Euphorbia factor L1

Establishment of the Quantitative Analysis of Multiindex in Euphorbia lathyris by the Single Marker Method for Euphorbia lathyris Based on the Quality by Design Concept.[Pubmed:34567821]

J Anal Methods Chem. 2021 Sep 17;2021:4311934.

Methods: The influences of methanol proportion, flow rate, column temperature, and injection volume in the mobile phase on the chromatographic resolution of chromatographic peak of Euphorbia factor L1 were experimentally studied via Plackett-Burman design, and the key analysis parameters were screened out; the key analysis parameters were optimized through the central composite design, and the chromatographic analysis conditions were established. Euphorbia factor L1 was taken as the internal reference to construct the relative correction factors for L3 and L4 relative to L1, and their contents were calculated, thus realizing the QAMS. Meanwhile, the euphorbia factor L3 and euphorbia factor L4 were determined using the external standard method, and the differences of values measured by the external standard method from the values predicted by the QAMS method were compared, in an effort to verify the accuracy and feasibility of the QAMS method. Results: The methanol proportion and column temperature in the mobile phase were the key analysis parameters (P < 0.05), and the chromatographic conditions were determined as follows. The methanol/water ratio, column temperature, detection wavelength, flow rate, and injection volume were 60 : 40, 30 degrees C, 275 nm, 1.0 mL/min, and 10 muL, respectively. A total of 20 batches of samples were determined by the QAMS method and external standard method; the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of L3 and L4 determination results were less than 2.0%, without any significant difference. Conclusion: The QbD-based QAMS method can be used to determine the contents of euphorbia factor L3 and euphorbia factor L4 in Euphorbia lathyris L., and it is accurate and feasible.

Dual-Target Peptide-Modified Erythrocyte Membrane-Enveloped PLGA Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Glioma.[Pubmed:33194638]

Front Oncol. 2020 Oct 21;10:563938.

Penetration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB) remains a significant challenge for the delivery of drugs in the treatment of glioma. Therefore, the development of targeted preparations with the ability to penetrate the BBB and BBTB, and target gliomas, is an important approach if we are to improve the efficacy of glioma treatment. In the current study, an active targeting preparation based on PLGA nanoparticles coated with erythrocyte membranes (RBCNPs) and dual-modified with (D)WSW and NGR peptide ligands ((D)WSW/NGR-RBCNPs). Euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1) extracted from euphorbiae semen was used as the model drug. The final nanoparticles were characterized by in vivo and in vitro tests. In vitro results showed that EFL1-loaded (D)WSW/NGR-RBCNPs were taken up by cells and had the ability to penetrate the BBB and BBTB and produce cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, in vivo studies in mice showed that when injected intravenously, these specialized NPs could enter the brain, target tumor tissue, and significantly extend life span. The results showed that dual-targeting EFL1-loaded (D)WSW/NGR-RBCNPs have significant potential as a nanotherapeutic tool for the treatment of brain glioma.

An unexpected Lewis acid-mediated structural conversion of a Euphorbia Diterpene: From a Lathyrane skeleton to diterpene pseudo-alkaloids.[Pubmed:32882337]

Fitoterapia. 2020 Oct;146:104710.

Three types of new Euphorbia diterpene pseudo-alkaloids possessing 5/6/7/3 (1), 5/6/6/4 (2-5), and 5/7/7/4 (6-7) fused ring skeletons were obtained through an unexpected BF3.Et2O/CH3CN-mediated structural conversion and amination of lathyrane diterpene (Euphorbia factor L1), in which the solution acetonitrile had been introduced into the Euphorbia diterpene as a nitrogen source and tandem amination/oxirane-opening (cyclopropane-opening)/oxa-Michael addition reaction was involved in the conversion. The structures of new Euphorbia diterpene pseudo-alkaloids were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic data and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The basic skeletons of Euphorbia diterpene pseudo-alkaloids 1 and 2-5 could fall into the structural types of euphoractine B and euphoractine A diterpenes, respectively, suggesting the possible biogenetic pathway relationship between lathyrane diterpene with euphoractines A and B types diterpenes. Pseudo-alkaloids 1-7 did not show any potential cytotoxicity against several tumor cell lines.

Effect of Euphorbia factor L1 on intestinal barrier impairment and defecation dysfunction in Caenorhabditis elegans.[Pubmed:31654989]

Phytomedicine. 2019 Dec;65:153102.

