RESUMEN

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), an aggressive malignancy with virtually 100% disease-specific mortality, has long posed a formidable challenge in oncology due to its resistance to conventional treatments and the severe side effects associated with current regimens such as doxorubicin chemotherapy. Consequently, there was urgent need to identify novel candidate compounds that could provide innovative therapeutic strategies for ATC. Ophiopogonin D' (OPD'), a triterpenoid saponin extracted, yet its roles in ATC has not been reported. Our data demonstrated that OPD' potently inhibited proliferation and metastasis of ATC cells, promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Remarkably, OPD' impeded growth and metastasis of ATC in vitro and in vivo, displaying an encouraging safety profile. Regulator of G-protein signalling 4 (RGS4) expression was significantly up-regulated in ATC compared to normal tissues, and this upregulation was suppressed by OPD' treatment. Mechanistically, we elucidated that the transcription factor JUN bound to the RGS4 promoter, driving its transactivation. However, OPD' interacted with JUN, attenuating its transcriptional activity and thereby disrupting RGS4 overexpression. In summary, our research revealed that OPD' bound with JUN, which in turn resulted in the suppression of transcriptional activation of RGS4, thereby eliciting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ATC cells. These findings could offer promise in the development of high-quality candidate compounds for treatment in ATC.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Proliferación Celular , Proteínas RGS , Saponinas , Transducción de Señal , Espirostanos , Carcinoma Anaplásico de Tiroides , Humanos , Carcinoma Anaplásico de Tiroides/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma Anaplásico de Tiroides/metabolismo , Carcinoma Anaplásico de Tiroides/patología , Saponinas/farmacología , Proteínas RGS/metabolismo , Proteínas RGS/genética , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Línea Celular Tumoral , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Espirostanos/farmacología , Ratones , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Puntos de Control del Ciclo Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-jun/metabolismo , Ratones Desnudos , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/patología , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/metabolismo , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/genética , Ensayos Antitumor por Modelo de Xenoinjerto , Metástasis de la Neoplasia

RESUMEN

The plant genus Tacca comprises twenty species including Tacca plantaginea, essentially distributed in the Indo-China region. Medicinal preparations from the rhizomes are used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal ailments, stomach aches and inflammatory disorders. A variety of bioactive molecules have been isolated from T. plantaginea, including potent anticancer steroids such as the taccanolides which interfere with microtubules dynamic. Other efficient anticancer natural products have been isolated from the plant, in particular a series of diosgenin/yamogenin-type sapogenins including taccaoside (monodesmosidic) and taccaoside A (bidesmosidic). Taccaoside A displays marked anticancer properties through two complementary mechanisms: a direct action on cancer stem cells via HRas and Pi3K/Akt signaling and an indirect immunomodulatory action via activation of cytotoxic T cells. A similar mechanism of action has been invoked with a total saponin extract from Schizocapsa plantaginea Hance (synonym to T. plantaginea) and the saponin SSPH 1. This saponin reduced tumor growth in mice through stimulation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Other bioactive products have been isolated from T. plantaginea, including withanolide-type steroids (plantagiolides, chantriolides), diarylheptanoids (plantagineosides) and different saponins (diosbulbisides, lieguonins). The discussion centers around the mechanism of action of spirostanol saponins, with the objective to promote their study as immuno-active anticancer agents.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos , Saponinas , Espirostanos , Saponinas/farmacología , Saponinas/aislamiento & purificación , Saponinas/química , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/química , Humanos , Espirostanos/farmacología , Espirostanos/química , Espirostanos/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Dioscoreaceae/química , Productos Biológicos/farmacología , Productos Biológicos/química , Productos Biológicos/aislamiento & purificación , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Estructura Molecular

