understand the process of heme biosynthesis, which regulates cell survival in conditions of hypothermia and calorie restriction (CR). During hibernation, the mRNA levels of enzymes responsible for de novo heme biosynthesis were increased in the liver tissue of a Syrian hamster model of hibernation. Moreover, heme trafficking and iron metabolism were found to be more active, as assessed based on the changes in the levels of heme transporter and ferroportin mRNA. The levels of HO-1, a powerful antioxidant, were also upregulated during hibernation. Additionally, increased levels of Sirt-1 mRNA were also observed. These enzymes are known to act as cellular metabolic sensors that activate the cytoprotective mechanisms. These results indicate that HO-1 induction, brought about by the upregulation of heme during the pre-hibernation period, may protect against external stress. Here, we describe heme catabolism during hibernation by analyzing the regulation of the key molecular players involved in heme metabolism. Therefore, this study offers a new strategy for the better regulation of intracellular heme concentrations during hypothermia and other stresses.

Breast cancer is now the most common type of cancer worldwide, surpassing lung cancer. This issue is further worsened by the lack of effective therapies for the disease. Recent reports indicate that the inhibition of ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme 5 (UBA5) can impede tumor development. However, there have been few reports regarding UBA5-inhibiting compounds. This work studied usenamine A, a natural product from the lichen Usnea longissimi that exhibits UBA5-inhibitory effects. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using public databases, and the anti-proliferative ability of usenamine A in breast cancer cells was examined through MTS and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis were also conducted to examine and analyze cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, LC3B-RFP and UBA5 expression plasmids were used for the analysis of usenamine A-induced autophagy. According to the bioinformatics analysis results, UBA5 was upregulated in breast cancer. According to in vitro studies, usenamine A displayed prominent anti-proliferative activity and resulted in G2/M phase arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, usenamine A induced autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress in MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, the findings support the potential of usenamine A as an agent that can attenuate the development and progression of breast cancer.

Recent studies found that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are produced through bacterial fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract, have oncoprotective effects against cervical cancer. The most common SCFAs that are well known include acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid, among which propionic acid (PA) has been reported to induce apoptosis in HeLa cells. However, the mechanism in which SCFAs suppress HeLa cell viability remain poorly understood. Our study aims to provide a more detailed look into the mechanism of PA in HeLa cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that PA induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to the dysfunction of the mitochondrial membrane. Moreover, PA inhibits NF-κB and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways and induces LC3B protein levels, resulting in autophagy. PA also increased the sub-G1 cell population that is characteristic of cell death. Therefore, the results of this study propose that PA inhibits HeLa cell viability through a mechanism mediated by the induction of autophagy. The study also suggests a new approach for cervical cancer therapeutics.

This study explores the potential anticancer effects of lesbicoumestan from Lespedeza bicolor against human leukemia cancer cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy were used to investigate antiproliferative effects. The degradation of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) was evaluated using immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and confocal microscopy. Apoptosis was investigated using three-dimensional (3D) Jurkat cell resistance models. Lesbicoumestan induced potent mitochondrial depolarization on the Jurkat cells via upregulated expression levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the underlying apoptotic mechanisms of lesbicoumestan through the MALT1/NF-κB pathway were comprehensively elucidated. The analysis showed that lesbicoumestan significantly induced MALT1 degradation, which led to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. In addition, molecular docking results illustrate how lesbicoumestan could effectively bind with MALT1 protease at the latter’s active pocket. Similar to traditional 2D cultures, apoptosis was markedly induced upon lesbicoumestan treatment in 3D Jurkat cell resistance models. Our data support the hypothesis that lesbicoumestan is a novel inhibitor of MALT1, as it exhibited potent antiapoptotic effects in Jurkat cells.

