Glycyrrhizic acid suppresses 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon tumorigenesis in Wistar rats: Alleviation of inflammatory, proliferation, angiogenic, and apoptotic markers

Sijunzi decoction enhances sensitivity of colon cancer cells to NK cell destruction by modulating P53 expression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sijunzi Decoction (SJZD), a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, is frequently employed in the treatment of various cancers, including colon cancer. Previous research suggests that SJZD plays a pivotal role in modulating the immune system and enhancing immunity against tumors. However, the precise role of SJZD in combating colon cancer and its potential molecular functions in regulating natural killer cells remain elusive.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the potential mechanism underlying the anticolon cancer effects of SJZD in synergy with natural killer (NK) cells through both in vivo and in vitro experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo experiments: A subcutaneous tumor mouse model of colon cancer and in vivo NK cell depletion experiments were conducted to observe the anticolon cancer effects of SJZD. Flow cytometry assessed immune cell depletion in mouse spleens, while immunohistochemical (IHC) staining detected the expression of apoptotic genes in tumor tissues. In vitro experiments: The mechanism by which SJZD regulates the sensitization of colon cancer cells to NK cells was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting (WB), and co-culture experiments with NK cells.

RESULTS

Sijunzi Decoction (SJZD) significantly impeded tumor growth in mice; however, NK cell depletion markedly attenuated the tumor-suppressive effect of SJZD. Immunohistochemical (IHC) results indicated that SJZD increased the expression of P53, death receptor 4 (DR4), and death receptor 5 (DR5) in tumor tissues. In vitro experiments, 24 h SJZD-pretreated colon cancer cells showed a substantial elevation in P53, DR4, and DR5 levels, and the activity of colon cancer cells significantly diminished after co-culture with NK cells. These effects of SJZD were reversed with the addition of the P53 inhibitor pifithrin-α (PFT-α), resulting in reduced inhibition of colon cancer cells by NK cells.

CONCLUSION

SJZD enhances the levels of DR4 and DR5 through the modulation of P53 expression, consequently increasing the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to NK cell-mediated killing. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of SJZD in patients with colon cancer. In this study, we first investigated the effect of SJZD on subcutaneous tumor growth in mice with colon cancer using in vivo assays and assessed the impact of NK cells on the anticolon cancer effect of SJZD in vivo through NK cell depletion. In vitro experiments were conducted to explore the potential mechanism of action of SJZD in NK cell-mediated anticolon cancer effects.

Enhanced localized therapeutic precision: A face-to-face folate-targeted Cu2+-mediated nanotherapy with thermosensitive sustained-release system

Safe and effective Cu2+ supplementation in local lesion is crucial for minimizing toxicity of DSF-based chemotherapy. Targeted delivery of Cu2+ appears more promising. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinoma (PC) establishes "face-to-face" contact between targeted nanocarriers and tumor tissue. Herein, this study developed a biodegradable, injectable thermosensitive hydrogel that coencapsulating DSF submicroemulsion (DSF-SE) and folate-modified liposome loading glycyrrhizic acid-Cu (FCDL). FCDL acted as 'beneficial horse' to target the tumor-localized folate receptor, thus liberating Cu2+ in tumor nidus. The prepared FCDL and DSF-SE were found with uniform sizes (160.2 nm, 175.4 nm), low surface charge (-25.77 mV, -16.40 mV) and high encapsulation efficiency (97.93 %, 90.08 %). In vitro drug release profile of FCDL, DSF-SE and FCDL＆DSF-SE@G followed a sustained release pattern. And the release behavior of Cu2+ from FCDL was pH-related, i.e., Cu2+ was released faster under acidic condition. When FCDL and DSF-SE were loaded into an PLGA-PEG-PLGA-based hydrogel system, FCDL＆DSF-SE@G was formed to ensure separated delivery of Cu2+ and DSF in space but synchronized release over time. The rheology experiment showed a satisfactory gelling temperature of 32.7 °C. In vitro cytotoxicity study demonstrated that FCDL＆DSF-SE@G significantly lowered the IC50 of free Cu2+/DSF, Cu2+/DSF hydrogel and non-targeted analogue by almost 70 %, 65 % and 32 %, respectively. Accordingly, in tumor-bearing mice, FCDL＆DSF-SE@G augmented the tumor inhibition rates for the same formulations by 352 %, 145 % and 44 %, respectively. The main mechanism was attributed to higher uptake of FCDL and DSF-SE, resulting in increased Cu(DDTC)2 formation, ROS production and cell apoptosis. In conclusion, this targeted nanotherapy approach with dual-nanocarriers loaded hydrogel system, with its focus on face-to-face contact between nanocarriers and tumor tissues in the peritoneal cavity, holds significant promise for intraperitoneal chemotherapy in PC.

Modulatory effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on sodium nitrate-induced experimental colitis via regulation of P53, Ki-67 and PCNA biomarkers

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for colorectal carcinoma. Different mechanisms are related to colitis like apoptosis and hyperproliferation. Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MO) provides a promising option to overcome the risk.

PURPOSE

To examine the colonic changes in a rat model of colitis induced by sodium nitrate (SN) and study the effects of MO.

STUDY DESIGN

Eight adult male rats were allocated in each of the three group; control (distilled water), SN (100 mg/kg/day, orally via gastric gavage), and SN + MO (100 mg/kg/day, orally via gastric gavage).

