Cytotoxic Impact of Costunolide Isolated from Costus speciosus on Breast Cancer via Differential Regulation of Cell Cycle-An In-vitro and In-silico Approach

Dysregulation of deubiquitination in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly frequent malignant tumor that poses a serious threat to women's health and has different molecular subtypes, histological subtypes, and biological features, which act by activating oncogenic factors and suppressing cancer inhibitors. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the main process contributing to protein degradation, and deubiquitinases (DUBs) are reverse enzymes that counteract this process. There is growing evidence that dysregulation of DUBs is involved in the occurrence of BC. Herein, we review recent research findings in BC-associated DUBs, describe their nature, classification, and functions, and discuss the potential mechanisms of DUB-related dysregulation in BC. Furthermore, we present the successful treatment of malignant cancer with DUB inhibitors, as well as analyzing the status of targeting aberrant DUBs in BC.

Essential oils and their nanoformulations for breast cancer therapy

Breast Cancer (BC) is the most prevalent type of cancer in the world. Current treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy but often are associated with high toxicity to normal tissues, chemoresistance, and relapse. Thus, developing novel therapies which could combat these limitations is essential for effective treatment. In this context, phytochemicals are increasingly getting popular due to their safety profile, ability to efficiently target tumors, and circumvent limitations of existing treatments. Essential Oils (EOs) are mixtures of various phytochemicals which have shown potential anticancer activity in preclinical BC models. However, their clinical translation is limited by factors such as high volatility, low stability, and poor solubility. Nanotechnology has facilitated their encapsulation in a variety of nanostructures and proven to overcome these limitations. In this review, we have efficiently summarized the current knowledge on the anticancer effect of EOs and constituents in both in in vitro and in in vivo BC models. Further, we also provide a descriptive account on the potential of nanotechnology in enhancing the anti-BC activity of EOs and their constituents. The papers discussed in this review were selected using the keywords "antiproliferative Essential Oils in breast cancer," "anticancer activity of Essential Oil in breast cancer," and "cytotoxicity of Essential Oils in breast cancer" performed in PubMed and ScienceDirect databases.

Phytometabolites as modulators of breast cancer: a comprehensive review of mechanistic insights

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly debilitating malignancy affecting females globally and imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems in both developed and developing nations. Despite the application of conventional therapeutic modalities such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal intervention, BC frequently exhibits resistance, necessitating the urgent development of novel, cost-effective, and accessible treatment strategies. In this context, there is a growing scientific interest in exploring the pharmacological potential of chemical compounds derived from botanical sources, which often exhibit notable biological activity. Extensive in vitro and in vivo investigations have revealed the capacity of these compounds, referred to as phytochemicals, to attenuate the metastatic cascade and reduce the risk of cancer dissemination. These phytochemicals exert their effects through modulation of key molecular and metabolic processes, including regulation of the cell cycle, induction of apoptotic cell death, inhibition of angiogenesis, and suppression of metastatic progression. To shed light on the latest advancements in this field, a comprehensive review of the scientific literature has been conducted, focusing on secondary metabolite agents that have recently been investigated and have demonstrated promising anticancer properties. This review aims to delineate their underlying mechanisms of action and elucidate the associated signaling pathways, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of their therapeutic potential in the context of BC management.

Cytotoxicity and Antitumor Activity of Arglabin and its Derivatives

BACKGROUND

At present, more than 8000 sesquiterpene lactones have been isolated and described from natural sources, a significant part of which has cytotoxicity and antitumor activity. One of the practically available sesquiterpene lactones is arglabin, which, as a renewable material, is used for the synthesis of new compounds. The article presents data on the study of cytotoxicity and antitumor activity of the arglabin and its derivatives using molecular modeling methods and, in the experiment in vitro and in vivo.

AIM

The aim of this work is to study the cytotoxicity and antitumor activity of new compounds based on the sesquiterpene lactone arglabin using molecular modeling and experimental pharmacology.

METHODS

ChemDraw programs and a set of AutoDock programs were used for computer simulation. Molecular docking was carried out using the Maestro graphical interface of the Schrödinger Suite software package (Schrödinger, LLC, New York, NY, 2017). Docking modes standard precision and XP (extra precision) were used. In in vitro experiments, the antitumor activity of compound samples was studied in models of 60 human tumor cell lines, and clonogenic C6 rat glioma cells. The antitumor activity of the samples was studied in experiments in vivo on white outbred rats with transplanted tumors and was evaluated by the inhibition of tumor growth and the magnitude of the increase in average life expectancy.