Aucklandia lappa Decne., known as “Mok-hyang” in Korea, has been used for the alleviation of abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and stress gastric ulcers in traditional oriental medicine. We investigated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of the ethanol extract of Aucklandia lappa Decne. (ALDE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. ALDE significantly inhibited the LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW 264.7 cells. The production of other proinflammatory mediators, including COX-2, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, was reduced by ALDE in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of ALDE was elucidated to be the suppression of LPS-induced nuclear translocation of p65, followed by the degradation of IκB and the inhibition of the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). In addition, ALDE showed enhanced radical scavenging activity. The antioxidant effect of ALDE was caused by the enhanced expression of heme oxygenase (HO-1) via stabilization of the expression of the nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Collectively, these results indicated that ALDE not only exerts anti-inflammatory effects via the suppression of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways but also has an antioxidative effect through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Our aim was to verify the potential ability of succinylacetone (SA) to inhibit mitochondrial function, thereby suppressing cancer cell proliferation. SA treatment caused apoptosis in HCT116 and HT29 cells, but not in SW480 cells, with mitochondria playing a key role. We checked for dysfunctional mitochondria after SA treatment. Mitochondria of HT29 cells were swollen, indicating damage, whereas in HCT116 cells, several mitochondria had a diminished size. Damaged mitochondria decreased ATP production and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells. To understand SA-induced reduction in ATP production, we investigated the electron transfer chains (ETC) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) activity, which prevents the transfer of acetyl-CoA to the TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle by inhibiting PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase) activity. In each cell line, the inhibitory mechanism of ATP by SA was different. The activity of complex III consisting of the mitochondrial ETCs in HT29 cells was decreased. In contrast, PDH activity in HCT116 cells was reduced. Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT)-removing reactive oxygen species (ROS) was upregulated in HT29 cells, but not in HCT116 cells, indicating that in HT29 cells, a defense mechanism was activated against ROS. Collectively, our study showed a differential mechanism occurs in response to SA in colon cancer cells.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti-cancer effects of probiotic cell-free supernatant (CFS) treatment using Lactobacillus fermentum for colorectal cancer (CRC) in 3D culture systems. Cell viability was assessed using MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt) assays, whereas apoptosis was monitored through RT-qPCR analysis of Bax, Bak, Noxa, and Bid mRNA expressions in addition to flow cytometry analysis of Lactobacillus cell-free supernatant (LCFS) treatment. Our results showed that the anti-cancer effect of LCFS on cell viability was pronouncedly enhanced in 3D-cultured HCT-116 cells, which was linked to the increased level of cleaved caspase 3. Additionally, upregulation of apoptotic marker gene mRNA transcription was dramatically increased in 3D cultured cells compared to 2D systems. In conclusion, this study suggests that LCFS enhances the activation of intrinsic apoptosis in HCT-116 cells and the potential anti-cancer effects of Lactobacilli mixtures in 3D culture systems. All in all, our study highlights the benefits of 3D culture models over 2D culture modeling in studying the anti-cancer effects of probiotics.

Betula platyphylla bark has been evaluated for the treatment of dermatitis, inflammatory conditions, and cancer. Diarylheptanoids are the major constituents of the B. platyphylla bark and possess various pharmacological effects. Our previous study confirmed the selective antiproliferative effect of platyphylloside (BPP) isolated from B. platyphylla on colon cancer and leukemic cells using 60 different cancer cell lines from thr National Cancer Institution (NCI). In line with previous reports, this study focuses on the apoptotic pathway of BPP, a phenolic glycoside composed of two aromatic rings joined by a seven-carbon chain. Cytotoxicity assays in solid tumor and blood cancer cell models demonstrated that BPP possesses potent antiproliferative activity. The level of apoptosis increased with BPP treatment, causing cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase along with the downregulation of IκBα phosphorylation and BCL-2, as well as upregulation of cleaved caspase 3 and BAX proteins. In addition, BPP displayed potent mitochondrial depolarization effects in Jurkat cells. The combined findings revealed that the cytotoxic effects of BPP were mediated by intracellular signaling, possibly through a mechanism involving the upregulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, BPP could be a potential multitarget therapeutic agent in leukemia and colon cancer.

Lignans are known to be an important class of phenylpropanoid secondary metabolites. In the course of our studies on the chemodiversity of lignans, the necessity arose to develop a method for the fast detection and identification of bioactive lignan subclasses. In this study, we detected 10 lignan derivatives of different extracts of F. viridissima by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Lignan glycosides (1 and 2), lignans (3 and 4), and lignan dimers (5−10) were identified by analysis of their exact masses and MSe spectra along with the characteristic mass fragmentation patterns and molecular formulas. We further investigated NO inhibitory effects of F. viridissima fractions and their major lignan derivatives to evaluate those anti-inflammatory effects. The methylene chloride fraction of F. viridissima as well as compounds 8 and 10 showed potent dose-dependent NO inhibitory effects on RAW 264.7 cells. Corresponding to the NO inhibition by compounds 8 and 10, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was notably reduced by both compounds. Our combined data with the bioactive results and the component analysis by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS suggest that the methylene chloride fraction of F. viridissima roots could be potential anti-inflammatory agents and these are related to major lignans including dimeric dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans.

