Antiproliferative activity of Korean wild vegetables on different human tumor cell lines

Chemico-biological interaction unraveled the potential mechanistic pathway of Ixeridium dentatum compounds against atopic dermatitis

This study aims to investigate the potential therapeutic application of Ixeridium dentatum (ID) in treating atopic dermatitis (AD) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation. We employed GC-MS techniques and identified 40 bioactive compounds present in the ID and determined their targets by accessing public databases. The convergence of compounds and dermatitis related targets led to the identification of 32 common genes. Among them, IL1B, PTGS2, IL6, IL2, and RELA, were found to be significant targets which were analyzed using Cytoscape network topology. The KEGG pathway evaluation revealed that these targets were significantly enriched in the C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway. The therapeutic efficacy of Stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol, Urea, n-Heptyl-, and 3-Epimoretenol was demonstrated in molecular docking assay, as evidenced by their presence in the core compounds of the compound-target network. Furthermore, these compounds exhibited significant kinetic stability and chemical reactivity in DFT quantum analysis when compared to their co-crystallized ligands and reference drug, indicating their potential as key targets for future research. Among the top three docking complexes, namely IL6-3-Epimoretenol, and IL2- Stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol, both demonstrated exceptional dynamic characteristics in molecular dynamics simulations at 100 ns. The feasibility of these compounds could be attributed to the prior traditional interrelationship between ID and AD. Overall, this research elucidates the interplay between AD-associated signaling pathways and target receptors with the bioactive ID. The proposal posits the utilization of antecedent compounds as a substitute for the customary pharmaceutical intervention that obstructs the discharge of cytokines, which incite dermal inflammation in the C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway of atopic dermatitis.

Development and Validation of a New Analytical HPLC-PDA Method for Simultaneous Determination of Cucurbitacins B and D from the Roots of Trichosanthes kirilowii

Trichosanthes kirilowii, one of the herbal formulas named SH003, has been used for treatment in traditional medicine. This paper aimed to analyze the marker compounds from the roots of T. kirilowii and evaluate a validation method for cucurbitacins B and D using high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA). Two marker compounds were identified as cucurbitacin B (1) and cucurbitacin D (2) from the roots of T. kirilowii by spectroscopic analyses. Cucurbitacins B and D peaks were well separated and were detected at 15.4 min and 12.4 min, respectively, by a UV detector at 230 nm with the linearity (R2 > 0.999) range between 5 and 250 μg/mL, limit of detections (LODs) were 1.87 μg/mL and 1.30 μg/mL, respectively, while limit of quantifications (LOQs) were 5.66 μg/mL and 3.93 μg/mL, respectively. The established method offered good precision with overall intra- and inter-day variations of 0.34–1.26 and 0.26–1.35%, respectively, for % relative standard deviation (RSD, acceptance limit %RSD <3%). The cucurbitacins B and D recoveries ranged from 99.2 to 101.7% and 98.6 to 102.0%, respectively. These results suggest that cucurbitacins B and D could be a valuable candidate for marker compounds of the extract from T. kirilowii, and the proposed method was shown applicability for quality control of SH003.

SH003 reverses drug resistance by blocking signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in breast cancer cells

Overcoming drug resistance is an important task for investigators and clinician to achieve successful chemotherapy in cancer patients. Drug resistance is caused by various factors, including the overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp, MDR1). The development of new, useful compounds that overcome drug resistance is urgent. SH003 is extracted from the mixture of three different herbs, and its anticancer effect has been revealed in different cancer cell types. In the present study, we investigated whether SH003 is able to reverse drug resistance using paclitaxel-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/PAC). In our experiments, SH003 significantly decreased cell growth and colony formation in MCF-7/PAC cells and parental MCF-7 cells. This growth inhibition was related to the accumulation of cells in the sub-G₀/G₁ apoptotic population and an increase in the number of apoptotic cells. SH003 reduced the mRNA expression of multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) and multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) in MCF-7/PAC cells. SH003 also down-regulated the expression of P-gp. SH003 reversed drug efflux from MCF-7/PAC cells, resulting in rhodamine123 (Rho123) accumulation. Inhibition of drug resistance by SH003 is related to the suppression of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. SH003 decreased STAT3 activation (p-STAT3) and its nuclear translocation and inhibited the secretion of VEGF and MMP-2, which are STAT3 target genes. An STAT3 inhibitor, JAK inhibitor I and an HIF-1α inhibitor decreased cell growth in MCF-7 and MCF-7/PAC cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that SH003 can overcome drug resistance, and SH003 might be helpful for chemotherapy in cancer patients.

