Decoding the mechanism of drugs of heterocyclic nature against hepatocellular carcinoma

Objectives Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common type of cancer and accounts for ~90% of cases with an approximated incidence of >1 million cases by 2025. Currently, the backbone of HCC therapy is the oral multi-kinase inhibitor, Sorafenib, which consists of a Pyridine heterocycle ring system. This review highlights the introspective characteristics of seven anticancer drugs of heterocyclic nature against HCC along with their structural activity relationships and molecular targets. Methods Literature collection was performed using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and Cross ref. Additional information was taken from the official website of FDA and GLOBOCAN. Key findings/ Results Based on the available literature, approved heterocyclic compounds showing promising results against HCC including Sorafenib (Pyridine), Regorafenib (Pyridine), Lenvatinib (Quinoline), Cabozantinib (Quinoline), Gemcitabine (Pyrimidine), 5-Fluorouracil (Pyrimidine)and Capecitabine (Pyrimidine), their mechanism of action and key aspects regarding its structural activity were included in the review. Conclusion Heterocyclic compounds represent almost two-thirds of the novel drugs approved by FDA between 2010 and 2020 against Cancer. This review summarizes the clinical relevance, mechanism of action, structural activity relationship, and challenges of the seven available anticancer drugs with heterocyclic ring systems against HCC.

An insight into the role of telmisartan as PPAR-γ/α dual activator in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common hepatic disease. It is rapidly emerging as the frequent cause for liver transplantation with the risk of disease recurrence, even after transplantation. Clinical evidence showed an abnormally altered expression of different peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isotypes (PPAR-α/γ/δ) in NAFLD with an involvement in the induction of insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and hepatic inflammation. Recently, several dual PPAR-γ/α agonists were developed to simultaneously achieve the insulin-sensitizing effect of PPAR-γ as well as lipid catabolizing effect of PPAR-α. PPAR-α activation could counterbalance the steatogenic and adipogenic effects of PPAR-γ. But most of the drugs were ended in the initial level itself due to harmful adverse effects. In the present review, we discuss the possible mechanism of telmisartan, a typical angiotensin receptor blocker with excellent safety and pharmacokinetic profile, as a PPAR-γ/α dual agonist in the treatment of NAFLD.

Conjugated Dienones from Differently Substituted Cinnamaldehyde as Highly Potent Monoamine Oxidase-B Inhibitors: Synthesis, Biochemistry, and Computational Chemistry

Fifteen multiconjugated dienones (MK1-MK15) were synthesized and evaluated to determine their inhibitory activities against monoamine oxidases (MAOs) A and B. All derivatives were found to be potent and highly selective MAO-B inhibitors. Compound MK6, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.82 nM, most effectively inhibited MAO-B, like MK12 (IC₅₀ = 3.22 nM), followed by MK5, MK13, and MK14 (IC₅₀ = 4.02, 4.24, and 4.89 nM, respectively). The selectivity index values of MK6 and MK12 for MAO-B over MAO-A were 7361.5 and 1780.5, respectively. Compounds MK6 and MK12 were competitive reversible inhibitors of MAO-B, with K _i values of 1.10 ± 0.20 and 3.0 ± 0.27 nM, respectively. Cytotoxic studies showed that MK5, MK6, MK12, and MK14 exhibited low toxicities on Vero cells, with IC₅₀ values of 218.4, 149.1, 99.96, and 162.3 μg/mL, respectively, which were much higher than those for their effective nanomolar-level concentrations. Also, MK5, MK6, MK12, and MK14 decreased cell damage in H₂O₂-induced cells via a significant scavenging effect of reactive oxygen species. Molecular modeling was performed to rationalize the potential inhibitory activities of MK5, MK6, MK12, and MK14 toward MAO-B and their possible binding mechanisms, showing high-affinity binding pocket interactions and conformation perturbations of the compounds with MAO-B, which were interpreted as the conformational dynamics of MAO-B. This study concluded that all the compounds tested were more potent MAO-B inhibitors than the reference drugs, and leading compounds could be further explored for their effectiveness in various kinds of neurodegenerative disorders.