METHODS

Body weight was measured after the end of the experiment. Colonic homogenates were tested for levels of oxidative stress indicators. Immunohistochemistry for P53, PCNA and Ki-67 was performed. Fresh colon specimens were used for quantitative real-time PCR for assessment of P53, PCNA and Ki-67 gene expression.

RESULTS

SN group revealed a significant decreased weight (p = 0.002). MDA and NO levels were higher with SN administration than with MO co-administration (p= 0.04, 0.01 respectively). GSH level was reduced in SN group (p = 0.02) and significantly increased with MO intake (p = 0.04). SN-induced colonic destructive changes were reversed with MO. P53, PCNA and Ki-67 levels of gene expression were reduced in SN + MO group than SN group (P = 0.007, 0.02, 0.001 respectively).

CONCLUSION

MO protected the colonic mucosa against SN-induced changes regulating apoptosis, and cell proliferation.

Licorice extract inhibits porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in vitro and in vivo

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes severe diarrhea and even death in piglets, resulting in significant economic losses to the pig industry. Because of the ongoing mutation of PEDV, there might be variations between the vaccine strain and the prevailing strain, causing the vaccine to not offer full protection against different PEDV variant strains. Therefore, it is necessary to develop anti-PEDV drugs to compensate for vaccines. This study confirmed the anti-PEDV effect of licorice extract (Le) in vitro and in vivo. Le inhibited PEDV replication in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. By exploring the effect of Le on the life cycle of PEDV, we found that Le inhibited the attachment, internalization, and replication stages of the virus. In vivo, all five piglets in the PEDV-infected group died within 72 h. In comparison, the Le-treated group had a survival rate of 80 % at the same time, with significant relief of clinical symptoms, pathological damage, and viral loads in the jejunum and ileum. Our results suggested that Le can exert anti-PEDV effects in vitro and in vivo. Le is effective and inexpensive; therefore it has the potential to be developed as a new anti-PEDV drug.

Sweeteners and the Gut Microbiome: Effects on Gastrointestinal Cancers

Worldwide, the demand for natural and synthetic sweeteners in the food industry as an alternative to refined sugar is increasing. This has prompted more research to be conducted to estimate its safety and effects on health. The gut microbiome is critical in metabolizing selected sweeteners which might affect overall health. Recently, more studies have evaluated the relationship between sweeteners and the gut microbiome. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the role played by the gut microbiome in metabolizing selected sweeteners. It also addresses the influence of the five selected sweeteners and their metabolites on GI cancer-related pathways. Overall, the observed positive effects of sweetener consumption on GI cancer pathways, such as apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, require further investigation in order to understand the underlying mechanism.

Advances in the roles of glycyrrhizic acid in cancer therapy

Since the first 70 years of reporting cancer chemotherapy, malignant tumors have been the second most common cause of death in children and adults. Currently, the commonly used anti-cancer methods include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Although these treatment methods could alleviate cancer, they lead to different forms of side effects and have no particularly significant effect on prolonging the patients' life span. Glycyrrhizic acid (GL), a native Chinese herbal extract, has a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulation. In this review, the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of GL are summarized in various cancers. The inhibition of GL on chemotherapy-induced side effects, including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity, is highlighted. Therefore, GL may be a promising and ideal drug for cancer therapy.

Physicochemical characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of chitosan/carrageenan encumbered with Imatinib mesylate-polysarcosine nanoparticles for sustained drug release and enhanced colorectal cancer targeted therapy

The objective of this investigation was to fabricate nanoparticles consisting of Imatinib mesylate-poly sarcosine-loaded chitosan/carrageenan in order to attain prolonged drug release and efficacious therapy for colorectal cancer. The study involved the synthesis of nanoparticles through the utilisation of ionic complexation and nanoprecipitation techniques. The subsequent nanoparticles were subjected to an assessment of their physicochemical characteristics, anti-cancer efficacy using HCT116 cell line, and acute toxicity. The present study examined two distinct nanoparticle formulations, namely IMT-PSar-NPs and CS-CRG-IMT-NPs, with respect to their particle size, zeta potential, and morphology. Both formulations demonstrated satisfactory characteristics, as they displayed consistent and prolonged drug release for a duration of 24 h, with the highest level of release occurring at a pH of 5.5. The efficacy and safety of IMT-PSar-NPs and CS-CRG-IMT-PSar-NPs nanoparticles were evaluated through various tests including in vitro cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, apoptosis, scratch test, cell cycle analysis, MMP & ROS estimate, acute toxicity, and stability tests. The results suggest that these nanoparticles were well fabricated and have promising potential for in vivo applications. The prepared polysaccharide nanoparticles have great potential for active targeting and could potentially reduce dose-dependent toxicity in the treatment of colon cancer.