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by acute pulmonary inflammatory infiltration. Alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) release numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines, which result in the pathological changes seen in ALI. Ophiopogonin D (OD), extracted from the roots of Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl. (Liliaceae), reduces inflammation; however, the efficacy of OD in ALI has not been reported and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. PURPOSE: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of OD, as well as the underlying mechanisms, in AECs and a mouse ALI model. METHODS: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were used to stimulate macrophages and A549 cells, and a mouse ALI model was established by intratracheal LPS administration. The anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of OD in the TNF-α-induced in vitro inflammation model was evaluated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting, nuclear and cytoplasmic protein extraction, and immunofluorescence. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of OD was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, qPCR, ELISA, and western blotting. RESULTS: The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue of LPS-induced ALI mice exhibited increased TNF-α expression. TNF-α induced a significantly greater pro-inflammatory effect in AECs than LPS. OD reduced inflammation and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transcription factor p65 phosphorylation in vivo and in vitro and promoted signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation and A20 expression, thereby inducing apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) proteasomal degradation. CONCLUSION: OD exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by promoting STAT3-dependent A20 expression and ASK1 degradation. OD may therefore have therapeutic value in treating ALI and other TNF-α-related inflammatory diseases.

Asunto(s)

Lesión Pulmonar Aguda , Antiinflamatorios , Lipopolisacáridos , Factor de Transcripción STAT3 , Saponinas , Espirostanos , Lesión Pulmonar Aguda/tratamiento farmacológico , Lesión Pulmonar Aguda/inducido químicamente , Animales , Saponinas/farmacología , Espirostanos/farmacología , Ratones , Factor de Transcripción STAT3/metabolismo , Humanos , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Masculino , MAP Quinasa Quinasa Quinasa 5/metabolismo , Células A549 , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Células RAW 264.7 , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ophiopogon/química , Inflamación/tratamiento farmacológico , Células Epiteliales Alveolares/efectos de los fármacos , Células Epiteliales Alveolares/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Raíces de Plantas/química

RESUMEN

Four undescribed spirostan glycosides, (25S)-5α-spirostan- 12-one-2α,3ß-diol-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-D-galactopyranoside (1), (25S)-5α-spirostan-12-one-2α,3ß-diol-3-O-ß-D-galatopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl- (1→4)-ß-D-galactopyranoside (2), (25S)-5α-spirostan-12-one-2α,3ß-diol-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-D-galactopyranoside (3), and hecogenin 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-galactopyranoside (4), together with eleven known compounds (5-15) were isolated from the branches and leaves of Tribulus terrestris. Their chemical structures were established through spectroscopic methods, including HR-ESI-MS, 1D-, and 2D-NMR spectra. Preliminary biological evaluation on NO production inhibitory activity in LPS activated RAW 264.7 cells showed that compounds 1-3, 5, and 6 had significant inhibitory effects with IC50 values ranging from 2.4 to 18.3 µM, compared to that of the positive control compound, dexamethazone (IC50 13.6 µM).

Asunto(s)

Glicósidos , Lipopolisacáridos , Óxido Nítrico , Hojas de la Planta , Espirostanos , Tribulus , Ratones , Animales , Células RAW 264.7 , Lipopolisacáridos/antagonistas & inhibidores , Lipopolisacáridos/farmacología , Tribulus/química , Hojas de la Planta/química , Glicósidos/química , Glicósidos/farmacología , Glicósidos/aislamiento & purificación , Óxido Nítrico/antagonistas & inhibidores , Óxido Nítrico/biosíntesis , Espirostanos/química , Espirostanos/aislamiento & purificación , Espirostanos/farmacología , Tallos de la Planta/química , Relación Estructura-Actividad