CONCLUSION

When studying the antitumor activity on 60 cell lines of tumor cells (NCI60), clonogenic cells of C6 rat glioma, a high antitumor activity of some arglabin derivatives was established. The connection between the structure of arglabin derivatives and their inhibitory effect on farnesyl protein transferase, topoisomerases -I and -II was studied.

Investigation of Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Sensitivity to the Anti-Cancer Activity of Costunolide in Breast Cancer Cells

Costunolide (CTL), an active compound isolated from Saussurea lappa Clarke and Laurus nobilis L, has been shown to induce apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in various types of cancer cells. However, details of molecular mechanisms underlying the difference in sensitivity of cancer cells to CTL are still largely unknown. Here, we tested the effect of CTL on the viability of breast cancer cells and found that CTL had a more efficient cytotoxic effect against SK-BR-3 cells than MCF-7 cells. Mechanically, ROS levels were significantly increased upon CTL treatment only in SK-BR-3 cells, which leads to lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and cathepsin D release, and subsequent activation of the mitochondrial-dependent intrinsic apoptotic pathway by inducing mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). In contrast, treatment of MCF-7 cells with CTL activated PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy to remove damaged mitochondria, which prevented the elevation of ROS levels, thereby contributing to their reduced sensitivity to CTL. These results suggest that CTL is a potent anti-cancer agent, and its combination with the inhibition of mitophagy could be an effective method for treating breast cancer cells that are less sensitive to CTL.

Exploring different computational approaches for effective diagnosis of breast cancer

Breast cancer has been identified as one among the top causes of female death worldwide. According to recent research, earlier detection plays an important role toward fortunate medicaments and thus, decreasing the mortality rate due to breast cancer among females. This review provides a fleeting summary involving traditional diagnostic procedures from the past and today, and also modern computational tools that have greatly aided in the identification of breast cancer. Computational techniques involving different algorithms such as Support vector machines, deep learning techniques and robotics are popular among the academicians for detection of breast cancer. They discovered that Convolutional neural network was a common option for categorization among such approaches. Deep learning techniques are evaluated using performance indicators such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, or measure. Furthermore, molecular docking, homology modeling and Molecular dynamics Simulation gives a road map for future discussions about developing improved early detection approaches that holds greater potential in increasing the survival rate of cancer patients. The different computational techniques can be a new dominion among researchers and combating the challenges associated with breast cancer.

Emerging potential of ubiquitin-specific proteases and ubiquitin-specific proteases inhibitors in breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, accounting for 30% of new diagnosing female cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that ubiquitin and ubiquitination played a role in a number of breast cancer etiology and progression processes. As the primary deubiquitinases in the family, ubiquitin-specific peptidases (USPs) are thought to represent potential therapeutic targets. The role of ubiquitin and ubiquitination in breast cancer, as well as the classification and involvement of USPs are discussed in this review, such as USP1, USP4, USP7, USP9X, USP14, USP18, USP20, USP22, USP25, USP37, and USP39. The reported USPs inhibitors investigated in breast cancer were also summarized, along with the signaling pathways involved in the investigation and its study phase. Despite no USP inhibitor has yet been approved for clinical use, the biological efficacy indicated their potential in breast cancer treatment. With the improvements in phenotypic discovery, we will know more about USPs and USPs inhibitors, developing more potent and selective clinical candidates for breast cancer.

The efficacy of applying some plants and herbs in cancer therapy for humans and animals – a comperhensive review

Cancer is a challenging ailment and represents the main reason for death worldwide for humans and animals. Although great developments have hindered cancer progression, several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy. Natural remedies, such as the usage of medicinal plant or their products in cancer treatment, may decrease prejudicial side properties. Recently, the modern research scheme and innovative screening practices for herbs or plants have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of cancer. This criticism highlights herbs such as acacia, basil, black seeds, cedar, castus, ficus, garlic, ginger, indigo, onion, pomegranate, quince, and thyme, promising anticancer effects. The present review also revealed the mode of action of each herb as anticancer effects at level in vitro and in vivo studies. The item also totalizes the vital mechanisms and signaling molecules involved in preventing cancer diseases. This will fill the investigate gap in the exploration of using natural molecules and encourage researchers in clinical trials of anticancer agents from herbs for humans and animals.

