Carboplatin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate synergistically induce cytotoxic effects in esophageal cancer cells

Background and purpose:

We aimed at evaluating the effects of combinatorial treatments with carboplatin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the KYSE-30 esophageal cancer (EC) cell line and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Experimental approach:

EC cells were harvested and exposed to increasing concentrations of carboplatin and EGCG to construct a dose-response plot. Cell inhibitory effects were assessed by the MTT method and apoptosis-related gene expression levels (caspases 8 and 9) and Bcl-2 mRNA were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The lactate levels in the various treated cases were analyzed using the colorimetric assay kit. In addition, total antioxidant capacity was measured.

Findings/Results:

The results indicated that, following treatments with carboplatin in IC₂₀, IC₂₅, and IC₁₀ concentrations when combined with EGCG in similar concentrations, synergistically decreased cell viability versus single treatments of both agents. Also, in combined treatments at IC₂₀ and IC₂₅ of both agents the gene expression ratio of caspases 8 and 9 upregulated significantly compared to monotherapies (P < 0.05). Bcl-2 gene expression ratios were decreased in double agents treated cells versus monotherapies. Following treatment of KYSE-30 cells with carboplatin and EGCG in double combinations, lactate levels were significantly decreased compared with the untreated cells and single treatments (P < 0.05). Also, in IC₂₅, IC₂₀, and IC₁₀ concentrations of both agents the total antioxidant capacity levels were decreased versus monotherapies and untreated cells.

Conclusion and implications:

The presented study determined that treatment with carboplatin and EGCG was capable of promoting cytotoxicity in EC cells and inhibits the cancer progress. Combined treatments with low concentrations of carboplatin and EGCG may promote apoptosis induction and inhibit cell growth. These results confirmed the anticancer effects of carboplatin and EGCG and providing a base for additional use of EGCG to the EC treatment.

Regulatory Effects of Apatinib in Combination with Piperine on MDM-2 Gene Expression, Glutathione Peroxidase Activity and Nitric Oxide level as Mechanisms of Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Purpose: Apatinib has been utilized in colon cancer therapies but its efficiency and molecularmechanism are not fully understood. Chemotherapy in combination with non-toxic compoundscan be an effective treatment strategy for cancer. Consequently, this study was carried out toevaluate the effects of apatinib and piperine on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line and theirpotential anti-cancerous mechanisms in vitro.

Methods: The effects of apatinib and piperine on HCT-116 CRC cells were detected byassessing cell viability using MTT assay. The potential cytotoxic mechanisms of apatinib andpiperine were investigated by evaluating MDM-2 gene expression ratio using real-time PCRassay. Moreover, the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and nitric oxide (NO) levels wereassessed by colorimetric assays.

Results: The proliferation rate of CRC cells decreased by increasing the concentrations ofpiperine or apatinib. When HCT-116 cells were treated with different concentrations of apatinibin combination with piperine, the synergistic effects were observed (combination index < 1).In HCT-116 cells treated with apatinib and piperine at the concentrations of 0.5×IC50 and0.2×IC50, the MDM-2 gene expression was downregulated and NO levels increased comparedto the untreated control cells and related single treatments. In addition, GPX activity significantlydecreased in combination treatment at 0.5×IC50 concentration of both agents versus singletreatments.

Conclusion: Apatinib in combination with piperine could significantly inhibit the growth ofCRC cells. These cytotoxic effects were induced by regulation of MDM-2 gene expression andinhibition of antioxidant marker.

