Studies on the Anti-pancreatic Cancer Effect of Eriocalyxin B (a Diterpenoid Isolated from Isodon eriocalyx) and the Underlying Molecular Mechanism in vitro and in vivo

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth and eighth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. and worldwide, respectively. Its poor prognosis is attributed to its late diagnosis, limitation to surgical resection, aggressive local invasion, and early metastases, as well as high resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, a search for an alternative to therapeutic agents is in desperate need.;In recent years, herbal medicines or natural compounds isolated from herbs either used alone or in combination with conventional anti-cancer agents have been shown to have beneficial effects on various cancers. In this context, the Chinese herb Isodon eriocalyx (Dunn.) Hara (family Lamiaceae) is a well-known source of anti-cancer diterpenoids, the most potent one being Eriocalyxin B (EriB, an ent-kauranoid). Therefore, the aims of the present study are to investigate the anti-tumor activities of EriB in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and tumor-bearing mouse model, as well as the underlying mechanisms.;Our results showed that EriB exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on four pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines, with potencies being comparable to that of chemotherapeutic agent camptothecin. EriB had the most potent cytotoxicity in CAPAN-2 cells with IC50 = 0.73 microM. The hallmark features of apoptosis, such as nuclear condensation, translocation of phosphatidylserine, DNA laddering, and DNA fragmentation were observed in EriB-treated CAPAN-2 cells. On the other hand, EriB also induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Mechanistic studies revealed that EriB induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through the activation of MAPKs (p38, ERK1/2), caspase cascade, and p53/p21/cdk1-cyclinB1 signaling pathways. A decrease in the ratio of anti-apoptotic to pro-apoptotic proteins (bcl-2/bak) also contributed to the activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Further investigation showed that EriB-induced cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Such demonstrated effects could be inhibited by pre-treatment with thiol-containing antioxidants. Furthermore, EriB induced ROS was mediated via the inhibition of two main antioxidant systems, namely glutathione and thioredoxin systems. EriB-mediated ROS activated multiple targets or signal pathways, including MAPK, heat shock protein (Hsp) 70, and caspase cascade, while inhibiting the NFkappaB pathway.;On the other hand, in vivo study demonstrated that daily intraperitoneal administration of EriB (2.5mg/kg/day) in human pancreatic tumor xenografts BALB/c nude mice significantly inhibited tumor growth, but without having toxicity in the heart, liver and kidney. In addition, EriB treatments induced in vivo cell apoptosis and superoxide production as observed in tumor tissues.;In conclusion, the present study reports for the first time that EriB has possessed anti-proliferative activities in pancreatic cancer cells. The anti-proliferative effects of EriB on CAPAN-2 cells could be attributable to the regulation of cellular apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The inhibitory effects of EriB on two antioxidant systems result in the accumulation of ROS, which in turn activate MAPK, p53, Hsp70 and caspase cascade, while inhibiting NFkappaB pathway and finally leading to pancreatic cancer cell death. Meanwhile, in vivo study further confirms the anti-tumor properties of EriB, suggesting that EriB could be considered as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for patients with pancreatic cancer.