Antibody-drug conjugate as targeted therapeutics against hepatocellular carcinoma: preclinical studies and clinical relevance

An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is an advanced chemotherapeutic option with immense promises in treating many tumor. They are designed to selectively attack and kill neoplastic cells with minimal toxicity to normal tissues. ADCs are complex engineered immunoconjugates that comprise a monoclonal antibody for site-directed delivery and cytotoxic payload for targeted destruction of malignant cells. Therefore, it enables the reduction of off-target toxicities and enhances the therapeutic index of the drug. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a solid tumor that shows high heterogeneity of molecular phenotypes and is considered the second most common cause of cancer-related death. Studies show enormous potential for ADCs targeting GPC3 and CD24 and other tumor-associated antigens in HCC with their high, selective expression and show potential outputs in preclinical evaluations. The review mainly highlights the preclinical evaluation of different antigen-targeted ADCs such as MetFab-DOX, Anti-c-Met IgG-OXA, Anti CD 24, ANC-HN-01, G7mab-DOX, hYP7-DCand hYP7-PC, Anti-CD147 ILs-DOX and AC133-vcMMAF against hepatocellular carcinoma and its future relevance.

Unravelling the Immune Modulatory Effect of Indian Spices to Impede the Transmission of COVID-19: A Promising Approach

Months after WHO declared COVID-19 as a Global Public Health Emergency of International Concern, it does not seem to be flattening the curve as we are still devoid of an effective treatment modality and vaccination is in the first phase in many countries. Amid such uncertainty, being immune is the best strategy to defend against corona attacks. As the whole world is referring back to immune-boosting traditional remedies, interest is rekindled in the Indian system of Medicine, which is gifted with an abundance of herbal medicines as well as remedies. Among them, spices (root, rhizome, seed, fruit, leaf, bud, and flower of various plants used to add taste and flavors to food) are bestowed with immense medicinal potential. A plethora of clinical as well as preclinical studies reported the effectiveness of various spices for various ailments. The potential immune-boosting properties together with their excellent safety profiles are making spices the current choice of phytoresearch as well as the immune-boosting home remedies during these sceptical times. The present review critically evaluates the immune impact of various Indian spices and their potential to tackle the novel coronavirus, with comments on the safety and toxicity aspects of spices.

Biology, Significance and Immune Signaling of Mucin 1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Mucin 1 (MUC 1) is a highly glycosylated tumor-associated antigen (TAA) overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This protein plays a critical role in various immune-mediated signaling pathways at its transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, leading to immune evasion and metastasis in HCC. HCC cells maintain an immune-suppressive environment with the help of immunesuppressive tumor-associated antigens, resulting in a metastatic spread of the disease. The development of intense immunotherapeutic strategies to target tumor-associated antigen is critical to overcoming the progression of HCC. MUC 1 remains the most recognized tumor-associated antigen since its discovery over 30 years ago. A few promising immunotherapies targeting MUC 1 are currently under clinical trials, including CAR-T and CAR-pNK-mediated therapies. This review highlights the biosynthesis, significance, and clinical implication of MUC 1 as an immune target in HCC.

Blockade of Uttroside B-Induced Autophagic Pro-Survival Signals Augments Its Chemotherapeutic Efficacy Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Our previous study has demonstrated that Uttroside B (Utt-B), a saponin isolated from the leaves of Solanum nigrum Linn induces apoptosis in hepatic cancer cells and exhibits a remarkable growth inhibition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Our innovation has been granted a patent from the US (US 2019/0160088A1), Canada (3,026,426.), Japan (JP2019520425) and South Korea (KR1020190008323) and the technology have been transferred commercially to Q Biomed, a leading US-based Biotech company. Recently, the compound received approval as 'Orphan Drug' against HCC from US FDA, which reveals the clinical relevance of evaluating its antitumor efficacy against HCC. In the present study, we report that Utt-B promotes pro-survival autophagy in hepatic cancer cells as evidenced by the increased expression of autophagy-related proteins, including LC3-II, Beclin1, ATG 5, and ATG 7, as well as a rise in the autophagic flux. Hence, we investigated whether Utt-B-induced autophagic response is complementing or contradicting its apoptotic program in HCC. Inhibition of autophagy using the pharmacological inhibitors, Bafilomycin A1(Baf A1), and 3-methyl adenine (3-MA), and the biological inhibitor, Beclin1 siRNA, significantly enhances the apoptosis of hepatic cancer cells and hence the cytotoxicity induced by Utt-B. We also found increased expression of autophagy markers in Utt-B-treated xenografts derived from HCC. We further analyzed whether the antimalarial drug, Chloroquine (Cqn), a well-known autophagy inhibitor, can enhance the anticancer effect of Utt-B against HCC. We found that inhibition of autophagy using Cqn significantly enhances the antitumor efficacy of Utt-B in vitro and in vivo, in NOD SCID mice bearing HCC xenografts. Taken together, our results suggest that the antitumor effect of Utt-B against HCC can be further enhanced by blocking autophagy. Furthermore, Utt-B in combination with Cqn, a clinically approved drug, if repurposed and used in a combinatorial regimen with Utt-B, can further improve the therapeutic efficacy of Utt-B against HCC.