RESUMEN

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Rohdea pachynema F.T.Wang & Tang (R. pachynema), is a traditional folk medicine used for the treatment of stomach pain, stomach ulcers, bruises, and skin infections in China. Some of the diseases may relate to microbial infections in traditional applications. However few reports on its antimicrobial properties and bioactive components. AIM OF THE STUDY: To identify its bioactive constituents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro and in vivo, and its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-MRSA ingredient 6α-O-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-D-quinovopyranosyl]-(25S)-5α-spirostan-3ß-ol (XQS) was obtained from R. pachynema by phytochemical isolation. Subsequently, XQS underwent screening using the broth microdilution method and growth inhibition curves to assess its antibacterial activity. The mechanism of XQS was evaluated by multigeneration induction, biofilm resistance assay, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and metabolomics. Additionally, a mouse skin infection model was established in vivo. RESULTS: 26 compounds were identified from the R. pachynema, in which anti-MRSA spirostane saponin (XQS) was reported for the first time with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 µg/mL. XQS might bind to peptidoglycan (PGN) of the cell wall, phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) of the cell membrane, then destroying the cell wall and the cell membrane, resulting in reduced membrane fluidity and membrane depolarization. Furthermore, XQS affected MRSA lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and ABC transporters by metabolomics analysis, which targeted cell walls and membranes causing less susceptibility to drug resistance. Furthermore, XQS (8 mg/kg) recovered skin wounds in mice infected by MRSA effectively, superior to vancomycin (8 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: XQS showed anti-MRSA bioactivity in vitro and in vivo, and its mechanism association with cell walls and membranes was reported for the first, which supported the traditional uses of R. pachynema and explained its sensitivity to MRSA.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Saponinas , Animales , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/efectos de los fármacos , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antibacterianos/aislamiento & purificación , Ratones , Saponinas/farmacología , Saponinas/aislamiento & purificación , Espirostanos/farmacología , Espirostanos/aislamiento & purificación , Biopelículas/efectos de los fármacos , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/microbiología , Femenino , Peces , Masculino

RESUMEN

Three new polyhydroxylated spirostanol steroidal saponins, dulongenosides B-D (2-4), along with 14 known compounds, dulongenoside A (1), padelaoside B (5), parisyunnanoside G (6), polyphyllin D (7), ophiopogonin C' (8), formosanin C (9), dioscin (10), paris saponin VII (11), paris H (12), parisyunnanoside I (13), protodioscin (14), proprotogracillin (15), crustecdysone (16), and stigmasterol-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (17), were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris dulongensis (Melanthiaceae). Their chemical structures were elucidated based on extensive analyses of NMR and MS data and acidic hydrolyses. The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicity to five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SW480, MDA-MB-231, A549, and A549/Taxol) and the normal human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B by the MTS test. Compounds 7-12 and 14 showed cytotoxic activity, with IC50 values ranging from 0.20 to 4.35 µM. Proprotogracillin selectively inhibited A549 (IC50=0.58 µM) and A549/Taxol (IC50=0.74 µM) cells, with no significant cytotoxic activity against HL-60, SW480, MDA-MB-231, or BEAS-2B cells, with IC50 values greater than 40 µM.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Melanthiaceae , Rizoma , Saponinas , Espirostanos , Humanos , Saponinas/aislamiento & purificación , Saponinas/farmacología , Saponinas/química , Rizoma/química , Melanthiaceae/química , Espirostanos/química , Espirostanos/aislamiento & purificación , Espirostanos/farmacología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/química , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Estructura Molecular , Conformación Molecular , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT: Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction commonly occurs in individuals with sepsis and is a severe complication with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of the natural steroidal sapogenin ruscogenin (RUS) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocardial injury in septic mice. We found that RUS effectively alleviated myocardial pathological damage, normalized cardiac function, and increased survival in septic mice. RNA sequencing demonstrated that RUS administration significantly inhibited the activation of the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway in the myocardial tissues of septic mice. Subsequent experiments further confirmed that RUS suppressed myocardial inflammation and pyroptosis during sepsis. In addition, cultured HL-1 cardiomyocytes were challenged with LPS, and we observed that RUS could protect these cells against LPS-induced cytotoxicity by suppressing inflammation and pyroptosis. Notably, both the in vivo and in vitro findings indicated that RUS inhibited NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) upregulation in cardiomyocytes stimulated with LPS. As expected, knockdown of NLRP3 blocked the LPS-induced activation of inflammation and pyroptosis in HL-1 cells. Furthermore, the cardioprotective effects of RUS on HL-1 cells under LPS stimulation were abolished by the novel NLRP3 agonist BMS-986299. Taken together, our results suggest that RUS can alleviate myocardial injury during sepsis, at least in part by suppressing NLRP3-mediated inflammation and pyroptosis, highlighting the potential of this molecule as a promising candidate for sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction therapy.

