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The objective of this study was to determine whether (5S)-5-(4-benzyloxy-3,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-5,9-dihydro-8H-furo [3',4':6,7] naphtho [2,3-d] [1,3]dioxol-6-one (JNC-1043), which is a novel chemical derivative of β-apopicropodophyllin, acts as a novel potential anticancer reagent and radiosensitizer in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Firstly, we used MTT assays to assess whether JNC-1043 could inhibit the cell proliferation of HCT116 and DLD-1 cells. The IC50 values of these cell lines were calculated as 114.5 and 157 nM, respectively, at 72 h of treatment. Using doses approximating the IC50 values, we tested whether JNC-1043 had a radiosensitizing effect in the CRC cell lines. Clonogenic assays revealed that the dose-enhancement ratios (DER) of HCT116 and DLD-1 cells were 1.53 and 1.25, respectively. Cell-counting assays showed that the combination of JNC-1043 and γ-ionizing radiation (IR) enhanced cell death. Treatment with JNC-1043 or IR alone induced cell death by 50~60%, whereas the combination of JNC-1043 and IR increased this cell death by more than 20~30%. Annexin V-propidium iodide assays showed that the combination of JNC-1043 and IR increased apoptosis by more 30~40% compared to that induced by JNC-1043 or IR alone. DCFDA- and MitoSOX-based assays revealed that mitochondrial ROS production was enhanced by the combination of JNC-1043 and IR. Finally, we found that suppression of ROS by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) blocked the apoptotic cell death induced by the combination of JNC-1043 and IR. The xenograft model also indicated that the combination of JNC-1043 and IR increased apoptotic cell death in tumor mass. These results collectively suggest that JNC-1043 acts as a radiosensitizer and exerts anticancer effects against CRC cells by promoting apoptosis mediated by mitochondrial ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new derivatives of tetrahydrocurcumin 6, 7 and 9 have been prepared as potent antitumor agents using copper(II)-catalyzed 'click chemistry'. Their structures were identified using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HRMS techniques. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay has been carried out to investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa), human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), human hepatoma carcinoma (HepG2) and human colon carcinoma (HCT-116). Compound 6 has showed significant inhibitory activity against HCT-116 cell line with an IC50 value of 17.86 μM compared to tetrahydrocurcumin (50.96 μM) and positive control etoposide (19.48 μM) while showed no inhibitory activity against NCM460 cell line. Compounds 7 showed moderate inhibitory activity compared to tetrahydrocurcumin and etoposide while compound 9 showed no obvious inhibitory activity. The results suggested further structure modifications of tetrahydrocurcumin to improve its anticancer activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi are promising sources for the production of podophyllotoxin-an important anticancer compound, replacing depleted medical plants. In this study, the endophytes associated with Dysosma difformis-an ethnomedicinal plant species were isolated to explore novel sources of podophyllotoxin. Fifty-three endophytic fungi were isolated and identified by morphological observation and ITS-based rDNA sequencing, assigning them to 27 genera in 3 divisions. Fusarium was found the most prevalent genus with a colonization frequency of 11.11%, followed by Trametes (9.26%) and Penicillium (7.41%). Phylogenetic trees were constructed for the endophytic fungi community in two collection sites, Ha Giang and Lai Chau, revealing the adaptation of the species to the specific tissues and habitats. Cytotoxic activity of endophytic fungal extracts was investigated on cancer cell lines such as SK-LU-1, HL-60, and HepG2, demonstrating strong anti-cancer activity of six isolates belonging to Penicillium, Trametes, Purpureocillium, Aspergillus, and Ganoderma with IC50 value of lower than 10 µg/mL. The presence of podophyllotoxin was indicated in Penicillium, Trametes, Aspergillus and for the first time in Purpureocillium and Ganoderma via high-performance liquid chromatography, which implied them as a potential source of this anti-cancer compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, dispersion stability is one of the most significant factors controlling drug efficacy and side effects. Herein, we synthesized guaiazulene derivatives-conjugated podophyllotoxin prodrugs and fabricated their nanoparticles (GA-CN-PPT nano-prodrugs). GA-CN-PPT nano-prodrugs were obtained with a size of about 100 nm and possessed high dispersion stability. The cytotoxicity was tunable by changing the length of the carbon chain linker. Notably, the release rate of PPT was the key factor for the anticancer activity of GA-CN-PPT nano-prodrugs. The nano-prodrugs