Therapeutic effect of curcumin in gastrointestinal cancers: A comprehensive review

Exploring the potential of thiophene derivatives as dual inhibitors of β-tubulin and Wnt/β-catenin pathways for gastrointestinal cancers in vitro

Background

Gastrointestinal cancer poses a considerable global health risk, encompassing a heterogeneous spectrum of malignancies that afflict the gastrointestinal tract. It is significant to develop efficacious therapeutic agents, as they are indispensable for both the treatment and prevention of this formidable disease.

Methods

In this study, we synthesized a novel thiophene derivative, designated as compound 1312. An assessment was performed to investigate its anti-proliferative activity in several cancer cell lines (GES-1, EC9706, SGC7901, and HT-29). Furthermore, we performed molecular biology techniques to investigate the inhibitory impact of compound 1312 on gastrointestinal cell lines SGC-7901 and HT-29.

Results

Our findings reveal that compound 1312 exhibits significant efficacy in suppressing colony formation of cancer cells. Notably, it triggers cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in gastrointestinal cell lines SGC7901 and HT-29. Compound 1312 was confirmed to exert inhibitory effects on cell migration and invasion in SGC7901. Additionally, the compound elicits apoptotic cell death through the activation of the DNA repair enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and the caspase signaling cascade. Furthermore, in vitro experiments revealed that compound 1312 effectively suppresses both the β-tubulin cytoskeletal network and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These multifaceted anti-cancer activities highlight the potential of compound 1312 as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies.

Conclusion

This study indicates the promising potential of compound 1312 as a prospective candidate agent for gastrointestinal cancer treatment. Further comprehensive investigations are needed to explore its therapeutic efficacy in greater detail.

Curcumin as a natural potential drug candidate against important zoonotic viruses and prions: A narrative review

Zoonotic diseases are major public health concerns and undeniable threats to human health. Among Zoonotic diseases, zoonotic viruses and prions are much more difficult to eradicate, as they result in higher infections and mortality rates. Several investigations have shown curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, to have wide spectrum properties such as anti-microbial, anti-vascular, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-neoplastic, anti-oxidant, and immune system modulator properties. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive review of existing in silico, in vitro, and in vivo evidence on the antiviral (54 important zoonotic viruses) and anti-prion properties of curcumin and curcuminoids in PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Database searches yielded 13,380 results, out of which 216 studies were eligible according to inclusion criteria. Of 216 studies, 135 (62.5%), 24 (11.1%), and 19 (8.8%) were conducted on the effect of curcumin and curcuminoids against SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A virus, and dengue virus, respectively. This review suggests curcumin and curcuminoids as promising therapeutic agents against a wide range of viral zoonoses by targeting different proteins and signaling pathways.

Simultaneous Delivery of Curcumin and Resveratrol via In Situ Gelling, Raft-Forming, Gastroretentive Formulations

Curcumin and resveratrol are polyphenolic compounds that have been shown to exhibit synergistic therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiulcer activities, which may be exploited for the treatment of gastric diseases. However, both compounds have poor aqueous solubility and rapid metabolism, resulting in a low oral bioavailability. In situ gelling, liquid formulations were developed to produce a gastroretentive, raft-forming delivery vehicle to improve bioavailability. Solid dispersions containing a mixture of curcumin and resveratrol with Eudragit® EPO (Cur/Res-SD) were first prepared using solvent evaporation, to improve the solubility and dissolution of the compounds. Solid dispersions of a weight ratio of 1:10 curcumin/resveratrol to Eudragit® EPO were subsequently incorporated into in situ gelling, liquid formulations based on the gelling polymers, sodium alginate (low viscosity and medium viscosity), pectin, and gellan gum, respectively. Calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate were included to produce carbon dioxide bubbles in the gel matrix, on exposure to gastric fluid, and to achieve flotation. Moreover, the calcium ions acted as a crosslinking agent for the hydrogels. Optimized formulations floated rapidly (<60 s) in simulated gastric fluid (pH = 1.2) and remained buoyant, resulting in the gradual release of more than 80% of the curcumin and resveratrol content within 8 h. The optimized formulation based on medium-viscosity sodium alginate exhibited enhanced cytotoxic activity toward human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines (AGS), compared with unformulated curcumin and resveratrol compounds, and increased anti-inflammatory activity against RAW 264.7 macrophage cells compared with the NSAID, indomethacin. These findings demonstrate that in situ gelling, liquid formulations, loaded with a combination of curcumin and resveratrol in the form of solid dispersions, show potential as gastroretentive delivery systems for local and systemic effects.

