Antioxidant enzymes and cancer

Nano- and Micro-Platforms in Therapeutic Proteins Delivery for Cancer Therapy: Materials and Strategies

Proteins have emerged as promising therapeutics in oncology due to their great specificity. Many treatment strategies are developed based on protein biologics, such as immunotherapy, starvation therapy, and pro-apoptosis therapy, while some protein biologics have entered the clinics. However, clinical translation is severely impeded by instability, short circulation time, poor transmembrane transportation, and immunogenicity. Micro- and nano-particles-based drug delivery platforms are designed to solve those problems and enhance protein therapeutic efficacy. This review first summarizes the different types of therapeutic proteins in clinical and research stages, highlighting their administration limitations. Next, various types of micro- and nano-particles are described to demonstrate how they can overcome those limitations. The potential of micro- and nano-particles are then explored to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of proteins by combinational therapies. Finally, the challenges and future directions of protein biologics carriers are discussed for optimized protein delivery.

Severity of oxidative stress as a hallmark in COVID-19 patients

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the mechanisms and identifying effective treatments for the COVID-19 outbreak are imperative. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the antioxidant status and oxidative stress parameters as potential pivotal mechanisms in asymptomatic, non-severe, and severe COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

This study is a case-control study that was performed on patients referred to the Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran, from May 2021 to September 2021. A total of 600 COVID-19 patients (non-severe and severe group) and 150 healthy volunteers of the same age and sex were selected during the same period. On the first day of hospitalization, 10 ml of venous blood was taken from subjects. Then, hematological, biochemical, serological, antioxidant and oxidative stress parameters were determined.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that ESR, CRP, AST, ALT, and LDH significantly augmented in the severe group as compared to the non-severe and normal groups (P ≤ 0.05). It was observed that the levels of FRAP, G6PD activity, and SOD activity significantly reduced in the non-severe patients in comparison with the severe and normal groups (P ≤ 0.05). We found that MDA content and NO metabolite markedly increased in severe patients as compared to the non-severe group.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, it seems that the balance between antioxidants and oxidants was disturbed in COVID-19 patients in favor of oxidant markers. In addition, this situation caused more aggravation in severe patients as compared to the non-severe group.

Edible Coating Formulated by Optimization from Aloe vera, Starch, and Arabic Gum Improved the Conservation of Banana (Musa acuminata) Fruits

Banana is a very perishable climacteric fruit with consequence of large postharvest losses. The objective of the present study was to improve the postharvest shelf life of bananas. Fruits from the Melong locality were treated with coating solutions formulated with a mixture of Aloe vera, starch, and Arabic gum at different concentrations. These concentrations were obtained using the response surface methodology in order to establish the relationship between independent variables (ripening parameters) and dependent variable (Aloe vera, starch and Arabic gum), which led to the generation of experimental design as well as the prediction of result model. The effects of the coating solutions were evaluated on firmness, percentage of ripening, weight loss, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total soluble solid contents. The results showed that the combination of Aloe vera, starch, and Arabic gum extended the shelf life of banana by slowing down the chlorophyll degradation, the loss of firmness, the weight loss, and the synthesis of total soluble solids. The coefficients of determination (R2) of the responses were all above 80% indicating that the experimental data fit well with the predicted responses. The interactions that influenced most of the responses were those between Aloe vera-starch and Aloe vera-Arabic gum. The optimum concentrations obtained for the mixture of the final solution were 286.799 ml.l-1 (v/v), 102.589 g.l-1 (m/v), and 1.0888% (m/v) for Aloe vera, starch, and Arabic gum, respectively.

Ipatasertib exhibits anti‑tumorigenic effects and enhances sensitivity to paclitaxel in endometrial cancer in vitro and in vivo

