A pilot study evaluating interleukin-2-activated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies

Cytotoxic effector cells are generated when autologous hematopoietic cells (HSC) are cultured with IL-2 for 24 h. Infusion of these cells followed by IL-2 administration may moderate a graft-versus tumor (GvT) effect in vivo. Sixteen patients--7 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), 2 with AML, 4 with multiple myeloma (MM), and 3 with Hodgkin's disease (HD)--received busulfan (4 mg/kg/day for 4 days) and cyclophosphamide (60 mg/kg/day for 2 days) or cyclophosphamide/TBI (1320 cGy). Autologous HSC were activated by culturing with IL-2 for 24 h before reinfusion. Subcutaneous administration of IL-2 began after engraftment at 1.8 x 10(6) IU/m2/day for 1-4 weeks. Neutrophil engraftment occurred on day 13.1 (median) (range 9-45 days), and platelet engraftment occurred on day 19.3 (median) (range 7-54 days) for 15 patients, with delayed engraftment observed in 3 patients. One patient experienced a fatal cardiac arrhythmia. Five patients developed transient skin rashes with histologic evaluation demonstrating findings consistent with GvHD. At 17 months (median) (range 7-23 months), 9 patients are alive, with 6 patients remaining disease free. This pilot trial demonstrates mild to moderate toxicities and a possible delay in platelet engraftment. Further trials will determine the optimal dose and duration of IL-2 therapy and possible impact of this therapy on survival. Laboratory investigations are evaluating the presence of autologous GvHD and a possible GvT effect.

A high throughput method to investigate oligodeoxyribonucleotide hybridization kinetics and thermodynamics

We describe a high throughput microtiter-based assay to measure binding of oligodeoxyribonucleotides to nucleic acid targets. The assay utilizes oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes labeled with a highly chemiluminescent acridinium ester (AE). Reaction of AE with sodium sulfite renders it non-chemiluminescent. When an AE-labeled probe hybridizes to a target nucleic acid AE is protected from reaction with sodium sulfite and thus remains chemiluminescent. In contrast, unhybridized probe readily reacts with sodium sulfite and is rendered non-chemiluminescent. Hybridization of an AE-labeled probe to a target nucleic acid can therefore be detected without physical separation of unhybridized probe by treatment of the hybridization reaction with sodium sulfite and measurement of the remaining chemiluminescence. Using this method we measured hybridization rate constants and thermodynamic affinities of oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes binding to simple synthetic targets as well as large complex biological targets. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were measured with a high degree of accuracy and were in excellent agreement with values measured by other established techniques.

Paclitaxel vs cyclophosphamide in peripheral blood stem cell mobilization: comparative studies in a murine model

Paclitaxel is a promising drug for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer. It also may play a role in mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), as an alternative to cyclophosphamide (Cy). We investigated the PBSC-mobilizing potential of paclitaxel compared to Cy in a murine model. C57B1/6 mice were primed with intraperitoneal injections of Cy (200 mg/kg) or paclitaxel (60 mg/kg) and were sacrificed 4, 6, 8, or 10 days later. Spleens were harvested and processed to obtain low-density mononuclear cells that were used as PBSC. The number of hematopoietic progenitors (CFU-C) on day 4 was significantly higher in the paclitaxel group when compared to mice receiving Cy (72.0 +/- 1.8 vs 9.8 +/- 2.8, p < 0.001). By day 6, CFU-C became significantly higher in the Cy-treated group compared to the paclitaxel-treated group (195.6 +/- 31.9 vs 95.8 +/- 20.7, p < 0.05) and this trend was maintained. However, the total number of CFU-C recovered per spleen was greater in the paclitaxel-treated group (1.27 x 10(5) +/- 0.53 x 10(5) vs 1.06 x 10(5) +/- 0.36 x 10(5), NS). In contrast to paclitaxel, mobilization with Cy was associated with marked perturbation in the proportion of lymphoid cell subsets in the PBSC population along with functional impairment of lymphocytes. After 24 hours of in vitro IL-2 activation, the cytotoxic effector cell function of the Cy-mobilized PBSC population was lower than that of paclitaxel-mobilized cells when tested against three tumor cell lines (B16, melanoma; C1498, AML; and Yak-1, lymphoma). These results indicate that paclitaxel is an efficient mobilizer of PBSC, leading to early (day 4 to 6) mobilization of PBSC when compared to Cy (day 6 to 8). In addition, paclitaxel was associated with less perturbation of phenotypic and functional characteristics of cells contained within the mobilized PBSC population.