Curcumin/L-OHP co-loaded HAP for cGAS-STING pathway activation to enhance the natural immune response in colorectal cancer

Insufficient immune cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment (TME) greatly compromises the clinical application of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-based immunotherapy. Recent findings have shown that activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway can enhance natural immunity and increase lymphocyte infiltration into the TME, which presents a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we constructed hydroxyapatite nanoparticles co-loaded with curcumin and L-oxaliplatin (Cur/L-OHP@HAP NPs). We analyzed the particle-size distribution, zeta potential, spectral characteristics (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy), and drug-release properties of the Cur/L-OHP@HAP NPs. The cellular uptake of the Cur/L-OHP@HAP NPs detected by flow cytometry and confocal laser-scanning microscopy. We comprehensively evaluated the anti-tumor properties and immune-activating effects of the NPs, both in vitro and in vivo. Physicochemical characterizations demonstrated that the Cur/L-OHP@HAP NPs were successfully synthesized and were capable of pH-dependent drug release. Notably, the Cur/L-OHP@HAP NPs efficiently entered cancer cells, after which the released L-OHP induced nuclear DNA (nDNA) damage to some extent. HAP promoted the release of intracellular Ca2+ stores in cancer cells, and curcumin inhibited Ca2+ efflux, resulting in intracellular Ca2+ overload and the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Damage to both nDNA and mtDNA greatly stimulated the cGAS-STING pathway, thereby activating natural immunity, accompanied by immune cell recruitment to the TME. In summary, the Cur/L-OHP@HAP NPs show good prospects for improving cancer immunotherapy.

Assessing Frailty in Gastrointestinal Cancer: Two Diseases in One?

PURPOSEOF REVIEW

This review examines the challenges of treating gastrointestinal cancer in the aging population, focusing on the importance of frailty assessment. Emphasized are the rise in gastrointestinal cancer incidence in older adults, advances in frailty assessments for patients with gastrointestinal cancer, the development of novel frailty markers, and a summary of recent trials.

RECENT FINDINGS

Increasing evidence suggests that the use of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) to identify frail older adults and individualize cancer care leads to lower toxicity and improved quality of life outcomes. However, the adoption of a full CGA prior to chemotherapy initiation in older cancer patients remains low. Recently, new frailty screening tools have emerged, including assessments designed to specifically predict chemotherapy-related adverse events. Additionally, frailty biomarkers have been developed, such as blood tests like IL-6 and performance tracking through physical activity monitors. The relevance of nutrition and muscle mass is discussed. Highlights from recent trials suggest the feasibility of successfully identifying patients most at risk of serious adverse events. There have been promising developments in identifying novel frailty markers and methods to screen for frailty in the older adult population. Further prospective trials that focus on and address the needs of the geriatric population for early identification of frailty in cancer care, facilitating a more tailored treatment approach. Practicing oncologists should select a frailty assessment to implement into their routine practice and adjust treatment accordingly.

Antiparasitic activity of FLLL-32 against four Babesia species, B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens and B. caballi, and one Theileria species, Theileria equi in vitro, and Babesia microti in mice

Introduction: FLLL-32, a synthetic analog of curcumin, is a potent inhibitor of STAT3's constitutive activation in a variety of cancer cells, and its anticancer properties have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. It is also suggested that it might have other pharmacological activities including activity against different parasites. Aim: This study therefore investigated the in vitro antiparasitic activity of FLLL-32 against four pathogenic Babesia species, B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, and B. caballi, and one Theileria species, Theileria equi. In vivo anti-Babesia microti activity of FLLL-32 was also evaluated in mice. Methods: The FLLL-32, in the growth inhibition assay with a concentration range (0.005-50 μM), was tested for it's activity against these pathogens. The reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay was used to evaluate the possible effects of FLLL-32 treatment on the mRNA transcription of the target B. bovis genes including S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase and histone deacetylase. Results: The in vitro growth of B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, B. caballi, and T. equi was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (in all cases, p < 0.05). FLLL-32 exhibits the highest inhibitory effects on B. bovis growth in vitro, and it's IC50 value against this species was 9.57 μM. The RT-PCR results showed that FLLL-32 inhibited the transcription of the B. bovis S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase gene. In vivo, the FLLL-32 showed significant inhibition (p < 0.05) of B. microti parasitemia in infected mice with results comparable to that of diminazene aceturate. Parasitemia level in B. microti-infected mice treated with FLLL-32 from day 12 post infection (pi) was reduced to reach zero level at day 16 pi when compared to the infected non-treated mice. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the antibabesial properties of FLLL-32 and suggested it's usage in the treatment of babesiosis especially when utilized in combination therapy with other antibabesial drugs.