BACKGROUND: Euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1) is a lathyrane-type diterpenoid from the medicinal herb Euphorbia lathyris L., and has been reported with intestinal toxicity, but the potential mechanisms remain unknown. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the intestinal toxicity of EFL1 and the underlying mechanisms using nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. METHODS: C. elegans were exposed to 0-200muM EFL1 for 72h, then the survival rate, body length and body width, locomotion and chemoreception behavior, intestinal ROS and lipofuscin accumulation, intestinal permeability, and defecation rhythm were detected. The gamma-aminobutyric acidGABA) energic neurons AVL and DVB were shown via green fluorescent protein under a laser scanning confocal microscope. The structure of GABA transporter UNC-47 were predicted by homology modeling, and the interaction between EFL1 and UNC-47 was simulated by molecular docking. The mRNA expression of genes related to oxidative stress, intestinal permeability and defecation after EFL1 exposure were detected by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: EFL1 did not induce lethality of nematodes. The general toxicity was characterized by abnormal growth, locomotion and chemoreception. The intestinal barrier was leaky, due to down-regulated cell junction and active cation transport. The mean defecation cycle length in nematodes was decreased, relating to disorder vesicular and ion transport, enhanced rhythm behavior and muscle contraction. The dysfunctional defecation also attributed to injured UNC-47 protein, as well as GABAergic neurons AVL and DVB. Excessive ROS and lipofuscin accumulation were observed in intestine, along with activation of antioxidant enzymes of SOD, COQ7 and CAT. CONCLUSION: This study elucidated the EFL1-induced intestinal toxicity in nematodes, characterized as leaky intestinal barrier and accelerated defecation behavior. The underlying mechanisms were involved in oxidative stress, cell junctions, transportation, rhythm behavior, muscle contraction, and GABAergic neurons.

Effect of euphorbia factor L1 on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy in human gastric epithelial cells.[Pubmed:31454650]

Phytomedicine. 2019 Nov;64:152929.

BACKGROUND: Euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1), a lathyrane-type diterpenoid from the medicinal herb Euphorbia lathyris L. (Euphorbiaceae), has been reported for many decades to induce gastric irritation, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate EFL1-induced cytotoxicity and the potential mechanisms of action on the human normal gastric epithelial cell GES-1. METHODS: GES-1 cells were treated with EFL1 (12.5-200muM) for different time intervals, and cell survival, LDH release, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were detected. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay, DAPI staining, DNA fragment assay, and annexin V-FITC/PI staining were performed. The interaction between EFL1 and Bcl-2, cytochrome c, caspase-9, caspase-3, PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins was simulated by molecular docking. The mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis and autophagy factors were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: EFL1 decreased survival, increased LDH leakage, and induced abnormal production of ROS, MDA and SOD in GES-1 cells. Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis was characterized by decreased MMP, condensed nuclei, fragmented DNA, and increased apoptosis rate. EFL1 interacted with proteins via hydrogen bonding. The mRNA, total or phosphorylated protein expression of Bcl-2, mitochondrial cytochrome c, PI3K, AKT, mTOR and p62 were downregulated; in contrast, those of cytoplasmic cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, LC3-ll and Beclin-1 were upregulated. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that EFL1 decreased the survival of GES-1 cells through EFL1-induced oxidative stress, activation of the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis as well as autophagy via inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Lewis acid-mediated skeleton transformation of Euphorbia diterpenes: From lathyrane to euphoractane and myrsinane.[Pubmed:30690124]

Fitoterapia. 2019 Mar;133:212-218.

Natural euphoractane and myrsinane diterpene skeletons, together with an unnatural 5/7/7/4 fused-ring diterpene skeleton were furnished via BF3.Et2O-mediated transformation of lathyrane-type diterpene, Euphorbia factor L1. The skeleton transformation process was mainly involved in the cascade oxirane-opening (cyclopropane-opening)/oxe-Micheal addition reaction. The structures of three diterpenes were confirmed by comprehensive spectra analysis and single crystals X-ray diffraction. Current results proved the biogenesis pathway between lathyrane with euphoractane and myrsinane by chemical transformation for the first time.

Expression of AQP2, AQP4 and AQP 8 in mouse intestine induced by unprocessed and processed Euphorbia lathyris.[Pubmed:30033405]

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2018 Jul;31(4):1229-1235.

