A Novel Semisynthetic Molecule Icaritin Stimulates Osteogenic Differentiation and Inhibits Adipogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background We previously reported that the constitutional flavonoid glycosides derived from herb Epimedium (EF, composed of seven flavonoid compounds with common nuclear stem) exerted beneficial effects on the bone, including promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone marrow fat deposition. Recent in vivo study showed that Icaritin was a common metabolite of these constitutional flavonoid glycosides, indicating that Icaritin is a bioactive compound. The present study was designed to investigate whether Icaritin could promote osteogenic differentiation and suppress adipogenic differentiation of marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).Methods Primary MSCs were harvested from adult mice and exposed to Icaritin to evaluate whether it could promote osteogenesis and suppress adipogenesis using the following assays: determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization; mRNA expression of osteogenic differentiation marker Runx2; osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein (BSP) by RT-PCR; quantification of adipocyte-like cells by Oil Red O staining assay and mRNA expression for adipogenic differentiation markers peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ); adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) by RT-PCR. For the underlying mechanism, glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3β) and β-catenin were also explored by western blotting.Results Icaritin promoted osteogenic differentiation and maturation of MSCs as indicated by increased mRNA expression for Runx2, osteocalcin and BSP, and enhanced ALP activity and mineralization; Icaritin inhibited adipogenic differentiation, as indicated by decreased mRNA expression for PPARγ, LPL, aP2, and suppressed formation of adipocyte-like cells; Icaritin inactivated GSK3β and suppressed PPARγ expression when promoting osteogenesis and suppressing adipogenesis of MSCs.Conclusion This was the first study demonstrating that the novel semisynthetic molecule Icaritin could stimulate osteogenic differentiation and inhibit adipogenesis of MSCs, which was associated with the suppression of GSK3β and PPARγ.     

淫羊藿素联合达拉菲尼抑制黑素瘤增殖和转移

目的探讨淫羊藿素联合达拉菲尼对人黑素瘤A375细胞增殖和转移的抑制作用及可能的机制。方法采用不同浓度淫羊藿素和达拉菲尼单独及联合作用于A375细胞;CCK-8法检测细胞生长抑制率,进行协同性分析;Transwell和划痕实验检测细胞迁移和侵袭能力;qPCR及Westernblot检测MMP-2、MMP-9、Vimentin和E-cadherin的表达情况。结果淫羊藿素和达拉菲尼均能下调A375细胞MMP-2、MMP-9和Vimentin的表达,上调E-cadherin的表达,抑制其增殖、迁移和侵袭,且两药低浓度联合具有协同效应。结论淫羊藿素能协同达拉菲尼抑制A375细胞MMP-2、MMP-9和Vimentin的表达,促进E-cadherin的表达,抑制黑素瘤细胞的增殖和转移。     

淫羊藿素对 SD 大鼠骨髓基质细胞增殖与成骨分化的影响

目的：研究淫羊藿素（ICT）对体外培养 SD 大鼠骨髓基质细胞（rBMSCs）增殖与成骨分化的影响。方法：体外分离培养 rBMSCs,传代至第4代作多向分化鉴定。分别以10－9、10－8、10－7、10－6、10－5 mol／L ICT 刺激 rBMSCs 后3、6、9 d,分别用 cck-8及碱性磷酸酶 ALP 试剂盒检测 rBMSCs 的增殖及 ALP 活性;10－9 mol／L ICT 处理 rBMSCs 后21 d 作茜素红（AR）染色以判断钙结节的形成。结果：原代培养的 rBMSCs 贴壁生长、呈梭形,能多向分化;ICT 明显抑制了 rBMSCs 的增殖;但增高其 ALP 活性、钙结节形成。结论：ICT 以剂量依赖方式抑制 rBMSCs 的增殖但促进其分化和矿化。     

淫羊藿素体外抗淋巴瘤细胞增殖效应

目的本实验以小鼠T细胞淋巴瘤细胞株EL-4细胞株为模型,研究淫羊藿素(icaritin,ICT)是否抑制瘤细胞增殖,并初步探讨其作用机制。方法应用MTT比色法、透射电镜技术及流式细胞术检测ICT对EL-4细胞增殖能力的影响;用RT-PCR技术、比色法分析ICT的作用机制。结果 ICT对EL-4细胞增殖具有明显抑制作用,并呈量效及时效关系。透射电镜及流式细胞术结果显示,ICT可诱导EL-4细胞凋亡。RT-PCR显示,ICT作用于EL-4细胞后,bcl-2、P21基因的mRNA表达下调,Caspase-3、Caspase-9酶活性显著增强。结论 ICT可抑制体外培养的小鼠T淋巴瘤EL-4细胞的增殖并诱导其凋亡,可能系通过下调bcl-2、P21 mRNA表达,激活Caspase-3、Caspase-9蛋白等途径实现的。     

