Persian shallot, Allium hirtifolium Boiss, induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Antibacterial activity of Shallots (Allium xwakegi Araki.) cultivars in Palu Valley against Salmonella Typhi ATCC 27870 through in vitro and in silico evaluation

Background and Objectives

Shallots, recognized for their minimal toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and widespread availability, are increasingly considered a viable source of biological activity. This study evaluates the antibacterial efficacy of a specific shallot cultivar from Palu Valley, Indonesia, against Salmonella typhi, the pathogen responsible for typhoid fever.

Materials and Methods

Utilizing thin-layer chromatography (TLC-bioautography) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), the study identifies active compounds in shallot ethanol extract and employs molecular docking to assess interactions between receptors and ligands.

Results

Findings indicate significant antibacterial activity, with a notable inhibition zone diameter of 31.5 mm at spot Rf 0.28 in TLC bioautography and an optimum concentration of 2% yielding an average clear zone diameter of 28.27 mm in the agar diffusion test. GC-MS analysis reveals 41 compounds, predominantly dodecanoic acid and 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester. Additionally, molecular docking reveals the lowest binding affinity (-7.3 kcal/mol) for Ergost-8-En-3-Ol, 14-Methyl-, (3.Beta,5. Alpha.) against DNA gyrase.

Conclusion

This study confirms Palu Valley shallot extract's potent antibacterial effect against Salmonella typhi, highlighting its therapeutic potential.

In-vitro anticancer profile of recent ruthenium complexes against liver cancer

Ruthenium complexes are considered as the most favorable alternatives to traditional platinum-based cancer drugs owing to their acceptable toxicity level, selectivity, variant oxidation states and ability to treat platinum-resistant cancer cells. They have similar ligand exchange kinetics as platinum drugs but can be tailored according to our desire by ligands influence. In the current study, we illustrate the in-vitro anticancer profile of some ruthenium complexes (2016–2021) against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). The anticancer activity of ruthenium complexes is determined by comparing their IC50 values with one another and positive controls. Fortunately, some ruthenium complexes including 3, 4, 6, 14, 15, 20, 42, and 48 exhibit surpassed in-vitro anticancer profile than that of positive controls promising as potential candidates against liver cancer. We also explored the structure-activity relationship (SAR) which is a key factor in the rational designing and synthesis of new ruthenium drugs. It covers the factors affecting anticancer activity including lipophilicity, planarity, area and bulkiness, the steric influence of different ligands, and electronic effects induced by ligands, stability, aqueous solubility and bioavailability to the target sites. The data reported here will provide strong support in the plausible design and synthesis of ruthenium anticancer drugs in the upcoming days.

Nanoliposomal formulation of pistachio hull extract: preparation, characterization and anti-cancer evaluation through Bax/Bcl2 modulation

BACKGROUND

Pistachio is one of the main crops in Iran. Pistachio green hull, as a by-product of this fruit, is obtained in large quantities after the processing of pistachios. This novel work was designed to examine the possible anti-cancer impact of the pistachio hull extract in the liposomal form (PHEL) on HepG2 cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The thin-film hydration approach was used for preparing liposomes and the physicochemical features of the liposomes were subsequently characterized. Afterward, apoptosis and the expression of genes related to apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), respectively. According to the results, the size range of PHEL was between 198 and 201 nm with a negative surface charge of - 39.2 to - 42.9 mV. As revealed by the flow cytometry results, this liposomal extract exhibits good potential for the induction of apoptosis. Moreover, the qPCR results demonstrated the up-regulation of p53 and Bax expressions and the down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression with an associated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio up-regulation.

CONCLUSION

The flow cytometry and real-time PCR results indicated the potential of this liposomal extract as an anti-cancer drug candidate for the treatment of liver cancer in the future, and the mitochondrial pathway involving the up-regulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio can mediate its impact.

