1.Gypenoside L Regulates piR-hsa-2804461/FKBP8/Bcl-2 Axis to Promote Apoptosis and Inhibit Ovarian Cancer
Yuanguang DONG ; Yinying SUN ; Mingdian YUAN ; Ying YANG ; Jiaxin WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):98-106
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism by which gypenoside L (Gyp-L) promotes apoptosis and inhibits ovarian cancer (OC) through the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) prolyl isomerase 8 (FKBP8)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) axis, with the piR-hsa-2804461 pathway as a breakthrough point. MethodsThe effects of different concentrations of Gyp-L and cis-platinum on the proliferation of OVCAR3 cells were determined by the cell count kit-8 method to identify the appropriate intervention concentration for subsequent experiments. OVCAR3 cells were allocated into blank, low-dose Gyp-L (Gyp-L-L, 50 µmol·L-1), high-dose Gyp-L (Gyp-L-H, 100 µmol·L-1), and cis-platinum (15 µmol·L-1) groups. The migration, colony formation, and apoptosis of OVCAR3 cells were detected by the cell scratch assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. The mRNA levels of piR-hsa-2804461 and FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis-related genes in OVCAR3 cells were determined by Real-time PCR, and the expression levels of FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis-related proteins were determined by simple Western blot. Further, an OVCAR3 cell model with piR-hsa-2804461 knocked out was constructed. The cells were allocated into blank, NC-inhibitor, inhibitor, NC-inhibitor+Gyp-L, and inhibitor+Gyp-L groups. The colony formation of OVCAR3 cells was detected by the colony formation assay. The mRNA levels of piR-hsa-2804461 and FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis-related genes and the expression levels of FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis-related proteins were determined by Real-time PCR and simple Western blotting, respectively. ResultsGyp-L inhibited the migration and proliferation (P<0.01), promoted the apoptosis (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA level of piR-hsa-2804461 (P<0.05), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of FKBP8 and Bcl-2 (P<0.05) in OVCAR3 cells. Furthermore, Gyp-L increased the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase (Caspase)-3, and Caspase-9, which are related to the FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis (P<0.05). ConclusionGyp-L may promote apoptosis by regulating the piR-hsa-2804461/FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis, thus affecting the occurrence of ovarian cancer.
2.Exploring Molecular Mechanism of Gypenoside L against Ovarian Cancer Based on Ferroptosis Pathway Mediated by Mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/ATF3-LPCAT3
Jingxuan ZHU ; Jiao ZHAO ; Qun WANG ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Hongda ZHANG ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):107-117
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC and pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT in the ferroptosis phenotype of ovarian cancer (OC) cells and the regulatory mechanism of gypenoside L (Gyp-L) on mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC and pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT in OC cells. MethodsThe proliferation of human ovarian adenocarcinoma OVCAR3 cells was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of cisplatin (DDP), Gyp-L, and DDP in the presence of Gyp-L were calculated to determine the intervention concentration for subsequent experiments. Cell cloning assay and scratch assay reflected the proliferation and migration ability of OVCAR3 cells. PANDORA-seq small RNA sequencing was used to detect the differentially expressed transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) in the cells after Gyp-L intervention, and the corresponding target genes of the tsRNAs were found by the RNAhybrid software. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxide (LPO) levels were measured by colorimetry or enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, Fe2+ content by FerroOrange fluorescent probe, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe to reflect the occurrence of ferroptosis in OVCAR3 cells. OVCAR3 cells were divided into a control group, a 50 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L group, and a 100 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the expression of mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC, mature-tRNA-Leu-CAA, mature-mt_tRNA-Tyr-GTA_5_end, mature-tRNA-Val-CAC, mature-mt_tRNA-Glu-TTC, pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT, mature-tRNA-Asn-GTT, hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS), Wnt, β-catenin, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3), and arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15). Western blot was performed to detect the expression of HMBS, Wnt, β-catenin, GPX4, KEAP1, Nrf2, ATF3, xCT, LPCAT3, and ALOX15 proteins. ResultsThe 50 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L, 