SH003‑induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest induces apoptosis in HeLa cervical cancer cells

Cervical cancer is a prevalent disease that may lead to mortality in women. In spite of the development of common therapeutic agents to treat cancer, there are several limitations of their use owing to side effects and drug resistance, which may induce cancer recurrence. The anticancer effects of the new herbal mixture SH003 (comprising Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas and Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz) have been examined in various types of cancer. Thus, the present study hypothesized that SH003 may be an effective treatment for cervical cancer. SH003 treatment inhibited the growth of HeLa cells, whereas it did not affect the growth of rat intestinal epithelial cells. In addition, SH003 treatment increased the expression of apoptosis‑related proteins and promoted apoptotic cell death in HeLa cells. SH003 treatment also led to G1 phase arrest in HeLa cells. Furthermore, SH003 treatment induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, ROS production did not appear to be related to SH003‑mediated apoptosis. Results from the present study indicated that the SH003‑induced inhibition of HeLa cell growth may be mediated through G1 phase arrest and extrinsic apoptosis, suggested that SH003 may be a potential treatment for cervical cancer.

Ixeris dentata (Thunb. Ex Thunb.) Nakai Extract Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells through Akt/NF-κB Pathways

Ixeris dentata (Thunb. Ex Thunb.) Nakai (ID) exhibits various physiological activities, and its related plant derived-products are expected to represent promising cancer therapeutic agents. However, the anticancer effects of ID extract on breast cancer cells classified as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects and analyzed the molecular mechanism of ID extract in T47D, MCF-7 (ER-, PR-positive, HER2-negative), SK-BR-3(ER-, PR-negative, HER2-positive), and MDA-MB-231 (Triple-negative) through in vitro studies. Additionally, we examined its anti-tumor effects through in vivo studies. Our findings indicated that ID extract-induced apoptosis was mediated via various survival pathways on four breast cancer cells by identifying the factors including Bcl-2 family, phospho-Akt and phospho-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Based on in vitro findings that induced apoptosis via Akt-NF-κB signaling, we investigated the effects of ID extract on mice bearing MDA-MB-231 cells. The results showed that ID extract significantly decreased MDA-MB-231 tumor volume and weight via inducing apoptosis by suppressing phospho-Akt. Overall, these results indicate that ID extract induces apoptosis through the Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and tumors, and it may serve as a therapeutic agent for triple-negative human breast cancer.

Anticancer effects of Ixeris dentata (Thunb. ex Thunb.) nakai extract on human melanoma cells A375P and A375SM

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The plant species Taraxacum coreanum (TC), Youngia sonchifolia (YS), and Ixeris dentata (ID) belong to the family Compositae and are used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. However, the anticancer effects of TC, YS, and ID extracts and the underlying molecular mechanisms in melanoma cells have not been elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the potential anticancer effects of TC, YS, and ID extracts on human melanoma cells and explore the potential pharmacological mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this comparative study, we investigated the effects of TC, YS, and ID extracts on cell proliferation in human melanoma A375P and A375SM cells using MTT[3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assays. Apoptotic cells were detected by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylinodole (DAPI) staining. We also investigated whether the growth-inhibitory effects were associated with the induction of apoptosis and whether the mechanisms of cell death were the result of signaling molecules such as p53, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-9, Poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), and Erk (Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase) 1/2. The in vivo antitumor effects were evaluated by measuring the tumor volume and weight and performing Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tumor xenograft models.

RESULTS

TC, YS, and ID extracts effectively inhibited the growth of A375P and A375SM cells. In addition, several apoptotic events were observed following treatment, including DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation by DAPI staining. The extracts increased p53, Bax, cleaved-caspase-9 and cleaved-PARP expression, whereas the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased in both cell lines. Furthermore, ID extract significantly inhibited the activation of Erk1/2 in both cell lines. Among the three extracts, ID had the strongest apoptotic effects. The administration of ID extract to mice inhibited tumor growth without any toxicity following 4 weeks of treatment. This extract increased the expression of apoptotic cells and p53 protein and decreased phospho-Erk1/2 protein.