could serve as a promising template for developing a novel delivery system using nano-prodrugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a screening performed by the National Cancer Institute in the 1960s, the terpenoid paclitaxel was discovered. Paclitaxel expanded the treatment options for breast, lung, prostate and ovarian cancer. Paclitaxel is only present in minute amounts in the bark of Taxia brevifolia. A sustainable supply was ensured with a culture developed from Taxus chinensis, or with semi-synthesis from other taxanes. Paclitaxel is marketed under the name Taxol. An intermediate from the semi-synthesis docetaxel is also used as a drug and marketed as Taxotere. O-Methylated docetaxel is used for treatment of some paclitaxel-resistant cancer forms as cabazitaxel. The solubility problems of paclitaxel have been overcome by formulation of a nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (NAB-paclitaxel, Abraxane). The mechanism of action is affinity towards microtubules, which prevents proliferation and consequently the drug would be expected primarily to be active towards cancer cells proliferating faster than benign cells. The activity against slowly growing tumors such as solid tumors suggests that other effects such as oncogenic signaling or cellular trafficking are involved. In addition to terpenoids, recently discovered microtubule-targeting polyketide macrolides and non-ribosomal peptides have been discovered and marketed as drugs. The revolutionary improvements for treatment of cancer diseases targeting microtubules have led to an intensive search for other compounds with the same target. Several polyketide macrolides, terpenoids and non-ribosomal peptides have been investigated and a few marketed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covering: up to 2022 Podophyllotoxin (PTOX, 1), a kind of aryltetralin-type lignan, was first discovered in the plant Podophyllum peltatum and its structure was clarified by W. Borsche and J. Niemann in 1932. Due to its potent anti-cancer and anti-viral activities, it is considered one of the molecules most likely to be developed into modern drugs. With the increasing market demand and insufficient storage of natural resources, it is crucial to expand the sources of PTOXs. The original extraction method from plants has gradually failed to meet the requirements, and the biosynthesis and total synthesis have become the forward-looking alternatives. As key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of PTOXs and their catalytic mechanisms being constantly revealed, it is possible to realize the heterogeneous biosynthesis of PTOXs in the future. Chemical and chemoenzymatic synthesis also provide schemes for strictly controlling the asymmetric configuration of the tetracyclic core. Currently, the pharmacological activities of some PTOX derivatives have been extensively studied, laying the foundation for clinical candidate drugs. This review focuses primarily on the latest research progress in the biosynthesis, total synthesis, and pharmacological activities of PTOX and its derivatives, providing a more comprehensive understanding of these widely used compounds and supporting the future search for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linum album Boiss., an endemic plant of Iran, is of high medical interest due to producing podophyllotoxin (PTOX) as an anticancer and antiviral compound. Polyploidy induction is a useful approach to improve the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. In this study, concerning the high value and low yield of PTOX in L. album callus culture, tetraploid callus cultures were established from in vitro-derived leaves of the induced tetraploid L. album, and their ploidy stability was confirmed by the flow cytometry after six times subculture. Tetraploid calli produced 2.1-fold more PTOX than diploid calli. The autopolyploidy led to up-regulation of key genes related to the biosynthesis of PTOX, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamyl-alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR), and pinoresinol-lariciresinol reductase (PLR). Among these genes, the expression level of PAL gene was more affected than the other genes by doubling of ploidy level. These findings indicate that autopolyploidy could be considered as an appropriate strategy for the higher production of PTOX in L. album callus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Podophyllum hexandrum—an endangered, high-altitude medicinal herb is a vital source of the therapeutically important lignan viz. podophyllotoxin (PTOX). PTOX is widely used as a precursor for semi-synthesis of anticancer drugs etoposide, teniposide and etopophos. Although next generation sequencing has been employed to characterize the genes involved in PTOX biosynthesis; the complete biosynthetic pathway is yet to be known. miRNAs play pivotal roles in secondary metabolites biosynthesis besides plant growth and development. Till date, several novel miRNAs have