Anticancer potential of rhamnocitrin 4'-β-D-galactopyranoside against N-diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Escin-sorafenib synergy up-regulates LC3-II and p62 to induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common solid cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Sorafenib is the first drug used to treat HCC but its effectiveness needs to be improved, and it is important to find ways to treat cancer that combine sorafenib with other drugs. Synergistic therapies lower effective drug doses and side effects while enhancing the anticancer effect.

PURPOSE

In the present study, the therapeutic potential of sorafenib in combination with escin and its underlying mechanism in targeting liver cancer has been established.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

The IC50 of sorafenib and escin against HepG2, PLC/PRF5 and Huh7 cell lines were determined using MTT assay. The combination index, dose reduction index, isobologram and concentrations producing synergy were evaluated using the Chou-Talaly algorithm. The sub-effective concentration of sorafenib and escin was selected to analyze cytotoxic synergistic potential. Cellular ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, annexin V and cell cycle were evaluated using a flow-cytometer, and autophagy biomarkers were determined using western blotting. Moreover, autophagy was knocked down using ATG5 siRNA to confirm its role. A DEN-induced liver cancer rat model was developed to check the synergy of sorafenib and escin.

RESULTS

Different concentrations of escin reduced the IC50 of sorafenib in HepG2, PLC/PRF5 and Huh7 cell lines. Chou-Talaly algorithm determined cytotoxic synergistic concentrations of sorafenib and escin in these cell lines. Mechanistically, this combination over-expressed p62 and LC-II, reflecting autophagy block and induced late apoptosis, further reconfirmed by ATG5 knockdown. Sorafenib and escin combination  reduced HCC serum biomarker α-feto protein (α-FP) by 1.5 folds. This combination restricted liver weight, tumor number and size, also, conserved morphological features of liver cells. The combination selectively targeted the G0 /G1 phase of cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Escin and sorafenib combination potentially up-regulates p62 to block autophagy to induce late apoptosis in liver cancer cells.

Impending Chemotherapeutic Impact of Arthrospira platensis Nanoparticles and/or Sorafenib against Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Modulation of Antioxidant Status, Tumor Marker Genes, and Anti-Inflammatory Signaling Pathways

This study investigated Arthrospira platensis nanoparticles (NSP) to overcome sorafenib resistance in diethyl nitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. This study used sixty Wistar male rats randomly grouped into two main groups, the normal control group, and the HCC model. For the normal control group (n = 12), animals were injected i.p. with PBS two times/week for 16 weeks. The remaining 48 rats were injected i.p. with using a single dose of diethyl nitrosamine (DENA) (200 mg/kg, ip), followed by phenobarbital sodium (0.05%) in drinking water for 16 weeks. At the end of the 16th week, rats were allocated into four groups (11 rats/each), one group was left without treatment (DENA group), and the other three groups were treated with either sorafenib (30 mg/kg; p.o.) or Arthrospira platensis Nanoparticles (NSP) (0.5 mg/kg body weight) once daily orally with the aid of gastric gavage or their combination for another four weeks. Blood and tissue samples were collected for further biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, and gene expression analysis. Our result revealed that DENA-treated rats showed a marked elevation of hepatic enzyme markers with an increase in the total protein and globulin and decreases in the hepatic SOD. Catalase and GSH, with significantly increased MDA levels, subsequently increased the tumor biomarkers (AFP and CEA). On the molecular level, the DENA-treated rats showed significant up-regulation of Cyp19 mRNA and the inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, iNOS, and TGF-1β) as well as the Ki-67 gene expression (p < 0.05) with down-regulation of the PPAR-γ and FOXO-1. In addition, the HCC group showed a loss of hepatic architecture, as well as atypia, swelling, macrosteatosis of hepatocytes, and fibrosis, besides increased vascularization. The immunohistochemical findings show increased expression of both GPC-3 and Hep Par 1 in the HCC group. SOR, NSP, or a combination of NSP and SOR.NSP treatment significantly overturned the DENA's harmful effect near the normal levels and restored all cancer biomarkers and antioxidant activities, indicating the chemotherapeutic impact of NSP. The present study provides evidence that NSP exerts a major anticancer effect on DENA-induced HCC. SOR/NSP is a promising combination for tumor suppression and overcoming sorafenib resistance in HCC by modulating antioxidants, anti-inflammatory signals, and tumor markers.

