Cinnamaldehydes in Cancer Chemotherapy

2'-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation by Attenuating Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Damage Via Directly Inhibiting STAT3

BACKGROUND

The currently available clinical therapeutic drugs for ulcerative colitis (UC) are considered inadequate owing to certain limitations. There have been reports on the anti-inflammatory effects of 2'-hydroxycinnamaldehyde (HCA). However, whether HCA can improve UC is still unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects of HCA on UC and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

The pharmacological effects of HCA were comprehensively investigated in 2 experimental setups: mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated fetal human colon (FHC) cells. Furthermore, the interaction between HCA and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was investigated using molecular docking. The FHC cells with STAT3 knockdown or overexpression and mice with intestinal epithelium-specific STAT3 deletion (STAT3ΔIEC) were used to evaluate whether STAT3 mediated the pharmacological effects of HCA.

RESULTS

2'-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde attenuated dysregulated expression of inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner while increasing the expression of tight junction proteins, reducing the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, and effectively alleviating inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. 2'-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde bound directly to STAT3 and inhibited its activation. The modulation of STAT3 activation levels due to STAT3 knockdown or overexpression influenced the mitigating effects of HCA on colitis. Further analysis indicated that the remission effect of HCA was not observed in STAT3ΔIEC mice, indicating that STAT3 mediated the anti-inflammatory effects of HCA.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a novel finding that HCA reduces colitis severity by attenuating intestinal mucosal barrier damage via STAT3. This discovery holds promise as a potential new strategy to alleviate UC.

Elucidating the anti-cancer potential of Cinnamomum tamala essential oil against non-small cell lung cancer: A multifaceted approach involving GC-MS profiling, network pharmacology, and molecular dynamics simulations

Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T.Nees & Eberm., or Indian Bay Leaf, is a well-known traditional ayurvedic medicine used to treat various ailments. However, the molecular mechanism of action of Cinnamomum tamala essential oil (CTEO) against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains elusive. The present study aims to decipher the molecular targets and mechanism of CTEO in treating NSCLC. GC-MS analysis detected 49 constituents; 44 successfully passed the drug-likeness screening and were identified as active compounds. A total of 3961 CTEO targets and 4588 anti-NSCLC-related targets were acquired. JUN, P53, IL6, MAPK3, HIF1A, and CASP3 were determined as hub genes, while cinnamaldehyde, ethyl cinnamate and acetophenone were identified as core compounds. Enrichment analysis revealed that targets were mainly involved in apoptosis, TNF, IL17, pathways in cancer and MAPK signalling pathways. mRNA expression, pathological stage, survival analysis, immune infiltrate correlation and genetic alteration analysis of the core hub genes were carried out. Kaplan-Meier overall survival (OS) curve revealed that HIF1A and CASP3 are linked to worse overall survival in Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cancer patients compared to normal patients. Ethyl cinnamate and cinnamaldehyde showed high binding energy with the MAPK3 and formed stable interactions with MAPK3 during the molecular dynamic simulations for 100 ns. The MM/PBSA analysis revealed that van der Waals (VdW) contributions predominantly account for a significant portion of the compound interactions within the binding pocket of MAPK3. Density functional theory analysis showed cinnamaldehyde as the most reactive and least stable compound. CTEO exhibited selective cytotoxicity by inhibiting the proliferation of A549 cells while sparing normal HEK293 cells. CTEO triggered apoptosis by arresting the cell cycle, increasing ROS accumulation, causing mitochondrial depolarisation, and elevating caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 levels in A549 cells. The above study provides insights into the pharmacological mechanisms of action of Cinnamomum tamala essential oil against non-small cell lung cancer treatment, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy.

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.

Evaluation of the Potential Therapeutic Properties of Liquidambar orientalis Oil

Liquidambar orientalis Mill., commonly called the Anatolian sweetgum or Sigla tree, is endemic to southwestern Turkey. It has been historically significant in traditional medicine. In our research, we delved into the therapeutic attributes of its oil, emphasizing its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. The primary chemical constituent of the gum is styrene, accounting for 78.5 %. The gum demonstrated antioxidant capabilities in several assays, including in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). It displayed bactericidal actions against various gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, and gram-negative strains, including Escherichia coli. Additionally, the oil showcased potent antitumor effects against breast (MDA-MB-231), lung (A549), and prostate (PC3) cancer cell lines. These effects were found to be both time- and dose-dependent. L. orientalis Mill. oil showed the best antitumor activity against breast, lung, and prostate cancer cell lines after the 24 h and 48 h treatment. Its oil might induce autophagy in the PC3 prostate cancer cell line, whereas its cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and A549 cancer cell lines might not be correlated with autophagy or apoptosis pathways. In conclusion, the oil from the Sigla tree offers promising therapeutic potential and warrants further exploration.

Glutathione-sensitive mesoporous nanoparticles loaded with cinnamaldehyde for chemodynamic and immunological therapy of cancer

Chemodynamic therapy as a novel type of chemotherapy can damage the DNA structures and induce cell apoptosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD) through generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) to aggravate oxidative stress. Nonetheless, as an intrinsic antioxidative response of tumor cells, the expression of glutathione (GSH) can be upregulated to maintain the cellular redox balance and protect the tumor cells from ROS-mediated damage. In this context, it is feasible to simultaneously boost ROS generation and GSH depletion in tumor cells; however, the precise delivery and release of GSH scavengers at specific subcellular sites is of great importance. Herein, we propose a GSH-responsive mesoporous organosilica nanoparticle (MON)-based nanomedicine MON-CA-TPP@HA through sequentially covalently attaching triphenylphosphine (TPP) and electrostatically coating hyaluronic acid (HA) onto the surface of cinnamaldehyde (CA)-loaded MONs, known as MON-CA-TPP@HA, which has been demonstrated to be an extremely effective therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment through inducing ICD and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Systematic in vitro experimental results clearly revealed that the nanomedicine can actively target the tumor cells with the help of HA, subsequently enter the tumor cells, and precisely bind with the mitochondria through TPP residues. Upon cleavaging the disulfide bond in the MONs triggered by over-expressed GSH within tumors, the CA molecules can be released inducing the excessive ROS in situ surrounding the mitochondria to activate oxidative stress to induce apoptosis and ICD of breast cancer cells. The results of the in vivo experiments confirm that the MON-CA-TPP@HA nanomedicine can effectively promote dendritic cell (DC) maturation and CD 8+ T cell activation and regulate the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages, which improve tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. It is thus believed that the current nanomedicine has paved a new way for future cancer therapy.