Deuterium oxide (D2O) has been reported to be active toward various in vitro cell lines in combination with phytochemicals. Our objective was to describe, for the first time, the effect of D2O on the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). After D2O treatment, the p53-cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) pathway was stimulated, leading to inhibition of the proliferation of HSCs and an increase in the [ATP]/[ADP] ratio. We also evaluated the role of aquaporin (AQP) 11 in activated HSCs. We found that D2O treatment decreased AQP11 expression levels. Of note, AQP11 levels elevated by a genetic approach counteracted the D2O-mediated inhibition of proliferation. In addition, the expression levels of AQP11 negatively correlated with those of p53. On the other hand, cells transfected with an AQP11-targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) showed enhanced inhibition of proliferation. These findings suggest that the inhibition of cell proliferation by D2O in activated HSCs could be AQP11 dependent. Our previous studies have documented that bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) induces apoptosis by regulating heme oxygenase (HO)-1 protein expression in activated HSCs. In the current study, we tested whether cotreatment with BDMC and D2O can modulate the AQP11-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation effectively. We observed that D2O cotreatment with BDMC significantly decreased cell proliferation compared to treatment with D2O alone, and this effect was accompanied by downregulation of HO-1 and an increase in p53 levels.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Resveratrol, 3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene, is a dietary polyphenol found in natural food products. Here, we evaluated the anti-proliferative effects of a synthetic resveratrol derivative, 3,5-diethoxy-3′-hydroxyresveratrol (DEHR), on HSCs. Flow cytometry and Western blot analyses showed that DEHR induces apoptosis through the upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase expression and reduction in the level of an anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2). As caveolin-1 (CAV1), a competitive inhibitor of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), is related to apoptotic proteins in hepatic cells, we focused on the role of CAV1 in DEHR-induced apoptosis in HSCs through Western blot analyses. Our results showed that the inhibitory effect of DEHR on cell viability was stronger in HO-1 siRNA-transfected cells but weakened in CAV1 siRNA-transfected cells. Collagen concentration was significantly reduced, whereas CAV1 expression increased after treatment of a bile duct ligation injury-induced liver fibrosis model with DEHR for four weeks. We confirmed that DEHR treatment significantly reduced fibrous hyperplasia around the central veins, using hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining. DEHR ameliorates liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo, possibly through a mechanism involving CAV1.

A simple and rapid method using high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC), along with bioassay-guided fractionation based on the anti-proliferative activity against renal and colon cancer cells, has been developed for the preparative separation of aceroside VIII (1) and platyphylloside (2) from Betula platyphylla. A solvent system composed of ethyl acetate/acetonitrile/water (1:0.1:1, v/v/v) was optimized for the separation. The upper phase was used as the stationary phase, and the lower phase was used as the mobile phase. Among these isolated diarylheptanoids, platyphylloside (2) showed anti-proliferative activity in the COLO205 and KM12 colon cells and renal cancer cell lines A498, U031, as well as in MG63 and MG 63.3 osteosarcoma cells. In addition, it showed dose dependent inhibitory effects in the NCI 60 cell line assay. These results suggest that the diarylheptanoids isolated from B. platyphylla with an efficient HSCCC method could be potential multi-targeted therapeutic agents for cancer.

It is well known that activated microglia produce nitric oxide (NO), which has an important role in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. In the course of searching for novel therapeutic agents from medicinal plants against neuroinflammatory diseases, the methanolic extract of Tetrapanax papyriferus was found to have significant NO inhibitory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. Nine oleanane-type triterpenes, including two new compounds, epipapyriogenin C-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6) and 11-O-butylpapyrioside LIIc (9), were isolated from the leaves and stems of Tetrapanax papyriferus. The structures of these compounds were elucidated with 1D- and 2D-NMR and MS data. Among these Δ11,13 oleanane-type triterpenes, compound 3 showed significant NO inhibitory activity in BV-2 cells, reducing the LPS-induced expression of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. Compounds 7 and 9 also showed NO inhibitory activities among the Δ12 oleanane-type triterpene saponins. These results show that oleanane-type triterpenes isolated from T. papyriferus could be a potential natural resource of NO inhibitors used in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.