been identified in different plant species, but novel miRNAs and their regulatory functions still remains unknown in P. hexandrum. Here, two small RNA libraries were prepared from control and MeJA treated cell cultures of P. hexandrum. High-throughput sequencing of these small RNA libraries yielded 59 novel miRNAs in control and 66 novel miRNAs in treated P. hexandrum apart from known miRNAs. The identified miRNAs targeted different mRNAs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis unveiled the role of these miRNAs in various secondary metabolites biosynthetic pathways. qRT-PCR analysis showed lower expression of a set of miRNAs identified in MeJA treated cell culture. The current study expands our knowledge of novel miRNAs mediated secondary metabolites, especially PTOX biosynthesis, in P. hexandrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of lignan small molecules derived from podophyllotoxin, a non-covalent tubulin inhibitor isolated from the Podophyllum family, has led to the clinical development of FDA-approved anticancer agents etoposide and teniposide. While these two compounds share the same tetracyclic core as podophyllotoxin, two subtle structural changes-4' demethylation on the aromatic ring and stereospecific glycosylation at the C-4 hydroxyl-result in an alternate biological mechanism. Given the immense pharmacological importance of altering the C-4 position, we synthesised and evaluated a systematic library of diversified esters to establish a structure-activity relationship regarding modification at C-4 on the properties of podophyllotoxin. We determined the biological activity of these esters through cell viability assays, computer docking models, tubulin polymerisation assays, and cell cycle analysis. Altogether, we demonstrate that increasing steric hindrance at C-4 leads to a loss in potency against human cancer cells but has a significantly lesser impact on cell-free tubulin inhibition.

Abstract Background The aryltetralin lignan (−)−podophyllotoxin is a potent antiviral and anti-neoplastic compound that is mainly found in Podophyllum plant species. Over the years, the commercial demand for this compound rose notably because of the high clinical importance of its semi-synthetic chemotherapeutic derivatives etoposide and teniposide. To satisfy this demand, (−)−podophyllotoxin is conventionally isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, which can only grow in few regions and is now endangered by overexploitation and environmental damage. For these reasons, targeting the biosynthesis of (−)−podophyllotoxin precursors or analogues is fundamental for the development of novel, more sustainable supply routes. Results We recently established a four-step multi-enzyme cascade to convert (+)−pinoresinol into (−)−matairesinol in E. coli. Herein, a five-step multi-enzyme biotransformation of (−)−matairesinol to (−)−deoxypodophyllotoxin was proven effective with 98 % yield at a concentration of 78 mg/L. Furthermore, the extension of this cascade to a sixth step leading to (−)−epipodophyllotoxin was evaluated. To this end, seven enzymes were combined in the reconstituted pathway involving inter alia three plant cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, with two of them being functionally expressed in E. coli for the first time. Conclusions Both, (−)−deoxypodophyllotoxin and (−)−epipodophyllotoxin, are direct precursors to etoposide and teniposide. Thus, the reconstitution of biosynthetic reactions of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum as an effective multi-enzyme cascade in E. coli represents a solid step forward towards a more sustainable production of these essential pharmaceuticals.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate L-cysteine-modified transfersomes as the topical carrier for enhanced epidermal delivery of podophyllotoxin (POD). L-cysteine-deoxycholic acid (LC-DCA) conjugate was synthesized via an amidation reaction. POD-loaded L-cysteine-modified transfersomes (POD-LCTs) were prepared via a thin membrane dispersion method and characterized for their particle size, zeta potential, morphology, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and in vitro release. Subsequently, in vitro skin permeation and retention, fluorescence distribution in the skin, hematoxylin–eosin staining and in vivo skin irritation were studied. The POD-LCTs formed spherical shapes with a particle size of 172.5 ± 67.2 nm and a zeta potential of −31.3 ± 6.7 mV. Compared with the POD-Ts, the POD-LCTs provided significantly lower drug penetration through the porcine ear skin and significantly increased the skin retention (p < 0.05). Meaningfully, unlike the extensive distribution of the POD-loaded transfersomes (POD-Ts) throughout the skin tissue, the POD-LCTs were mainly located in the epidermis. Moreover, the POD-LCTs did not induce skin irritation. Therefore, the POD-LCTs provided an enhanced epidermal delivery and might be a promising carrier for the topical delivery of POD.