The present research was designed to study expression of AQP2, AQP4 and AQP8 in mouse intestines induced by unprocessed and processed Euphorbia lathyris. KM mice were given by different dose lavage of unprocessed and processed Euphorbia lathyris, Euphorbia factor L1, Euphorbia factor L2, Euphorbia factor L3. Samples of mouse intestine were collected for protein levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 which were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and mRNA expression of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 which were quantified by Real Time-PCR. Comparing to the normal control group, the protein levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 were significantly decreased (P<0.05)by Semen Euphorbiae group and Semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group (unprocessed and processed Euphorbia lathyris) induced. Protein expression of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 in the Euphorbia factor L1, Euphorbia factor L2 and Euphorbia factor L3 group were not significantly lower than normal control group. There had no differences on the levels of AQP2 and AQP 8 mRNA expressions between the high-dose group of semen Euphorbiae group, semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group and positive control group, while significantly lower than normal control group (P<0.05). Expression of AQP4 mRNA in the Semen Euphorbiae group and Semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group has not significantly decreased. But levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 mRNA in the Euphorbia factor L1 group had no significant differences in normal control group and positive control group. These findings suggest that semen Euphorbiae could regulate expression of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 protein and mRNA, which may be the possible one reason of semen Euphorbiae induces diarrhea. The semen Euphorbiae group has more significant effects on the levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 protein and mRNA than semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group, which may be one of the mechanisms of processing attenuation.

Structure Identification and In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Lathyrol-3-phenylacetate-5,15-diacetate.[Pubmed:28841191]

Molecules. 2017 Aug 25;22(9). pii: molecules22091412.

Natural products from the genus Euphorbia show attention-attracting activities, such as anticancer activity. In this article, classical isolation and structure identification were used in a study on Caper Euphorbia Seed. Subsequently, MTT and wound healing assays, flow cytometry, western blotting, Hoechst 33258 staining and fluorescence microscopy examination were applied to investigate the anticancer activity of the obtained compounds. In a result, lathyrol-3-phenyl- acetate-5,15-diacetate (deoxy Euphorbia factor L1, DEFL1) was isolated from Caper Euphorbia Seed. Moreover, the NMR signals were totally assigned. DEFL1 showed potent inhibition against lung cancer A549 cells, with an IC50 value of 17.51 +/- 0.85 muM. Furthermore, DEFL1 suppressed wound healing of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Mechanically, DEFL1 induced apoptosis, with involvement of an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim), release of cytochrome c, activity raise of caspase-9 and 3. Characteristic features of apoptosis were observed by fluorescence microscopy. In summary, DEFL1 inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in lung cancer A549 cells via a mitochondrial pathway.

Euphorbia factor L1 inhibits osteoclastogenesis by regulating cellular redox status and induces Fas-mediated apoptosis in osteoclast.[Pubmed:28774817]

Free Radic Biol Med. 2017 Nov;112:191-199.

Excessive bone resorption caused by increased osteoclast number or activity leads to a variety of bone diseases including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. Thus, the therapeutic strategy for these diseases has been focused primarily on the inhibition of osteoclast formation and function. This study shows that Euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1), a diterpenoid isolated from Euphorbia lathyris, inhibited osteoclastogenesis and induced osteoclast apoptosis. EFL1 suppressed osteoclast formation and bone resorption at both initial and terminal differentiation stages. EFL1 inhibited receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced NFATc1 induction with attenuated NF-kappaB activation and c-Fos expression. EFL1 decreased the level of reactive oxygen species by scavenging them or activating Nrf2, and inhibited PGC-1beta that regulates mitochondria biogenesis. In addition, EFL1 induced apoptosis in differentiated osteoclasts by increasing Fas ligand expression followed by caspase activation. Moreover, EFL1 inhibited inflammation-induced bone erosion and ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice. These findings suggest that EFL1 inhibits osteoclast differentiation by regulating cellular redox status and induces Fas-mediated apoptosis in osteoclast, and may provide therapeutic potential for preventing or treating bone-related diseases caused by excessive osteoclast.

Apoptosis sensitization by Euphorbia factor L1 in ABCB1-mediated multidrug resistant K562/ADR cells.[Pubmed:24135937]

Molecules. 2013 Oct 16;18(10):12793-808.

