Polyacetylene and phenolic constituents from the roots of Codonopsis javanica

Chemical investigation of the roots of Codonopsis javanica resulted in isolation of 12 compounds, including one new polyacetylene, codojavanyol (1), one new phenolic glycoside, codobenzyloside (7), and 10 known compounds, (2E,8E)-9-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)nona-2,8-diene-4,6-diyl-1-ol (2), lobetyol (3), lobetyolin (4), lobetyolinin (5), cordifolioidyne B (6), benzyl-α-L-arabinopyranosyl (1-6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), (Z)-8-β-D-glucopyranosyloxycinnamic acid (9), syringin (10), syringaresinol (11), and tryptophan (12). Their structures were elucidated by 1 D and 2 D NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses in comparison with the data reported in the literature. The stereochemistry of the C-2' position of 1 was identified based on time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. Among the isolates, compounds 3-5 were shown to have weak cytotoxicity toward three human carcinoma cell lines, including lung (A549), liver (HepG2), and breast (MCF7), with the induction of 41.4 to 55.6% cell death at the concentration of 100 µM.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Ukrainian Iris Species: A Fresh Look on Their Antioxidant Content and Biological Activities

The major groups of antioxidant compounds (isoflavonoids, xanthones, hydroxycinnamic acids) in the rhizome methanol extracts of four Ukrainian Iris sp. (Iris pallida, Iris hungarica, Iris sibirica, and Iris variegata) were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using HPLC-DAD and UPLC-MS/MS. Gallic acid, caffeic acid, mangiferin, tectoridin, irigenin, iristectorigenin B, irisolidone, 5,6-dihydroxy-7,8,3',5'-tetramethoxyisoflavone, irisolidone-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, germanaism B, and nigricin were recognized by comparing their UV/MS spectra, chromatographic retention time (tR) with those of standard reference compounds. I. hungarica and I. variegata showed the highest total amount of phenolic compounds. Germanaism B was the most abundant component in the rhizomes of I. variegata (7.089 ± 0.032 mg/g) and I. hungarica (6.285 ± 0.030 mg/g). The compound analyses showed good calibration curve linearity (r² > 0.999) and low detection and quantifications limit. These results validated the method for its use in the simultaneous quantitative evaluation of phenolic compounds in the studied Iris sp. I. hungarica and I. variegata rhizomes exhibited antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by the HPLC-ABTS system and NRF2 expression assay and anti-inflammatory activity on respiratory burst in human neutrophils. Moreover, the extracts showed anti-allergic and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Anti-coronavirus 229E and lipid formation activities were also evaluated. In summary, potent antioxidant marker compounds were identified in the examined Iris sp.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Cytotoxic, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Hedychium flavum Rhizome

Hedychium flavum Roxb., a medicinal, edible, and ornamental plant, is widely cultivated throughout China, India, and Southeast Asia. The rhizome from this plant has been used for food flavoring and in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diverse diseases, but the detailed constituents and bioactivities are still limited known. Therefore, phytochemical analysis by GC-MS and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS, and antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and enzyme inhibitory activities tests have been conducted in the current study. Based on the GC-MS results, the essential oil (EO) of rhizome was mainly composed of coronarin E (20.3%), β-pinene (16.8%), E-nerolidol (11.8%), and linalool (8.5%). Among them, coronarin E was reported in H. flavum EO firstly. Furthermore, the spectrophotometric indicated rhizome had high total phenolic content (TPC, 50.08-57.42 mg GAEs/g extract) and total flavonoid content (TFC, 12.45-21.83 mg REs/g extract), no matter in water extract (WE) or in 70% ethanol extract (EE). UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was applied to further characterize composition, and 86 compounds were putatively identified from WE and EE, including 13 phenolic components. For the bioactivities, both WE and EE showed remarkable antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS tests, being superior to the positive control (butylated hydroxytoluene, BTH). EO revealed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus vulgaris with DIZ (10.34-24.43 mm), MIC (78.13-312.50 μg/mL), and MBC (156.25-625.00 μg/mL). Moreover, EO exhibited a considerable selectivity to human tumor cell K562 (IC₅₀ = 27.16 μg/mL), and its toxicity was more than 3.5-fold different from that of non-cancerous MRC-5 cell (IC₅₀ = 95.96 μg/mL) and L929 cell (IC₅₀ = 129.91 μg/mL). A series of apoptosis analysis demonstrated that EO induced apoptosis against K562 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In enzyme inhibitory effect assays, WE and EE showed strong α-glucosidase inhibition activity, being superior to the positive control (acarbose). Besides, the EO, WE, and EE didn't show a promising inhibition on tyrosinase (19.30-32.51 mg KAEs/g sample) and exhibited a weak inhibitory effect on cholinesterase. Based on the current results, H. flavum could be considered as a source of bioactive compounds and has high exploitation potential in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Evaluation of a novel biodegradable ureteral stent produced from polyurethane and magnesium alloys