Induction of Apoptosis by Nano-Synthesized Complexes of H2L and its Cu(II) Complex in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy is currently the most utilized treatment for cancer. Therapeutic potential of metal complexes in cancer therapy has attracted a lot of interest. The mechanisms of action of most organometallic complexes are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to explore the mechanisms governing the anti-proliferative effect of the free ligand N1,N6-bis((2-hydroxynaphthalin-1-yl)methinyl)) adipohydrazone (H2L) and its complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II).

METHODS

Cells were exposed to H2L or its metal complexes where cell viability determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry. In addition, qRT-PCR was used to monitor the expression of Bax and Bcl-2. Moreover, molecular docking was carried out to find the potentiality of Cu(II) complex as an inhibitor of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA). ADA, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and reduced Glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in the most affected cancer cell line.

RESULTS

The obtained results demonstrated that H2L and its Cu(II) complex exhibited a strong cytotoxic activity compared to other complexes against HepG2 cells (IC₅₀=4.14±0.036μM/ml and 3.2±0.02μM/ml), respectively. Both H2L and its Cu(II) complex induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. Additionally, they induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells via upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. Interestingly, the activity of ADA was decreased by 2.8 fold in HepG2 cells treated with Cu(II) complex compared to untreated cells. An increase of SOD activity and GSH level in HepG2 cells compared to control was observed.

CONCLUSION

The results concluded that Cu(II) complex of H2L induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Further studies are needed to confirm its anti-cancer effect in vivo.

Biochemical and Histological Evidence on the Protective Effects of Allium hirtifolium Boiss (Persian Shallot) as an Herbal Supplement in Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: groups 1, 2, and 3 received vehicle, Cd (100 mg/L/day by drinking water), and A. hirtifolium extract (200 mg/kg/day; orally), respectively. Groups 4, 5, and 6 were Cd groups which were treated with A. hirtifolium extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively). After 2 weeks, liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and also oxidative stress biomarkers including lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol molecule (TTM), and the histopathological changes were determined using standard procedure.

RESULTS

The findings showed that Cd caused a remarkable rise in levels of serum hepatic enzymes such as ALT (P < 0.001), AST (P < 0.01) and ALP (P < 0.001) compared with the control group. In addition, Cd led to the decreasing of the levels of TTM (P < 0.001) and TAC (P < 0.001) and increasing of LPO (P < 0.001) in liver tissue in comparison with the control group. In this regard, remarkable vascular congestion, hepatocellular degeneration, and vacuolization were observed in hepatic tissue of Cd-treated rats. Following the administration of A. hirtifolium extract, a significant improvement was observed in the functional and oxidative stress indices of hepatic tissue alongside histopathologic changes.

CONCLUSION

The current study indicated that the A. hirtifolium extract might prevent hepatic oxidative injury by improving oxidant/antioxidant balance in rats exposed to Cd.

Evaluating of Induction of Apoptosis by Cornus mass L. Extract in the Gastric Carcinoma Cell Line (AGS)

Aim and objectives: Natural products and derivatives of medicinal vegetation can play an important role to the cure tumor. The Present study was focused to determine the effect of Cornus mass L. extract on the induction of apoptosis in AGS gastric carcinoma cell line in compared to L929 cells. Methods: In this experimental study, AGS and L929 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations (0–10 mg/ml) of Cornus mass L. extract for 48 and 72 hours. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. The optical density of the colored solution was quantified at 570 nm wavelengths by an ELISA Reader. Making use of the apoptosis detection kit of Annexin V-FITC, PI and double staining with Annexin V-FITC were carried out for flow cytometry investigations. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Variations with a P-value less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: shows a noticeable deviation among various concentrations of extract when cells were treated for 48, 72 h declined cell viability in AGS cell line in comparison L929 cell lines in a dose and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). This extract also displayed approximately several-fold increased anti-cancer potency in AGS compared to L929 cells. The IC50 value in AGS cells (evaluated after 48,72h) of the extract against AGS cells was 5/44, 2/44 mg/ml (p≤0.05). The analysis results of flow cytometry indicated that apoptosis was induced by the extract in AGS cells treated, compared with L929 cells. Conclusion: Each of our results implicates the reality that Cornus mass L. extract acts as a novel, potent inhibitor of cancer proliferation in in vitro. This may result in developing a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of indole-sensitive cancers.

