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The anticancer effects of Resina Draconis extract on cholangiocarcinoma
Feng Wen1, Xiangxuan Zhao2, Yun Zhao1
1Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, China.
Abstract:
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a relatively rare, heterogeneous malignant tumor with poor clinical outcomes. Because of high insensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, there are no effective treatment options. Efforts to identify and develop new agents for prevention and treatment of this deadly disease are urgent. Here, we assessed the apoptotic cytotoxicity of Resina Draconis extract (RDE) using in vitro and in vivo assays and identified the mechanisms underlying antitumor effects of RDE. RDE was obtained via vacuum distillation of Resina Draconis with 75 % ethanol. The ethanol extract could inhibit CCA cell proliferation and trigger apoptotic cell death in both QBC939 and HCCC9810 cell lines in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. RDE treatment resulted in intracellular caspase-8 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase protease activation. RDE significantly downregulated antiapoptotic protein survivin expression and upregulated proapoptotic protein Bak expression. RDE also inhibited CCA tumor growth in vivo. We observed that human CCA tissues had much higher survivin expression than did paired adjacent normal tissue. Taken together, the current data suggested that RDE has anticancer effects on CCA, and that RDE could function as a novel anticancer agent to benefit patients with CCA.
Insights
Resina Draconis extract (RDE) demonstrates anticancer effects against cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). This natural compound inhibits tumor growth and induces cancer cell death, offering a potential new treatment for this aggressive disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare, aggressive cancer with limited treatment options due to resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic agents for CCA prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the apoptotic cytotoxicity of Resina Draconis extract (RDE) against CCA.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of RDE's antitumor effects.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays using QBC939 and HCCC9810 CCA cell lines.
- In vivo studies to assess RDE's effect on tumor growth.
- Analysis of apoptotic markers (caspase-8, PARP) and protein expression (survivin, Bak).
Main Results:
- RDE inhibited CCA cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- RDE activated caspase-8 and PARP, downregulated antiapoptotic survivin, and upregulated proapoptotic Bak.
- RDE significantly suppressed CCA tumor growth in vivo and higher survivin expression was observed in CCA tissues compared to normal tissues.
Conclusions:
- Resina Draconis extract exhibits significant anticancer effects on cholangiocarcinoma.
- RDE represents a potential novel therapeutic agent for patients with CCA.