Indwelling ureteral stents represent a very frequently used procedure in urological clinical practice that ensures the drainage of urine from the upper urinary tract. However, the stents could result in many stent-associated complications, such as encrustation and patient discomfort. We developed a new type of biodegradable ureteral stents produced from degradable polyurethane and magnesium alloys. In the present study, we investigated the biocompatibility and the property of degradation of the biodegradable ureteral stents. We evaluated the cytotoxicity of biodegradable ureteral stent by the MTT assay in vitro. The rabbit dorsal muscle embedding test was used to assess the biocompatibility of the degradable stents. Inflammation and fibrosis of muscle tissue were noted to evaluate compatibility at 1, 2, 4, 6 weeks after stents implanted in muscle. The degradation of the biodegradable ureteral stents was assessed by measuring the weight loss of the samples in AUS (artificial urine solution). For validating the degradation property of degradable stents in vivo, we inserted a degradable stent or a conventional biostable stent into Bama pigs. Furthermore, blood studies, liver function tests, renal function tests, urine studies, and computerized tomography (CT) were performed postoperatively. Our study confirms that the degradable polyurethane-based biodegradable ureteral stent has good biocompatibility. Our biodegradable ureteral stents were completely degraded within 4 weeks and provided a better ability of drainage than conventional stents. They hold promise for decreasing the need for a secondary procedure and stent related morbidity, such as infections.

Bioactivities of Lyngbyabellins from Cyanobacteria of Moorea and Okeania Genera

Cyanobacteria are reported as rich sources of secondary metabolites that provide biological activities such as enzyme inhibition and cytotoxicity. Ten depsipeptide derivatives (lyngbyabellins) were isolated from a Malaysian Moorea bouillonii and a Red Sea Okeania sp.: lyngbyabellins G (1), O (2), P (3), H (4), A (7), 27-deoxylyngbyabellin A (5), and homohydroxydolabellin (6). This study indicated that lyngbyabellins displayed cytotoxicity, antimalarial, and antifouling activities. The isolated compounds were tested for cytotoxic effect against human breast cancer cells (MCF7), for antifouling activity against Amphibalanus amphitrite barnacle larvae, and for antiplasmodial effect towards Plasmodium falciparum. Lyngbyabellins A and G displayed potent antiplasmodial effect against Plasmodium, whereas homohydroxydolabellin showed moderate effect. For antifouling activity, the side chain decreases the activity slightly, but the essential feature is the acyclic structure. As previously reported, the acyclic lyngbyabellins are less cytotoxic than the corresponding cyclic ones, and the side chain increases cytotoxicity. This study revealed that lyngbyabellins, despite being cytotoxic agents as previously reported, also exhibit antimalarial and antifouling activities. The unique chemical structures and functionalities of lyngbyabellin play an essential role in their biological activities.

Naphthoquinone Derivatives Isolated from Plants: Recent Advances in Biological Activity

Naturally occurring naphthoquinones (NQs) comprising highly reactive small molecules are the subject of increasing attention due to their promising biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, apoptosis-inducing activities, and especially anticancer activity. Lapachol, lapachone, and napabucasin belong to the NQs and are in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of many cancers. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and updated overview on the biological activities of several new NQs isolated from different species of plants reported from January 2013 to January 2020, their potential therapeutic applications and their clinical significance.