A simple but novel glycymicelle ophthalmic solution based on two approved drugs empagliflozin and glycyrrhizin: in vitro/in vivo experimental evaluation for the treatment of corneal alkali burns

A simple but novel ophthalmic solution based on two approved drugs was developed to reposition existing drugs to treat new diseases. This nanoformulation was developed using the phytochemical drug glycyrrhizin as an amphiphilic nanocarrier to micellarly solubilize empagliflozin (EMP), an oral drug that is widely used to control high blood glucose but has poor water solubility. This novel nanoformulation, which we designated the EMP@glycymicelle ophthalmic solution, was obtained using a simple preparation process. The resulting solution was a clear solution with an EMP encapsulation efficiency of 97.91 ± 0.50%, a small glycymicelle size of 6.659 ± 0.196 nm, and a narrow polydispersity index of 0.226 ± 0.059. The optimized formulation demonstrated that EMP was soluble in water up to 18 mg ml^-1 because of its encapsulation within glycymicelles. The EMP@glycymicelle ophthalmic solution exhibited excellent characteristics, including good storage stability, fast in vitro release profiles, improved in vitro antioxidant activity, and no ocular irritation. Ocular permeation evaluation showed that the EMP@glycymicelle ophthalmic solution had strong ocular permeation of EMP, and it reached the posterior segment of mouse eyes after ocular topical administration. The treatment efficacy evaluation showed that the EMP@glycymicelle ophthalmic solution had a significant effect against corneal alkali burns in mice, prompting corneal wound healing, recovering corneal sensitivity, reducing corneal haze, and relieving corneal NV invasion. The mechanism of inhibiting HMGB1 signaling was involved in this strong treatment effect. These results indicated that the EMP@glycymicelle ophthalmic solution provided a new concept of drug repurposing and a promising ocular system for the nano-delivery of EMP with significantly improved in vivo profiles.

Mechanism of Sijunzi Decoction in the treatment of colorectal cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sijunzi Decoction（SJZD）, as a famous classical prescription for the treatment of colorectal cancer(CRC) in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has achieved good curative effects in clinical practice. However, its specific ingredients and molecular mechanisms is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To analyze the effective ingredients and molecular mechanisms of SJZD in the treatment of CRC through network pharmacology technology and experimental validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the TCM Systems Pharmacology database and analysis platform database were searched to screen the effective chemical components of SJZD. Swiss Target Prediction was used to predict corresponding potential target genes of compounds. After that, we constructed a components and corresponding target network by Cytoscape. Simultaneously, 5 disease databases were used to search and filter CRC targets, and then we constructed a drug-disease target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Cytoscape 3.7 was used for visualization and cluster analysis, and Metascape database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. We drew the main pathway-target network diagram. Autodock vina1.5.6 was applied to molecular docking for the main compounds and target proteins. Subsequently, the potential mechanism of SJZD on colon cancer predicted by network pharmacological analysis was experimentally studied and verified in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

144 effective active chemical components, 897 potential targets, and 2584 CRC target genes were screened out. The number of common targets between the SJZD and CRC was 414.3250 GO biological process items and 186 KEGG signal pathways were obtained after analysis. The main compounds and the target protein had a good binding ability in molecular docking. The results of cell and animal experiments showed that SJZD could promote apoptosis and autophagy of CRC cells through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

SJZD can treat CRC through multiple components, multiple targets and multiple pathways. We initially revealed the effective components and molecular mechanisms of SJZD in the treatment of CRC, and we used molecular docking and experiment for preliminary verification.

In Vitro and In Vivo Nephroprotective Effects of Nelumbo nucifera Seedpod Extract against Cisplatin-Induced Renal Injury

Cisplatin has been considered a chemotherapeutic drug for treating human tumors, and one of the noteworthy side effects of cisplatin is nephrotoxicity. Amelioration of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is necessary. Lotus seedpod extract (LSE) mainly composed of quercetin-3-glucuronide has been revealed for antioxidant and anti-tumor effects. However, the effects of LSE on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity are still unknown. This study aims to explore the in vitro and in vivo protective effect and possible mechanism of LSE on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Results showed that co-treatment of LSE with cisplatin raised the viability of rat renal tubular epithelial NRK-52E cells and decreased oxidative stress and cell apoptosis when compared to the cells treated with cisplatin alone. The molecular mechanisms analyzed found that LSE could reduce the expressions of apoptotic factors, including Bax, Bad, t-Bid, and caspases. In the in vivo study, LSE improved the cisplatin-induced levels of serum markers of kidney function, glomerular atrophy, and the degree of apoptosis in the kidneys. This is the first study to display that LSE prevents cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Thus, LSE could be a novel and natural chemoprotective agent for cisplatin chemotherapy in the future.

Analysis of the network pharmacology and the structure-activity relationship of glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid

Licorice, a herbal product derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza species, has been used as a sweetening agent and traditional herbal medicine for hundreds of years. Glycyrrhizic acid (GL) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) are the most important active ingredients in licorice. Both GL and GA have pharmacological effects against tumors, inflammation, viral infection, liver diseases, neurological diseases, and metabolic diseases. However, they also exhibit differences. KEGG analysis indicated that licorice is involved in neuroactive ligand‒receptor interactions, while 18β-GA is mostly involved in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. In this article, we comprehensively review the therapeutic potential of GL and GA by focusing on their pharmacological effects and working mechanisms. We systemically examine the structure-activity relationship of GL, GA and their isomers. Based on the various pharmacological activities of GL, GA and their isomers, we propose further development of structural derivatives of GA after chemical structure modification, with less cytotoxicity but higher targeting specificity. More research is needed on the clinical applications of licorice and its active ingredients.

