Umbelliprenin shows antitumor, antiangiogenesis, antimetastatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory activities in 4T1 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice

In vitro and in vivo activity of a novel oxamide-hydrazone hybrid derivative against triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer with poor clinical outcome, and currently, no effective targeted therapies are available. Since cancer develops owing to deregulation of apoptosis, employing therapeutic strategies with the ability to target the molecules involved in apoptosis induction would provide a valid approach to hinder tumor progression. Hydrazide-hydrazones and oxamide molecules are the subject of intense studies due to their anticancer effects via apoptosis induction. In the present study, we attempted to elucidate the mechanism of action of a synthesized compound (compound A) in inducing cell death. Annexin/PI and Western blotting analyses, DAPI staining, mitochondrial membrane potential probe, and flow cytometry were applied for the in vitro evaluations. 4T1 syngeneic mouse model and immunohistochemistry were used for the in vivo assessments. Compound A caused cell death by inducing apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells in a mitochondrial-dependent manner at high concentrations after 72 h of incubation. Compound A also impeded tumor growth in a 4T1 syngeneic mouse model as evidenced by hematoxylin and eosin staining of the tumors. Furthermore, it significantly diminished the expression of pro-caspase-3, Ki67, and CD31 markers in the tumor sections. Conclusively, this study for the first time reports the anti-cancer efficacy of compound A in both in vitro and in vivo models and its potential in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.

Joining up the scattered anticancer knowledge on auraptene and umbelliprenin: a meta-analysis

Auraptene (AUR) and umbelliprenin (UMB) are naturally occurring prenylated coumarins that have demonstrated promising anticancer effects across various human cancer cell lines. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess, compare, and quantify the anticancer efficacy of AUR and UMB by synthesizing evidence from in vitro studies. A comprehensive literature search identified 27 eligible studies investigating AUR or UMB against cancer cells. Mixed-effects models revealed significant negative associations between coumarin dose and viability for AUR (est. = - 2.27) and UMB (est. = - 3.990), underscoring their dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Meta-regression indicated slightly higher potency for UMB over AUR, potentially due to increased lipophilicity imparted by additional isoprenyl units. Machine learning approaches identified coumarin dose and cancer type as the most influential determinants of toxicity, while treatment duration and the specific coumarin displayed weaker effects. Moderate (AUR) to substantial (UMB) between-study heterogeneity was detected, although the findings proved robust. In summary, this meta-analysis establishes AUR and UMB as promising natural anticancer candidates with clear dose-toxicity relationships across diverse malignancies. The structural insights and quantifications of anticancer efficacy can inform forthcoming efforts assessing therapeutic potential in pre-clinical models and human trials.

Umbelliprenin via increase in the MECP2 and attenuation of oxidative stress mitigates the autistic-like behaviors in mouse model of maternal separation stress

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. Maternal separation (MS) stress is an early-life stress factor associated with behaviors resembling Autism. Both MECP2 and oxidative stress are implicated in the pathophysiology of Autism. Umbelliprenin (UMB) is a coumarin compound with various pharmacological properties. Our study aimed to investigate the potential effects of UMB in mitigating autistic-like behaviors in a mouse model subjected to MS stress, focusing on probable alterations in MECP2 gene expression in the hippocampus. Methods: MS paradigm was performed, and mice were treated with saline or UMB. Behavioral tests consisting of the three-chamber test (evaluating social interaction), shuttle box (assessing passive avoidance memory), elevated plus-maze (measuring anxiety-like behaviors), and marble-burying test (evaluating repetitive behaviors) were conducted. Gene expression of MECP2 and measurements of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitrite level, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were assessed in the hippocampus. Results: The findings demonstrated that MS-induced behaviors resembling Autism, accompanied by decreased MECP2 gene expression, elevated nitrite, MDA levels, and reduced TAC in the hippocampus. UMB mitigated these autistic-like behaviors induced by MS and attenuated the adverse effects of MS on oxidative stress and MECP2 gene expression in the hippocampus. Conclusion: In conclusion, UMB likely attenuated autistic-like behaviors caused by MS stress, probably, through the reduction of oxidative stress and an increase in MECP2 gene expression.

The growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of umbelliprenin in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis

AIMS

Umbelliprenin has shown promising biological activities, including immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. The present study investigated the growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of umbelliprenin against Candida albicans in a BALB/c mice model of disseminated candidiasis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

First, an antimicrobial assay via microdilution sensitivity test was performed. Then, twenty-five 6-week-old female BALB/c mice (20 ± 12 g) were divided into five groups of five mice, including one control group (no umbelliprenin treatment) and four experimental groups: C. albicans-infected mice treated with umbelliprenin at the doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg kg -1. The brain, lung, kidney, spleen, and liver tissues were examined for fungal infection and histological lesions, and TUNEL staining was performed to assess apoptosis. The β-1, 3-glucan synthase assay was used to evaluate enzymatic activity, and gene expression analysis was also performed to investigate the transcriptional changes of ERG11, CDR1, ALS1, and HWP1 genes. The MIC of umbelliprenin was 1.5 mg mL-1. Our results showed that at the 40 mg kg -1 dose, umbelliprenin was able to eradicate fungal infection in BALB/c mice. The percentage of apoptotic cells in umbelliprenin-treated groups increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Umbelliprenin (40 mg kg -1) also inhibited the expression of β-1, 3-glucan synthase, and the genes involved in antifungal resistance (CDR1 and ERG11), as well as the expression of the genes encoding adhesins (ALS1 and HWP1).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that umbelliprenin could promote antifungal effects, partly via inducing apoptosis.

Increased expression of androgen receptor and PSA genes in LNCaP (prostate cancer) cell line due to high concentrations of EGCG, an active ingredient in green tea

OBJECTIVES

Androgen receptor (AR) play a key role in the onset and progression of prostate cancer. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenolic compound and the active ingredient in green tea, which is involved in modulating gene expression through epigenetic alterations. Previous studies have shown that EGCG at low concentrations reduces the expression of AR and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the LNCaP cell line of prostate cancer. In this study, the effect of higher EGCG concentrations on AR and PSA expression in LNCaP prostate cancer cell line was investigated.

METHODS

In this study, LNCaP prostate cancer cell line was used and after MTT test, concentrations of 40, 60 and 80 μg/mL EGCG were used for treatment. Then, the expression of AR and PSA genes was evaluated by RT-PCR. AR protein expression was also assessed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The present study showed that treatment of LNCaPs cells by EGCG reduces cell proliferation. The IC50 value was 42.7 μg/mL under experimental conditions. It was also observed that EGCG at concentrations of 40 and 80 μg/mL increased the expression of AR and PSA (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that the effect of EGCG on AR expression was different at different concentrations, so that unlike previous studies, higher concentrations of EGCG (80 and 40 μg/mL) increased AR and PSA expression. It seems that due to the toxic effects of EGCG in high concentrations on cancer cells and the possibility of its effect on normal cells, more caution should be exercised in its use.

Potential tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma identification: PI3K and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β, IL-1, and IL-6)

OBJECTIVES

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, is a leading cause of tumor-associated mortality worldwide. Diagnosis based upon non-invasive criteria is currently challenged by the need for molecular information that requires tissue or liquid biopsies. The progression of HCC is often associated with chronic inflammation, expression levels of inflammatory mediators, chemokine, and cytokines. In this study, we try to evaluate the PI3K and pro-inflammatory cytokines, TGF-β, IL-1, and IL-6 expression level in patients with liver cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The kupffer cells were isolated from patient's specimens. Real-time PCR was applied to evaluate the expression level of PI3K in cell lines or tumors. The concentrations of TGF-β, IL-1, and IL-6 were measured by the quantitative ELISA kit.

RESULTS

PI3K mRNA expression in cancer cells was increased markedly vs. normal cells. The ELISA results demonstrated over expression of TGF-β, IL-1, and IL-6 in patients and positive correlation between tumor size and stage.

DISCUSSION

This study suggests that targeting the expression level of PI3K and pro-inflammatory chemokine and cytokines, TGF-β, IL-1, and IL-6, may be a potential diagnostic strategy in HCC patients.