Cyclic amplification of intracellular ROS boosts enzymatic prodrug activation for enhanced chemo-immunotherapy

Tumor-associated enzyme activated prodrug is a potential strategy to overcome the limitations of chemotherapeutic agents. However, the efficiency of enzymatic prodrug activation is limited by the inability to reach adequate enzyme levels in vivo. Herein, we report an intelligent nanoplatform with cyclic amplification of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that significantly up-regulates the expression of tumor-associated enzyme, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), to efficiently activate the prodrug of doxorubicin (DOX) for enhanced chemo-immunotherapy. The nanoplatform termed as CF@NDOX was fabricated by self-assembly of the amphiphilic cinnamaldehyde (CA) containing poly(thioacetal) conjugated with ferrocene (Fc) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (TK-CA-Fc-PEG), which further encapsulated the NQO1 responsive prodrug of DOX (NDOX). After CF@NDOX accumulates in tumors, the TK-CA-Fc-PEG with ROS responsive thioacetal group responds to endogenous ROS in tumor to release CA, Fc or NDOX. CA induces mitochondria dysfunction and elevates the intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, which react with Fc to generate highly oxidative hydroxyl radical (•OH) through Fenton reaction. The •OH not only promotes ROS cyclic amplification but also increase the expression of NQO1 through Keap1-Nrf2 pathway regulation, which further boost the prodrug activation of NDOX for enhanced chemo-immunotherapy. Overall, our well-designed intelligent nanoplatform provides a tactic to enhance the antitumor efficacy of tumor-associated enzyme activated prodrug. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this work, a smart nanoplatform CF@NDOX with intracellular ROS cyclic amplification for continuous upregulation of NQO1 enzyme expression was innovatively designed. It could utilize Fenton reaction of Fc to increase the level of NQO1 enzyme and CA to increase the level of intracellular H2O2, thereby facilitating the continuous Fenton reaction. This design allowed for a sustained elevation of the NQO1 enzyme, and a more complete activation of the NQO1 enzyme in response to the prodrug NDOX. This smart nanoplatform can achieve a desirable anti-tumor effect with the combined therapy of chemotherapy and ICD effects.

Conjugation, Prodrug, and Co-Administration Strategies in Support of Nanotechnologies to Improve the Therapeutic Efficacy of Phytochemicals in the Central Nervous System

Phytochemicals, produced as secondary plant metabolites, have shown interesting potential therapeutic activities against neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Unfortunately, poor bioavailability and rapid metabolic processes compromise their therapeutic use, and several strategies are currently proposed for overcoming these issues. The present review summarises strategies for enhancing the central nervous system's phytochemical efficacy. Particular attention has been paid to the use of phytochemicals in combination with other drugs (co-administrations) or administration of phytochemicals as prodrugs or conjugates, particularly when these approaches are supported by nanotechnologies exploiting conjugation strategies with appropriate targeting molecules. These aspects are described for polyphenols and essential oil components, which can improve their loading as prodrugs in nanocarriers, or be part of nanocarriers designed for targeted co-delivery to achieve synergistic anti-glioma or anti-neurodegenerative effects. The use of in vitro models, able to simulate the blood-brain barrier, neurodegeneration or glioma, and useful for optimizing innovative formulations before their in vivo administration via intravenous, oral, or nasal routes, is also summarised. Among the described compounds, quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, ferulic acid, geraniol, and cinnamaldehyde can be efficaciously formulated to attain brain-targeting characteristics, and may therefore be therapeutically useful against glioma or neurodegenerative diseases.

Disruption of Glioblastoma Multiforme Cell Circuits with Cinnamaldehyde Highlights Potential Targets with Implications for Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a major aggressive primary brain tumor with dismal survival outcome and few therapeutic options. Although Temozolomide (TMZ) is a part of the standard therapy, over time, it can cause DNA damage leading to deleterious effects, necessitating the discovery of drugs with minimal side effects. To this end, we investigated the effect of cinnamaldehyde (CA), a highly purified, single ingredient from cinnamon, on the GBM cell lines U87 and U251 and the neuroglioma cell line H4. On observing similar impact on the viability in all the three cell lines, detailed studies were conducted with CA and its isomer/analog, trans-CA (TCA), and methoxy-CA (MCA) on U87 cells. The compounds exhibited equal potency when assessed at the cellular level in inhibiting U87 cells as well as at the molecular level, resulting in an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increase in the apoptotic and multicaspase cell populations. To further characterize the key entities, protein profiling was performed with CA. The studies revealed differential regulation of entities that could be key to glioblastoma cell circuits such as downregulation of pyruvate kinase-PKM2, the key enzyme of the glycolytic pathway that is central to the Warburg effect. This allows for monitoring the levels of PKM2 after therapy using recently developed noninvasive technology employing PET [¹⁸F] DASA-23. Additionally, the observation of downregulation of phosphomevalonate kinase is significant as the brain tumor initiating cells (BTIC) are maintained by the metabolism occurring via the mevalonate pathway. Results from the current study, if translated in vivo, could provide additional efficacious treatment options for glioblastoma with minimal side effects.

Cinnamaldehyde-Contained Polymers and Their Biomedical Applications

Cinnamaldehyde, a natural product that can be extracted from a variety of plants of the genus Cinnamomum, exhibits excellent biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. To overcome the disadvantages (e.g., poor water solubility and sensitivity to light) or enhance the advantages (e.g., high reactivity and promoting cellular reactive oxygen species production) of cinnamaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde can be loaded into or conjugated with polymers for sustained or controlled release, thereby prolonging the effective action time of its biological activities. Moreover, when cinnamaldehyde is conjugated with a polymer, it can also introduce environmental responsiveness to the polymer through the form of stimuli-sensitive linkages between its aldehyde group and various functional groups of polymers. The environmental responsiveness provides the great potential of cinnamaldehyde-conjugated polymers for applications in the biomedical field. In this review, the strategies for preparing cinnamaldehyde-contained polymers are summarized and their biomedical applications are also reviewed.

Mitochondria-Targeting Polyprodrugs to Overcome the Drug Resistance of Cancer Cells by Self-Amplified Oxidation-Triggered Drug Release

The multi-drug resistance (MDR) of cancers is one of the main barriers for the success of diverse chemotherapeutic methods and is responsible for most cancer deaths. Developing efficient approaches to overcome MDR is still highly desirable for efficient chemotherapy of cancers. The delivery of targeted anticancer drugs that can interact with mitochondrial DNA is recognized as an effective strategy to reverse the MDR of cancers due to the relatively weak DNA-repairing capability in the mitochondria. Herein, we report on a polyprodrug that can sequentially target cancer cells and mitochondria using folic acid (FA) and tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP) targeting moieties, respectively. They were conjugated to the terminal groups of the amphiphilic block copolymer prodrugs composed of poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] (POEGMA) and copolymerized monomers containing cinnamaldehyde (CNM) and doxorubicin (DOX). After self-assembly into micelles with the suitable size (∼30 nm), which were termed as TF@CNM + DOX, and upon intravenous administration, the micelles can accumulate in tumor tissues. After FA-mediated endocytosis, the endosomal acidity (∼pH 5) can trigger the release of CNM from TF@CNM + DOX micelles, followed by enhanced accumulation into the mitochondria via the TPP target. This promotes the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can subsequently enhance the intracellular oxidative stress and trigger ROS-responsive release of DOX into the mitochondria. TF@CNM + DOX shows great potential to inhibit the growth of DOX-resistant MCF-7 ADR tumors without observable side effects. Therefore, the tumor and mitochondria dual-targeting polyprodrug design represents an ideal strategy to treat MDR tumors through improvement of the intracellular oxidative level and ROS-responsive drug release.