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer and one of the only cancers for which incidence and mortality is steadily increasing. Although curable with surgery in the early stages, endometrial cancer presents a significant clinical challenge in the metastatic and recurrent setting with few novel treatment strategies emerging in the past fifty years. Ipatasertib (IPAT) is an orally bioavailable pan‑AKT inhibitor, which targets all three AKT isoforms and has demonstrated anti‑tumor activity in pre‑clinical models, with clinical trials emerging for many cancer types. In the present study, the MTT assay was employed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of IPAT or IPAT in combination with paclitaxel (PTX) in endometrial cancer cell lines and primary cultures of endometrial cancer. The effect of IPAT and PTX on the growth of endometrial tumors was evaluated in a transgenic mouse model of endometrial cancer. Apoptosis was assessed using cleaved caspase assays and cellular stress was assessed using ROS, JC1 and tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester assays. The protein expression levels of markers of apoptosis and cellular stress, and DNA damage were evaluated using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. IPAT significantly inhibited cell proliferation, caused cell cycle G1 phase arrest, and induced cellular stress and mitochondrial apoptosis in a dose dependent manner in human endometrial cancer cell lines. Combined treatment with low doses of IPAT and PTX led to synergistic inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of cleaved caspase 3 activity in the human endometrial cancer cell lines and the primary cultures. Furthermore, IPAT effectively reduced tumor growth, accompanied by decreased protein expression levels of Ki67 and phosphorylation of S6 in the Lkb1fl/flp53fl/fl mouse model of endometrioid endometrial cancer. The combination of IPAT and PTX resulted in increased expression of phosphorylated‑H2AX and KIF14, markers of DNA damage and microtubule dysfunction respectively, as compared with IPAT alone, PTX alone or placebo‑treated mice. The results of the present study provide a biological rationale to evaluate IPAT and the combination of IPAT and PTX in future clinical trials for endometrial cancer.

An Update on Phytochemicals in Redox Homeostasis: “Virtuous or Evil” in Cancer Chemoprevention?

Redox homeostasis, a dynamic process ensuring a balance between cellular oxidizing and reducing reactions, is crucial for maintaining healthy cellular physiology and regulating many biological processes, requiring continuous monitoring and fine-tuning. Reactive species play a critical role in intra/intercellular signaling, and each cell has a specific system guarding cellular redox homeostasis. ROS signaling and oxidative stress are involved in cancer initiation and progression. However, the generation of reactive species beyond the threshold level inside the tumor microenvironment is considered one of the therapeutic approaches. Various studies have shown that some phytochemicals can target the redox homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment. Recent advances have focused on developing and introducing phytochemical interventions as favorable therapeutic options against cancer. However, studies have also suggested the “virtuous” and “evil” impacts of phytochemicals. Some phytochemicals enhance therapeutic efficacy by promoting intracellular oxidant accumulation. However, under certain conditions, some phytochemicals may harm the cellular microenvironment to promote cancer and tend to target different pathways for cancer initiation and development instead of targeting redox homeostasis. In this context, this review is focused on providing an overall understanding of redox homeostasis and intends to highlight the potential positive and negative impacts of phytochemicals in redox homeostasis and disease development. We also discuss the recent nanotechnology-based advancements in combating cancer development.

Soluble dietary fiber and cellulose from Saccharina japonica by-product ameliorate Loperamide-induced constipation via modulating enteric neurotransmitters, short-chain fatty acids and gut microbiota

The effects of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and cellulose (IDF) from Saccharina japonica by-product and their differences in improving constipation were further clarified in the present study. We demonstrated that SDF was mainly made up of d-mannuronic acid and d-mannose while IDF consisted of d-glucose , which is different from other reported dietary fibers of terrestrial plants. In this research, both SDF and IDF improved fecal-related indicators, gastrointestinal transit rate and histological morphology in Lop-induced mice. Moreover, they could increase the level of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH-Px), restore the expression of enteric neurotransmitters, and maintain the function of ZO-1, JAM-1 as well as Occludin. Interestingly, SDF and IDF had a significant up-regulated effect on the proportion of Muribaculacea, Prevotellaceaen and Lachnospiraceae, which are critical to preserving intestinal immune homeostasis. Besides, they promoted the biosynthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The overall index showed that SDF is more effective for constipation due to its better water retention capacity. Thus, they can be used as a safe dietary supplement for the treatment of chronic or occasional constipation in humans.