Ameliorative effect of ethoxylated chalcone-based MAO-B inhibitor on behavioural predictors of haloperidol-induced Parkinsonism in mice: evidence of its antioxidative role against Parkinson's diseases

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects mostly elderly people above the age of 60. Previously, we have reported that the ethoxylated chalcone derivative (E)-1-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-3-(fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (E7) showed potent, reversible, and competitive MAO-B inhibition with an IC₅₀ value of 0.053 μm. The present study aims to investigate the anti-Parkinson activity of compound E7 in a haloperidol-induced animal model of mice. The disease was induced with haloperidol (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal route) once daily for 21 days. E7 was given at dose levels of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg/day for 21 days, consecutively. Behavioural tests were carried out during and at the end of the study. Biochemical analyses such as oxidative stress biomarkers and neurotransmitters were quantified on the brain homogenate at the end of the study. Behavioural results showed that there is a marked improvement in locomotor activity and motor coordination in the treatment group. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as SOD, CAT, and GSH levels were increased dose-dependently with a maximum at 30 mg/kg, whereas the dose-dependent decrease (30 mg/kg) in the MDA and nitrite levels were observed in the treatment groups. Levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, were increased in the treatment groups while dopamine and noradrenaline levels were more than in the standard treated group. MAO-B level was also decreased dose dependently in the treatment group in comparison with the control group. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the E7 compound exhibited anti-Parkinson activity which was more evident at 30 mg/kg oral dose as evaluated by the haloperidol-induced animal model of mice.

Critical biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma in body fluids and gut microbiota

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer and one of the major causes of cancer-related death. The development of specific non-invasive or diagnostic markers from blood, urine and feces may represent a valuable tool for detecting HCC at an early stage. Biomarkers are considered novel potential targets for therapeutic intervention. It helps in the prediction of prognosis or recurrence of HCC, and also assist in the selection of appropriate treatment modality. We summarize the most relevant existing data about various biomarkers that play a key role in the progression of HCC.

Harnessing the immune system against cancer: current immunotherapy approaches and therapeutic targets

Cancer immunotherapy is a rapidly evolving concept that has been given the tag "fifth pillar" of cancer therapy while radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery and targeted therapy remain the other four pillars. This involves the stimulation of the immune system to control tumor growth and it specifically targets the neoplastic cells rather than the normal cells. Conventional chemotherapy has many limitations which include drug resistance, recurrence of cancer and severe adverse effects. Immunology has made major treatment breakthroughs for several cancers such as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, stomach cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia etc. Currently, therapeutic strategies harnessing the immune system involve Checkpoint inhibitors, Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells), Monoclonal antibodies, Cancer vaccines, Cytokines, Radio-immunotherapy and Oncolytic virus therapy. The molecular characterization of several tumor antigens (TA) indicates that these TA can be utilized as promising candidates in cancer immunotherapy strategies. Here in this review, we highlight and summarize the different categories of emerging cancer immunotherapies along with the immunologically recognized tumor antigens involved in the tumor microenvironment.