trans-Cinnamaldehyde as a Novel Candidate to Overcome Bacterial Resistance: An Overview of In Vitro Studies

The increasing of drug-resistant bacteria and the scanty availability of novel effective antibacterial agents represent alarming problems of the modern society, which stimulated researchers to investigate novel strategies to replace or assist synthetic antibiotics. A great deal of attention has been devoted over the years to essential oils that contain mixtures of volatile compounds and have been traditionally exploited as antimicrobial remedies. Among the essential oil phytochemicals, remarkable antimicrobial and antibiotic-potentiating activities have been highlighted for cinnamaldehyde, an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, particularly abundant in the essential oils of Cinnamomum spp., and widely used as a food additive in industrial products. In line with this evidence, in the present study, an overview of the available literature has been carried out in order to define the bacterial sensitizing profile of cinnamaldehyde. In vitro studies displayed the ability of the substance to resensitize microbial strains to drugs and increase the efficacy of different antibiotics, especially cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin; however, in vivo, and clinical trials are lacking. Based on the collected findings, cinnamaldehyde appears to be of interest as an adjuvant agent to overcome superbug infections and antibiotic resistance; however, future more in-dept studies and clinical investigations should be encouraged to clarify its efficacy and the mechanisms involved.

Design, synthesis and anticancer activity studies of 3-(coumarin-3-yl)-acrolein derivatives: Evidenced by integrating network pharmacology and vitro assay

Coumarin derivatives have diverse structures and show various significant biological activities. Aiming to develop more potent coumarin derivatives for cancer treatment, a series of coumarin acrolein hybrids were designed and synthesized by using molecular hybridization approach, and investigated for their antiproliferative activity against A549, KB, Hela and MCF-7 cancer cells as well as HUVEC and LO2 human normal cells. The results indicated that most of the synthesized compounds displayed remarkable inhibitory activity towards cancer cells but low cytotoxicity on normal cells. Among all the compounds, 5d and 6e were the most promising compounds against different cancer cell lines, especially for A549 and KB cells. The preliminary action mechanism studies suggested that compound 6e, the representative compound, was capable of dose-dependently suppressing migration, invasion and inducing significant apoptosis. Furthermore, the combined results of network pharmacology and validation experiments revealed that compound 6e induced mitochondria dependent apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT-mediated Bcl-2 signaling pathway. In summary, our study indicated compound 6e could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion and promote cell apoptosis through inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in human oral epidermoid carcinoma cells. These findings demonstrated the potential of 3-(coumarin-3-yl)-acrolein derivatives as novel anticancer chemotherapeutic candidates, providing ideas for further development of drugs for clinical use.

New light on treatment of cervical cancer: Chinese medicine monomers can be effective for cervical cancer by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Cervical cancer (CC), as the most common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system, is infamous for its high morbidity and mortality rates. Its development and metastasis are intricate because numerous signaling pathways are involved. Since the cancer and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway are closely intertwined, direct inhibition of either the PI3K/Akt pathway or its target genes and molecules may be remarkably constructive for treatment. Albeit remarkable advances in the treatment of CC, existing common anti-cancer medications are not without problems. These problems include myelotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, genotoxicity, and vasospasm, which are the most common and well-recognized toxicities associated with these medications. Therefore, it is necessary and urgent to develop novel, potent, secure, and more reasonably priced anticancer medications that are void of the above problems. Against this backdrop, Chinese medicine monomers have received more attention in recent years owing to their safety, low toxicity, few side effects, and anti-tumor properties. By regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, Chinese medicine monomers are effective not only in inhibiting CC growth, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and reversing drug resistance but also in a variety of targets. Most previous earlier studies focused on the use of a single traditional Chinese medicine monomer to treat CC by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway rather than a combination of several such monomers. More importantly, to our knowledge, there has hardly been any study providing an exhaustive and comprehensive review of all the Chinese medicine monomers at CC. In response to this scarcity, we attempt in this paper to provide a comprehensive review of all the literature to date on traditional Chinese medicine monomers at cervical cancer, highlight the mechanisms and future prospects for their use in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.

Improved uptake and bioavailability of cinnamaldehyde via solid lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this experiment was to explore the effect of Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) on improving the oral absorption and bioavailability of cinnamaldehyde (CA).

METHODS

CA-SLNs were prepared by high-pressure homogenization and characterized by particle size, entrapment efficiency, and morphology, thermal behavior and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). In vitro characteristics of release, stability experiments, cytotoxicity, uptake and transport across Caco-2 cell monolayer of CA-SLNs were studied as well. In addition, CA-SLNs underwent pharmacokinetic and gastrointestinal mucosal irritation studies in rats.

RESULTS

CA-SLNs exhibited a spherical shape with a particle size of 44.57 ± 0.27 nm, zeta potential of -27.66 ± 1.9 mV and entrapment efficiency of 83.63% ± 2.16%. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ATR-FTIR confirmed that CA was well encapsulated. In vitro release of CA-SLNs displayed that most of the drug (90.77% ± 5%) was released in the phosphate buffer, and only a small amount of drug (18.55% ± 5%) was released in the HCl buffer. CA-SLNs were taken up by an energy-dependent, endocytic mechanism mediated by caveolae mediated endocytosis across Caco-2 cells. The CA permeation through Caco-2 cell was facilitated by CA-SLNs. The outcome of the gastrointestinal irritation test demonstrated that CA-SLNs had no irritation to the rats' intestines. Compared with CA dispersions, incorporation of SLNs increased the oral bioavailability of CA more than 1.69-fold.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that CA-SLNs improved the absorption across Caco-2 cell model and improved the oral administration bioavailability of CA in rats.

Anxiolytic-like Effect of Inhaled Cinnamon Essential Oil and Its Main Component Cinnamaldehyde in Animal Models

Aromatherapy is one of the most common safer alternative treatments for psychiatric disorders with fewer side effects than conventional drugs. Here, we investigated the effects of cinnamon essential oil (CIEO) inhalation on mouse behaviors by performing different behavioral tests. CIEO inhalation showed anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus maze test, as inferred from increased time spent in open arms and decreased time spent in closed arms. Moreover, the CIEO treatment enhanced social behavior by increasing the total contact number, time spent in the center, distance traveled in the center, and total distance in the social interaction test. However, CIEO inhalation did not have any effect on performance in the open field test, tail suspension test, forced swimming test, and Y maze tests. The microarray analysis indicated that the CIEO treatment downregulated 17 genes and upregulated 15 genes in the hippocampus. Among them, Dcc, Egr2, and Fos are the most crucial genes that are involved in anxiety-related biological processes and pathways, including the regulation of neuronal death and neuroinflammation. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis revealed that cinnamaldehyde is the main component of CIEO. Cinnamaldehyde recovered MK-801-induced anxiety-related changes in the electroencephalogram power spectrum in zebrafish. Taken together, our findings suggest that CIEO and its main component cinnamaldehyde have an anxiolytic effect through the regulation of the expression of genes related to neuroinflammatory response and neuronal death.