Red propolis exhibits chemopreventive effect associated with antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities

INTRODUCTION

Red propolis is synthetized from exudates of Dalbergia ecastophyllum (L) Taub. and Symphonia globulifera L.f., presents isoflavones, guttiferone E, xanthochymol, and oblongifolin B and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the antigenotoxic and anticarcinogenic potential of red propolis hydroalcoholic extract (RPHE) in rodents.

METHODS

The influence of RPHE in doxorubicin (DXR)-induced genotoxicity was investigated through the micronucleus test in Swiss mice. Blood samples were also collected to investigate oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Was investigated the influence of RPHE in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced aberrant crypt foci, as well as its influence in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in colon of rats, by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The results showed that RPHE (48 mg/kg) reduced DXR-induced genotoxicity. Animals treated with DXR showed significantly lower GSH serum levels in comparison to the negative control. RPHE treatments did not attenuated significantly the DXR-induced GSH depletion. No difference was observed in cytotoxicity parameters of mice hematopoietic tissues between the treatment groups, as well as the biochemical parameters of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. RPHE (12 mg/kg) reduced the DMH-induced carcinogenicity and toxicity, as well as DMH-induced PCNA and COX-2 expression in colon tissue.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, was observed that the RPHE has chemopreventive effect, associated to antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Effect of Diacerein on HOTAIR/IL-6/STAT3, Wnt/β-Catenin and TLR-4/NF-κB/TNF-α axes in colon carcinogenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy with high mortality and poor prognosis. Diacerein (DIA) is an anti-inflammatory used for treatment of osteoarthritis. We delineated some underlying molecular mechanisms of DIA's anti-carcinogenic effect in CRC using in vivo and in vitro models. Human Caco-2 cells were treated with DIA followed by MTT and Annexin V assays and CRC was experimentally induced using 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. DIA (50 mg/kg/day, orally) was administrated for 8 weeks. The MTT assay confirmed cytotoxic effect of DIA in vitro and Annexin V confirmed its apoptotic effect. DIA resulted in regression of tumour lesions with reduced colonic TLR4, NF-κB and TNF-α protein levels and down-regulated VEGF expression, confirming anti-angiogenic impact. DIA triggered caspase-3 expression and regulated Wnt/β-Catenin pathway, by apparently interrupting the IL-6/STAT3/ lncRNA HOTAIR axis. In conclusion, DIA disrupted IL-6/STAT3/ lncRNA HOTAIR axis which could offer an effective therapeutic strategy for the management of CRC.

Enriched Riceberry Bran Oil Exerts Chemopreventive Properties through Anti-Inflammation and Alteration of Gut Microbiota in Carcinogen-Induced Liver and Colon Carcinogenesis in Rats

Riceberry has recently been acknowledged for its beneficial pharmacological effects. Riceberry bran oil (RBBO) exhibited anti-proliferation activity in various cancer cell lines. However, animal studies of RBBO on anti-carcinogenicity and its molecular inhibitory mechanism have been limited. This study purposed to investigate the chemopreventive effects of RBBO on the carcinogen-induced liver and colorectal carcinogenesis in rats. Rats were injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and further orally administered with RBBO equivalent to 100 mg/kg body weight of γ-oryzanol 5 days/week for 10 weeks. RBBO administration suppressed preneoplastic lesions including hepatic glutathione S-transferase placental form positive foci and colorectal aberrant crypt foci. Accordingly, RBBO induced hepatocellular and colorectal cell apoptosis and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Interestingly, RBBO effectively promoted the alteration of gut microbiota in DEN- and DMH-induced rats, as has been shown in the elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. This outcome was consistent with an increase in butyrate in the feces of carcinogen-induced rats. The increase in butyrate reflects the chemopreventive properties of RBBO through the mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory properties and cell apoptosis induction in preneoplastic cells. This would indicate that RBBO containing γ-oryzanol, phytosterols, and tocols holds significant potential in the prevention of cancer.

Glycyrrhizic acid exhibits strong anticancer activity in colorectal cancer cells via SIRT3 inhibition

Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) has been described as a colorectal cancer oncogene and to be regulated by glycyrrhizic acid (GA). However, few studies have explored the interaction between GA and SIRT3. Therefore, in the present study, we showed that GA could significantly decrease SIRT3 protein levels in SW620 and HT29 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Then, we overexpressed SIRT3 by lentivirus infection on SW620 and HT29 cells. We found that, in vitro, GA treatment significantly decreased cell viability, cell clone number, and invasion and migration number, besides significantly increasing apoptosis. Also, GA treatment significantly decreased the Bax/Bcl2 protein ratio and the expression of Cyclin D1, CDK2, CDK4, MMP-9, N-cadherin, and vimentin in SW620 and HT29 cells. Meanwhile, the SIRT3 overexpression could significantly reverse these changes. Moreover, the GA treatment could significantly decrease the weight of xenograft tumor tissues and its SIRT3 protein levels in vivo, while SIRT3 overexpression reversed these effects. Overall, GA inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of colorectal cancer cells, and induced their apoptosis by SIRT3 inhibition.