Asunto(s)

Antiinflamatorios , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Lipopolisacáridos , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Miocitos Cardíacos , Proteína con Dominio Pirina 3 de la Familia NLR , Piroptosis , Sepsis , Transducción de Señal , Espirostanos , Animales , Lipopolisacáridos/toxicidad , Miocitos Cardíacos/efectos de los fármacos , Miocitos Cardíacos/patología , Miocitos Cardíacos/metabolismo , Espirostanos/farmacología , Sepsis/tratamiento farmacológico , Sepsis/complicaciones , Sepsis/metabolismo , Proteína con Dominio Pirina 3 de la Familia NLR/metabolismo , Proteína con Dominio Pirina 3 de la Familia NLR/antagonistas & inhibidores , Piroptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Ratones , Cardiomiopatías/prevención & control , Cardiomiopatías/patología , Cardiomiopatías/metabolismo , Cardiomiopatías/tratamiento farmacológico , Cardiomiopatías/inducido químicamente , Mediadores de Inflamación/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Bulbs of Lilium brownii, commonly known as "Bai-he" in China, serve both edible and medicinal purposes in clinical practice. In this study, two new isospirostanol-type saponins were isolated from L. brownii, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic method, and absolute configurations were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectral data obtained from combined acid hydrolysis. Two compounds were finally identified as 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside]-(22R,25R)-5α-spirosolane-3ß-ol (1) and 3-O-{α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside}-(22R,25R)-5α-spirosolane-3ß-ol (2), respectively. Further, we found that compound 2 significantly suppressed the proliferation of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells with IC50 values of 26.3±1.08 µM and 30.9±1.59 µM, whereas compound 1 didn't inhibit both of the two hepatocellular carcinoma. Subsequently, compound 2 effectively decreased the levels of interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α and the expression of Bcl-2, and increased the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 proteins. Which indicated that the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect of compound 2 involves reducing the level of inflammation and inducing apoptosis.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Proliferación Celular , Lilium , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Raíces de Plantas , Saponinas , Humanos , Saponinas/farmacología , Saponinas/química , Saponinas/aislamiento & purificación , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Lilium/química , Raíces de Plantas/química , Neoplasias Hepáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/química , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Línea Celular Tumoral , Espirostanos/farmacología , Espirostanos/química , Espirostanos/aislamiento & purificación , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Interleucina-1beta/antagonistas & inhibidores , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Células Hep G2 , Estructura Molecular , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Conformación Molecular

RESUMEN

The spirostanol saponin gitonin was efficiently synthesized in 12 steps (longest linear sequence) in 18.5% overall yield from the commercially available isopropyl ß-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) and tigogenin. A cascade two-step glycosylation and Schmidt's inverse procedure significantly facilitated the synthesis of gitonin and its derivatives. The cytotoxic activities of gitonin and its structural analogues were evaluated against A549, HepG2, and MCF-7, and most of them exhibited moderate to excellent inhibitory activity. Our study demonstrates that the removal of the ß-D-galactopyranosyl residue (attached at C-2 of the glucose unit) from gitonin would not decrease the inhibition activities; however, further cleavage of sugar units could seriously reduce the activities. A bioassay on these cancer cell lines also suggested that the presence of 2α-hydroxy on the aglycone weakened the cytotoxicity of the designed saponin.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Saponinas , Espirostanos , Saponinas/química , Estructura Molecular , Glicósidos Digitálicos , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Espirostanos/farmacología , Línea Celular Tumoral

RESUMEN

Ruscogenin (RUS), a major effective steroidal sapogenin derived from Ophiopogon japonicas, has been reported to alleviate myocardial ischemia (MI), but its cardioprotective mechanism is still not completely clear. In this study, we observed that RUS markedly reduced MI-induced myocardial injury, as evidenced by notable reductions in infarct size, improvement in biochemical markers, alleviation of cardiac pathology, amelioration of mitochondrial damage, and inhibition of myocardial apoptosis. Moreover, RUS notably suppressed oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-triggered cell injury and apoptosis. Notably, RUS demonstrated a considerable decrease of the interaction between myosin IIA and F-actin, along with the restoration of mitochondrial fusion and fission balance. We further confirmed that the effects of RUS on MI were mediated by myosin IIA using siRNA and overexpression techniques. The inhibition of myosin IIA resulted in a significant improvement of mitochondrial fusion and fission imbalance, while simultaneously counteracting the beneficial effects of RUS. By contrast, overexpression of myosin IIA aggravated the imbalance between mitochondrial fusion and fission and partially weakened the protection of RUS. These findings suggest that myosin IIA is essential or even a key functional protein in the cardioprotection of RUS. Overall, our results have elucidated an undiscovered mechanism involving myosin IIA-dependent mitochondrial fusion and fission balance for treating MI. Furthermore, our study has uncovered a novel mechanism underlying the protective effects of RUS.

