Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) extract and doxorubicin synergistically inhibits proliferation of 4T1 breast cancer in tumor-bearing BALB/c mice through modulation of apoptosis and increase antioxidant and anti-inflammatory related pathways

The immunostimulant effects of the rice ragged stunt virus genome on the growth and metastasis of breast cancer in mouse model

There are multiple treatment strategies that have been reported for breast cancer, while new and effective therapies against it are still necessary. Stimulating the immune system and its components against cancer cells is one of the unique treatment strategies of immunotherapy and long dsRNAs are immunostimulant in this regard. Based on bioinformatics approaches, a fragment of the Rice ragged stunt RNA virus genome was selected and synthesized according to its immunogenicity. Based on the in vitro transcription technique, dsRNA was synthesized and its binding ability to the PEI/PEI-Ac Polyethylenimine (PEI) or Acetylated polyethylenimine (PEI-Ac) was verified by the gel retardation assay. Then, the PEI-Ac was synthesized by adding acetyl groups to the PEI, and the results of the 1H NMR method indicated its successful synthesis. After cancer induction by 4 T1 cells in Balb/C mice, intraperitoneal (IP) and intratumoral (IT) treatment by the PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA were performed and the tumor growth inhibition was evaluated. Results demonstrated that PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA can lead to a decrease in tumor weight and volume in both the IP and IT routes. Also, by using macro-metastatic nodule counting and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining we showed that PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA can prevent micro and macro-metastasis in the lung. Therefore, the PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA acts as an effective inhibitor of growth and metastasis of the breast cancer models. We showed that viral dsRNA can exert its antitumor properties by stimulating TNF-α and IFN-γ. In general, our results revealed that dsRNA derived from the plant virus genome stimulates the intrinsic immune system and can be a potential immune stimulant drug for cancer treatment.

Polyphenols in Agricultural Grassland Crops and Their Health-Promoting Activities-A Review

Grassland crops are emerging reservoirs of undisturbed, natural antioxidants and phytochemicals, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. The present review will focus on the most commonly cultivated crops, namely Lolium perenne L, Cichorium intybus L, Plantago lanceolata L. and Trifolium pratense L, which have been recognized for their polyphenolic composition. However, these crops are often undervalued and underutilized, yet have the means of potentially creating novel, value-added food and nutraceutical products. Previous studies relating to these crops have identified them as rich sources of caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, daidzein, kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin. The key to harnessing the hidden potential of these species is the recovery, identification, and characterization of the phytochemicals they contain. Considering the upsurge of research studies on alternative plant-based diets for the health of humans and the planet earth, there is a necessity to understand the phytochemical composition and the bioactivity that they possess. This review summarizes recovery methods of phytochemicals from the aforementioned grassland crops and their compositional and functional (antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic) characterization and discusses the potential for grassland crops as an abundant reservoir of health-promoting ingredients which can increase the nutritional composition within novel food innovations or within nutraceuticals.

Pharmacological anti-tumor effects of natural Chamaecyparis obtusa (siebold & zucc.) endl. Leaf extracts on breast cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chamaecyparis obtusa (C. obtusa, cypress species) is a plant that grows mainly in the temperate Northern Hemisphere and has long been used as a traditional anti-inflammatory treatment in East Asia. C. obtusa contains phytoncides, flavonoids, and terpenes, which have excellent anti-cancer effects and have been reported to prevent the progression of various cancers. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects of C. obtusa extracts are unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We sought to confirm the anti-cancer effects of C. obtusa leaf extracts and to reveal the mechanism of action, with the possibility of its application in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

MATERIAL &METHODS

The cytotoxicity of C. obtusa leaf extracts was confirmed using an MTT assay. Intracellular changes in protein levels were measured by immunoblotting, and mRNA levels were measured with qRT-PCR. Wound healing assay and transwell migration assay were used to evaluate the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. The extract-induced apoptosis was observed using IncuCyte Annexin V Red staining analysis. A syngeneic breast cancer mouse model was established by injecting 4T1-Luc mouse breast cancer cells into the fat pad of female BALB/c mice, and the extract was administered orally. Luciferin solution was injected intraperitoneally to assess primary tumor development and metastasis by bioluminescence.

