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Khan M, Lam SK, Yan S, Feng Y, Chen C, Ko FCF, Ho JCM. The anti-neoplastic impact of thymoquinone from Nigella sativa on small cell lung cancer: In vitro and in vivo investigations. J Cancer Res Ther 2024; 20:1224-1231. [PMID: 39206985 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_883_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Malignant and aggressive, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) constitutes about 15% of all diagnosed lung cancer cases. With primary therapeutic options such as chemotherapy accompanied by debilitating side effects, interest has been soaring in the therapeutic competencies of herbs. The pharmacological driving force behind the beneficial properties of Nigella sativa is the quinone, thymoquinone (TQ). The anti-cancer effects of TQ on different cancers have been extensively studied. Nonetheless, only one paper in the entire National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database describes its effects on SCLC. A more detailed investigation is required. METHODS The current study examined the impact of TQ in vitro on five SCLC cell lines and in vivo in a nude mouse xenograft model. The following in vitro effects of TQ on SCLC were evaluated: (a) cell viability; (b) apoptosis; (c) cell cycle arrest; (d) intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and (e) protein expression in concomitant signaling pathways. For the in vivo effects of TQ on SCLC, (a) tumor volume was measured, and (b) selected protein expression in selected concomitant signaling pathways was determined by Western blotting. RESULT In general, TQ reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, depleted ROS, and altered protein expression in associated signaling pathways. Furthermore, TQ exhibited a tumor-suppressive effect in an H446 SCLC xenograft model. CONCLUSION The cytotoxic impact of TQ arising from anti-cancer mechanisms was elucidated. The positive results obtained in this study warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahjabin Khan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Çınar İ, Gıdık B, Dirican E. Determination of anti-cancer effects of Nigella sativa seed oil on MCF7 breast and AGS gastric cancer cells. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:491. [PMID: 38578469 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09453-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic, apoptotic, invasion, metastasis, and heat shock proteins (HSPs) effects of N. sativa oil on breast and gastric cancer cells. METHODS We assessed the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of various concentrations of N. sativa oil (10-50-100-200 µg/mL) on MCF7 breast cancer and AGS, an adenocarcinoma of the gastric cell line, at 24, 48 and 72 h using the MTT test. Additionally, the expression of the Caspase-3, BCL2/Bax, MMP2-9 and HSP60-70 gene was examined using RT-PCR in cell lines treating with N. sativa. RESULTS The MTT experiments demonstrate that N. sativa has a time and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of MCF7 and AGS cancer cells. The vitality rates of MCF7 and AGS cells treated with N. sativa were 77.04-67.50% at 24 h, 65.28-39.14% at 48 h, and 48.95-32.31% at 72 h. The doses of 100 and 200 µg/mL were shown to be the most effective on both cancer cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed that N. sativa oil extract increased caspase-3 levels in both cell lines at higher concentrations and suppressed BCL2/Bax levels. Exposure of MCF7 and AGS cell lines to N. sativa caused a significant decrease in the expression of MMP2-9 and HSP60-70 genes over time, particularly at a dosage of 200 µg/mL compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that N. sativa oil has a dose-dependent effect on cytotoxicity and the expression of apoptotic, heat shock proteins, and matrix metalloproteinases genes in breast and gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- İrfan Çınar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Betül Gıdık
- Department of Organic Farming Management, Bayburt University, Bayburt, 69000, Turkey
| | - Ebubekir Dirican
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bilecik Şeyh Edabali University, Bilecik, Turkey.
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Gulbay G, Secme M, Ilhan H. Exploring the Potential of Thymoquinone-Stabilized Selenium Nanoparticles: In HEC1B Endometrial Cancer Cells Revealing Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:39822-39829. [PMID: 37901525 PMCID: PMC10601430 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this research is to examine the potential anticancer properties of thymoquinone (TQ)-encapsulated selenium nanoparticles (TQ-SeNPs) in HEC1B endometrial carcinoma cells. TQ-SeNPs were synthesized, and their size, morphology, and elemental analysis were characterized. Morphological changes were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cytotoxicity and viability of nanothymoquinone were assessed by the XTT (2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5 carboxanilide) assay. Gene expressions and protein levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were analyzed by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The decrease in the viability of HEC1B endometrial carcinoma cells was observed in a time- and dose-dependent manner. HEC-1B cells were treated with TQ-SeNP at 40-640 μg/mL concentrations and time intervals, and their viability was assessed by XTT assay. IC50 doses of TQ-SeNP in HEC1B cells were detected as 526.45 μg/mL at 48th hour. ELISA indicated that TQ-SeNP treatment reduced the level of p38 MAPK. ERK2, MEK2, and NFKB (p65) mRNA expressions were decreased in the dose group administered TQ-SeNP at the 48th hour compared to that in the control group. However, it was not significant. The novel nanoparticle showed an antiproliferative effect in endometrial cancer cells. However, further studies are needed to increase the anticancer activity of the cell in the TQ-SeNP interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonca Gulbay
- Department
of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu 52200, Turkey
| | - Mucahit Secme
- Department
of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu 52200, Turkey
| | - Hasan Ilhan
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ordu University, Ordu 52200, Turkey
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Elgohary S, Eissa RA, El Tayebi HM. Thymoquinone, a Novel Multi-Strike Inhibitor of Pro-Tumorigenic Breast Cancer (BC) Markers: CALR, NLRP3 Pathway and sPD-L1 in PBMCs of HR+ and TNBC Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14254. [PMID: 37762557 PMCID: PMC10531892 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is not only a mass of malignant cells but also a systemic inflammatory disease. BC pro-tumorigenic inflammation has been shown to promote immune evasion and provoke BC progression. The NOD-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is activated when pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) sense danger signals such as calreticulin (CALR) from damaged/dying cells, leading to the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). CALR is a novel BC biological marker, and its high levels are associated with advanced tumors. NLRP3 expression is strongly correlated with an elevated proliferative index Ki67, BC progression, metastasis, and recurrence in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and triple-negative BC (TNBC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) secrete high levels of IL-1β promoting endocrine resistance in HR+ BC. Recently, an immunosuppressive soluble form of programmed death ligand 1 (sPD-L1) has been identified as a novel prognostic biomarker in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Interestingly, IL-1β induces sPD-L1 release. BC Patients with elevated IL-1β and sPD-L1 levels show significantly short progression-free survival. For the first time, this study aims to investigate the inhibitory impact of thymoquinone (TQ) on CALR, the NLRP3 pathway and sPD-L1 in HR+ and TNBC. Blood samples were collected from 45 patients with BC. The effect of differing TQ concentrations for different durations on the expression of CALR, NLRP3 complex components and IL-1β as well as the protein levels of sPD-L1 and IL-1β were investigated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and TAMs of TNBC and HR+ BC patients, respectively. The findings showed that TQ significantly downregulated the expression of CALR, NLRP3 components and IL-1β together with the protein levels of secreted IL-1β and sPD-L1. The current findings demonstrated novel immunomodulatory effects of TQ, highlighting its potential role not only as an excellent adjuvant but also as a possible immunotherapeutic agent in HR+ and TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Elgohary
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt;
| | - Reda A. Eissa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11591, Egypt;
| | - Hend M. El Tayebi
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt;
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Urcun S, Baroli D, Rohan PY, Skalli W, Lubrano V, Bordas SP, Sciumè G. Non-operable glioblastoma: Proposition of patient-specific forecasting by image-informed poromechanical model. BRAIN MULTIPHYSICS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brain.2023.100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
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Dewdney B, Ursich L, Fletcher EV, Johns TG. Anoctamins and Calcium Signalling: An Obstacle to EGFR Targeted Therapy in Glioblastoma? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235932. [PMID: 36497413 PMCID: PMC9740065 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common form of high-grade glioma in adults and has a poor survival rate with very limited treatment options. There have been no significant advancements in glioblastoma treatment in over 30 years. Epidermal growth factor receptor is upregulated in most glioblastoma tumours and, therefore, has been a drug target in recent targeted therapy clinical trials. However, while many inhibitors and antibodies for epidermal growth factor receptor have demonstrated promising anti-tumour effects in preclinical models, they have failed to improve outcomes for glioblastoma patients in clinical trials. This is likely due to the highly plastic nature of glioblastoma tumours, which results in therapeutic resistance. Ion channels are instrumental in the development of many cancers and may regulate cellular plasticity in glioblastoma. This review will explore the potential involvement of a class of calcium-activated chloride channels called anoctamins in brain cancer. We will also discuss the integrated role of calcium channels and anoctamins in regulating calcium-mediated signalling pathways, such as epidermal growth factor signalling, to promote brain cancer cell growth and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Dewdney
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-6319-1023
| | - Lauren Ursich
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Emily V. Fletcher
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Terrance G. Johns
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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Chen F, Zhong Z, Zhang C, Lu Y, Chan YT, Wang N, Zhao D, Feng Y. Potential Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibitors in Management of Cancer: Therapeutic Opportunities from Herbal Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13334. [PMID: 36362132 PMCID: PMC9659249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a multifunctional protein involved in cellular communication, integrating and transducing extracellular signals from cell-surface membrane receptors. It plays a central role intracellularly and extracellularly within the tumor microenvironment. Perturbations in FAK signaling promote tumor occurrence and development, and studies have revealed its biological behavior in tumor cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion. Herein we provide an overview of the complex biology of the FAK family members and their context-dependent nature. Next, with a focus on cancer, we highlight the activities of FAK signaling in different types of cancer and how knowledge of them is being used for screening natural compounds used in herbal medicine to fight tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyu Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macau Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanjun Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Di Zhao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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The efficacy of applying some plants and herbs in cancer therapy for humans and animals – a comperhensive review. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2022-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Cancer is a challenging ailment and represents the main reason for death worldwide for humans and animals. Although great developments have hindered cancer progression, several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy. Natural remedies, such as the usage of medicinal plant or their products in cancer treatment, may decrease prejudicial side properties. Recently, the modern research scheme and innovative screening practices for herbs or plants have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of cancer. This criticism highlights herbs such as acacia, basil, black seeds, cedar, castus, ficus, garlic, ginger, indigo, onion, pomegranate, quince, and thyme, promising anticancer effects. The present review also revealed the mode of action of each herb as anticancer effects at level in vitro and in vivo studies. The item also totalizes the vital mechanisms and signaling molecules involved in preventing cancer diseases. This will fill the investigate gap in the exploration of using natural molecules and encourage researchers in clinical trials of anticancer agents from herbs for humans and animals.