Asunto(s)

Isquemia Miocárdica , Miosina Tipo IIA no Muscular , Espirostanos , Humanos , Dinámicas Mitocondriales , Isquemia Miocárdica/tratamiento farmacológico , Isquemia Miocárdica/genética , Espirostanos/farmacología , Espirostanos/uso terapéutico , Apoptosis/genética

RESUMEN

A four-step synthesis of five- and six-membered E/F ring spiroethers from tigogenin has been developed. An efficient strategy that features bis-Grignard reaction of dinorcholanic lactone with appropriate bis(bromomagnesio)alkanes followed by acid-mediated spirocyclization was employed to construct a new class of steroid compounds having E and F ring junction as an oxa-carbacyclic system. The synthesized carbaanalogs interact with liposomes and albumin, and also exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activity, demonstrating their pharmacological potential.

Asunto(s)

Sapogeninas , Espirostanos , Sapogeninas/farmacología , Esteroides/farmacología , Espirostanos/farmacología

RESUMEN

Lung cancer, one of the most often diagnosed malignancies, is the top cause of death in both men and women globally. In both developed and emerging countries, high incidences of cancer are becoming a huge health burden. Natural resources, including plants, have always been a possible source of lead compounds in the identification of optimal medications for cancer treatment, with natural resources accounting for around half of all anticancer drugs. Ruscogenin, a natural saponin, is a major component of Radix Ophiopogon japonicus with a well-established anticancer activity. In this study, the anticancer potential of ruscogenin against a B(a)P-challenged lung cancer model in mice was assessed. The mice were categorized into four groups: group I was as the control group, group II mice were challenged with B(a)P, group III rodents were treated with ruscogenin prior to challenge with B(a)P, and group IV rodents were treated with ruscogenin after B(a)P administration. Tumor incidence was calculated, and the following parameters were analyzed: body weight, lung weight, immunoglobulin (Ig) levels (IgG, IgA, and IgM), key marker enzymes, and proinflammatory cytokines in both treated and control mice. Lung tissues were analyzed via histopathological analysis. According to our results, all the markers that favor the growth of cancer were increased in the lung cancer group. After administration of ruscogenin, all the markers returned to their original levels, revealing the anticancer potential of ruscogenin.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias Pulmonares , Ophiopogon , Espirostanos , Ratones , Femenino , Animales , Citocinas , Espirostanos/farmacología , Espirostanos/uso terapéutico , Espirostanos/análisis , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico

RESUMEN

This study aims to unveil the effect of ophiopogonin D(OPD) on isoproterenol(ISO)-induced apoptosis of rat cardiomyocytes and the possible targets, which is expected to provide clues for further research on the myocardial protection of ophiopogonins. Cell count kit-8(CCK-8) assay was used to detect viability of cells treated with OPD and ISO, Western blot to examine the effect of OPD and ISO on the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related Bip, Bax, Perk, ATF4, caspase-12, and CHOP, flow cytometry to determine cell apoptosis rate, and Hoechst 33258 and Tunel staining to observe cell apoptosis and morphological changes. In addition, the probe for calcium ion-specific detection was employed to investigate calcium ion release from the endoplasmic reticulum, and OPD-bond epoxy-activated agarose solid-phase microspheres were prepared and used as affinity matrix to capture OPD-binding target proteins in H9 c2 cell lysate. For the target proteins of OPD identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry, the related signal pathways were enriched and the potential targets of OPD against cardiomyocyte injury were discussed. The experimental result showed that 10 µmol·L~(-1) ISO can significantly induce the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins and promote cell apoptosis. Different concentration of OPD can prevent the damage of myocardial cells caused by ISO. According to mass spectrometry results, 19 proteins, including Fam129 a and Pdia6, were involved in multiple signaling pathways such as the unfolded protein reaction bound by the ERN1 sensor, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and Nrf2 signal transduction pathway. The above results indicate that OPD protects cardiomyocytes by regulating multiple signaling pathways of target proteins and affecting cell cycle progression.

