Naringenin inhibits migration of breast cancer cells via inflammatory and apoptosis cell signaling pathways

Oxidative lipid damage by naringenin selectively sensitizes chronic myeloid leukemia cell lines and patient samples to Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment with Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has significantly improved patient outcomes, yet challenges such as drug resistance and persistence of leukemic stem cells persist. This study explores the potential of naringenin, a natural flavonoid, to enhance the efficacy of Bcr-Abl TKIs in CML therapy. We showed that naringenin reduces viability of a panel of CML cell lines regardless of varying cellular origin and genetic mutations, and acts synergistically with dasatinib and ponatinib. Importantly, naringenin is effective in targeting blast crisis CML CD34+ cells by decreasing their colony formation, self-renewal and viability. Compared to CML, naringenin is significantly less effective against normal bone marrow (NBM) counterparts. In addition, naringenin significantly enhances the inhibitory effects of dasatinib in CML but not NBM CD34+ cells. Mechanism studies showed that naringenin's inhibitory effects were associated with the induction of oxidative stress and lipid damage, as evidenced by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Notably, naringenin upregulated genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis while downregulating antioxidant defense genes. Pretreatment with α-tocopherol, which inhibits lipid-mediated ROS production, completely abolished the ROS increase and restored cell viability, indicating that lysosomal lipid peroxidation plays a crucial role in naringenin's mechanism of action. In a CML xenograft mouse model, the combination of naringenin and dasatinib resulted in remarkably more tumor growth suppression compared to single drug alone. Importantly, this combination was well-tolerated, with no adverse effects on body weight observed. These findings suggest that naringenin, by inducing oxidative lipid damage, enhances the anti-leukemic effects of Bcr-Abl TKIs, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for CML.

Naringin Induces ROS-Stimulated G1 Cell-Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells

Naringin, a bioflavonoid compound from grapefruit or citrus, exerts anticancer activities on cervical, thyroid, colon, brain, liver, lung, thyroid, and breast cancers. The present investigation addressed exploring the anticancer effects of naringin on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. Naringin exhibits a cytotoxic effect on NPC-TW 039 and NPC-TW 076 cells with IC50 372/328 and 394/307 μM for 24 or 48 h, respectively, while causing little toxicity toward normal gingival epithelial (SG) cells (>500/500 μM). We established that naringin triggered G1 arrest is achieved by suppressing cyclin D1, cyclin A, and CDK2, and upregulating p21 protein in NPC cells. Exposure of NPC cells to naringin caused a series of events leading to apoptosis including morphology change (cell shrinkage and membrane blebbing) and chromatin condensation. Annexin V and PI staining indicated that naringin treatment promotes necrosis and late apoptosis in NPC cells. DiOC6 staining showed a decline in the mitochondrial membrane potential by naringin treatment, which was followed with cytochrome c release, Apaf-1/caspase-9/-3 activation, PARP cleavage, and EndoG expression in NPC cells. Naringin upregulated proapoptotic Bax and decreased antiapoptotic Bcl-xL expression, and dysregulated Bax/Bcl-xL ratio in NPC cells. Notably, naringin enhanced death receptor-related t-Bid expression. Furthermore, an increased Ca2+ release by naringin treatment which instigated endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated apoptosis through increased IRE1, ATF-6, GRP78, GADD153, and caspase-12 expression in NPC cells. In addition, naringin triggers ROS production, and inhibition of naringin-induced ROS generation by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine resulted in the prevention of G1 arrest and apoptosis in NPC cells. Naringin-induced ROS-mediated G1 arrest and mitochondrial-, death receptor-, and endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis may be a promising strategy for treating NPC.

Double-Edged Sword Effect of Diet and Nutrition on Carcinogenic Molecular Pathways in Breast Cancer

Environmental exposure to a mixture of chemical xenobiotics acts as a double-edged sword, promoting or suppressing tumorigenesis and the development of breast cancer (BC). Before anything else, we are what we eat. In this review, we highlight both "the good" and "the bad" sides of the daily human diet and dietary patterns that could influence BC risk (BCR) and incidence. Thus, regularly eating new, diversified, colorful, clean, nutrient-rich, energy-boosting, and raw food, increases apoptosis and autophagy, antioxidation, cell cycle arrest, anti-inflammation, and the immune response against BC cells. Moreover, a healthy diet could lead to a reduction in or the inhibition of genomic instability, BC cell stemness, growth, proliferation, invasion, migration, and distant metastasis. We also emphasize that, in addition to beneficial compounds, our food is more and more contaminated by chemicals with harmful effects, which interact with each other and with endogenous proteins and lipids, resulting in synergistic or antagonistic effects. Thus, a healthy and diverse diet, combined with appropriate nutritional behaviors, can exert anti-carcinogenic effects and improve treatment efficacy, BC patient outcomes, and the overall quality of life of BC patients.

Anticancer activity of naringenin on human liposarcoma: An experimental and bioinformatic study

Naringenin (NAR) has shown potential as a cancer treatment, reducing cell proliferation and invasion in soft tissue sarcomas like liposarcoma (LPS). This study investigates NAR's role and molecular mechanism. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to assess the expression level of genes in LPS based on the GEO dataset. The heat map and PPI of genes were also analyzed. MTT, wound healing, DAPI staining, and flow cytometry evaluated the cell viability, migration, and apoptosis. Besides, real-time PCR was used to measure the NAR's impact on the expression levels of EMT, apoptosis, inflammation, and metastasis-related genes. The results showed that NAR reduces cell viability, proliferation, and migration but induces apoptosis in LPS cells. RT-PCR results revealed that NAR is capable of regulating the expression level of the apoptosis, EMT, migration, and Inflammation-related genes. This study demonstrated that NAR may play a crucial role in reducing cell viability, inducing apoptosis, and attenuating migration in Sw872 LPS cells. Consequently, NAR might be a promising and efficient factor in the treatment of LPS.

Plant Metabolomics: The Future of Anticancer Drug Discovery

Drug development from medicinal plants constitutes an important strategy for finding natural anticancer therapies. While several plant secondary metabolites with potential antitumor activities have been identified, well-defined mechanisms of action remained uncovered. In fact, studies of medicinal plants have often focused on the genome, transcriptome, and proteome, dismissing the relevance of the metabolome for discovering effective plant-based drugs. Metabolomics has gained huge interest in cancer research as it facilitates the identification of potential anticancer metabolites and uncovers the metabolomic alterations that occur in cancer cells in response to treatment. This holds great promise for investigating the mode of action of target metabolites. Although metabolomics has made significant contributions to drug discovery, research in this area is still ongoing. In this review, we emphasize the significance of plant metabolomics in anticancer research, which continues to be a potential technique for the development of anticancer drugs in spite of all the challenges encountered. As well, we provide insights into the essential elements required for performing effective metabolomics analyses.

Naringenin relieves paclitaxel-induced pain by suppressing calcitonin gene-related peptide signalling and enhances the anti-tumour action of paclitaxel

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) commonly causes neuropathic pain, but its pathogenesis remains unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. Naringenin, a natural dihydroflavonoid compound, has anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and anti-tumour activities. However, the effects of naringenin on chemotherapy-induced pain and chemotherapy effectiveness remain unexplored.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Female and male mouse models of chemotherapy-induced pain were established using paclitaxel. Effects of naringenin were assessed on pain induced by paclitaxel or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and on CGRP expression in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord tissue. Additionally, we examined peripheral macrophage infiltration, glial activation, c-fos expression, DRG neuron excitability, microglial M1/M2 polarization, and phosphorylation of spinal NF-κB. Furthermore, we investigated the synergic effect and related mechanisms of naringenin and paclitaxel on cell survival of cancer cells in vitro.