RESULTS

C. obtusa leaf extracts were extracted with boiling water, 70% EtOH, and 99% EtOH. Among the extracts, the 99% EtOH extract of C. obtusa leaf (CO99EL) most clearly inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (pY-STAT3) in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells at a concentration of 25 and 50 μg/mL. In addition, CO99EL strongly inhibited not only endogenous pY-STAT3 levels but also IL-6-induced STAT3 activation in various types of cancer cells, including breast cancer. CO99EL inhibited metastatic potential by downregulating the expression of N-cadherin, fibronectin, TWIST, MMP2, and MMP9 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. CO99EL also induced apoptotic cell death by increasing cleaved caspase-3 and decreasing anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. In an in vivo syngeneic breast cancer mouse model, 100 mg/kg CO99EL suppressed tumor growth and induced apoptosis of cancer cells. Moreover, CO99EL significantly inhibited lung metastasis from primary breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that 100 mg/kg CO99EL has potent anti-tumor effects against breast cancer, thus suggesting that 100 mg/kg CO99EL has potential applications in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.

Nasturtium officinale L. and metformin alleviate the estradiol- induced polycystic ovary syndrome with synergistic effects through modulation of Bax/Bcl-2/p53/caspase-3 signaling pathway and anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, which is associated with metabolic, hereditary and hormonal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Nasturtium officinale L. (N. officinale) on biochemical and molecular parameters in estradiol-induced PCOS in rats. Seventy Wistar rats in 7 groups (n = 10) were randomly assigned to normal (NC), PCOS, metformin (MET - 300 mg/kg), N. officinale (50 and 100 mg/kg) and co-treatment with MET and N. officinale groups. After 21 days of treatment, biochemical parameters levels of estrogen, LH and FSH along with serum levels of (IL-6 and IL-1β cytokines) and serum antioxidant parameters (enzymatic activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase) were measured. Finally, by measuring the expression of apoptosis related genes (Bax/Bcl-2/p53/caspase-3) with the help of real-time PCR and the expression of p53 with the help of immunohistochemistry in ovarian cells. N. officinale modulates hormones through its hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal pathway with its synergistic effects along with MET. Also, in co-treatment groups (MET and N. officinale), the activity of serum antioxidant enzymes increased and also the serum level of inflammatory cytokines decreased. N. officinale, along with MET, amplified the Bax/Bcl2/p53/caspase-3 pathways, which eventually increased the number of p53 positive cells. These findings indicate that N. officinale extract along with MET can improve the physiological function of the ovaries in PCOS-induced disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, which is associated with metabolic, hereditary and hormonal disorders. The extract of Nasturtium officinale L. was able to intensify mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in cystic follicles and prevent their formation. It seems that pro-drugs containing N. officinale along with effective commercial drugs in PCOS can help ovulation and fertility in woman with this disease.

Development of doxorubicin hydrochloride-loaded whey protein nanoparticles and its surface modification with N-acetyl cysteine for triple-negative breast cancer

Limited targeted therapies are available for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Thus, the current research focused on developing a targeted protein nanoparticle for TNBC. First, the doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox)-loaded genipin-crosslinked whey protein nanoparticles (WD) were prepared and optimised by the QbD method using BBD. The hydrodynamic diameter of WD was found to be 364.38 ± 49.23 nm, zeta potential -27.59 ± 1.038 mV, entrapment 63.03 ± 3.625% and Dox loading was found to be 1.419 ± 0.422%. The drug recovery after 18 months of storage was 69%. Then, it was incubated with NAC to obtain modified WD (CyWD). WD followed first-order release kinetics, whereas CyWD followed the Higuchi model. Hemagglutination and hemolysis were not found qualitatively in WD and CyWD. Upon injecting the nanoformulations to 4T1-induced mice, the highest efficacy was found to be in CyWD followed by WD and Dox injection. Upon histopathological observance, it was found that the CyWD group gave the most significant damage to the 4T1 tumour tissue. Thus, NAC-modified protein nanoparticles carrying chemotherapeutic agents can be an excellent targeted therapeutic system against TNBC.