A New Antimicrobial Anthrone from the Leaf Latex of Aloe trichosantha

Phytochemical investigation of the leaf latex of Aloe trichosantha by preparative TLC gave two closely related anthrones, aloin A/B (1) and aloin-6'-O-acetate A/B (2). The identity of the compounds was established from HRESI-MS, 1H, 13C, DEPT, HMQC and HMBC spectral and chemical data. Whilst aloin A/B occurs in several Aloe species, aloin-6'-O-acetate A/B was isolated for the first time. The isolated compounds inhibited growth of several bacterial and fungal pathogens with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) from 10 to 400 μg/mL and 800 to 1000 μg/mL, respectively.

Differential effects of IL-2 incubation on hematopoietic potential of autologous bone marrow and mobilized PBSC from patients with hematologic malignancies

Culturing of hematopoietic progenitor cells for 24 h with IL-2 generates cytotoxic effector cells that mediate in vitro and possibly in vivo antitumor activity. We examined the effect of IL-2 incubation on progenitor cells from 24 patients with hematologic malignancies using paired autologous bone marrow (ABM) and PBSC to determine differences in hematopoietic potential. Cells were cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen until conditioning therapy was completed. After thawing, cells were incubated with IL-2 for 24 h at 37 degrees C. Paired samples of ABM and PBSC from the same patient were analyzed for nucleated and mononuclear cell number, CD34 antigen expression, and colony-forming unit (CFU) activity before and after IL-2 incubation. There was a significant decrease in the average number of mononuclear cells (MNC) (x10(8)/kg) (<0.001) and CD34+ cells (x10(6)/kg) (0.006) from both ABM and PBSC after 24 h IL-2 culture (ABM MNC: 0.6+/-0.1 vs. 0.4+/-0.0, p = <0.001; PBSC MNC: 4.4+/-0.5 vs. 3.7+/-0.4, p = 0.03; ABM CD34+: 2.4+/-0.5 vs. 1.3+/-0.3, p = <0.001; PBSC CD34+: 6.6+/-1.8 vs. 5.0+/-1.2, p = 0.05). However, whereas ABM CFU/10(5) MNC plated (269.3+/-47.2 vs. 385.6+/-70.6) were significantly increased (p = 0.005), there was no change in PBSC CFU (271.0+/-47.2 vs. 257.3+/-48.5). The mean plating efficiency (%) of ABM CD34+ cells was markedly increased after IL-2 incubation (10.1+/-3.3 vs. 19.0+/-7.2, p = 0.04), although it was lower than that of PBSC CD34+ cells, which did not change significantly in culture (29.4+/-5.5 vs. 36.0+/-6.5). Additional work is in progress to determine the cause and significance of the enhanced plating efficiency of the ABM progenitor cells.

Lysosome rich cells contain the lytic activity of lymphokine-activated killer cell populations

Little is known regarding the effectors of lymphokine-activated killer activity. Lysosomotropic agents such as quinacrine can be used to positively sort for lysosome rich cells in natural killer (NK) cell populations. We therefore decided to use this agent to sort lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells to characterize their lysosomal content. We found that the positively sorted population contained all the LAK activity, i.e., lysis of NK-resistant tumor cells (B16 melanoma cell line), with the negatively sorted cells having no killing activity. Therefore separation of interleukin-2-incubated cells for LAK activity could be accomplished using sorting after quinacrine staining. The treatment of positively sorted LAK cell populations with L-leucine methyl ester, a lysosomotropic dye which inhibits killing by lysosome rich cells, caused abrogation of killing of the B16 tumor by the treated populations. Single cell conjugate assays were also done on these sorted cells, with positively sorted cells forming the highest and negatively sorted cells the lowest percent of conjugates. Our data therefore indicates the important role of lysosome rich cells in the LAK cell population in the murine system.