To enhance the bioavailability of carrier-free drug nanoparticles (NP) and extend their application on the fluorescence imaging of cancer cells, the design and functionalization of NP surfaces are crucial. In this study, the surface of podophyllotoxin dimeric prodrug nanoparticles (PPTD-NP) was functionalized with PEG-BODIPY FL conjugate (PB@PPTD-NP). PB@PPTD-NP shows superior dispersion stability in biological media compared to the previously reported PPTD-NP. Furthermore, thanks to the superior fluorescence property of BODIPY FL, PB@PPTD-NP inside cancer cells can be visualized by fluorescence microscopy. These results demonstrate the potential of surface functionalization for enhancing the application of NP in cancer treatment and diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and related diseases are difficult clinical challenges. The efficacy of 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) in treating condyloma acuminata is remarkable, with high virus clearance and low recurrence rates. Podophyllotoxin (POD) is the first‐line drug with a significant therapeutic effect on condyloma acuminata. However, no studies have determined whether POD‐combined ALA‐PDT improves high‐risk (HR)‐HPV‐infected cell killing. We aimed to investigate whether POD‐combined ALA‐PDT could promote HPV‐infected cell death more effectively than the single treatment and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods: In HeLa and SiHa cells, flow cytometry, EdU assay and LDH release test were used to detect apoptosis, cell proliferation change and necrosis, respectively. To investigate whether the combined therapy might activate apoptosis and induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, flow cytometry was used to determine intracellular levels of ROS and calcium, and Western blotting was used to determine the expression of related proteins. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization was detected by JC‐1 assay. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were used to detect the activation of autophagy. Results: Podophyllotoxin ‐combined ALA‐PDT inhibited the proliferation and promoted apoptosis and necrosis more effectively than the single treatment at the same intensity and concentration. The activation of the caspase‐dependent apoptosis pathway, ER stress and autophagy was more substantial in POD‐combined ALA‐PDT than with single treatments. Conclusion: Podophyllotoxin ‐combined ALA‐PDT effectively promoted cell death through several pathways in HeLa and SiHa cells. This combination might be a promising therapeutic strategy for the HR‐HPV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytes either be bacteria, fungi, or actinomycetes colonize inside the tissue of host plants without showing any immediate negative effects on them. Among numerous natural alternative sources, fungal endophytes produce a wide range of structurally diverse bioactive metabolites including anticancer compounds. Considering the production of bioactive compounds in low quantity, genetic and physicochemical modification of the fungal endophytes is performed for the enhanced production of bioactive compounds. Presently, for the treatment of cancer, chemotherapy is majorly used, but the side effects of chemotherapy are of prime concern in clinical practices. Also, the drug-resistant properties of carcinoma cells, lack of cancer cells-specific medicine, and the side effects of drugs are the biggest obstacles in cancer treatment. The interminable requirement of potential drugs has encouraged researchers to seek alternatives to find novel bioactive compounds, and fungal endophytes seem to be a probable target for the discovery of anticancer drugs. The present review focuses a comprehensive literature on the major fungal endophyte-derived bioactive compounds which are presently been used for the management of cancer, biotic factors influencing the production of bioactive compounds and about the challenges in the field of fungal endophyte research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of prodrugs for nitroreductase (NTR) based 4-β-amino-4′- Demethylepipodophyllotoxin as potential anticancer agents were synthesized, and their antiproliferative activities in vitro showed compounds 2b (IC50 = 0.77, 0.83 and 1.19 μM) and 2d (IC50 = 0.98, 0.91 and 1.58 μM) were greatly selectively toxic to tumor cells A-549, HeLa and HepG2, respectively, and lower damage