Replacement of Chalcone-Ethers with Chalcone-Thioethers as Potent and Highly Selective Monoamine Oxidase-B Inhibitors and Their Protein-Ligand Interactions

To develop new potent and highly selective MAO-B inhibitors from chalcone-thioethers, eleven chalcones-thioethers were synthesized and their monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition, kinetics, reversibility, and cytotoxicity of lead compounds were analyzed. Molecular dynamics were carried out to investigate the interactions. Compound TM8 showed potent inhibitory activity against MAO-B, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.010 µM, followed by TM1, TM2, TM7, and TM10 (IC₅₀ = 0.017, 0.021, 0.023, and 0.026 µM, respectively). Interestingly, TM8 had an extremely high selectivity index (SI; 4860) for MAO-B. Reversibility and kinetic experiments showed that TM8 and TM1 were reversible and competitive inhibitors of MAO-B with K_i values of 0.0031 ± 0.0013 and 0.011± 0.001 µM, respectively. Both TM1 and TM8 were non-toxic to Vero cells with IC₅₀ values of 241.8 and 116.3 µg/mL (i.e., 947.7 and 402.4 µM), respectively, and at these IC₅₀ values, both significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. TM1 and TM8 showed high blood-brain barrier permeabilities in the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay. Molecular dynamics studies were conducted to investigate interactions between TM1 and TM8 and the active site of MAO-B. Conclusively, TM8 and TM1 are potent and highly selective MAO-B inhibitors with little toxicity and good ROS scavenging abilities and it is suggested that both are attractive prospective candidates for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Mucus targeting as a plausible approach to improve lung function in COVID-19 patients

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as one of the worst pandemics that have tormented the globe due to its highly contagious nature. Even if the disease manifests fever-like symptoms mostly, the disease may progress to the pulmonary-hyper inflammatory phase, with severe pneumonia, hypoxia and subsequent multiple organ infection. This subsequently creates a huge burden to the health care systems across the globe for an immediate arrangement of ventilator facilities, oxygen supply and advanced health care. We evaluated the pathological similarity of COVID-19 with other airway obstructive disorders such as COPD and asthma and found typical mucus hypersecretion and mucus plugging in COVID-19 subjects. From several bronchoscopy and clinical autopsy carried out in COVID-19 patients, the overexpression of mucin gene was evident which play a significant role in mucus hypersecretion and accumulation, leading to airway obstruction and further to respiratory distress. In the present work, we highlight the need for intense research inputs to elucidate the exact role the mucus plays in worsening COVID-19 symptoms. This will further help to find a proper approach to quantify the airway mucus plugging in each patient and to develop an appropriate therapy either to inhibit mucus secretion or to improve mucus clearance through well-designed clinical trials.

RNA Sensors as a Mechanism of Innate Immune Evasion among SARSCoV2, HIV and Nipah Viruses

Innate immunity is the first line of defence elicited by the host immune system to fight against invading pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. From this elementary immune response, the more complex antigen-specific adaptive responses are recruited to provide a long-lasting memory against the pathogens. Innate immunity gets activated when the host cell utilizes a diverse set of receptors known as pattern recognition receptors (PRR) to recognize the viruses that have penetrated the host and responds with cellular processes like complement system, phagocytosis, cytokine release and inflammation and destruction of NK cells. Viral RNA or DNA or viral intermediate products are recognized by receptors like toll-like receptors(TLRs), nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs) thereby, inducing type I interferon response (IFN) and other proinflammatory cytokines in infected cells or other immune cells. But certain viruses can evade the host innate immune response to replicate efficiently, triggering the spread of the viral infection. The present review describes the similarity in the mechanism chosen by viruses from different families -HIV, SARSCoV- 2 and Nipah viruses to evade the innate immune response and how efficiently they establish the infection in the host. The review also addresses the stages of developments of various vaccines against these viral diseases and the challenges encountered by the researchers during vaccine development.

Halogenated Coumarin-Chalcones as Multifunctional Monoamine Oxidase-B and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitors

A series of halogenated coumarin-chalcones were synthesized, characterized, and their inhibitory activities against monoamine oxidases (MAOs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1) were evaluated. Compound CC2 most potently inhibited MAO-B with an IC₅₀ value of 0.51 μM, followed by CC1 (IC₅₀ = 0.69 μM), with a selectivity index (SI) of >78.4 and >58.0, respectively, over MAO-A. However, none of the compounds effectively inhibited MAO-A, AChE, and BChE, except for CC2 and CC3 inhibiting BChE with IC₅₀ values of 7.00 (SI > 5.73 over AChE) and 11.8 μM, respectively. CC1 and CC2 were found to be reversible and competitive inhibitors of MAO-B, with K _i values of 0.50 ± 0.06 and 0.53 ± 0.04 μM, respectively, and CC2 was also a reversible and competitive inhibitor of BChE, with a K _i value of 2.84 ± 0.09 μM. The parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) method showed that lead candidates can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The in vitro toxicity analysis on the Vero cell line (Normal African green monkey kidney epithelial cells) by MTT confirmed that both CC1 and CC2 were nontoxic up to 100 μg/mL, which is almost equivalent to 100 times of their effective concentration used in biological studies. In addition, CC1 and CC2 attenuated H₂O₂-induced cellular damage via their reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging effect. These results suggest that CC1 and CC2 are selective and competitive inhibitors of MAO-B, and that CC2 is a selective and competitive inhibitor of BChE. Molecular docking studies of lead compounds provided the possible type of interactions in the targeted enzymes. Based on the findings, both compounds, CC1 and CC2, can be considered plausible drug candidates against neurodegenerative disorders.

Insights into an Immunotherapeutic Approach to Combat Multidrug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as one of the most lethal cancers worldwide because of its high refractoriness and multi-drug resistance to existing chemotherapies, which leads to poor patient survival. Novel pharmacological strategies to tackle HCC are based on oral multi-kinase inhibitors like sorafenib; however, the clinical use of the drug is restricted due to the limited survival rate and significant side effects, suggesting the existence of a primary or/and acquired drug-resistance mechanism. Because of this hurdle, HCC patients are forced through incomplete therapy. Although multiple approaches have been employed in parallel to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR), the results are varying with insignificant outcomes. In the past decade, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough approach and has played a critical role in HCC treatment. The liver is the main immune organ of the lymphatic system. Researchers utilize immunotherapy because immune evasion is considered a major reason for rapid HCC progression. Moreover, the immune response can be augmented and sustained, thus preventing cancer relapse over the post-treatment period. In this review, we provide detailed insights into the immunotherapeutic approaches to combat MDR by focusing on HCC, together with challenges in clinical translation.

Cogent role of flavonoids as key orchestrators of chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma: A review

Chemopreventive approaches with food-derived phytochemicals are progressively rising as a significant aspect of tumor management and control. Herein, we have showcased the major phytoconstituents belonging to the group of flavanoid, as anti-cancer agents used for the treatment and prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sorafenib is the sole drug used for the treatment of advanced HCC, but its clinical application is limited because of its severe adverse effects and drug resistance. Diet-based chemoprevention seems to be the way forward for this disease of malignant nature. As HCC is derived from a chronic inflammatory milieu, the regular incorporation of bioactive phytochemicals in the diet will confer protection and prevent progression to hepatocarcinogenesis. Many preclinical studies proved that the health benefits of flavonoids confer cytotoxic potential against various types of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma. As flavonoids with excellent safety profile are abundantly present in common vegetables and fruits, they can be better utilized for chemoprevention and chemosensitization in such chronic condition. This review highlights the plausible role of the eight most promising flavonoids (Curcumin, Kaempferol, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Silibinin, Baicalein, Galangin and Luteolin) as key orchestrators of chemoprevention in hepatocellular carcinoma with preclinical and clinical evidence. An attempt to address the challenges in its clinical translation is also included. This review also provides an insight into the close association of HCC and metabolic disorders which may further decipher the chemopreventive effect of dietary bioactive from a proof of concept to extensive clinical translation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: According to GLOBOCAN 2020 database, it is estimated that 905,677 new cases of liver cancer and approximately 830,180 deaths related to that. The cancer incidence and mortality are almost similar as it is diagnosed at an advanced stage in patients where systemic drug therapy is the sole approach. Due to the emergence of multidrug resistance and drug-related toxicities, most of the patient can not adhere to the therapy regimen. Flavonoids are known to be a potential anticancer agent with an excellent safety profile. These are found to be effective preclinically against hepatocellular carcinoma through modulation of numerous pathways in hepatocarcinogenesis. But, the bioavailability issue, lack of well designed-validated clinical evidence, the possibility of food-drug interaction etc limit its clinical utility. The research inputs mainly to overcome pharmacokinetic issues along with suitable validation of efficacy and toxicity will be a critical point for establishing flavonoids as an effective, safe, affordable therapeutics.