Characterization of rat colonic epithelial cell populations

Colonic epithelial cells from male Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated by incubating everted colon with hyaluronidase suspended in Puck's saline F with an average cell yield of 120 x 10(6). These cells were fractionated by discontinuous Ficoll gradient and by short-term cell culture techniques. Centrifugation of isolated cells on discontinuous Ficoll gradient (15-35%) yielded populations differing in their proliferative activity. Additionally, a short-term cell culture technique was standardized to fractionate these cells according to their proliferating activity as judged by their DNA synthesis and thymidine kinase activity. Viability of these cells were judged by trypan blue exclusion, capacity to oxidize glucose and incorporation of precursors into protein DNA, RNA and glycoproteins. These fractionated cells were examined and identified by cytological studies. Cells showing proliferative activity sedimented at heavier regions of the Ficoll gradient, and the majority of these cells attached to the surface under conditions of short-term culture. Columnar mature absorptive cells and mucus-secreting goblet cells that showed very little proliferative activity sedimented at lighter zones of the Ficoll gradient and a major portion of these cells failed to attach by the cell culture method.

Modeling of trihalomethane (THM) formation via chlorination of the water from Dongjiang River (source water for Hong Kong's drinking water)

The Dongjiang River is the major source of drinking water supply for Hong Kong. The deterioration of the water quality of the Dongjiang River and excessive trihalomethanes (THMs) in the tap water of some districts in Hong Kong have become causes for public concern. The main objective of the present study is to investigate and model THM formation due to the chlorination of the Dongjiang River water under different chlorination conditions. The results showed that the total THM formation ranged between 11.7 and 91.8 mg L(-1) and that control of the levels was primarily due to the reaction time and the Br(-) level in the water. Bromide concentration was a key factor in determining bromine-containing THM formation and consequently the speciation of THMs. Higher concentrations of bromide shifted THM species to more-bromine-containing ones, while the kinetics reflected the competing halogenation reactions. As the two mixed-halogen THMs had high cancer potency, the cancer risk of total THMs appeared to reach a peak at a bromide concentration ranging between 218 and 262 mg L(-1) (with a bromide to dissolved organic carbon molar ratio (Br(-)/DOC) ranging between 15 and 18 mM/mM).

The effect of induction therapy with novel agents on stem cell mobilization in multiple myeloma

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Background: Thalidomide or bortezomib combined with dexamethasone (TD or BD respectively) are now being increasingly used as induction regimens for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. There are conflicting reports on the effects of T on stem cell mobilization. Since we have used both these regimens at our center, we performed a retrospective analysis of stem cell mobilization after induction therapy with either TD (n = 22) or BD (n = 18). Methods: The patients were balanced with respect to initial Durie-Salmon stage, median number of cycles of induction therapy prior to collection, response to induction therapy, bone marrow cellularity and involvement, and time from end of therapy to collection. All patients were mobilized with G-CSF 10mcg/kg and collected in a large volume pheresis, with a goal of at least 6x10(6) CD34+ cells/kg (for tandem transplant). Results: To achieve our stem cell goal, the number of patients who required 3 or more phereses in the TD group was 17/22 whereas it was only 4/18 in the BD group. (p<0.005). 3/3 patients who had received lenalidomide also required 3 or more phereses. Also, the number of CD34+ cells/kg obtained in the TD group was less–mean of 2.8x10(6) per pheresis, as compared to a mean of 5.2x10(6) per pheresis in the BD group (p<0.01). Time to neutrophil engraftment was similar in both groups. However in the TD group there was a 1 day delay in platelets > 20,000/ul (p<0.05). Conclusions: Thus, thalidomide induction led to a lower yield of stem cells when compared to bortezomib. Differences in stem cell markers are being investigated. This may become especially important when limiting numbers of stem cells are available from elderly patients, those with prior radiation or bulk disease and when used for in vitro manipulation. It is possible that agents such as bortezomib may alter the bone marrow microenviroment differently from imids such as thalidomide.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Retroviral integrase : a novel target in antiviral drug development and basic in vitro assays with the purified enzyme