KEY RESULTS

Systemic administration of naringenin attenuated paclitaxel-induced pain in both sexes. Naringenin reduced paclitaxel-enhanced CGRP expression in DRGs and the spinal cord, and alleviated CGRP-induced pain in naïve mice of both sexes. Naringenin mitigated macrophage infiltration and reversed paclitaxel-elevated c-fos expression and DRG neuron excitability. Naringenin decreased spinal glial activation and NF-κB phosphorylation in both sexes but influenced microglial M1/M2 polarization only in females. Co-administration of naringenin with paclitaxel enhanced paclitaxel's anti-tumour effect, impeded by an apoptosis inhibitor.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Naringenin's anti-nociceptive mechanism involves CGRP signalling and neuroimmunoregulation. Furthermore, naringenin facilitates paclitaxel's anti-tumour action, possibly involving apoptosis. This study demonstrates naringenin's potential as a supplementary treatment in cancer therapy by mitigating side effects and potentiating efficacy of chemotherapy.

Cytotoxic Activity of Lepidium virginicum L. Methanolic Extract on Human Colorectal Cancer Cells, Caco-2, through p53-Mediated Apoptosis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. Its treatment options have had a limited impact on cancer remission prognosis. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to discover novel anti-cancer agents. Medicinal plants have gained recognition as a source of anti-cancer bioactive compounds. Recently, ethanolic extract of L. virginicum stems ameliorated dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis by modulating the intestinal immune response. However, no scientific study has demonstrated this potential cytotoxic impact on colon cancer cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the methanolic extract of L. virginicum (ELv) on a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) and to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds present in ELv extracts by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The cytotoxic activity was assessed using cell viability assays by reduction in the compound 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). MTT and LDH assays revealed that the ELv decreases cell viability in the Caco-2 cell line in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell death was a result of DNA fragmentation and p53-mediated apoptosis. Eight phenolic acids and five flavonoids were identified and quantified in the stems. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the extract of L. virginicum possesses cytotoxic properties on Caco-2 cell line, suggesting that it could be a potential source of new drugs against CRC.

Xenohormetic Phytochemicals Inhibit Neovascularization in Microphysiological Models of Vasculogenesis and Tumor Angiogenesis

Xenohormesis proposes that phytochemicals produced to combat stressors in the host plant exert biochemical effects in animal cells lacking cognate receptors. Xenohormetic phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phytoalexins modulate a range of human cell signaling mechanisms but functional correlations with human pathophysiology are lacking. Here, potent inhibitory effects of grapefruit-derived Naringenin (Nar) and soybean-derived Glyceollins (Gly) in human microphysiological models of bulk tissue vasculogenesis and tumor angiogenesis are reported. Despite this interference of vascular morphogenesis, Nar and Gly are not cytotoxic to endothelial cells and do not prevent cell cycle entry. The anti-vasculogenic effects of Glyceollin are significantly more potent in sex-matched female (XX) models. Nar and Gly do not decrease viability or expression of proangiogenic genes in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell spheroids, suggesting that inhibition of sprouting angiogenesis by Nar and Gly in a MPS model of the (TNBC) microenvironment are mediated via direct effects in endothelial cells. The study supports further research of Naringenin and Glyceollin as health-promoting agents with special attention to mechanisms of action in vascular endothelial cells and the role of biological sex, which can improve the understanding of dietary nutrition and the pharmacology of phytochemical preparations.

Network pharmacology in combination with bibliometrics analysis on the mechanism of compound Kushen injection in the treatment of radiation pneumonia and lung cancer

Radiation pneumonia is a common adverse reaction during radiotherapy in lung cancer patients, which negatively impacts the quality of life and survival of patients. Recent studies have shown that compound Kushen injection (CKI), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has great anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential, but the mechanism is still unclear. We used CiteSpace, the R package "bibliometrix," and VOSviewers to perform a bibliometrics analysis of 162 articles included from the Web of Science core collection. A network pharmacology-based approach was used to screen effective compounds, screen and predict target genes, analyze biological functions and pathways, and construct regulatory networks and protein interaction networks. Molecular docking experiments were used to identify the affinity of key compounds and core target. The literature metrology analysis revealed that over 90% of the CKI-related studies were conducted by Chinese scholars and institutions, with a predominant focus on tumors, while research on radiation pneumonia remained limited. Our investigation identified 60 active ingredients of CKI, 292 genes associated with radiation pneumonia, 533 genes linked to lung cancer, and 37 common targets of CKI in the treatment of both radiation pneumonia and lung cancer. These core potential targets were found to be significantly associated with the OS of lung cancer patients, and the key compounds exhibited a good docking affinity with these targets. Additionally, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted that the bioinformatics annotation of these common genes mainly involved ubiquitin protein ligase binding, cytokine receptor binding, and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Our study revealed that the main active components of CKI, primarily quercetin, luteolin, and naringin, might act on major core targets, including AKT1, PTGS2, and PPARG, and further regulated key signaling pathways such as the PI3K/Akt pathway, thereby playing a crucial role in the treatment of radiation pneumonia and lung cancer. Moreover, this study had a certain promotional effect on further clinical application and provided a theoretical basis for subsequent experimental research.

Naringenin as potent anticancer phytocompound in breast carcinoma: from mechanistic approach to nanoformulations based therapeutics

The bioactive compounds present in citrus fruits are gaining broader acceptance in oncology. Numerous studies have deciphered naringenin's antioxidant and anticancer potential in human and animal studies. Naringenin (NGE) potentially suppresses cancer progression, thereby improving the health of cancer patients. The pleiotropic anticancer properties of naringenin include inhibition of the synthesis of growth factors and cytokines, inhibition of the cell cycle, and modification of several cellular signaling pathways. As an herbal remedy, naringenin has significant pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancer activities. The inactivation of carcinogens following treatment with pure naringenin, naringenin-loaded nanoparticles, and naringenin combined with anti-cancer agents was demonstrated by data in vitro and in vivo studies. These studies included colon cancer, lung neoplasms, breast cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, prostate tumors, oral squamous cell carcinoma, liver cancer, brain tumors, skin cancer, cervical and ovarian cancers, bladder neoplasms, gastric cancer, and osteosarcoma. The effects of naringenin on processes related to inflammation, apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and invasion in breast cancer are covered in this narrative review, along with its potential to develop novel and secure anticancer medications.