Trimethoxylated Halogenated Chalcones as Dual Inhibitors of MAO-B and BACE-1 for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders

Six halogenated trimethoxy chalcone derivatives (CH1-CH6) were synthesized and spectrally characterized. The compounds were further evaluated for their inhibitory potential against monoamine oxidases (MAOs) and β-secretase (BACE-1). Six compounds inhibited MAO-B more effectively than MAO-A, and the 2',3',4'-methoxy moiety in CH4-CH6 was more effective for MAO-B inhibition than the 2',4',6'-methoxy moiety in CH1-CH3. Compound CH5 most potently inhibited MAO-B, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.46 µM, followed by CH4 (IC₅₀ = 0.84 µM). In 2',3',4'-methoxy derivatives (CH4-CH6), the order of inhibition was -Br in CH5 > -Cl in CH4 > -F in CH6 at the para-position in ring B of chalcone. CH4 and CH5 were selective for MAO-B, with selectivity index (SI) values of 15.1 and 31.3, respectively, over MAO-A. CH4 and CH5 moderately inhibited BACE-1 with IC₅₀ values of 13.6 and 19.8 µM, respectively. When CH4 and CH5 were assessed for their cell viability studies on the normal African Green Monkey kidney cell line (VERO) using MTT assays, it was noted that both compounds were found to be safe, and only a slightly toxic effect was observed in concentrations above 200 µg/mL. CH4 and CH5 decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of VERO cells treated with H₂O₂, indicating both compounds retained protective effects on the cells by antioxidant activities. All compounds showed high blood brain barrier permeabilities analyzed by a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). Molecular docking and ADME prediction of the lead compounds provided more insights into the rationale behind the binding and the CNS drug likeness. From non-test mutagenicity and cardiotoxicity studies, CH4 and CH5 were non-mutagenic and non-/weak-cardiotoxic. These results suggest that CH4 and CH5 could be considered candidates for the cure of neurological dysfunctions.

Curry versus cancer: Potential of some selected culinary spices against cancer with in vitro, in vivo, and human trials evidences

Spices are dietary agents with immense potential for cancer chemo-prevention. A wide variety of spices are extensively used as food flavoring agents which possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties due to the presence of certain bio-active compounds in them. In vitro, in vivo studies and clinical trials of selected spices against various types of cancer are being specified in this review. Effect of certain putative dietary spices namely turmeric, clove, garlic, ginger, fennel, black cumin, cinnamon, pepper, saffron, rosemary, and chilli along with its role in cancer are being discussed. Literature search was conducted through PubMed, Google scholar, Science direct, and Scopus using the keywords "spice," "cancer," "natural medicine," "herbal compound," "bioactive compounds." About 4,000 published articles and 127 research papers were considered to grab the brief knowledge on spices and their anticancer potential on a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Historically, spices and herbs are known for its traditional flavor, odor, and medicinal properties. Intensified risk of chronic and pervasive clinical conditions and increased cost of advanced drug treatments have developed a keen interest among researchers to explore the miscellaneous properties of herbal spices. Cancer is one of the deleterious causes of mortality affecting a huge number of populations worldwide. Arrays of cancer treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are used to compromise the disease but effective only when the size of the tumor is small. So, an effective treatment need to be developed that produces less side effects and herbal spices are found to be the promising agents. In this review, we illustrate about different in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies of wide range of culinary spices having antineoplastic potential.

Anti-VEGF Mediated Immunomodulatory Role of Phytochemicals: Scientific Exposition for Plausible HCC Treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common solid tumours and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Advanced-recurrent HCC often requires a systemic drug therapy where multi tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Sorafenib represents the first-line therapy option. But it exhibited very limited survival benefit and tumour response due to the early emergence of drug resistance and drug-related adverse effect. Immunotherapy approaches now being widely studied as an effective alternative treatment for HCC. Several immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), such as Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab, are approved as monotherapy in sorafenib-resistant HCC patients. But, the existence of a plethora of immunosuppressive signals in the tumour microenvironment often leads to unsuccessful immunotherapies. In this context, combinatorial immunotherapies are getting much acceptance as a way to improve therapeutic outcomes by blocking immunosuppressive signals in the tumour microenvironment (TME). The combination of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) inhibitors with ICI resulted in significant synergistic effects in various preclinical and clinical studies. However, the adverse effects associated with current synthetic VEGF inhibitors limit its clinical utility. In this review, we have summarized the potential of phytochemicals, especially the category of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, and coumarin, as the available-affordable-safe-effective repositories of VEGF inhibitors. Their possibilities as an alternative for synthetic VEGF inhibitors by synergistic combination with ICI are reviewed, thereby enhancing patient compliance and survival rates. This review highlights the demand for a detailed investigation of the plausible role of plant-based anti-angiogenic-immunotherapy combination against HCC.