Co-Targeting Tumor Angiogenesis and Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment: A Perspective in Ethnopharmacology

Tumor angiogenesis is one of the most important processes of cancer deterioration via nurturing an immunosuppressive tumor environment (TME). Targeting tumor angiogenesis has been widely accepted as a cancer intervention approach, which is also synergistically associated with immune therapy. However, drug resistance is the biggest challenge of anti-angiogenesis therapy, which affects the outcomes of anti-angiogeneic agents, and even combined with immunotherapy. Here, emerging targets and representative candidate molecules from ethnopharmacology (including traditional Chinese medicine, TCM) have been focused, and they have been proved to regulate tumor angiogenesis. Further investigations on derivatives and delivery systems of these molecules will provide a comprehensive landscape in preclinical studies. More importantly, the molecule library of ethnopharmacology meets the viability for targeting angiogenesis and TME simultaneously, which is attributed to the pleiotropy of pro-angiogenic factors (such as VEGF) toward cancer cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. We primarily shed light on the potentiality of ethnopharmacology against tumor angiogenesis, particularly TCM. More research studies concerning the crosstalk between angiogenesis and TME remodeling from the perspective of botanical medicine are awaited.

New Sulfoxide-Containing Derivatives from the Resin of Ferula sinkiangensis

Four undescribed sulfoxide-containing derivatives, sinkiangenoxides A and B, (2Z, 4E)-sinkiangenoxide C, and (2E, 4E)-sinkiangenoxide C (1:  - 4: ), and one known compound, 1-(methylthio)propyl (E)-1-propenyl disulfide (5: ), were isolated from the resin of Ferula sinkiangensis. Their structures were determined based on spectroscopic methods, including IR, UV, HRESIMS, NMR, and CD analysis. Compounds 2:  - 4: showed moderate cytotoxic activities against four human cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 15.0 to 40.3 µM. Sinkiangenoxide B (2: ) was shown to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In addition, compound 5: effectively attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide release and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 expression.

Rassouli F. Combination of Umbelliprenin and Arsenic Trioxide Acts as an Effective Modality Against T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma Cells

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a serious blood malignancy with distinct geographical distribution. ATLL patients have a short survival time because of intrinsic chemoresistance and severe immunosuppression. To introduce a novel treatment, we investigated whether umbelliprenin (UMB), a natural coumarin derivative, could improve the toxicity of arsenic trioxide (ATO) on ATLL cells. To determine the viability of MT-2 cells upon treatment with different concentrations of UMB and ATO, alamarBlue assay was applied. Cell cycle analysis was carried out by propidium iodide staining and the expression of candidate genes was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Our findings revealed that combination of UMB and ATO induced considerable cytotoxic effects on ATLL cells. Flow cytometry analysis indicated accumulation of MT-2 cells in the sub G1 phase of the cell cycle after combinatorial treatment. In addition, significant downregulation in BMI-1, CD44, c-MYC, and nuclear factor-κB (REL-A) expression was observed after UMB + ATO administration. Agents with low side effects are potential candidates for novel cancer treatments. We demonstrated, for the first time, that combination of UMB and ATO might be regarded as an effective regimen for ATLL treatment.

miR-515-3p, miR-623, miR-1272 and Notch3 protein as new biomarkers of Hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUNDS

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a diversity of hepatocellular neoplasms and is more prevalence in people with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. It has been revealed that modification in miRNA regulation possibly will be elaborated in HCC pathogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this research 40 samples of HCC subjects and 40 samples of healthy liver were considered. Total RNA was obtained from paraffin-embedded tissue blocks and miR-515, miR-623 and miR-1272 gene expression levels were quantified by Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR. Likewise, the Notch protein quantity was assayed in ffpe materials by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Our study disclosed that Notch protein deals was ominously elevated in cancer cells than healthy cells (p<0.05). Data analysis also displayed that miR-515, miR-623 and miR-1272 expression levels were 3.8, 4.7, and 2.9 fold in normal tissues, respectively (p<0.05). Furthermore, it was found that expression levels of these genes are not dependent by hepatitis B and hepatic cirrhosis and it could be used as a marker of high specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis of HCC.

DISCUSSIONS

Our study demonstrated main role of miR-515, miR-623 and miR-1272 in HCC pathogenesis and similarly disclosed that these genes expression could be utilized in HCC prognosis.