Network pharmacology and experimental verification based research into the effect and mechanism of Aucklandiae Radix-Amomi Fructus against gastric cancer

To investigate the mechanism of the Aucklandiae Radix–Amomi Fructus (AR–AF) herb pair in treating gastric cancer (GC) by using network pharmacology and experimental verification. Using the traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), the major active components and their corresponding targets were estimated and screened out. Using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software, a visual network was established using the active components of AR–AF and the targets of GC. Based on STRING online database, the protein interaction network of vital targets was built and analyzed. With the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) server, the gene ontology (GO) biological processes and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways of the target enrichment were performed. AutoDock Vina was used to perform molecular docking and calculate the binding affinity. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the hub targets were analyzed by the Oncomine, GEPIA, HPA databases and TIMER online tool, and the predicted targets were verified by qRT–PCR in vitro. Eremanthin, cynaropicrin, and aceteugenol were identified as vital active compounds, and AKT1, MAPK3, IL6, MAPK1, as well as EGFR were considered as the major targets. These targets exerted therapeutic effects on GC by regulating the cAMP signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Molecular docking revealed that these active compounds and targets showed good binding interactions. The validation in different databases showed that most of the results were consistent with this paper. The experimental results confirmed that eremanthin could inhibit the proliferation of AGS by reducing the mRNA expression of hub targets. As predicted by network pharmacology and validated by the experimental results, AR–AF exerts antitumor effects through multiple components, targets, and pathways, thereby providing novel ideas and clues for the development of preparations and the treatment of GC.

The Pharmacological Mechanism of Guchangzhixie Capsule Against Experimental Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the major type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by an overactive immune response and destruction of colorectal epithelium with intricate pathological factors. Guchangzhixie (GCZX) capsule, included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020, has been widely utilized against UC. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. In the present study, a murine model of experimental colitis was established by orally feeding 4% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 5 days and subsequently subjecting to GCZX treatment for another 15 days. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to predict the pertinent mechanisms of GCZX capsule. Cellular experiments examining the functional changes of intestinal organoids (IOs), macrophages (Mφs), and human colon epithelial cell cells (NCM460 cell line) after GCZX therapy were performed. Sequencing of 16S rRNA was conducted on the stools from the mouse model. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was utilized to detect serum metabolites. As a result, DSS induced experimental colitis, and this induction was alleviated by GCZX treatment, as evidenced by rescued pathological symptoms in UC mouse models, such as rectal bleeding stopping, decreased levels of albumin, interleukin-17, as well as chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), and reduction in colon length. Network pharmacology analysis showed that GCZX-target genes were enriched in pathogen-induced infections, inflammatory pathways, as well as neoplastic processes. DSS treatment decreased microbial diversity and led to the accumulation of pathological bacterial, which was reversed by GCZX capsule. PICRUSt2 (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) based on profiles of microbiota composition demonstrated a decreased incidence of infectious disease and cancers after GCZX therapy. In full accordance with these data, GCZX administration suppressed Mφ transition to pro-inflammatory phenotype, alleviated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-compromised IOs functions, and decreased the recruitment of Mφs by epithelial cells. We conclude that GCZX capsule is an effective drug for UC and its pharmacological mechanisms involve re-establishing an anti-inflammatory milieu and favoring mucosal healing.

Aucklandiae Radix and Vladimiriae Radix: A systematic review in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aucklandiae Radix (AR) and Vladimiriae Radix (VR), as commonly used traditional Chinese herbal medicine, were widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The two herbal medicines were warm, pungent and bitter. They entered the spleen, stomach, large intestine and gallbladder meridians, and had the effect of promoting qi circulation to relieve pain. It is usually used for chest and hypochondrium, abdominal fullness and pain, tenesmus, indigestion, and warming the middle to harmonize the stomach in clinically.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

To provide a reference for the identification of traditional use, the material basis of efficacy and preclinical research between AR and VR, this review systematically summarized the similarities and differences in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and modern pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature information was collected systematically from the electronic scientific databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Geen Medical, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, as well as other literature sources, such as classic books of herbal medicine, master's thesis, doctoral thesis.