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Alam M, Hasan GM, Ansari MM, Sharma R, Yadav DK, Hassan MI. Therapeutic implications and clinical manifestations of thymoquinone. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2022; 200:113213. [PMID: 35472482 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural phytochemical predominantly found in Nigella sativa, has been investigated for its numerous health benefits. TQ showed anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, validated in various disease models. The anti-cancer potential of TQ is goverened by anti-proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, ROS production, anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis, inhibition of cell migration and invasion action. Additionally, TQ exhibited antitumor activity via the modulation of multiple pathways and molecular targets, including Akt, ERK1/2, STAT3, and NF-κB. The present review highlighted the anticancer potential of TQ . We summarize the anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of TQ, focusing on its molecular targets and its promising action in cancer therapy. We further described the molecular mechanisms by which TQ prevents signaling pathways that mediate cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzar Alam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Meraj Ansari
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| | - Rishi Sharma
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Hambakmoeiro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon City, 21924, South Korea.
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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Narayanan P, Farghadani R, Nyamathulla S, Rajarajeswaran J, Thirugnanasampandan R, Bhuwaneswari G. Natural quinones induce ROS-mediated apoptosis and inhibit cell migration in PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cell line. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2022; 36:e23008. [PMID: 35253318 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most devastating of all malignancies with poor prognosis and high mortality rates worldwide. Thymoquinone, plumbagin and juglone, which are naturally occurring quinones, have been reported for their promising anticancer effect on different cancer cells. However, their mechanism of action and antimetastatic effects are largely unknown against the human pancreatic cancer cell line (PANC-1). In this study, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay revealed a dose-dependent decrease of viability in quinone-treated PANC-1 cells. In addition, the assessment of changes in cells has demonstrated an occurrence of typical apoptotic morphology in treated PANC-1 cells compared with control. Besides this, the apoptosis induction was further quantitatively confirmed through flow cytometry analysis. Furthermore, thymoquinone, plumbagin and juglone were evaluated for their influence on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation through 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) staining and they dramatically increased the intracellular ROS level in treated PANC-1 cells, suggesting the critical role of ROS in their apoptosis induction. This study also demonstrated the wound healing potential of these compounds and inhibited PANC-1 cell migration in a time-dependent manner compared with control. This inhibition was correlated with reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in juglone-treated cells detected through gelatin zymography. In conclusion, thymoquinone, plumbagin and juglone significantly inhibited cell growth and induced ROS-mediated apoptosis in PANC-1 cells. In addition, they could be potent antimetastatic agents due to their anti-migratory effect against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Narayanan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Reyhaneh Farghadani
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Shaik Nyamathulla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre for Natural Products Research and Drug Discovery (CENAR), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jayakumar Rajarajeswaran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai, India
| | - R Thirugnanasampandan
- Postgraduate and Research Department of Botany, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gunasekaran Bhuwaneswari
- Postgraduate and Research Department of Biotechnology, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Huwait E, Al-Gharawi N, Al-Ghamdi MA, Gari M, Prola A, Natesan Pushparaj P, Kalamegam G. Thymoquinone (TQ) Inhibits Inflammation and Migration of THP-1 Macrophages: Mechanistic Insights into the Prevention of Atherosclerosis Using In-Vitro and In-Silico Analysis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:1740-1753. [PMID: 35723378 PMCID: PMC9164073 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44040120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease mediated by interferon (IFN-γ) in concert with cell adhesion molecules and chemokines. Thymoquinone (TQ), a flavonoid derived from Nigella sativa, is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular protective properties. We evaluated the effects of TQ on the key pathogenic stages of atherosclerosis, including cell viability, inflammatory gene expression, cell migration, and cholesterol efflux, on human THP-1 macrophages in-vitro. Moreover, in-silico analysis was performed to predict the molecular targets and signaling mechanisms. We demonstrated that TQ treatment had no effect on cell viability and decreased the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) in response to IFN-γ. In addition, we have also demonstrated that the THP-1 cell migration was inhibited by TQ in the absence or presence of MCP-1. Thymoquinone had no effect on cholesterol efflux from monocytes. In-silico analysis also identified several putative targets for TQ that are associated with inflammatory diseases and associated signaling pathways. Collectively, these results suggest that TQ has anti-inflammatory effects and may be a potential nutraceutical candidate for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etimad Huwait
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.-G.); (M.A.A.-G.)
- Cell Culture Lab, Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (G.K.); Tel.: +966-505508255 (E.H.); +91-9551572736 (G.K.)
| | - Nouf Al-Gharawi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.-G.); (M.A.A.-G.)
| | - Maryam A. Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.-G.); (M.A.A.-G.)
| | - Mamdooh Gari
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.G.); (P.N.P.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alexandre Prola
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 rue Michel-Servet, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Peter Natesan Pushparaj
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.G.); (P.N.P.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Scinences, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Gauthaman Kalamegam
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Scinences, Chennai 600077, India
- Pharmaceutical Division, Nibblen Life Sciences Private Limited, Chennai 600061, India
- RMD Specialties Hospital, RMD Academy for Health (A Unit of Pain and Palliative Care Trust), Chennai 600017, India
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (G.K.); Tel.: +966-505508255 (E.H.); +91-9551572736 (G.K.)