Association of Delta-6-Desaturase Expression with Aggressiveness of Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, and Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review

Background: The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/ protein kinase B /mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/ mTOR) signaling regulates multiple cellular processes and organizes cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation with the available nutrients, in particular, fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are cytotoxic to cancer cells and play a critical role in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and diabetes mellitus (DM). PUFAs are produced in the body by desaturases and elongases from dietary essential fatty acids (EFAs), primarily involving delta-6-desaturase (D6D). D6D is a rate-limiting enzyme for maintaining many aspects of lipid homeostasis and normal health. D6D is important to recognize the mechanisms that regulate the expression of this enzyme in humans. A lower level of D6D was seen in breast tumors compared to normal tissues. Interestingly, the elevated serum level of D6D was seen in MS and DM, which explains the critical role of D6D in inflammatory diseases. Methods: We searched databases of PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Google Scholar, Scopus and related studies by predefined eligibility criteria. We assessed their quality and extracted data. Results: Regarding the mTOR signaling pathway, there is remarkable contributions of many inflammatory diseases to attention to common metabolic pathways are depicted. Of course, we need to have the insights into each disorder and their pathological process. The first step in balancing the intake of EFAs is to prevent the disruption of metabolism and expression of the D6D enzyme. Conclusions: The ω6 and ω3 pathways are two major pathways in the biosynthesis of PUFAs. In both of these, D6D is a vital bifunctional enzyme desaturating linoleic acid or alpha-linolenic acid. Therefore, if ω6 and ω3 EFAs are given together in a ratio of 2: 1, the D6D expression will be down-regulated and normalized.

Anti-cancer effects of chemotherapeutic agent; 17-AAG, in combined with gold nanoparticles and irradiation in human colorectal cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluated the anti-cancer effects of irradiation (Ir) alone, Ir after heat shock protein 90 inhibitor; 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) and gold nanoparticle (GNP) treatments in human colorectal cancer cell line (HCT-116), with the targeting of related mechanisms.

METHODS

Water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 assay was utilized to study the cytotoxic effects of 17-AAG, GNP, Ir in single and combination cases on the cell viability of HCT-116 cells. The cells were examined with DNA fragmentation electrophoresis and evaluated for apoptosis induction. Caspase-3 expression as a critical apoptosis element in protein level was detected by western blotting.

RESULTS

Treatment with 17-AAG in a dose dependent manner for 24 h inhibited the cellular viability of HCT-116 cells. GNP at a dose of 70 μM had the lowest cytotoxic effects and was thus selected for combination treatment studies. Based on the results, GNP at a dose of 70 μM did not have a significant effect on cellular viability of HCT-116. In contrast, the evaluation of double and triple combinations, GNP with Ir (2 Gy of 6 MV X-ray radiation) and 17-AAG in double combinations induced significant cytotoxicity. Both DNA damage pattern and caspase-3 protein upregulation were present in Ir,GNP/17-AAG,GNP and Ir,17-AAG combinations compared to single treatments. Furthermore, in the three combination of GNP,Ir,17-AAG, radiosensitization effects (increased caspase-3 expression) occurred with a minimum concentration of 17-AAG.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, 17-AAG as chemotherapeutic agent in combination with Ir and GNP exerts noticeable anti-cancer effects, inhibited cell viability, and increased apoptosis occurrence by upregulating caspase-3 expression. It is suggested that these combinations should be more evaluated as a promising candidate for colorectal cancer treatment. Graphical abstract Anti-cancer effects of chemotherapeutic agent; 17-AAG, in combined with gold nanoparticles and irradiation in human colorectal cancer cells.

The Sources of Essential Fatty Acids for Allergic and Cancer Patients; a Connection with Insight into Mammalian Target of Rapamycin: A Narrative Review

Background:

Disturbance in essential fatty acids (EFA) metabolism plays a key role in autoimmune diseases, but EFA supplementation with sources of borage, evening primrose, hemp seed and fish oils was not effective in atopic and cancer diseases, as that seen in the case of multiple sclerosis. It seems that two complexes of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, mTORC1 and mTORC2, are congruent with the two bases of the Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) therapy, Cold and Hot nature, which are essential for the efficacy of functional oils for controlling immune responses in autoimmune diseases.

Methods:

We searched PubMed database, Web of Science (WOS), Google Scholar, Scopus and selected studies by predefined eligibility criteria. We then assessed their quality and extracted data.

Results:

The oils controlled by Cold or Hot nature may be helpful in maintaining homeostasis and preventing autoimmune diseases. In summary, studies of randomized controlled trials for allergy and cancer patients found no improvement in the signs or response to tests, despite a remarkable change in EFA fractions in the blood by supplementation with sources of borage, evening primrose, hemp seed and fish oils. In contrast, portulaca oleracea oil exhibited protective effects by anti-inflammatory properties via the PI3K/Akt/mTORC2 pathway with a deviation immune response to Th1 to treat atopic diseases and cancer.

Conclusions:

According to the concept of Traditional Iranian Medicine therapy, in contrast to Cold-nature oils, EFA supplementation with the sources of Hot-nature oilsis not suitable for the treatment of atopic and cancerous diseases.

Toxicity of Cisplatin-Loaded Poly Butyl Cyanoacrylate Nanoparticles in a Brain Cancer Cell Line: Anionic Polymerization Results

Cancer is one of the most important issues in modern medicine and the most common cause of death after cardiovascular diseases in many countries. Brain cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death among men and women, ranking third. Chemotherapeutic drugs that aim to prevent uncontrolled proliferation of cells in tissues of the body and induce apoptosis of tumor cells are prominent candidates for development. Since cisplatin has an apoptosis-inducing role, it is widely used as an anticancer agent. In this research, toxicity of cisplatin was studied with the C6 rat glioma cell lined using the MTT method. In addition, nanoparticles underwent SEM microscopic imaging. Particle average size, size distribution, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential of poly butyl cyanoacrylate nanoparticles were found to be 222 nm, 0.470 ± 0.04 and 5.1 ± 0.2 mV, respectively. The results showed that nanoconjugates of cisplatin have more cytotoxic effects on C6 cells than the free drug (P<0.05), pointing to an enhanced potential of the synthesized nano-particles as a new nanocarrier for chemotherapy.

Effects of Cisplatin-Loaded Niosomal Nanoparticleson BT-20 Human Breast Carcinoma Cells

Breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of death among women worldwide. Resistance to cisplatin is a main challenge in its treatment. Our present aim was to prepare nanoniosomated cisplatin and examine its efficacy in vitro using the BT-20 cell line. Niosome nanoparticles containing cisplatin were prepared by reverse-phase evaporation and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectrophotometry and MTT assay. The size and zeta potential of the nanodrug were estimated as 489.3 ± 23.66 nm and 23.4 ± 2.1 mV, respectively. Drug encapsuies confirmed appropriate retention of particles. Nanoparticles also increased the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin by 1.5 times compared to the standard drug. Findings of our study suggest that niosome nanoparticles are good carriers for cisplatin delivery to breast cancer cells.

General Characteristics and Cytotoxic Effects of Nano-Poly (Butyl Cyanoacrylate) Containing Carboplatin on Ovarian Cancer Cells

The initial response to treatment and subsequent development of resistance to carboplatin are very important challenges. Use of nano drug delivery is a new method to replace standard chemotherapy. In this research, both non-PEGylated and PEGylated nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by mini-emulsion polymerization of poly (butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) NPs. Characteristics such as size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, drug release, and stability were examined. In addition, infrared spectroscopy was used for description of the produced NPs. Then, cytotoxicity effects of both formulations were studied on the A2780CIS ovarian cancer cell line with incubation for 24, 48, and 72h. Examination of characteristics of loaded carboplatin on the PBCA NPs under suitable laboratory conditions showed a positive effect of PEG on their properties. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated greater toxicity with both formulations of nano-drugs than the free drug. The results indicated that PBCA NPs can be considered as suitable candidates for nano-drugs in chemotherapy.