Renoprotective and hepatoprotective activity of Lepidium draba L. extracts on oxymetholone-induced oxidative stress in rat

Misuse and abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) such as oxymetholone (OM) cause side effects such as male infertility, cardiovascular disorders, musculoskeletal, and hepato-renal dysfunctions in athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of Lepidium draba L. (L. draba) extract on OM-induced hepato-renal toxicity. Thirty adult male Wistar rats into six groups (n = 5) were randomly divided as follows: control (normal saline), OM (5 mg/kg/day), L. draba-treated (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/d) plus 5 mg/kg/day OM, and L. draba (400 mg/kg/d) groups. Normal saline, OM and L. draba extract were orally administered for 30 days. On day 31 of the study, hepatic and renal biochemical parameters were measured. Serum cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6) tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide, levels alongside catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activity were evaluated. Also, changes in liver and kidney histopathology were evaluated. Finally, the anti-oxidant properties of the extract were determined. The results of this study showed that in the groups treated with the L. draba extract, hepatic-renal biochemical parameters improved and also the level of nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokines decreased and the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes increased compared with the OM group. These findings revealed that L. draba, due to its high anti-oxidant properties and high content of polyphenols (especially flavonoids), can improve OM-induced hepato-renal oxidative damages. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: L. draba due to its remarkable anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can protects the kidney and liver injuries against oxymetholone. These features are attributed to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid components. This fidings would be helpful to desgin new therapeutic agents for treating and preventing liver/kidney injuries.

Preclinical PET Imaging of Granzyme B Shows Promotion of Immunological Response Following Combination Paclitaxel and Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Advancements in monitoring and predicting of patient-specific response of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) to immunotherapy (IMT) with and without chemotherapy are needed. Using granzyme B-specific positron emission tomography (GZP-PET) imaging, we aimed to monitor changes in effector cell activation in response to IMT with chemotherapy in TNBC. TNBC mouse models received the paclitaxel (PTX) ± immune checkpoint inhibitors anti-programmed death 1 (anti-PD1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte 4 (anti-CTLA4). GZP-PET imaging was performed on treatment days 0, 3, and 6. Mean standard uptake value (SUVmean), effector cell fractions, and SUV histograms were compared. Mice were sacrificed at early imaging timepoints for cytokine and histological analyses. GZP-PET imaging data revealed differences prior to tumor volume changes. By day six, responders had SUVmean ≥ 2.2-fold higher (p < 0.0037) and effector cell fractions ≥ 1.9-fold higher (p = 0.03) compared to non-responders. IMT/PTX resulted in a significantly different SUV distribution compared to control, indicating broader distribution of activated intratumoral T-cells. IMT/PTX resulted in significantly more necrotic tumor tissue and increased levels of IL-2, 4, and 12 compared to control. Results implicate immunogenic cell death through upregulation of key Th1/Th2 cytokines by IMT/PTX. Noninvasive PET imaging can provide data on the TNBC tumor microenvironment, specifically intratumoral effector cell activation, predicting response to IMT plus chemotherapy.

A comparative study of the effects of crab derived exosomes and doxorubicin in 2 & 3-dimensional in vivo models of breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

Using tissue engineering and modifying the tumor microenvironment, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro and in vivo cancer modeling can be performed with appropriate similarity to native. Exosomes derived from different sources have recently been used in cancer studies due to their anticancer effects. In this study, the effect of crab derived exosomes in 2 & 3-dimensional (2& 3D) in vivo models of breast cancer (BC) were investigated and compared with the doxorubicin (DOX).