Effects of Fisetin, a Plant-Derived Flavonoid, on Response to Oxidative Stress, Aging, and Age-Related Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans

Fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone), a flavonoid abundant in various fruits and vegetables, including apple, strawberry, and onion, shows several beneficial effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. The free radical theory of aging suggests that age-related accumulation of oxidative damage is the major cause of aging and that decreasing cellular oxidative stress can regulate aging. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with fisetin on the stress response, aging, and age-related diseases. Fisetin reduced the cellular ROS levels and increased the resistance to oxidative stress. However, the response to UV irradiation was not affected by fisetin. Both the mean and maximum lifespans were significantly extended by fisetin; lifespan extension by fisetin was accompanied by reduced fertility as a trade-off. Age-related decline in motility was also delayed by supplementation with fisetin. Amyloid beta-induced toxicity was markedly decreased by fisetin, which required DAF-16 and SKN-1. Reduced motility induced by a high-glucose diet was completely recovered by supplementation with fisetin, which was dependent on SKN-1. Using a Parkinson's disease model, we showed that degeneration of dopaminergic neurons was significantly inhibited by treatment with fisetin. Genetic analysis revealed that lifespan extension by fisetin was mediated by DAF-16-induced stress response and autophagy. These findings support the free radical theory of aging and suggest that fisetin can be a strong candidate for use in novel anti-aging anti-oxidant nutraceuticals.

Pulmonary effects of e-liquid flavors: a systematic review

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are purported to be tobacco harm-reduction products whose degree of harm has been highly debated. EC use is considered less hazardous than smoking but is not expected to be harmless. Following the banning of e-liquid flavors in countries such as the US, Finland, Ukraine, and Hungary, there are growing concerns regarding the safety profile of e-liquid flavors used in ECs. While these are employed extensively in the food industry and are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) when ingested, GRAS status after inhalation is unclear. The aim of this review was to assess evidence from 38 reports on the adverse effects of flavored e-liquids on the respiratory system in both in vitro and in vivo studies published between 2006 and 2021. Data collected demonstrated greater detrimental effects in vitro with cinnamon (9 articles), strawberry (5 articles), and menthol (10 articles), flavors than other flavors. The most reported effects among these investigations were perturbations of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and enhanced cytotoxicity. There is sufficient evidence to support the toxicological impacts of diacetyl- and cinnamaldehyde-containing e-liquids following human inhalation; however, safety profiles on other flavors are elusive. The latter may result from inconsistencies between experimental approaches and uncertainties due to the contributions from other e-liquid constituents. Further, the relevance of the concentration ranges to human exposure levels is uncertain. Evidence indicates that an adequately controlled and consistent, systematic toxicological investigation of a broad spectrum of e-liquid flavors may be required at biologically relevant concentrations to better inform public health authorities on the risk assessment following exposure to EC flavor ingredients.

Albumin-assembled copper-bismuth bimetallic sulfide bioactive nanosphere as an amplifier of oxidative stress for enhanced radio-chemodynamic combination therapy

The tumor microenvironment with overexpressed hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and reinforced antioxidative system (glutathione, GSH) becomes a double-edged sword for the accessibility of nano-therapy. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) are easily quenched by the developed antioxidative network, ROS-based treatments such as chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and radiotherapy (RT) for killing cancer cells are severely attenuated. To overcome such limitations, a bioactive nanosphere system is developed to regulate intracellular oxidative stress for enhanced radio-chemodynamic combination therapy by using bovine serum albumin (BSA) based bioactive nanospheres that are BSA assembled with in situ generated copper-bismuth sulfide nanodots and diallyl trisulfide (DATS). The copper-bismuth sulfide nanodots react with H2O2 to produce •OH and release Cu2+. Then, the Cu2+ further depletes GSH to generate Cu+ for more •OH generation in the way of Fenton-like reaction. Such a cascade reaction can initiate •OH generation and GSH consumption to realize CDT. The elevation of ROS triggered by the DATS from BBCD nanospheres further augments the breaking of redox balance for the increased oxidative stress in 4T1 cells. With the sensitization of increased oxidative stress and high Z element Bi, an enhanced radio-chemodynamic combination therapy is achieved. The current work provides an enhanced radio-chemodynamic combination treatment for the majority of solid tumors by using the co-assembled bioactive nanospheres as an amplifier of oxidative stress.

A review of the mutagenic potential of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) to induce hematological malignancies

This review is intended to summarize the existing literature on the mutagenicity of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) in inducing hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in mice. Blood or hematological malignancies are the most common malignant disorders seen in people of all age groups. Driven by a number of genetic alterations, leukemia rule out the normal proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their progenitors in the bone marrow (BM) and severely affects blood functions. Out of all hematological malignancies, AML is the most aggressive type, with a high incidence and mortality rate. AML is found as either de novo or secondary therapeutic AML (t-AML). t-AML is a serious adverse consequence of alkylator chemotherapy to the cancer patient and alone constitutes about 10%-20% of all reported AML cases. Cancer patients who received alkylator chemotherapy are at an elevated risk of developing t-AML. ENU has a long history of use as a potent carcinogen that induces blood malignancies in mice and rats that are pathologically similar to human AML and t-AML. ENU, once entered into the body, circulates all over the body tissues and reaches BM. It creates an overall state of suppression within the BM by damaging the marrow cells, alkylating the DNA, and forming DNA adducts within the early and late hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The BM holds a weak DNA repair mechanism due to low alkyltransferase, and poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase (PARP) enzyme content often fails to obliterate those adducts, acting as a catalyst to bring genetic abnormalities, including point gene mutations as well as chromosomal alterations, for example, translocation and inversion. Taking advantage of ENU-induced immune-suppressed state and weak immune surveillance, these mutations remain viable and slowly give rise to transformed HSCs. This review also highlights the carcinogenic nature of ENU and the complex relation between the ENU's overall toxicity in the induction of hematological malignancies.

Anticancer and antioxidant profiling effects of Nerolidol against DMBA induced oral experimental carcinogenesis

The objective of this study is to examine the chemopreventive effects of Nerolidol (NER) on hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis (HBC) induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in male golden Syrian hamsters. In this study, oral squamous cell carcinoma was developed in the buccal pouch of an oral painted hamster with 0.5% DMBA in liquid paraffin three times weekly for 12 weeks. To assess DMBA-induced hamster buccal tissue carcinogenesis, biochemical endpoints such as Phase I and II detoxification enzymes, antioxidants, lipid peroxidation (LPO) by-products, and renal function markers, as well as histopathological examinations, were used. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical studies of interleukin-6 were investigated to find the inflammatory link in the HBC carcinogenesis. In our results, DMBA alone exposed hamsters showed 100% tumor growth, altered levels of antioxidants, detoxification agents, LPO, and renal function identifiers as compared to the control hamsters. The outcome in  present biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry studies has been found a reverse in NER-treated hamsters against the tumor. This study concluded that NER modulated the biochemical profiles (antioxidants, detoxification, LPO, and renal function markers) and inhibited tumor development in DMBA induced oral carcinogenesis.

Redox-sensitive signaling pathways in renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most lethal urological cancers, highly resistant to chemo and radiotherapy. Obesity and smoking are the best-known risk factors of RCC, both related to oxidative stress presence, suggesting a significant role in RCC development and maintenance. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for localized RCC; however, this neoplasia is hardly diagnosable at its initial stages, occurring commonly in late phases and even when metastasis is already present. Systemic therapies are the option against RCC in these more advanced stages, such as cytokine therapy or a combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors with immunotherapies; nevertheless, these strategies are still insufficient. A field poorly analyzed in this neoplasia is the status of cell signaling pathways sensible to the redox state, which have been associated with the development and maintenance of RCC. This review focuses on alterations reported in the following redox-sensitive molecules and signaling pathways in RCC: mitogen-activated protein kinases, protein kinase B (AKT)/tuberous sclerosis complex 2/mammalian target of rapamycin C1, AKT/glycogen synthase kinase 3/β-catenin, nuclear factor κB/inhibitor of κB/epidermal growth factor receptor, and protein kinase Cζ/cut-like homeodomain protein/factor inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)/HIF as potential targets for redox therapy.