MUC Glycoproteins: Potential Biomarkers and Molecular Targets for Cancer Therapy

MUC proteins have great significance as prognostic and diagnostic markers as well as a potential target for therapeutic interventions in most cancers of glandular epithelial origin. These are high molecular weight glycosylated proteins located in the epithelial lining of several tissues and ducts. Mucins belong to a heterogeneous group of large O-glycoproteins that can be either secreted or membrane-bound. Glycosylation, a post-translational modification affects the biophysical, functional and biochemical properties and provides structural complexity for these proteins. Aberrant expression and glycosylation of mucins contribute to tumour survival and proliferation in many cancers, which in turn activates numerous signalling pathways such as NF-kB, ERα, HIF, MAPK, p53, c-Src, Wnt and JAK-STAT, etc. This subsequently induces cancer cell growth, proliferation and metastasis. The present review mainly demonstrates the functional aspects of MUC glycoproteins along with its unique signalling mechanism and role of aberrant glycosylation in cancer progression and therapeutics. The importance of MUC proteins and its subtypes in a wide spectrum of cancers including but not limited to breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial and cervical cancer, lung cancer, primary liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer has been exemplified with significance in targeting the same. Several patents associated with the MUC proteins in the field of cancer therapy are also emphasized in the current review.

The Ineluctable Role of ACE-2 Receptors in SARS COV-2 Infection and Drug Repurposing as a Plausible SARS COV-2 Therapy: A Concise Treatise

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiological agent for the COVID-19 infectious disease that spreads via the respiratory route and has reached a drastic level of a global pandemic. Symptoms of COVID-19 may vary from mild (fever, dry cough, shortness of breath) to severe pneumonia-like respiratory symptoms as exacerbation of disease occurs. Unlike SARS-CoV, the SARSCoV- 2 has a higher binding affinity to ACE-2 receptors, which signifies its higher transmission rate from person to person. Even though ACE-2 is significant in the reninangiotensin- aldosterone system (RAAS) regulation that exhibits protection to various organs, it plays a significant role in COVID-19 disease pathogenesis. Viral interferences with the ACE-2 peptidase activity are found in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients leading to pro-inflammatory responses, hypertension and multi-organ damage. Angiotensinconverting enzyme-2 is constrained to a variety of organ systems, but surface ACE-2 receptors on lung epithelia are largely affected, which lead to pathological alterations in lung histology which may progress to respiratory failure. The viral tropism mainly occurs by the attachment to the angiotensin-converting enzymes-2 receptors in the host cell; thus drugs targeting ACE-2 expressions may arise as the future therapeutic strategy to combat COVID-19 infections. The innovative approach of repurposing drugs has shown temporary effectiveness to curb the rising pandemic. This article mainly focuses on the prominence of ACE-2 receptors which are expressed during the COVID infections and the repurposing strategy of available drug therapies.

The Plausible Role of Indian Traditional Medicine in Combating Corona Virus (SARS-CoV 2): A Mini-Review

SARS-CoV 2 is a novel virus strain of Coronavirus, reported in China in late December 2019. Its highly contagious nature in humans has prompted WHO to designate the ongoing pandemic as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. At this moment, there is no specific treatment and the therapeutic strategies to deal with the infection are only supportive, with prevention aimed at reducing community transmission. A permanent solution for the pandemic, which has brought the world economy to the edge of collapse, is the need of the hour. This situation has brought intense research in traditional systems of medicine. Indian Traditional System, Ayurveda, has a clear concept of the cause and treatment of pandemics. Through this review, information on the potential antiviral traditional medicines along with their immunomodulatory pathways are discussed. We have covered the seven most important Indian traditional plants with antiviral properties: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (family: Solanaceae), Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers (family: Menispermaceae), Phyllanthus emblica L. (family: Euphorbiaceae), Asparagus racemosus L. (family: Liliaceae), Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (family: Fabaceae), Ocimum sanctum L. (family: Lamiaceae) and Azadirachta indica A. Juss (family: Meliaceae) in this review. An attempt is also made to bring into limelight the importance of dietary polyphenol, Quercetin, which is a potential drug candidate in the making against the SARS-CoV2 virus.