to normal WI-38 cells in comparison with positive agent Etoposide and Demethylepipodophyllotoxin, and induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase with a concomitant decrease in the population of G1 phase in HeLa cells, which were accompanied by apoptosis. Furthermore, Molecular docking model showed that compounds 2b and 2d appeared to form stable bonds with NTR 1DS7. Taken together, these conjugates have the potential to be developed as antitumor drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypersensitivity reactions from intravenous (IV) etoposide have been rarely reported, with these being seen more commonly with etoposide than with etoposide phosphate. This is generally explained by the need for polysorbate 80, a known cause of hypersensitivity, as a solubiliser, in the etoposide formulation. Case report: We report a 22-year-old male, being treated with adjuvant BEP (bleomycin/etoposide phosphate/cisplatin) for a testicular germ cell tumour. Bleomycin and cisplatin were administered without incident. Within one minute of etoposide phosphate commencement he experienced a severe hypersensitivity reaction, consisting of widespread erythematous rash, facial swelling, and nausea. Observations included unrecordable blood pressure, tachycardia, hypoxia, and loss of consciousness, confirming a diagnosis of anaphylactic shock. Management and outcome: Etoposide phosphate was ceased immediately. He was successfully managed with IV hydrocortisone, IV promethazine, intramuscular adrenaline, IV fluids and oxygen. Following admission for observation, significant improvement occurred over 48 h. Discussion: Hypersensitivity reactions to etoposide were first reported in the 1980s. Following reactions to etoposide, substituting etoposide phosphate into chemotherapy regimens has commonly allowed treatment to continue without incidence. Anaphylactic reactions to etoposide phosphate were first documented in 2012, with further cases reported subsequently. Unlike etoposide, etoposide phosphate is highly soluble in aqueous solutions and doesn't require adjuvants in the formulation. Hypersensitivity reactions to etoposide phosphate are therefore likely related to the etoposide drug molecule itself. Clinicians should be aware of this rare, but potentially life-threatening, toxicity when using etoposide-based treatments and have procedures in place to urgently manage any hypersensitivity reactions that may occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign endothelial cell tumor in infants and young children, sometimes accompanied by potential complications, and may develop into malignant tumors. Hemangioma endothelial cells (HemECs) are one of the main components of IH. Podophyllotoxin (PPT) has been reported to have many pharmacological activities, especially anti‐tumor, but its high toxicity, poor water solubility, and serious gastrointestinal side effects limit its clinical application. In this study, we have designed and synthesized 20 ester derivatives by introducing Boc‐amino acids or organic acids at the C‐4 position of podophyllotoxin through esterification reactions. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated on HemECs. Changes in cell proliferation and apoptotic signaling pathways were studied by DAPI staining, colony formation assay, migration assay, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis. We found that eight of the compounds were more potent than PPT. Of these, compound V‐31 was the most active (IC50 = 0.079 ± 0.0049 µM). Further research indicated that compound V‐31 inhibited its proliferation and migration, increased the level of ROS in cells, and induced apoptosis by downregulating p‐PI3K, p‐Akt, and Bcl‐2, and upregulating cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax. Our research provides the first insight into the application of PPT derivatives in HemECs, may provide an effective medicine for IH treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Podophyllotoxin is used as one of the main treatments for genital warts. It is a precursor of etoposide and teniposide, which is used in the treatment of various cancers. Despite a large number of cancer studies, the exact mechanism of podophyllotoxin remains unknown. Suppression of enzymatic activity of adult caspases occurs in cancer cells in the presence of specific members of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) family such as