Icaritin inhibits oxidative stress in murine astrocytes by binding to Orai1 to block store-operated calcium channel

Previous study has shown that icaritin (ICT) has meaningful protective effect on cerebral ischemic stroke, and this study aimed to investigate its mechanism from the aspect of protecting astrocytes from oxidative stress. Murine primary astrocytes were pretreated by ICT and exposed to H₂O₂ to induce oxidative stress. The results indicated that ICT inhibited H₂O₂-induced astrocytes apoptosis, decreased Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and increased Bcl-2. In addition, ICT inhibited H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, increased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m), and maintained mitochondrial morphology. ICT decreased the synthesis of malondialdehyde and increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Moreover, ICT suppressed the transient and resting intracellular Ca²⁺ overload. Further investigation revealed that ICT could target the combination with Orai1 to block store-operated calcium channel induced by H₂O₂. However, ICT did not enhance the protective effect of RO2959, a selective blocker of Orai1. These results indicate that ICT can play a neuroprotective role against oxidative stress injury by binding to Orai1 to block SOCC.     

淫羊藿苷对NB4白血病细胞株增殖和凋亡的影响及其作用机制

目的:研究淫羊藿苷(ICA)对急性早幼粒细胞白血病NB4细胞株增殖和凋亡的影响,探讨其作用机制。方法:选取处于对数生长期的 NB4细胞,随机分为空白对照组和不同浓度(4、8、16、32和64 μmol·L^-1)ICA组,采用MTT法检测作用不同时间(24、48和72h)后各组 NB4细胞增殖活性,流式细胞术检测各组细胞24h时细胞周期进程及48h时凋亡情况,采用Western blotting法检测各组NB4细胞48h时凋亡相关蛋白的表达水平。结果:细胞培养不同时间(24、48和72h)后,各ICA组细胞增殖抑制率高于空白对照组(P<0.05),随ICA浓度增加和作用时间延长,细胞增殖抑制率升高(P<0.05)。各浓度ICA(4、8、16、32和64μmol·L^-1)组NB4细胞48 h后细胞凋亡率分别为(6.52±4.12)%、(10.07±2.36)%、(15.41±3.64)%、(25.18±1.24)%和(29.41±1.43)%,与空白对照组[(2.39±1.87)%]比较差异均有统计学意义(P< 0.05)。各浓度ICA(8、16、32和64μmol·L^-1)组NB4细胞24 h后 S期NB4细胞百分率降低,G₁期细胞百分率升高,与空白对照组比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Western blotting 检测,与空白对照组比较,各浓度ICA组NB4细胞Bcl-2蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.05),而Bax蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.05)。结论:ICA通过抑制Bcl-2蛋白表达水平和上调Bax蛋白表达水平诱导急性早幼粒细胞白血病NB4细胞株凋亡。     

Icaritin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles activate immunogenic cell death and facilitate tumor recruitment in mice with gastric cancer

This study aimed to explore the anti-tumor effect of icaritin loading poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (refer to PLGA@Icaritin NPs) on gastric cancer (GC) cells. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), size distribution, zeta potential, drug-loading capability, and other physicochemical characteristics of PLGA@Icaritin NPs were carried out. Furthermore, flow cytometry, confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell, Elisa assay and Balb/c mice were applied to explore the cellular uptake, anti-proliferation, anti-metastasis, immune response activation effects, and related anti-tumor mechanism of PLGA@Icaritin NPs in vitro and in vivo. PLGA@Icaritin NPs showed spherical shape, with appropriate particle sizes and well drug loading and releasing capacities. Flow cytometry and CLSM results indicated that PLGA@Icaritin could efficiently enter into GC cells. CCK-8 proved that PLGA@Icaritin NPs dramatically suppressed cell growth, induced Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, arrested more GC cells at G2 phase, and inhibited the invasion and metastasis of GC cells, compared to free icaritin. In addition, PLGA@Icaritin could help generate dozens of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within GC cells, following by significant mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMPs) loss and excessive production of oxidative-mitochondrial DNA (Ox-mitoDNA). Since that, Ox-mitoDNA further activated the releasing of damage associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs), and finally led to immunogenic cell death (ICD). Our in vivo data also elaborated that PLGA@Icaritin exerted a powerful inhibitory effect (∼80%), compared to free icaritin (∼60%). Most importantly, our results demonstrated that PLGA@Icaritin could activate the anti-tumor immunity via recruitment of infiltrating CD4+ cells, CD8+ T cells and increased secretion of cytokine immune factors, including interferon-γ (IFN-γ) tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1).⁺⁺ Our findings validate that the successful design of PLGA@Icaritin, which can effectively active ICD and facilitate tumor recruitment in GC through inducing mitoDNA oxidative damage.     