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12
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Jehan S, Huang J, Farooq U, Basheer I, Zhou W. Combinatorial effect of thymoquinone with chemo agents for tumor therapy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 98:153936. [PMID: 35114449 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most chemotherapeutics used in cancer therapies exhibit considerable side effects to the patients. Thus, developing new chemo agents to treat cancer patients with minimal toxic and side effects is urgently needed. Recently, the combination of different chemotherapeutics has become a promising strategy to treat malignancies. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a primary bioactive compound derived from the folk medicinal plant Nigella sativa, which has been found an antitumor, chemopreventive and chemopotentiating agent against human neoplastic diseases. PURPOSE We briefly summarize the current research of the biomolecular mechanisms of TQ and evaluate the existing literature on TQ adjuvant therapies against various cancers. METHOD The data in this review were gathered by several search engines including, Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect. We highlighted and classified the outcomes of both in vitro and in vivo experiments of TQ adjuvant therapies against human cancers and their chemopreventive activities on vital organs. RESULTS Several studies have shown that TQ synergistically potentiated the antitumor activity of numerous chemo agents against human neoplastic disease, including lung, breast, liver, colorectal, skin, prostate, stomach, bone and blood cancers. TQ also acted as a chemopreventive agent and reduced the toxicity of many chemo agents to vital organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. CONCLUSION In summary, we highly recommend an advanced evaluation of TQ adjuvant therapies at the level of preclinical and clinical trials, which could lead to a novel combinatorial therapy for cancer treatment with low or tolerable adverse effects on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jehan
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiaxin Huang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Umar Farooq
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Irum Basheer
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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Natural Products for Cancer Therapy: A Review of Their Mechanism of Actions and Toxicity in the Past Decade. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:5794350. [PMID: 35309872 PMCID: PMC8933079 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5794350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ethnopharmacological information gathered over many centuries and the presence of diverse metabolites have made the medicinal plants as the prime source of drugs. Despite the positive attributes of natural products, there are many questions pertaining to their mechanism of actions and molecular targets that impede their development as therapeutic agents. One of the major challenges in cancer research is the toxicity exerted by investigational agents towards the host. An understanding of their molecular targets, underlying mechanisms can reveal their anticancer efficacy, help in optimal therapeutic dose selection, to mitigate their side effects and toxicity towards the host. The purpose of this review is to collate details on natural products that are recently been investigated extensively in the past decade for their anticancer potential. Besides, critical analysis of their molecular targets and underlying mechanisms on multiple cancer cell lines, an in-depth probe of their toxicological screening on rodent models is outlined as well to observe the prevalence of their toxicity towards host. This review can provide valuable insights for researchers in developing methods, strategies during preclinical and clinical evaluation of anticancer candidates.
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14
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Homayoonfal M, Asemi Z, Yousefi B. Potential anticancer properties and mechanisms of thymoquinone in osteosarcoma and bone metastasis. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:21. [PMID: 35236304 PMCID: PMC8903697 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00320-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite great advances, therapeutic approaches of osteosarcoma, the most prevalent class of preliminary pediatric bone tumors, as well as bone-related malignancies, continue to demonstrate insufficient adequacy. In recent years, a growing trend toward applying natural bioactive compounds, particularly phytochemicals, as novel agents for cancer treatment has been observed. Bioactive phytochemicals exert their anticancer features through two main ways: they induce cytotoxic effects against cancerous cells without having any detrimental impact on normal cell macromolecules such as DNA and enzymes, while at the same time combating the oncogenic signaling axis activated in tumor cells. Thymoquinone (TQ), the most abundant bioactive compound of Nigella sativa, has received considerable attention in cancer treatment owing to its distinctive properties, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis and metastasis inhibition, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, along with inducing immune system responses and reducing side effects of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. The present review is focused on the characteristics and mechanisms by which TQ exerts its cytotoxic effects on bone malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Homayoonfal
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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15
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Binlateh T, Uppatcha N, Thepchai J, Pleungtuk Y, Noisa P, Hutamekalin P, Jitprasertwong P. Cordycepin attenuates migration and invasion of HSC-4 oral squamous carcinoma cells through autophagy-dependent FAK/Akt and MMP2/MMP9 suppression. J Dent Sci 2022; 17:1677-1688. [PMID: 36299321 PMCID: PMC9588793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
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16
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Zhu Y, Sun Y, Zhang S, Li C, Zhao Y, Zhao B, Li G. Xinmai 'an extract enhances the efficacy of sildenafil in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension via inhibiting MAPK signalling pathway. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:594-605. [PMID: 34010580 PMCID: PMC8143608 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1917629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Xinmai 'an tablet has been used to improve myocardial blood supply. Recently, some compounds from its formula have shown that they can treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). OBJECTIVE This study investigates the effects of Xinmai 'an extract (XMA) on PAH and further tests the co-therapeutic enhancement with sildenafil (SIL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were subjected to stimulation with SIL (12.5 μM) and XMA (250 μg/mL) for 48 h. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly grouped into eight groups (n = 8 per group): (I) control group received saline; (II) MCT group received MCT (60 mg/kg); (III) SIL-Low group received MCT + SIL at 10 mg/kg/day; (IV) SIL-high group received MCT + SIL at 30 mg/kg/day; (V) XMA-High group received MCT + XMA at 251.6 mg/kg/day; (VI) SIL (Low)+XMA (Low) group received SIL (10 mg/kg) + XMA at 62.9 mg/kg/day; (VII) SIL (Low)+XMA (Medium) group received SIL (10 mg/kg) + XMA at 125.8 mg/kg/day; (VIII) SIL (Low)+XMA (High) group received SIL (10 mg/kg) + XMA at 251.6 mg/kg/day. Both XMA and SIL were given by gavage and were maintained daily for 2 weeks. RESULTS XMA could improve SIL's efficacy in the treatment of PAH by decreasing cell viability more effectively at non-cytotoxic concentrations (250 μg/mL) and reducing Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure (RVSP) in PAH rat. Potential mechanisms might at least in part be through activating the MAPK signalling pathway. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The combination of XMA and SIL can improve the efficacy of pulmonary hypertension and reduce the dosage of SIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaolu Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Rational Medication Evaluation and Drug Delivery Technology Lab, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yabin Sun
- Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Hutchison Whampoa Guangzhou Baiyunshan Chinese Medicine Company Limited, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shichang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Rational Medication Evaluation and Drug Delivery Technology Lab, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuyuan Li
- Office of the General Manager, Hutchison Whampoa Guangzhou Baiyunshan Chinese Medicine Company Limited, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Rational Medication Evaluation and Drug Delivery Technology Lab, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boxin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Rational Medication Evaluation and Drug Delivery Technology Lab, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guofeng Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Rational Medication Evaluation and Drug Delivery Technology Lab, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Medeiros M, Candido MF, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. The multifaceted NF-kB: are there still prospects of its inhibition for clinical intervention in pediatric central nervous system tumors? Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6161-6200. [PMID: 34333711 PMCID: PMC11072991 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03906-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the basic biology and pathogenesis of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, patients still have an extremely unfavorable prognosis. Over the years, a plethora of natural and synthetic compounds has emerged for the pharmacologic intervention of the NF-kB pathway, one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling cascades in human cancer with key roles in cell growth, survival, and therapy resistance. Here, we provide a review about the state-of-the-art concerning the dysregulation of this hub transcription factor in the most prevalent pediatric CNS tumors: glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma. Moreover, we compile the available literature on the anti-proliferative effects of varied NF-kB inhibitors acting alone or in combination with other therapies in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. As the wealth of basic research data continues to accumulate, recognizing NF-kB as a therapeutic target may provide important insights to treat these diseases, hopefully contributing to increase cure rates and lower side effects related to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Medeiros
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, FFCLRP-USP, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Bairro Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, CEP 14040-901, Brazil.
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18
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Hou Y, Li S, Du W, Li H, Wen R. The Tumor Suppressor Role of the Ras Association Domain Family 10. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:2207-2215. [PMID: 32664845 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200714141906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Ras association domain family 10(RASSF10), a tumor suppressor gene, is located on human chromosome 11p15.2, which is one of the members homologous to other N-terminal RASSF families obtained through structural prediction. RASSF10 plays an important role in inhibiting proliferation, invasion, and migration, inducing apoptosis, making cancer cells sensitive to docetaxel, and capturing G2/M phase. Some studies have found that RASSF10 may inhibit the occurrence and development of tumors by regulating Wnt/β-catenin, P53, and MMP2. Methylation of tumor suppressor gene promoter is a key factor in the development and progression of many tumors. Various methylation detection methods confirmed that the methylation and downregulation of RASSF10 often occur in various tumors, such as gastric cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, and leukemia. The status of RASSF10 methylation is positively correlated with tumor size, tumor type, and TNM stage. RASSF10 methylation can be used as a prognostic factor for overall survival and disease-free survival, and is also a sign of tumor diagnosis and sensitivity to docetaxel chemotherapy. In this review, we mainly elucidate the acknowledged structure and progress in the verified functions of RASSF10 and the probably relevant signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Hou
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuofeng Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Wei Du
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hailong Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Rumin Wen
- Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
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19
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Sarkar C, Jamaddar S, Islam T, Mondal M, Islam MT, Mubarak MS. Therapeutic perspectives of the black cumin component thymoquinone: A review. Food Funct 2021; 12:6167-6213. [PMID: 34085672 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo00401h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The dietary phytochemical thymoquinone (TQ), belonging to the family of quinones, mainly obtained from the black and angular seeds of Nigella sativa, is one of the promising monoterpenoid hydrocarbons, which has been receiving massive attention for its therapeutic potential and pharmacological properties. It plays an important role as a chemopreventive and therapeutic agent in the treatment of various diseases and illnesses. The aim of this review is to present a summary of the most recent literature pertaining to the use of TQ for the prevention and treatment of various diseases along with possible mechanisms of action, and the potential use of this natural product as a complementary or alternative medicine. Research findings indicated that TQ exhibits numerous pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anticancer, among others. Conclusions of this review on the therapeutic aspects of TQ highlight the medicinal and folk values of this compound against various diseases and ailments. In short, TQ could be a novel drug in clinical trials, as we hope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Sarkar
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj-8100, Bangladesh.