RESULTS

In the plateau areas of Sichuan Province, VR used to be regarded as substitute or local habit for AR, which is regularly used for chest, abdominal fullness and pain, diarrhea, and other related diseases. In Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP) 2020 edition, 145 prescription preparations with AR were collected, such as Xianglian Wan, Muxiang Shunqi Wan, Liuwei Muxiang San. However, only one prescription preparation (Jiuxiang Zhitong Wan) contained VR. Additionally, 237 and 254 chemical components were separately isolated and identified from AR and VR, 69 kinds of compounds were common among them, and the significant differences were presented in sesquiterpene lactones, monoterpenoids, triterpenoids and phenylpropanoids. Moreover, Costunolide (COS) and Dehydrocostus lactone (DEH), two main research objects of modern pharmacology, showed multiple pharmacological activities. Not only could they inhibit the activity of some cancer cells (such as breast cancer and leukemia cells), but they regulated the levels of various inflammatory factors (including TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6) and repressed the growth and reproduction of various microorganisms (like Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus aureus).

CONCLUSION

COS and DEH as the common active components, provide a certain basis for local medicine about the substitution of VR for AR in Sichuan province of China in the past. In addition, the sesquiterpenoids are the main common compounds in AR and VR by collecting and collating a large number of literature and various data websites. Furthermore, AR and VR have significant differences in ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry, especially in sesquiterpene lactones, monoterpenoids, triterpenoids and phenylpropanoids, and are probably viewed as reference of a separate list of AR and VR in Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Thymoquinone and Costunolide Induce Apoptosis of Both Proliferative and Doxorubicin-Induced-Senescent Colon and Breast Cancer Cells

Doxorubicin (Dox) induces senescence in numerous cancer cell types, but these senescent cancer cells relapse again if they are not eliminated. On this principle, we investigated the apoptotic effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the active ingredient of Nigella sativa seeds and costunolide (COS), the active ingredient of Costus speciosus, on the senescent colon (Sen-HCT116) and senescent breast (Sen-MCF7) cancer cell lines in reference to their corresponding proliferative cells to rapidly eliminate the senescent cancer cells. The senescence markers of Sen-HCT116 and Sen-MCF7 were determined by a significant decrease in bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and significant increases in SA-β-gal, p53, and p21 levels. Then proliferative, Sen-HCT116, and Sen-MCF7 cells were subjected to either TQ (50 µM) or COS (30 µM), the Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), caspase 3 mRNA expression and its activity were established. Results revealed that TQ significantly increased the Bax/Bcl2 ratio in HCT116 + Dox5 + TQ, MCF7 + TQ, and MCF7 + Dox5 + TQ compared with their corresponding controls. COS significantly increased the Bax/Bcl2 ratio in HCT116 + Dox5 + TQ and MCF7 + Dox5 + TQ compared with their related controls. Also, TQ and COS were significantly increased caspase 3 activity and cell proliferation of Sen-HCT116 and Sen-MCF7. The data revealed a higher sensitivity of senescent cells to TQ or COS than their corresponding proliferative cells.

Costunolide, a Sesquiterpene Lactone, Suppresses Skin Cancer via Induction of Apoptosis and Blockage of Cell Proliferation

Costunolide is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone that demonstrates various therapeutic actions such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Costunolide has recently emerged as a potential anti-cancer agent in various types of cancer, including colon, lung, and breast cancer. However, its mode of action in skin cancer remains unclear. To determine the anti-cancer potential of costunolide in skin cancer, human epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431 was treated with costunolide. A lactate dehydrogenase assay showed that costunolide diminished the viability of A431 cells. Apoptotic cells were detected by annexin V/propidium iodide double staining and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay assay, and costunolide induced cell apoptosis via activation of caspase-3 as well as induction of poly-ADP ribose polymerase cleavage in A431 cells. In addition, costunolide elevated the level of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax while lowering the levels of anti-apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. To address the inhibitory effect of costunolide on cell proliferation and survival, various signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinases, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and Akt, were investigated. Costunolide activated the p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathways while suppressing the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), STAT3, NF-κB, and Akt pathways in A431 cells. Consequently, it was inferred that costunolide suppresses cell proliferation and survival via these signaling pathways. Taken together, our data clearly indicated that costunolide exerts anti-cancer activity in A431 cells by suppressing cell growth via inhibition of proliferation and promotion of apoptosis. Therefore, it may be employed as a potentially tumor-specific candidate in skin cancer treatment.