Endertiins A-B, two lanostane triterpenoids from the fruit bodies of the mushoom Humphreya endertii

Two new lanostane triterpnenoids named endertiins A and B (1 and 2) together with two known compounds as ganodecalone A (3) and ergosterol (4) have been successfully isolated from the cultivated fruit bodies of the mushroom Humphreya endertii Stey (Ganodermataceae). Their structures were elucidated by a combination of HR-MS and 2 D NMR spectroscopic analyses. In addition, endertiins A and B (1 and 2) were evaluated their cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines, MCF7 (human breast carcinoma) and LU (human lung carcinoma). The result showed that endertiin A (1) could inhibit the growth of MCF-7 cells with its IC₅₀ value of 71.16 ± 6.25 µg/ml.

Argovit™ Silver Nanoparticles Effects on Allium cepa: Plant Growth Promotion without Cyto Genotoxic Damage

Due to their antibacterial and antiviral effects, silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are one of the most widely used nanomaterials worldwide in various industries, e.g., in textiles, cosmetics and biomedical-related products. Unfortunately, the lack of complete physicochemical characterization and the variety of models used to evaluate its cytotoxic/genotoxic effect make comparison and decision-making regarding their safe use difficult. In this work, we present a systematic study of the cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of the commercially available AgNPs formulation Argovit™ in Allium cepa. The evaluated concentration range, 5-100 µg/mL of metallic silver content (85-1666 µg/mL of complete formulation), is 10-17 times higher than the used for other previously reported polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-AgNP formulations and showed no cytotoxic or genotoxic damage in Allium cepa. Conversely, low concentrations (5 and 10 µg/mL) promote growth without damage to roots or bulbs. Until this work, all the formulations of PVP-AgNP evaluated in Allium cepa regardless of their size, concentration, or the exposure time had shown phytotoxicity. The biological response observed in Allium cepa exposed to Argovit™ is caused by nanoparticles and not by silver ions. The metal/coating agent ratio plays a fundamental role in this response and must be considered within the key physicochemical parameters for the design and manufacture of safer nanomaterials.

Pleurotus sajor-caju-Mediated Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Active against Colon Cancer Cell Lines: A New Era of Herbonanoceutics

Herbal medicines are widely used worldwide and much appreciated because of their fewer side effects and the ability to fight diseases at the root cause. Active ‘phyto’ ingredients require a scientific approach and a mechanism to distribute components at the target site for better therapeutic results. Nanotechnology, on the other hand, has created new hope for cancer treatment but is still far from being proven in clinical settings. This article combines a unique approach to synthesis with the use of Pleurotus sajor-caju, followed by microwave irritation of silver and gold nanoparticles that ensures the capping of the active phyto ingredient and further enhances the effects of nanomedicine to fight colon cancer, thus opening a new era of what we call herbonanoceutics. The article also compares the characteristics and properties of silver (Au) and gold (Ag) nanoparticles synthesized by an in house developed novel microwave-assisted rapid green synthesis method. The as-prepared Ag NPs and Au NPs were compared using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Our comparative study revealed that both assemblies display face-centred cubic structures (FCCs) and are nanocrystalline in nature. The advantage of the approach was that the sizes of gold and silver were identical in range with a similar distribution pattern. This has helped us to study the activity against colon cancer cell line (HCT-116) without incoherence since size plays a key role in the application. More specifically, morphological changes, cell viability, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the fragmentation of DNA have been further reported to assess better the results obtained with the two metals. Our results suggest that the newly adopted synthesis method may ensure the dual benefits from phyto ingredients which further enhances the effectiveness of advanced nanomedicine.

Cytogenetic Study on the Biostimulation Potential of the Aqueous Fruit Extract of Hippophae rhamnoides for a Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystem

This cytogenetic study evaluates the biostimulation potential of the aqueous extract of seabuckthorn fruits (AESF) in plant cells, using the Allium cepa species as a test plant. The effects were monitored both at the macroscopic and microscopically level. The onion bulbs were exposed to the action of different concentrations of AESF (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5%) for 72 h. The obtained results showed the positive effect induced by the aqueous extract on the growth of the meristematic roots, but only at concentrations ranging between 0.5–1.5%, when the average length of the roots had values between 2.51–3.40 cm, which means an increase compared to the untreated control with 3.71–40.49%. Within the same concentration range of the AESF, an effect of intensifying the mitotic activity was recorded. On the other hand, at the 2–2.5% concentration of the AESF, there was an inhibitory effect on the growth of meristematic roots. Additionally, concentrations ≥2% of AESF induced a cytotoxic and genotoxic effect through the occurrence of some chromosomal and nuclear abnormalities in A. cepa cells (sticky, laggards, ring chromosomes, and micronucleus). The obtained results suggest the biostimulation potential of the AESF for plant cells and the possibility of using it as an eco-friendly fertilizer.