METHODS

2D and 3D models of BC were induced using the chitosan/β-glycerol phosphate hydrogel (Ch/β-GP) and 1 × 10⁶ 4T1 cells in the female mice aged 6-8 weeks. 1 mg/ml exosome and 5 mg/kg DOX were injected by intratumoral (IT), intravenous (IV), and intraperitoneal (IP) methods into mice on day 9, 13, and 17 with and without hydrogel as a drug delivery system. After 21 days, the mice were sacrificed, and the tissues (lung, liver, and tumor) were removed. The weight and size of the tumor were measured. Real-time PCR assessed changes of VEGF, Bcl2, and P53 genes expression levels. Nitric oxide (NO) secretion from the cancer 3D model was evaluated by Griess assay.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Based on the results, the size and weight of tumors in treated groups with exosomes and DOX were reduced significantly (P ≤ 0.001, P ≤ 0.002, P ≤ 0.02) in 2D and 3D models. Changes in VEGF, Bcl2 and P53 gene expression levels were less in the 3D model than in the 2D model. Drug delivery with hydrogel increased tumor inhibition compared to drug injection without hydrogel. Decreased NO secretion was observed in all treatment groups compared to the control group (untreated). Crab exosomes showed anti cancer effects on 2&3D models of BC. 3D model of BC showed greater drug resistance than the 2D model after treating with crab derived exosomes and DOX. 3D model of BC mimics native tumor better than 2D and can be used in cancer studies and for drug screening with greater confidence than 2D model. Also, the use of slow release drug delivery system reduced drug resistance in both models.

Intracellular Water Lifetime as a Tumor Biomarker to Monitor Doxorubicin Treatment via FFC-Relaxometry in a Breast Cancer Model

This study aims to explore whether the water exchange rate constants in tumor cells can act as a hallmark of pathology status and a reporter of therapeutic outcomes. It has been shown, using 4T1 cell cultures and murine allografts, that an early assessment of the therapeutic effect of doxorubicin can be detected through changes in the cellular water efflux rate constant kio. The latter has been estimated by analyzing the magnetization recovery curve in standard NMR T1 measurements when there is a marked difference in the proton relaxation rate constants (R1) between the intra- and the extra-cellular compartments. In cellular studies, T1 measurements were carried out on a relaxometer working at 0.5 T, and the required difference in R1 between the two compartments was achieved via the addition of a paramagnetic agent into the extracellular compartment. For in-vivo experiments, the large difference in the R1 values of the two-compartments was achieved when the T1 measurements were carried out at low magnetic field strengths. This task was accomplished using a Fast Field Cycling (FFC) relaxometer that was properly modified to host a mouse in its probe head. The decrease in kio upon the administration of doxorubicin is the result of the decreased activity of Na+/K+-ATPase, as shown in an independent test on the cellular uptake of Rb ions. The results reported herein suggest that kio can be considered a non-invasive, early and predictive biomarker for the identification of responsive patients immediately from the first doxorubicin treatment.

Evaluation of Wound Healing Potential of Novel Hydrogel Based on Ocimum basilicum and Trifolium pratense Extracts

Plants are an inexhaustible source of compounds with different medicinal properties, suitable as alternative options for the prevention and treatment of various pathologies. They are safe, effective and economical. In this paper, a combined extract made of Ocimum basilicum and Trifolium pratense extracts (EOT) was used for the first time to demonstrate its healing effect on dermal pathologies. To evaluate the wound healing effect of EOT, a novel gel formulation was prepared and subsequently tested in vitro (using the scratch test assay) and in vivo (on an animal model). The in vitro tests demonstrated the complete recovery of the dermal fibroblast monolayer when treated with EOT in a concentration of 50 µg/mL. In vivo results using a hydrogel formulation based on EOT demonstrated improved wound contraction time and complete healing after 13 days of treatment. Moreover, a clinical case of Psoriasis vulgaris was presented, in which one week of treatment led to the significant improvement of the patient’s health. In conclusion, the topical use of the novel gel formulation containing EOT is a successful therapeutic alternative in the treatment of dermal diseases.

Female infertility and herbal medicine: An overview of the new findings

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a successful pregnancy after 12 months' sexual activity that affects 15%-17% of couples in the world and about 50% of them are related to female infertility factors. In this study, using the PRISMA checklist and MeSH keywords, 128 articles were extracted from various databases (PubMed, Cochrane library, WHO, Iranmedex, Science Direct, SID, and Google Scholar search engine) without language and time restrictions, and 128 articles were selected after eliminating duplicate studies. In this review, we present some solid evidence for role of herbal medicine in the treatment of female infertility. The results of this study showed that different parts of some plants are rich in polyphenolic compounds (isoflavones and flavonoids) and other compounds which are beneficial to in reproductive health in women. The compounds in these plants, along with regulating the female endocrine pathways, and improving symptoms of menopause, treat female reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), endometriosis, hyperprolactinemia, and hypothalamic dysfunction; moreover, because of their anticancer, antioxidant, and antidepressant properties, they can be used in traditional medicine or in the pharmaceutical industry as safe compounds in women's health.