CONCLUSION

TC, YS, and ID extracts suppress the growth of human melanoma cells through apoptosis. Among these extracts, ID has the strongest anticancer and apoptotic effects. It induces apoptosis through the inhibition of Erk1/2 in A375P and A375SM human melanoma cells and in tumor xenograft models and may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent against melanoma.

SH003 selectively induces p73‑dependent apoptosis in triple‑negative breast cancer cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a breast cancer subtype that has an aggressive phenotype, is highly metastatic, has limited treatment options and is associated with a poor prognosis. In addition, metastatic TNBC has no preferred standard chemotherapy due to resistance to anthracyclines and taxanes. The present study demonstrated that a herbal extract, SH003, reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in TNBC without cell cytotoxicity. Cell viability was examined using trypan blue exclusion and colony formation assays, which revealed a decrease in the cell viability. Additionally, apoptosis was determined using flow cytometry and a sub‑G1 assay, which revealed an increase in the proportion of cells in the sub‑G1 phase. The present study investigated the anticancer effect of SH003 in the Hs578T, MDA‑MB‑231 and ZR‑751 TNBC cell lines, and in the MCF7 and T47D non‑TNBC cell lines. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression levels of poly‑ADP‑ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage protein in cells treated with SH003 were increased dose‑dependent manner, indicating that SH003 induced apoptosis via a caspase‑dependent pathway. Pre‑treatment with the caspase inhibitor Z‑VAD reduced SH003‑induced apoptosis was examined using trypan blue exclusion. Moreover, SH003 treatment enhanced the p73 levels in MDA‑MB‑231 cells but not in MCF7 cells. Transfection of p73 small interfering RNA (siRNA) in MDA‑MB0231 cells revealed that the apoptotic cell death induced by SH003 was significantly impaired in comparison with scramble siRNA transfected MDA‑MB‑231 cells. This was examined using trypan blue exclusion and flow cytometry analysis (sub‑G1). In addition, SH003 and paclitaxel exhibited synergistic anticancer effects on TNBC cells. The results indicate that SH003 exerts its anticancer effect via p73 protein induction and exhibits synergistic anticancer effects when combined with paclitaxel.

Phytochemical Composition and Antitumor Activities of New Salad Greens: Rucola (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) and Corn Salad (Valerianella locusta)

D. tenuifolia and V. locusta, two greens, were analyzed for active compounds and antitumor actions on colorectal cancer cells. Phenolics were determined by UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS; carotenoids and glucosinolates by HPLC-MS; and sterols and fatty acids by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). For antitumor effects, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) tests were run on HT-29 colorectal cancer cells, and in CCD-18 untransformed enterocyte cells. Six main carotenoids were identified in both vegetables, while total carotenoids accounted for 3520 and 2970 μg · g(-1) dry weight in D. tenuifolia and V. locusta, respectively. Six phenolics were detected in D. tenuifolia (68,600 μg · g(-1) dry weight) and five in V. locusta (139,000 μg · g(-1) dry weight). Three glucosinolates (GSL) were found in D. tenuifolia (1960 μg · g(-1) dry wt. total). Low-polarity extracts from V. locusta and D. tenuifolia showed IC50 ~ 150 and ~200 μg · mL(-1) on HT-29 cells, while both plants lacked actions on CCD-18 cells. V. locusta inhibited HT-29 cancer cells viability more efficiently than D. tenuiofolia, but induced less cytotoxicity. This work highlights the importance of functional foods for colorectal cancer prevention.

Isolation of two new bioactive sesquiterpene lactone glycosides from the roots of Ixeris dentata

Two new sesquiterpene lactone glycosides, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-8-hydroxy-(1,5,6,7,11)-guaia-3,10(14)-dien-12,6-olide (1) and 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-8-(4-hydroxyphenylacetyloxy)-(1.5.6,7)-guaia-3,10(14),11(13)-trien-12,6-olide (2), and 12 known sesquiterpene lactone derivatives (3-14) were isolated from the roots of Ixeris dentata. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR and MS spectra data. All compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in BV-2 microglial cell. 3-O-β-d-Glucopyranosyl-8-(4-hydroxyphenylacetyloxy)-(1.5.6,7)-guaia-3,10(14),11(13)-trien-12,6-olide (2) showed the most potent inhibitory activity at a concentration of 20μM.

In vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation in asakura-sanshoo (Zanthoxylum piperitum (L.) DC. F. inerme Makino) an important medicinal plant

Context:

Asakura-sanshoo (Zanthoxylum piperitum [L.] DC. f. inerme Makino) is an important medicinal plant in East Asia. Transgenic technique could be applied to improve plant traits and analyze gene function. However, there is no report on regeneration and genetic transformation in Asakura-sanshoo.

Aims:

To establish a regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation system in Asakura-sanshoo, which could be used for cultivar improvement and gene function analysis.

Settings and Design:

The various combinations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) were explored for the optimal plant regeneration from petiole and stem of Asakura-sanshoo. The half-strength woody plant medium (WPM) with different concentrations of NAA and IBA was used to induce root. For genetic transformation, A. tumefaciens strain EHA-105 harboring the plasmid pBin-Ex-H-ipt which carries the isopentenyl transferase (ipt) gene, β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene and kanamycin resistance gene neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPTII) were used. The transformation efficiency was detected by the kanamycin resistant frequency.

Materials and Methods:

Petioles and stems were obtained from the in vitro cultured Asakura-sanshoo. The petiole and stem segments were precultured for 3 days, and then inflected using the bacterium at the concentration of OD₆₀₀ 0.5–0.8 for 10 min, followed by 3 days co-cultivation. Selection of the transgenic plants was carried out after 7 days the regeneration using gradient kanamycin at 30 mg/L and 50 mg/L, respectively. Successful transformed plants were confirmed by GUS histochemical assays, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and Southern blotting analysis.

Results:

The highest shoots regeneration was obtained on WPM supplement with 0.5 mg/L BA and 0.2 mg/L NAA. The optimal rooting medium was half strength macro-element WPM. The kanamycin resistant frequency of petiole and stem was 24.66% and 25.93%, respectively. Thirty-five shoots in thousands adventitious buds were confirmed through GUS histochemical assays, PCR, RT-PCR, and Southern blotting. The regeneration shoot per explants elevated 5.85 fold compared with the wild-type plants.

Conclusions:

Individual transgenic Asakura-sanshoo lines were obtained. In this paper, it first revealed the expression of ipt gene significantly promoted the adventitious buds induction in Asakura-sanshoo as the same action as in other plants.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of 3, 4, 11-trihydroxyl modified derivatives of bergenin

To synthesize a series of 3-, 4-, and/or 11-trihydroxy modified bergenin derivatives and evaluated their cytotoxic activity in vitro. The phenolic hydroxyl groups of bergenin were protected by benzyl groups with benzyl bromide. Treatment of dibenzyl bergenin with the corresponding acid in the presence of EDC·HCl and DMAP in CH2Cl2, followed by hydrogenation over Pd/C catalysts, afforded derivatives of bergenin esters. All of the target compounds were identified by IR, MS, and (1)H NMR. Twenty-six novel and three known derivatives of bergenin esters were synthesized. Their cytotoxicity values were evaluated by the MTT assay on the inhibition of DU-145 and BGC-823 cells in vitro. Several triply-substituted (3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a) and doubly-substituted (8b, 9b) bergenin derivatives exhibited higher cytotoxic activity than bergenin. The result showed that the size of substituents and the lipophilicity of the bergenin esters displayed an important role on their cytotoxic activity.

Herbal extract SH003 suppresses tumor growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by inhibiting STAT3-IL-6 signaling

Cancer inflammation promotes cancer progression, resulting in a high risk of cancer. Here, we demonstrate that our new herbal extract, SH003, suppresses both tumor growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells via inhibiting STAT3-IL-6 signaling path. Our new herbal formula, SH003, mixed extract from Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, and Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz, suppressed MDA-MB-231 tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo and reduced the viability and metastatic abilities of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. Furthermore, SH003 inhibited STAT3 activation, which resulted in a reduction of IL-6 production. Therefore, we conclude that SH003 suppresses highly metastatic breast cancer growth and metastasis by inhibiting STAT3-IL-6 signaling path.