Biological Importance and Therapeutic Benefit of Rhamnocitrin: A Review of Pharmacology and Analytical Aspects

BACKGROUND

Humans have a long history of the uses of plant based products, including extracts and pure phytoconstituents for the treatment of human diseases in the different system of medicine. In the developing countries, phytoproducts play an important role in the healthcare systems due to their medicinal importance and pharmacological activities. Flavonoids class phytochemicals are beneficial for human beings because of their free radical scavenging properties and trace metals chelating potential. Flavonoids have inhibitory potential for the growth of bacteria and virus mainly through enzyme inhibition functions and viral translation. Rhamnocitrin is also called 7- methyl-kaempferol is important flavonoids, which has been isolated from different medicinal plants and has pharmacological activities in the medicine.

METHODS

Present paper describes the biological potential and health beneficial aspects of rhamnocitrin in the medicine through the data analysis of published papers in the recent years in the field of medicine and modern medical sciences. Scientific data on rhamnocitrin have been collected from electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Google, Scopus and Science Direct in the present investigation and analyzed to know the biological importance and pharmacological activities of rhamnocitrin. Pharmacological scientific data of rhamnocitrin have been collected and analyzed in the present work with their analytical aspects.

RESULTS

Literature data analysis of different scientific work on rhamnocitrin revealed the biological importance of rhamnocitrin in medicine. Rhamnocitrin is known to be a promising phytoconstituents found to be present in medicinal plants with a wide range of biological activities. Rhamnocitrin was found to have pharmacological activities, including anti-atherogenic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, enzymatic and neuroprotective potential. Further biological effect of rhamnocitrin on adipocyte differentiation has been also studied in the present work. Analytical data on rhamnocitrin signified the application of different analytical techniques for the separation, isolation and identification of rhamnocitrin in medicine.

CONCLUSION

Literature data analysis of different scientific research works revealed the biological importance and therapeutic benefit of rhamnocitrin in medicine.

Flavonoids in in vitro cultures of Astragalus hamosus

Astragalus hamosus contains valuable biologically active compounds, incl. flavonoids. The possibility for in vitro cultivation of the species as a source of important flavonoids was studied. Shoot and callus cultures were established and successfully cultivated on different nutrition media, complemented or not with growth regulators. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography – high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRESIMS) qualitative and quantitative analysis of non-purified methanol extracts of these cultures was performed. It was found that the cultures produced rutin in comparable quantity. Interestingly, both shoots and callus cultures accumulated the rare triglycosides alcesefoliside and mauritianin. The quantity of mauritianin, biosynthesized in shoots, was significantly higher to that in callus cultures. Alcesefoliside, was in lower quantity, compared to mauritianin. In addition, callus cultures produced alcesefoliside trice as the shoots, besides their lower level of differentiation. These findings could serve as initial research to establish the value of in vitro cultures from A. hamosus as an alternative mean of production of pharmaceutically important flavonol glycosides.

Liquid chromatography – high resolution mass spectrometry screening of Astragalus hamosus and Astragalus corniculatus

Astragalus hamosus and Astragalus corniculatus were examined for the presence of flavoalkaloids, acylated and highly glycosylated flavonoids. Non-purified extracts of the overground parts of the species were subjected to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography – high resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRESIMS) analysis and the results were compared to authentic reference substances. A flavoalkaloid of kaempferol was newly identified in an extract of A. hamosus. In addition, three compounds – quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids, acylated with hydroxymethylglutaric acid and alcesefoliside, were found in extracts of A. hamosus and A. corniculatus for the first time.

The potential chemotherapeutic effect of β-ionone and/or sorafenib against hepatocellular carcinoma via its antioxidant effect, PPAR-γ, FOXO-1, Ki-67, Bax, and Bcl-2 signaling pathways