Unveiling the multifaceted antiproliferative efficacy of Cichorium endivia root extract by dual modulation of apoptotic and inflammatory genes, inducing cell cycle arrest, and targeting COX-2

Chicory (Cichorium endivia L. divaricatum) is a renowned medicinal plant traditionally used for various ailments, yet the pharmacological potential of its roots, particularly in terms of antitumor activity, remains elusive. In the present study, we explore, for the first time, the metabolomic profile of ethanolic extract from Cichorium endivia roots (CIR) and further unveil its antiproliferative potential. The untargeted phytochemical analysis UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS identified 131 metabolites in the CIR extract, covering acids, amino acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates. The antiproliferative activity of the CIR extract was tested in 14 cancer cell lines, revealing significant cytotoxicity (IC50: 2.85-29.15 μg mL-1) and a high selectivity index. Among the cells examined, the CIR extract recorded the most potent antiproliferative activity and selectivity toward HepG2 and Panc-1 cells, with an IC50 of 2.85 μg mL-1 and 3.86 μg mL-1, respectively, and SI > 10. Insights into the mode of action of the antiproliferative activity revealed that CIR extract induces cell arrest in the S phase while diminishing cell distribution in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases in HepG-2 and Panc-1 cells. Flow cytometric and RT-PCR analysis revealed that the CIR extract significantly triggers apoptosis and modulates the expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes. Furthermore, the CIR extract exhibited a pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by down-regulating key cytokines in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and selectively inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme. Finally, the CIR extract showed a robust total antioxidant capacity, together with potent free radicals and metal scavenging properties, highlighting its role in alleviating oxidative stress. Taken together, this study highlights the multifaceted therapeutic potential of CIR extract as a natural-based antitumor supplement.

Investigating the potent TOPO IIα inhibitors in breast cancer through the study of computational drug discovery research approaches

Breast cancer (BC) is the second-leading cause of cancer after lung cancer. The disease has affected millions of people and resulted in many deaths. In the metastasis of breast cancer cells, Topoisomerase IIα plays a vital role. Therefore, this investigation aims to identify potential flavonoid compounds against BC by inhibiting this enzyme at an early stage. Based on previous studies, we selected and screened several plant-derived flavonoid compounds with potential anti-breast cancer activity using PyRx 0.8 and Schrodinger applications for preliminary molecular docking: the highest docking scores of Myricetin (-11.6 kcal/mol) and Quercetin (-10.0 kcal/mol). Next, we evaluated the top four compounds on the Way2Drug server to complete the cytotoxicity evaluation, which demonstrated anti-cancer and anti-breast cancer activity in various cell lines. According to pharmacokinetics studies, four compounds exhibited outstanding values and functioned similar to drug-like molecules. Moreover, Myricetin, Quercetin, and Morin displayed the highest number of hydrogen bonds, with the corresponding receptor forming residues asn120, thr147, and lys168. The protein-ligand complexes were validated using the Desmond simulator, and their data were compared to the anti-breast cancer drug Doxorubicin. In the simulation analysis, various parameters were evaluated, including RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, MolSA, PSA, and hydrogen bond interaction. Finally, validated our dynamic simulation result with MM-GBSA operation, and Myricetin and Quercetin had the greatest score of -72.74344651, -66.66771823 kcal/mol, which is outstanding than the control drug. Hence, the computational research approach determined that Myricetin, Quercetin, and Morin could be industrially developed for the alternative treatment of breast cancer following additional confirmation from animal and cell line studies.

Mechanistic exploration and experimental validation of the Xiaochaihu decoction for the treatment of breast cancer by network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Xiaochaihu (XCH) decoction is a traditional Chinese prescription that has been recorded in the pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China. In China, the XCH decoction is used clinically to treat a variety of tumors, including breast cancer. However, its potential mechanism of action is still undefined.

METHODS

The chemical compounds in the XCH decoction were identified via Q Exactive Orbitrap LC-MS/MS. Then, we screened the active ingredients and targets in the XCH decoction from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Next, Cytoscape and Metascape were used to construct an active ingredient-target-disease network, which included a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, GO enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Finally, we used molecular docking and in vitro experiments to verify the results of network pharmacology analysis.

RESULTS

More than 70 major compounds were identified by Q Exactive Orbitrap LC-MS/MS analysis from the XCH decoction. A total of 162 active ingredients and 153 targets related to the XCH decoction and breast cancer were identified, and a compound-target-disease network was constructed. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the XCH decoction regulated the drug response, apoptosis process, cancer pathway, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Molecular docking and experimental validation indicated that the XCH decoction suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells by regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that the XCH decoction can be used to treat breast cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and downregulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Network pharmacology combined with experimental verification to explore the potential mechanism of naringenin in the treatment of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Traditional treatment methods have become limited. Naringenin, a flavonoid abundant in various fruits and herbal medicines, has demonstrated anti-tumor properties among other effects. This research undertook to elucidate the mechanism of naringenin in the context of cervical cancer treatment by leveraging network pharmacology and performing experimental validation. Initial steps involved predicting potential naringenin targets and subsequently screening for overlaps between these targets and those related to cervical cancer, followed by analysis of their interrelationships. Molecular docking was subsequently utilized to verify the binding effect of the central target. Within the framework of network pharmacology, it was discovered that naringenin might possess anti-cancer properties specific to cervical cancer. Following this, the anti-tumor effects of naringenin on Hela cell viability, migration, and invasion were assessed employing CCK-8, transwell, wound healing assays, and western blotting. Experimental data indicated that naringenin attenuates the migration and invasion of Hela cells via downregulation EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Thus, our findings suggest that naringenin has therapeutic impacts on cervical cancer via multiple mechanisms, primarily by inhibiting the migration and invasion through the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This study offers fresh insights for future clinical studies.

Phytometabolites as modulators of breast cancer: a comprehensive review of mechanistic insights

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly debilitating malignancy affecting females globally and imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems in both developed and developing nations. Despite the application of conventional therapeutic modalities such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal intervention, BC frequently exhibits resistance, necessitating the urgent development of novel, cost-effective, and accessible treatment strategies. In this context, there is a growing scientific interest in exploring the pharmacological potential of chemical compounds derived from botanical sources, which often exhibit notable biological activity. Extensive in vitro and in vivo investigations have revealed the capacity of these compounds, referred to as phytochemicals, to attenuate the metastatic cascade and reduce the risk of cancer dissemination. These phytochemicals exert their effects through modulation of key molecular and metabolic processes, including regulation of the cell cycle, induction of apoptotic cell death, inhibition of angiogenesis, and suppression of metastatic progression. To shed light on the latest advancements in this field, a comprehensive review of the scientific literature has been conducted, focusing on secondary metabolite agents that have recently been investigated and have demonstrated promising anticancer properties. This review aims to delineate their underlying mechanisms of action and elucidate the associated signaling pathways, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of their therapeutic potential in the context of BC management.

Flavonoids as promising molecules in the cancer therapy: An insight

Cancer continues to increase global morbidity and mortality rates. Despite substantial progress in the development of various chemically synthesized anti-cancer drugs, the poor prognosis of the disease still remains a big challenge. The most common drawback of conventional cancer therapies is the emergence of drug resistance eventually leading to the discontinuation of chemotherapy. Moreover, advanced target-specific therapies including immunotherapy and stem cell therapy are expensive enough and are unaffordable for most patients in poorer nations. Therefore, alternative and cheaper therapeutic strategies are needed to complement the current cancer treatment approaches. Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds produced naturally by plants and have great potential in human health and disease. These compounds possess antiproliferative, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Among the phytochemicals, flavonoids are very effective in treating a wide range of diseases from cardiovascular diseases and immunological disorders to cancer. They scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit cancer metastasis, modulate the immune system and induce apoptotic or autophagic cell death in cancers. This review will discuss the potential of various phytochemicals particularly flavonoids in attempts to target various cancers.

