Clinical Benefits of Golden-Antrodia Camphorata Containing Antroquinonol in Liver Protection and Liver Fat Reduction After Alcoholic Hepatitis.

Objective: It has been reported that antroquinonol extracted from Golden-Antrodia camphorate exerts protective effects on liver function both in vitro and in vivo. However, the protective effects of Golden-Antrodia camphorata on liver function have not been fully investigated in human clinical studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of Golden-Antrodia camphorata on hepatic function after alcohol consumption in human subjects. Methods: A total of 80 participants with increased γ-glutamyl transferase levels (60-180 U/L) were enrolled in the current study and were randomly divided into two groups. Participants in the first group were orally administrated with 300 mg/day Golden-Antrodia camphorata (tablets), while those in the second group received placebo tablets for 12 weeks. Biochemical routine blood tests were performed at 6 and 12 weeks following the first administration. Results: At 12 weeks post the first Golden-Antrodia camphorata administration, the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST; p < 0.0001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT; p = 0.0002) and triglyceride (p = 0.0158) were notably declined in the Golden-Antrodia camphorata treatment group compared with the placebo group. No clinically significant differences were observed between the Golden-Antrodia camphorata treatment and placebo groups in terms of general safety parameters. Conclusion: A statistically significant difference was obtained in the serum levels of AST, ALT and triglycerides between the Golden-Antrodia camphorata and placebo groups. However, no clinical significance was observed in any of the safety parameters examined. Overall, these findings indicated that treatment with Golden-Antrodia camphorata exerted protective effects on liver function.

Hypermethylation of CCND2 in Lung and Breast Cancer Is a Potential Biomarker and Drug Target.

Lung and breast cancer are the leading causes of mortality in women worldwide. The discovery of molecular alterations that underlie these two cancers and corresponding drugs has contributed to precision medicine. We found that CCND2 is a common target in lung and breast cancer. Hypermethylation of the CCND2 gene was reported previously; however, no comprehensive study has investigated the clinical significance of CCND2 alterations and its applications and drug discovery. Genome-wide methylation and quantitative methylation-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed CCND2 promoter hypermethylation in Taiwanese breast cancer patients. As compared with paired normal tissues and healthy individuals, CCND2 promoter hypermethylation was detected in 40.9% of breast tumors and 44.4% of plasma circulating cell-free DNA of patients. The western cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas also demonstrated CCND2 promoter hypermethylation in female lung cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and breast cancer patients and that CCND2 promoter hypermethylation is an independent poor prognostic factor. The cell model assay indicated that CCND2 expression inhibited cancer cell growth and migration ability. The demethylating agent antroquinonol D upregulated CCND2 expression, caused cell cycle arrest, and inhibited cancer cell growth and migration ability. In conclusion, hypermethylation of CCND2 is a potential diagnostic, prognostic marker and drug target, and it is induced by antroquinonol D.

Antroquinonol blocks Ras and Rho signaling via the inhibition of protein isoprenyltransferase activity in cancer cells.

Antroquinonol is the smallest anticancer molecule isolated from Antrodia camphorata thus far. The ubiquinone-like structure of Antroquinonol exhibits a broad spectrum of activity against malignancies in vivo and in vitro. However, the mechanism of action of Antroquinonol remains unclear. Here, we provide evidence that Antroquinonol plays a role in the inhibition of Ras and Ras-related small GTP-binding protein functions through the inhibition of protein isoprenyl transferase activity in cancer cells. Using cell line-based assays, we found that the inactive forms of Ras and Rho proteins were significantly elevated after treatment with Antroquinonol. We also demonstrated that Antroquinonol binds directly to farnesyltransferase and geranylgeranyltransferase-I, which are key enzymes involved in activation of Ras-related proteins, and inhibits enzymes activities in vitro. Furthermore, a molecular docking analysis illustrated that the isoprenoid moiety of Antroquinonol binds along the hydrophobic cavity of farnesyltransferase similar to its natural substrate, farnesyl pyrophosphate. In contrast, the ring structure of Antroquinonol lies adjacent to the Ras-CAAX motif-binding site on farnesyltransferase. The molecular docking study also showed a reasonable correlation with the IC50 values of Antroquinonol analogues. We also found that the levels of LC3B-II and the autophagosome-associated LC3 form were also significantly increased in H838 after Antroquinonol administration. In conclusion, Antroquinonol inhibited Ras and Ras-related GTP-binding protein activation through inhibition of protein isoprenyl transferase activity, leading to activation of autophagy and associated mode of cell death in cancer cells.

Antroquinonol D, isolated from Antrodia camphorata, with DNA demethylation and anticancer potential.

DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) catalyzes DNA methylation and is overexpressed in various human diseases, including cancer. A rational approach to preventing tumorigenesis involves the use of pharmacologic inhibitors of DNA methylation; these inhibitors should reactivate tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) in tumor cells and restore tumor suppressor pathways. Antroquinonol D (3-demethoxyl antroquinonol), a new DNMT1 inhibitor, was isolated from Antrodia camphorata and identified using nuclear magnetic resonance. Antroquinonol D inhibited the growth of MCF7, T47D, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells without harming normal MCF10A and IMR-90 cells. The SRB assay showed that the 50% growth inhibition (GI50) in MCF7, T47D, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells following treatment with antroquinonol D was 8.01, 3.57, and 25.08 µM, respectively. d-Antroquinonol also inhibited the migratory ability of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in wound healing and Transwell assays. In addition, antroquinonol D inhibited DNMT1 activity, as assessed by the DNMT1 methyltransferase activity assay. As the cofactor SAM level increased, the inhibitory effects of d-antroquinonol on DNMT1 gradually decreased. An enzyme activity assay and molecular modeling revealed that antroquinonol D is bound to the catalytic domain of DNMT1 and competes for the same binding pocket in the DNMT1 enzyme as the cofactor SAM, but does not compete for the binding pocket in the DNMT3B enzyme. An Illumina Methylation 450 K array-based assay and real-time PCR assay revealed that antroquinonol D decreased the methylation status and reactivated the expression of multiple TSGs in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. In conclusion, we showed that antroquinonol D induces DNA demethylation and the recovery of multiple tumor suppressor genes, while inhibiting breast cancer growth and migration potential.

Metabolites of antroquinonol found in rat urine following oral administration.

Four metabolites (1-4) of antroquinonol from rat urine, collected within 24 h after oral administration of antroquinonol, were characterized by HPLC-SPE-NMR. Compounds 1-4 were further isolated by semipreparative HPLC for structure confirmation. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses and HRESIMS data.

Antroquinonol, a natural ubiquinone derivative, induces a cross talk between apoptosis, autophagy and senescence in human pancreatic carcinoma cells.

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm of the pancreas. A mutation and constitutive activation of K-ras occurs in more than 90% of pancreatic adenocarcinomas. A successful approach for the treatment of pancreatic cancers is urgent. Antroquinonol, a ubiquinone derivative isolated from a camphor tree mushroom, Antrodia camphorata, induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation in pancreatic cancer PANC-1 and AsPC-1 cells. Flow cytometric analysis of DNA content by propidium iodide staining showed that antroquinonol induced G1 arrest of the cell cycle and a subsequent apoptosis. Antroquinonol inhibited Akt phosphorylation at Ser(473), the phosphorylation site critical for Akt kinase activity, and blocked the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation at Ser(2448), a site dependent on mTOR activity. Several signals responsible for mTOR/p70S6K/4E-BP1 signaling cascades have also been examined to validate the pathway. Moreover, antroquinonol induced the down-regulation of several cell cycle regulators and mitochondrial antiapoptotic proteins. In contrast, the expressions of K-ras and its phosphorylation were significantly increased. The coimmunoprecipitation assay showed that the association of K-ras and Bcl-xL was dramatically augmented, which was indicative of apoptotic cell death. Antroquinonol also induced the cross talk between apoptosis, autophagic cell death and accelerated senescence, which was, at least partly, explained by the up-regulation of p21(Waf1/Cip1) and K-ras. In summary, the data suggest that antroquinonol induces anticancer activity in human pancreatic cancers through an inhibitory effect on PI3-kinase/Akt/mTOR pathways that in turn down-regulates cell cycle regulators. The translational inhibition causes G1 arrest of the cell cycle and an ultimate mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, autophagic cell death and accelerated senescence also explain antroquinonol-mediated anticancer effect.

An Extract of Antrodia camphorata Mycelia Attenuates the Progression of Nephritis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Prone NZB/W F1 Mice.

Antrodia camphorata is used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation syndromes and liver-related diseases in Taiwan. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the mycelial extract of A. camphorata (ACE) for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in SLE-prone NZB/W F1 mice. After antibodies against double-stranded DNA appeared in NZB/W mice, the mice were orally administered varying dosages of ACE (100, 200 and 400 mg kg(-1)) for 5 consecutive days per week for 12 weeks via gavage. To assess the efficacy of ACE, we measured SLE-associated biochemical and histopathological biomarkers levels of blood urine nitrogen (BUN), blood creatinine, urine protein and urine creatinine and thickness of the kidney glomerular basement membrane by staining with periodic acid-Schiff. Antroquinonol, an active component of ACE, was investigated for anti-inflammation activity in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 267.4 cells. ACE at 400 mg kg(-1) significantly suppressed urine protein and serum BUN levels and decreased the thickness of the kidney glomerular basement membrane. Antroquinonol significantly inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß by 75 and 78%, respectively. In conclusion, ACE reduced urine protein and creatinine levels and suppressed the thickening of the kidney glomerular basement membrane, suggesting that ACE protects the kidney from immunological damage resulting from autoimmune disease.

Antroquinonol displays anticancer potential against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells: a crucial role of AMPK and mTOR pathways.