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20
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Elgohary S, Elkhodiry AA, Amin NS, Stein U, El Tayebi HM. Thymoquinone: A Tie-Breaker in SARS-CoV2-Infected Cancer Patients? Cells 2021; 10:302. [PMID: 33540625 PMCID: PMC7912962 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2(severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2) pandemic, arace to develop a vaccine has been initiated, considering the massive and rather significant economic and healthcare hits that this virus has caused. The pathophysiology occurring following COVID-19(coronavirus disease-2019) infection has givenhints regarding the supportive and symptomatic treatments to establish for patients, as no specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 is available yet. Patient symptoms vary greatly and range from mild symptoms to severe fatal complications. Supportive treatments include antipyretics, antiviral therapies, different combinations of broad-spectrum antibiotics, hydroxychloroquine and plasma transfusion. Unfortunately, cancer patients are at higher risk of viral infection and more likely to develop serious complications due to their immunocompromised state, the fact that they are already administering multiple medications, as well as combined comorbidity compared to the general population. It may seem impossible to find a drug that possesses both potent antiviral and anticancer effects specifically against COVID-19 infection and its complications and the existing malignancy, respectively. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the most pharmacologically active ingredient in Nigella sativa seeds (black seeds); it is reported to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various settings. In this review, we will discuss the multiple effects of TQ specifically against COVID-19, its beneficial effects against COVID-19 pathophysiology and multiple-organ complications, its use as an adjuvant for supportive COVID-19 therapy and cancer therapy, and finally, its anticancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Elgohary
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
| | - Aya A. Elkhodiry
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
| | - Nada S. Amin
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
| | - Ulrike Stein
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hend M. El Tayebi
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
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21
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Park G, Song NY, Kim DH, Lee SJ, Chun KS. Thymoquinone Suppresses Migration of Human Renal Carcinoma Caki-1 Cells through Inhibition of the PGE 2-Mediated Activation of the EP2 Receptor Pathway. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2021; 29:64-72. [PMID: 32843585 PMCID: PMC7771838 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2020.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is likely to metastasize to other organs, and is often resistant to conventional chemotherapies. Thymoquinone (TQ), a phytochemical derived from the seeds of Nigella sativa, has been shown to inhibit migration and metastasis in various cancers. In this study, we assessed the effect of TQ on the migratory activity of human RCC Caki-1 cells. We found that treatment with TQ reduced the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in Caki-1 cells. TQ significantly repressed prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, its EP2 receptor expression as well as the activation of Akt and p38, the wellknown upstream signal proteins of MMP-9. In addition, treatment with butaprost, a PGE2 agonist, also induced MMP-9 activity and migration/invasion in Caki-1 cells. Moreover, pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K/Akt and p38 remarkably attenuated butaprostinduced Caki-1 cell migration and invasion, implying that activation of PI3K/Akt and p38 is a bridge between the PGE2-EP2 axis and MMP-9-dependent migration and invasion. Taken together, these data suggest that TQ is a promising anti-metastatic drug to treat advanced and metastatic RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geumi Park
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Young Song
- College of Dentistry, Younsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Convergence and Integrated Science, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jun Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Center, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Soo Chun
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
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22
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Thymoquinone-Loaded Soluplus ®-Solutol ® HS15 Mixed Micelles: Preparation, In Vitro Characterization, and Effect on the SH-SY5Y Cell Migration. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204707. [PMID: 33066549 PMCID: PMC7587349 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active ingredient of Nigella sativa essential oil, with remarkable anti-neoplastic activities with anti-invasive and anti-migratory abilities on a variety of cancer cell lines. However, its poor water solubility, high instability in aqueous solution and pharmacokinetic drawbacks limits its use in therapy. Soluplus® and Solutol® HS15 were employed as amphiphilic polymers for developing polymeric micelles (SSM). Chemical and physical characterization studies of micelles are reported, in terms of size, homogeneity, zeta potential, critical micelle concentration (CMC), cloud point, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), load capacity (DL), in vitro release, and stability. This study reports for the first time the anti-migratory activity of TQ and TQ loaded in SSM (TQ-SSM) in the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line. The inhibitory effect was assessed by the wound-healing assay and compared with that of the unformulated TQ. The optimal TQ-SSM were provided with small size (56.71 ± 1.41 nm) and spherical shape at ratio of 1:4 (Soluplus:Solutol HS15), thus increasing the solubility of about 10-fold in water. The entrapment efficiency and drug loading were 92.4 ± 1.6% and 4.68 ± 0.12, respectively, and the colloidal dispersion are stable during storage for a period of 40 days. The TQ-SSM were also lyophilized to obtain a more workable product and with increased stability. In vitro release study indicated a prolonged release of TQ. In conclusion, the formulation of TQ into SSM allows a bio-enhancement of TQ anti-migration activity, suggesting that TQ-SSM is a better candidate than unformulated TQ to inhibit human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell migration.
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Gomathinayagam R, Ha JH, Jayaraman M, Song YS, Isidoro C, Dhanasekaran DN. Chemopreventive and Anticancer Effects of Thymoquinone: Cellular and Molecular Targets. J Cancer Prev 2020; 25:136-151. [PMID: 33033708 PMCID: PMC7523033 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2020.25.3.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a bioactive component derived from the seeds of Nigella sativa that are commonly as black cumin. Evidences indicate that the medicinal properties of TQ have been recognized for more than 2000 years. TQ has been shown to possess potent chemopreventive properties that include anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic activities. Recent studies have unraveled the multiple mechanisms through which TQ exerts its chemopreventive and anticancer activity in different cancer cells in a contextual manner. The present review aims to provide a brief compendium on the molecular mechanisms through which TQ inhibits signaling pathways underlying cancer genesis, progression, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Gomathinayagam
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Ji Hee Ha
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Muralidharan Jayaraman
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yong Sang Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and NanoBioImaging, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Danny N Dhanasekaran
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Afrose SS, Junaid M, Akter Y, Tania M, Zheng M, Khan MA. Targeting kinases with thymoquinone: a molecular approach to cancer therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:2294-2306. [PMID: 32721537 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Kinases are enzymes that are important for cellular functions, but their overexpression has strong connections with carcinogenesis, rendering them important targets for anticancer drugs. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural compound with proven anticancer activities, at least in preclinical studies. TQ can target several kinases, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), and tyrosine kinase in different cancer cells and animal models. Inhibiting the activity of kinases or suppressing their expression might be among the mechanisms of TQ anticancer activity. In this review, we discuss the role of TQ in kinase regulation in different cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Md Junaid
- Molecular Modeling Drug-design and Discovery Laboratory, Pharmacology Research Division, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Yeasmin Akter
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science & Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Division of Molecular Cancer, Red Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Meiling Zheng
- The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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Src Inhibitors Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines, Si306 and Pro-Si306, Inhibit Focal Adhesion Kinase and Suppress Human Glioblastoma Invasion In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061570. [PMID: 32545852 PMCID: PMC7352231 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), as the most aggressive brain tumor, displays a high expression of Src tyrosine kinase, which is involved in the survival, migration, and invasiveness of tumor cells. Thus, Src emerged as a potential target for GBM therapy. The effects of Src inhibitors pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines, Si306 and its prodrug pro-Si306 were investigated in human GBM cell lines (U87 and U87-TxR) and three primary GBM cell cultures. Primary GBM cells were more resistant to Si306 and pro-Si306 according to the 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. However, the ability of all GBM cells to degrade the extracellular matrix was considerably compromised after Si306 and pro-Si306 applications. Besides reducing the phosphorylation of Src and its downstream signaling pathway components, both compounds decreased the phosphorylated form of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, showing the potential to suppress the aggressiveness of GBM. In vivo, Si306 and pro-Si306 displayed an anti-invasive effect against U87 xenografts in the zebrafish embryo model. Considering that Si306 and pro-Si306 are able to cross the blood–brain barrier and suppress the spread of GBM cells, we anticipate their clinical testing in the near future. Moreover, the prodrug showed similar efficacy to the drug, implying the rationality of its use in clinical settings.