Design and Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives as Cytotoxic Agents through PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Inhibition in HL60 and HepG2 Cancer Cells

In this study, a series of coumarin derivatives, either alone or as hybrids with cinnamic acid, were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxicity against a panel of cancer cells using the MTT assay. Then, the most active compounds were inspected for their mechanism of cytotoxicity by cell-cycle analysis, RT-PCR, DNA fragmentation, and Western blotting techniques. Cytotoxic results showed that compound (4) had a significant cytotoxic effect against HL60 cells (IC₅₀ = 8.09 µM), while compound (8b) had a noticeable activity against HepG2 cells (IC₅₀ = 13.14 µM). Compounds (4) and (8b) mediated their cytotoxicity via PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition. These results were assured by molecular docking studies. These results support further exploratory research focusing on the therapeutic activity of coumarin derivatives as cytotoxic agents.

Cancer metabolism control by natural products: Pyruvate kinase M2 targeting therapeutics

Glycolysis is the primary source of energy for cancer growth and metastasis. The shift in metabolism from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis is called the Warburg effect. Cancer progression due to aerobic glycolysis is often associated with the activation of oncogenes or the loss of tumor suppressors. Therefore, inhibition of glycolysis is one of the effective strategies in cancer control. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is a key glycolytic enzyme overexpressed in breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and liver cancers. Here, we discuss published studies regarding PKM2 inhibitors from natural products that are promising drug candidates for cancer therapy. We have highlighted the potential of natural PKM2 inhibitors for various cancer types. Moreover, we encourage researchers to evaluate the combinational effects between natural and synthetic PKM2 inhibitors. Also, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of natural products.

Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of essential oils-loaded β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin oligomer and chitosan composite films

Chitosan (CS) is becoming increasingly popular in food packaging due to its natural degradability and great film-forming properties. Nevertheless, its poor antibacterial properties and inadequate antioxidant properties prevent it from being used effectively. In this study, β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin (β-CD-EP) oligomers were prepared and encapsulated with natural essential oils cinnamaldehyde and thymol, and then the inclusion complexes (IC) were incorporated into chitosan in various contents to afford a series of CS-IC composite films. The impacts of IC on the morphological, mechanical, thermal, and water resistance properties, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of chitosan films, as well as the loading and sustained release behavior of IC, were thoroughly examined. The results turned out that the essential oils were well-loaded with high encapsulation efficiency and showed a significant slow-release effect. It was also found that the tensile strength and the elongation at break decreased with increasing IC contents, while the thermal stability was enhanced. The incorporation of IC dramatically promoted the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the chitosan films towards Gram-positive bacteria. Based on our findings, chitosan films containing essential oils-loaded β-CD-EP oligomers may serve as an effective food packaging material.

Cinnamaldehyde induces autophagy-mediated cell death through ER stress and epigenetic modification in gastric cancer cells

Previous reports suggested that cinnamaldehyde (CA), the bioactive ingredient in Cinnamomum cassia, can suppress tumor growth, migratory, and invasive abilities. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of CA in GC are not completely understood. In the present study, we found that CA-induced ER stress and cell death via the PERK-CHOP axis and Ca²⁺ release in GC cells. Inhibition of ER stress using specific-siRNA blocked CA-induced cell death. Interestingly, CA treatment resulted in autophagic cell death by inducing Beclin-1, ATG5, and LC3B expression and by inhibiting p62 expression whereas autophagy inhibition suppressed CA-induced cell death. We showed that CA induces the inhibition of G9a and the activation of LC3B. Moreover, CA inhibited G9a binding on Beclin-1 and LC3B promoter. Overall, these results suggested that CA regulates the PERK-CHOP signaling, and G9a inhibition activates autophagic cell death via ER stress in GC cells.

Cinnamaldehyde Downregulation of Sept9 Inhibits Glioma Progression through Suppressing Hif-1α via the Pi3k/Akt Signaling Pathway

Purpose

Cinnamaldehyde (CA) is the main ingredient in cinnamon, and it has been proven to have an inhibitory effect on many different tumor types. However, it lacks effect on glioma. This paper explores the effect CA has on glioma cells U87 and U251 at the cellular and molecular levels.

Methods

The relationship between Hif-1α and Sept9 was found by CGGA. Cell Viability Assay (CCK8) was made to detect the proliferation ability. The scratch experiment and the transwell experiment were applied to the migration and invasion ability. Annexin V-FITC/PI were used to detect the cell apoptosis. Western blotting was used to determine the specified protein level.

Results

Cell proliferation assay results revealed CA to inhibit the proliferation of glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner. It promoted apoptosis for upregulating the expression of Bax and downregulating the expression of Bcl-2. Wound Healing Assay and transwell test found CA to have anti-invasion ability and that it upregulated the expression of E-cadherin and downregulated the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9. The molecular mechanism was studied from a tumor microenvironment (TME) perspective. Pi3k inhibitor (LY294002) was used for interfering with cells, and the results found CA to demonstrate a similar effect. Hif-1α and Sept9 expressions were inhibited, and Akt and p-Akt were also inhibited. By using CoCl₂ to make hypoxia, CA was discovered to inhibit the high expression of Hif-1α and Sept9, demonstrating a correlation with the Pi3k/Akt pathway. It is suggested that the mechanism of Sept9 under hypoxia regulation can be realized through the Pi3k/Akt pathway.

Conclusions

This study proves for the first time that CA is an effective drug for inhibiting the proliferation of glioma through Sept9 and reveals Sept9 to be related to the Pi3k/Akt pathway in terms of tumor microenvironment, providing a molecular basis for the further study of CA in glioma treatment.

Cinnamaldehyde–cucurbituril complex: investigation of loading efficiency and its role in enhancing cinnamaldehyde in vitro anti-tumor activity

This study aimed to clarify the physico-chemical properties of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and cinnamaldehyde (Cinn) inclusion complexes (CB[7]–Cinn) and their resulting antitumor activity.

Traditional Herbal Medicine: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Adjuvant Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in the Future

Lung carcinoma is the primary reason for cancer-associated mortality, and it exhibits the highest mortality and incidence in developed and developing countries. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and SCLC are the 2 main types of lung cancer, with NSCLC contributing to 85% of all lung carcinoma cases. Conventional treatment mainly involves surgery, chemoradiotherapy, and immunotherapy, but has a dismal prognosis for many patients. Therefore, identifying an effective adjuvant therapy is urgent. Historically, traditional herbal medicine has been an essential part of complementary and alternative medicine, due to its numerous targets, few side effects and substantial therapeutic benefits. In China and other East Asian countries, traditional herbal medicine is increasingly popular, and is highly accepted by patients as a clinical adjuvant therapy. Numerous studies have reported that herbal extracts and prescription medications are effective at combating tumors. It emphasizes that, by mainly regulating the P13K/AKT signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the NF-κB signaling pathway, herbal medicine induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. The present review discusses the anti-NSCLC mechanisms of herbal medicines and provides options for future adjuvant therapy in patients with NSCLC.