5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are two serine/threonine protein kinases responsible for cellular energy homeostasis and translational control, respectively. Evidence suggests that these two kniases are potential targets for cancer chemotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Antroquinonol that is isolated from Antrodia camphorate, a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine for treatment of liver diseases, displayed effective anticancer activity against both HBV DNA-positive and -negative HCC cell lines. The rank order of potency against HCCs is HepG2>HepG2.2.15>Mahlavu>PLC/PRF/5>SK-Hep1>Hep3B. Antroquinonol completely abolished cell-cycle progression released from double-thymidine-block synchronization and caused a subsequent apoptosis. The data were supported by down-regulation and reduced nuclear translocation of G1-regulator proteins, including cyclin D1, cyclin E, Cdk4 and Cdk2. Further analysis showed that the mRNA expressions of the G1-regulator proteins were not modified by antroquinonol, indicating an inhibition of translational but not transcriptional levels. Antroquinonol induced the assembly of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-1/TSC2, leading to the blockade of cellular protein synthesis through inhibition of protein phosphorylation including mTOR (Ser(2448)), p70(S6K) (Thr(421)/Ser(424) and Thr(389)) and 4E-BP1 (Thr(37)/Thr(46) and Thr(70)). Furthermore, the AMPK activity was elevated by antroquinonol. Compound C, a selective AMPK inhibitor, significantly reversed antroquinonol-mediated effects suggesting the crucial role of AMPK. Besides, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and depletion of mitochondrial content indicated the mitochondrial stress caused by antroquinonol. In summary, the data suggest that antroquinonol displays anticancer activity against HCCs through AMPK activation and inhibition of mTOR translational pathway, leading to G1 arrest of the cell-cycle and subsequent cell apoptosis.

Constituents of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula.

Three new clerodane-type diterpenes, 6alpha,16-dihydroxycleroda-3,13-dien-15-oic acid (1), 6alpha,16-dihydroxycleroda-4(18),13-dien-15-oic acid (2), and 4alpha,18beta-epoxy-16-hydroxyclerod-13-en-15-oic acid (3), and four new protoberberine alkaloids, (-)-8-oxo-10-hydroxy-2,3,9-trimethoxyberberine (4), (-)-8-oxo-2,11-dihydroxy-3,10-dimethoxyberberine (5), (-)-8-oxo-11-hydroxy-2,3,9,10-tetramethoxyberberine (6), and (-)-8-oxo-2,10-dihydroxy-3,9,11-trimethoxyberberine (7), together with 11 known substances, were isolated from a methanol extract of the stems of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula. The structures of 1-7 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. Compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activities against A549 and MCF-7 cancer cells, and among the substances tested, only 16-oxo-cleroda-3,13-dien-15-oic acid (8) exhibited cytotoxicity.

A new cytotoxic agent from solid-state fermented mycelium of Antrodia camphorata.

Antroquinonol ( 1), an ubiquinone derivative, was isolated from the solid-state fermented mycelium of Antrodia camphorata (Polyporaceae, Aphyllophorales), a parasitic fungus indigenous to Taiwan. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by the analysis of their spectroscopic data. Its cytotoxic activities were evaluated against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 (human breast carcinoma), Hep3B, HepG2 (human liver carcinoma) and DU-145, LNCaP (human prostate carcinoma) cell lines, and the IC (50) values ranged from 0.13 +/- 0.02 to 6.09 +/- 0.07 microM.

Origin identification on the commercial samples of Aurantii Fructus.

A total of 50 commercial samples of Aurantii Fructus, originating from Poncitrus trifoliata for Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, Citrus aurantium, and C. wilsonii for Aurantii Fructus Maturus, respectively, were collected from Taiwan and China herbal markets. Contents of the constituents in the samples were determined within 60 min using a developed HPLC method, which had been validated in terms of precision, repeatability, and accuracy. The results of the analyses showed that the constituents were closely related to the species and also the degree of maturity of the fruits, especially in the case of hesperidin (HE), naringin (NG), neohesperidin (NE), naringenin-7-glucoside (NGC), narirutin (NR), and quercetin (QU). The mature fruits (C. aurantium and C. wilsonii) contained chiefly NG, HE, and NE and the immature ones (P. trifoliata) had NG, NR, and QU majorly. Within the mature samples, the ratios of HE/NE and NGC/NE values were higher than 2.94 and 0.21 in C. aurantium and lower than 1.31 and 0.02 in C. wilsonii, respectively. A flowchart that is useful for identifying Aurantii Fractus was devised, based on the various chemical identification methods.

Classification of Aurantii Fructus samples by multivariate analysis.

Twenty commercial samples of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Poncitrus trifoliata) and 30 of Aurantii Fructus Maturus (Citrus aurantium and C. wilsonii) were collected from the Taiwan and China herbal markets. The contents of 12 constituents in these samples were determined by HPLC and were used to assess the potential relationships with their plant origins. Multivariate analysis including principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used as classification procedures. Natural groupings of the samples divided into three sets successfully, 20 P. trifoliata, 15 C. aurantium, and 15 C. wilsonii, were observed by using PCA and CA. The application of LDA gave correct assignation percentages of 100.0% for all three groups.