Enhancing Effects of Curcumin on Cytotoxicity of Paclitaxel, Methotrexate and Vincristine in Gastric Cancer Cells

Curcumin (Diferuloylmethane), a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, has been found to increase chemotherapeutic agents-induced cytotoxicity in some resistant cancer cell lines. This investigation aimed to study the effects of curcumin on efficacy of some common anticancer agents in gastric cancer cells. AGS cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium under standard culture conditions (5% CO2 and 95% humidified air at 37°C). Curcumin was used at concentrations of 5, 15, 30 and 50 µM. Cells were treated with a combination of curcumin and paclitaxel (300 nm) or methotrexate (100 µm) or vincristine (5 nm). Cell viability, the percentage of live cells in the whole population, was evaluated by MTT assay after 48 hours. The results showed that cell viability was significantly decreased after incubation of AGS cells with curcumin. Combination with curcumin (15-50 µm) significantly increased cytotoxicity of all three agents (P<0.001). Regarding high anticancer potential and enhancement of chemotherapeutic agent-induced cytotoxicity, the combined use of curcumin with standard chemotherapy of gastric cancer is suggested as a strategy for better management of this fatal cancer.

Preparation, characterization, and cytotoxic effects of liposomal nanoparticles containing cisplatin: an in vitro study

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent used for treating various malignancies. The study aimed to prepare pegylated liposomal cisplatin and evaluate its efficacy against human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Drug-loaded nanoparticles were synthesized by reverse phase evaporation technique. The study is highlighted by extensive characterization of nanoparticles in terms of nanoparticle morphology, type of drug entrapment, cisplatin retention capability, and cytotoxicity effects. The size, size distribution, and zeta potential of nanodrug were estimated 142 nm, 0.33, and -22 mV, respectively. Drug-loading efficiency was equal to 48% that occurred physically. Furthermore, high retention capability (39% of drug was released after 72 h) with significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of nanodrug (1.75 times more than the standard drug) confirmed the potency of liposomal nanoparticles as proper cisplatin carrier.

Preparation, Characterization and Cytotoxic Effects of Pegylated Nanoliposomal Containing Carboplatin on Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines

Carboplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent used against various malignancies such as ovarian carcinoma. The aim of this study is to improve the therapeutic efficacy of carboplatin using pegylated liposomal nanocarriers. Nanoparticles were synthesized using thin film hydration technique and characterized for shape morphology, particle size, zeta potential and drug-release properties. In the next step, A2780S and A2780CP ovarian cancer cell lines were used to determine the efficacy of nanodrug by MTT assay. The particle size and zeta potential of nanodrug were measured 244.3 ± 19.6 nm and -22.9 ± 1.7 mV, respectively. High encapsulation capacity (78.6 ± 3.7 %) confirmed the efficiency of technique. The cytotoxicity results also showed that nanodrug compared to free drug improve the efficacy of carboplatin against both A2780S (P < 0.01) and A2780CP (P < 0.05) cell lines. In conclusion, the findings of our study suggested pegylated liposomal nanocarriers are proper for carboplatin delivery to ovarian cancer cell lines A2780S and A2780CP.

Biochemical Evaluation of Some Liver Enzymes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Iraqi Patients

Liver is the main organ of glucose storage as glycogen and metabolism.This key function of liver exposes it to many types of diseases with metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes.Many studies had showed that; diabetes is associated with high risk of chronic liver disease, primary liver cancers and liver cirrhosis. However, most of these studies were performed in Western countries, and there is a lack of information from Iraq. The aim of the study is to evaluate some hepatic enzymes in Iraqi patients with chronic type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared with healthy volunteers.Sixty Iraqi subjects with type 2 DM, and sixty healthy volunteers as control group were included in this study. The levels of (Glucose, ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP) were measured.The mean values of concentration levels of ALT, AST and GGT were significantly higher in T2DM than the control group (P≤ 0.001 for ALT, GGT and P≤ 0.05 for AST). In contrast, there is no significant difference in ALP levels in the two study groups.The results of this study are in accordance with previously reported high prevalence rates of abnormal liver enzymes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in other populations.