Evaluating the mucoprotective effects of glycyrrhizic acid-loaded polymeric nanoparticles in a murine model of 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis via suppression of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a chemotherapeutic drug, has severe deteriorating effects on the intestine, leading to mucositis. Glycyrrhizic acid is a compound derived from a common herbal plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, with mucoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, however, associated with poor pharmacokinetics. Owing to the remarkable therapeutic action of glycyrrhizic acid-loaded polymeric nanocarriers in inflammatory bowel disease, we explored their activity against 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. Polymeric nanocarriers have proven to be efficient drug delivery vehicles for the long-term treatment of inflammatory diseases, but have not yet been explored for 5-FU-induced mucositis. Therefore, this study aimed to produce glycyrrhizic acid-loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid (GA-PLGA) nanoparticles to evaluate their protective and therapeutic effects in a 5-FU-induced mucositis model.

METHODS

GA-PLGA nanoparticles were prepared using a modified double emulsion method, physicochemically characterized, and tested for in vitro drug release. Thereafter, mucositis was induced by 5-FU (50 mg/kg; IP) administration to the mice for the first 3 days (day 0, 1, 2), and mice were treated orally with GA-PLGA nanoparticles for 7 days (day 0-6).

RESULTS

GA-PLGA nanoparticles significantly reduced mucositis severity measured by body weight, diarrhea score, distress, and anorexia. Further, 5-FU induced intestinal histopathological damage, altered villi-crypt length, reduced goblet cell count, elevated pro-inflammatory mediators, and suppressed antioxidant enzymes, all of which were reversed by GA-PLGA nanoparticles.

CONCLUSION

Morphological, behavioral, histological, and biochemical results suggested that GA-PLGA nanoparticles were efficient, biocompatible, targeted, and sustained release drug delivery nano-vehicle for enhanced mucoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis.

Hesperidin protects against the chlorpyrifos-induced chronic hepato-renal toxicity in rats associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and up-regulation of PARP-1/VEGF

In this study, we investigated the effects of hesperidin (HSP) on oxidants/antioxidants status, inflammation, apoptotic, and autophagic activity in hepato-renal toxicity induced by chronic chlorpyrifos (CPF) exposure in rats. We used a total of 35 male albino rats in five groups of seven: control, HSP 100, CPF, CPF + HSP50, and CPF + HSP100. After rats were sacrificed, blood, liver, and kidney samples were collected. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, and urea were tested. Then, contents of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) were measured to detect the level of oxidative stress in rat liver and renal tissues. We measured inflammatory and autophagy markers of chlorpyrifos induced oxidative stress in the liver and kidney tissues including TNF-α, iNOS, IL-1 β, COX-2, NF-κB, MAPK14, and Beclin-1 using ELISA. Histopathological findings were also examined followed by immunohistochemical determination of 8-OHdG expression. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to examine Cas-3, Bax, Bcl-2, PARP-1, and VEGF, which are associated with apoptosis, autophagy, DNA, and endothelial damage, respectively. In addition, PARP-1 activity was supported by western blot and immunofluorescence, VEGF activity was supported by western blot methods. Treatment with HSP reduced the effect of CPF on ALT, AST, ALP, and total proteins, and increased its effect on tissue antioxidants. PARP/VEGF, apoptotic, pro-apoptotic, anti-apoptotic, and autophagic gene expressions were regulated, and Caspase-3 and Bax expressions were decreased; Bcl-2 expression increased in both the liver and kidney samples, and positivity of 8-OHdG and PARP-1 were reduced in the CPF plus HSP-treated group. Overall, the study demonstrates that HSP may reduce the effects of hepato-renal toxicity caused by CPF by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and PARP/VEGF genes at biochemical, cellular, and molecular levels.

Glycyrrhizic acid ameliorates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats through inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) in regulating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) in rats as well as the underlying mechanism. H9c2 cells were subjected to hypoxia/re-oxygenation (H/R) to mimic the MIRI in vitro, while a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) was constructed by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 0.5 h followed by 2 h of reperfusion. While flow cytometry and TUNEL assay were performed to analyze apoptosis in cells and myocardial tissue, echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Masson's trichrome staining were conducted to evaluate cardiac function and pathological changes, respectively. The levels of serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST, TNF-α, and IL-6 as well as the contents of MDA and SOD in tissues were measured by ELISA, while Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins. GA treatment significantly reduced apoptosis in H9c2 cells, while it alleviated left ventricular dysfunction, fibrosis and myocardial apoptosis, down-regulated the levels of CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST, TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA, and up-regulated SOD levels in I/R rats. Moreover, GA treatment led to a decrease in the expression of CHOP, GRP78, and p-PERK in both H/R cells and I/R rats. This study demonstrates that cardioprotective role of GA in MIRI may involve the attenuation of ERS-induced apoptosis and inflammation, potentially providing an alternative strategy for intervention of MIRI.

Preclinical Evidence for the Pharmacological Actions of Glycyrrhizic Acid: A Comprehensive Review

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Family: Fabaceae) is one of the important traditional medicinal plant used extensively in folk medicine. It is known for its ethnopharmacological value in curing a wide variety of ailments. Glycyrrhizin, an active compound of G. glabra, possesses anti-inflammatory activity due to which it is mostly used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment and management of chronic diseases. The present review is focused extensively on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and potential effects of Glycyrrhizic Acid (GA). A thorough literature survey was conducted to identify various studies that reported on the GA on PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar.