Asunto(s)

Miocitos Cardíacos , Espirostanos , Animales , Apoptosis , Calcio/farmacología , Estrés del Retículo Endoplásmico , Isoproterenol/toxicidad , Ratas , Saponinas , Espirostanos/farmacología

RESUMEN

Sarsasapogenin is a natural steroidal sapogenin molecule obtained mainly from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge. Among the various phytosteroids present, sarsasapogenin has emerged as a promising molecule due to the fact of its diverse pharmacological activities. In this review, the chemistry, biosynthesis and pharmacological potentials of sarsasapogenin are summarised. Between 1996 and the present, the relevant literature regarding sarsasapogenin was obtained from scientific databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Overall, sarsasapogenin is a potent molecule with anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-osteoclastogenic and neuroprotective activities. It is also a potential molecule in the treatment for precocious puberty. This review also discusses the metabolism, pharmacokinetics and possible structural modifications as well as obstacles and opportunities for sarsasapogenin to become a drug molecule in the near future. More comprehensive preclinical studies, clinical trials, drug delivery, formulations of effective doses in pharmacokinetics studies, evaluation of adverse effects and potential synergistic effects with other drugs need to be thoroughly investigated to make sarsasapogenin a potential molecule for future drug development.

Asunto(s)

Anemarrhena , Espirostanos , Anemarrhena/química , Diseño de Fármacos , Espirostanos/química , Espirostanos/farmacología

RESUMEN

Dietary supplements sold for anabolic benefits or performance enhancement often contain substances, which are non-approved and might lack quality controls. With regard to athletes, the inclusion of substances or methods in the prohibited list of the World Anti-Doping Agency is based on medical or scientific evidence. 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin is a synthetic spirostane-type steroid, which is contained in dietary supplements and advertised as anabolic agent. To date, evidence is missing on anabolic or androgenic activity of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin. We investigated its androgenic potential in two in vitro bioassays. While no activity was observed in the yeast androgen screen, 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin was able to trans-activate the androgen receptor in human prostate cells in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, a biphasic response was observed with antagonistic properties at lower concentrations and agonistic effects at higher concentrations tested. The demonstrated androgenic properties of the higher concentrations demonstrate that further investigations should focus on the safety as well as on potential anabolic effects of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin. This is of interest with regard to abuse for doping purposes.

Asunto(s)

Anabolizantes , Doping en los Deportes , Espirostanos , Anabolizantes/toxicidad , Andrógenos/toxicidad , Suplementos Dietéticos , Humanos , Masculino , Espirostanos/farmacología , Esteroides , Congéneres de la Testosterona

RESUMEN

Ophiopogonin­B (OP­B) is a bioactive component from the root of Ophiopogon japonicus, which can exert anticancer effects on multiple malignant tumors. The present study aimed to uncover the effects of OP­B on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying mechanisms. An HCC­xenografted mouse model was established and subsequently treated with OP­B (15 and 75 mg/kg) to observe the effects of OP­B on HCC progression and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) expression in vivo. The HCC cell line MHCC97­H was transfected with either PTP1B overexpression (Ov)­PTP1B or empty vector control, and then exposed to different concentrations of OP­B. Subsequently, PTP1B expression, cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and angiogenesis were evaluated by western blotting, reverse transcription­quantitative PCR, Cell Counting Kit­8, colony formation, TUNEL staining, wound healing, Transwell and tube formation assays. The expression of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT and adenosine 5'­monophosphate­activated protein kinase (AMPK) was also assessed by western blot assay. The results showed that OP­B inhibited tumor growth and the expression of Ki67, CD31, VEGFA and PTP1B in HCC xenograft model. The expression of PTP1B in HCC cells was also inhibited by OP­B in a concentration­dependent manner. Results from the in vitro studies revealed that OP­B suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis, and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells. However, PTP1B overexpression reversed the effect of OP­B on HCC cells. PI3K/AKT was inactivated and AMPK was activated by OP­B exposure in HCC cells, and PTP1B overexpression blocked these effects. In conclusion, OP­B effectively inhibited the progression of HCC both in vivo and in vitro. These effects may depend on downregulating PTP1B expression, thereby inactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway and activating the AMPK pathway.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Proteína Tirosina Fosfatasa no Receptora Tipo 1/metabolismo , Saponinas/farmacología , Espirostanos/farmacología , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por AMP/metabolismo , Animales , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/uso terapéutico , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Línea Celular , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Neovascularización Patológica/metabolismo , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Saponinas/uso terapéutico , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Espirostanos/uso terapéutico , Ensayos Antitumor por Modelo de Xenoinjerto