A New Herbal Formula, KSG-002, Suppresses Breast Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Targeting NF- κ B-Dependent TNF α Production in Macrophages

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor microenvironment regulate cancer progression and metastases. In breast cancer, macrophage infiltration is correlated with a poor prognosis. While metastatic breast cancer is poor prognostic with a severe mortality, therapeutic options are still limited. In this study, we demonstrate that KSG-002, a new herbal composition of radices Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica gigas, suppresses breast cancer via inhibiting TAM recruitment. KSG-002, an extract of radices Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica gigas at 3 : 1 ratio, respectively, inhibited MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis in nude mice, while KSG-001, another composition (1 : 1 ratio, w/w), enhanced tumor growth, angiogenesis, and pulmonary metastasis, in vivo. KSG-002 further decreased the infiltrated macrophage numbers in xenograft tumor cohorts. In Raw264.7 cells, KSG-002 but not KSG-001 inhibited cell proliferation and migration and reduced TNF-alpha (TNF α ) production by inhibiting NF- κ B pathway. Furthermore, a combinatorial treatment of KSG-002 with TNF α inhibited a proliferation and migration of both MDA-MB-231 and Raw264.7 cells. Taken together, we conclude that KSG-002 suppresses breast cancer growth and metastasis through targeting NF- κ B-mediated TNF α production in macrophages.

Phytochemical composition and toxicity of an antioxidant extract from Pimpinella brachycarpa (Kom.) Nakai

Pimpinella brachycarpa (Kom.) Nakai (PB) is one of the most favored edible greens grown in Asian regions. In our previously study, we found PB extract had antioxidant effects in vitro. In the present study, an EtOAc soluble extract (PBet) was isolated from PB. Then the antioxidant properties at cellular level, phytochemical composition and toxicity of PBet were examined. The results indicated that PBet (0.5-2mg/mL) could protect Bel-7404 cells from H(2)O(2) induced cell damage through scavenging of intracellular ROS. Moreover, myristic acid, 24ζ-methyl-5α-lanosta-25-one, β-sitosterol, pregnenolone and β-daucosterol were firstly isolated from PB. In addition, PBet (0.75g/kg BW, ig) had no acute toxicity and it (0.03-0.12g/kg BW, ig, 7 d) could not influence the rate of bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes micronucleus and chromosome aberration in KM mice. All above findings suggested that PBet could be considered as a safe functional food with antioxidant activities.

Effect of quercetin on impaired immune function in mice exposed to irradiation

Radiation used in cancer treatment may cause side effects such as inflammation. Quercetin is a polyphenol that reduces inflammation. This study evaluated the recovery efficacy of quercetin on impaired immune function in irradiation-induced inflammatory mice. Quercetin administered at two concentrations of 10 and 40 mg/kg body weight was initiated 2 weeks before irradiation and was continued 30 days after irradiation. The animals exposed/not exposed to radiation were sacrificed on radiation days 10 and 30. Splenocyte proliferation, which was diminished after irradiation, was enhanced significantly by quercetin supplementation after 30 days of irradiation. Cytokine secretion increased in the radiation group compared to that in the non-radiation control group. After 30 days of radiation, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 secretion decreased significantly in the radiation-quercetin groups. When quercetin was administered for 44 days, it showed a possible protective effect against irradiation-induced inflammation in mice. Quercetin could be beneficial in the recovery of irradiation-induced increases in cytokine secretion.

Total polyphenols, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of different extracts in mungbean seeds and sprouts

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the biological, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and antiproliferative activities of different extracts of mungbean seeds and sprouts. All extracts from the sprouts showed higher contents of total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than from seeds. The highest DPPH and tyrosinase inhibition activities were registered in ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract. ADH activity of methanol (MeOH), n-hexane (n-hexane) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) extracts from sprouts was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than from seeds. However, the highest ADH activity was found in water extract of seeds. According to 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol -2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay, extracts from sprouts were more effective against Calu-6 (human pulmonary carcinoma) and SNU-601 (human gastric carcinoma) cells than from seeds. EtOAc extract showed the highest antiproliferative activity in both sprouts and seeds, followed by n-hexane extraction. During sprouting of mungbean, all the studied components significantly increased. In conclusion, the extracts of sprouts are more effective than from seeds and could be a potential source of antioxidants linked with health benefits.

