13-Oxyingenol-dodecanoate inhibits the growth of non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting ULK1.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80-85% of all lung cancers. Euphorbia kansui yielded 13-oxyingenol-dodecanoate (13OD), an ingenane-type diterpenoid, which had a strong cytotoxic effect on NSCLC cells. The underlying mechanism and potential target, however, remained unknown. The study found that 13OD effectively inhibited the cell proliferation and colony formation of NSCLC cells (A549 and H460 cells), with less toxicity in normal human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Moreover, 13OD can cause mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, the transcriptomics results showed that differential genes were mainly enriched in the mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways, which are closely related to cellular autophagy, the related indicators were subsequently validated. Additionally, bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1), an autophagy inhibitor, reversed the mitochondrial damage caused by 13OD. Furthermore, the Omics and Text-based Target Enrichment and Ranking (OTTER) method predicted ULK1 as a potential target of 13OD against NSCLC cells. This hypothesis was further confirmed using molecular docking, the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and Western blot analysis. Remarkably, ULK1 siRNA inhibited 13OD's toxic activity in NSCLC cells. In line with these findings, 13OD was potent and non-toxic in the tumor xenograft model. Our findings suggested a possible mechanism for 13OD's role as a tumor suppressor and laid the groundwork for identifying targets for ingenane-type diterpenoids.

Ingenane-type diterpenoids inhibit non-small cell lung cancer cells by regulating SRC/PI3K/Akt pathway.

Ingenane-type diterpenoids (ITDs) are distinct components of plants belonging to the genus Euphorbia. These compounds have significant cytotoxic effects on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism has yet to be reported. To explore the mechanism of the anticancer effect of ITDs, we carried out a network pharmacology prediction study. PPI network suggested that SRC and PI3K had high levels of interaction. In addition, KEGG analysis revealed that these common targets were significantly enriched in the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. 13-oxyingenol-dodecanoate (13OD) was used for validation after the biological evaluation of some ITDs against NSCLC cells. It demonstrated that 13OD could significantly inhibit the growth of NSCLC cells by inducing apoptosis. The results from molecular docking and Western blotting showed that 13OD interacted with SRC and PI3K and down-regulated the SRC/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in NSCLC cells. This study provided the underlying mechanism of ITDs against NSCLC.

Insight into tetrahydrofuran lignans from Isatis indigotica fortune with neuroprotective and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor activity.

Nine tetrahydrofuran lignans, including three undescribed spiro-lignans, were isolated from Isatis indigotica Fortune (Brassicaceae). Extensive spectroscopic analyses achieved the structure elucidation of these tetrahydrofuran lignans, and quantum chemical calculation combined with the MAEΔΔδ parameter. Notably, isatispironeols A-B have a unique spiro[dienone-tetrahydrofuran] molecular core. These spiro[dienone-tetrahydrofuran] lignans showed comparable neuroprotective effects as the positive control in the H2O2-induced SH-SY5Y cells model. In addition, (-)-(7R,8S,1'R,7'R,8'R)-isatispironeol A possessed more significant AChE inhibitory activity, further interact sites were also predicted by the in silico assay.

The nature compound dehydrocrenatidine exerts potent antihepatocellular carcinoma by destroying mitochondrial complexes in vitro and in vivo.

Cumulative evidence indicates that mitochondria dysfunction plays an important role in tumour treatment. Given the limited efficacy and toxicity of current mitochondria-targeted drugs, research into effective mitochondria-targeted anticancer agents remains an irresistible general trend. In this study, it was found that dehydrocrenatidine (DEC), a ß-carbolin alkaloid isolated from Picrasma quassiodes, displays a promising growth inhibitory effect in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Mechanistically, we provided that the possible target of DEC against HCC cells was determined by isobaric labels for relative and absolute quantification assay and validated them using further experiments. The results suggested that DEC can target and regulate the function of mitochondrial complexes I, III and IV, affecting oxidative phosphorylation and ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction to exert its anti-HCC effects. In addition, the combination of DEC and sorafenib showed a synergistic effect and was also associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Importantly, DEC did not show significant toxicity in mice. This study provided a new insight into underlying mechanisms in DEC-treated HCC cells, suggesting that DEC might be a mitochondrial targeting lead compound.

Chemical constituents from Solanum nigrum and their neuroprotective activities.

Ten compounds (1-10) including four new compounds (1-4) and six known compounds (5-10) were isolated from Solanum nigrum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, gauge-including atomic orbital (GIAO) calculation of NMR data, DP4+ probability analysis and comparison of their experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectral data. All the isolated compounds were tested for their neuroprotective activities against H2O2-induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells. Among them, compounds 1, 5 and 7 displayed moderate neuroprotective effects.

Guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme L. and their neuroprotective activities.

Nine undescribed guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids stelleraterpenoids A‒I, along with seven reported congeners, were isolated and identified from the 70% EtOH extract of the roots of Stellera chamaejasme L. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of various spectral data. The relative configurations were determined by their NOESY spectra and comparison between their experimental and calculated NMR data. The absolute configurations were established by the comparison between the experimental and calculated ECD spectra and further by X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The neuroprotective effects of these compounds on the H2O2-induced damage in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were evaluated. Stelleraguaianone B exhibited the better activity with 71.62% cell viability compared to the positive control Trolox (65.05%) at 12.5 µM, which might be achieved by inhibiting the apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells based on an annexin V-FITC/PI staining experiment.

Daphnane-type diterpenes from genus Daphne and their anti-tumor activity.

Daphnane-type diterpenenoids are the major biologically active constituents in the genus Daphne. We find that there are about 101 Daphnane-type diterpenes in this genus, most of those compounds show different degrees of inhibitory effect on various cancer cell. Some of them have been studied in depth and the potent molecular mechanisms might be associated with modulation of different cell-signaling pathways. In addition, some compounds of this type also can inhibit the synthesis of protein and DNA. Absolutely, the anti-tumor activity of Daphnane-type diterpenes is worthy of attention. Unfortunately, most of the current research on the activity of these compounds is focused on simple drug efficacy, and its in-depth mechanism research is far from enough. On the other point of view, there still exists wide growing space on the depth of these compounds.

Benzoic acid derivatives from the root barks of Ailanthus altissima.

Two new benzoic acid derivatives (1-2), together with four known compounds (3-6) have been isolated from the n-BuOH soluble fraction of ethanolic extract from Ailanthus altissima. The gross structures of the new compounds were deduced by detailed spectroscopic analysis including HRESIMS and 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy. The stereochemistry of 1 was determined by modified Mosher's method. All compounds were evaluated for their neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and none of them displayed obvious neuroprotective activities. [Formula: see text].

A new monoterpene-lactone with neuroprotective activity from corn silk.

A new monoterpene-lactone (1) along with five known compounds (2-6) were isolated from corn silk. The structure of the new compound was elucidated based on comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and quantum chemical calculations of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) curves. All compounds were evaluated for their neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced damage in human dopaminergic neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). As a result, compound 1 exhibited weak neuroprotective activity.

Modified lanostane-type triterpenoids with neuroprotective effects from the fungus Inonotus obliquus.

Six undescribed lanostane triterpenoids (1-6), together with three known compounds (7-9) were isolated from Inonotus obliquus. Compounds 3-5 are the rare natural compounds featuring a 4,5-seco-lanostane core with a 5,7,9-trien-21,24-cyclopentane moiety. The structure elucidation of the compounds was conducted by spectroscopic techniques and the ECD method. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All isolated compounds were assayed for their neuroprotective activity against H2O2-induced cell injury using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Compound 9 exhibited the most potent neuroprotective activity and the flow cytometry analysis indicated that 9 could protect SH-SY5Y cells from oxidative damage by inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Discovery of dihydro-ß-agarofurans from Tripterygium wilfordii with their H2O2-induced SH-SY5Y cell protective effects.

Chemical investigations of the 75% EtOH extract of the leaves of Tripterygium wilfordii obtained five undescribed naturally occurring sesquiterpenes with dihydro-ß-agarofuran skeleton, tripteresters A-E (1-5), along with eight known analogues (6-13). Their chemical structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic the comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) exciton chirality, and quantum chemical calculations ECD. In the bioactivity assay, their neuroprotective properties against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were investigated, and compounds 4, 8, and 12 revealed moderate protective activity at a concentration of 12.5 µM.

Lignans and neolignans with isovaleroyloxy moiety from Solanum lyratum Thunb.: Chiral resolution, configurational assignment and neuroprotective effects.

Eight pairs of enantiomeric lignans and neolignans including thirteen undescribed compounds, along with an undescribed meso compound, were isolated from the herbs of Solanum lyratum Thunb.(Solanaceae). Their structures and relative configurations were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses of HRESIMS and nuclear magnetic resonance. The absolute configurations of the pure isomers were established based on the cooperative comparison between the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and optical rotation (OR). It is interesting that we obtained several naturally occurring stereoisomers with the identical gross structure possessing several stereogenic carbons from S. lyratum. Additionally, all isolates were assessed for neuroprotective effects toward human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells injury induced by H2O2.

Chiral-phase resolution of sesquilignans from raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) and their neuroprotective effects.