Recent Strategies for Cancer Therapy: Polymer Nanoparticles Carrying Medicinally Important Phytochemicals and Their Cellular Targets

Cancer is a leading cause of death in the world today. In addition to the side effects of the chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat cancer, the development of resistance to the drugs renders the existing drugs ineffective. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel anticancer agents. Medicinally important phytochemicals such as curcumin, naringenin, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, thymoquinone, kaempferol, resveratrol, genistein, and apigenin have some drawbacks, including low solubility in water, stability and bioavailability issues, despite having significant anticancer effects. Encapsulation of these natural compounds into polymer nanoparticles (NPs) is a novel technology that could overcome these constraints. In comparison to the free compounds, phytochemicals loaded into nanoparticles have greater activity and bioavailability against many cancer types. In this review, we describe the preparation and characterization of natural phytochemical-loaded polymer NP formulations with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, their in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities, as well as their possible cellular targets.

Naringenin in combination with quercetin/fisetin shows synergistic anti-proliferative and migration reduction effects in breast cancer cell lines

INTRODUCTION & AIM

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers with a high mortality rate among women worldwide. Quercetin/fisetin and naringenin, three well-known flavonoids, have been used to fight against various cancers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible synergism of quercetin/fisetin with naringenin on MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.

METHODS

In this study, cultured MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with different concentrations of quercetin/fisetin individually and in combination with naringenin. MTT assay and scratch assay was employed to determine cell viability and migration respectively. Real-time PCR was used to study the expression level of apoptosis genes and miR-1275 (tumor suppressor miRNA) and mir-27a-3p (oncogenic miRNA).

RESULTS

A synergism effect of quercetin/fisetin and naringenin (CI < 1) was observed for both cell lines. Combination therapies were significantly more effective in cell growth reduction, migration suppression and apoptosis induction than single therapies. Gene expression analysis revealed the upregulation of miR-1275 and downregulation miR-27a-3p.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that quercetin/fisetin enhances the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activities in combination with naringenin in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines. Therefore, the combination of Que/Fis and Nar can be proposed as a promising therapeutic strategy for further investigations.

Antioxidants from different citrus peels provide protection against cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death. Despite significant advancements in the discovery of medications for the treatment of cancer, these drugs are hindered by applicability and efficacy issues and frequently exhibit major side effects that can further impair patients 'quality of life. Therefore, the development of therapeutically sound anti-cancer medicines derived from natural products has gained prominence in the field of functional foods. Some of these compounds have shown efficacy in the prevention and treatment of cancer as well as low toxicity. Additionally, many recent studies have explored the recycling of agro-industrial waste to create bioactive chemicals. Citrus peels are produced in vast quantities in the food processing sector; due to their abundance of flavonoids, they may be inexpensive sources of protection against several cancers. Citrus is a common type of fruit that contains a variety of nutrients. In particular, the antioxidant chemicals found in citrus peel have been identified as potential cancer-fighting agents. Antioxidant substances such as flavonoids prevent the development of cancer by inhibiting the metastatic cascade, decreasing the mobility of cancer cells in the circulatory system, promoting apoptosis, and suppressing angiogenesis. To explore the most effective uses of citrus peel-derived antioxidants, this review presents background information, an overview of the role of citrus antioxidants in cancer therapy, and a discussion of the key underlying molecular mechanisms.

Citrus × paradisi L. Fruit Waste: The Impact of Eco-Friendly Extraction Techniques on the Phytochemical and Antioxidant Potential

Citrus fruits have been the subject of extensive research over the years due to their impressive antioxidant properties, the health benefits of flavanones, and their potential use in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Grapefruit have been shown in studies to improve overall health, with numerous potential benefits, including improved heart health, reduced risk of certain cancers, improved digestive health, and improved immune system function. The development of cyclodextrin complexes is an exciting approach to increasing the content of flavanones such as naringin and naringenin in the extraction medium while improving the profile of beneficial phenolic compounds and the antioxidant profile. This research aims to optimize the extraction conditions of the flavanones naringin and naringenin with additional compounds to increase their yield from different parts of grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi L.) fruits, such as albedo and segmental membranes. In addition, the total content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts produced conventionally and with -cyclodextrin was examined and compared. In addition, antioxidant activity was measured using the radical scavenging activity assay (ABTS), radical scavenging activity assay (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The yield of naringin increased from 10.53 ± 0.52 mg/g to 45.56 ± 5.06 mg/g to 51.11 ± 7.63 mg/g of the segmental membrane when cyclodextrins (α, β-CD) were used; naringenin increased from 65.85 ± 10.96 μg/g to 91.19 ± 15.19 μg/g of the segmental membrane when cyclodextrins (α, β-CD) were used. Furthermore, the results showed that cyclodextrin-assisted extraction had a significant impact in significantly increasing the yield of flavanones from grapefruit. In addition, the process was more efficient and less expensive, resulting in higher yields of flavanones with a lower concentration of ethanol and effort. This shows that cyclodextrin-assisted extraction is an excellent method for extracting valuable compounds from grapefruit.

Naringenin and Hesperidin as Promising Alternatives for Prevention and Co-Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer

Citrus (genus Citrus L.) fruits are essential sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids. These polyphenolic compounds are divided into subclasses, in which flavanones are the most prominent. Among them, naringenin and hesperidin are emerging compounds with anticancer potential, especially for breast cancer (BC). Several mechanisms have been proposed, including the modulation of epigenetics, estrogen signaling, induction of cell death via regulation of apoptotic signaling pathways, and inhibition of tumor invasion and metastasis. However, this information is sparse in the literature and needs to be brought together to provide an overview of how naringenin and hesperidin can serve as therapeutic tools for drug development and as a successful co-adjuvant strategy against BC. This review detailed such mechanisms in this context and highlighted how naringenin and hesperidin could interfere in BC carcinogenesis and be helpful as potential alternative therapeutic sources for breast cancer treatment.

Role of Plant-Derived Flavonoids in Cancer Treatment

Flavonoids are polyphenolic phytochemicals, which occur naturally in plants and possess both anti-oxidant and pro-oxidant properties. Flavonoids are gaining increasing popularity in the pharmaceutical industry as healthy and cost-effective compounds. Flavonoids show beneficial pharmacological activities in the treatment and prevention of various types of diseases. They are natural and less toxic agents for cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy via regulation of multiple cell signaling pathways and pro-oxidant effects. In this review, we have summarized the mechanisms of action of selected flavonoids, and their pharmacological implications and potential therapeutic applications in cancer therapy.

CASP9 As a Prognostic Biomarker and Promising Drug Target Plays a Pivotal Role in Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Background

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is one of the most rare and aggressive subtypes of primary breast cancer (BC). Our study aimed to explore hub genes related to the pathogenesis of IBC, which could be considered as novel molecular biomarkers for IBC diagnosis and prognosis. Material and Methods. Two datasets from gene expression omnibus database (GEO) were selected. Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for the DEGs were performed. We analyzed the prognostic values of hub genes in the Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Connectivity Map (CMap) and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was used to find candidate small molecules capable to reverse the gene status of IBC.