100 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L, DDP, 50 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L+DDP, and 100 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L+DDP groups showed significantly inhibited proliferation and migration of OVCAR3 cells (P<0.05) and exacerbated cell ferroptosis as reflected by the increase in the content of ROS, MDA, LPO, and Fe2+, as well as a decrease in the content of GSH (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, Gyp-L effectively interfered with the expression of 25 tsRNAs in OVCAR3 cells (P<0.05, |log2Fc|>1). Pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT/HMBS/Wnt/β-catenin/GPX4, pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT/KEAP1/NRF2/xCT, mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/ATF3/KEAP1/NRF2/xCT, and mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/LPCAT3/ALOX15 axial expression was significantly aberrant after Gyp-L intervention (P<0.05). ConclusionThe pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT/HMBS/Wnt/β-catenin/GPX4, pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT/KEAP1/Nrf2/xCT, mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/ATF3/KEAP1/Nrf2/xCT, and mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/LPCAT3/ALOX15 signaling pathways are involved in OC development. Gyp-L inhibits OC development by activating OVCAR3 cell ferroptosis onset mainly through the mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/ATF3/KEAP1/Nrf2/xCT and mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/LPCAT3/ALOX15 signaling axes.
3.Molecular Mechanism of Gypenoside L in Anti-Ovarian Cancer by Affecting GCK-Mediated Glycolytic Pathway
Yuanguang DONG ; Nan SONG ; Ying YANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Jiaxin WANG ; Mingdian YUAN ; Yingying SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):118-124
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of gypenoside L (Gyp-L) in the treatment of ovarian cancer (OC) by taking the glycolytic pathway of OC as the key point. MethodsThe proliferation activity of OVCAR3 cells was measured by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to determine the appropriate intervention concentration for subsequent experiments. The cell clone formation assay and the scratch healing assay were employed to assess the proliferation and migration capabilities of OVCAR3 cells. OVCAR3 cells were divided into a blank group, a Gyp-L-L group (low concentration of Gyp-L, 50 µmol
4.Gypenoside L Regulates piR-hsa-2804461/FKBP8/Bcl-2 Axis to Promote Apoptosis and Inhibit Ovarian Cancer
Yuanguang DONG ; Yinying SUN ; Mingdian YUAN ; Ying YANG ; Jiaxin WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):98-106
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism by which gypenoside L (Gyp-L) promotes apoptosis and inhibits ovarian cancer (OC) through the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) prolyl isomerase 8 (FKBP8)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) axis, with the piR-hsa-2804461 pathway as a breakthrough point. MethodsThe effects of different concentrations of Gyp-L and cis-platinum on the proliferation of OVCAR3 cells were determined by the cell count kit-8 method to identify the appropriate intervention concentration for subsequent experiments. OVCAR3 cells were allocated into blank, low-dose Gyp-L (Gyp-L-L, 50 µmol·L-1), high-dose Gyp-L (Gyp-L-H, 100 µmol·L-1), and cis-platinum (15 µmol·L-1) groups. The migration, colony formation, and apoptosis of OVCAR3 cells were detected by the cell scratch assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. The mRNA levels of piR-hsa-2804461 and FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis-related genes in OVCAR3 cells were determined by Real-time PCR, and the expression levels of FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis-related proteins were determined by simple Western blot. Further, an OVCAR3 cell model with piR-hsa-2804461 knocked out was constructed. The cells were allocated into blank, NC-inhibitor, inhibitor, NC-inhibitor+Gyp-L, and inhibitor+Gyp-L groups. The colony formation of OVCAR3 cells was detected by the colony formation assay. The mRNA levels of piR-hsa-2804461 and FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis-related genes and the expression levels of FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis-related proteins were determined by Real-time PCR and simple Western blotting, respectively. ResultsGyp-L inhibited the migration and proliferation (P<0.01), promoted the apoptosis (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA level of piR-hsa-2804461 (P<0.05), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of FKBP8 and Bcl-2 (P<0.05) in OVCAR3 cells. Furthermore, Gyp-L increased the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase (Caspase)-3, and Caspase-9, which are related to the FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis (P<0.05). ConclusionGyp-L may promote apoptosis by regulating the piR-hsa-2804461/FKBP8/Bcl-2 axis, thus affecting the occurrence of ovarian cancer.