Phytocompounds from the medicinal and dietary plants: Multi-target agents for cancer prevention and therapy

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Due to cervical cancer's high incidence and mortality, there is an unmet demand for effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive agents. At present, the preferred treatment strategies for advanced metastatic cervical cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, cervical cancer is gradually developing resistance to chemotherapy, thereby reducing its efficacy. Over the last several decades, phytochemicals, a general term for compounds produced from plants, have gained attention for their role in preventing cervical cancer. This role in cervical cancer prevention has garnered attention on the medicinal properties of fruits and vegetables. Phytochemicals are currently being evaluated for their ability to block proteins involved in carcinogenesis and chemoresistance against cervical cancer. Chemoresistance to cancer drugs like cisplatin, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil has become a significant limitation of drug-based chemotherapy. However, the combination of cisplatin with other phytochemicals has been identified as a promising alternative to subjugate cisplatin resistance. Phytochemicals are promising chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic agents as they possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative potential against many cancers, including cervical cancer. Furthermore, the ability of the phytochemicals to modulate cellular signaling pathways through up and down regulation of various proteins has been claimed for their therapeutic potential. Phytochemicals also display a wide range of biological functions, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, inhibition of invasion, and migration in cervical cancer cells. Numerous studies have revealed the critical role of different signaling proteins and their signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. Here, we review the ability of several dietary phytochemicals to alter carcinogenesis by modulating various molecular targets.

Vitamin C Intake and Cancers: An Umbrella Review

Based on the existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we conducted this umbrella review aiming at evaluating the quality of evidence, validity and biases of the relationship between vitamin C (VC) intake and incidence and outcomes of multiple cancers. We identified 22 cancer outcomes within 3,562 articles. VC consumption was associated with lower incidence of bladder cancer, breast cancer, cervical tumors, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, glioma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, renal cell cancer, and total cancer occurrence. VC intake was also related to decreased risk of breast cancer prognosis (recurrence, cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality).

The Antitumor Activity of Ginger against Colorectal Cancer Induced by Dimethylhydrazine in Rats

BACKGROUND

Bowl or colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer with about two million new cases every year. CRC is the second leading cause of cancer related mortalities.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to evaluate the anticancer activity of ethanolic Ginger Extract (GE) in HCT-116 colon cells and colorectal tumors induced by dimethylhydrazine (DMH).

METHODS

The antiproliferative activity was measured by MTT assay and the gene expression was assessed by q-RTPCR. For the antitumor study, rats were divided into five groups in random; control, group two was orally treated with 300 mg/kg of GE for 21 weeks, group three was s.c. injected with DMH (20 mg/kg) for 9 weeks, and groups four and five were treated with DMH and then treated with cisplatin (2.5 mg/kg, i.p) or GE, respectively, for 21 weeks.

RESULTS

GE had a significant antiproliferative activity with IC50~ 12.5 µg/ml. GE induced both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. GE induced the expression of FasL, TRAIL, p53, and caspase-8 and downregulated Bcl-2 and survivin genes. Treatment of rats with DMH resulted in 100% tumor incidence and 2.3 tumors/rat. DMH significantly elevated the serum ALT, urea, and creatinine and significantly decreased the body weight gain. DMH also caused significant reductions in the hepatic GSH level, and the activities of catalase, SOD, GST, and GR in the liver as well as the renal GSH content and γ-GT activity. The colon from rats insulted with DMH showed adenomatous polyps with polymorphism and mitosis. The mucosa and submucosa were infested with inflammatory cells while serosa and muscularis were devoid from these cells. However, the muscularis was infiltrated with cystic formation, anaplastic changes, and hemorrhage. GE was able to alleviate all the previous deleterious effects of DMH and it was superior to cisplatin in its ameliorative effects. It did so without eliciting hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity which were shown in the group treated with DMH and cisplatin.

CONCLUSION

This study proved that the antitumor activity of GE against the DMH induced-CRC is superior to cisplatin. GE was also safer than cisplatin and did not elicit hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. GE induced apoptosis and has carcinostatic activity.

Suppression of Wnt Expression by Increasing PI3K in Rats Cervical Carcinoma by Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium)