RESUMEN

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Maidong (Liliaceae) is used as a yin-nourishing medication for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and assistant cancer chemotherapy in the clinic. Ophiopogonin B (OP-B), a major saponin extracted from Maidong, is reported to have potential antitumor activities against various human cancers. However, the effects of OP-B on human ovarian cancer (OC) and the potential mechanisms of action are yet elusive. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we aimed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of OP-B in the treatment of OC using network pharmacology. In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to further verify the therapeutic effects of OP-B on OC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate the functions of OP-B against OC holistically, the related targets of OP-B and OC were each predicted based on four public databases. Subsequently, the identified PPI network was constructed to detect the hub potential targets. In addition, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were applied by Metascape database. Furthermore, we simultaneously investigated the anticancer effects of OP-B on SKOV3 and A2780 human ovarian cancer cells using a cell viability assay, transwell assay, and an image-based cytometric assay. The quantitative real-time PCR and western-blot assay were used to validate the RNA and protein levels of target genes in OP-B treated OC cells. At last, SKOV3-bearing BALB/c nude mice were applied to observe the effectiveness and toxicity of OP-B. RESULTS: Through network pharmacological analysis, OP-B was found to play a critical role in OC via multiple targets and pathways, especially the STAT3 signaling pathways. In addition, in vitro experiments found OP-B suppressed SKOV3 and A2780 cells proliferation in a time and concentration dependent manner, and markedly impaired cancer cell migration. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that OP-B significantly increased early and late apoptosis, induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in SKOV3 cells and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in A2780 cells. Moreover, OP-B administration down-regulated the expression of p-STAT3 protein, whereas the RNA expression and total protein levels of STAT3 were not altered. Finally, in vivo experiments confirmed the therapeutic effects of OP-B on OC in nude mice with low toxicity in heart, liver, lung, and kidney. CONCLUSION: OP-B could efficiently suppress OC cellular proliferation, migration and induce apoptosis, cell cycle arrest mainly via the regulation of STAT3 signaling pathway. This study provides a promising potential application for an alternative to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Liliaceae/química , Neoplasias Ováricas/tratamiento farmacológico , Saponinas/farmacología , Espirostanos/farmacología , Animales , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/administración & dosificación , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Femenino , Humanos , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Ratones Desnudos , Farmacología en Red , Neoplasias Ováricas/patología , Factor de Transcripción STAT3/metabolismo , Saponinas/administración & dosificación , Saponinas/aislamiento & purificación , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Espirostanos/administración & dosificación , Espirostanos/aislamiento & purificación , Ensayos Antitumor por Modelo de Xenoinjerto

RESUMEN

In this study, the popular food and medicinal herb Ophiopogon japonicus was investigated alongside a 70% ethanol extract of its rhizomes, revealing twenty-three steroidal glycosides with four undescribed steroidal saponins, named ophiopogonols A-D. Among them, ophiopogonols A-B are two unusual spirostanols with a rearranged A/B ring system (5/7/6/5/5/6 ring system) that have not previously been identified in plants. The chemical structures of all isolated steroidal glycosides were elucidated by comprehensive analysis through chemical methods, HRESIMS, and NMR spectroscopy. Further, putative biosynthetic pathways for ophiopogonols A-B were proposed. In addition, based on traditional applications of O. japonicus, cytotoxic effects of the isolates were evaluated using human large cell lung carcinoma cells (NCI-H460 cells). Sprengerinin C displayed a remarkable cytotoxic effect with IC50 values of 2.1 ± 0.8 µM by inducing apoptosis and G2/M phase cycle arrest in the NCI-H460 cell line.