Potential antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of a heliangolide sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Helianthus annuus L. leaves

Heliangolide is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone and its derivatives are biologically active compounds present in most medicinal plants. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of a heliangolide sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Helianthus annuus L. leaves. The heliangolide sesquiterpene lactone was isolated through a combination of solvent-solvent partitioning, column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques. The antioxidant activity of the compound was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays while the antidiabetic effects were investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The heliangolide derivative at the concentration of 954.2 µmol L-1 showed 23.7 % DPPH and 26 % nitric oxide radical inhibitions compared with 96.6 and 50.9 %, resp., displayed by the controls (2,271.2 µmol L-1). It also reduced the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in a time-dependent manner. The highest activity was recorded within 6 h post-treatment at 0.2 mmol kg-1 bm. The heliangolide derivative exhibited significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant and antidiabetic properties and provides a basis for further development of constituents of Helianthus annuus leaves for the management of such diseases.

Antitumor activity and mechanism of costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone: Two natural sesquiterpene lactones from the Asteraceae family

Costunolide (COS) and dehydrocostus lactone (DEH) are two natural sesquiterpene lactones with potential antitcancer activity against a range of cancer cell types both in vitro and in vivo, particularly for breast cancer and leukemia. There are many researches that have been taken to characterize these pathways and to reveal their anticancer mechanisms of action of COS and DEH. However, while there is a great deal of evidence detailing the effects of COS and DEH on considerable signaling pathways and cellular functions, a global view of their mechanism of action remains elusive. This review systematically summarizes the antitumor activity and mechanism of COS and DEH in the recent reports, and discusses the effect of the key active part (α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone) of COS and DEH against cancer. Moreover, we also discuss the antineoplastic activity of COS and DEH derivatives to improve the cytotoxicity and safety index. We believe this review can provide a systemic reference to develop COS and DEH as anticancer agents.

Bioactive components of ethnomedicine Eerdun Wurile regulate the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines in microglia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The traditional Mongolian medicine Eerdun Wurile (EW) has remarkable neural recovery effect, and has been playing a key role in the clinical treatment of neurological disorders including ischemic stroke in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. The preliminary pharmacological studies in animal suggested that EW regulates the expression of trophic factors in brain lesion and may also balance the polarization of activated microglia (Gaowa et al., 2018).

AIM OF THE STUDY

The pool of leading bioactive chemicals underlying the therapeutic effects of EW has not been identified. Therefore, the mechanism of action of EW is poorly understood. This study was aimed to identify the major group of compounds that contribute to the inhibition of neuroinflammation during stroke recovery through regulation of microglia polarization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extracts of EW in different solvents were evaluated for their inhibitory ability of cytokine (IP-10) expression in LPS stimulated BV2 cells. The most effective extract (of petroleum ether extract) was further separated to 18 fractionations on a semi-preparative HPLC column, which were assess for the IP-10 down-regulation efficiency by RT-qPCR. The potent isolate was further fractionated in 12 fractions, which showed fewer peaks. The fraction 6 from this isolates, which remarkably down-regulates cytokines expression including IP-10, TNFα and IL-1β, was analyzed on UPLC-qTOF MS. The key chemicals were measured for their cytokine inhibition in BV2 cells and mouse primary microglia.

RESULTS

After two consecutive fractionating by preparative HPLC, petroleum ether extraction of EW gave 12 fractions with relatively distinctive chromatograms. A particular fraction (fraction 6) preserved the inhibitory effects on expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IP-10, TNFα, IL-1β and iNOS. The result of UPLC-qTOF MS analysis showed that the fraction contains 21 chemicals including costunolide, alantolactone, myristicin and linolenic acid, which significantly down-regulate the expression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS stimulated BV2 cells as well as mouse primary microglia.

CONCLUSION

Collectively our data suggest that the bioactive chemical pool which is responsible for the therapeutic effects of EW can be extracted in petroleum ether, and fractionated to a relatively small multiple components. Such components include known anti-inflammatory chemicals, which may contribute to the possible microglia polarization in brain lesion during the recovery of ischemic stroke.