Inhibition of the HIF-1 Survival Pathway as a Strategy to Augment Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-to-minimally invasive treatment modality that utilizes photoactivatable drugs called photosensitizers to disrupt tumors with locally photoproduced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Photosensitizer activation by light results in hyperoxidative stress and subsequent tumor cell death, vascular shutdown and hypoxia, and an antitumor immune response. However, sublethally afflicted tumor cells initiate several survival mechanisms that account for decreased PDT efficacy. The hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) pathway is one of the most effective cell survival pathways that contributes to cell recovery from PDT-induced damage. Several hundred target genes of the HIF-1 heterodimeric complex collectively mediate processes that are involved in tumor cell survival directly and indirectly (e.g., vascularization, glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis). The broad spectrum of biological ramifications culminating from the activation of HIF-1 target genes reflects the importance of HIF-1 in the context of therapeutic recalcitrance. This chapter elaborates on the involvement of HIF-1 in cancer biology, the hypoxic response mechanisms, and the role of HIF-1 in PDT. An overview of inhibitors that either directly or indirectly impede HIF-1-mediated survival signaling is provided. The inhibitors may be used as pharmacological adjuvants in combination with PDT to augment therapeutic efficacy.

Alpha-Ketoglutarate and 5-HMF: A Potential Anti-Tumoral Combination against Leukemia Cells

We have recently shown that a combined solution containing alpha-ketoglutarate (aKG) and 5-hydroxymethyl-furfural (5-HMF) might have anti-tumoral potential due to its antioxidative activities. The question arises if these substances have caspase-3- and apoptosis-activating effects on the cell proliferation in Jurkat and HF-SAR cells. Antioxidative capacity of several combined aKG + 5-HMF solution was estimated by cigarette smoke radical oxidized proteins of fetal calf serum (FCS) using the estimation of carbonylated proteins. The usage of 500 µg/mL aKG + 166.7 µg/mL 5-HMF showed the best antioxidative capacity to inhibit protein modification of more than 50% compared to control measurement. A Jurkat cell line and human fibroblasts (HF-SAR) were cultivated in the absence or presence of combined AKG + 5-HMF solutions between 0 µg/mL aKG + 0 µg/mL 5-HMF and different concentrations of 500 µg/mL aKG + 166.7 µg/mL 5-HMF. Aliquots of Jurkat cells were tested for cell proliferation, mitochondrial activity, caspase activity, apoptotic cells and of the carbonylated protein content as marker of oxidized proteins in cell lysates after 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation. The combined solutions of aKG + 5-HMF were shown to cause a reduction in Jurkat cell growth that was dependent on the dose and incubation time, with the greatest reductions using 500 µg/mL aKG + 166.7 µg/mL 5-HMF after 24 h of incubation compared to 24 h with the control (22,832 cells vs. 32,537 cells), as well as after 48 h (21,243 vs. 52,123 cells) and after 72 h (23,224 cells). Cell growth was totally inhibited by the 500 µg/mL AKG + 166.7 µg/mL solution between 0 and 72 h of incubation compared to 0 h of incubation for the control. The mitochondrial activity measurements supported the data on cell growth in Jurkat cells: The highest concentration of 500 µg/mL aKG + 166.7 µg/mL 5-HMF was able to reduce the mitochondrial activity over 24 h (58.9%), 48 h (28.7%), and 72 h (9.9%) of incubation with Jurkat cells compared not only to the control incubation, but also to the concentrations of 500 µg/mL aKG + 166.7 µg/mL 5-HMF or 375 µg/mL aKG 125 µg/mL 5-HMF, which were able to significantly reduce the mitochondrial activity after 48 h (28.7% or 35.1%) and 72 h (9.9% or 18.2%) compared to 24 h with the control (100%). A slight increase in cell proliferation was found in HF-SAR using the highest concentration (500 µg/mL aKG + 166.7 µg/mL 5-HMF) between 0 h and 72 h incubation of 140%, while no significant differences were found in the mitochondrial activity of HF-SAR in the absence or presence of several combined aKG + 5-HMF solutions. The solutions with 500 µg/mL aKG + 166.7 µg/mL 5-HMF or 250 µg/mL aKG + 83.3 µg/mL 5-HMF showed a significantly higher caspase activity (51.6% or 13.5%) compared to the control (2.9%) in addition to a higher apoptosis rate (63.2% or 31.4% vs. control: 14.9%). Cell lysate carbonylated proteins were significantly higher in Jurkat cells compared to HF-SAR cells (11.10 vs. 2.2 nmol/mg). About 72 h incubation of Jurkat cells with 500 µg/mL aKG + 166.7 µg/mL 5-HMF or 250 µg/mL aKG + 83.3 µg/mL 5-HMF reduced significantly the carbonylated protein content down to 5.55 or 7.44 nmol/mg whereas only the 500 µg/mL aKG + 166.7 µg/mL 5-HMF solution showed a significant reduction of carbonylated proteins of HF-SAR (1.73 nmol/mg).

Systematic evaluation of the antitumor activity of three ruthenium polypyridyl complexes

Ruthenium-containing complexes have emerged as good alternative to the currently used platinum-containing drugs for malignant tumor therapy. In this work, cytotoxic effects of recently synthesized ruthenium polypyridyl complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(CFPIP)](ClO₄)₂ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, CFPIP = (E)-2-(4-fluorostyryl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, Ru(II)-1), [Ru(phen)₂(CFPIP)](ClO₄)₂ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, Ru(II)-2) and [Ru(dmb)₂(CFPIP)](ClO₄)₂ (dmb = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, Ru(II)-3) toward different tumor cells were investigated in vitro and compared with cisplatin, the most widely used chemotherapeutic drug against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2). The results demonstrate that target complexes show excellent cytotoxicity against HepG-2 cells with low IC₅₀ value of 21.4 ± 1.5, 18.0 ± 2.1 and 22.3 ± 1.7 μM, respectively. It was important noting that target Ru(II) complexes exhibited better antitumor activity than cisplatin (IC50 = 28.5 ± 2.4 μM) against HepG-2 cells, and has no obvious toxicity to normal cell LO2. DNA binding results suggest that Ru(II)-1, Ru(II)-2 and Ru(II)-3 interact with CT DNA (calf thymus DNA) through intercalative mode. Complexes exerted its antitumor activity through increasing anti-migration and inducing cell cycle arrest at the S phase. In addition, the apoptosis was tested by AO (acridine orange)/EB (ethidium bromide) staining and flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and colocalization tests were also evaluated by ImageXpress Micro XLS system. Overall, the results show that the ruthenium polypyridyl complexes induce apoptosis in HepG-2 cells through ROS-mediated mitochondria dysfunction pathway.