Results

157 DEGs were selected in total. We constructed the PPI network with 154 nodes interconnected by 128 interactions. The KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the DEGs were enriched in apoptosis, pathways in cancer and insulin signaling pathway. PTEN, PSMF1, PSMC6, AURKB, FZR1, CASP9, CASP6, CASP8, BAD, AKR7A2, ZNF24, SSX2IP, SIGLEC1, MS4A4A, and VSIG4 were selected as hub genes based on the high degree of connectivity. Six hub genes (PSMC6, AURKB, CASP9, BAD, ZNF24, and SSX2IP) that were significantly associated with the prognosis of breast cancer. The expression of CASP9 protein was associated with prognosis and immune cells infiltration of breast cancer. CASP9- naringenin (NGE) is expected to be the most promising candidate gene-compound interaction for the treatment of IBC.

Conclusion

Taken together, CASP9 can be used as a prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target in IBC.

Fabrication of bovine serum albumin-polyethylene glycol nanoparticle conjugated-folic acid loaded-naringenin as an efficient carrier biomacromolecule for suppression of cancer cells

Flavonoid compounds play an effective role in cancer suppression and today nanocarriers play an important role in improving the physicochemical properties and transmission of these compounds. In this study, polyethylene glycol-modified albumin nanoparticles were synthesized by desolvation method; after loading of naringenin (NRG), folic acid (FA) binding to the surface of nanoparticles was performed (BSA-PEG-FA-NG-NPs). The extent of NRG trapping and FA binding was assessed indirectly using UV absorption methods. The physicochemical properties of BSA-PEG-FA-NG-NPs were investigated by DLS, SEM electron microscopy, and FTIR methods, after which their effects were evaluated on the apoptosis mechanism via MTT, flow cytometry, and qPCR methods. The BSA-PEG-FA-NG-NPs with spherical morphology had dimensions of 205 nm with zeta-potential of 20.61 mV and dispersion index of 0.36. The NRG encapsulation was 84% and the FA binding was 75%. Anticancer effects of BSA-PEG-FA-NG-NPs were confirmed based on inhibiting breast cancer cells (IC50: 922 µg/ml), cell cycle arrest (SubG1 phase), and induction of apoptosis (upregulation of Caspase 3, 8, and 9).

Intracellular Pathways and Mechanisms of Colored Secondary Metabolites in Cancer Therapy

Despite the great advancements made in cancer treatment, there are still many unsatisfied aspects, such as the wide palette of side effects and the drug resistance. There is an obvious increasing scientific attention towards nature and what it can offer the human race. Natural products can be used to treat many diseases, of which some plant products are currently used to treat cancer. Plants produce secondary metabolites for their signaling mechanisms and natural defense. A variety of plant-derived products have shown promising anticancer properties in vitro and in vivo. Rather than recreating the natural production environment, ongoing studies are currently setting various strategies to significantly manipulate the quantity of anticancer molecules in plants. This review focuses on the recently studied secondary metabolite agents that have shown promising anticancer activity, outlining their potential mechanisms of action and pathways.

Synergism Potentiates Oxidative Antiproliferative Effects of Naringenin and Quercetin in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer as of 2020. Quercetin (Que) and Naringenin (Nar) are predominantly found in citrus fruits and vegetables and have shown promising antiproliferative effects in multiple studies. It is also known that the bioactive effects of these flavonoids are more pronounced in whole fruit than in isolation. This study investigates the potential synergistic effects of Que and Nar (CoQN) in MCF-7 BC cells. MCF-7 cells were treated with a range of concentrations of Que, Nar or CoQN to determine cell viability. The IC₅₀ of CoQN was then used to investigate caspase 3/7 activity, Bcl-2 gene expression, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial membrane potential to evaluate oxidative stress and apoptosis. CoQN treatment produced significant cytotoxicity, reduced Bcl-2 gene expression and increased caspase 3/7 activity compared to either Nar or Que. Furthermore, CoQN significantly increased lipid peroxidation and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) compared to either Nar or Que. Therefore, CoQN treatment has potential pharmacological application in BC chemotherapy by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in MCF-7 BC cells. The results of this study support the increased consumption of whole fruits and vegetables to reduce cell proliferation in cancer.

A renewed concept on the MAPK signaling pathway in cancers: Polyphenols as a choice of therapeutics

Abnormalities in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway are a key contributor to the carcinogenesis process and have therefore been implicated in several aspects of tumorigenesis, including cell differentiation, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and metastasis. This pathway offers multiple molecular targets that may be modulated for anticancer activity and is of great interest for several malignancies. Polyphenols from various dietary sources have been observed to interfere with certain aspects of this pathway and consequently play a substantial role in the development and progression of cancer by suppressing cell growth, inactivating carcinogens, blocking angiogenesis, causing cell death, and changing immunity. A good number of polyphenolic compounds have shown promising outcomes in numerous pieces of research and are currently being investigated clinically to treat cancer patients. The current study concentrates on the role of the MAPK pathway in the development and metastasis of cancer, with particular emphasis on dietary polyphenolic compounds that influence the different MAPK sub-pathways to obtain an anticancer effect. This study aims to convey an overview of the various aspects of the MAPK pathway in cancer development and invasion, as well as a review of the advances achieved in the development of polyphenols to modulate the MAPK signaling pathway for better treatment of cancer.

Naringenin as a potential inhibitor of human cyclin-dependent kinase 6: Molecular and structural insights into anti-cancer therapeutics

Cancer is one of the major causes of global deaths and needs immediate therapeutic development. So far, several strategies have been undertaken to prevent cancer, including kinase targeting by small-molecule inhibitors. Cyclin dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) plays an essential role in cancer progression and development as its overexpression is associated with tumor development and progression. The present study demonstrated that Naringenin (NAG) binds strongly to CDK6 with a binding affinity of -7.51 kcal/mol. ATPase assay of CDK6 in the presence of NAG shows that it inhibits CDK6 with an IC₅₀ = 3.13 μM. Fluorescence and isothermal titration calorimetry studies demonstrated that NAG binds to CDK6 with the binding constant (K) values of 3.55 × 10⁶ M^-1 and 7.06 ± 2.70 × 10⁶ M^-1, respectively. The cell-based functional studies showed that NAG decreases the cell viability of human cancer cell lines, induces apoptosis, and reduces their colonization ability. Outcomes of the present in silico and in vitro studies highlighted the significance of NAG for the development of anti-cancer leads in terms of CDK6 inhibitors and provided future implications for combinatorial anti-cancer therapies.

Naringin and Naringenin: Their Mechanisms of Action and the Potential Anticancer Activities

Naringin and naringenin are the main bioactive polyphenols in citrus fruits, the consumption of which is beneficial for human health and has been practiced since ancient times. Numerous studies have reported these substances’ antioxidant and antiandrogenic properties, as well as their ability to protect from inflammation and cancer, in various in vitro and in vivo experimental models in animals and humans. Naringin and naringenin can suppress cancer development in various body parts, alleviating the conditions of cancer patients by acting as effective alternative supplementary remedies. Their anticancer activities are pleiotropic, and they can modulate different cellular signaling pathways, suppress cytokine and growth factor production and arrest the cell cycle. In this narrative review, we discuss the effects of naringin and naringenin on inflammation, apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and invasion processes and their potential to become innovative and safe anticancer drugs.

