Fermented So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang (FCY) induces apoptosis via the activation of caspases and the regulation of MAPK signaling pathways in cancer cells

Abstract

BackgroundSo-Cheong-Ryong-Tang (CY), a traditional herbal formula, mainly has been shown to possess allergic rhinitis and asthma for hundreds of years in Asian countries. Although this medicine has been attracted Asian scientists with investigating mechanisms of action against inflammatory-related diseases, there is a little available information on the anti-cancer effect of CY, especially on the fermented form (FCY). In this study, we explored the chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic efficacy of FCY against cancer cells and proved the efficacy of FCY through performing in vivo xenograft assay.MethodsCY was fermented with bacteria and lyophilized. For analysis of the constituents of CY and FCY, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-DAD system was performed. To detect the anti-cancer effect of FCY, cell viability assay, caspase activity assay, cell cycle analysis, and Western blot analysis were performed in AGS human gastric cancer cells. The inhibitory effects of tumor growth by CY and FCY were evaluated in athymic nude mice inoculated with HCT116 human colon cancer cells.ResultsAs a result of analyzing the 11components present in CY and FCY, the contents of ephedrine HCl, glycyrrhizin, gingerol, schisandrin, and gomisin A were respectively increased by fermentation in FCY. The treatment of CY or FCY inhibited the viability of AGS cells, interestingly, the inhibition of cancer cell growth was enhanced by fermentation of CY. FCY induced the apoptosis through activating the caspase-3, −8, and −9. Additionally, FCY regulated the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). In vivo xenografts, administration of FCY significantly inhibited the tumor formation, and improved the anti-tumor effect compared to that of CY in athymic nude mice.ConclusionsFCY indicated significant anti-cancer effects, and its efficacy against tumor formation was improved than that of CY, therefore, FCY might be used for applications of traditional medicine against cancer in modern complementary and alternative therapeutics.Graphical Abstractᅟ

So-Cheong-Ryoung-Tang Attenuates Pulmonary Inflammation Induced by Cigarette Smoke in Bronchial Epithelial Cells and Experimental Mice

“…In particular, MAPKs play an important player in the inflammatory responses such as the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines ( Turner et al, 2014 ). However, SCWE has been reported to increase the MAPKs expression in the literature to date ( Hwang et al, 2013 ; Yim et al, 2015 ). SCWE induces apoptosis via enhancement of MAPK signaling pathway in cancer cells and affects GI motility by the modulation of pacemaker activity through MAPKs in interstitial cells of Cajal.…”

“…But, previous studies are performed under specific condition including cancer cells without stimulation materials such as LPS, CSC, etc., and ex vivo experiments. In addition, anticancer effect of SCWE was induced by the alteration of its active components by bacterial fermentation ( Yim et al, 2015 ). There is no precise description of what reaction will occur under disease conditions such as asthma and COPD until now.…”

Xianfanghuomingyin, a Chinese Compound Medicine, Modulates the Proliferation and Differentiation of T Lymphocyte in a Collagen‐Induced Arthritis Mouse Model

“…The formulae combined plant species and minerals that were prescribed based on clinical experience. Multiple components of the formula could interact with multiple targets and exert synergistic therapeutic efficacies [ 12 , 13 ]. The optimized formula of XFHM (once named Lijie capsule) used in this study is comprised of 12 different herb.…”

A Molecular Basis for the Inhibition of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 by Gomisin A

“…Thus, the taste of acidic and salty were known hepatoprotective effects, while the bitter and puckery tastes have curative effects on the cardiovascular system, and the sweet flavor has a curative effect on the gastric system [ 5 , 7 ]. Specifically, Schisandra chinensis has protective effects on cold stress-induced malondialdehyde in hepatic system [ 14 , 15 ] and antioxidant activity [ 16 ], hepatic protective [ 5 , 17 – 19 ], myocardial protective [ 17 , 20 ], antitumor [ 21 – 23 ], antivirus [ 24 ], and anti-inflammatory [ 25 ] actions. In neuronal system, gomisin A was shown to reverse scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in rodents [ 26 , 27 ].…”