X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (cIAP1), and Survivin. By specifically binding a second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases-mimetics (Smac-mimetics) to negative apoptosis regulators, inhibition of IAPs-mediated caspases is eliminated and apoptosis is induced. The aim of the present study was used to determine the mechanism of action of podophyllotoxin as an inducer of apoptosis using molecular docking method. Methods: The present bioinformatics study was conducted in 2020. Molecular docking method was used to calculate the molecular interaction of podophyllotoxin with proteins associated with initiator and effector caspases including baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR3) of XIAP / cAIP1 and Survivin, as well as B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The theoretical binding site of podophyllotoxin on these anti-apoptotic proteins was determined as an inhibitor to obtain information on the initial interaction, free binding energy and inhibition constant by molecular docking method. The collected data were analyzed using different software and compared with the results of related articles. Results: The proapoptotic activity of podophyllotoxin as an apoptotic-inducing agent is associated with the signaling pathways of caspases 3, 7, 8, and 9. The key activation mechanisms of these caspases may be due to podophyllotoxin binding and induction of conformational changes at active sites of the XIAP / cAIP1-BIR3 and Survivin located near or at the same Smac-mimetics binding site. Three strong hydrogen bonds with the amino acids Tyr108, Ser117 and Glu118 play important roles in the stabilization of the Bcl-2-podophyllotoxin complex. Podophyllotoxin, similar to EGFR inhibitors, forms several hydrophobic interactions and two strong hydrogen bonds with Thr830 and Met769 with a bond-free energy of -7.85 kcal / mol and an inhibition constant of Ki = 1.76 µM. Conclusion: Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells by podophyllotoxin can be attributed to several different mechanisms. Predicted binding conformations showed that podophyllotoxin had valuable inhibitory potential. Therefore, podophyllotoxin may be considered as an effective anticancer agent for further research into drug development.

Abstract Background Juniperus procera Hoechst. ex Endl. is a medicinal tree in Saudi Arabia, primarily in the Enemas region, but it is locally threatened due to die-back disease and difficulties regarding seed reproduction (seed dormancy and underdeveloped embryonic anatomy, and germination rate

• Based on the toxicological evidence chain (TEC) concept, targeted metabolomics, TMT-based quantitative proteomics and western blot are utilized to reveal the cardiotoxicity of podophyllotoxin (PPT). • After four consecutive days of exposure to 20mg/kg PPT, glucose oxidation exhibited a declining trend, while glycolysis and ketone oxidation showed an increasing trend in rat hearts. • No differences in the fatty acid β-oxidationrelated enzymesare observed during the subacute cardiotoxicity induced by PPT using TMT-based quantitative proteomics. • SIRT1/PPAR/NF-κB axis participates in cardiac injury induced by PPT. The study of cardiotoxicity of drugs has become an important part of clinical safety evaluation of drugs. It is commonly known that podophyllotoxin (PPT) and its many derivatives and congeners are broad-spectrum pharmacologically active substances. Clinical cardiotoxicity of PPT and its derivatives has been raised, basic research on the mechanism of cardiotoxicity remains insufficient. In present study, our group's innovative concept of toxicological evidence chain (TEC) was applied to reveal the cardiac toxicity mechanism of PPT by targeted metabolomics, TMT-based quantitative proteomics and western blot. The injury phenotype evidence (IPE) acquired from the toxicity manifestations, such as weight and behavior observation of Sprague-Dawley rat. The damage to rat hearts were assessed through histopathological examination and myocardial enzymes levels, which were defined as Adverse Outcomes Evidence (AOE). The damage to rat hearts was assessed through histopathological examination and myocardial enzyme levels, which were defined as evidence of adverse outcomes.Overall measurements of targeted metabolomics based on energy metabolism and TMT-based quantitative proteomics were obtained after exposure to PPT to acquire the