A four-component combination derived from Huang-Qin Decoction significantly enhances anticancer activity of irinotecan

Huang-Qin Decoction (HQD) is a classic prescription for diarrhea in Chinese medicine treatment. Recent studies have demonstrated that HQD and its modified formulation PHY906 could ameliorate irinotecan (CPT-11) induced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and enhance its anticancer therapeutic efficacy. Nevertheless, which constituents in HQD are effective is still unclear so far. The study aims to screen out the key bioactive components combination from HQD that could enhance the anticancer effect of CPT-11. First, the potential bioactive constituents were obtained through system pharmacology strategy. Then the bioactivity of each constituent was investigated synthetically from the aspects of NCM460 cell migration, TNF-α release of THP-1-derived macrophage and MTT assay in HCT116 cell. The contribution of each constituent in HQD was evaluated using the bioactive index E_i, which taken the content and bioactivity into comprehensive consideration. And then, the most contributing constituents were selected out to form a key-component combination. At last, the bioefficacy of the key-component combination was validated in vitro and in vivo. As a result, a key-component combination (HB4) consisting of four compounds baicalin, baicalein, glycyrrhizic acid and wogonin was screened out. In vitro assessment indicated that HB4 could enhance the effect of CPT-11 on inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in HCT116. Furthermore, the in vivo study confirmed that HB4 and HQD have similar pharmacological activity and could both enhance the antitumor effect of CPT-11 in HCT116 xenograft model. Meanwhile, HB4 could also reduce the CPT-11 induced GI toxicity.

HK2 is associated with the Warburg effect and proliferation in liver cancer: Targets for effective therapy with glycyrrhizin

Glycyrrhizin (GA) is the most essential active ingredient in licorice root, and has a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities. The present study aimed to conduct a detailed analysis of the effects of GA on liver cancer (LC) cell proliferation and the Warburg effect. Hexokinase‑2 (HK2) is a glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the Warburg effect. To this end, the LC HepG2 cell line was transfected with small interfering RNA‑HK2 or pCDNA3.1‑HK2, followed by GA treatment. A Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay and EdU staining were employed to evaluate the proliferation rate of LC cells. The expression levels of HK2 and the phosphorylation level of AKT were measured by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. Furthermore, the glucose uptake capacity and lactic acid content were assessed by kits, and the glycolysis level was evaluated by assessing the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and the oxygen consumption rate (OCR). A pronounced increase in the OCR, and decreases in the cell proliferation, glucose uptake capacity, lactic acid content, ECAR and HK2 expression were detected in LC cells subjected to GA treatment or HK2‑knockdown. Conversely, overexpression of HK2 reversed these trends, indicating that glycyrrhizin may inhibit LC cell proliferation and the Warburg effect through suppression of HK2. In addition, it was revealed that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was associated with LC cell proliferation and the Warburg effect; notably, treatment of LC cells with the AKT agonist SC79 induced elevation of the ECAR, cell proliferation, glucose uptake capacity, lactic acid content, phosphorylated‑AKT and HK2 expression, and suppressed the OCR. In conclusion, GA may inhibit the Warburg effect and cell proliferation in LC by suppressing HK2 through blockade of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Integrative pharmacological mechanism of vitamin C combined with glycyrrhizic acid against COVID-19: findings of bioinformatics analyses

OBJECTIVE

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a fatal and fast-spreading viral infection. To date, the number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has crossed over six million with over three hundred and seventy thousand deaths (according to the data from World Health Organization; updated on 2 June 2020). Although COVID-19 can be rapidly diagnosed, efficient clinical treatment of COVID-19 remains unavailable, resulting in high fatality. Some clinical trials have identified vitamin C (VC) as a potent compound pneumonia management. In addition, glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is clinically as an anti-inflammatory medicine against pneumonia-induced inflammatory stress. We hypothesized that the combination of VC and GA is a potential option for treating COVID-19.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to determine pharmacological targets and molecular mechanisms of VC + GA treatment for COVID-19, using bioinformational network pharmacology.

RESULTS

We uncovered optimal targets, biological processes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of VC + GA against COVID-19. Our findings suggested that combinatorial VC and GA treatment for COVID-19 was associated with elevation of immunity and suppression of inflammatory stress, including activation of the T cell receptor signaling pathway, regulation of Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, ErbB signaling pathway and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway. We also identified 17 core targets of VC + GA, which suggest as antimicrobial function.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, our study uncovered the pharmacological mechanism underlying combined VC and GA treatment for COVID-19. These results should benefit efforts to address the most pressing problem currently facing the world.

Glycyrrhizin ameliorates melanoma cell extravasation into mouse lungs by regulating signal transduction through HMGB1 and its receptors

Metastasis, which accounts for the majority of all cancer-related deaths, occurs through several steps, namely, local invasion, intravasation, transport, extravasation, and colonization. Glycyrrhizin has been reported to inhibit pulmonary metastasis in mice inoculated with B16 melanoma. This study aimed to identify the mechanism through which glycyrrhizin ameliorates the extravasation of melanoma cells into mouse lungs. Following B16 melanoma cell injection, mice were orally administered glycyrrhizin once every two days over 2 weeks; lung samples were then obtained and analyzed. Blood samples were collected on the final day, and cytokine plasma levels were determined. We found that glycyrrhizin ameliorated the extravasation of melanoma cells into the lungs and suppressed the plasma levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β. Furthermore, glycyrrhizin ameliorated the lung tissue expression of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, RAS, extracellular signal-related kinase, NF-κB, myeloid differentiation primary response 88, IκB kinase complex, epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A. Our study demonstrates that glycyrrhizin ameliorates melanoma metastasis by regulating the HMGB1/RAGE and HMGB1/TLR-4 signal transduction pathways.