Intratumoral Administration of a Novel Cytotoxic Formulation with Strong Tissue Dispersive Properties Regresses Tumor Growth and Elicits Systemic Adaptive Immunity in In Vivo Models

The recent development of immune-based therapies has improved the outcome for cancer patients; however, adjuvant therapies remain an important line of treatment for several cancer types. To maximize efficacy, checkpoint inhibitors are often combined with cytotoxic agents. While this approach often leads to increased tumor regression, higher off target toxicity often results in certain patients. This report describes a novel formulation comprising a unique amphiphilic molecule, 8-((2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino)octanoate (SHAO), that non-covalently interacts with payloads to increase drug dispersion and diffusion when dosed intratumorally (IT) into solid tumors. SHAO is co-formulated with cisplatin and vinblastine (referred to as INT230-6). IT dosing of the novel formulation achieved greater tumor growth inhibition and improved survival in in vivo tumor models compared to the same drugs without enhancer given intravenously or IT. INT230-6 treatment increased immune infiltrating cells in injected tumors with 10% to 20% of the animals having complete responses and developing systemic immunity to the cancer. INT230-6 was also shown to be synergistic with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibodies at improving survival and increasing complete responses. INT230-6 induced significant tumor necrosis potentially releasing antigens to induce the systemic immune-based anti-cancer attack. This research demonstrates a novel, local treatment approach for cancer that minimizes systemic toxicity while stimulating adaptive immunity.

Cytotoxic activity, molecular docking, pharmacokinetic properties and quantum mechanics calculations of the brown macroalga Cystoseira trinodis compounds

In this study, nine compounds were isolated, eight of them were isolated for the first time from Cystoseira trinodis. The biological activity of the extract, fractions and pure compounds was evaluated. The antimicrobial activity was investigated against 3 fungi species, 3 gram + ve and 3 gram -ve bacteria. The crude extract and fractions showed moderate inhibition against some of the tested microorganisms, especially the butanol fraction exhibited the maximum inhibition zone against Salmonella typhimurium (16 ± 0.60 mm). Cytotoxicity was evaluated against HepG-2 and MCF-7 cell lines. Hexane fraction exhibited the highest cytotoxic effect against HepG-2 and MCF-7 cell lines with an IC₅₀ value of 14.3 ± 0.8 and 19.2 ± 0.7 µg/ml, respectively with compared to other fractions. The isolates were identified as octacosanoic acid (1), glyceryl trilinoleate (2), oleic acid (3), and the epimeric mixture of saringosterols (4, 5), β-sitosterol (6), glycoglycerolipid (7) and a mixture of kjellmanianone and loliolide (8, 9) by spectroscopic analysis. Among the all tested compounds kjellmanianone and loliolide mixture exhibited significant cytotoxic activity with an IC₅₀ value of 7.27 µg/ml against HepG-2 cells. The major and minor constituents of the extract and fractions were identified using GC-MS analysis. Molecular docking analysis confirmed that most of the studied compounds especially compounds 8 and 9 strongly interact with TPK and VEGFR-2 with highest binding energies supported that the high cytotoxicity of these compounds against human hepatocellular cancer in the experimental part. The energetic, geometric and topological properties of compounds 8 and 9 binding with cytosine base were computed by DFT methods. Molecular properties descriptors, bioactivity score and ADMET analysis confirmed that most of the studied compounds especially compounds 8 and 9 exhibit significant biological activities and have a better chance to be developed as drug leads. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Chemical Diversity and Biological Activities of Essential Oils from Licaria, Nectrandra and Ocotea Species (Lauraceae) with Occurrence in Brazilian Biomes