Effect of a Copper (II) Complex on The Induction of Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Objectives:

In the present study, we aimed to identify the anti-proliferative potential of [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex [L = 2-(((5-chloro-2-oxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenolato) and 2imi = 2-methyl imidazole] against HepG2 cells as an in vitro model of human hepatocellular carcinoma and normal mouse fibroblast L929 cells.

Methods:

The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex on HepG2 cells and normal fibroblasts (L929) were examined by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively.

Results:

Cytotoxicity induced by [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex was time dependent. Also, there was a positive correlation between cytotoxicity and an increase in Cu complex concentration. For HepG2 cells, the cell viability percentage was 50% at 58 μg/mL after 24 h treatment, whereas in the same concentration and conditions, the viability percentage was surprisingly higher (about 100%) for L929 cells. Also, after 48 h treatment, the viability percentage of HepG2 cells at 55 μg/mL concentration was 50% in contrast with 89.3% for L929 cells in the same conditions. Flow cytometry findings suggest that [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex is capable of decreasing cancer cell viability through apoptosis and did not efficiently activate the necrosis process.

Conclusions:

Finally, we found that [Cu(L)(2imi)] complex possess the potential for development as an anti-cancer drug for human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Vanadium complex: an appropriate candidate for killing hepatocellular carcinoma cancerous cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent human malignancy which its drug resistance is increasing world-wide. This project was designed to assess the anti-cancer effects of 4-bromo-2-(((5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl) imino) methyl) phenol ([IV(L)] complex) on the HepG2 cell line and also L929 cells, as normal cells. HepG2 and L929 cells were cultured in RPMI culture medium and the survival rates of the cells were determined after 24 and 48 h using MTT assay to find IC50 concentration of vanadium m, [IV(L)] complex. The early apoptosis and necrosis/late apoptosis were determined by means of annexin V/PI apoptosis detection kit. The results revealed that vanadium m, [IV(L)] complex induce early apoptosis higher in HepG2 cell line than L929 cells. The rates of necrosis/late apoptosis were also induced in HepG2 cells more than L929 cells. Based on the results, vanadium m, [IV(L)] complex might be considered as a safe new drug for treatment of HCC with low side effects on control liver cells.

Nisin Induces Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in Human Asterocytoma Cell Line (SW1088)

Background: Nisin is a member of the group of anti-microbial peptides which are considered as bacteriocins, but it possesses a vast range of activities. Astrocytoma is among the most prevalent types of brain tumor globally. Considering all facts about this peptide, the aim of the present study was the evaluation of any impact of nisin on proliferation and apoptosis of an astrocytoma cell line (SW1088). Methods: The SW1088 cell line was purchased from the Pasteur Institute of Iran and treated with various concentrations of Nisin. Nisin-induced cell toxicity and apoptosis were detected by both MTT assay and annexin V-FITC /propidium iodide (PI) staining. Result: In current study we observed that the cell death and apoptosis were significantly increased following nisin treatment, as compared to the control group. Conclusion: These results open a new window for establishment promising approaches with the concept of anti-cancer therapy by nisin in the future.

Expression of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Gene Family Members in Bladder Cancer Tissues and the 5637 Tumor Cell Line

Background: Apoptosis is suppressed in cancer tissues and tumor cell lines because anti-apoptosis genes are overexpressed. The inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) gene family contributes to control of apoptosis. The expression profile of eight genes of the IAP family in biopsies from patients with a history of bladder cancer and normal bladder tissues, as well as a bladder tumor cell line (5637), was assessed in the present study. Methods: Cancer tissue samples were obtained at surgery and the 5637 tumor cell line was cultured in RPMI1640 medium. Beyond tumor margins were selected as normal tissue. Expressional profile of interested genes was obtained by using specific primers and the real-time PCR method. Results: The results showed that expression of seven of the studied genes was up-regulated in cancer tissues and the cell line whereas BIRC4 (XIAP) was down-regulated in both. Conclusions: The results showed that these genes were expressed to a greater extent in cancer tissue and cancer cells than in normal tissues. The data suggested that over-expression of anti-apoptotic genes such as IAP family members, can trigger cells to escape from apoptosis.