Ocoxin as a complement to first line treatments in cancer

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most frequent treatment for patients suffering from malignant progression of cancer. Even though new treatments are now being implemented, administration of these chemotherapeutic agents remains as the first line option in many tumor types. However, the secondary effects of these compounds represent one of the main reasons cancer patients lose life quality during disease progression. Recent data suggests that Ocoxin, a plant extract and natural compound based nutritional complement rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory mediators exerts a positive effect in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This mixture attenuates the chemotherapy and radiotherapy-related side effects such as radiation-induced skin burns and mucositis, chemotherapy-related diarrhea, hepatic toxicity and blood-infection. Moreover, it has been proven to be effective as anticancer agent in different tumor models both in vitro and in vivo, potentiating the cytotoxic effect of several chemotherapy compounds such as Lapatinib, Gemcitabine, Paclitaxel, Sorafenib and Irinotecan. The aim of this review is to put some light on the potential of this nutritional mixture as an anticancer agent and complement for the standard chemotherapy routine.

Quercetin ameliorates reactive oxygen species generation, inflammation, mucus depletion, goblet disintegration, and tumor multiplicity in colon cancer: Probable role of adenomatous polyposis coli, β-catenin

1,2 Dimethyl hydrazine (DMH), a cogent environmental toxicant, targets the colon. Previous reports suggest that DMH-mediated dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a vital role in the initial events of colon carcinogenesis. Our study was designed to investigate the effect of quercetin on DMH-mediated colon cancer by targeting adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and β-catenin in Wistar rats. Animals were pretreated orally with quercetin at doses of either 25 or 50 mg/kg bodyweight (bw) and DMH at a dose of 20 mg/kg bw subcutaneously up to the 15th week and sacrificed after the 30th week. DMH administration leads to reactive oxygen species generation, resulting in an imbalance in redox homeostasis and causing membrane lipid peroxidation, which is also partly due to the decrease in the level of tissue antioxidant machinery. Increased inflammatory and proliferative proteins were observed in DMH-induced colon cancerous rats. DMH treatment also led to dysregulation in the apoptotic pathway with decreased Bax:Bcl-2 ratio. Quercetin pretreatment ameliorates DMH-induced proliferation, activities of detoxifying enzymes, and putative early markers (mucin depletion and goblet cell disintegration) in colonic tissue. It also significantly regulates APC and β-catenin expression and inhibits tumor incidence and multiplicity. Histological results further confirm the beneficial role of quercetin in averting DMH-induced pathological alterations.

Methanolic Extract of Muntingia Calabura L. Mitigates 1,2-Dimethyl Hydrazine Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Wistar Rats

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of methanolic extract of Muntingia calabura L. leaves (MEMC) in ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation associated with 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) induced colon cancer.

METHODS

The antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress markers, liver and renal toxicity markers were evaluated. Histopathological examination of colon tissues was carried out with the aid of alcian blue stain and Hematoxylin and Eosin stain.

RESULTS

MEMC supplementation at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of rats causes the antioxidant enzymic levels to retain near to its normal range. Meanwhile the oxidative stress markers, which showed an elevation from its normal level upon DMH administration, gets significantly reduced on MEMC treatment. Histopathological observation also revealed that the severity of colorectal cancer was reduced by the supplementation of MEMC.

CONCLUSION

The findings from the present study showed that MEMC can exert a potential role to ameliorate the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with colorectal cancer.

Naringenin Regulates Doxorubicin-Induced Liver Dysfunction: Impact on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an operational and largely used anticancer drug, used to treat an array of malignancies. Nonetheless, its beneficial use is constrained due to its renal and hepatotoxicity dose dependently. Numerous research findings favor the use of antioxidants may impact Dox-induced liver injury/damage. In the current study, Wistar rats were given naringenin (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) orally for 20 days as prophylactic dose, against the hepatotoxicity induced by single intraperitoneal injection of Dox (20 mg/kg b.wt.). Potency of naringenin against the liver damage caused by Dox was assessed by measuring malonyl aldehyde (MDA) as a by-product of lipid peroxidation, biochemical estimation of antioxidant enzyme system, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and inflammatory mediators. Naringenin-attenuated ROS production, ROS-induced lipid peroxidation, and replenished reduced antioxidant armory, namely, catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH). Naringenin similarly diminished expression of Cox-2 and levels of NF-κB and other inflammatory molecules induced by the Dox treatment. Histology added further evidence to the defensive effects of naringenin on Dox-induced liver damage. The outcomes of the current study reveal that oxidative stress and inflammation are meticulously linked with Dox-triggered damage, and naringenin illustrates the potential effect on Dox-induced hepatotoxicity probably through diminishing the oxidative stress and inflammation.