Lauraceae species are known as excellent essential oil (EO) producers, and their taxa are distributed throughout the territory of Brazil. This study presents a systematic review of chemical composition, seasonal studies, occurrence of chemical profiles, and biological activities to EOs of species of Licaria, Nectandra, and Ocotea genera collected in different Brazilian biomes. Based on our survey, 39 species were studied, with a total of 86 oils extracted from seeds, leaves, stem barks, and twigs. The most representative geographic area in specimens was the Atlantic Forest (14 spp., 30 samples) followed by the Amazon (13 spp., 30 samples), Cerrado (6 spp., 14 samples), Pampa (4 spp., 10 samples), and Caatinga (2 spp., 2 samples) forests. The majority of compound classes identified in the oils were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenoids. Among them, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, bicyclogermacrene, caryophyllene oxide, α-bisabolol, and bicyclogermacrenal were the main constituents. Additionally, large amounts of phenylpropanoids and monoterpenes such as safrole, 6-methoxyelemicin, apiole, limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and camphor were reported. Nectandra megatopomica showed considerable variation with the occurrence of fourteen chemical profiles according to seasonality and collection site. Several biological activities have been attributed to these oils, especially cytotoxic, antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal potential, among other pharmacological applications.

Estimation of US patients with cancer who may respond to cytotoxic chemotherapy

AIMS PATIENTS & METHODS

In this retrospective review, we sought to estimate the proportion of patients in the USA with advanced or metastatic cancer who are eligible for and may respond to recommended first-line cytotoxic chemotherapy based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines.

RESULTS

Among 609,640 patients, we estimate 479,823 (78.7%, 95% CI: 78.6-78.8%) may be eligible for cytotoxic chemotherapy while 189,159 out of 609,640 patients (31.0%, 95% CI: 30.9-31.1%) may have achieved treatment response. The average objective response rate from these regimens was 48.6% (range 9.2 to 90.6%).

CONCLUSION

Given the large role of cytotoxic agents in cancer, drug development in this space may remain of interest in specific cancer types, and regulatory approval of novel oncology drugs may justify head-to-head comparisons against cytotoxic regimens.

Phytochemical and Cytotoxicity Studies of Callistemon viminalis Leaves Extract Growing in Egypt

OBJECTIVE

To isolate and identify new compounds from the methanolic extract of Callistemon viminalis leaves collected in Cairo, Egypt and evaluate its cytotoxic and hepatoprotective potentials.

METHODS

The methanolic extract of Callistemon viminalis leaves was fractionated and subjected to different chromatographic techniques to isolate pure, new compounds which were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), spectroscopic analysis and mass spectrometric methods. The methanolic extract of the leaves was assessed for its cytotoxic and hepatoprotective activities against Hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep G-2 cell line) by estimating the viability of the HepG2 cells by the MTT reduction assay.

RESULTS

Six compounds were isolated and identified for the first time from the methanolic extract of Callistemon viminalis leaves, three compounds are new flavonoids namely; 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl- (1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl)]-3'-O-methylquercetin (C1); 5,7,3',4' tetrahydroxy isoflavone-7-O-α- L-1C4- rhamnopyranosyl (1'''-6'')-O-β-D-4C1-glucopyranoside (C2) and 6-methyl-5,7-dihydroxy-4'- methoxyflavone (C6) along with the three known ones; hyperoside (C3), rutin (C4) and isoquercitrin (C5).

CONCLUSION

The methanolic extract of the leaves showed strong cytotoxic activity against Hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep G-2 cell line) and weak hepatoprotective effect.

Evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of bioactive compounds produced from endophytic fungi of Himalayan yew ( Taxus wallichiana) in Nepal

Background: Endophytic fungi are largely underexplored in the discovery of natural bioactive products though being rich sources of novel compounds with promising pharmaceutical potential. In this study, Taxus wallichiana, which has huge medicinal value, was investigated for its endophytic diversity and capability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites by analyzing antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties.

Methods: The endophytes were identified by ITS-PCR using genomic DNA samples. The secondary metabolites were extracted by solvent extraction method using ethyl acetate. The antioxidant activity was analyzed by Thin Layer Chromatography, Total Phenol Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and DPPH assay, and the antimicrobial activity was analyzed by agar-well diffusion method. Brine shrimp lethality assay was used to analyze the cytotoxicity of the fungal extracts.