Basic Traditional Chinese Medicinal Compound for Adjuvant Treatment of Helicobacter pylori-Related Gastritis: Implication for Anti-H. pylori-Related Gastritis Drug Discovery

This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the adjuvant treatment of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis (HPAG) and exploring the molecular mechanism underlying the action of the basic TCM compounds against HPAG. Eight representative Chinese and British databases were combed for pertinent literature. In light of the basic principle of evidence-based medicine, this work rigorously stuck to the inclusion and exclusion of criteria so as to plump for qualified articles. Also, the data mining method was adopted to help determine the basic TCM compound for HPAG treatment. Furthermore, a network pharmacology-based strategy was used to uncover the underlying mechanisms of the basic TCM compound against HPAG. Ultimately, molecular docking was used for preliminary verification. TCM combined with triple or quadruple therapy against HPAG possessed more advantages in improving the total effective rate and H. pylori eradication rate than triple or quadruple therapy alone. The basic TCM plant materials against HPAG consisted of Citrus reticulata Blanco, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit, Coptis chinensis Franch, and Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. Quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, baicalein, nobiletin, and hederagenin were determined as the key active ingredients of the basic TCM preparation against HPAG. Moreover, these ingredients played a therapeutic role by acting on AKT1, TP53, interleukin (IL)-6, VEGFA, CASP3, MAPK3, JUN, TNF, and MAPK8 via Pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking indicated that the key ingredients could bind stably with the core targets. The efficacy of the TCM in the adjuvant treatment of HPAG is worthy of affirmation. Compatible use of the key ingredients of the basic TCM compound is a novel idea of drug research with profound clinical significance and research value in the development of anti- H. pylori drugs.

Naringenin: A potential flavonoid phytochemical for cancer therapy

Naringenin is an important phytochemical which belongs to the flavanone group of polyphenols, and is found mainly in citrus fruits like grapefruits and others such as tomatoes and cherries plus medicinal plants derived food. Available evidence demonstrates that naringenin, as herbal medicine, has important pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancer activities. Collected data from in vitro and in vivo studies show the inactivation of carcinogens after treatment with pure naringenin, naringenin-loaded nanoparticles, and also naringenin in combination with anti-cancer agents in various malignancies, such as colon cancer, lung neoplasms, breast cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, prostate tumors, oral squamous cell carcinoma, liver cancer, brain tumors, skin cancer, cervical and ovarian cancer, bladder neoplasms, gastric cancer, and osteosarcoma. Naringenin inhibits cancer progression through multiple mechanisms, like apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis hindrance, and modification of various signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, NF-ĸB, and TGF-β pathways. In this review, we demonstrate that naringenin is a natural product with potential for the treatment of different types of cancer, whether it is used alone, in combination with other agents, or in the form of the naringenin-loaded nanocarrier, after proper technological encapsulation.

Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells Using Naturally Occurring Phytoestrogens

Breast cancer therapies have made significant strides in improving survival for patients over the past decades. However, recurrence and drug resistance continue to challenge long-term recurrence-free and overall survival rates. Mounting evidence supports the cancer stem cell model in which the existence of a small population of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) within the tumor enables these cells to evade conventional therapies and repopulate the tumor, giving rise to more aggressive, recurrent tumors. Thus, successful breast cancer therapy would need to target these BCSCs, as well the tumor bulk cells. Since the Women’s Health Initiative study reported an increased risk of breast cancer with the use of conventional hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women, many have turned their attention to phytoestrogens as a natural alternative. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that share structural similarities with human estrogens and can bind to the estrogen receptors to alter the endocrine responses. Recent studies have found that phytoestrogens can also target BCSCs and have the potential to complement conventional therapy eradicating BCSCs. This review summarized the latest findings of different phytoestrogens and their effect on BCSCs, along with their mechanisms of action, including selective estrogen receptor binding and inhibition of molecular pathways used by BCSCs. The latest results of phytoestrogens in clinical trials are also discussed to further evaluate the use of phytoestrogen in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.

Molecular Recognition of Citroflavonoids Naringin and Naringenin at the Active Site of the HMG-CoA Reductase and DNA Topoisomerase Type II Enzymes of Candida spp. and Ustilago maydis

Two agents from natural sources, citroflavonoids naringin and naringenin, can target enzymes in pathogenic yeasts responsible for hospital infections and crop failure. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular recognition site for naringin and naringenin on the HMGR and TOPOII enzymes of eleven Candida species and one phytopathogen, U. maydis, and evaluate yeast susceptibility to these flavonoids. The HMGR and TOPOII enzymes were analyzed in silico. The alignment of the two enzymes in the twelve pathogenic organisms with the corresponding enzyme of Homo sapiens revealed highly conserved amino acid sequences. Modeling studies of the enzymes indicated highly conserved structures. According to molecular docking simulations, both citroflavonoids recognized the amino acid residues of the active site of the enzymes. Binding energy values were higher for naringin (-10.75 and -9.38 kcal/mol, respectively) than simvastatin on HMGR (-9.9) and curcumin on TOPOII (-8.37). The appraisal of twenty-nine virtual mutations provided evidence of probable mechanisms of resistance (high binding energy) or susceptibility (low energy) to the drugs and emphasized the role of key residues. An in vitro susceptibility evaluation of the twelve yeasts demonstrated that the two flavonoids have similar or better MIC values than those reported for the reference compounds, obtaining the lowest with Candida dubliniensis (2.5 µg/ml) and U. maydis (5 µg/ml). Based on the present findings, naringin and naringenin could possibly be effective for treating diseases caused by pathogenic yeasts of the Candida species and U. maydis, presumably by inhibition of their HMGR and TOPOII enzymes.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-021-00980-0.

Targeting the two-pore channel 2 in cancer progression and metastasis

The importance of Ca²⁺ signaling, and particularly Ca²⁺ channels, in key events of cancer cell function such as proliferation, metastasis, autophagy and angiogenesis, has recently begun to be appreciated. Of particular note are two-pore channels (TPCs), a group of recently identified Ca²⁺-channels, located within the endolysosomal system. TPC2 has recently emerged as an intracellular ion channel of significant pathophysiological relevance, specifically in cancer, and interest in its role as an anti-cancer drug target has begun to be explored. Herein, an overview of the cancer-related functions of TPC2 and a discussion of its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention, including a summary of clinical trials examining the TPC2 inhibitors, naringenin, tetrandrine, and verapamil for the treatment of various cancers is provided.