The cytotoxicity effects of a novel Cu complex on MCF-7 human breast cancerous cells

A variety of biological activities, such as anti-microbial and anti-tumor properties was reported for 1,10-phenanthroline and its copper complexes. In this study, the anti-proliferative activity of a novel  [Cu(L)(phen)] complex was investigated on MCF-7 breast cancer cells using MTT assay. Since chemotherapy is lake of ability to distinguish between normal cells from cancerous cells, therefore we also investigated the effect of  [Cu(L)(phen)] complex on normal L929 cells. The results showed that following 24 and 48 h exposure of cells with  [Cu(L)(phen)] complex, the IC50 values for MCF-7 were significantly lower than that recorded for L929 and normal cells were less sensitive than cancerous cells to the complex. Additionally, the  [Cu(L)(phen)] complex displayed a time- and concentration-dependent cytotoxic response, with MCF-7 and L929 cells. Also flow cytometry findings suggest that  [Cu(L)(phen)] complex is capable of decreasing cancer cell viability through apoptosis and did not efficiently activate the necrosis process.

6-(Methylsulfonyl) hexyl isothiocyanate as potential chemopreventive agent: molecular and cellular profile in leukaemia cell lines

Numerous laboratory and epidemiological studies show that the risk of developing several types of cancer can be reduced with the employment of natural substances that act with multiple mechanisms. In this context, an important role is played by the isothiocyanates. Recently, 6-(methylsulfonyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MITC), present in the root of Wasabia Japonica, has stimulated the interest of researchers as a chemopreventive agent. In this particular study we have focused on evaluating 6-MITC’s in vitro cytotoxic, cytostatic and cytodifferentiating activities, as well as its pro-apoptotic potential. These effects were investigated by way of flow cytometric analysis of Jurkat and HL-60 cells as well as of healthy lymphocytes extracted from the blood of AVIS donors, in order to verify a potential selectivity of action. The results demonstrate that 6-MITC exerts a stronger cytotoxic effect on tumour cells than on healthy cells. The apoptosis induction exerted by 6-MITC on transformed cells is triggered by an extrinsic pathway, as demonstrated by the statistically significant increase in the percentage of cells with activated caspase-8. It was also observed that 6-MITC is able to limit tumour growth by slowing down and blocking the cell cycle of Jurkat and HL-60 cells respectively, in a dose- and time-related manner, while exerting no activity of any kind on the replication of healthy cells. Finally, by measuring the expression levels of CD-14 and CD-15, 6-MITC showed the ability to induce cytodifferentiation of HL-60 cells into macrophage and granulocytic phenotypes.

Atractylenolide II Inhibits Proliferation, Motility and Induces Apoptosis in Human Gastric Carcinoma Cell Lines HGC-27 and AGS

Atractylenolide II (AT-II) exhibits several biological and pharmacological functions, especially anti-cancer activity as the major sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Atractylodes macrocephala (also named Baizhu in Chinese). However, the effects and mechanisms of AT-II on human gastric cancer remain unclear. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, morphological changes, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and Western blot analysis were used to investigate the effects of AT-II on cell proliferation, apoptosis and motility of human gastric carcinoma cell lines HGC-27 and AGS. Our results indicated that AT-II could significantly inhibit cell proliferation, motility and induce apoptosis in a dose and time-dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that the expression level of Bax was upregulated and the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and phosphorylated-ERK (p-ERK) were downregulated compared to control group. In conclusion, the findings suggested that AT-II exerted significant anti-tumor effects on gastric carcinoma cells by modulating Akt/ERK signaling pathway, which might shed light on therapy of gastric carcinoma.