Results: Out of 16 different Taxus trees sampled from different locations of Dhorpatan, 13 distinctive endophytic fungi were isolated and grouped into 9 different genera: Bjerkandera, Trichoderma, Preussia, Botrytis, Arthrinium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Sporormiella and Daldinia. The ethyl acetate extracts isolated from three endophytic fungi: Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Alternaria brassicae showed significant TPC values of 204±6.144, 312.3±2.147 and 152.7±4.958µg GAE/mg of dry extract, respectively, and TFC values of 177.9±2.911, 644.1±4.202 and 96.38±3.851µg RE/mg of dry extract, respectively. Furthermore, these three extracts showed a dose dependent radical scavenging activity with IC ₅₀ concentration of 22.85, 22.15 and 23.001 µg/ml, respectively. The extracts of C. cladosporioides and A. brassicae also showed promising antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 250μg/ml for all bacteria. Both the samples showed cytotoxic property against shrimp nauplii with LC ₅₀ of 104.2 and 125.9µg/ml, respectively.

Conclusions: The crude fungal extracts obtained from endophytes: A. alternata, C. cladosporioides and A. brassicae upon purification and further identification of the bioactive compounds can be a fascinating source for novel pharmaceutical agents.

Cationic Molecular Umbrellas as Antibacterial Agents with Remarkable Cell-Type Selectivity

We synthesized a combinatorial library of dendrons that display a cluster of cationic charges juxtaposed with a hydrophobic alkyl chain, using the so-called "molecular umbrella" design approach. Systematically tuning the generation number and alkyl chain length enabled a detailed study of the structure-activity relationships in terms of both hydrophobic content and number of cationic charges. These discrete, unimolecular compounds display rapid and broad-spectrum bactericidal activity comparable to the activity of antibacterial peptides. Micellization was examined by pyrene emission and dynamic light scattering, which revealed that monomeric, individually solvated dendrons are present in aqueous media. The antibacterial mechanism of action is putatively driven by the membrane-disrupting nature of these cationic surfactants, which we confirmed by enzymatic assays on E. coli cells. The hemolytic activity of these dendritic macromolecules is sensitively dependent on the dendron generation and the alkyl chain length. Via structural optimization of these two key design features, we identified a leading candidate with potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (4-8 μg/mL) combined with outstanding hemocompatibility (up to 5000 μg/mL). This selected compound is >1000-fold more active against bacteria as compared to red blood cells, which represents one of the highest selectivity index values ever reported for a membrane-disrupting antibacterial agent. Thus, the leading candidate from this initial library screen holds great potential for future applications as a nontoxic, degradable disinfectant.

Marine Natural Products with High Anticancer Activities

This review covers recent literature from 2012-2019 concerning 170 marine natural products and their semisynthetic analogues with strong anticancer biological activities. Reports that shed light on cellular and molecular mechanisms and biological functions of these compounds, thus advancing the understanding in cancer biology are also included. Biosynthetic studies and total syntheses, which have provided access to derivatives and have contributed to the proper structure or stereochemistry elucidation or revision are mentioned. The natural compounds isolated from marine organisms are divided into nine groups, namely: alkaloids, sterols and steroids, glycosides, terpenes and terpenoids, macrolides, polypeptides, quinones, phenols and polyphenols, and miscellaneous products. An emphasis is placed on several drugs originating from marine natural products that have already been marketed or are currently in clinical trials.

Two new anticancer phenolic derivatives from leaves of Piper betle Linn

In this study, phytochemical analyses of the chloroform extract of Piper betle L. var. haldia and maghai, Piperaceae, leaves led to the isolation of two new phenolic derivatives: 1-n-decanoyl hydroxy-benzoic acid/1-n-decanoyl phenol (H2) and 3-butylphenol (M1) on the basis of spectroscopic data 1D NMR (¹H, ¹³C) and 2D NMR (¹H - ¹H COSY, HMBC) as well as ESI-MS, FT-IR and HR-ESI-MS analyses. Compounds H2 and M1 showed excellent antioxidant DPPH free radical scavenging activity with IC₅₀ values of 10.66 μ/mL and 13.65 μg/mL compared to ascorbic acid as a standard antioxidant with an IC₅₀ value of 2.52 μg/mL. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity against two human oral cancer cell lines (SCC-40 and SCC-29B) showed significant effect with GI₅₀ values of 24.08 and 33.08 μg/mL for compound H2 and 35.03 and 47.06 μg/mL for compound M1, compared to Doxorubicin® as a standard cytotoxic drug with GI₅₀ value of < 10 μg/mL.