Two critical events are the signature of the life cycle of retroviruses (1). The first is reverse transcription, whereby the single-stranded RNA genome of the retrovirus is copied into double-stranded DNA. The second of these events is integration, whereby this viral DNA is inserted into a chromosome of the host cell, establishing what is known as the proviral state. The proviral state is required for efficient replication of retroviruses. This crucial second event is catalyzed by the integrase enzyme. Retroviruses encode the integrase at the 3' end of the pol gene. Integrase is generated by the retroviral protease as a proteolytic cleavage product of the gag-pol fusion protein precursor, and is contained in the virus particle. During viral infection, integrase catalyzes the excision of the last two nucleotides from each 3' end of the linear viral DNA, leaving the terminal dinucleotide CA-3P-OH at these recessed 3' ends. This activity is referred to as the 3'-processing or dinucleotide cleavage. After transport to the nucleus as a nucleoprotein complex ("preintegration complex"), integrase catalyzes a DNA strand transfer reaction (3'-end joining) involving the nucleophilic attack of these ends on a host chromosome. Completion of the integration process requires removal of the two unpaired nucleotides at the 5' ends of the viral DNA and gap repair reactions that are thought to be accomplished by cellular enzymes. For recent reviews, see Andrake and Skalka (2) and Rice et al. (3).

Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor in autologous bone marrow transplantation: augmentation of graft versus tumor effect via antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity

Several immunomodulatory approaches have been explored with the aim of inducing a graft versus tumor effect (GVT) in autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulation factor (GM-CSF) has been reported to induce antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) via stimulation of peripheral blood neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. We investigated the role of GM-CSF in inducing ADCC via bone marrow (BM) macrophages against murine and human tumor cells both in vitro and vivo. Our data shows that stimulation of murine BM macrophages with GM-CSF induced a potent ADCC against a murine melanoma in vitro. Treatment of tumor bearing mice with a combination of GM-CSF and antibody against melanoma resulted in a significant reduction in the dissemination of melanoma both in a nontransplant as well as in a transplantation setting. Adoptive transfer of BM macrophages obtained from animals undergoing treatment with GM-CSF plus antibody significantly reduced the spread of tumor in secondary recipients; this effect was seen only in mice undergoing bone marrow transplantation. GM-CSF treatment of human BM macrophages induced a significant ADCC against a human melanoma and a lymphoma in vitro, as well as against a human lymphoma implanted in nude mice. Treatment with GM-CSF alone or with antibody alone was ineffective in controlling the dissemination of tumors both in transplantation as well as in nontransplant situations. These observations indicate that treatment with GM-CSF plus tumor specific monoclonal antibodies after ABMT may induce a GVT effect and bring about the eradication of residual disease.

The use and evaluation of 2 + 2 photoaddition in immobilization of oligonucleotides on a three dimensional hydrogel matrix

Photochemical attachment of synthetic oligonucleotides on the three dimensional surface of a polyacrylamide based hydrogel was used in the specific detection of target oligonucleotides. Covalent attachment of the oligonucleotide to the hydrogel was mediated by the incorporation of a 2 + 2 photo-attachable functional group in both the hydrogel and the oligonucleotide probe. Expression and SNP assays were used to evaluate this platform.

Resistance of different tumor cells to lysis by lymphokine activated killer cells can be mediated by distinct mechanisms

Lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells have been shown to exert a potent cytotoxic effect on many histologically different tumors and virally infected targets. Most normal cells but very few tumors have proven resistant to LAK lysis. The availability of two LAK resistant tumors, P815r, a murine mastocytoma, and SNUC-1, a human colon carcinoma, allowed us to study the phenomenon of LAK lysis. We examined the role of surface molecules on targets, which mediate binding to LAK cells, by cold target competition experiments and lectin dependent cellular cytotoxicity assays. The results showed that in the murine system, P815r cells do not compete for lysis of the LAK sensitive target B16 whereas other LAK sensitive murine targets compete. Alternatively, in the human system, SNUC-1 cells compete for lysis of the LAK sensitive target SNUC-4 as do other LAK sensitive human tumor cells. Furthermore, inducing binding of target and effector cells with lectin reverted the resistance of P815r but not SNUC-1 targets to lysis by LAK cells. These results imply that distinct stages of the lytic pathway might be involved in the resistance of different tumors to killing by LAK cells. The murine cell line is resistant to lysis because it cannot bind LAK cells. The human target, which does bind LAK, was insensitive to the effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a lymphokine released by LAK effectors and possibly involved in their lysis. Resistance to TNF-alpha was not mediated by the presence of endogenous short-lived proteins in the SNUC-1 targets. The elucidation of mechanisms of resistance may provide a tool to improve current protocols of adoptive immunotherapy as well as insights as to how tumor cells are or are not killed by LAK effectors.

Intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-related thrombocytopenia

Fourteen patients with sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related immune thrombocytopenia were treated with intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG). The patients were treated with a uniform program consisting of 1 g/kg of IVIG on day 1 and day 2, followed by 1 g/kg on day 15. Most patients had pretreatment bleeding symptoms, which included petechiae, spontaneous and traumatic ecchymoses, gum bleeding, and epistaxis. Median baseline platelet count was 17,000/mm3 (range 3-61,000/mm3). After the infusion of the IGIV, all patients had a resolution of their bleeding by day 8. The median maximum platelet count achieved with the IGIV was 220,000/mm3 (range 76-426,000/mm3). No patient achieved either a sustained complete or partial remission after the conclusion of the IVIG therapy. Toxicities were minimal with the majority being headache and nausea. In conclusion, patients with sexually transmitted HIV infection and immune thrombocytopenia respond favorably to IVIG. This treatment should be considered as first-line therapy for patients with HIV-related immune thrombocytopenia who require immediate but temporary increase in their platelet count, attributable to symptoms or signs of clinical bleeding or because of the need for an invasive procedure.

Suppression of progenitor cell growth by vancomycin following autologous stem cell transplantation

The occurrence of hematologic side-effects resulting from the use of vancomycin is rare. Prior to this report, vancomycin-induced neutropenia was believed to be due to a hypersensitivity reaction since antibodies directed against circulating neutrophils have been discovered in the serum of some patients. We demonstrate suppression of hematopoietic bone marrow progenitor cells in a patient experiencing vancomycin-induced neutropenia after an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma. A bone marrow (BM) specimen obtained at the time of neutropenia demonstrated direct suppression of progenitor cell growth in vitro when vancomycin was added at increasing concentrations (1, 10 and 50 microg/ml). No such trend was noted in a BM sample from the same patient obtained 11 months prior to transplantation and a normal control BM. The decrease in the total number of colony-forming units (CFU) was statistically significant at all the dose levels of vancomycin when compared to the number of CFU in the baseline BM sample (P < 0.05). The myeloid maturation arrest observed in the bone marrow sample obtained during the period of neutropenia and the dose dependent growth inhibition by vancomycin observed in vitro suggest a novel nonimmune mechanism of hematologic effects due to suppression of bone marrow progenitor cell growth.

Comparative study of hemopoietic precursors from fetal and adult bone marrow: utilization of stem cells derived from miscarriages

Hemopoietic and immune capacities of fetal bone marrow (FBM) obtained from 2nd-trimester lost pregnancies and adult bone marrow (ABM) were compared. Progenitor cell assays for both sources were also enumerated. Out data showed ontogeny-related functional differences between hemopoietic cells, particularly in the ability to produce CD34+ cells (24.6% in FBM, 3.1% in ABM). The phenotypic composition of FBM and ABM were quite different. The clonogenic/proliferative potentials, as measured by CFU-C assays, were significantly higher in FBM when compared to ABM (202.5 vs. 73.5/10(5) cells). Moreover, FBM had a lower percentage of CD3+ T lymphocytes as compared to ABM (1.47 vs. 7.58), and there was a significantly decreased proliferative responsiveness in mixed lymphocyte reactions of FBM as compared to ABM. Thus, our data clearly showed distinct advantages of FBM over ABM, which include a higher number of stem cells, lower immunological reactivity, and higher clonogenic/proliferative potential. These characteristics provide optimal conditions for successful engraftment without graft-versus-host disease. These data support the possible advantages of FBM from these sources for hemopoietic stem cell reconstitution and gene therapy.

Antimicrobial activity of a novel polyherbal combination for the treatment of vaginal infection

The present study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica (AI), Cichorium intybus (CI), and Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) against bacterial and fungal pathogens responsible for the vaginal infections. The AI, CI, and TFG were selected to include antimicrobial and antifungal action against wide range of microbes. The different extracts of the herbs were evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activity by well diffusion assays. Based on the results, the combination was selected and evaluated, "polyherbal antimicrobial (PHA)." The developed PHA extract demonstrated synergistic broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities including antibacterial and antifungal activity (minimum inhibition concentration: 5-7 mg/ml).

Towards next generation digital twin in robotics: Trends, scopes, challenges, and future

With the advent of Industry 4.0, several cutting-edge technologies such as cyber-physical systems, digital twins, IoT, robots, big data, cloud computation have emerged. However, how these technologies are interconnected or fused for collaborative and increased functionality is what elevates 4.0 to a grand scale. Among these fusions, the digital twin (DT) in robotics is relatively new but has unrivaled possibilities. In order to move forward with DT-integrated robotics research, a complete evaluation of the literature and the creation of a framework are now required. Given the importance of this research, the paper seeks to explore the trends of DT incorporated robotics in both high and low research saturated robotic domains in order to discover the gap, rising and dying trends, potential scopes, challenges, and viable solutions. Finally, considering the findings, the study proposes a framework based on a hypothesis for the future paradigm of DT incorporated robotics.

Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway by Flavonoids: Implication for Cancer Therapeutics

The Wnt pathway has been recognized for its crucial role in human development and homeostasis, but its dysregulation has also been linked to several disorders, including cancer. Wnt signaling is crucial for the development and metastasis of several kinds of cancer. Moreover, members of the Wnt pathway have been proven to be effective biomarkers and promising cancer therapeutic targets. Abnormal stimulation of the Wnt signaling pathway has been linked to the initiation and advancement of cancer in both clinical research and in vitro investigations. A reduction in cancer incidence rate and an improvement in survival may result from targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. As a result, blocking this pathway has been the focus of cancer research, and several candidates that can be targeted are currently being developed. Flavonoids derived from plants exhibit growth inhibitory, apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-migratory effects against various malignancies. Moreover, flavonoids influence different signaling pathways, including Wnt, to exert their anticancer effects. In this review, we comprehensively evaluate the influence of flavonoids on cancer development and metastasis by focusing on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and we provide evidence of their impact on a number of molecular targets. Overall, this review will enhance our understanding of these natural products as Wnt pathway modulators.

1,3,4-Oxadiazoles as Potential Pharmacophore for Cytotoxic Potentiality: A Comprehensive Review

Cancer is a kind of disease that has scared many people for many years. Cancer is due to the excessive growth of cells in every particular part of the body. Oxadiazole 1,3,4 is a magical organic moiety that has anticancer potential. Various works on the 1,3,4-oxadiazoles moiety showing anticancer activity have been reported. The present analysis summarizes general synthetic methods for 1,3,4 oxadiazole. Different receptors on which these drug acts are discussed. Pharmacophore models are also presented in this review for topoisomerase-I, histone deacetylase, epidermal growth factor enzymes.

Camphor and Menthol as Anticancer Agents: Synthesis, Structure-Activity Relationship and Interaction with Cancer Cell Lines

Cancer is a type of human cell degenerative disease that has afflicted a large number of people for years. Cancer is caused due to the abnormal proliferation of cells in any part of the body. Most of the prescribed anticancer drugs are synthetic in nature and have been reported with enormous adverse effects. The researchers are very much enthusiastic about the use of natural compounds and their derivatives, which have been reported with less toxicity. Natural compounds have emerged as promising synergistic compounds with potential anticancer effects. In vitro anticancer activity of natural compounds with special reference to camphor and menthol has been investigated against different cancer cell lines. It has been found that camphor and menthol derivatives have potential cytotoxic activity. The present literature review outlines the various methods for the synthesis of camphor and menthol derivatives, which have potential cytotoxic activity. It highlights various cancer cell lines, which are the target of these camphor and menthol derivatives as ligands, along with structure-activity studies.

An Insight into Diverse Activities and Targets of Flavonoids

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids belong to the chemical class of polyphenols and are in the category of secondary metabolites imparting a wide protective effect against acute and chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to investigate and summarize the information of various flavonoids extracted, isolated from various sources, and possess different pharmacological properties by acting on multiple targets.

METHODS

This comprehensive review summarizes the research information related to flavonoids and their pharmacological action targets from various sources like PubMed, Google Scholar and Google websites.

RESULTS

Extracted information in the paper discusses various therapeutic effects of flavonoids isolated from medicinal plant sources, which have the property to inhibit several enzymes, which finally results in health benefits like anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-viral effects. This study also showed the different solvents and methods involved in the extraction and characterization of the isolated phytochemical constituents.

CONCLUSION

The findings showed the contribution of several flavonoids in the management and inhibition of various acute and chronic sicknesses by acting on different sites in the body. This study may lead to gaining interest for more research on the bioactives of different medicinal plants for the discovery of new lead compounds or further improvement of the efficacy of the existing compound.