5.Exploring Molecular Mechanism of Gypenoside L against Ovarian Cancer Based on Ferroptosis Pathway Mediated by Mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/ATF3-LPCAT3
Jingxuan ZHU ; Jiao ZHAO ; Qun WANG ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Hongda ZHANG ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):107-117
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC and pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT in the ferroptosis phenotype of ovarian cancer (OC) cells and the regulatory mechanism of gypenoside L (Gyp-L) on mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC and pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT in OC cells. MethodsThe proliferation of human ovarian adenocarcinoma OVCAR3 cells was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of cisplatin (DDP), Gyp-L, and DDP in the presence of Gyp-L were calculated to determine the intervention concentration for subsequent experiments. Cell cloning assay and scratch assay reflected the proliferation and migration ability of OVCAR3 cells. PANDORA-seq small RNA sequencing was used to detect the differentially expressed transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) in the cells after Gyp-L intervention, and the corresponding target genes of the tsRNAs were found by the RNAhybrid software. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxide (LPO) levels were measured by colorimetry or enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, Fe2+ content by FerroOrange fluorescent probe, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe to reflect the occurrence of ferroptosis in OVCAR3 cells. OVCAR3 cells were divided into a control group, a 50 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L group, and a 100 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the expression of mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC, mature-tRNA-Leu-CAA, mature-mt_tRNA-Tyr-GTA_5_end, mature-tRNA-Val-CAC, mature-mt_tRNA-Glu-TTC, pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT, mature-tRNA-Asn-GTT, hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS), Wnt, β-catenin, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3), and arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15). Western blot was performed to detect the expression of HMBS, Wnt, β-catenin, GPX4, KEAP1, Nrf2, ATF3, xCT, LPCAT3, and ALOX15 proteins. ResultsThe 50 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L, 100 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L, DDP, 50 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L+DDP, and 100 µmol·L-1 Gyp-L+DDP groups showed significantly inhibited proliferation and migration of OVCAR3 cells (P<0.05) and exacerbated cell ferroptosis as reflected by the increase in the content of ROS, MDA, LPO, and Fe2+, as well as a decrease in the content of GSH (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, Gyp-L effectively interfered with the expression of 25 tsRNAs in OVCAR3 cells (P<0.05, |log2Fc|>1). Pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT/HMBS/Wnt/β-catenin/GPX4, pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT/KEAP1/NRF2/xCT, mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/ATF3/KEAP1/NRF2/xCT, and mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/LPCAT3/ALOX15 axial expression was significantly aberrant after Gyp-L intervention (P<0.05). ConclusionThe pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT/HMBS/Wnt/β-catenin/GPX4, pre-tRNA-Arg-TCT/KEAP1/Nrf2/xCT, mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/ATF3/KEAP1/Nrf2/xCT, and mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/LPCAT3/ALOX15 signaling pathways are involved in OC development. Gyp-L inhibits OC development by activating OVCAR3 cell ferroptosis onset mainly through the mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/ATF3/KEAP1/Nrf2/xCT and mature-tRNA-Asp-GTC/LPCAT3/ALOX15 signaling axes.