Cytotoxic 4-Hydroxyprorocentrolide and Prorocentrolide C from Cultured Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima Induce Human Cancer Cell Death through Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest

Prorocentrolide and its analogs, the novel naturally derived antitumor agents, have recently been identified in the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima. In the current study, the underlying inhibitory mechanisms of 4-hydroxyprorocentrolide (1) and prorocentrolide C (2) on the proliferation of human carcinoma cells were determined. 1 and 2 arrested the cell cycle at the S phase in A549 cells and G2/M phase in HT-29 cells, leading to apoptotic cell death, as determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis with Annexin V/PI double staining. Apoptosis induced by these compounds was associated with alterations in the expression of cell cycle-regulating proteins (cyclin D1, cyclin E1, CDK2, and CDK4), as well as alterations in the levels of apoptosis-related proteins (PPAR, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and survivin). These findings provide new insights into the antitumor mechanisms of 4-hydroxyprorocentrolide and prorocentrolide C and a basis for future investigations assessing prorocentrolide analogs as prospective therapeutic drugs.

Obtaining glycoconjugates of marine origin via Maillard reaction and their cytotoxic effect: an alternative for the use of animal byproducts

BACKGROUND

Protein glycation by Maillard reaction is commonly used to improve the functional and bioactive properties of food proteins. It is also known that this glycation method can be accelerated by heat without the need for chemical reagents that could be harmful to health. In this study, glycoconjugates were obtained from a mixture of connective tissue proteins (CTP) from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) and two different sugars, dextran (DEX; 10 kDa) and glucose (GLU), using protein-to-carbohydrate ratios of 1:2 and 1:3, in solution at 50 °C for 6 h. The glycation products were characterized by means of their physicochemical properties and cytotoxic effect.

RESULTS

The intensity of the browning measured at A_420nm and A_294nm in glycoconjugates showed no significant difference (P < 0.05). CTP-DEX (1:2) and CTP-DEX (1:3) were those products with the greatest fluorescence related to the intermediate stage in the Maillard reaction, and also with the highest degree of glycation, which was confirmed using o-phthaldialdehyde assay and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The values of cellular viability for CTP-GLU (1:3), CTP-DEX (1:2, 1:3) as well as CTP (0, 6 h) were around 92-103%.

CONCLUSIONS

The operational parameters used in the glycation process achieved the formation of glycoconjugates from proteins of D. gigas, showing no cytotoxic effect on the HaCaT cell line. This research proposes an alternative for the modification of proteins and opens the way to future investigations regarding the bioactivity of these macromolecules to have applications for the use of byproducts in food science and technology. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

In vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase Inhibition, Antioxidant, Anti- Inflammatory Activity and GC-MS Profiling of Avicennia alba Blume

BACKGROUND

Avicennia alba Blume, is a well-known mangrove plant used in traditional medicinal practices for several human ailments.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed at the evaluation of antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of A. alba ethanolic leaf (AAL) and bark (AAB) extract along with phytochemical investigation.

METHODS

In vitro antidiabetic study was done by α-amylase, α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assay; antioxidant study by DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, and metal chelating assays, antiinflammatory study by protein denaturation assay. The cytotoxicity study was done on TC1 murine cell line. Further, GC-MS analysis was carried out for AAL extracts.

RESULTS

AAL exhibited better antidiabetic activities with IC50 values of 1.18 and 0.87 mg/ml against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes respectively. The AAL exhibited better ABTS, superoxide scavenging and metal chelating potential with IC50 values of 0.095, 0.127 and 0.444 mg/ml. However, AAB showed higher DPPH scavenging potential with IC50 value of 0.163 mg/ml. The AAL also exhibited higher protein denaturation potential with IC50 value of 0.370 mg/ml. The bark extract exhibited better cytotoxic activity as compared to leaf extracts on the TC1 murine cell line. The phytochemical study revealed higher total phenol (25.64 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (205.09 mg QE/g), and tannin content (251.17 mg GAE/g) in AAL. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several compounds in AAL extract.

CONCLUSION

The result of the present study highlights the antidiabetic, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of mangrove plant Avicennia alba.

Various In Vitro Bioactivities of Secondary Metabolites Isolated from the Sponge Hyrtios aff. Erectus from the Red Sea Coast of Egypt

Objectives

The present study revealed the presence of bioactive constituents in Hyrtios aff. erectus sponge (HES) extract collected from the Red Sea using skin and scuba diving.