Long-term hexavalent chromium exposure facilitates colorectal cancer in mice associated with changes in gut microbiota composition

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is often present in groundwater. Chronic Cr(VI) exposure is suggested to be one of the main factors inducing cancer. However, the correlation between Cr(VI) and CRC remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of Cr(VI) in CRC by establishing a mouse CRC model induced by 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). The results showed that Cr(VI) increased weight loss in DMH-induced mice and promoted the formation of tumors. Cr(VI) also increased DMH-induced proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms found that Cr(VI) significantly decreased DMH-induced SOD, GSH and CAT levels, while, the MDA level increased. Metagenomic analyses found that the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the DMH + Cr group was down-regulated. Interestingly, the combination of Cr(VI) and DMH significantly increased the abundance of Verrucomicrobia. At the family and genus levels, families Akkermansiaceae and Saccharimonadaceae and genus Akkermansia were more abundant in the DMH + Cr group, whereas the abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (family Muribaculaceae, family Lachnosipiraceae, genus Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and genus Roseburia) decreased. These results indicate that Cr(VI) might aggravate CRC by altering the composition of the gut microflora.

Hepatoprotective effect of different combinations of 18α-and 18β-Glycyrrhizic acid against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the optimal compatibility proportion of 18α-Glycyrrhizic acid (18α-GA) and 18β-Glycyrrhizic acid (18β-GA) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic damage in rats, and further explored the underlying mechanism. Rats were injected with CCl₄ (0.1%, 0.3 ml/kg) once a week and were orally administrated with different proportions of 18α-, and 18β-GA daily for 4 weeks. Rats were then sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemical assay. Liver tissues were assessed histologically for severity of liver injury. Enzyme activities in liver homogenate were determined using commercial kits. The mRNA levels of associated proteins were evaluated by RT-PCR. The data showed that the combination of 18α-, and 18β-GA, especially at proportion of 4:6, obviously alleviated CCl₄-induced liver injury as evidenced by the improvement of liver histopathological changes, and decreased levels of ALT and AST in serum. Moreover, 18α- and 18β-GA at all proportions substantially improved glucose tolerance, and markedly reversed the decrease of SOD, MDA, and GSH, and increase of lipid markers (TG, TC, HDL, LDL) induced by CCl₄ via regulating the mRNA levels of SREBP-1c, ACC, PPAR-α, and CPT-1a. Collectively, these results suggested that 18α-GA in combination with 18β-GA, especially at proportion of 4:6, effectively reduced liver injury induced by CCl₄, comparable to the positive control silibinin, and the mechanism may be associated with reduced marker of liver oxidative stress and improvement of lipid metabolism via regulation of ACC, CTP-1A, PPARα, and SREBP1.

Chemopreventive efficacy zingerone (4-[4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl] butan-2-one) in experimental colon carcinogenesis in Wistar rats

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Development of naturally occurring inexpensive and safe alternatives can be effective in suppressing colon related proliferations. Zingerone (4-[4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl] butan-2-one), a polyphenolic alkanone of ginger, has massive pharmacological properties and thus can be used as promising candidate against various ailments. In the current study, we aimed at demonstrating the protective effect of zingerone against experimental colon carcinogenesis and elucidating its possible mechanism by studying inflammatory and Nrf-2 signaling cascade. Four groups of animals (I-IV) were made with six animals each. Group I (control) was given normal saline orally. Group II was given 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) at the dose rate of 20 mg/kg body weight. Group III and IV were treated with DMH at the dose rate of 20 mg/kg body weight and also received oral treatment of zingerone at a dose rate of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for first 5 weeks and animals were euthanized after 16 weeks. Our results reveal that DMH treated rats exhibited elevated ROS and MDA levels, increased activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 and serum marker enzyme carcinoembreyonic antigen (CEA), increased no of aberrant crypts of foci (ACF), and elevated expression of inflammatory and proliferative proteins. Nrf-2 was downregulated by DMH treatment. Treatment with zingerone to DMH treated rats, resulted in alterations in the activity of the cytochrome P450 2E1 and CEA. In addition, immunostaining of NF-kB-p65, COX-2, iNOS, and PCNA, Ki-67 was suppressed by zingerone. Furthermore, zingerone administration also attenuated the level of IL-6 and TNF-α and it also helps in preserving mucous layer. Thus, zingerone could be considered as a good chemopreventive agent in experimental model of colon carcinogenesis. Further studies are required to study other pathways involved in colon carcinogenesis and their modulation buy zingerone.

Do Different Species of Sargassum in Haizao Yuhu Decoction Cause Different Effects in a Rat Goiter Model?

Sargassum species combined with Glycyrrhiza uralensis is a famous herbal pair in traditional Chinese medicine, as one of the so-called “eighteen antagonistic medicaments.” In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, two different species of Sargassum, Sargassum pallidum and Sargassum fusiforme, are recorded but they are not clearly differentiated in clinical use. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the two species of Sargassum could result in different effects when combined with G. uralensis in Haizao Yuhu Decoction (HYD), which is used for treating thyroid-related diseases, especially goiter. HYD containing S. pallidum or S. fusiforme was administered to rats with propylthiouracil-induced goiter. After 4 weeks, pathological changes in the thyroid tissue and the relative thyroid weight indicated that HYD containing S. pallidum or S. fusiforme protected thyroid tissues from propylthiouracil damage. Neither species increased the propylthiouracil-induced decrease in serum levels of thyroid hormones. However, there were some differences in their actions, and only HYD containing S. fusiforme abated the propylthiouracil-induced elevation of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and activated thyroglobulin mRNA expression.