In this article, reversal activities of Euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1) against ABCB1-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) and apoptosis sensitization in K562/ADR cells are reported. EFL1 decreased the IC50 values of anticancer agents in K562/ADR cells over-expressing ABCB1. However, EFL1 did not affect the IC50 values of anticancer agents in sensitive K562 cells. Additionally, EFL1 increased the intracellular accumulation of rhodamine 123 and doxorubicin in K562/ADR cells without affecting their accumulation in K562 cells. Furthermore, EFL1 sensitized the apoptosis triggered by vincristine in K562/ADR cells via mitochondrial pathway, as confirmed by Annexin V-FITC/PI detection and western blot. At the same time, EFL1 did not influence the apoptosis induced by vincristine in K562 cells. Western blot results showed that EFL1 did not affect the phosphorylation level of AKT and ERK in K562 and K562/ADR cells. Finally, EFL1 did not down-regulate protein expression of ABCB1.

Analysis and determination of diterpenoids in unprocessed and processed Euphorbia lathyris seeds by HPLC-ESI-MS.[Pubmed:29403699]

J Pharm Anal. 2011 Aug;1(3):197-202.

Euphorbia lathyris (Caper spurge) is a toxic and potent Chinese materia medica (T/PCMM). This study sought a method for identifying five diterpenoids (Euphorbia factors L1-L3, L7a and L8) with the spectra of UV and mass, quantifying three diterpenoids L1, L2, and L8 in crude extracts of unprocessed and processed E. lathyris seeds by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). The analysis was achieved on an Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column (4.6 mmx150 mm i.d., 5 mum) with an isocratic elution with a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min at column temperature of 30 degrees C and UV detection was set at 272 nm. An ESI source was used with a positive ionization mode. The calibration curve was linear in the ranges of 9.9-79 mug/mL for Euphorbia factor L1, 3.8-30.5 mug/mL for Euphorbia factor L2, and 1.0-20.6 mug/mL for Euphorbia factor L8. The average recoveries (n=6) of three diterpenoids were 98.39%, 91.10% and 96.94%, respectively, with RSD of 2.5%, 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively. The contents of the three diterpenoids in processed E. lathyris seeds were 3.435, 1.367 and 0.286 mg/g, respectively, which decreased more sharply than those in unprocessed E. lathyris seeds which were 4.915, 1.944 and 0.425 mg/g, respectively. The method is simple, accurate, reliable and reproducible, and it can be applied to control the quality of unprocessed and processed E. lathyris seeds.

Euphorbia factor L1 reverses ABCB1-mediated multidrug resistance involving interaction with ABCB1 independent of ABCB1 downregualtion.[Pubmed:21308736]

J Cell Biochem. 2011 Apr;112(4):1076-83.

Euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1) belongs to diterpenoids of genus Euphorbia. In this article, its reversal activity against ABCB1-mediated MDR in KBv200 and MCF-7/adr cells was reported. However, EFL1 did not alter the sensitivity of KB and MCF-7 cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Meanwhile, EFL1 significantly increased accumulation of doxorubicin and rhodamine 123 in KBv200 and MCF-7/adr cells, showing no significant influence on that of KB and MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, EFL1 could enhance the ATP hydrolysis activity of ABCB1 stimulated by verapamil. At the same time, EFL1 inhibited the efflux of ABCB1 in KBv200 and MCF-7/adr cells. In addition, EFL1 did not downregulate expression of ABCB1 in KBv200 and MCF-7/adr cells either in mRNA or protein level.

HPLC-UV and HPLC-positive-ESI-MS analysis of the diterpenoid fraction from caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) seed oil.[Pubmed:11705332]

Phytochem Anal. 2001 Jul-Aug;12(4):255-62.

Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris L.) seed oil contains a series of diterpenoids known as Euphorbia factors, or L-factors, L1-L9. They are esters of several polyols (lathyrol, epoxylathyrol, hydroxylathyrol and ingenol) and account for about 3-5% of the oil. The percentage of ingenol-based L-factors is very low, less than 5% of the diterpenoid fraction, but some of them (factors L5 and L6) are responsible for the irritant and co-carcinogenic activities of the oil. This paper reports an HPLC-UV and HPLC-positive-ESI-MS analysis of the diterpenoid fraction of caper spurge seed oil before and after selective hydrolysis of ingenol-based L-factors. Separation of lathyrane polyols and esters, and ingenol and its esters was achieved using a chromatographic system consisting of a C18 stationary phase and acetonitrile: water as mobile phase. A new macrocyclic constituent, the deoxy Euphorbia factor L1, was identified in the oil.