Materials and Methods

Cytotoxicity was tested against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines as a prescreening test.

Results

The HES extract had high contents of total phenolic compounds (0.061 mg/g), flavonoids (0.2839 mg/g), and carotenoids (1.976 mg/g). Moreover, the HES extract showed high antioxidant capacity with 93.0% and 99% at 1 mg using 2.2'-Diphenyl-α-picrylhydrazyl and 2.2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), respectively. Cytotoxic activity against cancerous cell lines showed that the HES extract could inhibit cell growth effectively with IC₅₀=47.5 μg/mL. Furthermore, anticancer activity using protein tyrosine kinase and sphingosine kinase 1 inhibitor screening assays resulted in 71.66% and 85.21% inhibition activity, respectively. The anti-inflammatory assays showed that the inhibition activity against cyclooxygenase (COX₁), COX₂, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α was 71.82%, 81.13%, 80.89%, and 59.74%, respectively. At the same time, the anti-Alzheimer results using acetylcholine inhibition assay showed high activity at 1 mg with 83.51%. Additionally, the antiviral activity using the reverse transcriptase inhibition assay was 91.70%.

Conclusion

This marine sponge isolated from the Red Sea showed tremendous activity against many diseases and it is considered an excellent source for bioactive pharmaceutical compounds.

The Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of the Brown Algae Colpomenia sinuosa are Mediated by the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species

Brown algae are a novel resource of biogenic molecules, however few studies have been conducted in the Mediterranean to assess the cytotoxic mechanisms of algal-derived compounds. This study focuses on the antineoplastic activity of extracts from non-investigated algae of the Lebanese coast, Colpomenia sinuosa. Extracts' antineoplastic activities were evaluated by MTT and trypan blue on different tumorigenic cells. Results indicated that the most potent extract was obtained by soxhlet using dichloromethane:methanol solvent (DM soxhlet) against HCT-116. Wound healing assay confirmed that this extract decreased the migration potential of HCT-116 cells with minimal effects on non-tumorigenic cells. It also induced an increase in the subG1 population as determined by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis demonstrated that apoptosis in treated HCT-116 cells was induced via upregulation of p21 protein and downregulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl 2, which led to caspases activation. The latter, catalyzes the degradation of PARP-1, and thus suppresses cancer proliferation. Morphological alterations, further confirmed apoptosis. A strong pro-oxidant activity evidenced by the enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed in HCT-116 treated cells. Interestingly, a strong antioxidant effectively blocked effect induced by the extract. These results indicate that C. sinuosa is a source of bioactive compounds possessing pro-apoptotic and anti-migratory efficacy.

Melanoma-associated fibroblasts impair CD8+ T cell function and modify expression of immune checkpoint regulators via increased arginase activity

Abstract

This study shows that melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) suppress cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity and reveals a pivotal role played by arginase in this phenomenon. MAFs and normal dermal fibroblasts (DFs) were isolated from surgically resected melanomas and identified as Melan-A-/gp100-/FAP+ cells. CTLs of healthy blood donors were activated in the presence of MAF- and DF-conditioned media (CM). Markers of successful CTL activation, cytotoxic degranulation, killing activity and immune checkpoint regulation were evaluated by flow cytometry, ELISPOT, and redirected killing assays. Soluble mediators responsible for MAF-mediated effects were identified by ELISA, flow cytometry, inhibitor assays, and knock-in experiments. In the presence of MAF-CM, activated/non-naïve CTLs displayed dysregulated ERK1/2 and NF-κB signaling, impeded CD69 and granzyme B production, impaired killing activity, and upregulated expression of the negative immune checkpoint receptors TIGIT and BTLA. Compared to DFs, MAFs displayed increased amounts of VISTA and HVEM, a known ligand of BTLA on T cells, increased l-arginase activity and CXCL12 release. Transgenic arginase over-expression further increased, while selective arginase inhibition neutralized MAF-induced TIGIT and BTLA expression on CTLs. Our data indicate that MAF interfere with intracellular CTL signaling via soluble mediators leading to CTL anergy and modify immune checkpoint receptor availability via l-arginine depletion.

Graphic abstract

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00018-020-03517-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.