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Differential effects of thymoquinone on lysophosphatidic acid-induced oncogenic pathways in ovarian cancer cells. J Tradit Complement Med 2020; 10:207-216. [PMID: 32670815 PMCID: PMC7340879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone, a therapeutic phytochemical derived from Nigella sativa, has been shown to have a potent anticancer activity. However, it has been identified that the tumor microenvironment (TME) can attenuate the anticancer effects of thymoquinone (TQ) in ovarian cancer. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a lipid growth factor present in high concentration in the TME of ovarian cancer, has been shown to regulate multiple oncogenic pathways in ovarian cancer. Taking account of the crucial role of LPA in the genesis and progression of ovarian cancer, the present study is focused on assessing the efficacy of TQ in inhibiting LPA-stimulated oncogenic pathways in ovarian cancer cells. Our results indicate that TQ is unable to attenuate LPA-stimulated proliferation or metabolic reprogramming in ovarian cancer cells. However, TQ potently inhibits the basal as well as LPA-stimulated migratory responses of the ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, TQ abrogates the invasive migration of ovarian cancer cells induced by Gαi2, through which LPA stimulates cell migration. TQ also attenuates the activation of JNK, Src, and FAK, the downstream signaling nodes of LPA-LPAR-Gαi2 signaling pathway. In addition to establishing the differential effects of TQ in ovarian cancer cells, our results unravel the antitherapeutic role of LPA in the ovarian cancer TME could override the inhibitory effects of TQ on cell proliferation and metabolic reprogramming of ovarian cancer cells. More importantly, the concomitant finding that TQ could still sustain its inhibitory effect on LPA-stimulated invasive cell migration, points to its potential use as a response-specific therapeutic agent in ovarian cancer. LPA, present in the TME of ovarian cancer, plays a determinant role in limiting the anti-oncogenic efficacy of TQ. TQ has no inhibitory effect on LPA-stimulated oncogenic cell proliferation and metabolic reprogramming. However, TQ potently inhibits both the basal and LPA- or the downstream Gαi2-induced invasive migration ovarian cancer cells. Corollary to these findings, TQ also inhibits JNK, Src, and FAK that are involved in LPA-induced invasive cell migration. These findings identify the potential of TQ as a response-specific therapeutic phytochemical in vivo.
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Stelmashook EV, Chetverikov NS, Golyshev SA, Genrikhs EE, Isaev NK. Thymoquinone Induces Mitochondrial Damage and Death of Cerebellar Granule Neurons. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2020; 85:205-212. [PMID: 32093596 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920020078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) exhibits a wide spectrum of biological activities. Most studies on the neurotoxic action of TQ have been carried out in cancer cell lines. Here, we studied the toxic effect of TQ in primary neuronal cultures in vitro. Incubation with 0.04-0.05 mM TQ for 24 h induced the death of cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) in a dose-dependent manner. Neuronal death was preceded by an increase in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as demonstrated using CellROX Green and MitoSOX Red. Confocal and electron microscopy showed that incubation with 0.05 mM TQ for 5 h induced changes in the intracellular localization of mitochondria and mitochondria hypertrophy and cell swelling. The antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (2 mM) protected CGNs from the toxic action of TQ. Taken together, these facts suggest that TQ is toxic for normal neurons, while ROS-induced changes in the mitochondria can be one of the major causes of the TQ-induced neuronal damage and death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N S Chetverikov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - S A Golyshev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - E E Genrikhs
- Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - N K Isaev
- Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, 125367, Russia. .,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, Moscow, 119234, Russia
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Ibiyeye KM, Zuki ABZ. Cockle Shell-Derived Aragonite CaCO 3 Nanoparticles for Co-Delivery of Doxorubicin and Thymoquinone Eliminates Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051900. [PMID: 32164352 PMCID: PMC7084823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells CSCs (tumour-initiating cells) are responsible for cancer metastasis and recurrence associated with resistance to conventional chemotherapy. This study generated MBA MD231 3D cancer stem cells enriched spheroids in serum-free conditions and evaluated the influence of combined doxorubicin/thymoquinone-loaded cockle-shell-derived aragonite calcium carbonate nanoparticles. Single loaded drugs and free drugs were also evaluated. WST assay, sphere forming assay, ALDH activity analysis, Surface marker of CD44 and CD24 expression, apoptosis with Annexin V-PI kit, cell cycle analysis, morphological changes using a phase contrast light microscope, scanning electron microscopy, invasion assay and migration assay were carried out; The combination therapy showed enhanced apoptosis, reduction in ALDH activity and expression of CD44 and CD24 surface maker, reduction in cellular migration and invasion, inhibition of 3D sphere formation when compared to the free drugs and the single drug-loaded nanoparticle. Scanning electron microscopy showed poor spheroid formation, cell membrane blebbing, presence of cell shrinkage, distortion in the spheroid architecture; and the results from this study showed that combined drug-loaded cockle-shell-derived aragonite calcium carbonate nanoparticles can efficiently destroy the breast CSCs compared to single drug-loaded nanoparticle and a simple mixture of doxorubicin and thymoquinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehinde Muibat Ibiyeye
- Laboratory of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Abu Bakar Zakaria Zuki
- Laboratory of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia;
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60196046659
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Antonosante A, Brandolini L, d’Angelo M, Benedetti E, Castelli V, Maestro MD, Luzzi S, Giordano A, Cimini A, Allegretti M. Autocrine CXCL8-dependent invasiveness triggers modulation of actin cytoskeletal network and cell dynamics. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:1928-1951. [PMID: 31986121 PMCID: PMC7053615 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is the most representative form of primary malignant brain tumour. Several studies indicated a pleiotropic role of CXCL8 in cancer due to its ability to modulate the tumour microenvironment, growth and aggressiveness of tumour cell. Previous studies indicated that CXCL8 by its receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2) induced activation of the PI3K/p-Akt pathway, a crucial event in the regulation of cytoskeleton rearrangement and cell mobilization. Human GB primary cell culture and U-87MG cell line were used to study the effects of CXCR1 and CXCR2 blockage, by a dual allosteric antagonist, on cell migration and cytoskeletal dynamics. The data obtained point towards a specific effect of autocrine CXCL8 signalling on GB cell invasiveness by the activation of pathways involved in cell migration and cytoskeletal dynamics, such as PI3K/p-Akt/p-FAK, p-cortactin, RhoA, Cdc42, Acetylated α-tubulin and MMP2. All the data obtained support the concept that autocrine CXCL8 signalling plays a key role in the activation of an aggressive phenotype in primary glioblastoma cells and U-87MG cell line. These results provide new insights about the potential of a pharmacological approach targeting CXCR1/CXCR2 pathways to decrease migration and invasion of GB cells in the brain parenchyma, one of the principal mechanisms of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Antonosante
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Sabino Luzzi
- San Matteo Hospital, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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Liu WJ, Du Y, Wen R, Yang M, Xu J. Drug resistance to targeted therapeutic strategies in non-small cell lung cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 206:107438. [PMID: 31715289 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rapidly developing molecular biology techniques have been employed to identify cancer driver genes in specimens from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Inhibitors and antibodies that specifically target driver gene-mediated signaling pathways to suppress tumor growth and progression are expected to extend the survival time and further improve the quality of life of patients. However, the health of patients with advanced and metastatic NSCLC presents significant challenges due to treatment resistance, mediated by cancer driver gene alteration, epigenetic alteration, and tumor heterogeneity. In this review, we discuss two different resistance mechanisms in NSCLC targeted therapies, namely changes in the targeted oncogenes (on-target resistance) and changes in other related signaling pathways (off-target resistance) in tumor cells. We highlight the conventional mechanisms of drug resistance elicited by the complex heterogeneous microenvironment of NSCLC during targeted therapy, including mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), the receptor tyrosine kinase ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1), and the serine/threonine-protein kinase BRAF (v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B). We also discuss the mechanism of action of less common oncoproteins, as in-depth understanding of these molecular mechanisms is important for optimizing treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juan Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Yue Du
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ru Wen
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA
| | - Ming Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
| | - Jian Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Fazary AE, Ibrahium HA, Youssef MA, Awwad NS, Abd-Rabboh HSM. Solution Equilibria of Holmium(III) and Gadolinium(III) Complexes of Thymoquinone. J SOLUTION CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10953-019-00918-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Zhu N, Xiang Y, Zhao X, Cai C, Chen H, Jiang W, Wang Y, Zeng C. Thymoquinone suppresses platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration and neointimal formation. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:8482-8492. [PMID: 31638340 PMCID: PMC6850929 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are mainly responsible for vascular occlusion diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and restenosis. Our previous study demonstrated thymoquinone (TQ) attenuated monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. The aim of the present study is to systematically examine inhibitory effects of TQ on platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB)–induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs in vitro and neointimal formation in vivo and elucidate the potential mechanisms. Vascular smooth muscle cells were isolated from the aorta in rats. Cell viability and proliferation were measured in VSMCs using the MTT assay. Cell migration was detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assay. Alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and Ki‐67‐positive cells were examined by immunofluorescence staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry and terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining, respectively. Molecules including the mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis factors, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), PTEN/AKT and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were determined by Western blot. Neointimal formation was induced by ligation in male Sprague Dawley rats and evaluated by HE staining. Thymoquinone inhibited PDGF‐BB–induced VSMC proliferation and the increase in α‐SMA and Ki‐67‐positive cells. Thymoquinone also induced apoptosis via mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis pathway and p38MAPK. Thymoquinone blocked VSMC migration by inhibiting MMP2. Finally, TQ reversed neointimal formation induced by ligation in rats. Thus, TQ is a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of occlusive vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yijia Xiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Xuyong Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Changhong Cai
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenbing Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunlai Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, China
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Epigenetic role of thymoquinone: impact on cellular mechanism and cancer therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:2315-2322. [PMID: 31541714 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone is a natural product known for its anticancer activity. Preclinical studies indicated numerous mechanisms of action by which thymoquinone exerts its effects on cancer cells. Recent evidence has indicated that thymoquinone can modulate epigenetic machinery, like modifying histone acetylation and deacetylation, DNA methylation and demethylation, which are among the major epigenetic changes that can contribute to carcinogenesis. Moreover, thymoquinone can alter the genetic expression of various noncoding RNAs, such as miRNA and lncRNA, which are the key parts of cellular epigenetics. This review focuses on cellular epigenetic systems, epigenetic changes responsible for cancer and the counteraction of thymoquinone to target epigenetic challenges, which might be among the mechanisms of the thymoquinone effect in cancer cells.