6.Molecular Mechanism of Gypenoside L in Anti-Ovarian Cancer by Affecting GCK-Mediated Glycolytic Pathway
Yuanguang DONG ; Nan SONG ; Ying YANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Jiaxin WANG ; Mingdian YUAN ; Yingying SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):118-124
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of gypenoside L (Gyp-L) in the treatment of ovarian cancer (OC) by taking the glycolytic pathway of OC as the key point. MethodsThe proliferation activity of OVCAR3 cells was measured by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to determine the appropriate intervention concentration for subsequent experiments. The cell clone formation assay and the scratch healing assay were employed to assess the proliferation and migration capabilities of OVCAR3 cells. OVCAR3 cells were divided into a blank group, a Gyp-L-L group (low concentration of Gyp-L, 50 µmol
7.Effect of Gypenosides on MAFLD Mice and Its Molecular Mechanism Based on Classical/Non-classical Ferroptosis Pathways
Yu LIU ; Yupeng PEI ; Jiaxin WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Xiaofei SUN ; Qun WANG ; Peng CUI ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):99-107
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of gypenosides (GPs) on liver lipid deposition in metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) mice and its mechanism based on classical/non-classical ferroptosis. MethodsEight male C57BL/6 mice in a blank group and 32 male apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose GPs (GPs-L) group, a high-dose GPs (GPs-H) group, and a simvastatin (SV) group. Starting from the second week, mice in the blank group were given a maintenance diet, and the other four groups were fed a high-fat diet daily. After eight weeks of feeding, mice in the GPs-L and GPs-H groups were given GPs of 1.487 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 2.973 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively, and mice in the SV group were given simvastatin of 2.275 mg·kg-1·d-1. Mice in the blank group and the model group were given saline of equal volume by gavage for four weeks. The content of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum of mice in each group was detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The level of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and TG in the mouse liver was measured by the kit. The change in liver tissue structure and lipid deposition was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining. The levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Fe2+ in serum, as well as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] in the liver were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in the liver of mice was observed by the immunohistochemical (IHC) method, and the expression of genes and proteins related to classical and non-classical ferroptosis pathways was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression analysis system. ResultsCompared with those in the blank group, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver in the model group were significantly increased, and the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The liver tissue structure changed, and there were fat vacuoles of different sizes and a large number of red lipid droplets, with obvious lipid deposition. The level of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly decreased, while the level of MDA and Fe2+ in serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT/SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase (GPX4), p62, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and FSP1 were significantly decreased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of tumor antigen (p53), spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein-1 (Keap1) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the level of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver of mice in the GPs-L, GPs-H, and SV groups were decreased, while the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The liver tissue structure and lipid deposition were improved. The levels of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly increased, while the levels of MDA and Fe2+ in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of xCT, GPX4, p62, Nrf2, and FSP1 were significantly increased, while the mRNA and protein expressions of p53, SAT1, ALOX15, and Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGPs can interfere with liver lipid deposition in MAFLD mice through classical/non-classical ferroptosis pathways.
8.Effect of Gypenosides on MAFLD Mice and Its Molecular Mechanism Based on Classical/Non-classical Ferroptosis Pathways
Yu LIU ; Yupeng PEI ; Jiaxin WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Xiaofei SUN ; Qun WANG ; Peng CUI ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):99-107
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of gypenosides (GPs) on liver lipid deposition in metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) mice and its mechanism based on classical/non-classical ferroptosis. MethodsEight male C57BL/6 mice in a blank group and 32 male apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose GPs (GPs-L) group, a high-dose GPs (GPs-H) group, and a simvastatin (SV) group. Starting from the second week, mice in the blank group were given a maintenance diet, and the other four groups were fed a high-fat diet daily. After eight weeks of feeding, mice in the GPs-L and GPs-H groups were given GPs of 1.487 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 2.973 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively, and mice in the SV group were given simvastatin of 2.275 mg·kg-1·d-1. Mice in the blank group and the model group were given saline of equal volume by gavage for four weeks. The content of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum of mice in each group was detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The level of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and TG in the mouse liver was measured by the kit. The change in liver tissue structure and lipid deposition was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining. The levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Fe2+ in serum, as well as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] in the liver were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in the liver of mice was observed by the immunohistochemical (IHC) method, and the expression of genes and proteins related to classical and non-classical ferroptosis pathways was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression analysis system. ResultsCompared with those in the blank group, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver in the model group were significantly increased, and the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The liver tissue structure changed, and there were fat vacuoles of different sizes and a large number of red lipid droplets, with obvious lipid deposition. The level of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly decreased, while the level of MDA and Fe2+ in serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT/SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase (GPX4), p62, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and FSP1 were significantly decreased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of tumor antigen (p53), spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein-1 (Keap1) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the level of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver of mice in the GPs-L, GPs-H, and SV groups were decreased, while the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The liver tissue structure and lipid deposition were improved. The levels of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly increased, while the levels of MDA and Fe2+ in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of xCT, GPX4, p62, Nrf2, and FSP1 were significantly increased, while the mRNA and protein expressions of p53, SAT1, ALOX15, and Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGPs can interfere with liver lipid deposition in MAFLD mice through classical/non-classical ferroptosis pathways.