Costunolide induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human gastric adenocarcinoma BGC-823 cells

Background

Costunolide, a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from Radix Aucklandiae, has the activity against multiple cancers. However, the effect of costunolide on gastric cancer (GC) have remained to be ambiguous. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of apoptosis induced by costunolide in human gastric adenocarcinoma BGC-823 cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The viability of BGC-823 cells was detected by MTT assay. The apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) of BGC-823 cells induced by costunolide were analyzed by flow cytometry. The inhibiton of costunolide on human gastric adenocarcinoma was estimated in xenografts in nude mice. Apoptosis related proteins and genes were detected by Western blot and Q-PCR.

Results

Costunolide inhibited the viability of BGC-823 cells in a time and concentration dependent manner. Costunolide induced the apoptosis and lowered the ΔΨm of BGC-823 cells significantly. Costunolide increased the expression of Bax, cleaved caspase 9, cleaved caspase 7, cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) proteins and decreased the expression of Bcl-2, pro-caspase 9, pro-caspase 7, pro-caspase 3 and PARP proteins. Costunolide upregulated the expression of puma, Bak1 and Bax mRNA and downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA. In addition, we demonstrated that costunolide inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis of BGC-823 cells xenografted in athymic nude mice. Costunolide increased the expression of cleaved caspase 9, cleaved caspase 3 and Bax proteins and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 protein in xenografted tumor. Costunolide upregulated the expression of puma and Bax mRNA and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA in xenografted tumor.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results suggested that costunolide induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human gastric adenocarcinoma BGC-823 cells and could be the candidate drug against GC in clinical practice.

Costunolide-A Bioactive Sesquiterpene Lactone with Diverse Therapeutic Potential

Sesquiterpene lactones constitute a major class of bioactive natural products. One of the naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactones is costunolide, which has been extensively investigated for a wide range of biological activities. Multiple lines of preclinical studies have reported that the compound possesses antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, bone remodeling, neuroprotective, hair growth promoting, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. Many of these bioactivities are supported by mechanistic details, such as the modulation of various intracellular signaling pathways involved in precipitating tissue inflammation, tumor growth and progression, bone loss, and neurodegeneration. The key molecular targets of costunolide include, but are not limited to, intracellular kinases, such as mitogen-activated protein kinases, Akt kinase, telomerase, cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, and redox-regulated transcription factors, such as nuclear factor-kappaB, signal transducer and activator of transcription, activator protein-1. The compound also diminished the production and/expression of proinflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and cytokines. This review provides an overview of the therapeutic potential of costunolide in the management of various diseases and their underlying mechanisms.

Costunolide induces micronuclei formation, chromosomal aberrations, cytostasis, and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Costunolide (CE) is a sesquiterpene lactone well-known for its antihepatotoxic, antiulcer, and anticancer activities. The present study focused on the evaluation of the cytogenetic toxicity and cellular death-inducing potential of CE in CHO cells, an epithelial cell line derived from normal ovary cells of Chinese hamster. The cytotoxic effect denoting MTT assay has shown an IC₅₀ value of 7.56 μM CE, where 50% proliferation inhibition occurs. The oxidative stress caused by CE was confirmed based on GSH depletion induced cell death, conspicuously absent in N-acetylcysteine (GSH precursor) pretreated cells. The evaluation of genotoxic effects of CE using cytokinesis block micronucleus assay and chromosomal aberration test has shown prominent induction of binucleated micronucleated cells and aberrant metaphases bearing chromatid and chromosomal breaks, indicating CE's clastogenic and aneugenic potential. The apoptotic death in CE treated cells was confirmed by an increase in the number of cells in subG1 phase, exhibiting chromatin condensation and membranous phosphatidylserine translocation. The apoptosis induction follows mitochondrial mediation, evident from an increase in the BAX/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase-3/7 activity, and mitochondrial membrane permeability. CE also induces cytostasis in addition to apoptosis, substantiated by the reduced cytokinetic (replicative indices) and mitotic (mitotic indices and histone H3 Ser-10 phosphorylation) activities. Overall, the cellular GSH depletion and potential genotoxic effects by CE led the CHO cells to commit apoptosis and lowered cell division. The observed sensitivity of CHO cells doubts unintended adverse effects of CE on normal healthy cells, suggesting higher essentiality of further studies in order to establish its safety efficacy in therapeutic explorations.