淫羊藿素通过PI3K/AKT信号通路抑制非小细胞肺癌H460细胞增殖

目的:探讨淫羊藿素（icaritin）通过PI3K/AKT信号通路对非小细胞肺癌H460细胞增殖的影响。方法:采用MTT比色实验检测,不同浓度（0、5、10、20、40、80μmol/L）淫羊藿素处理H460细胞24、48、72h后细胞增殖抑制率,流式细胞仪检测不同浓度淫羊藿素对H460细胞凋亡的影响,Western blot实验检测不同浓度淫羊藿素对H460细胞中PI3K、AKT、p-AKT、Cleaved-Caspase-9蛋白质表达水平的影响。结果:淫羊藿素可抑制非小细胞肺癌H460细胞的增殖,并表现为剂量和时间依赖性（P＜0.05）。0、5、10、20μmol/L淫羊藿素处理H460细胞24h后,H460细胞凋亡率分别为（4.90±1.20）%、（13.5±2.32）%、（16.47±1.90）%和（27.43±3.15）%,P＜0.05。淫羊藿素可下调PI3K、AKT的表达水平,降低AKT的磷酸化(p-AKT)水平,上调Cleaved-Caspase-9表达水平(P＜0.05)。结论:淫羊藿素可能通过抑制PI3K/AKT信号通路激活,抑制H460细胞增殖。     

Icaritin inhibits PD-L1 expression by Targeting Protein IκB Kinase α

Icaritin, a small molecule currently being investigated in phase III clinical trials in China (NCT03236636 and NCT03236649) for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a prenylflavonoid derivative obtained from the Epimedium genus. Previously, it was found that Icaritin decreased the expression of PD-L1, but its direct molecular targets and the underlying mechanisms have not been identified. In this study, we report the identification of IKK-α as the protein target of Icaritin by biotin-based affinity binding assay. The further mutagenesis assay has provided evidence that C46 and C178 in IKK-α were essential amino acids for Icaritin binding to IKK-α, revealing the binding sites of Icaritin to IKK-α for the first time. Functionally, Icaritin inhibited the NF-κB signalling pathway by blocking IKK complex formation, which led to decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, and subsequent downregulation of PD-L1 expression in a dose–dependent manner. More importantly, PD-L1-positive patients exhibited longer overall survival upon Icaritin therapy. Finally, Icaritin in combination with checkpoints antibodies, such as α-PD-1, has demonstrated much better efficacy than any single therapy in animal models. This is the first report that anticancer effects of Icaritin are mediated, at least in part, by impairing functions of IKK-α.     

淫羊藿素抑制人脐静脉内皮细胞血管生成及其机制

目的:探讨淫羊藿素对人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC)血管生成的抑制作用及其机制。方法:体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞,分别观察淫羊藿素对其增殖、迁移及其小管形成的影响。采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血管内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF)和色素上皮衍生因子(PEDF)的含量。结果:经淫羊藿素作用48 h后,未见对内皮细胞增殖有影响。淫羊藿素高浓度组(ICT1 10-6mol/L)、中浓度组(ICT2 10-7mol/L)、低浓度组(ICT3 10-8mol/L)和沙利度胺(TLD)组HUVEC细胞迁移数目(4.67±1.26)、(10.48±3.15)、(21.06±6.83)和(19.15±6.03)个,明显低于空白对照(Control)组(41.38±7.78)个(P0.01)。ICT1、ICT2、ICT3及TLD组小管形成的面积分别为(5 867.45±925.36)、(1 627.33±288.56)、(735.73±325.65)和(2 933.24±741.43)μm2/视野,均低于Control组(7 883.69±1 034.85)μm2/视野(P0.01)。经淫羊藿素处理后,HUVEC细胞分泌VEGF功能明显下降,而分泌PEDF功能明显升高。结论:体外实验结果表明淫羊藿素具有抑制HUVEC细胞血管生成的作用,这种效应与血管内皮细胞VEGF的活性降低及其合成受到抑制,同时对PEDF活性升高及其合成受到促进作用有关。