9.Curcumin inhibits lipid metabolism in non-small cell lung cancer by downregulating the HIF-1α pathway.
Dandan LI ; Jiaxin CHU ; Yan YAN ; Wenjun XU ; Xingchun ZHU ; Yun SUN ; Haofeng DING ; Li REN ; Bo ZHU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):1039-1046
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of curcumin on lipid metabolism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its molecular mechanism.
METHODS:
The inhibitory effect of curcumin (0-70 μmol/L) on proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells was assessed using MTT assay, and 20 and 40 μmol/L curcumin was used in the subsequent experiments. The effect of curcumin on lipid metabolism was evaluated using cellular uptake assay, wound healing assay, triglyceride (TG)/free fatty acid (NEFA) measurements, and Oil Red O staining. Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of PGC-1α, PPAR-α, and HIF-1α in curcumin-treated cells. Network pharmacology was used to predict the metabolic pathways, and the results were validated by Western blotting. In a nude mouse model bearing A549 cell xenograft, the effects of curcumin (20 mg/kg) on tumor growth and lipid metabolism were assessed by measuring tumor weight and observing the changes in intracellular lipid droplets.
RESULTS:
Curcumin concentration-dependently inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells and significantly reduced TG and NEFA levels and intracellular lipid droplets. Western blotting revealed that curcumin significantly upregulated PGC-1α and PPAR‑α expressions in the cells. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis predicted significant involvement of the HIF-1 signaling pathway in curcumin-treated NSCLC, suggesting a potential interaction between HIF-1α and PPAR‑α. Western blotting confirmed that curcumin downregulated the expression of HIF-1α. In the tumor-bearing mice, curcumin treatment caused significant reduction of the tumor weight and the number of lipid droplets in the tumor cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Curcumin inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation and lipid metabolism by downregulating the HIF-1α pathway.
Curcumin/pharmacology*
;
Humans
;
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Lipid Metabolism/drug effects*
;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology*
;
Lung Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Mice, Nude
;
Down-Regulation
;
Mice
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha
;
PPAR alpha/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
A549 Cells
10.Diphenylemestrins A-E: diketopiperazine-diphenyl ether hybrids from Aspergillus nidulans.
Aimin FU ; Qin LI ; Yang XIAO ; Jiaxin DONG ; Yuanyang PENG ; Yu CHEN ; Qingyi TONG ; Chunmei CHEN ; Yonghui ZHANG ; Hucheng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(6):727-732
A chemical investigation of secondary metabolites (SMs) from Aspergillus nidulans resulted in the identification of five novel dioxopiperazine (DKP)-diphenyl ether hybrids, designated as diphenylemestrins A-E (1-5). These compounds 1-5 represent the first known dimers combining DKP and diphenyl ether structures, with compound 4 featuring an uncommon dibenzofuran as the diphenyl ether component. The structural elucidation and determination of absolute stereochemistry were accomplished through spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Notably, diphenylemestrin C (3) exhibited moderate cytostatic activity against NB4 cells, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 21.99 μmol·L-1, and induced apoptosis at higher concentrations.
Aspergillus nidulans/metabolism*
;
Diketopiperazines/pharmacology*
;
Molecular Structure
;
Phenyl Ethers/pharmacology*
;
Humans
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Cell Line, Tumor

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail