6-Shogaol exerts anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects through the modulation of STAT3 and MAPKs signaling pathways

Fangchinoline targets human renal cell carcinoma cells through modulation of apoptotic and non‑apoptotic cell deaths

The process of apoptosis is one of the essential processes involved in maintenance of homeostasis in the human body. It can aid to remove misfolded proteins or cellular organelles. This sequence is especially necessary in cancer cells. However, specifically targeting already apoptotic pathways can induce drug resistance in cancer cells and hence drugs can induce cell death by alternative mechanism. We investigated whether fangchinoline (FCN) can target renal carcinoma cells by inducing multiple cell death mechanisms. Both paraptosis, autophagy, and apoptosis were induced by FCN through stimulation of diverse molecular signaling pathways. FCN induced ROS production with GSH/GSSG imbalance, and ER stress. In addition, formation of autophagosome and autophagy related markers were stimulated by FCN. Moreover, FCN induced cell cycle arrest and PARP cleavage. Except for blocking protein synthesis, these three cell death pathways were found to be complementarily working together with each other. FCN also exhibited synergistic effects with paclitaxel in inducing programmed cell death in RCC cells. Our data indicates that FCN could induce apoptotic cell death and non-apoptotic cell death pathways and can be con-tribute to development of novel cancer prevention or therapy.

Anticancer perspective of 6-shogaol: anticancer properties, mechanism of action, synergism and delivery system

Cancer is a malignant disease that has plagued human beings all the time, but the treatment effect of commonly used anticancer drugs in clinical practice is not ideal by reason of their drug tolerance and Strong adverse reactions to patients. Therefore, it is imperative to find effective and low-toxic anticancer drugs. Many research works have shown that natural products in Chinese herbal medicine have great anticancer potential, such as 6-shogaol, a monomer composition obtained from Chinese herbal ginger, which has been confirmed by numerous in vitro or vivo studies to be an excellent anti-cancer active substance. In addition, most notably, 6-shogaol has different selectivity for normal and cancer cells during treatment, which makes it valuable for further research and clinical development. Therefore, this review focus on the anti-cancer attributes, the mechanism and the regulation of related signaling pathways of 6-shogaol. In addition, its synergy with commonly used anticancer drugs, potential drug delivery systems and prospects for future research are discussed. This is the first review to comprehensively summarize the anti-cancer mechanism of 6-shogaol, hoping to provide a theoretical basis and guiding significance for future anti-cancer research and clinical development of 6-shogaol.

Noncoding RNAs as regulators of STAT3 pathway in gastrointestinal cancers: Roles in cancer progression and therapeutic response

Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors (cancers of the esophagus, gastric, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum) contribute to a large number of deaths worldwide. STAT3 is an oncogenic transcription factor that promotes the transcription of genes associated with proliferation, antiapoptosis, survival, and metastasis. STAT3 is overactivated in many human malignancies including GI tumors which accelerates tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Research in recent years demonstrated that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a major role in the regulation of many signaling pathways including the STAT3 pathway. The major types of endogenous ncRNAs that are being extensively studied in oncology are microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs. These ncRNAs can either be tumor-promoters or tumor-suppressors and each one of them imparts their activity via different mechanisms. The STAT3 pathway is also tightly modulated by ncRNAs. In this article, we have elaborated on the tumor-promoting role of STAT3 signaling in GI tumors. Subsequently, we have comprehensively discussed the oncogenic as well as tumor suppressor functions and mechanism of action of ncRNAs that are known to modulate STAT3 signaling in GI cancers.

Natural Products for the Prevention, Treatment and Progression of Breast Cancer

In this review, we summarize the most used natural products as useful adjuvants in BC by clarifying how these products may play a critical role in the prevention, treatment and progression of this disease. BC is the leading cancer, in terms of incidence, that affects women. The epidemiology and pathophysiology of BC were widely reported. Inflammation and cancer are known to influence each other in several tumors. In the case of BC, the inflammatory component precedes the development of the neoplasm through a slowly increasing and prolonged inflammation that also favors its growth. BC therapy involves a multidisciplinary approach comprising surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. There are numerous observations that showed that the effects of some natural substances, which, in integration with the classic protocols, can be used not only for prevention or integration in order to prevent recurrences and induce a state of chemoquiescence but also as chemo- and radiosensitizers during classic therapy.

6- shogaol suppresses AOM/DSS-mediated colorectal adenoma through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in mice

Colorectal adenoma appears as benign lesions and is a precursor of colorectal adenocarcinoma. The effect of 6-Shogaol (6-[S]), a bioactive agent from ginger, in early colonic adenoma growth is unknown. As a result, this study examines the effect of 6-[S] in a mouse colorectal adenoma model induced by Azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Adult male mice served as control in Group 1. Group 2 was treated orally with 6-[S] extract (20 mg/kg BW). Group 3 was exposed to AOM (25 mg/kg BW, ip) and one cycle of DSS (2.5%) in drinking water alone while Group 4 was co-treated with 6-[S] for twenty-one (21) days. The body weight gain, organ weight and length, oxidative stress indices, inflammatory markers and histological examination were estimated. Our findings show that 6-[S] co-treatment reversed AOM/DSS-induced elevation in colon weight, colon length, nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), hydrogen peroxidase (H₂ O₂ ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). However, the antioxidant enzyme activities measured namely catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione-S-transferase were significantly increased in 6-[S] treated mice. Taken together, the protective effect of 6-[S] on oxidative burden, inflammation, and histological aberration observed in the colon of the AOM/DSS model of adenoma growth in mice is mediated primarily owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Thus, this study reveals 6-[S] as a useful agent in the possible clinical intervention of colorectal adenoma. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Certain spices have been reported to have numerous phytochemicals with numerous medicinal purposes. However, no studies have been conducted to investigate the role of 6-[S], a phytochemical found in ginger, in the treatment of colorectal adenoma. The study's findings show that 6-[S] is protective in early colonic cancer development, as it manages colorectal adenoma cancer models of AOM/DSS. As a result, 6-[S]'s ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the colon may be a potential nutritional therapeutic adjuvant for colorectal adenoma.

Integrating pharmacokinetics and network pharmacology to identify and validate targets of Guben Xiaozhen prescription for the treatment of chronic urticaria

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Guben Xiaozhen prescription (GXP), a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat skin diseases for a long history and achieved satisfactory therapeutic effects. However, its active ingredients and targets remain to be further elucidated.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

Identify activity ingredients of GXP for the treatment of chronic urticaria (CU) and further validate the efficacy and targets of the selected component.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the pharmacokinetics of different disassemble groups of GXP was investigated to screen for active ingredients with improved bioavailability. Then, shared targets between active ingredients and CU were performed by network pharmacology. Finally, the ovalbumin (OVA) induced CU model was used to verify the efficacy and targets of the screened active ingredient.