Toxic Event Evidence (TEE). The mechanism of cardiac toxicity was speculated based on the integrated analysis of targeted metabolomics and TMT-based quantitative proteomics, which was verified by western blot. The results indicated that exposure to PPT could result in significant elevation of myocardial enzymes and pathological alterations in rat hearts. In addition, we found that PPT caused disorders in cardiac energy metabolism, characterized by a decrease in energy metabolism fuels. TMT-based quantitative proteomics revealed that the PPAR (Peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor) signaling pathway needs further study. It is worth noting that PPT may suppress the expression of SIRT1, subsequently inhibiting AMPK, decreasing the expression of PGC-1α, PPARα and PPARγ. This results in disorders of glucose oxidation, glycolysis and ketone body metabolism. Additionally, the increase in the expression of p-IKK and p-IκBα, leads to the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytosol, thus triggering inflammation. This study comprehensively evaluated cardiac toxicity of PPT and initially revealed the mechanism of cardiotoxicity,suggesting that PPT induced disorders of energy metabolism and inflammation via SIRT1/PPAR/NF-κB axis, potentially contributing to cardiac injury. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is a lignan derived from the roots and stems of the Podophyllum plant. However, its enterotoxicity restricts its clinical application. The underlying mechanisms by which PPT exerts its action remain largely elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying PPT-induced enterotoxicity utilizing the concept of toxicological evidence chain. Changes in body weight, behavior, and histopathological and biochemical markers in rats were observed. Additionally, microbiome, metabolome, and transcriptome analyses were integrated to identify potential microorganisms, metabolic markers, and major pathways using a co-occurrence network. Our findings suggested that PPT induced pathological changes in rats, including weight loss, diarrhea, and inflammation accompanied by increased levels of IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-6, GRO/KC, and IL-12p70. The decrease in butyrate levels in the PPT group may be related to the enrichment of Firmicutes. The reduction of butyrate levels may impair the expression of PPARγ, subsequently promoting Escherichia-Shigella proliferation. Additionally, the suppression of PPARs pathway may result in the increased production of inflammatory factors, contributing to enterotoxicity. This study offers a novel understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying PPT-induced enterotoxicity, making a significant contribution to developing strategies to mitigate PPT toxicity and prevent associated diseases. [Display omitted] • The enterotoxicity of Podophyllotoxin limits its clinical use. • Podophyllotoxin altered the gut microbial composition of rats. • The PPAR pathway is highly associated with the enterotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is a precursor for the synthesis of drugs against cancer and other diseases. The present sources of PPT (Sinopodophyllum hexandrum and Podophyllum peltatum) are endangered species, with PPT production highly dependent on their growing conditions. In connection with the identification of new sources of PPT, the present study aimed to recover PPT from Juniperus virginiana leaves via atmospheric or high pressure extraction methods with a focus on using eco-friendly solvents. PPT quantification was determined by UHPLC/HRMS/MS. A thorough study of conventional extraction was carried out to reveal the optimal conditions (solvent ethyl acetate at room temperature and a duration of 1 h) for maximizing the PPT recovery (about 30 mg/g of dry extract and 3 mg/g of dry initial plant material). Peleg’s equation was applied for process kinetics modeling. The best PPT content in the final dry extract (42–45 mg/g of dry extract) was obtained by high pressure methods under supercritical (scCO2 with ethanol or ethyl acetate, 30 MPa, 50 °C and 100 min) or accelerated solvent extraction conditions (solvent ethyl acetate, 10.35 MPa, 20 °C and 3 cycles for 15 min). Seasonal stability and storage stability of the raw material were also determined. The present results have potential applications in the pharmacy for the delivery of PPT from juniper leaves.