The Impetus of COVID -19 in Multiple Organ Affliction Apart from Respiratory Infection: Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Measures and Current Treatment Strategy

The pandemic spread of COVID 19 caused by the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV- 2) produced a tremendous effect on the life of humanity across the globe. The epidemiological studies revealed the drastic spectrum of SARS-CoV 2 infection ranging from mere flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory suppression within a short period. Initially, cases have been confined in the emerging point, Wuhan, China. But, within a few months, it has spread all over 212 countries around the globe and presently has become a severe threat to human life. Even though it is a severe acute respiratory syndrome virus, recent reports came with multiple organ effects of SARS-CoV 2, suggesting the virulence potential of this novel virus to sweep the planet in the absence of a proper vaccine or therapy. In this review, we discuss the multi-organ pathophysiology of COVID-19 infection, together with the treatment methods adopted and innovative diagnostic methods used.

Author Correction: Evaluation of uttroside B, a saponin from Solanum nigrum Linn, as a promising chemotherapeutic agent against hepatocellular carcinoma

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Evaluation of Kaempferol as AKT Dependent mTOR Regulator via Targeting FKBP-12 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An In silico Approach

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are inherently chemotherapy-resistant tumors with about 30-50% activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and this pathway is not aberrant in normal cells. Therefore, targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway has become a promising strategy in drug designing to combat liver cancer. Recently, many studies with phytochemicals suggest few classes of compounds, especially flavonoids, to be useful in down-regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway corresponding to HCC. In the present study, an attempt is made to explore flavonoids, from which the best mTORC1 inhibitor against hepatocellular carcinoma is selected using computational molecular modeling.

Methods:

In the present study, we performed a virtual screening method with phytochemicals of flavonoid category. To ensure proper bioavailability and druggability, pharmacokinetic and interaction parameters have been used to screen the molecules. The target protein molecules have been selected from the RCSB. The interaction studies have been conducted using Biovia Discovery Studio client version 17.2.0.1.16347 and the pharmacokinetic predictions have been made through ADMET SAR. The responsiveness towards the regulation of the mTOR pathway varies from person to person, demanding a pharmacogenomic approach in the analysis. The genetic variants (Single Nucleotide Variants-SNVs) corresponding to the mutations have been identified.

Results and Discussion:

The study identified phytoconstituents with better interaction with receptor FKBP12, a Rapamycin binding domain which is the target of Rapamycin and its analogues for mTORC1 inhibition in HCC. Another protein, ‘AKT serine/threonine-protein kinase’ has been identified, which is associated with activation of mTORC1. The molecular interaction studies (docking studies) and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) analysis were used to identify the affinity between selected phytoconstituents as mTORC1 inhibitor against Hepatocellular carcinoma. The docking studies support Kaempferol to be a potential ligand with docking score values of 33.4 (3CQU-3D structure of AKT1)] and 27.3 (2FAP-3D structure of FRB domain of mTOR) respectively as compared to that of standard drug Everolimus with 24.4 (3CQU-3D structure of AKT1) and 20.1 (2FAP-3D structure of FRB domain of mTOR) respectively. Docking studies along with ADMET results show that Kaempferol has favorable drug likeliness properties and binds to the same active site (site1) of the targeted proteins (3CQU-3D structure of AKT1) and (2FAP-3D structure of FRB domain of mTOR) where the standard drug Everolimus is known to bind.

Conclusion:

The study exhibited that Kaempferol had a better binding affinity towards the receptor FKBP12, a Rapamycin Binding Domain and AKT serine/threonine-protein kinase resulting in its better efficacy in the mTORC1 inhibition as when compared with standard drug Everolimus against HCC. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have been reported on Kaempferol as mTORC1 inhibitor against Hepatocellular carcinoma.