A new GlcNAc-containing polysaccharide from Morchella importuna fruiting bodies: Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activities in vitro and in vivo

This study investigated the purification and characterization of a new immunomodulatory GlcNAc-containing polysaccharide (MIPB70-1) from Morchella importuna with molecular weights of 20.6 kDa. Structural analysis indicated that MIPB70-1 was composed of GlcNAc:Gal:Glc:Man with molar ratios of 1.00:7.16:5.54:5.61, and its primary structure was characterized as a repeating unit consisting of →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, α-D-GlcpNAc-(1→, α-D-Galp-(1→, β-D-Glcp-(1→, →6)-α-D-Manp-(1→, →4)-α-D-GlcpNAc-(1→, →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→, →2)-α-D-Galp-(1→, →2,3,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→. Immunological assays indicated that MIPB70-1 enhanced the phagocytic function and promoted the secretion of nitric oxide (NO) as well as cytokines through targeting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on macrophage membrane and activating the downstream signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 cells. MIPB70-1 regulated mouse immunity to counteract the immune damage caused by the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide (CTX) in vivo. Furthermore, MIPB70-1 enhanced the anti-tumor activity of doxorubicin (DOX) and inhibited the growth of tumors, by immunomodulation in the orthotopic murine model of 4T1 breast cancer. These results demonstrate the potential of this GlcNAc-containing polysaccharide as an immune enhancer.

Preparation and Characterization of Anti-Cancer Crystal Drugs Based on Erythrocyte Membrane Nanoplatform

The simple and functional modification of the nanoparticle’s surface is used to efficiently deliver chemotherapeutic drugs for anti-cancer treatment. Here, we construct a nanocrystalline drug delivery system with doxorubicin wrapped in red blood cell membranes for the treatment of mouse breast cancer models. Compared with traditional free drug treatments, the biodegradable natural red blood cell membrane is combined with pure crystalline drugs. The nanoparticles obtained by the preparation method have superior properties, such as good stability, significantly delaying the release of drugs and enhancing the inhibitory effect on tumor cells. This study shows that the design of RBC as an outsourced drug delivery system provides a promising foundation for the continued development, clinical trials, and nanomedicine research of anti-cancer drug nanocarriers in the future.

Comparative evaluation of the protective effects of oral administration of auraptene and umbelliprenin against CFA-induced chronic inflammation with polyarthritis in rats

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Auraptene (AUR) and Umbelliprenin (UMB) in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) induced by using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Paw swelling of adjuvant arthritis rats measured at various times after CFA injection. Over 15 days of RA induction, mediator/cytokine-mediated processes involved in managing the regulation and resolving RA's inflammation were also quantified with ELISA. Histopathological changes were also assessed under a microscope 15 days after the CFA injection. AUR at all doses and UMB administration only at a 16 mM /kg administration dose significantly reduced CFA-induced paw edema level compared to the control group. UMB (64 and 32 mM) and AUR (64, 32, and 16 mM) could reduce the PGE2 (p < .0001-.01) and NO (p < .0001-.05) levels in the treatment groups compared to the negative control group. However, these compounds showed no significant effect on the TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-10 levels than the control group (p > .05). Unlike indomethacin and prednisolone, treatment of rats with AUR (16, 32, and 64 mM/kg) and UMB (16 and 32 mM/kg) reduced the level of IL-2 (p < .0001). In all treatment groups, the serum level of IL-17 was significantly reduced compared to the CFA group (p < .001-0.05). We suggested AUR and UMB could diminish inflammation by reducing the serum level of IL-17 and could be considered a proper alternative in the treatment of IL-17 related inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Given that AUR and UMB apply their anti-inflammatory effects by changing distinct cytokine release/inhibition patterns, their potential application in diverse inflammatory diseases seems different.

Unsaturated fatty acids as a co-therapeutic agents in cancer treatment

Chemotherapy is standard treatments for many malignancies. However, in most cases, this method is not able to induce apoptosis and in many cases, with cancer recurrence, leads to patient death. There are several procedure to control and suppress malignant cells, but among these methods, administration of ɷ-3 fatty acids and ɷ-6 fatty due to their destructive effects on cancer cells is more prominent. Many clinical studies have shown beneficial effects of ɷ-3 and ɷ-6 fatty acids in cardiovascular disorders, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and in most cancers such as colon, breast, prostate and other malignancies. Studies showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have a toxic effect on cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism of how ɷ- fatty acids affect cancer cells is still unknown. In this review alternative issues of malignancies co-treatments agents such as PUFAs have been studied. Also, the latest known PUFAs mechanisms on malignancies have been described.

