Alkannin Inhibits the Development of Ovarian Cancer by Affecting miR-4461

Abstract

Background. Previous studies have shown that alkannin has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. However, the effect of alkannin in the development of ovarian cancer (OC) remains unknown. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the function of alkannin in OC progression. Methods. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were used to measure mRNA and protein expression. Cell viability and metastasis were detected by the CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry analysis, and transwell assay. Results. Alkannin had no cytotoxicity toward normal ovarian cells, but alkannin can inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in OC cells. In addition, alkannin inhibited cell migration and invasion and blocked EMT in OC. Besides, upregulation of miR-4461 was found in OC tissues and cells, which was regulated by alkannin. More importantly, miR-4461 can inverse the effects of alkannin on cell viability and metastasis in OC cells. Conclusion. Alkannin restrains cell viability, metastasis, and EMT in OC by downregulating miR-4461 expression.

Alkannin exerts antitumor properties in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by inducing apoptosis and shifting the M1/M2 polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages by upregulating PTEN

“…Our study found that alkannin inhibited the activation of AKT signaling by upregulating PTEN. Regarding how alkannin regulates PTEN, previous reports suggested that alkannin reduces the expression levels of some microRNAs, including miR‐4461, miR‐199a, and miR‐9, that have been reported to target PTEN 7,8,23,31–33 . Hence, we speculated that alkannin might regulate PTEN expression through multiple pathways, such as the miRNA–mRNA axis.…”

“…Regarding how alkannin regulates PTEN, previous reports suggested that alkannin reduces the expression levels of some microRNAs, including miR-4461, miR-199a, and miR-9, that have been reported to target PTEN. 7,8,23,[31][32][33] Hence, we speculated that alkannin might regulate PTEN expression through multiple pathways, such as the miRNA-mRNA axis. The detailed mechanism of alkannin in CSCC needs to be clarified by performing more in-depth experiments in the future.…”

“…It has been reported that alkannin can regulate the progression of many types of cancer. Wang et al revealed that alkannin curbed ovarian cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion but induced apoptosis by modulating miR‐4461 7 . In addition, Zhang et al confirmed that alkannin suppressed pancreatic carcinoma cell viability, proliferation, and metastasis while facilitating apoptosis by reducing the content of miR‐199a 8 .…”

Enhanced therapeutic impact of Shikonin-encapsulated exosomes in the inhibition of colorectal cancer progression

“…However, the prognosis for metastatic CRC is poor, with an average survival of around 30 months [6,7], underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Shikonin (SHK), a naphthoquinone compound isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon [8,9], displays notable antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties [10,11]. Its broad-spectrum anti-tumor efficacy has been validated, as seen in Wang et al's study on ovarian cancer [9] and Mao et al's research on oral squamous carcinoma [12].…”

“…Shikonin (SHK), a naphthoquinone compound isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon [8,9], displays notable antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties [10,11]. Its broad-spectrum anti-tumor efficacy has been validated, as seen in Wang et al's study on ovarian cancer [9] and Mao et al's research on oral squamous carcinoma [12]. Specifically in CRC, SHK has shown potential in inducing ROS and oxidative DNA damage [13], and in promoting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest [14].…”