Nano-based formulations of curcumin: elucidating the potential benefits and future prospects in skin cancer

Skin cancer refers to any malignant lesions that occur in the skin and are observed predominantly in populations of European descent. Conventional treatment modalities such as excision biopsy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, electrodesiccation, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) induce several unintended side effects which affect a patient's quality of life and physical well-being. Therefore, spice-derived nutraceuticals like curcumin, which are well tolerated, less expensive, and relatively safe, have been considered a promising agent for skin cancer treatment. Curcumin, a chemical constituent extracted from the Indian spice, turmeric, and its analogues has been used in various mammalian cancers including skin cancer. Curcumin has anti-neoplastic activity by triggering the process of apoptosis and preventing the multiplication and infiltration of the cancer cells by inhibiting some signaling pathways and thus subsequently preventing the process of carcinogenesis. Curcumin is also a photosensitizer and has been used in PDT. The major limitations associated with curcumin are poor bioavailability, instability, limited permeation into the skin, and lack of solubility in water. This will constrain the use of curcumin in clinical settings. Hence, developing a proper formulation that can ideally release curcumin to its targeted site is important. So, several nanoformulations based on curcumin have been established such as nanogels, nanoemulsions, nanofibers, nanopatterned films, nanoliposomes and nanoniosomes, nanodisks, and cyclodextrins. The present review mainly focuses on curcumin and its analogues as therapeutic agents for treating different types of skin cancers. The significance of using various nanoformulations as well non-nanoformulations loaded with curcumin as an effective treatment modality for skin cancer is also emphasized.

Research progress on drug delivery systems for curcumin in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors

Curcumin is a natural compound with a diketone structure, which can control the growth, metastasis, recurrence, neovascularization, invasion, and drug resistance of gastrointestinal tumors by inhibiting nuclear factor κB, overexpression of tumor cells, vascular endothelial growth factor, etc. However, due to the low bioavailability of curcumin formulation, it did not fully exert its pharmacological effects, and its application and development in the treatment of various malignant tumors are still limited. This review summarizes the research on drug delivery systems of curcumin combating digestive tract tumors in order to further reduce the toxic side effects of curcumin-containing drugs and fully exert their pharmacological activities, and improve their bioavailability and clinical value.

Novel polysaccharide and polysaccharide-peptide conjugate from Rosa rugosa Thunb. pseudofruit - Structural characterisation and nutraceutical potential

A novel bioactive polysaccharopeptide (C1) and polysaccharide (C2) with an average molecular weight of 180 kDa and 70 kDa were isolated from R. rugosa pseudofruit. The composition of the macromolecules was established using ¹H NMR, FT-IR, GC-MS, SDS-PAGE coupled with enzymatic cleavage, and proteomic analyses (LC-MS). C1 was found to contain 60.56 ± 1.82 % of sugars and 21.17 ± 0.47 % of uronic acids. Its main neutral monosaccharides were arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, glucose, fucose, and mannose. C1 was found to be a polysaccharopeptide containing pectinesterase-like protein. C2 was composed of 32.85 ± 0.97 % of sugars and 48.77 ± 1.15 % of uronic acids. Its main neutral monosaccharides were galactose, glucose, rhamnose, arabinose, and mannose. A promising nutraceutical value of the polysaccharides was revealed. Assays showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of both macromolecules and considerable antiradical potential and moderate lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of the crude polysaccharide. Moreover, antiproliferative activity of C2 was observed.

Pluronic-phosphatidylcholine mixed polymeric nanomicellar formulation for curcumin drug bioavailability: Design, fabrication, characterization and in vitro bioinvestigations

Curcumin (CUR), obtained from turmeric, has biological advantages, but low aqueous solubility restricts its pharmaceutical applications. In the present work, a mixed polymeric nanomicellar formulation composed of bioactive Pluronic P123, Pluronic F68, and biocompatible phosphatidylcholine (PC) was designed and examined as the nanovehicles for overcoming the major barriers of poor bioavailability related to CUR. The CUR-incorporated P123/F68/PC mixed nanomicellar formulation (CUR-PFPC) was fabricated by the thin film technique and investigated in vitro. The fabrication of CUR-PFPC was optimized through D-optimal design. CUR-PFPC morphology, size distribution, zeta potential, drug encapsulating and incorporation efficiency, compatibility, and crystallinity were characterized using DLS, TEM, FTIR, XRD, and DSC analysis. Moreover, the cumulative drug release, antioxidant assays, and antimicrobial properties of formulations were also examined. The CUR-PFPC formulation exhibited a micellar size of 67.43 nm, a zeta potential of −15.1 mV, a PDI of 0.528, and a spherical shape. The mixed micellar formulation showed excellent compatibility and stability. The in vitro release profile of the CUR-PFPC reached over 60% in comparison to the 95% release of CUR, indicating a slow and sustained release. The DPPH assay showed that the CUR-PFPC had 96% antioxidant activity. Results show that the CUR-PFPC has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, which separates it from the free CUR. These findings suggest that the fabricated CUR-PFPC mixed polymeric nanomicellar formulation is thermodynamically and kinetically stable and may be considered a novel nanovehicle for hydrophobic antimicrobial drugs like CUR.