Isoflavones derived from plant raw materials: bioavailability, anti-cancer, anti-aging potentials, and microbiome modulation

Isoflavones are secondary metabolites that represent the most abundant category of plant polyphenols. Dietary soy, kudzu, and red clover contain primarily genistein, daidzein, glycitein, puerarin, formononetin, and biochanin A. The structural similarity of these compounds to β-estradiol has demonstrated protection against age-related and hormone-dependent diseases in both genders. Demonstrative shreds of evidence confirmed the fundamental health benefits of the consumption of these isoflavones. These relevant activities are complex and largely driven by the source, active ingredients, dose, and administration period of the bioactive compounds. However, the preclinical and clinical studies of these compounds are greatly variable, controversial, and still with no consensus due to the non-standardized research protocols. In addition, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies, and the safety profile of isoflavones have been far limited. This highlights a major gap in understanding the potentially critical role of these isoflavones as prospective replacement therapy. Our general review exclusively focuses attention on the crucial role of isoflavones derived from these plant materials and critically highlights their bioavailability, possible anticancer, antiaging potentials, and microbiome modulation. Despite their fundamental health benefits, plant isoflavones reveal prospective therapeutic effects that worth further standardized analysis.

The ameliorative effects of Lactobacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus casei probiotics on CCl4-induced testicular toxicity based on biochemical, histological and molecular analyses in rat

Probiotics are commonly present in foods and role as dietary adjuncts and alternatives to pharmacological products in many medical fields. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus casei probiotics on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ )-induced reproductive injury and sperm toxicity in rats. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups as follows: sham, CCl₄ (2 ml/kg), L. casei probiotic + 2 ml/kg CCl₄ and L. coagulans probiotic + 2 ml/kg CCl₄ . On the 36th day after the intervention, serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and total testosterone (T), as well as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, were measured. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) level, the expressions of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2 and Bax), Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, histomorphometric indices such as tubular differentiation index (TDI), repopulation index (RI), spermiogenesis index (SPI) and sperm parameters were evaluated. L. casei and L. coagulans probiotics improved the levels of reproductive hormones and antioxidant capacity in rats. Both the probiotics, especially L. casei, increased the rate spermatogenesis which accompanied with significant increments in testicular TDI, RI and SPI. Furthermore, both probiotics down-regulated Bax and up-regulated Bcl-2, following by decreased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Our key findings indicated that L. casei and L. coagulans have protective effects against CCl₄ -induced testicular toxicity.

Doxorubicin and Trifolium pratense L. (Red clover) extract synergistically inhibits brain and lung metastases in 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice

Trifolium pratense L. (Red clover-T. pratense) commonly consumed as a healthy beverage has been demonstrated to have various biological activities including antioxidant and anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimetastasis effects of doxorubicin (DOX) and T. pratense extract in 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. In this study, 56 female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 8/group) to receive DOX and T. pratense extract in three different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) for 35 days. On day 36 after starting treatments, serum cytokines (IL-8 and IL-6) were measured. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed for GATA-3 in the brain and lung, and for CK5/6 in tumor tissues. Metastasis-related gene (matrix metalloproteinase-2 [MMP-2] and sirtuin-1 [SIRT-1]) expressions were also measured by real-time PCR. Our results showed that cotreatment with DOX and T. pratense extract improved stereological parameters (i.e., reduction in the volume of metastatic tumors) in the lung and brain and decreased the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8 and IL-6). DOX and T. pratense extract synergistically down-regulated MMP-2 and up-regulated SIRT-1 genes, decreased the number of CK5/6-positive cells in tumor tissues, and inhibited metastasis of GATA-3-positive cells into the lung and brain. The combination of T. pratense extract and DOX synergistically inhibited the metastasis of 4T1 xenograft cells in a dose-dependent manner.