RESULTS

Pharmacokinetic results showed that, compared with sub-division groups, the maximum concentration (C_max) and blood concentration-time curve (AUC_0-t) of eight ingredients, including 6-shogaol, 6-gingerol, calycosin, dictamnine, fraxinellone, schizandrin, cimifugin, and sec-o-glucosylhamaudol were increased in the GXP group. Then, 218 CU-related targets and 20 shared targets with six potential active compounds were screened by network pharmacology. Further analysis found that fraxinellone was not reported to be associated with CU in the literature. Therefore, the present study employed an OVA-induced CU model and found that fraxinellone could dose-dependently inhibit the locus coeruleus reaction, mast cell degranulation, and pathological skin damage. Moreover, we further verified the ADRB2 and its downstream target caspase3 predicted by network pharmacology, and fraxinellone inhibited the expression of ADRB2 and caspase3 in high dose group, suggesting that fraxinellone may play an anti-CU role by inhibiting inflammation and cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

In this study, integrated pharmacokinetics and network pharmacology methods were established to screen out six effective active ingredients in GXP for the treatment of CU. This study provides a new idea for screening active substances in traditional Chinese medicine.

Aframomum melegueta Seed Extract with Standardized Content of 6-Paradol Reduces Visceral Fat and Enhances Energy Expenditure in Overweight Adults - A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

PURPOSE

Aframomum melegueta (grains of paradise) seeds have been demonstrated to possess thermogenic potential. However, it is necessary to validate the functional attributes of A. melegueta seed extract in human subjects.

METHODS

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial design, we have examined the thermogenic effects of a standardized A. melegueta seed extract (AfperFit). A total of 70 overweight male and female subjects (BMI ≥25.0 to ≤30.0 kg/m²) aged 20-50 years were enrolled and administered with either 250 mg of AfperFit or placebo in capsule form twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoints included energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry), body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)) and fat distribution (computed tomography (CT scan)), analyzed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. The effect of intervention on the quality of life was examined using SF-12 questionnaire.

RESULTS

Consumption of AfperFit significantly increased the energy expenditure (p<0.01), visceral fat area (p<0.001) and visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio (p<0.01) compared to placebo group. Consequently, there was significant body weight loss and reduction in BMI of subjects in AfperFit group compared to placebo (p<0.01). The safety evaluation showed that biochemical and hematological parameters were in the normal range. Supplementation of AfperFit was well tolerated during the study and no adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study validates the health benefits of A. melegueta seed extract as fat burner and recommends its use as a functional ingredient to improve the quality of life and general health.

The multifaceted role of STAT3 pathway and its implication as a potential therapeutic target in oral cancer

Oral cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, and it has become a matter of serious concern due to the alarming rise in its incidence rate worldwide. Despite recent advancements in oral cancer treatment strategies, there are no significant improvements in patient's survival rate. Among the numerous cell signaling pathways involved in oral cancer development and progression, STAT3 is known to play a multifaceted oncogenic role in shaping the tumor pathophysiology. STAT3 hyperactivation in oral cancer contributes to survival, proliferation, invasion, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, metastasis, immunosuppression, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. A plethora of pre-clinical and clinical studies have documented the role of STAT3 in the initiation and development of oral cancer and showed that STAT3 inhibition holds significant potential in the prevention and treatment of this cancer. However, to date, targeting STAT3 activation mainly involves inhibiting the upstream signaling molecules such as JAK and IL-6 receptors. The major challenge in targeting STAT3 lies in the complexity of its phosphorylation- and dimerization-independent functions, which are not affected by disrupting the upstream regulators. The present review delineates the significance of the STAT3 pathway in regulating various hallmarks of oral cancer. In addition, it highlights the STAT3 inhibitors identified to date through various preclinical and clinical studies that can be employed for the therapeutic intervention in oral cancer treatment.

How Should the Worldwide Knowledge of Traditional Cancer Healing Be Integrated with Herbs and Mushrooms into Modern Molecular Pharmacology?

Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a "core" from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice.

Leelamine Exerts Antineoplastic Effects in Association with Modulating Mitogen‑Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Cascade

Mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a prominent signaling cascade that modulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, stress response, drug resistance, immune response, and cell motility. Activation of MAPK by various small molecules/natural compounds has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Herein, the effect of leelamine (LEE, a triterpene derived from bark of pine trees) on the activation of MAPK in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and breast cancer (BC) cells was investigated. LEE induced potent cytotoxicity of HCC (HepG2 and HCCLM3) and BC (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7) cells over normal counterparts (MCF10A). LEE significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK MAPKs in a dose-dependent fashion and it did not affect the phosphorylation of ERK in HCC and BC cells. The apoptosis-driving effect of LEE was further demonstrated by cleavage of procaspase-3/Bid and suppression of prosurvival proteins (Bcl-xL and XIAP). Furthermore, LEE also reduced the SDF1-induced-migration and -invasion of HCC and BC cells. Taken together, the data demonstrated that LEE promotes apoptosis and induces an anti-motility effect by activating p38 and JNK MAPKs in HCC and BC cells.

Targeting autophagy in prostate cancer: preclinical and clinical evidence for therapeutic response

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and new estimates revealed prostate cancer as the leading cause of death in men in 2021. Therefore, new strategies are pertinent in the treatment of this malignant disease. Macroautophagy/autophagy is a “self-degradation” mechanism capable of facilitating the turnover of long-lived and toxic macromolecules and organelles. Recently, attention has been drawn towards the role of autophagy in cancer and how its modulation provides effective cancer therapy. In the present review, we provide a mechanistic discussion of autophagy in prostate cancer. Autophagy can promote/inhibit proliferation and survival of prostate cancer cells. Besides, metastasis of prostate cancer cells is affected (via induction and inhibition) by autophagy. Autophagy can affect the response of prostate cancer cells to therapy such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, given the close association between autophagy and apoptosis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that upstream mediators such as AMPK, non-coding RNAs, KLF5, MTOR and others regulate autophagy in prostate cancer. Anti-tumor compounds, for instance phytochemicals, dually inhibit or induce autophagy in prostate cancer therapy. For improving prostate cancer therapy, nanotherapeutics such as chitosan nanoparticles have been developed. With respect to the context-dependent role of autophagy in prostate cancer, genetic tools such as siRNA and CRISPR-Cas9 can be utilized for targeting autophagic genes. Finally, these findings can be translated into preclinical and clinical studies to improve survival and prognosis of prostate cancer patients.

• Prostate cancer is among the leading causes of death in men where targeting autophagy is of importance in treatment;

• Autophagy governs proliferation and metastasis capacity of prostate cancer cells;

• Autophagy modulation is of interest in improving the therapeutic response of prostate cancer cells;

• Molecular pathways, especially involving non-coding RNAs, regulate autophagy in prostate cancer;

• Autophagy possesses both diagnostic and prognostic roles in prostate cancer, with promises for clinical application.

Corilagin exhibits differential anticancer effects through the modulation of STAT3/5 and MAPKs in human gastric cancer cells

Corilagin (CLG) is a hydrolyzable tannin and possesses various pharmacological activities. Here, we investigated the impact of CLG as an anti-tumor agent against human gastric tumor cells. We observed that CLG could cause negative regulation of JAKs-Src-STAT3/5 signaling axis in SNU-1 cells, but did not affect these pathways in SNU-16 cells. Interestingly, CLG promoted the induction of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways in only SNU-16 cells, but not in the SNU-1 cells. CLG exhibited apoptotic effects that caused an increased accumulation of the cells in sub-G1 phase and caspase-3 activation in both SNU-1 and SNU-16 cell lines. We also noticed that CLG and docetaxel co-treatment could exhibit significantly enhanced apoptotic effects against SNU-1 cells. Moreover, the combinations treatment of CLG and docetaxel markedly inhibited cell growth, phosphorylation of JAK-Src-STAT3 and induced substantial apoptosis. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition of JNK, p38, and ERK substantially blocked CLG-induced activation of MAPKs, cell viability, and apoptosis, thereby implicating the pivotal role of MAPKs in the observed anti-cancer effects of CLG. Taken together, our data suggest that CLG could effectively block constitutive STAT3/5 activation in SNU-1 cells but induce sustained MAPKs activation in SNU-16 cells.

Doxorubicin-loaded graphene oxide nanocomposites in cancer medicine: Stimuli-responsive carriers, co-delivery and suppressing resistance

INTRODUCTION

The application of doxorubicin (DOX) in cancer therapy has been limited due to its drug resistance and poor internalization. Graphene oxide (GO) nanostructures have the capacity for DOX delivery while promoting its cytotoxicity in cancer.

AREAS COVERED

The favorable characteristics of GO nanocomposites, preparation method, and application in cancer therapy are described. Then, DOX resistance in cancer is discussed. The GO-mediated photothermal therapy and DOX delivery for cancer suppression are described. Preparation of stimuli-responsive GO nanocomposites, surface functionalization, hybrid nanoparticles, and theranostic applications are emphasized in DOX chemotherapy.

EXPERT OPINION

Graphene oxide nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy maximizes the anti-cancer activity of DOX against cancer cells. Apart from DOX delivery, GO nanomaterials are capable of loading anti-cancer agents and genetic tools to minimize drug resistance and enhance the cytolytic impact of DOX in cancer eradication. To enhance DOX accumulation in cancer cells, stimuli-responsive (redox-, light-, enzyme- and pH-sensitive) GO nanoparticles have been developed for DOX delivery. Further development of targeted delivery of DOX-loaded GO nanomaterials against cancer cells may be achieved by surface modification of polymers such as polyethylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, and chitosan. Doxorubicin-loaded GO nanoparticles have demonstrated theranostic potential for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy. Hybridization of GO with other nanocarriers such as silica and gold nanoparticles further broadens their potential anti-cancer therapy applications.

The Japanese Herbal Medicine Hangeshashinto Induces Oral Keratinocyte Migration by Mediating the Expression of CXCL12 Through the Activation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase

Several clinical studies have reported that Japanese herbal medicine Hangeshashinto (HST) has beneficial effects on chemotherapy-induced oral ulcerative mucositis (OUM). Our previous research demonstrated that HST improves chemotherapy-induced OUM through human oral keratinocyte (HOK) migration, which was suppressed by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) inhibitors. However, the association between these molecules and HOK migration was unclear. Here, we examined the effects of HST on the expression of CXCR4/CXCR7 and C-X-C motif chemokine ligands 11 and 12 (CXCL11/CXCL12) in HOKs. Our results indicated that HST upregulated CXCL12, but not CXCR4, CXCR7, nor CXCL11 in HOKs. HST-induced expression of CXCL12 was significantly suppressed by an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), but not of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In addition, HST induced phosphorylation of ERK in HOKs. These findings suggest that HST enhances HOK migration by upregulating CXCL12 via ERK.

3-Formylchromone Counteracts STAT3 Signaling Pathway by Elevating SHP-2 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Simple Summary

STAT3 acts as a potential tumor-promoting transcription factor that gets aberrantly activated in several types of human cancers and plays a crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis. STAT3 expression has been correlated with a dismal prognosis and poor survival. In this study, we have demonstrated that 3-formylchromone inhibits the STAT3 signaling in HCC cells by modulating SHP-2 expression. It also effectively diminished the tumor growth and subsequent reduction in metastasis in the HCC mouse model without exhibiting any major side effects.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading cancers that contribute to a large number of deaths throughout the globe. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a tumorigenic protein that is overactivated in several human malignancies including HCC. In the present report, the effect of 3-formylchromone (3FC) on the STAT3 signaling pathway in the HCC model was investigated. 3FC downregulated the constitutive phosphorylation of STAT3 and non-receptor tyrosine kinases such as JAK1 and JAK2. It also suppressed the transportation of STAT3 to the nucleus and reduced its DNA-binding ability. Pervanadate treatment overrode the 3FC-triggered STAT3 inhibition, and the profiling of cellular phosphatase expression revealed an increase in SHP-2 levels upon 3FC treatment. The siRNA-driven deletion of SHP-2 led to reinstate STAT3 activation. 3FC downmodulated the levels of various oncogenic proteins and decreased CXCL12-driven cell migration and invasion. Interestingly, 3FC did not exhibit any substantial toxicity, whereas it significantly regressed tumor growth in an orthotopic HCC mouse model and abrogated lung metastasis. Overall, 3FC can function as a potent agent that can display antitumor activity by targeting STAT3 signaling in HCC models.

Discrimination between Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum and carbonised ginger by colour measurement and fingerprint analysis

INTRODUCTION

Zingiberis Rhizoma (ZR) has been used as a traditional Chinese herb and culinary food for thousands of years. Its two processed products, Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum (ZRP) and carbonised ginger (CG), possess different therapeutic effects.

OBJECTIVES

To establish an objective and comprehensive method to differentiate ZRP from CG and to evaluate their qualities.

METHODOLOGY

Colour values of ZRP and CG were tested to establish the colour models by spectrophotometry. Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed for fingerprint and quantitative analysis, and chemometric approaches were applied to discriminate between ZRP and CG. Finally, Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the colour values and the peak areas of the common chemical compositions.

RESULTS

Colour reference ranges of colour parameters and mathematical functions were built to distinguish ZRP from CG. In fingerprint analysis, 26 common peaks were detected in these two processed products, among which 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 10-gingerol, 8-shogaol and 10-shogaol were identified. Meanwhile, ZRP could be differentiated from CG by chemometrics analysis. In addition, the correlation between colour parameters and common peak areas was found and the contents of 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 10-gingerol, and 8-shogaol were determined simultaneously.

CONCLUSIONS

An objective approach of colour measurement, HPLC fingerprint coupled with chemometrics analysis and quantitative assessment could be applied to discriminate ZRP from CG and evaluate the qualities of ZRP and CG rapidly.

Pyrimidine-2,4-dione targets STAT3 signaling pathway to induce cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a tumorigenic transcription factor that is persistently activated in various human cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, STAT3 is considered as a prominent target to counteract the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. In the present report, pyrimidine-2,4-diones (N-methyluracil derivatives) (MNK1-MNK14) were synthesized in an ionic liquid (BMIm PF₆) medium employing a ligand-free Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling process. Among the 14 derivatives, compound MNK8 showed good cytotoxicity towards both the tested cell lines and did not display a toxic effect against normal hepatocytes (LO2). MNK8 significantly increased the Sub-G1 cell count in both cell lines and the cytotoxic effect of MNK8 was found to be mediated through the suppression of constitutive phosphorylation of STAT3^Y705. It also decreased the DNA interaction ability of nuclear STAT3 in HCC cells. MNK8 downregulated the levels of apoptosis-related proteins (such as Bcl-2, cyclin D1, survivin) and increased cleaved caspase-3 inferring the apoptogenic effect of MNK8. It also reduced the CXCL12-triggered cell migration and invasion in in vitro assay systems. Overall, MNK8 has been demonstrated as a new inhibitor of STAT3 signaling cascade in HCC cells.