Reactive oxygen species-activatable self-amplifying Watson-Crick base pairing-inspired supramolecular nanoprodrug for tumor-specific therapy

Intratumoral upregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been extensively exploited as exclusive stimulus to activate drug release for tumor-specific therapy. However, insufficient endogenous ROS and tumor heterogeneity severely restrict clinical translation of current ROS-responsive drug delivery systems. Herein, a tailored ROS-activatable self-amplifying supramolecular nanoprodrug was developed for reinforced ROS-responsiveness and highly selective antitumor therapy. A novel ROS-cleavable CA-based thioacetal linker CASOH was synthesized with ROS generator cinnamaldehyde (CA) incorporated into its molecular structure, to skillfully realize self-amplifying positive feedback loop of "ROS-activated CA release with CA-induced ROS regeneration". CASOH was modified with a cytosine analogue gemcitabine (GEM) to obtain ROS-activatable self-immolative prodrug CAG, which could be selectively activated in tumor cells and further achieve self-boosting "snowballing" activation via ROS compensation, while keep inactive in normal cells. Through Watson-Crick nucleobase pairing (G≡C)-like hydrogen bonds, CAG efficiently crosslinked with a matched guanine-rich acyclovir-modified hyaluronic acid conjugate HA-ACV, to self-assemble into pH/ROS dual-responsive supramolecular nanoprodrug HCAG. With high stability, beneficial tumor targeting capacity and pH/ROS-responsiveness, HCAG nanoformulation exhibited remarkable in vivo antitumor efficacy with minimal systemic toxicity. Based on unique tumor-specific self-amplifying prodrug activation and Watson-Crick base pairing-inspired supramolecular self-assembly, this study provides an inspirational strategy of exploiting novel ROS-responsive nanoplatform with reinforced responsiveness and specificity for future clinical translation.

pH-triggered small molecule nano-prodrugs emulsified from tryptamine-cinnamaldehyde twin drug for targeted synergistic glioma therapy

Chemotherapy fails to achieve an ideal gliomas therapy due to the limited delivery of chemotherapeutics across the blood brain barrier (BBB), difficult accumulation of drugs in the gliomas area, and off-target toxicity. Herein, the pH-triggered small molecule nano-prodrugs (Try-CA-NPs) emulsified from hydrophobic tryptamine (Try)-cinnamaldehyde (CA) twin drug were successfully prepared through a facile method. Try-CA-NPs exhibited long-term storage and circulation stability. Furthermore, liposoluble Try-CA-NPs could easily cross BBB and efficiently accumulate in brain, selectively target to gliomas cells via Try-mediated cellular uptake, and enhance cytotoxicity through intracellular pH-triggered endosomal escape and efficient drug release, and synergistic effect between CA and Try, therefore achieving the complete destruction of SH-SY5Y multicellular spheroids (MCs). Thus, the pH-triggered small molecule nano-prodrugs emulsified from Try-CA twin drug have the great potential for clinically targeted synergistic glioma therapy.

The Involvement of the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1b and Dipeptidase 4 Signaling Pathways in Cancer and Diabetes: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b (PTP1B) and dipeptidase 4 (DPP4) signaling pathways regulate eukaryotic cell proliferation and metabolism. Previous researches described different transduction mechanisms in the progression of cancer and diabetes.

METHODOLOGY

We reviewed recent advances in the signal transduction pathways of mTOR, PTP1B and DPP4 regulation and determined the crosstalk and common pathway in diabetes and cancer.

RESULTS

We showed that according to numerous past studies, the proteins participate in the signaling networks for both diseases.

CONCLUSION

There are common pathways and specific proteins involved in diabetes and cancer. This article demonstrates and explains the potential mechanisms of association and future prospects for targeting these proteins in pharmacological studies.

Molecular Docking Compounds of Cinnamaldehyde Derivatives as Anticancer Agents

Objective:

Cinnamaldehyde (CM) has a molecular structure with the main reaction center of an aromatic ring which the bioactivity can be modified as an anticancer agent by substituting the groups in the ortho (o), meta (m), and para (p) position. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation of the cluster region that was substituted in CM on its activity for various anticancer receptors.

Methods:

The receptor types used in the test were 5FL6, 1HOV, 4GY7, 5EAM, 4XCU, 4EL9, and 4PQW. The suitability of the hydroxy (OH) and methoxy (OMe) groups, which were substituted, was studied based on the value of Ki, their interactions with metal cofactors, and the type of amino acid residues that function as cancer receptor inhibitors. The docking was conducted using AutoDock 4.

Results:

The study results showed that all derivative compounds (o, m, and p) –OH and –OMe CM commonly had better anticancer activities than CM. o-OH CM has the best activity against receptors 5FL6, 1HOV, 4GY7, 5EAM, and 4XCU, and m-OMe CM has better activity against the 4EL9 receptors when compared with other CM derivatives.

Conclusion:

Based on this study, the compound derived from CM, i.e. OHC, tends to show the best anticancer activity.

Acid-responsive endosomolytic polymeric nanoparticles with amplification of intracellular oxidative stress for prodrug delivery and activation

Prodrug strategy especially in the field of chemotherapy of cancers possesses significant advantages reducing the side toxicity of anticancer drugs. However, high-efficiency delivery and in situ activation of prodrugs for tumor growth suppression are still a great challenge. Herein, we report rationally engineered pH-responsive endosomolytic polymeric micelles for the delivery of an oxidation-activable prodrug into the cytoplasm of cancer cells and amplification of intracellular oxidative stress for further prodrug activation. The prepared block copolymers consist of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block and a segment grafted by endosomolytic moieties and acetal linkage-connected cinnamaldehyde groups. The amphiphilic diblock copolymers can self-assemble to form micelles in water for loading the oxidation-activable phenylboronic pinacol ester-caged camptothecin prodrug (ProCPT). The obtained micelles can release free cinnamaldehyde under acidic conditions in tumor tissues and endo/lysosomes followed by efficient endosomal escape, which further induces enhancement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) to activate the prodrugs. Simultaneously, intracellular glutathione (GSH) can be reduced by quinone methide that was produced during prodrug activation. The ProCPT-loaded micelles can finally achieve efficient tumor accumulation and retention as well as effective tumor growth inhibition. More importantly, hematological and pathological analysis of toxicity reveals that the ProCPT-loaded micelles do not cause obvious toxic side effects toward important organs of mice. A positive immunomodulatory microenvironment in tumor tissue and serum can be detected after treatment with ProCPT-loaded micelles. Therefore, the endosomolytic ProCPT-loaded micelles exert synergistic therapeutic effects toward tumors through amplification of intracellular oxidative stress and activation of the prodrugs.