Graphical Abstract

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The comparison of curcuminoid formulations or its combination with conventional therapies versus conventional therapies alone for knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Presently, curcuminoid formulations or its combination with conventional therapies has been used for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Nevertheless, evidence is limited due to small-sized clinical trials. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of curcuminoid formulations or its combination with conventional therapies for KOA.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials comparing curcuminoid formulations or its combination with conventional therapies versus conventional therapies, such as non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and chondroitin sulfate/glucosamine, were searched from databases.

RESULTS

In total, 14 studies involving 1533 patients were included. Curcuminoid formulations were comparative to NSAIDs in reducing Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and WOMAC score for pain/stiffness/physical function. No significant difference was seen between the two groups in terms of patients' satisfaction index, patients' global assessment, reduction of several inflammatory factor, rate of drug compliance, and rescue medication. Notably, curcuminoid formulations combined with NSAIDs significantly reduced VAS and WOMAC/Knee injury and OA Outcome Score (KOOS) pain score more than NSAIDs did. In addition, the curcuminoid formulations were superior to chondroitin sulfate/glucosamine in reducing VAS, total WOMAC score, and WOMAC score for stiffness/difficulty in physical function, while no significant difference was seen in reducing WOMAC pain score and Karnofsky Performance Scale score.

CONCLUSIONS

Curcuminoid formulations may be considered a promising alternative for treating KOA. Key points • Curcuminoid formulations are comparative to NSAIDs for KOA. • Curcuminoid formulations are superior to chondroitin sulfate/glucosamine for KOA. • Curcuminoid formulations could provide additional benefits in alleviating pain and some adverse events caused by NSAIDs.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0001658 regulates apoptosis and autophagy in gastric cancer through microRNA-182/Ras-related protein Rab-10 signaling axis

Gastric cancer (GC) is a tumor with high incidence and lack of early diagnostic markers. The aim of this study was to explore novel regulatory circular RNAs (circRNAs) in GC and their underlying mechanisms. Differentially expressed circRNAs were analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). mRNA and miRNA expression levels were determined using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Protein expression was detected using Western blotting. Cellular functions were evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry analysis. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to visually identify microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) puncta on a per-cell basis. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays were performed to verify the interaction between microRNA (miR)-182 and circ_0001658/Ras-related protein Rab-10 (RAB10). Circ_0001658 was identified to be aberrantly expressed in GC tissues and was demonstrated in GC cell lines (AGS and HGC27) in vitro. MiR-182 bound to circ_0001658 and RAB10. Circ_0001658 and RAB10 were upregulated, whereas miR-182 was suppressed in AGS and HGC27 cells. GC cell viability and autophagy were inhibited and apoptosis was promoted after circ_0001658 knockdown, and the cellular functions were reversed by downregulating miR-182. Moreover, upregulated RAB10 neutralized the effects of miR-182 on cell viability, autophagy, and apoptosis of GC cells. Silencing circ_0001658 restrained cell viability, suppressed autophagy, and promoted apoptosis of GC cells by sponging miR-182 to suppress the expression of RAB10. Therefore, circ_0001658 may be a potential therapeutic target for GC.

Applying immune-related lncRNA pairs to construct a prognostic signature and predict the immune landscape of stomach adenocarcinoma

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with the survival of cancer patients. We constructed an immune-related lncRNA (irlncRNA) pair signature for stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD).Research design and methods: irlncRNAs were identified via coexpression analysis with immune-related genes. Differentially expressed irlncRNAs (DEirlncRNAs) were paired. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression methods were used to construct the signature. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and determined the best cutoff value according to the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Patients were divided into high - and low-risk groups, and differences in immune cell infiltration, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and drug treatment effects between the groups were explored according to the risk score.Results: An 8-irlncRNA-pair signature was constructed and proven to be a strong prognosis predictor in STAD patients through external verification. Moreover, the risk score was identified as an independent prognostic factor. There were significant differences in immune cell infiltration and the response to several drug treatments between patients with high and low risk scores, and the risk score was negatively correlated with TMB.Conclusions: The signature consisting of 8 irlncRNA pairs showed good prognostic predictive value.