Anti-proliferative activity and chemoprotective effects towards DNA oxidative damage of fresh and cooked Brassicaceae

Epidemiological evidence shows that regular consumption of Brassicaceae is associated with a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease. Cruciferous species are usually processed before eating and the real impact of cooking practices on their bioactive properties is not fully understood. We have evaluated the effect of common cooking practices (boiling, microwaving, and steaming) on the biological activities of broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Anti-proliferative and chemoprotective effects towards DNA oxidative damage of fresh and cooked vegetable extracts were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium and Comet assays on HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells. The fresh vegetable extracts showed the highest anti-proliferative and antioxidant activities on HT-29 cells (broccoli>cauliflower = Brussels sprouts). No genotoxic activity was detected in any of the samples tested. The cooking methods that were applied influenced the anti-proliferative activity of Brassica extracts but did not alter considerably the antioxidant activity presented by the raw vegetables. Raw, microwaved, boiled (except broccoli) and steamed vegetable extracts, at different concentrations, presented a protective antioxidative action comparable with vitamin C (1 mm). These data provide new insight into the influence of domestic treatment on the quality of food, which could support the recent epidemiological studies suggesting that consumption of cruciferous vegetables, mainly cooked, may be related to a reduced risk of developing cancer.

Effect of black soybean extract on the suppression of the proliferation of human AGS gastric cancer cells via the induction of apoptosis

Black soybean is known to have a health-promoting effect because of its high content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. The objective of the present study was to investigate the chemopreventive effects of black soybean extract against human AGS gastric cancer cells and its possible mechanism in inducing apoptosis. Black soybean extract was obtained by extracting black soybean with acidified aqueous acetone, and its phytochemical constituents, as determined by HPLC-DAD methods, were demonstrated to contain various phenolics. The black soybean extract inhibited AGS cell growth in a dose-dependent manner with an IC(50) of 3.69 mg/mL as measured by the MTT assay. This growth inhibition effect was further confirmed by the CFDA-SE assay. Flow cytometry analysis showed that black soybean extract dose-dependently induced apoptosis of AGS cells. Moreover, the involvement of black soybean extract in inducing apoptosis was confirmed by the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, and PARP. The results of the present study indicated that black soybean extract could be used as an apoptosis inducer in AGS cells and a natural chemopreventive agent in the treatment of human gastric cancer.

Multidirectional time-dependent effect of sinigrin and allyl isothiocyanate on metabolic parameters in rats

Sinigrin (SIN) and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) are compounds found in high concentrations in Brassica family vegetables, especially in Brussels sprouts. Recently, they have been used as a nutrition supplement for their preventive and medicinal effect on some types of cancer and other diseases. In this research, nutritional significance of parent glucosinolate sinigrin 50 μmol/kg b. w./day and its degradation product allyl isothiocyanate 25 μmol/kg b. w./day and 50 μmol/kg b. w./day was studied by the evaluation of their influence on some parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in an animal rat model in vivo after their single (4 h) and 2 weeks oral administration. Additionally, the aim of this trial was to evaluate the direct action of AITC on basal and epinephrine-induced lipolysis in isolated rat adipocytes at concentration 1 μM, 10 μM and 100 μM in vitro. Sole AITC after 4 h of its ingestion caused liver triacylglycerols increment at both doses and glycaemia only at the higher dose. Multiple SIN treatment showed its putative bioconversion into AITC. It was found that SIN and AITC multiple administration in the same way strongly disturbed lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis, increasing esterified and total cholesterol, free fatty acids and lowering tracylglycerols in the blood serum. Additionally, AITC at both doses elevated insulinaemia and liver glycogen enhancement. The in vitro experiment revealed that AITC potentiated basal lipolysis process at 10 μM, and had stimulatory effect on epinephrine action at 1 μM and 10 μM. The results of this study demonstrated that the effect of SIN and AITC is multidirectional, indicating its impact on many organs like liver as well as pancreas, intestine in vivo action and rat adipocytes in vitro. Whilst consumption of cruciferous vegetables at levels currently considered "normal" seems to be beneficial to human health, this data suggest that any large increase in intake could conceivably lead to undesirable effect. This effect is potentiated with time of action of the examined compounds, whose influence is rather adverse for the majority of metabolic pathways (liver steatosis at short duration and insulinaemia, cholesterolaemia at long time treatment). Beneficial action of AITC concerned intensified hydrolysis of TG in the blood serum with a simultaneous lipolysis in adipocytes.