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Krylova NG, Drobysh MS, Semenkova GN, Kulahava TA, Pinchuk SV, Shadyro OI. Cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of thymoquinone on rat C6 glioma cells depend on oxidative stress. Mol Cell Biochem 2019; 462:195-206. [PMID: 31493190 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-019-03622-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a highly perspective chemotherapeutic agent against gliomas and glioblastomas because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and its selective cytotoxicity for glioblastoma cells compared to primary astrocytes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that TQ-induced mild oxidative stress provokes C6 glioma cell apoptosis through redox-dependent alteration of MAPK proteins. We showed that low concentrations of TQ (20-50 μM) promoted cell-cycle arrest and induced hydrogen peroxide generation as a result of NADH-quinone oxidoreductase 1-catalyzed two-electron reduction of this quinone. Similarly, low concentrations of TQ efficiently conjugated intracellular GSH disturbing redox state of glioma cells and provoking mitochondrial dysfunction. We demonstrated that high concentrations of TQ (70-100 μM) induced reactive oxygen species generation due to its one-electron reduction. TQ provoked apoptosis in C6 glioma cells through mitochondrial potential dissipation and permeability transition pore opening. The identified TQ modes of action on C6 glioma cells open up the possibility of considering it as a promising agent to enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to standard chemotherapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Krylova
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, Belarusian State University, 4 Nezavisimosti ave., 220030, Minsk, Belarus
| | - M S Drobysh
- Department of Radiation Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Belarusian State University, 14 Leningradskaya st., 220030, Minsk, Belarus
| | - G N Semenkova
- Department of Radiation Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Belarusian State University, 14 Leningradskaya st., 220030, Minsk, Belarus
| | - T A Kulahava
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, Belarusian State University, 4 Nezavisimosti ave., 220030, Minsk, Belarus.
| | - S V Pinchuk
- Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 27 Academicheskaya st., 220072, Minsk, Belarus
| | - O I Shadyro
- Department of Radiation Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Belarusian State University, 14 Leningradskaya st., 220030, Minsk, Belarus
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Kundu M, Das S, Dhara D, Mandal M. Prospect of natural products in glioma: A novel avenue in glioma management. Phytother Res 2019; 33:2571-2584. [PMID: 31359523 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Glioma is one of the most perplexing cancers because of its infiltrating nature, molecular signaling, and location in central nervous system. Blood-brain barrier acts as a natural barrier to the glioma making it difficult to access by conventional chemotherapy. Clinicians are using natural compounds or their derivatives for several diseases including different cancers. However, the feasibility of using natural compounds in glioma is not explored in details. Natural compounds can act over a wide variety of signaling pathways such as survival and metabolic pathways and induce cell death. Some of the natural agents have additional benefits of crossing biological barriers such as blood-brain barrier with ease having few or no impact on the surrounding healthy cells. All of these benefits make natural compounds a prospective candidate for the glioma management. This article evaluates the benefits of using natural compounds for glioma therapy and their possible mechanism of actions. We have discussed the natural compounds assessed currently for glioma therapy and proposed a few novel natural compounds with potential antiglioma effect based on their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Kundu
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Subhayan Das
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Dibakar Dhara
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Mahitosh Mandal
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
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Shahein SA, Aboul-Enein AM, Higazy IM, Abou-Elella F, Lojkowski W, Ahmed ER, Mousa SA, AbouAitah K. Targeted anticancer potential against glioma cells of thymoquinone delivered by mesoporous silica core-shell nanoformulations with pH-dependent release. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:5503-5526. [PMID: 31410001 PMCID: PMC6650459 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s206899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Glioma is one of the most aggressive primary brain tumors and is incurable. Surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapies have been the standard treatments for brain tumors, however, they damage healthy tissue. Therefore, there is a need for safe anticancer drug delivery systems. This is particularly true for natural prodrugs such as thymoquinone (TQ), which has a high therapeutic potential for cancers but has poor water solubility and insufficient targeting capacity. We have tailored novel core-shell nanoformulations for TQ delivery against glioma cells using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as a carrier. METHODS The core-shell nanoformulations were prepared with a core of MSNs loaded with TQ (MSNTQ), and the shell consisted of whey protein and gum Arabic (MSNTQ-WA), or chitosan and stearic acid (MSNTQ-CS). Nanoformulations were characterized, studied for release kinetics and evaluated for anticancer activity on brain cancer cells (SW1088 and A172) and cortical neuronal cells-2 (HCN2) as normal cells. Furthermore, they were evaluated for caspase-3, cytochrome c, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis to understand the possible anticancer mechanism. RESULTS TQ release was pH-dependent and different for core and core-shell nanoformulations. A high TQ release from MSNTQ was detected at neutral pH 7.4, while a high TQ release from MSNTQ-WA and MSNTQ-CS was obtained at acidic pH 5.5 and 6.8, respectively; thus, TQ release in acidic tumor environment was enhanced. The release kinetics fitted with the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model corresponding to diffusion-controlled release. Comparative in vitro tests with cancer and normal cells indicated a high anticancer efficiency for MSNTQ-WA compared to free TQ, and low cytotoxicity in the case of normal cells. The core-shell nanoformulations significantly improved caspase-3 activation, cytochrome c triggers, cell cycle arrest at G2/M, and apoptosis induction compared to TQ. CONCLUSION Use of MSNs loaded with TQ permit improved cancer targeting and opens the door to translating TQ into clinical application. Particularly good results were obtained for MSNTQ-WA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar A Shahein
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Aboul-Enein
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Iman M Higazy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre (NRC), Giza, Egypt
| | - Faten Abou-Elella
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Witold Lojkowski
- Laboratory of Nanostructures, Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Esam R Ahmed
- Confirmatory Diagnostic Unit, Egyptian Organization for Vaccine, Sera and Biological Products (VACSERA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Shaker A Mousa
- The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Khaled AbouAitah
- Laboratory of Nanostructures, Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre (NRC), Giza, Egypt
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Ibiyeye KM, Nordin N, Ajat M, Zuki ABZ. Ultrastructural Changes and Antitumor Effects of Doxorubicin/Thymoquinone-Loaded CaCO 3 Nanoparticles on Breast Cancer Cell Line. Front Oncol 2019; 9:599. [PMID: 31334120 PMCID: PMC6617642 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Combination chemotherapy of anticancer drugs is extensively being researched since it could reduce multidrug resistance and side effects as a result of lower dosage of each drug. In this study, we evaluated the effects of doxorubicin-loaded (Dox-ACNP), thymoquinone-loaded (TQ-ACNP) and a combined doxorubicin/thymoquinone-loaded cockle shell-derived aragonite calcium carbonate nanoparticles (Dox/TQ-ACNP) on breast cancer cell line and compared with their free drugs counterpart. Methods: Cell viability using MTT assay, apoptosis with Annexin V-PI kit, morphological changes using contrast light microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope, cell cycle analysis, invasion assay, and scratch assay were carried out. The cell viability was evaluated in breast cancer cell line (MDA MB231), normal breast cells (MDF10A) and normal fibroblast (3T3). Results: MDA MB231 IC50 dosages of drug-loaded nanoparticle were not toxic to the normal cells. The combination therapy showed enhanced apoptosis, reduction in cellular migration and invasion when compared to the single drug-loaded nanoparticle and the free drugs. Scanning electron microscope showed presence of cell shrinkage, cell membrane blebbing, while transmission electron microscope showed nuclear fragmentation, disruption of cell membrane, apoptotic bodies, and disruption of mitochondrial cistern. Conclusion: The results from this study showed that the combined drug-loaded cockle shell-derived aragonite calcium carbonate nanoparticles (Dox/TQ-ACNP) showed higher efficacy in breast cancer cells at lower dose of doxorubicin and thymoquinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehinde Muibat Ibiyeye
- Laboratory of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Norshariza Nordin
- Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Mokrish Ajat
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Abu Bakar Zakaria Zuki
- Laboratory of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