Lactose-Gated Mesoporous Silica Particles for Intestinal Controlled Delivery of Essential Oil Components: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Mesoporous silica microparticles functionalized with lactose for the specific release of essential oil components (EOCs) in the small intestine are presented. In vitro and in vivo intestinal models were applied to validate the microparticles (M41-EOC-L), in which the presence of lactase acts as the triggering stimulus for the controlled release of EOCs. Among the different microdevices prepared (containing thymol, eugenol and cinnamaldehyde), the one loaded with cinnamaldehyde showed the most significant Caco-2 cell viability reduction. On the other hand, interaction of the particles with enterocyte-like monolayers showed a reduction of EOCs permeability when protected into the designed microdevices. Then, a microdevice loaded with cinnamaldehyde was applied in the in vivo model of Wistar rat. The results showed a reduction in cinnamaldehyde plasma levels and an increase in its concentration in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The absence of payload release in the stomach, the progressive release throughout the intestine and the prolonged stay of the payload in the GIT-lumen increased the bioavailability of the encapsulated compound at the site of the desired action. These innovative results, based on the specific intestinal controlled delivery, suggest that the M41-payload-L could be a potential hybrid microdevice for the protection and administration of bioactive molecules in the small intestine and colon.

Molecules Present in Plant Essential Oils for Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

Essential oils (EOs) are a complex mixture of hydrophobic and volatile compounds synthesized from aromatic plants, commonly present in the human diet. In recent years, many in vitro studies have suggested possible anticancer properties of single EO compounds, on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. However, the majority of these studies did not compare the effects of these compounds on normal and cancer colon cells. By using NCM-460, a normal human mucosal epithelial cell line, Caco-2, a human colon epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line, and SW-620, colon cancer cells derived from lymph node metastatic site, we identified cinnamaldehyde, derived from cinnamon EO and eugenol, derived from bud clove EO, as compounds with a specific anticancer action selectively targeting the transformed colonic cells. Both cinnamaldehyde (75 µM) and eugenol (800 µM), after 72 h of treatment, were capable to induce apoptosis, necrosis and a cell cycle slowdown in Caco-2 and in SW-620, but not in NCM-460 cells. If associated with a targeted delivery to the colon, these two compounds could prove effective in the prevention or treatment of CRC.

Targets and Mechanism Used by Cinnamaldehyde, the Main Active Ingredient in Cinnamon, in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer has become one of the most common malignant tumors in women owing to its increasing incidence each year. Clinical studies have shown that Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl (cinnamon) has a positive influence on the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Aim: We aimed to screen the potential targets of cinnamon in the treatment of breast cancer through network pharmacology and explore its potential therapeutic mechanism through cell experiments.

Methods: We used the TCMSP, TCM Database @ Taiwan, and TCMID websites and established the active ingredient and target database of cinnamon. Thereafter, we used the GeneCards and OMIM databases to establish a breast cancer-related target database, which matched the cinnamon target database. Based on the matching results, the STRING database was used to analyze the interaction between the targets, and the biological information annotation database was used to analyze the biological process of the target (gene ontology) and the pathway enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). After establishing the layout of the analysis, we used Cytoscape 3.6.0 software for network analysis. Finally, the cell experiment was used to verify the anti-breast cancer effect of cinnamaldehyde.

Results: Our research showed that the main components of cinnamon, including cinnamaldehyde, can play a role in the treatment of breast cancer through 59 possible important targets. Subsequently, enrichment analysis by gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes showed that 83 cell biological processes and 37 pathways were associated with breast cancer (p < 0.05), including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and PI3K-Akt pathway, which are closely related to tumor cell apoptosis. In vitro cell verification experiments showed that cinnamaldehyde can significantly inhibit cell proliferation, change cell morphology, inhibit cell migration and invasion ability, and promote cell apoptosis.

Conclusion: Our results showed that cinnamaldehyde is a potential novel drug for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.

Exploring the Potential of Aromatherapy as an Adjuvant Therapy in Cancer and its Complications: A Comprehensive Update

BACKGROUND

Aromatherapy is a traditional practice of employing essential oils for the therapeutic purposes, currently headed under the category of complementary and adjuvant medicine.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review article is to summarize the potential health benefits of aromatic essential oil from traditional times till the present. It also proposed some mechanisms which can be utilized as basis for using aromatherapy in cancer and cancer linked complications.

METHODS

To find out the relevant and authentic data, several search engines like Science direct, Pubmed, research gate, etc. were thoroughly checked by inserting key words like aromatherapy, complementary, adjuvant therapy etc. to collect the relevant material in context of article. Also, the chemical components of essential oil were classified based on the presence of functional groups, which are further explored for their cytotoxic potential.

RESULTS

The result depicted the anti-cancer potential of chemical constituents of essential oil against different types of cancer. Moreover, the essential oils show promising anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-mutagenic potential in several studies, which collectively can form the basis for initiation of its anti-cancer utility.

CONCLUSION

Aromatherapy can serve as adjuvant economic therapy in cancer after the standardization of protocol.

Folate mediated targeted delivery of cinnamaldehyde loaded and FITC functionalized magnetic nanoparticles in breast cancer: in vitro, in vivo and pharmacokinetic studies

FiCF NPs induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells, exhibited safety, reduced tumor burden in mice due to increased pharmacological efficacy.

Natural Cinnamaldehyde and Its Derivatives Ameliorate Neuroinflammatory Pathways in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are devastating and incurable disorders characterized by neuronal dysfunction. The major focus of experimental and clinical studies are conducted on the effects of natural products and their active components on neurodegenerative diseases. This review will discuss an herbal constituent known as cinnamaldehyde (CA) with the neuroprotective potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Accumulating evidence supports the notion that CA displays neuroprotective effects in AD and PD animal models by modulating neuroinflammation, suppressing oxidative stress, and improving the synaptic connection. CA exerts these effects through its action on multiple signaling pathways, including TLR4/NF-κB, NLRP3, ERK1/2-MEK, NO, and Nrf2 pathways. To summarize, CA and its derivatives have been shown to improve pathological changes in AD and PD animal models, which may provide a new therapeutic option for neurodegenerative interventions. To this end, further experimental and clinical studies are required to prove the neuroprotective effects of CA and its derivatives.

Cinnamaldehyde Inhibits the Function of Osteosarcoma by Suppressing the Wnt/β-Catenin and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone tumor associated with locally aggressive growth and early metastatic potential that typically occurs in children and adolescents. Chinese traditional medicine Cinnamomum cassia Presl has been shown to have significant tumor-killing effect, in which cinnamaldehyde (CA) is the main active ingredient.

PURPOSE

To explore the anticancer effect of CA on the osteosarcoma cells and the possible molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Crystal violet assay, MTT assay and colony-forming assay were used to confirm the inhibitory role of CA in the proliferation of 143B and MG63 osteosarcoma cells. Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry were used to observe apoptosis. The migration and invasion role of OS cells were evaluated using transwell assays and wound healing assays. Western blotting was used to analyse the protein expression levels. Nude mice were inoculated with 143B cells to establish an orthotopic OS tumor animal model and to investigate the effects of CA on OS tumors.

RESULTS

According to crystal violet assay, MTT assay and colony-forming assay, CA significantly inhibited cell proliferation. Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry analysis showed that CA-induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, transwell assays and wound healing assays showed that CA inhibited the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. In vivo mouse models, CA inhibited the growth of osteosarcoma. The potential mechanisms could be that CA inhibited the transcriptional activity of Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt of the osteosarcoma.

CONCLUSION

CA may inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion and promote apoptosis of OS cells by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. CA may be a potentially effective anti-tumor drug.