Proliferation and apoptosis are two primary driving forces behind the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is associated with Ki-67 and Bcl-2 overexpression, reduced Bax expression inducing disturbance of equilibrium between cellular proliferation and apoptosis, and exacerbated by reduced expression of PPAR-γ and FOXO-1. Our objective was to examine the mechanism by which the cyclic isoprenoid, β-ionone (βI), attenuated hepatocarcinogenesis and compare its possible anticancer activity with sorafenib (SF) as standard HCC treatment. HCC induction was achieved by supplying Wistar rats with 0.01% diethylnitrosamine (DENA) for 8 consecutive weeks by free access of drinking water. The effects of βI (160 mg/kg/day) administered orally were evaluated by biochemical, oxidative stress, macroscopical, and histopathological analysis. In addition, immunohistochemical assay for localization and expression of Bax and Bcl-2 and RT-PCR for expression levels of PPAR-γ, FOXO-1, and Ki-67 mRNA were performed. βI treatment significantly reduced the incidence, total number, and multiplicity of visible hepatocyte nodules, attenuated LPO, near-normal restoration of all cancer biomarkers, and antioxidant activities, indicating the chemotherapeutic impact of βI. Histopathological analysis of the liver confirmed that further. βI also induced pro-apoptotic protein Bax expression and reduced anti-apoptotic expression of Bcl-2 protein. Moreover, βI induced mRNA expression of tumor suppressor genes (PPAR-γ and FOXO-1) and decreased proliferative marker Ki-67 mRNA expression. For the first time, the present study provides evidence that βI exerts a major anticancer effect on DENA-induced HCC, at least in part, through inhibition of cell proliferation, oxidative stress, and apoptogenic signal induction mediated by downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax, PPAR-γ, and FOXO-1 expressions.

Effects of astragalus injection on different stages of early hepatocarcinogenesis in a two-stage hepatocarcinogenesis model using rats

To clarify the suppressive effects of astragalus injection (AI) on different stages of early hepatocarcinogenesis induced by weak promotion, SD rats initiated with a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) at 200 mg/kg body weight and promoted with 0.5% piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in diet were repeatedly administered AI at 5 ml/kg body weight/day in the early postinitiation (EPI) or late postinitiation (LPI) period for 2 or 8 weeks, respectively. The number and area of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-immunoreactive ⁽⁺⁾ foci tended to increase in the DEN+PBO group compared with the DEN-alone group. Among the PBO-promoted groups, number and area of GST-P⁺ foci did not visibly change in the DEN+PBO+AI-EPI group compared with the DEN+PBO group. In contrast, number and area of GST-P⁺ foci tended to decrease in the DEN+PBO+AI-LPI group compared with the DEN+PBO group. Number of Ki67⁺ cells was increased in the DEN+PBO group compared with the DEN-alone group and was decreased in both AI-administered groups compared with the DEN+PBO group. Gene expression analysis revealed that the DEN+PBO+AI-LPI group showed increased transcript levels of Ccne1, Cdkn1b, Rb1, Bax, Bcl2, Casp3, and Casp9 compared with the DEN+PBO group; however, the DEN+PBO+AI-EPI group did not show changes in the transcript levels of any genes examined compared with the DEN+PBO. These results suggest that AI administration during the LPI period caused weak suppression of hepatocarcinogenesis under weak promotion with a low PBO dose by the mechanism involving facilitation of cell cycle suppression causing G1/S arrest and apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. In addition, the results suggest that AI administration during the EPI period has no effect on weakly promoted hepatocarcinogenesis.

Flavonoids Effects on Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Murine Models: A Systematic Review

The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. It occurs primarily as manifestation of other pathological processes, such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and toxin exposure that affect directly the cellular process. Studies were selected from PubMed and Scopus databases according to the PRISMA statement. The research filters were constructed using three parameters: flavonoids, hepatocellular carcinoma, and animal model. The bias analysis of the 34 selected works was done using the ARRIVE guidelines. The most widely used flavonoid in the studies was epigallocatechin gallate extracted from green tea. In general, the treatment with different flavonoids presented inhibition of tumor growth and antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The bias analysis evidenced the absence of methodological processes in all studies, such as the age or weight of the animals, the method of flavonoids' extraction, or the experimental designs, analytical methods, and outcome measures. It has been known that flavonoids have a protective effect against HCC. However, the absence or incomplete characterization of the animal models, treatment protocols, and phytochemical and toxicity analyses impaired the internal validity of the individual studies, making it difficult to determine the effectiveness of plant-derived products in the treatment of HCC.

Astragaloside IV inhibits cell migration and viability of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via suppressing long noncoding RNA ATB

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), the major active component of Astragalus membranaceus, has shown attractive anticancer effects in certain cancers. However, the roles and action mechanisms of AS-IV in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are largely unclear. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recently revealed to have crucial roles in HCC initiation and progression, but whether lncRNAs participate in the anticancer roles of AS-IV are unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that AS-IV significantly downregulated lncRNA-ATB expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HCC cells. Through downregulating lncRNA-ATB, AS-IV repressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration of HCC cells. Furthermore, through downregulating lncRNA-ATB, AS-IV inactivated IL-11/STAT3 signaling, induced HCC cell apoptosis, and decreased HCC cell viability. Overexpression of lncRNA-ATB reversed the effects of AS-IV on HCC cell migration, EMT, cell apoptosis, cell viability, and IL-11/STAT3 signaling. Taken together, our results showed that AS-IV inhibited migration and cell viability of HCC cells via downregulating lncRNA-ATB. Thus, our data provided a novel molecular basis for the applications of AS-IV in the therapy of HCC.

Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic

Owing to a dramatic increase in average life expectancy and the Family Planning program of the 1970s - 1990s, China is rapidly becoming an aging society. Therefore, the investigation of healthspan-extending drugs becomes more urgent. Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) is a major medicinal herb that has been commonly used in many herbal formulations in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat a wide variety of diseases and body disorders, or marketed as life-prolonging extracts for human use in China, for more than 2000 years. The major components of Astragalus membranaceus are polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins. Pharmacological research indicates that the extract component of Astragalus membranaceus can increase telomerase activity, and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anticancer, hypolipidemic, antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, expectorant, and diuretic effects. A proprietary extract of the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus, called TA-65, was associated with a significant age-reversal effect in the immune system. Our review focuses on the function and the underlying mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus in lifespan extension, anti-vascular aging, anti-brain aging, and anti-cancer effects, based on experimental and clinical studies.

Synthesis, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, COX1/2-inhibitory activity, and molecular docking studies of hybrid pyrazole analogues

This article reports on the design, synthesis, and pharmacological activity of a new series of hybrid pyrazole analogues: 5a–5u. Among the series 5a–5u, the compounds 5u and 5s exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity of 80.63% and 78.09% and inhibition of 80.87% and 76.56% compared with the standard drug ibuprofen, which showed 81.32% and 79.23% inhibition after 3 and 4 hours, respectively. On the basis of in vivo studies, 12 compounds were selected for assessment of their in vitro inhibitory action against COX1/2 and TNFα. The compounds 5u and 5s showed high COX2-inhibitory activity, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 1.79 and 2.51 μM and selectivity index values of 72.73 and 65.75, respectively, comparable to celecoxib (selectivity index =78.06). These selected compounds were also tested for TNFα, cytotoxicity, and ulcerogenicity. Docking studies were also carried out to determine possible interactions of the potent compounds (5u and 5s), which also showed high docking scores of −12.907 and −12.24 compared to celecoxib, with a −9.924 docking score. These selective COX2 inhibitors were docked into the active site of COX2, and showed the same orientation and binding mode to that of celecoxib (selective COX2 inhibitor). Docking studies also showed that the SO₂NH₂ of 5u and 5s is inserted deep inside the selective pocket of the COX2-active site and formed a hydrogen-bond interaction with His90, Arg513, Phe518, Ser353, Gln192, and Ile517, which was further validated by superimposed docked pose with celecoxib.

Effects of rhamnocitrin 4-β-D-galactopyranoside, isolated from Astragalus hamosus on toxicity models in vitro

BACKGROUND

Astragalus hamosus L. (Fabaceae) is used in herbal medicine as emollient, demulcent, phrodisiac, diuretic, laxative, and good for inflammation, ulcers, and leukoderma. It is useful in treating irritation of the mucous membranes, nervous affections, and catarrh.

OBJECTIVE

Rhamnocitrin 4-β-D-galactopyranoside (RGP), isolated from A. hamosus, was investigated for its possible protective effect on different models of toxicity in vitro on sub-cellular and cellular level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of RGP were evaluated on isolated rat brain synaptosomes, prepared by Percoll reagent and on rat hepatocytes, isolated by two-stepped collagenase perfusion.

RESULTS

In synaptosomes, RGP had statistically significant protective effect, similar to those of silymarin, on 6-hydroxy (OH)-dopamine-induced oxidative stress. These results correlate with literature data about protective effects of kempferol and rhamnocitrin on oxidative damage in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. In rat hepatocytes, we investigate the effect of RGP on two models of liver toxicity: Bendamustine and cyclophosphamide. In these models, the compound had statistically significant cytoprotective and antioxidant activity, similar to those of silymarin.

CONCLUSION

According to these results, we can suggest that such cytoprotective effect of RGP might be due to an influence on bendamustine and cyclophosphamide metabolism in rat hepatocytes. In isolated rat hepatocytes, in combination with bendamustine and cyclophosphamide and in 6-OH-dopamine-induced oxidative stress in isolated rat synaptosomes, RGP, isolated from A. hamosus, was effective protector and antioxidant. The effects were closed to those of flavonoid silymarin-the classical hepatoprotector and antioxidant.