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Zhou Y, Shu C, Huang Y. Fibronectin promotes cervical cancer tumorigenesis through activating FAK signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:10988-10997. [PMID: 30977220 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a cancer arising from the cervix, and it is the fourth most common cause of death in women. Overexpression of fibronectin 1 (FN1) was observed in many tumors and associated with the survival and metastasis of cancer cells. However, the mechanism by which FN1 promotes cervical cancer cell viability, migration, adhesion, and invasion, and inhibits cell apoptosis through focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathway remains to be investigated. Our results demonstrated that FN1 was upregulated in patients with cervical cancer and higher FN1 expression correlated with a poor prognosis for patients with cervical cancer. FN1 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited SiHa cell viability, migration, invasion, and adhesion, and promoted cell apoptosis. FN1 overexpression in CaSki cell promoted cell viability, migration, invasion, and adhesion, and inhibited cell apoptosis. Further, phosphorylation of FAK, a main downstream signaling molecule of FN1, and the protein expression of Bcl-2/Bax, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and N-cadherin was upregulated in CaSki cells with FN1 overexpression, but caspase-3 protein expression was downregulated. The FAK phosphorylation inhibitor PF573228 inhibited FN1 overexpression-induced expression of those proteins in CaSki cells with FN1 overexpression. In vivo experiment demonstrated that FN1 knockdown significantly inhibited FN1 expression, phosphorylation of FAK, and tumor growth in xenograft from the nude mice. These results suggest that FN1 regulates the viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and adhesion of cervical cancer cells through the FAK signaling pathway and is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Changzhen Shu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Suzhou, China
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A critical review on anti-angiogenic property of phytochemicals. J Nutr Biochem 2019; 71:1-15. [PMID: 31174052 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, a process involved in neovascularization, has been found to be associated with several metabolic diseases like cancer, retinopathy etc. Thus, currently, the focus on anti-angiogenic therapy for treatment and prevention of diseases has gained significant attention. Currently available Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs are targeting either vascular endothelial growth factor or it's receptor, but in the long term, these approaches were shown to cause several side effects and the chances of developing resistance to these drugs is also high. Therefore, identification of safe and cost-effective anti-angiogenic molecules is highly imperative. Over the past decades, dietary based natural compounds have been studied for their anti-angiogenic potential which provided avenues in improving the angiogenesis based therapy. In this review, major emphasis is given to the molecular mechanism behind anti-angiogenic effect of natural compounds from dietary sources.
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40
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Imran M, Rauf A, Khan IA, Shahbaz M, Qaisrani TB, Fatmawati S, Abu-Izneid T, Imran A, Rahman KU, Gondal TA. Thymoquinone: A novel strategy to combat cancer: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:390-402. [PMID: 29966985 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The higher consumption of fruit, herbs, spices, and vegetables is well known and practical strategy to cure human cancers owing to their presence of bioactive compounds. Among these, Nigella sativa is a promising source of bioactive compounds including thymoquinone, monoterpenes, p-cymene and α-piene etc. Thymoquinone has been found effective to inhibit the different cancer stages such as proliferation, migration and invasion. It also acts as anticancer agent against different human cancers such as breast, pancreatic, prostate, blood, oral, bone, head and neck, cervical, liver and lung. It significantly mediated miR-34a up-regulation, enhanced the levels of miR-34a through p53, and down controlled Rac1 expression. Thymoquinone induces apoptosis, regulates the levels of pro- and anti- apoptotic genes. It also has been known to lower the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IKKα/β and reduces the metastasis as well as also lowered the ERK1/2 and PI3K activities. Thymoquinone inhibits the metastasis through activation of JNK and p38. The present review article highlights the anticancer perspectives of thymoquinone in human by various pathways and use of this compound as diet based therapy has proven new pharmacological agent against several types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Imtiaz Ali Khan
- Department ofAgriculture, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahbaz
- Department of Food science and Technology, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Sri Fatmawati
- Department of Chemistry,Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS-Sukolilo, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, P.O.Box 42, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Imran
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Khaliq Ur Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Tanweer Aslam Gondal
- School of Exercise and Nutrition, Centre of Advanced Sensory Science, Deakin University, Australia
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41
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Chowdhury FA, Hossain MK, Mostofa AGM, Akbor MM, Bin Sayeed MS. Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone in Glioblastoma Treatment: Targeting Major Gliomagenesis Signaling Pathways. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4010629. [PMID: 29651429 PMCID: PMC5831880 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4010629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most devastating brain tumors with median survival of one year and presents unique challenges to therapy because of its aggressive behavior. Current treatment strategy involves surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy even though optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach and knowledge of potential complications from both the disease and its treatment. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa L., has exhibited anticancer effects in numerous preclinical studies. Due to its multitargeting nature, TQ interferes in a wide range of tumorigenic processes and counteract carcinogenesis, malignant growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. TQ can specifically sensitize tumor cells towards conventional cancer treatments and minimize therapy-associated toxic effects in normal cells. Its potential to enter brain via nasal pathway due to volatile nature of TQ adds another advantage in overcoming blood-brain barrier. In this review, we summarized the potential role of TQ in different signaling pathways in GBM that have undergone treatment with standard therapeutic modalities or with TQ. Altogether, we suggest further comprehensive evaluation of TQ in preclinical and clinical level to delineate its implied utility as novel therapeutics to combat the challenges for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabliha Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kamal Hossain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - A. G. M. Mostofa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Maruf Mohammad Akbor
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
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42
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Therapeutic effects of thymoquinone for the treatment of central nervous system tumors: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 96:1440-1444. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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43
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Shanmugam MK, Arfuso F, Kumar AP, Wang L, Goh BC, Ahn KS, Bishayee A, Sethi G. Modulation of diverse oncogenic transcription factors by thymoquinone, an essential oil compound isolated from the seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. Pharmacol Res 2017; 129:357-364. [PMID: 29162539 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), isolated almost fifty years ago, is the main bioactive constituent of black seed essential oil extracted from the seed of Nigella sativa. TQ has been shown to have promising effects against a variety of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Cancer development is a multistep process where normal cells acquire qualities that enable the cells to proliferate continuously and migrate to distant sites in the human body. Drugs that interfere with this process are considered potential anti-cancer therapeutics, which may ultimately result in their clinical usage. TQ is once such compound which has been reported to modulate several major signaling pathways and key oncogenic molecules that play a prominent role in cancer initiation, progression, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Various studies have reported that TQ can enhance the anti-cancer potential when co-administered with several chemotherapeutic agents while reducing their toxic side effects. In addition, TQ has been shown to inhibit the growth of breast, prostate, pancreatic, colon, lung, and hematological malignancies in different mouse models of cancer. This review focuses on TQ's chemical and pharmacological properties, its diverse molecular targets and also provides clear evidence on its promising potential under preclinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Frank Arfuso
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia; National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, 117600, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, 119228, Singapore
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyungheedae-gil, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 130-701, South Korea, South Korea
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, 18301 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33169, USA
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
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44
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Goyal SN, Prajapati CP, Gore PR, Patil CR, Mahajan UB, Sharma C, Talla SP, Ojha SK. Therapeutic Potential and Pharmaceutical Development of Thymoquinone: A Multitargeted Molecule of Natural Origin. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:656. [PMID: 28983249 PMCID: PMC5613109 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone, a monoterpene molecule is chemically known as 2-methyl-5-isopropyl-1, 4-benzoquinone. It is abundantly present in seeds of Nigella sativa L. that is popularly known as black cumin or black seed and belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. A large number of studies have revealed that thymoquinone is the major active constituent in N. sativa oil this constituent is responsible for the majority of the pharmacological properties. The beneficial organoprotective activities of thymoquinone in experimental animal models of different human diseases are attributed to the potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thymoquinone has also been shown to alter numerous molecular and signaling pathways in many inflammatory and degenerative diseases including cancer. Thymoquinone has been reported to possess potent lipophilicity and limited bioavailability and exhibits light and heat sensitivity. Altogether, these physiochemical properties encumber the successful formulation for the delivery of drug in oral dosages form and restrict the pharmaceutical development. In recent past, many efforts were undertaken to improve the bioavailability for clinical usage by manipulating the physiochemical parameters. The present review aimed to provide insights regarding the physicochemical characteristics, pharmacokinetics and the methods to promote pharmaceutical development and endorse the clinical usage of TQ in future by overcoming the associated physiochemical obstacles. It also enumerates briefly the pharmacological and molecular targets of thymoquinone as well as the pharmacological properties in various diseases and the underlying molecular mechanism. Though, a convincing number of experimental studies are available but human studies are not available with thymoquinone despite of the long history of use of black cumin in different diseases. Thus, the clinical studies including pharmacokinetic studies and regulatory toxicity studies are required to encourage the clinical development of thymoquinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer N. Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