Cinnamaldehyde changes the dynamic balance of glucose metabolism by targeting ENO1

AIMS

Hepatic glucose metabolism involves a variety of catabolic and anabolic pathways, and the dynamic balance of glucose metabolism is regulated in response to environmental and nutritional changes. The molecular mechanism of glucose metabolism in liver is complex and has not been fully elucidated so far. In this study, we hope to elucidate the target and mechanism of cinnamaldehyde (CA) in regulating glucose metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molecular image tracing and magnetic capture in combination with an alkynyl-CA probe (Al-CA) was used to show CA covalently binds to α-enolase (ENO1) in both mouse liver and HepG2 cells. Accurate metabolic flow assays subsequently demonstrated that the utilization of glycogenic amino acids and the biosynthesis of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates were strengthened, which was detected using nontargeted and targeted metabolomics analyses.

KEY FINDINGS

Our study shows that CA covalently bonds with ENO1, which affects the stability and activity of ENO1 and changes the dynamic balance of glucose metabolism. The interruption of gluconeogenic reflux by ENO1 enhanced TCA cycle, and eventually led to a decrease in blood glucose and the improvement of mitochondrial efficiency.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results provide a detailed description of how CA maintains the dynamic balance of glucose utilization and improves energy metabolism.

The modulatory effects of cinnamaldehyde on uric acid level and IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 signaling as a promising therapeutic strategy against benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a widespread disorder in elderly men. Cinnamaldehyde, which is a major constituent in the essential oil of cinnamon, has been previously reported to reduce xanthine oxidase activity, in addition to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-proliferative activities. Our study was designed to investigate the potential modulatory effects of cinnamaldehyde on testosterone model of BPH in rats through reduction of uric acid level, and suppression of IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. Cinnamaldehyde (40 and 75 mg/kg) was orally administered to male Wistar rats for 3 weeks, and concurrently with testosterone (3 mg/kg, s.c.) from the second week. Cinnamaldehyde ameliorated the elevation in prostatic weight and index compared to rats treated with testosterone only, that was also confirmed by alleviation of histopathological changes in prostate architecture. The protective mechanisms of cinnamaldehyde were elucidated through inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity and reduced uric acid level. That was accompanied by reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines; interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NF-κB p65, that could be attributed also to the enhanced anti-oxidant defense by cinnamaldehyde. The protein expression of JAK1, which is IL-6 receptor linked protein, was reduced with subsequently reduced activation of STAT3 protein. That eventually suppressed the formation of the proliferation protein cyclin D1, while elevated Bax/Bcl2 ratio. It can be concluded that reducing uric acid level through xanthine oxidase inhibition and suppression of the inflammatory signaling cascade; IL-6/JAK1/STAT3; by cinnamaldehyde could be a novel and promising therapeutic approach against BPH.

Broaden sources and reduce expenditure: Tumor-specific transformable oxidative stress nanoamplifier enabling economized photodynamic therapy for reinforced oxidation therapy

Cancer cells immersed in inherent oxidative stress are more vulnerable to exogenous oxidative damages than normal cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidation therapy preferentially aggravating tumor oxidative stress to disrupt redox homeostasis, has emerged as an effective and specific anticancer treatment. Herein, following an ingenious strategy of “broaden sources and reduce expenditure”, we designed a versatile tumor-specific oxidative stress nanoamplifier enabling economized photodynamic therapy (PDT), to achieve synergistic oxidative stress explosion for superior oxidation therapy.

Methods: Cinnamaldehyde (CA) as a therapeutic ROS generator was first conjugated to hyaluronic acid (HA) through acid-labile hydrazone bond to synthesize tailored amphiphilic HA@CA conjugates, which could surprisingly self-assemble into uniform nanofibers in aqueous media. Photosensitizer protoporphyrin (PpIX) was efficiently encapsulated into HA@CA nanofibers and transformed HA@CA nanofibers to final spherical HA@CAP.

Results: With beneficial pH-responsiveness and morphology transformation, improved bioavailability and selective tumor accumulation, HA@CAP combining ROS-based dual chemo/photodynamic treatment modalities could induce cytotoxic ROS generation in a two-pronged approach to amplify tumor oxidative stress, termed “broaden sources”. Moreover, utilizing CA-induced H₂O₂ production and cascaded Fenton reaction in mitochondria to consume intracellular overloaded Fe(II), HA@CAP could skillfully block endogenic heme biosynthesis pathway on site to restrain undesired elimination of PpIX for economized PDT, termed “reduce expenditure”. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated the superior antitumor performance of HA@CAP.

Conclusion: This study offered an inspiring strategy of “broaden sources and reduce expenditure” to specifically boost tumor oxidative stress for reinforced oxidation therapy.

Natural products may interfere with SARS-CoV-2 attachment to the host cell

SARS-CoV-2 has been emerged in December 2019 in China, causing deadly (5% mortality) pandemic pneumonia, termed COVID-19. More than one host-cell receptor is reported to be recognized by the viral spike protein, among them is the cell-surface Heat Shock Protein A5 (HSPA5), also termed GRP78 or BiP. Upon viral infection, HSPA5 is upregulated, then translocating to the cell membrane where it is subjected to be recognized by the SARS-CoV-2 spike. In this study, some natural product compounds are tested against the HSPA5 substrate-binding domain β (SBDβ), which reported to be the recognition site for the SARS-CoV-2 spike. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations are used to test some natural compounds binding to HSPA5 SBDβ. The results show high to a moderate binding affinity for the phytoestrogens (Diadiazin, Genistein, Formontein, and Biochanin A), chlorogenic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, caffeic acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, hydroxytyrosol, cis-p-Coumaric acid, cinnamaldehyde, thymoquinone, and some physiological hormones such as estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, and cholesterol to the HSPA5 SBDβ. Based on its binding affinities, the phytoestrogens and estrogens are the best in binding HSPA5, hence may interfere with SARS-CoV-2 attachment to the stressed cells. These compounds can be successful as anti-COVID-19 agents for people with a high risk of cell stress like elders, cancer patients, and front-line medical staff.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Non-polyphenolic natural inhibitors of amyloid aggregation

Protein misfolding diseases (PMDs) are chronic and progressive, with no effective therapy so far. Aggregation and misfolding of amyloidogenic proteins are closely associated with the onset and progression of PMDs, such as amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease, α-Synuclein (α-Syn) in Parkinson's disease and human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) in type 2 diabetes. Inhibiting toxic aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is regarded as a promising therapeutic approach in PMDs. The past decade has witnessed the rapid progresses of this field, dozens of inhibitors have been screened and verified in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating inhibitory effects against the aggregation and misfolding of amyloidogenic proteins, together with beneficial effects. Natural products are major sources of small molecule amyloid inhibitors, a number of natural derived compounds have been identified with great bioactivities and translational prospects. Here, we review the non-polyphenolic natural inhibitors that potentially applicable for PMDs treatment, along with their working mechanisms. Future directions are proposed for the development and clinical applications of these inhibitors.