Asunto(s)

Ophiopogon , Saponinas , Espirostanos , Glicósidos , Estructura Molecular , Rizoma , Saponinas/farmacología , Espirostanos/farmacología

RESUMEN

Saponins, a diverse group of natural compounds, offer an interesting pool of derivatives with biomedical application. In this study, three structurally related spirostanol saponins were isolated and identified from the leek flowers of Allium porrum L. (garden leek). Two of them were identical with the already known leek plant constituents: aginoside (1) and 6-deoxyaginoside (2). The third one was identified as new component of A. porrum; however, it was found identical with yayoisaponin A (3) obtained earlier from a mutant of elephant garlic Allium ampeloprasun L. It is a derivative of the aginoside (1) with additional glucose in its glycosidic chain, identified by MS and NMR analysis as (2α, 3ß, 6ß, 25R)-2,6-dihydroxyspirostan-3-yl ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-ß-D-glucopranosyl-(1 → 2)-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-(1 → 4)-ß-D-galactopyranoside, previously reported also under the name alliporin. The leek native saponins were tested together with other known and structurally related saponins (tomatonin and digitonin) and with their related aglycones (agigenin and diosgenin) for in vitro cytotoxicity and for effects on NO production in mouse peritoneal cells. The highest inhibitory effects were exhibited by 6-deoxyaginoside. The obtained toxicity data, however, closely correlated with the suppression of NO production. Therefore, an unambiguous linking of obtained bioactivities of saponins with their expected immunobiological properties remained uncertain.

Asunto(s)

Allium/química , Flores/química , Macrófagos Peritoneales/efectos de los fármacos , Óxido Nítrico/antagonistas & inhibidores , Saponinas/farmacología , Espirostanos/farmacología , Animales , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Lipopolisacáridos/antagonistas & inhibidores , Lipopolisacáridos/farmacología , Macrófagos Peritoneales/metabolismo , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Conformación Molecular , Óxido Nítrico/biosíntesis , Saponinas/química , Saponinas/aislamiento & purificación , Espirostanos/química , Espirostanos/aislamiento & purificación

RESUMEN

To explore the effect of ophiopogonin D on main fatty acid metabolic enzymes in human cardiomyocyte AC-16,so as to provide reference for cardiovascular protection mechanism and safe clinical application of Ophiopogon japonicus.CCK-8 (cell counting kit-8) was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of ophiopogonin D on the viability of cardiomyocytes.Meanwhile,the effect of different concentrations of ophiopogonin D on the morphology and quantity of cardiomyocytes was observed under microscope.The effect of ophiopogonin D on the mRNA expression of CYP2J2,CYP4F3,CYP4A11,CYP4A22 and CYP4F2 in cardiomyocytes was detected by RT-PCR.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of CYP4F3 in different concentrations of ophiopogonin D.Compared with the control group,low-concentration ophiopogonin D had no effect on the viability of cardiomyocytes.However,ophiopogonin D with a concentration of higher than 20µmol·L~(-1)could promote the viability.Under the microscope,ophiopogonin D with a concentration of below 100µmol·L~(-1)had no significant effect on the morphology and number of cardiomyocytes.RT-PCR results showed that compared with the control group,5µmol·L~(-1)ophiopogonin D could slightly up-regulate mRNA expressions of CYP2J2 and CYP4F3,while high-concentration ophiopogonin D (10 and 20µmol·L~(-1)) could significantly induce mRNA expressions of CYP2J2and CYP4F3 in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05).The same concentration of ophiopogonin D had a little effect on the mRNA expressions of CYP4A11,CYP4A22 and CYP4F2.Western blot results showed that 20µmol·L~(-1)ophiopogonin D could significantly induce the protein expression of CYP4F3 in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05).Based on the above results,ophiopogonin D (less than100µmol·L~(-1)) has no effect on the viability of AC-16 cardiomyocytes.Ophiopogonin D (less than 100µmol·L~(-1)) can selectively induce the expressions of CYP2J2 and CYP4F3,regulate the metabolic pathway of fatty acid signaling molecules,and thus protecting the cardiovascular system.

Asunto(s)

Saponinas , Espirostanos , Ácidos Grasos , Humanos , Miocitos Cardíacos , Saponinas/farmacología , Espirostanos/farmacología