Donkey milk inhibits triple-negative breast tumor progression and is associated with increased cleaved-caspase-3 expression

Donkey milk is considered an ideal substitute for human milk and is considered a potential complementary dairy product for the treatment of a variety of human diseases, including cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of donkey colostrum (DC) and mature milk (DM) on 4T1 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors in mice. Metabolomics analyses showed that a total of 476 possible metabolites were found in both types of milk. Among them, 34 differential metabolites were identified, including 25 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated metabolites in the DC compared with DM. Both DC and DM are rich in many known anticancer constituents. The inhibitory effects of DC and DM on 4T1 primary tumors and the relative organ weight of the liver and lungs were determined by measuring the volume of primary tumors and weighing the liver and lungs. Both DC and DM significantly reduced both the primary tumor size and relative organ weight of the liver and lungs in 4T1 mice without affecting the bodyweight of mice. When the expression of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, and MMP2 was investigated by immunohistochemistry, the results showed that DC and DM inhibited the progression of 4T1 tumors by inducing the expression of cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax, and inhibiting the expression of MMP2 and CD31. Our data suggest that DC and DM inhibit the growth and metastasis of mouse 4T1 tumors by inducing apoptosis.

Next Chapter in the Legend of Silphion: Preliminary Morphological, Chemical, Biological and Pharmacological Evaluations, Initial Conservation Studies, and Reassessment of the Regional Extinction Event

Silphion was an ancient medicinal gum-resin; most likely obtained from a Ferula species growing in the Cyrene region of Libya ca. 2500 years ago. Due to its therapeutic properties and culinary value, silphion became the main economic commodity of the Cyrene region. It is generally believed that the source of silphion became extinct in the first century AD. However, there are a few references in the literature about the cultivated silphion plant and its existence up to the fifth century. Recently, a rare and endemic Ferula species that produces a pleasant-smelling gum-resin was found in three locations near formerly Greek villages in Anatolia. Morphologic features of this species closely resemble silphion, as it appears in the numismatic figures of antique Cyrenaic coins, and conform to descriptions by ancient authors. Initial chemical and pharmacological investigations of this species have confirmed the medicinal and spice-like quality of its gum-resin supporting a connection with the long-lost silphion. A preliminary conservation study has been initiated at the growth site of this rare endemic Ferula species. The results of this study and their implications on the regional extinction event, and future development of this species will be discussed.

Umbelliprenin relieves paclitaxel-induced neuropathy

OBJECTIVES

Umbelliprenin (UMB) is a prenylated coumarin that acts as an in vitro antioxidant and inhibits lipoxygenase managing the inflammation pathways, while in vivo it exerts anti-inflammatory activities.

METHODS

In this study, neuropathic pain was induced by four intraperitoneal doses of 2 mg/kg per day of paclitaxel (PTX) on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Here, 49 male mice were randomly divided in the following groups: sham (not treated animals), negative control (PTX-treated receiving normal saline), single-dose UMB 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg groups (PTX-treated receiving UMB 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, respectively), prevention (PTX-treated receiving PTX along with UMB 12.5 mg/kg on days 1, 3, 5 and 7) and positive control group (PTX-treated receiving imipramine 10 mg/kg as acute treatment). Hot-plate test was done to assess response to heat. Finally, interleukin (IL)-6 levels in the sciatic nerve and lipid peroxidation in sera were assessed.

KEY FINDINGS

Umbelliprenin was found equally effective for acute treatment with imipramine, when comparing the prevention group and the positive control group. Single, 25 mg/kg UMB effectively attenuated hyperalgesia, lipid peroxidation and IL-6 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Umbelliprenin alleviated neuropathic pain, and decreased serum IL-6 levels and oxidative stress. UMB deserves further investigations, especially in clinical settings.

Assessment of the Antitumor Potential of Umbelliprenin, a Naturally Occurring Sesquiterpene Coumarin

Cancer is one of the greatest causes of mortality worldwide. The prevalence rates of different types of cancer is increasing around the world as well. Limitations in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, owing to multiple side effects including cytotoxic effects of antitumor compounds on normal cells as well as the development of resistance to these treatment options in patients, create a serious threat to successful treatment of cancer. The use of natural compounds to prevent and treat cancers has been found to be quite effective, with fewer adverse effects found in patients. Umbelliprenin (UMB) is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene compound found in Ferula species and recently in Artemisia absinthium. Many studies have highlighted the antitumor potential of UMB in different cancer cell lines as well as in animal models. UMB exerts its anticancer actions by regulating extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways; causing inhibition of the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase; and attenuating migration and invasion by modulating the Wnt signaling, NF-ĸB, TGFβ, and Fox3 signaling pathways. UMB also affects the key hallmarks of tumor cells by attenuating tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This review provides an insight into the role of UMB as a potential antitumor drug for different malignancies and highlights the signaling cascades affected by UMB treatment in diverse tumor cell lines and preclinical models.