Crocetin imparts antiproliferative activity via inhibiting STAT3 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma

STAT3 is a key oncogenic transcription factor, often overactivated in several human cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). STAT3 modulates the expression of genes that are connected with cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune evasion in tumor cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of crocetin on the growth of HCC cells and dissected its underlying molecular mechanism in imparting a cytotoxic effect. Crocetin suppressed proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and counteracted the invasive capacity of HCC cells. Besides, crocetin downregulated the constitutive/inducible STAT3 activation (STAT3^Y705 ), nuclear accumulation of STAT3 along with suppression of its DNA binding activity in HCC cells with no effect on STAT5 activation. Crocetin suppressed the activity of upstream kinases such as Src, JAK1, and JAK2. Sodium pervanadate treatment terminated the crocetin-propelled STAT3 inhibition suggesting the involvement of tyrosine phosphatases. Crocetin increased the expression of SHP-1 and siRNA-mediated SHP-1 silencing resulted in the negation of crocetin-driven STAT3 inhibition. Further investigation revealed that crocetin treatment inhibited the expression of STAT3 regulated genes (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, cyclin D1, survivin, VEGF, COX-2, and MMP-9). Taken together, this report presents crocetin as a novel abrogator of the STAT3 pathway in HCC cell lines.

Ginkgolide C promotes apoptosis and abrogates metastasis of colorectal carcinoma cells by targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Ginkgolide C (GGC), isolated from Ginkbiloba, has been reported to display various pharmacological actions, although, anti-cancer effect of GGC has been poorly understood till now. This study aimed to investigate whether GGC can exhibit anti-neoplastic effects against colon cancer cells and explore underlying mechanism. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling can regulate cell proliferation, survival, metastasis, and migration. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays important role in colorectal cancer (CRC) and acts as a potential therapeutic target. Abnormal activation of this signaling cascades has been reported in colon CRC. We found that GGC down-regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. GGC inhibited the expression of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and β-catenin down-stream signals (Axin-1, p-GSK3β, and β-TrCP). Also, GGC suppressed the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway target genes including c-myc, cyclin D1, and survivin. Additionally, GGC induced apoptosis and suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. GGC down-regulated the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 proteins. Moreover, silencing of β-catenin by small interfering RNA (siRNA) enhanced the GGC-induced apoptosis and inhibitory action of GGC on invasion. Overall, our results indicate that GGC can reduce proliferation and promote apoptosis in colon cancer cells through inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Thus, GGC can serve as a potent therapeutic agent for management of colon cancer as a novel wnt signaling inhibitor.

Antioxidant and anticancer potentials of edible flowers: where do we stand?

Edible flowers are attracting special therapeutic attention and their administration is on the rise. Edible flowers play pivotal modulatory roles on oxidative stress and related interconnected apoptotic/inflammatory pathways toward the treatment of cancer. In this review, we highlighted the phytochemical content and therapeutic applications of edible flowers, as well as their modulatory potential on the oxidative stress pathways and apoptotic/inflammatory mediators, resulting in anticancer effects. Edible flowers are promising sources of phytochemicals (e.g., phenolic compounds, carotenoids, terpenoids) with several therapeutic effects. They possess anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Edible flowers potentially modulate oxidative stress by targeting erythroid nuclear transcription factor-2/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Nrf2/ERK/MAPK), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant response elements (AREs). As the interconnected pathways to oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukins (ILs) as well as apoptotic pathways such as Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, caspase and cytochrome C are critical targets of edible flowers in combating cancer. In this regard, edible flowers could play promising anticancer effects by targeting oxidative stress and downstream dysregulated pathways.

6-Shogaol induces apoptosis in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells by targeting p53 signalling pathway and generation of reactive oxygen species

Combination therapies, using medicinal herbs, are broadly recommended to attenuate the chemotherapy adverse effects. Based on our previous findings considering the anti-leukaemic effects of ginger extract on acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) cells, the present study was aimed to investigate the anti-cancer role of this pharmaceutical plant on ALL mice models. Moreover, we worked towards identifying the most anti-leukaemic derivative of ginger and the mechanism through which it may exert its cytotoxic impact. In vivo experiments were performed using five groups of six C57BL/6 nude mice, and the anti-leukaemic activity of ginger extract alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX) was examined. Results showed increased survival rate and reduced damages in mice brain and liver tissues. Subsequently, MTT assay demonstrated synergistic growth inhibitory effect of 6-shogaol (6Sh) and MTX on ALL cell lines and patients primary cells. Eventually, the molecular anti-neoplastic mechanism of 6Sh was evaluated using Bioinformatics. Flow cytometry illustrated 6Sh-mediated apoptosis in Nalm-6 cells confirmed by Western blotting and RT-PCR assays. Further analyses exhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through 6Sh. The current study revealed the in vivo novel anti-leukaemic role of ginger extract, promoted by MTX. Moreover, 6-shogaol was introduced as the major player of ginger cytotoxicity through inducing p53 activity and ROS generation.

Cytotoxic effect of 6-Shogaol in Imatinib sensitive and resistant K562 cells

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a clonal hematopoietic malignancy characterized by the formation of BCR-ABL fusion protein. Imatinib (IMA) is a BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), which exhibited a high rate of response for newly diagnosed CML patients. Emergence of IMA resistance considered as a major challenge in CML therapy. Recent studies reported the anti-cancer effect of natural extracts such as 6-Shogaol (6-SG) which is extracted from ginger and the mechanisms involved in targeting of cancer cells. In the present study, we aimed to explore the potential anticancer effect of 6-SG on K562S (Imatinib sensitive) and K562R (Imatinib resistant) cells. K562S and K562R cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of 6-SG (5 μM- 50 μM) to determine its cytotoxic and apoptotic effects. Cell viability and apoptosis were investigated with spectrophotometric MTT assay and flow cytometric Annexin V staining, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of apoptotic related genes (BAX and BCL-2) and drug transporter (MDR-1 and MRP-1) genes were evaluated with qRT-PCR. According to our results, 6-SG treatment inhibited cell viability, induced apoptosis in both K562S and K562R cells. Based on our RT-PCR results, 6-SG enhanced pro-apoptotic BAX gene and decreased anti-apoptotic BCL-2 gene expression levels significantly in both treated K562S and K562R cells. Furthermore, 6-SG increased MDR-1 mRNA expression level in K562S and K562R cells in comparison with their control counterparts. Whereas, 6-SG decrease MRP-1 mRNA expression level in K562S cells significantly. It is the first study that reveals the apoptotic effect of 6-SG in CML cell line and IMA resistance. Therefore, 6-SG treatment can be suggested as a promising strategy for CML therapy.

Brucein D modulates MAPK signaling cascade to exert multi-faceted anti-neoplastic actions against breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is a prominent type of malignancy among women with a high rate of mortality. A number of previous studies have demonstrated the anticancer potential of brucein D (BD), a quassinoid extracted from Brucea javanica, against the cancers of the pancreas, bone, and liver. We investigated the impact of BD on apoptotic as well on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades in breast cancer cells. The effect of BD on p38 MAPK and JNK signaling pathways and its downstream functions was deciphered in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines. We noted that BD decreased the viability of breast cancer cells without affecting the growth of healthy mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A). Flow cytometric analysis revealed that BD can increase sub-G1 cells and enhanced annexin-V-PI stained cells. The apoptogenic impact of BD was further substantiated by cleavage of procaspase-3/8 and downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl-xL, XIAP, and survivin). Furthermore, BD also downmodulated the migratory ability, and chemokine triggered invasion of breast cancer cells. Interestingly, the pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK and JNK kinases abrogated the observed anticancer actions of BD. Overall, the data indicated that BD can induce substantial apoptosis and interfere with cellular invasion by modulating MAPK signaling pathway in breast cancer cells.

Polyphenolic molecules targeting STAT3 pathway for the treatment of cancer

Cancer is accounted as the second-highest cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Numerous preclinical and clinical investigations have consistently highlighted the role of natural polyphenolic compounds against various cancers. A plethora of potential bioactive polyphenolic molecules, primarily flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and stilbenes, have been explored from the natural sources for their chemopreventive and chemoprotective activities. Moreover, combinations of these polyphenols with current chemotherapeutic agents have also demonstrated their strong role against both progression and resistance of malignancies. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a ubiquitously-expressed signaling molecule in almost all body cells. Thousands of literatures have revealed that STAT3 plays significant roles in promoting the cellular proliferation, differentiation, cell cycle progression, metastasis, angiogenesis and immunosuppression as well as chemoresistance through the regulation of its downstream target genes such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, cyclin D1, c-Myc and survivin. For its key role in cancer development, researchers considered STAT3 as a major target for cancer therapy that mainly focuses on abrogating the expression (activation or phosphorylation) of STAT3 in tumor cells both directly and indirectly. Polyphenolic molecules have explicated their protective actions in malignant cells via targeting STAT3 both in vitro and in vivo. In this article, we reviewed how polyphenolic compounds as well as their combinations with other chemotherapeutic drugs inhibit cancer cells by targeting STAT3 signaling pathway.

Rationalizing the therapeutic potential of apigenin against cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite the remarkable advances made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer during the past couple of decades, it remains the second largest cause of mortality in the world, killing approximately 9.6 million people annually. The major challenges in the treatment of the advanced stage of this disease are the development of chemoresistance, severe adverse effects of the drugs, and high treatment cost. Therefore, the development of drugs that are safe, efficacious, and cost-effective remains a 'Holy Grail' in cancer research. However, the research over the past four decades shed light on the cancer-preventive and therapeutic potential of natural products and their underlying mechanism of action. Apigenin is one such compound, which is known to be safe and has significant potential in the prevention and therapy of this disease.

AIM

To assess the literature available on the potential of apigenin and its analogs in modulating the key molecular targets leading to the prevention and treatment of different types of cancer.

METHOD

A comprehensive literature search has been carried out on PubMed for obtaining information related to the sources and analogs, chemistry and biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, biological activities, bioavailability and toxicity of apigenin.

KEY FINDINGS

The literature search resulted in many in vitro, in vivo and a few cohort studies that evidenced the effectiveness of apigenin and its analogs in modulating important molecular targets and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, etc., which play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer. In addition, apigenin was also shown to inhibit chemoresistance and radioresistance and make cancer cells sensitive to these agents. Reports have further revealed the safety of the compound and the adaptation of nanotechnological approaches for improving its bioavailability.

SIGNIFICANCE

Hence, the present review recapitulates the properties of apigenin and its pharmacological activities against different types of cancer, which warrant further investigation in clinical settings.

The multifaceted role of reactive oxygen species in tumorigenesis

Redox homeostasis is an essential requirement of the biological systems for performing various normal cellular functions including cellular growth, differentiation, senescence, survival and aging in humans. The changes in the basal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are detrimental to cells and often lead to several disease conditions including cardiovascular, neurological, diabetes and cancer. During the last two decades, substantial research has been done which clearly suggests that ROS are essential for the initiation, progression, angiogenesis as well as metastasis of cancer in several ways. During the last two decades, the potential of dysregulated ROS to enhance tumor formation through the activation of various oncogenic signaling pathways, DNA mutations, immune escape, tumor microenvironment, metastasis, angiogenesis and extension of telomere has been discovered. At present, surgery followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is the major therapeutic modality for treating patients with either early or advanced stages of cancer. However, the majority of patients relapse or did not respond to initial treatment. One of the reasons for recurrence/relapse is the altered levels of ROS in tumor cells as well as in cancer-initiating stem cells. One of the critical issues is targeting the intracellular/extracellular ROS for significant antitumor response and relapse-free survival. Indeed, a large number of FDA-approved anticancer drugs are efficient to eliminate cancer cells and drug resistance by increasing ROS production. Thus, the modulation of oxidative stress response might represent a potential approach to eradicate cancer in combination with FDA-approved chemotherapies, radiotherapies as well as immunotherapies.

Anti-Survival and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of 6-Shogaol on SW872 Human Liposarcoma Cells via Control of the Intrinsic Caspase Pathway, STAT-3, AMPK, and ER Stress

Notably, 6-Shogaol, a bioactive natural substance, has anticancer effects on many types of tumors. Up to date, the anticancer effect and mode of action of 6-Shogaol on liposarcoma are not known. In this study, we investigated whether 6-Shogaol inhibits the growth of SW872 and 93T449 cells, two different human liposarcoma cell lines. Of note, 6-Shogaol inhibited the growth of SW872 and 93T449 cells without affecting that of normal 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Specifically, 6-Shogaol further induced the apoptosis of SW872 cells, as evidenced by nuclear DNA fragmentation, increased sub G1 population, activation of the intrinsic caspase pathway, and PARP cleavage. However, pretreatment with either z-VAD-fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor, or N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant, attenuated the 6-Shogaol’s growth-suppressive and apoptosis-inducing effects on SW872 cells. Moreover, 6-Shogaol activated AMPK while inhibited STAT-3 in SW872 cells, and siRNA-based genetic silencing of AMPK or STAT-3 considerably blocked the growth-suppressive and apoptotic response of 6-Shogaol to SW872 cells. Moreover, 6-Shogaol also upregulated the expression and phosphorylation of GRP-78, eIF-2α, ATF4, and CHOP, known ER stress markers, in SW872 cells, illustrating the induction of ER stress. These findings collectively demonstrate that 6-Shogaol has strong antigrowth and proapoptotic effects on SW872 cells through regulation of the intrinsic caspase pathway, oxidative stress, STAT-3, AMPK, and ER stress.

A brief overview of antitumoral actions of bruceine D

Cancer remains the second leading cause of mortality globally. In combating cancer, conventional chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are administered as first-line therapy. However, these are usually accompanied with adverse side effects that decrease the quality of patient’s lives. As such, natural bioactive compounds have gained an attraction in the scientific and medical community as evidence of their anticancer properties and attenuation of side effects mounted. In particular, quassinoids have been found to exhibit a plethora of inhibitory activities such as anti-proliferative effects on tumor development and metastasis. Recently, bruceine D, a quassinoid isolated from the shrub Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. (Simaroubaceae), has come under immense investigation on its antineoplastic properties in various human cancers including pancreas, breast, lung, blood, bone, and liver. In this review, we have highlighted the antineoplastic effects of bruceine D and its mode of actions in different tumor models.

Saikosaponin A inhibits the activation of pancreatic stellate cells by suppressing autophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome via the AMPK/mTOR pathway

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the main effector cells in the development of pancreatic fibrosis. Finding substances that inhibit PSC activation is an important approach to inhibiting pancreatic fibrosis. Saikosaponin A (SSa) has numerous pharmacological activities, but its effect on PSCs remains unknown. This study was conducted to explore the effects of SSa on PSC activation in cultured rat PSCs. Cell viability, proliferation, migration and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assays, the iCELLigence System, Transwell assays and flow cytometry. Markers of PSC activation, autophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome were measured by real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and western blotting. Rapamycin and phenformin hydrochloride were used to determine the effect of SSa via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. The results showed that SSa suppressed PSC viability, proliferation, and migration and promoted apoptosis. SSa inhibited PSC activation, restrained PSC autophagy and suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, there was interaction between autophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome during SSa inhibition of PSCs. Moreover, promotion of p-AMPK increased autophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Inhibition of p-mTOR increased autophagy and decreased the NLRP3 inflammasome. Our results indicated that SSa inhibited PSC activation by inhibiting PSC autophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the use of SSa to treat pancreatic fibrosis and further suggest that targeting autophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome may provide new strategies for the treatment of pancreatic fibrosis.

Therapeutic Emergence of Rhein as a Potential Anticancer Drug: A Review of Its Molecular Targets and Anticancer Properties

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second-highest cause of mortality in the world, and it kills nearly 9.6 million people annually. Besides the fatality of the disease, poor prognosis, cost of conventional therapies, and associated side-effects add more burden to patients, post-diagnosis. Therefore, the search for alternatives for the treatment of cancer that are safe, multi-targeted, effective, and cost-effective has compelled us to go back to ancient systems of medicine. Natural herbs and plant formulations are laden with a variety of phytochemicals. One such compound is rhein, which is an anthraquinone derived from the roots of Rheum spp. and Polygonum multiflorum. In ethnomedicine, these plants are used for the treatment of inflammation, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and bacterial and helminthic infections. Increasing evidence suggests that this compound can suppress breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Recent studies have reported that this compound modulates different signaling cascades in cancer cells and can prevent angiogenesis and progression of different types of cancers. The present review highlights the cancer-preventing and therapeutic properties of rhein based on the available literature, which will help to extend further research to establish the chemoprotective and therapeutic roles of rhein compared to other conventional drugs. Future pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies could support this compound as an effective anticancer agent.

6-Shogaol enhances the anticancer effect of 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan via increase of apoptosis and autophagy in colon cancer cells in hypoxic/aglycemic conditions

BACKGROUND

The development and growth of colorectal cancer based on constitutive activation of numerous signaling pathways that stimulate proliferation and metastasis. Plant-derived agents excel by targeting multiple aspects of tumor progression. Previous investigations have shown that ginger derivatives- shogaols possess anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we have examined the anti-cancer effects of 6-shogaol alongside with the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents/regimens in the tumor-like microenvironment conditions.

METHODS

Cytotoxicity on two colon cancer cell lines (SW480 and SW620) was measured by MTT test. Apoptosisassay, immunocytochemical and Western blotting analysis for autophagy and apoptosis detection were performed.

RESULTS

Here, we report that 6-shogaol by itself or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents/regimens exerted a cytotoxic effect on CRC cells. Cell death might be linked with the activation of autophagy and apoptosis-related pathways. In the tumor-like microenvironment, which is characterized by hypoxia and glucose starvation, 6-shogaol with chemotherapeutics is significantly more potent than conventional chemotherapy alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our data suggest that the addition of 6-shogaol to established chemotherapeutic regimens could potentially be a remarkable therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer.

The Japanese herbal medicine Hangeshashinto enhances oral keratinocyte migration to facilitate healing of chemotherapy-induced oral ulcerative mucositis

Chemotherapy often induces oral ulcerative mucositis (OUM) in patients with cancer, characterized by severe painful inflammation. Mouth-washing with the Japanese herbal medicine hangeshashinto (HST) ameliorates chemotherapy-induced OUM in patients with colorectal cancer. Previously, we demonstrated that HST decreased interleukin 1β-induced prostaglandin E2 production in human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) and OUM-induced mechanical or spontaneous pain in rats. However, HST effects on tissue repair functions in HOKs remain unclear. Here, we examined the effects of HST on scratch-induced wound healing in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, HST enhanced wound healing mainly through scratch-induced HOK migration. Screening of the seven constituent medicinal herbs and their major components revealed that Scutellaria root, processed ginger, and Glycyrrhiza components mainly induced the scratch-induced HOK migration. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated that the active ingredient concentrations in rat plasma following oral HST administration were below the effective doses for HOK migration, suggesting direct effects of HST in OUM. Mitogen-activated protein kinase and C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 inhibitors significantly suppressed HST-induced HOK migration. Moreover, HST enhanced tissue repair in our OUM rat model. Thus, HST likely enhanced OUM tissue repair through oral keratinocyte migration upon MAPK and CXCR4 activation and may be useful in patients with cancer-associated OUM.

Lanatoside C Induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest and Suppresses Cancer Cell Growth by Attenuating MAPK, Wnt, JAK-STAT, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are a diverse family of naturally derived compounds having a steroid and glycone moiety in their structures. CG molecules inhibit the α-subunit of ubiquitous transmembrane protein Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and are clinically approved for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the CGs were found to exhibit selective cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, raising interest in their use as anti-cancer molecules. In this current study, we explored the underlying mechanism responsible for the anti-cancer activity of Lanatoside C against breast (MCF-7), lung (A549), and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines. Using Real-time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence studies, we observed that (i) Lanatoside C inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in cell-specific and dose-dependent manner only in cancer cell lines; (ii) Lanatoside C exerts its anti-cancer activity by arresting the G2/M phase of cell cycle by blocking MAPK/Wnt/PAM signaling pathways; (iii) it induces apoptosis by inducing DNA damage and inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways; and finally, (iv) molecular docking analysis shows significant evidence on the binding sites of Lanatoside C with various key signaling proteins ranging from cell survival to cell death. Our studies provide a novel molecular insight of anti-cancer activities of Lanatoside C in human cancer cells.

Novel activators and small-molecule inhibitors of STAT3 in cancer

Excessive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling is observed in a subset of many cancers, making activated STAT3 a highly promising potential therapeutic target supported by multiple preclinical and clinical studies. However, early-phase clinical trials have produced mixed results with STAT3-targeted cancer therapies, revealing substantial complexity to targeting aberrant STAT3 signaling. This review discusses the diverse mechanisms of oncogenic activation of STAT3, and the small molecule inhibitors of STAT3 in cancer treatment.

6-Shogaol Inhibits Advanced Glycation End-Products-Induced IL-6 and ICAM-1 Expression by Regulating Oxidative Responses in Human Gingival Fibroblasts

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) cause diabetes mellitus (DM) complications and accumulate more highly in periodontal tissues of patients with periodontitis and DM. AGEs aggravate periodontitis with DM by increasing the expression of inflammation-related factors in periodontal tissues. 6-Shogaol, a major compound in ginger, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. However, the influence of shogaol on DM-associated periodontitis is not well known. In this study, the effects of 6-shogaol on AGEs-induced oxidative and anti-oxidative responses, and IL-6 and ICAM-1 expression in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were investigated. When HGFs were cultured with 6-shogaol and AGEs, the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes (heme oxygenase-1 [HO-1] and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 [NQO1]), and IL-6 and ICAM-1 expressions were investigated. RAGE expression and phosphorylation of MAPKs and NF-κB were examined by western blotting. 6-Shogaol significantly inhibited AGEs-induced ROS activity, and increased HO-1 and NQO1 levels compared with the AGEs-treated cells. The AGEs-stimulated expression levels of receptor of AGE (RAGE), IL-6 and ICAM-1 and the phosphorylation of p38, ERK and p65 were attenuated by 6-shogaol. These results suggested that 6-shogaol inhibits AGEs-induced inflammatory responses by regulating oxidative and anti-oxidative activities and may have protective effects on periodontitis with DM.

Gingers and Their Purified Components as Cancer Chemopreventative Agents

Chemoprevention by ingested substituents is the process through which nutraceuticals and/or their bioactive components antagonize carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis is the course of action whereby a normal cell is transformed into a neoplastic cell. This latter action involves several steps, starting with initiation and followed by promotion and progression. Driving these stages is continued oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn, causes a myriad of aberrant gene expressions and mutations within the transforming cell population and abnormal gene expressions by the cells within the surrounding lesion. Chemoprevention of cancer with bioreactive foods or their extracted/purified components occurs primarily via normalizing these inappropriate gene activities. Various foods/agents have been shown to affect different gene expressions. In this review, we discuss how the chemoprevention activities of gingers antagonize cancer development.

Pleiotropic Pharmacological Actions of Capsazepine, a Synthetic Analogue of Capsaicin, against Various Cancers and Inflammatory Diseases

Capsazepine is a synthetic analogue of capsaicin that can function as an antagonist of TRPV1. Capsazepine can exhibit diverse effects on cancer (prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, oral cancer, and osteosarcoma) growth and survival, and can be therapeutically used against other major disorders such as colitis, pancreatitis, malaria, and epilepsy. Capsazepine has been reported to exhibit pleiotropic anti-cancer effects against numerous tumor cell lines. Capsazepine can modulate Janus activated kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of the transcription (STAT) pathway, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-JNK-CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) pathways. It can inhibit cell proliferation, metastasis, and induce apoptosis. Moreover, capsazepine can exert anti-inflammatory effects through the downregulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB), as well as the blockage of activation of both transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, and member 1 (TRPA1). This review briefly summarizes the diverse pharmacological actions of capsazepine against various cancers and inflammatory conditions.

Arctiin is a pharmacological inhibitor of STAT3 phosphorylation at tyrosine 705 residue and potentiates bortezomib-induced apoptotic and anti-angiogenic effects in human multiple myeloma cells

BACKGROUND

Arctiin is a main component from the fruits of Arctium lappa L., that can be prescribed for cold or flu in East Asian countries; it has also been found to exert chemopreventive actions against various tumor cells.

HYPOTHESIS

In view of this evidence, we examined arctiin for its ability to trigger apoptosis and inhibit the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in human multiple myeloma (MM) cells.

METHODS

We evaluated the effect of arctiin on STAT3 signaling cascades and its regulated functional responses in MM cells.

RESULTS

Arctiin effectively blocked the constitutive activation of STAT3 phosphorylation in the residue of tyrosine 705. Arctiin also abrogated the constitutive activation of Src phosphorylation and Janus-activated kinases (JAKs) 1/2. Furthermore, it was found that arctiin treatment clearly enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of protein tyrosine phosphatase ε (PTPε), and the silencing of PTPε caused a reversal of the arctiin-induced PTPε expression and the blockadge of STAT3 phosphorylation. Interestingly, arctiin could not repress IL-6-induced STAT3 activation in serum-starved U266 cells and when arctiin was incubated with a complete culture medium in RPMI 8226 and MM.1S cells. Arctiin suppressed cell proliferation, accumulated cells in the G2/M cell-cycle phase, and induced apoptosis within U266 cells, although the knockdown of PTPε prevented PARP cleavage and caspase-3 activation induced by the arctiin. In addition, arctiin exerted cytotoxicity in MM cells, but did not do so in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Arctiin down-modulated diverse oncogenic gene products regulated by STAT3, although the induction of apoptosis by arctiin was abrogated upon transfection with pMXs-STAT3C in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells. Arctiin also potentiated bortezomib-induced antitumor effects in U266 cells.

CONCLUSION

On the whole, our results indicate that arctiin is a potentially new inhibitor of constitutive STAT3 activation through the induction of PTPε in MM, cells and therefore has great value in treating various tumors sheltering constitutively activated STAT3.

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STATs) Proteins in Cancer and Inflammation: Functions and Therapeutic Implication

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway is connected upstream with Janus kinases (JAK) family protein and capable of integrating inputs from different signaling pathways. Each family member plays unique functions in signal transduction and crucial in mediating cellular responses to different kind of cytokines. STAT family members notably STAT3 and STAT5 have been involved in cancer progression whereas STAT1 plays opposite role by suppressing tumor growth. Persistent STAT3/5 activation is known to promote chronic inflammation, which increases susceptibility of healthy cells to carcinogenesis. Here, we review the role of STATs in cancers and inflammation while discussing current therapeutic implications in different cancers and test models, especially the delivery of STAT3/5 targeting siRNA using nanoparticulate delivery system.

Ginger: A Novel Strategy to Battle Cancer through Modulating Cell Signalling Pathways: A Review

Numerous studies have been performed in understanding the development of cancer. Though, the mechanism of action of genes in the development of cancer remains to be explained. The current mode of treatment of cancer shows adverse effects on normal cells and also alter the cell signalling pathways. However, ginger and its active compound have fascinated research based on animal model and laboratories during the past decade due to its potentiality in killing cancer cells. Ginger is a mixture of various compounds including gingerol, paradol, zingiberene and shogaol and such compounds are the main players in diseases management. Most of the health-promoting effects of ginger and its active compound can be attributed due to its antioxidant and anti-tumour activity. Besides, the active compound of ginger has proven its role in cancer management through its modulatory effect on tumour suppressor genes, cell cycle, apoptosis, transcription factors, angiogenesis and growth factor. In this review, the role of ginger and its active compound in the inhibition of cancer growth through modulating cell signalling pathways will be reviewed and discussed.

Integrated Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics Analysis of the Therapeutic Effects of Zi Dian Fang on Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Current hormone-based treatments for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are associated with potentially serious adverse reactions. Zi Dian Fang (ZDF) is a multi-target Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to treat both the symptoms and root causes of ITP, with fewer side effects than hormone-based treatments. This study analysis of the therapeutic effects of ZDF on ITP from three aspects: platelet proliferation, immunoregulation, and inflammation. After detection of 52 chemical constituents of ZDF by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, The main targets and pathways affected by ZDF were screened by network pharmacology and verified by Western blot and ELISA. Meanwhile, metabolomics analysis were applied to a mouse model of ITP to identify and screen endogenous terminal metabolites differentially regulated by ZDF. Integrated network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis of the therapeutic effects of ZDF on ITP may be as follows: ZDF counteracts ITP symptoms mainly by inhibiting Ras/MAPKs (Ras/Mitogen-activated protein kinases) pathway, and the expression of upstream protein (Ras) and downstream protein (p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38) were inhibited, which affects the content of effect index associated with proliferation (Thrombopoietin, TPO; Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, GM-CSF), inflammation (Tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α; Interleukin-6, IL-6), immune (Interleukin-2, IL-2; Interferon-gamma, IFN-γ; Interleukin-4, IL-4), so that the body’s arginine, Δ¹²-prostaglandin j2 (Δ¹²-PGJ2), 9-cis-Retinoic Acid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), oleic acid amide and other 12 endogenous metabolites significantly changes. Considering the established safety profile, the present study suggests ZDF may be a useful alternative to hormone-based therapies for the treatment of ITP.

Targeting oncogenic transcription factors by polyphenols: A novel approach for cancer therapy

Inflammation is one of the major causative factor of cancer and chronic inflammation is involved in all the major steps of cancer initiation, progression metastasis and drug resistance. The molecular mechanism of inflammation driven cancer is the complex interplay between oncogenic and tumor suppressive transcription factors which include FOXM1, NF-kB, STAT3, Wnt/β- Catenin, HIF-1α, NRF2, androgen and estrogen receptors. Several products derived from natural sources modulate the expression and activity of multiple transcription factors in various tumor models as evident from studies conducted in cell lines, pre-clinical models and clinical samples. Further combination of these natural products along with currently approved cancer therapies added an additional advantage and they considered as promising targets for prevention and treatment of inflammation and cancer. In this review we discuss the application of multi-targeting natural products by analyzing the literature and future directions for their plausible applications in drug discovery.

Cross-talk between 10-gingerol and its anti-cancerous potential: a recent update

Since time immortal, ginger, as an ancient herb, has been used throughout the world in foods and beverages due to its typical strong and pungent flavor. Besides its use as a spice, it also serves as an excellent source of several bioactive phenolics, including nonvolatile pungent compounds, such as gingerols, paradols, shogaols, and gingerones. Gingerols constitute key ingredients in fresh ginger, with the most abundant being 6-gingerol (6-G), 8-gingerol (8-G), and 10-gingerol (10-G). Many studies have investigated the various valuable pharmacological properties of these ingredients and experimentally verified the mechanistic aspects of their health effects; however, to date, most research on the anti-cancerous activities of gingerols have focused largely on 6-G. Thus, the present article deals with the number of recent studies that have indicated and highlighted the role of 10-G with respect to its cancer prevention attributes in particular and its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and gastrointestinal tract protective potential in general. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of all the experimentally validated health benefits of 10-G for nutraceutical applications. The various findings have warranted the further investigation of 10-G and its possible use in various cancer treatments as well as its promising role as a chemo-preventive agent.

10-Gingerol as an inducer of apoptosis through HTR1A in cumulus cells: In-vitro and in-silico studies

Objectives

Cumulus cells play a crucial role as essential mediators in the maturation of ova. Ginger contains 10-gingerol, which induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Based on this hypothesis, this study aimed to determine whether 10-gingerol is able to induce apoptosis in normal cells, namely, cumulus cells.

Methods

This study used an in vitro analysis by culturing Cumulus cells in M199 containing 10-gingerol in various concentrations (12, 16, and 20 μM) and later detected early apoptotic activity using an Annexin V-FITC detection kit.

Result

The in vitro data revealed that the number of apoptosis cells increased along with the period of incubation as follows: 12 μM (63.71% ± 2.192%); 16 μM (74.51% ± 4.596%); and 20 μM (78.795% ± 1.435%). The substance 10-gingerol induces apoptosis in cumulus cells by inhibiting HTR1A functions and inactivating GSK3B and AKT-1.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that further examination is warranted for 10-gingerol as a contraception agent.

d,l-Sulforaphane Induces ROS-Dependent Apoptosis in Human Gliomablastoma Cells by Inactivating STAT3 Signaling Pathway

d,l-Sulforaphane (SFN), a synthetic analogue of broccoli-derived isomer l-SFN, exerts cytotoxic effects on multiple tumor cell types through different mechanisms and is more potent than the l-isomer at inhibiting cancer growth. However, the means by which SFN impairs glioblastoma (GBM) cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effect of SFN in GBM cells and determined the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cell viability assays, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot results revealed that SFN could induced apoptosis of GBM cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, via up-regulation of caspase-3 and Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Mechanistically, SFN treatment led to increase the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in GBM cells. Meanwhile, SFN also suppressed both constitutive and IL-6-induced phosphorylation of STAT3, and the activation of upstream JAK2 and Src tyrosine kinases, dose- and time-dependently. Moreover, blockage of ROS production by using the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-l-cysteine totally reversed SFN-mediated down-regulation of JAK2/Src-STAT3 signaling activation and the subsequent effects on apoptosis by blocking the induction of apoptosis-related genes in GBM cells. Taken together, our data suggests that SFN induces apoptosis in GBM cells via ROS-dependent inactivation of STAT3 phosphorylation. These findings motivate further evaluation of SFN as a cancer chemopreventive agent in GBM treatment.

Alternol, a natural compound, exerts an anti-tumour effect on osteosarcoma by modulating of STAT3 and ROS/MAPK signalling pathways

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumour. Alternol, a novel compound purified from microbial fermentation products exerts anti-tumour effects across several cancer types. The effect of alternol on human OS remains to be elucidated. We first evaluated the anti-tumour effect of alternol in several human OS cell lines in vitro and investigated its underlying mechanism. Alternol inhibited OS cell proliferation, migration and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis, G2/M cell cycle arrest in a dose and time-dependent manner. Moreover, alternol treatment inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) phosphorylation in 143B and MG63 human OS cells, as evaluated using a STAT3-dependent dual luciferase reporter system. Exposure to alternol resulted in excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and p38 activation. Furthermore, alternol-induced cell death was significantly restored in the presence of the ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) or a caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. NAC also prevented G2/M phase arrest and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), but did not reverse STAT3 inactivation. Finally, alternol suppressed tumour growth in vivo in the nude mouse OS tibia orthotopic model. Immunohistochemistry revealed that alternol treatment resulted in down-regulation of phosph-STAT3 Tyr705 and up-regulation of cleaved caspase-3 and phosph-SAPK (Stress-activated protein kinases)/JNK expression. Taken together, our results reveal that alternol suppresses cell proliferation, migration and induces apoptosis, cell cycle arrest by modulating of ROS-dependent MAPK and STAT3 signalling pathways in human OS cells. Therefore, alternol is a promising candidate for developing anti-tumour drugs target OS.