Recent Progress in Understanding the Action of Natural Compounds at Novel Therapeutic Drug Targets for the Treatment of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death following lung and stomach cancers. As a highly lethal disease, liver cancer is diagnosed frequently in less developed countries. Natural compounds extracted from herbs, animals and natural materials have been adopted by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices and reported to be effective in the development of new medications for the treatment of diseases. It is important to focus on the mechanisms of action of natural compounds against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in terms of cell cycle regulation, apoptosis induction, autophagy mediation and cell migration and invasion. In this review, we characterize novel representative natural compounds according to their pharmacologic effects based on recently published studies. The aim of this review is to summarize and explore novel therapeutic drug targets of natural compounds, which could accelerate the discovery of new anticancer drugs.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent activation of TRB3-FoxO1 signaling pathway exacerbates hyperglycemic nephrotoxicity: Protection accorded by Naringenin

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction contributes greatly to the pathophysiology of hyperglycemic nephrotoxicity. This study unravels the critical role of Tribbles 3 (TRB3)-Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) signaling pathway during hyperglycemic renal toxicity. It also uncovers the novel role of Naringenin, a flavanone, in regulating ER stress in proximal tubular cells, NRK 52E, and kidneys of streptozotocin/nicotinamide induced experimental diabetic Wistar rats. Results demonstrate that expression of ER stress marker proteins including phosphorylated protein kinase ER like kinase (p-PERK), phosphorylated eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2α (p-eIF2α), X Box Binding Protein 1 spliced (XBP1s), Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) and C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP) were upregulated in diabetic kidneys indicating the activation of ER stress response due to nephrotoxicity. Treatment with Naringenin reduced the expression of TRB3, an ER stress-inducible pseudokinase, both in vitro and in vivo. Gene silencing of TRB3 enhanced Akt and FoxO1 phosphorylation and alleviated FoxO1 mediated apoptosis during hyperglycemic nephrotoxicity. Notably, TRB3 gene silencing effects were comparable to the response with Naringenin treatment. Prevention of nuclear colocalization of ATF4 and CHOP in Naringenin treated cells was evident. Naringenin also reduced insulin resistance, apoptosis and glycogen accumulation along with enhancement of glucose tolerance in diabetic rats. Prevention of ultrastructural aberrations in the ER of hyperglycemic renal cells by Naringenin confirmed its anti-ER stress effects. These findings affirm that activation of TRB3-FoxO1 signaling is critical in the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia-induced renal toxicity and protective effect of Naringenin via modulation of ER stress may be exploited as a novel approach for its management.

Naringenin enhances anti-proliferation effect of 1-ferrocenyl-3-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl) propen-1-one on two different cells via targeting calmodulin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

FMSP is a synthesized ferrocene derivative with anti-cancer characteristics on tumor cells. Naringenin is a polyphenolic flavonoid with anti-tumor ability.

METHODS

Cell viability and proliferation of two cancer cells and a normal cell line after treatment with these agents were determined with MTT assay. To predict the possible interaction between calmodulin (CaM) and FMSP and naringenin, docking studies were performed. By using fluorescence emission spectra, the effects of FMSP and naringenin on CaM structure and activity were studied. CaM-dependent activation of phosphodiesterase 1 (PDE1) by FMSP in relation to naringenin and their combination were compared. Effects of these compounds on PDE1 inhibition, cAMP accumulation, and cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) activation were assayed.

RESULTS

The combination of FMSP and naringenin had more inhibitory effects on CaM structure than FMSP and naringenin alone. Results of docking analyses also confirmed efficient interaction of the two compounds with a hydrophobic pocket of calmodulin active site. Kinetic analyses of these agents' interaction with CaM showed FMSP and naringenin both competitively inhibited PDE1 activation without changing the Vmax parameter. FMSP and naringenin synergistically increased Km values at a higher level compared to FMSP or naringenin alone. The combination of these two agents also had more cytotoxic effects on cancer cells than FMSP alone.

CONCLUSIONS

It was shown that mechanism of proliferation inhibition in both cancer cells by these compounds is based on CaM and consequent PDE inhibition followed by intracellular cAMP level elevation and increased PKA activity in a dose-dependent manner.

Naringenin Induces ROS-Mediated ER Stress, Autophagy, and Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma Cell Lines

Osteosarcoma, a primary bone tumor, responds poorly to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in children and young adults; hence, as the basis for an alternative treatment, this study investigated the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of naringenin on osteosarcoma cell lines, HOS and U2OS, by using cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays. DNA fragmentation and the increase in the G2/M phase in HOS and U2OS cells upon treatment with various naringenin concentrations were determined by using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining, respectively. Flow cytometry was performed, and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, JC-1, and Fluo-4 AM ester probes were examined for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and intracellular calcium levels, respectively. Caspase activation, cell cycle, cytosolic and mitochondrial, and autophagy-related proteins were determined using western blotting. The results indicated that naringenin significantly inhibited viability and proliferation of osteosarcoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, naringenin induced cell cycle arrest in osteosarcoma cells by inhibiting cyclin B1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 expression and upregulating p21 expression. Furthermore, naringenin significantly inhibited the growth of osteosarcoma cells by increasing the intracellular ROS level. Naringenin induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis through the upregulation of ER stress markers, GRP78 and GRP94. Naringenin caused acidic vesicular organelle formation and increased autophagolysosomes, microtubule-associated protein-light chain 3-II protein levels, and autophagy. The findings suggest that the induction of cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and autophagy by naringenin through mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS production, and ER stress signaling pathways contribute to the antiproliferative effect of naringenin on osteosarcoma cells.

Effects and mechanisms of dietary bioactive compounds on breast cancer prevention

Breast cancer (BC) is the most often diagnosed cancer among females globally and has become an increasing global health issue over the last decades. Despite the substantial improvement in screening methods for initial diagnosis, effective therapy remains lacking. Still, there has been high recurrence and disease progression after treatment of surgery, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Considering this view, there is a crucial requirement to develop safe, freely accessible, and effective anticancer therapy for BC. The dietary bioactive compounds as auspicious anticancer agents have been recognized to be active and their implications in the treatment of BC with negligible side effects. Hence, this review focused on various dietary bioactive compounds as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of BC with the mechanisms of action. Bioactive compounds have chemo-preventive properties as they inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, downregulate the expression of estrogen receptors, and cell cycle arrest by inducing apoptotic settings in tumor cells. Therapeutic drugs or natural compounds generally incorporate engineered nanoparticles with ideal sizes, shapes, and enhance their solubility, circulatory half-life, and biodistribution. All data of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies of dietary bioactive compounds and their impact on BC were collected from Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The data of chemopreventive and anticancer activity of dietary bioactive compounds were collected and orchestrated in a suitable place in the review. These shreds of data will be extremely beneficial to recognize a series of additional diet-derived bioactive compounds to treat BC with the lowest side effects.

Protective effects of hesperidin through attenuation of Ki67 expression against DMBA-induced breast cancer in female rats

AIMS

Doxorubicin (Dox) is routinely used for breast cancer treatment but toxicity and drug resistance limit its use. The objective of the study was to investigate the protective effects of hesperidin alone and in combination with doxorubicin against experimentally induced breast cancer in female rats.

METHODS

Breast cancer (BC) was induced by administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) through subcutaneous injection into the 3rd right mammary gland of female Wistar rats. Hesperidin (Hes) pretreated groups were started with Hes (200 mg/kg) two weeks prior to DMBA induction. Animals were randomly divided into nine groups namely vehicle control, DMBA-induced, Dox 4 mg/kg, Dox 2 mg/kg, Hes (200 mg/kg), Hes (200 mg/kg) plus Dox 4 mg/kg treated groups and Hes pretreated groups treated with DMBA, Dox 4 mg/kg and Dox 2 mg/kg.

KEY FINDINGS

Hes pretreated groups showed reduced tumor occurrence, tumor volume and increased survival rate as compared to DMBA-induced group of animals. Hes pretreated animals treated with Dox 4 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg exhibited significant reduction in malondialdehyde and improvement in levels of glutathione and inflammatory markers like IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, IFN-γ as compared to Dox 4 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg treated animals. Histopathology and Ki67 expression depicted better control of tumor with Hes pretreatment groups as compared to DMBA-induced. Histopathology of vital organs of Hes pretreated groups treated with Dox revealed lesser toxicity than Dox treated groups.