- SVKM Institute of PharmacyDhule, India
| | - Chaitali P. Prajapati
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Prashant R. Gore
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Chandragouda R. Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Umesh B. Mahajan
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates UniversityAl Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sandhya P. Talla
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Shreesh K. Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates UniversityAl Ain, United Arab Emirates
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45
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Asaduzzaman Khan M, Tania M, Fu S, Fu J. Thymoquinone, as an anticancer molecule: from basic research to clinical investigation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:51907-51919. [PMID: 28881699 PMCID: PMC5584300 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone is an anticancer phytochemical commonly found in black cumin. In this review, we discuss the potential of thymoquinone as anticancer molecule, its mechanism of action and future usage in clinical applications. Thymoquinone exhibits anticancer activity via numerous mechanisms of action, specifically by showing selective antioxidant and oxidant activity, interfering with DNA structure, affecting carcinogenic signaling molecules/pathways and immunomodulation. In vitro activity of thymoquinone has been further implicated in animal models of cancer; however, no clinical application has been proven yet. This is the optimum time to focus on clinical trials for developing thymoquinone as a future drug in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Computing Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shangyi Fu
- The Honors College, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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46
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Zhu N, Zhao X, Xiang Y, Ye S, Huang J, Hu W, Lv L, Zeng C. Thymoquinone attenuates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary artery hypertension via inhibiting pulmonary arterial remodeling in rats. Int J Cardiol 2016; 221:587-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.06.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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47
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Elmaci I, Altinoz MA. Thymoquinone: An edible redox-active quinone for the pharmacotherapy of neurodegenerative conditions and glial brain tumors. A short review. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 83:635-640. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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48
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Zhang L, Bai Y, Yang Y. Thymoquinone chemosensitizes colon cancer cells through inhibition of NF-κB. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:2840-2845. [PMID: 27698868 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the effects and molecular mechanisms of thymoquinone (TQ) on colon cancer cells were investigated. Cell viability was determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and the results revealed that treatment with TQ significantly decreased cell viability in COLO205 and HCT116 cells in a dose-dependent manner. TQ treatment additionally sensitized COLO205 and HCT116 cells to cisplatin therapy in a concentration-dependent manner. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of TQ action, western blot analysis was used to determine the levels of phosphorylated p65 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-regulated gene products vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), c-Myc and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). The results indicated that TQ treatment significantly decreased the level of phosphorylated p65 in the nucleus, which indicated the inhibition of NF-κB activation by TQ treatment. Treatment with TQ also decreased the expression levels of VEGF, c-Myc and Bcl-2. In addition, the inhibition of NF-κB activation with a specific inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, potentiated the induction of cell death and caused a chemosensitization effect of TQ in colon cancer cells. Overall, the results of the present study suggested that TQ induced cell death and chemosensitized colon cancer cells by inhibiting NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lida Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Yangqiu Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Yuxiu Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
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49
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Li WX, Chen LP, Sun MY, Li JT, Liu HZ, Zhu W. 3'3-Diindolylmethane inhibits migration, invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing FAK signaling. Oncotarget 2016; 6:23776-92. [PMID: 26068982 PMCID: PMC4695151 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Late stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually has a low survival rate because it has high potential of metastases and there is no effective cure. 3'3-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is the major product of the acid-catalyzed oligomerization of indole-3-carbinol present in cruciferous vegetables. DIM has been proved to exhibit anticancer properties. In this study, we explored the effects and molecular mechanisms of anti-metastasis of DIM on HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. We chose two HCC cell lines SMMC-7721 and MHCC-97H that have high potential of invasion. The results showed that DIM inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of these two cell lines in vitro. In addition, in vivo study demonstrated that DIM significantly decreased the volumes of SMMC-7721 orthotopic liver tumor and suppressed lung metastasis in nude mice. Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is found over activated in HCC cells. We found that DIM decreased the level of phospho-FAK (Tyr397) both in vitro and in vivo. DIM inhibition of phospho-FAK (Tyr397) led to down-regulation of MMP2/9 and decreased potential of metastasis. DIM also repressed the migration and invasion induced by vitronectin through inactivation of FAK pathway and down-regulation of MMP2/9 in vitro. We also found that pTEN plays a role in down-regulation of FAK by DIM. These results demonstrated that DIM blocks HCC cell metastasis by suppressing tumor cell migration and invasion. The anti-metastasis effect of DIM could be explained to be its down-regulated expression and activation of MMP2/9 partly induced by up-regulation of pTEN and inhibition of phospho-FAK (Tyr397).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xue Li
- Dearpartmant of Toxicology, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Ping Chen
- Faculty of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yet-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min-Ying Sun
- Dearpartmant of Toxicology, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Tao Li
- Dearpartmant of Toxicology, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua-Zhang Liu
- Dearpartmant of Toxicology, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Dearpartmant of Toxicology, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
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50
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Liu W, Wang J, Wang L, Qian C, Qian Y, Xuan H, Zhuo W, Li X, Yu J, Si J. Ras-association domain family 10 acts as a novel tumor suppressor through modulating MMP2 in hepatocarcinoma. Oncogenesis 2016; 5:e237. [PMID: 27348267 PMCID: PMC4945738 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2016.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras-Association Domain Family 10 (RASSF10) is the last identified member of the RASSF family. The functional characteristics of this new gene in human cancers remain largely unclear. Here, we examined RASSF10 for the biological functions and related molecular mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that RASSF10 is expressed in normal human liver tissue, but is silenced or down-regulated in 62.5% (5/8) of HCC cell lines. The mean expression level of RASSF10 was significantly lower in primary HCCs compared with their adjacent normal tissues (P<0.005, n=52). The promoter methylation contributes to the inactivation of RASSF10 as demonstrated by bisulfite genomic sequencing and demethylation treatment analyses. Transgenic expression of RASSF10 in silenced HCC cell lines suppressed cell viability, colony formation and inhibited tumor growth in nude mice (QGY7703, P<0.01; HepG2, P<0.05). Furthermore, RASSF10 was shown to induce the cell accumulation in G1 phase with the increase of p27, as well as the decrease of cyclinD1 and CDK2/CDK4. Over-expression of RASSF10 also inhibited HCC cells migration (P<0.01) or invasion (P<0.05). Adhesion genes array revealed that Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) was a downstream effector of RASSF10. RASSF10 acting as a tumor suppressor to inhibit HCC invasion partially mediated by Focal Adhesion Kinase or p38 MAPK to decrease the accumulation of MMP2. Our study suggests that RASSF10 acts as a tumor suppressor for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - J Wang
- Postgraduate at Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University; The First People's Hospital of Xiaoshan, Hangzhou, China
| | - L Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - C Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Y Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - H Xuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - W Zhuo
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - X Li
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - J Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - J Si
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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