Two pairs of diastereoisomers (1/2 and 3/4) were isolated from the fruits of Rubus idaeus L. (Rosaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. Then chiral-phase HPLC resolution gave 1a/1b-4a/4b. Their absolute configurations were determined by comparison of the experimental ECD with the calculated data. Moreover, all isolated compounds were investigated for the neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and 2a (66.04%) exhibited moderate neuroprotective effects, better than trolox (60.54%) at the concentration of 25 µM.

Highly modified steroids from Inonotus obliquus.

Six undescribed steroids were isolated from the fungus Inonotus obliquus. Notably, compounds 1 and 2 represented the first example of 8,14-seco-4-methylpregnane. By spectroscopic data analyses, quantum chemical calculations and DP4+ probability analysis, their structures were unambiguously determined. The absolute configurations of the compounds 1-6 were defined by comparison of their experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra data. The structure of compound 1 was also confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All isolated steroids were evaluated for their neuroprotective activities against H2O2-induced cell injury in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, among which compound 2 showed moderate activity at 12.5 µM.

Semi-synthesis and biological evaluation of flavone hybrids as multifunctional agents for the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

7-O-galloyltricetiflavan (GTF), a natural flavonoid, is known to exert anti-oxidation and neuroprotective activity, which are related to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, three series of GTF hybrids have been designed, synthesized and evaluated as multifunctional agents for treatment AD. The biological assays indicated that most of them showed strong inhibitory effect on self-induced ß-amyloid (Aß) aggregation, and a significant ability to inhibit ChEs. Among them, compound A15 exhibited best inhibition of Aß aggregation (78.81% at 20 µM), potent AChE inhibitory potencies (IC50, 0.56 µM), and compound C4 presented the highest ability to inhibit BuChE (IC50, 5.77 µM). Furthermore, kinetic, molecular modeling and molecular dynamics studies revealed that A15 and C4 could interact with the catalytic active site of AChE and BuChE, respectively. In addition, compounds A15 and C4 could cross the blood-brain barrier in vitro. More importantly, A15 and C4 also showed excellent neuroprotective activities against H2O2-induced human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells damage and nearly no toxicity on SH-SY5Y cells. All of these outstanding in vitro results indicated A15 and C4 as the leading structure worthy of further investigation.

Sesquineolignans derivatives with neuroprotective activity from the fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida.

Ten undescribed sesquineolignans (1-10), including four sesqui-norlignans (1-4), were isolated from the fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida. Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. All compounds were examined for their neuroprotective activities against H2O2-induced cell injury in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Among them, 6 and 8 showed comparable protective effect with 79.36% and 80.72% cell viability compared with the positive control Trolox (78.64%) at 25 µM.

Flavan derivative enantiomers and drimane sesquiterpene lactones from the Inonotus obliquus with neuroprotective effects.

A pair of new flavan derivative enantiomers (1a and 1b), four new drimane sesquiterpene lactones (2-5) and a known compound (6) were isolated from Inonotus obliquus. Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 1a/1b were separated by chiral chromatographic column successfully. The absolute configurations of compounds 1-5 were determined by comparison of their experimental and calculated ECD spectra. Notably, compounds 1a/1b represented the first pair of enantiomers in nature with tetrahydrofuran-flavan skeleton. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for (±)-1 was also proposed. All isolates were evaluated for their neuroprotective activities against H2O2-induced cell injury in SH-SY5Y cells. The results showed that compound 2 exhibited moderate neuroprotective activity at the concentration of 25.0 µM.

Dihydro-ß-agarofuran sesquiterpenoid derivatives with neuroprotective activity from the leaves of Tripterygium wilfordii.

A phytochemical investigation on the leaves of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. was conducted, leading to the isolation of five undescribed dihydro-ß-agarofuran sesquiterpenoids (1-5) and one known analogue (6). Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configurations of the compounds were determined by comparison of the experimental ECD with the calculated data. In addition, all the compounds were evaluated for their neuroprotective activities against H2O2-induced cell injury in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and 3 showed the better protective effect with 76.63% cell viability comparing with the positive control Trolox (69.84%) at 12.5 µM.

Discovery of guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids from the roots of Daphne genkwa with neuroprotective effects.

A phytochemical study on the roots of Daphne genkwa yielded seven new guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids (1-7), daphne A-G. Their structures were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configurations were determined by comparison between experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and calculated ECD spectra via time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and the modified Mosher's method. Furthermore, all isolates were evaluated for their neuroprotective activities against H2O2-induced injury in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Among them, compounds 1 (78.42%) and 4 (79.34%) exhibited potent neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity at 25 µM. Further Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) doubling staining exhibited that the neuroprotective effects of compounds 1 and 4 appeared to be mediated via suppressing cell apoptosis. Flow cytometry assays also proved that compounds 1 and 4 could attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction in SH-SY5Y cells.