SIGNIFICANCE

Hesperidin possesses protective effect against experimentally induced breast cancer in female rats that appears to be related to attenuation of Ki67 expression.

Network Pharmacology-Based Identification of Key Mechanisms of Xihuang Pill in the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Xihuang pill, an approved Chinese medicine formula (state medical permit number. Z11020073), is a commonly used adjuvant drug for cancer patients in China. Xihuang pill has a satisfactory effect in treating breast cancer in clinics, especially triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is the most aggressive type of breast cancer, and finite effective therapies. However, the mechanism of Xihuang pill in treating TNBC remains unclear. The present study aims to explore the pharmacological mechanism of Xihuang pill in treating advanced TNBC. We identified the main chemical components of Xihuang pill by using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) analysis shows that serum containing Xihuang pill (XS) had no obvious killing effect on any subtype of breast cancer cells, but it inhibited mammosphere colony formation of two TNBC cell lines (4T1 and HCC1806 cells) and could enhance the inhibitory effect of paclitaxel (PTX) on the proliferation of 4T1 and HCC1806 cells when combined with PTX. Seventy-six active compounds in Xihuang pill, their 300 protein targets, and 16667 TNBC stem cell–related genes were identified. The drug–herb–active compound–target gene–disease network and enrichment analyses were constructed with 190 overlapping candidate targets. Through text mining and molecular docking, the target gene NR3C2 and its active compound naringenin were selected for further validation. According to the TCGA database, we observed that a high expression of NR3C2 promoted a higher survival probability regarding overall survival (OS). In vitro experiments indicated that naringenin presented an identical effect to XS, possibly by regulating the NR3C2 expression. Overall, this study explored the effect of Xihuang pill in treating advanced TNBC cells and showed that naringenin, which is the key active compound of Xihuang pill, could lessen the stemness of TNBC cells to produce a synergistic effect on PTX by regulating the NR3C2 gene.

Repurposing Natural Dietary Flavonoids in the Modulation of Cancer Tumorigenesis: Decrypting the Molecular Targets of Naringenin, Hesperetin and Myricetin

In the past few years flavonoids have been gaining more attention regarding their (still un) exploited anticancer properties. Flavonoids are natural compounds present in fruits, vegetables, and seeds, meaning that they are already present in the daily life of every person, with a described broad-spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In the present review we discuss the anticancer activity of three important flavonoids - myricetin (MYR) (flavanol group), hesperetin (HESP) and naringenin (NAR) (flavanone group). Although some mechanisms underlying their activities remain still unclear, they can act as potential inhibitors of key tumorigenic signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, p38 MAPK and NF-κB. Simultaneously, they can reset the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins that belong to the Bcl-2 and caspase family and decrease the intracellular levels of ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Together with their synergetic effect they have the potential to become key elements in the prevention and/or treatment of several types of cancer, with the major improvement to the patient life quality, due to their non-existent toxicity.

Breast cancer suppression by curcumin-naringenin-magnetic-nano-particles: In vitro and in vivo studies

BACKGROUND

The limitations of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in cancer treatment and the increase in the application of nanomaterials in the field of biomedicine have promoted the use of nanomaterials in combination with radiotherapy for cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To improve the efficiency of cancer treatment, curcumin-naringenin loaded dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles (CUR-NAR-D-MNPs) were used as chemotherapy and in combination with radiotherapy to verify their effectiveness in treating tumors.

METHODS

CUR-NAR-D-MNPs were prepared and studied by several characterization methods. Median inhibitory concentration (IC50) and cellular toxicity were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cell death and radiosensitization were studied by acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.

RESULTS

CUR-NAR-D-MNPs induce apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. CUR-NAR-D-MNPs used alone had a certain therapeutic effect on tumors. CUR-NAR-D-MNPs plus radiotherapy significantly reduced the tumor volume and led to cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis through modulation of P53high, P21high, TNF-αlow, CD44low, and ROShigh signalingCONCLUSIONS:CUR-NAR-D-MNPs are effective in the treatment of tumors when combined with radiotherapy, and show radiosensitization effects against cancer proliferation in vitro and in vivo.

The effect of hesperidin, chrysin, and naringenin on the number of somatic cell count in mastitis in dairy cows after multiple intramammary administration

Hesperidin (HE), chrysin (CH) and naringenin (NA) are flavonoids, being the most important group of polyphenols, and show anti-inflammatory properties which have been demonstrated on various models. Polyphenols have a lot of biological properties, such as antioxidative, antiviral, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities. However, the effect on mastitis has not been yet described. This research aimed to analyze the tolerability of selected polyphenols after multiple intramammary administrations (IMM) as well as to investigate their potential impact on somatic cell count (SCC) in mastitis dairy cows. The study was performed on 12 Polish Holstein Black-White cows in their 4th – to 6th lactation. Only animals with inflammation in one-quarter of the udder were selected. The selection was based on SCC and clinical assessment. The experiment was performed with multiple IMM administrations with each of these polyphenols in dairy cows affected with mastitis. Polyphenols were administered at a dose of 30 mg/quarter/day. Milk samples for SCC, blood plasma samples for pharmacokinetics and blood hematology and biochemistry (selected blood parameters were tested) were collected at baseline, treatment period and within the recovery period. Positive effects concerning the number of SCC in milk of mastitic cows were confirmed for all tested polyphenols.

Regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway in RCC using the active compounds of natural products in vitro

Since Professor Tu Youyou won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for the discovery of artemisinin, which is used to treat malaria, increased attention has been paid to the extracts obtained from plants, in order to analyze their biological activities, particularly with regard to their antitumor activity. Therefore, the present study explored the biochemical properties of seven natural plant extracts on renal cell carcinoma (RCC). 786-O and OS-RC-2 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of the extracts. Then, cell viability, the IC₅₀ value and proliferation was determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were evaluated via flow cytometry. The expression levels of proteins were assessed using western blotting, and cellular morphology was observed using a light microscope. The results showed that sophoricoside, aucubin, notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rg1 did not exhibit a cytotoxic effect on RCC cells, whereas ginsenoside Re and allicin exhibited a very slight inhibitory effect. Naringenin possessed the highest activity of the analyzed extracts. The IC₅₀ values of naringenin on 786-O and OS-RC-2 cells were 8.91±0.33 and 7.78±2.65 µM, respectively. In addition, naringenin notably inhibited the proliferation of RCC cells by decreasing Ki67 expression, blocked cell cycle progression in the G₂ phase by regulating expression of cell cycle proteins, and increased apoptosis by upregulating caspase-8 expression, downregulating Bcl-2 expression and altering the cellular morphology. Furthermore, naringenin inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis by upregulating the expression of PTEN at the protein level, downregulated the expression of PI3K and phosphorylated-(p-)AKT, but did not affect the expression of AKT, mTOR or p-mTOR. The seven plant extracts analyzed showed differing degrees of anti-RCC activity. Sophoricoside, aucubin, notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rg1 did not exhibit notable anti-RCC activity, whereas the effect of ginsenoside Re and allicin on RCC was considerably weak. However, naringenin showed potent anti-proliferative, apoptosis inducing and cell cycle arresting activity on RCC cells via regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.