Coumarins from Magydaris pastinacea as inhibitors of the tumour-associated carbonic anhydrases IX and XII: isolation, biological studies and in silico evaluation

In an in vitro screening for human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) inhibiting agents from higher plants, the petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of Magydaris pastinacea seeds selectively inhibited hCA IX and hCA XII isoforms. The phytochemical investigation of the extracts led to the isolation of ten linear furocoumarins (1-10), four simple coumarins (12-15) and a new angular dihydrofurocoumarin (11). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on 1 D and 2 D NMR, MS, and ECD data analysis. All isolated compounds were inactive towards the ubiquitous cytosolic isoform hCA I and II (K_i > 10,000 nM) while they were significantly active against the tumour-associated isoforms hCA IX and XII. Umbelliprenin was the most potent coumarin inhibiting hCA XII isoform with a K_i of 5.7 nM. The cytotoxicity of the most interesting compounds on HeLa cancer cells was also investigated.

Expression of Diverse Angiogenesis Factor in Different Stages of the 4T1 Tumor as a Mouse Model of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Purpose: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is specified by high vascularity and repetitious metastasis. Although several studies have indicated that angiogenesis has an important role in invasive breast cancer, a suitable model of TNBC that can show the exact onset of angiogenesis factors still needs to be developed. The purpose of this study is to determine the expression level of angiogenesis factors in different clinical stages of the 4T1 tumor as TNBC mouse model.

Methods: Twenty mice were injected by the 4T1 cell line, and four mice selected as healthy controls. Following by tumor induction, the mice were randomly put into four groups, each contains four mice. Once the tumor volume reached to the early stage (<100 mm³), intermediate stage (100-300 mm³), advanced stage (300-500 mm³), and end stage (>500 mm³), they were removed by surgery. Then, the expression levels of Hif1α, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 genes, as well as tumor markers of VEGF, bFGF and CD31, were evaluated by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) respectively. The statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 16.

Results: TNBC tumors were confirmed and multi-foci metastasis in the lung were seen. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the angiogenesis factors increased in the early stage and as the tumor grew, their expression level enhanced dramatically.

Conclusion: The 4T1 syngeneic mouse tumor may serve as an appropriate TNBC model for further investigation of the angiogenesis and therapies. Moreover, angiogenesis factors are induced before the advanced stage, and anti-angiogenesis therapy is necessary to be considered at the first line of treatment in TBNC.

A novel hydrazide compound exerts anti-metastatic effect against breast cancer

Background

There are currently a number of barriers hindering the successful treatment of breast cancer, including the metastatic spread of cancer cells. In looking for new anticancer agents, we reported two novel hydrazide derivatives with anti-cancer activity in human breast cancer cells. The current study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of the most effective one, N'-((5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)methylene)-2-(phenylthio)benzohydrazide (compound B), on metastatic breast cancer, which is resistant to available chemotherapeutics.

Methods

4T1 mammary carcinoma cells were inoculated into the fat pad mammary of 5–7-week-old female BALB/c mice and then the effective compound was intraperitoneally administered for 4 weeks. Proliferation index and angiogenesis in tumor and lung tissues were examined with immunohistochemistry. In vitro assessments were also carried out to evaluate the effect of the compound on invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells.

Results

Our results demonstrated that this effective derivative significantly inhibited invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro as shown by Matrigel assay and quantitative real-time method for MMP-9 expression after 48 h of treatment. Daily administration of the compound suppressed the growth of primary tumor and its metastasis to lung, which was confirmed by H&E experiment at a dose of 1 mg/kg in a well-known metastatic model of 4T1 breast cancer in syngeneic BALB/c mice. These outcomes were supported by the immunohistochemical examinations of the tumor and lung tissues of mice. Tumors and lungs in mice treated with the effective compound showed a reduced proliferation index and a smaller microvessel density compared to the control.

Conclusion

This study highlights an anti-metastatic role for a novel hydrazide derivative in both in vitro and in vivo models of breast cancer.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40659-019-0247-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.