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death for women in the world and Indonesia. This disease originates from a malignant tumour of squamous epithelial cells caused by infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress in and there are plants from Indonesia that have high antioxidants, namely andaliman (&lt;i&gt;Zanthoxylum acanthopodium&lt;/i&gt;). This study aimed to analyze the role of andaliman on PI3K and Wnt signalling in cervical cancer histology. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; The study includes 5 treatments. The control group (K-), rats cancer model (K+), rats cancer model+the dose is 100 mg/b.wt. of ZAM (P&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;), rats cancer model+the dose is 200 mg/b.wt. of ZAM (P&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) and rats cancer model+the dosage is 400 mg/b.wt. ZAM (P&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;). On the 30th day after ZAM administration, the rats were dissected for the paraffin block and Wnt and PI3K immunohistochemical staining was prepared. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; There was a significant difference between all groups (p<0.001) in Wnt and PI3K expression. The real role of ZAM in cervical cancer tissue was seen at the highest ZAM dose (P&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;). Irregular mucosal folds and stretched interstitial connective tissue in the K+ group can return to regularity and improve at the P&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; dose. The administration of ZAM showed a significant difference in cervical tissue after benzopyrene injection. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Andaliman (&lt;i&gt;Zanthoxylum acanthopodium&lt;/i&gt;) extract increases PI3K expression through suppression of Wnt expression. It can be developed therapy molecularly to prevent cell growth into cancer.

Impacts of oxidants and antioxidants on the emergence and progression of Alzheimer's disease

The brain shows a high sensitivity to oxidative stress (OS). Thus, the maintenance of homeostasis of the brain regarding the reduction-oxidation (redox) situation is crucial for the regular function of the central nervous systems (CNS). The imbalance between the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cellular mechanism might lead to the emergence of OS, causing profound cell death as well as tissue damages and initiating neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Characterized by the cytoplasmic growth of neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular β-amyloid plaques, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex NDD that causes dementia in adult life with severe manifestations. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a key transcription factor that regulates the functional expression of OS-related genes and the functionality of endogenous antioxidants. In the case of oxidative damage, NRF2 is transferred to the nucleus and attached to the antioxidant response element (ARE) that enhances the sequence to initiate transcription of the cell-protecting genes. This review articulates various mechanisms engaged with the generation of active and reactive species of endogenous and exogenous oxidants and focuses on the antioxidants as a body defense system regarding the NRF2-ARE signaling path in the CNS.

Protective Effects of Antioxidant Chlorophyllin in Chemically Induced Breast Cancer Model In vivo

Glutathione-related enzymes belong to the protection mechanism of the cells against harmful oxidative damage and chemicals. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is frequently over-expressed in various cancer cells and is involved in drug resistance. Chlorophyllin is an antioxidant molecule interfering with the GST P1-1 activity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short- and long-term protective effects of chlorophyllin as an antioxidant molecule on DNA damage, antioxidant enzyme activities, trace elements, and minerals in chemically induced breast cancer model in vivo. In our study, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) was used for inducing breast carcinogenesis in female Sprague-Dawley rats. A total of 36 rats were divided into groups as short term and long term. Each group was divided into four sub-groups as control group received physiological saline solution (n = 3), Chl group (n = 5) received chlorophyllin, MNU group (n = 5) was administered MNU, and Chl + MNU group (n = 5) was treated with both chlorophyllin and MNU. Results illustrated that chlorophyllin had a significant anti-genotoxic effect in the short term, and glutathione-related enzyme activities were protected by chlorophyllin treatment in MNU-induced breast cancer model. Additionally, MNU administration impaired mineral and trace element levels including Na, Mg, K, Fe, Zn, and Co in the liver, kidney, spleen, heart, and tumor tissues; however, adverse effects of MNU were recovered upon chlorophyllin treatment in the indicated tissues of the rats. In conclusion, chlorophyllin can be used as an antioxidant molecule to ameliorate adverse effects of MNU by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and regulating trace element and mineral balance in several organs and tumor tissue in the breast cancer model.

Molecular mechanisms underlying chemopreventive potential of butein: Current trends and future perspectives

Despite extensive efforts, cancer is still often considered as an incurable disease and initiation of novel drug development programs is crucial to improve the prognosis and clinical outcome of patients. One of the major approaches in designing the novel cancer drugs has historically comprised studies of natural agents with diverse anticancer properties. As only a marginal part of natural compounds has been investigated, this approach still represents an attractive source of new potential antitumor molecules. In this review article, different anticancer effects of plant-derived chalcone, butein, are discussed, including its growth inhibitory action, proapoptotic, antiangiogenic and antimetastatic activities in a variety of cancer cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are presented in detail, revealing interactions of butein with multiple cellular targets (Bcl-2/Bax, caspases, STAT3, cyclins, NF-κB, COX-2, MMP-9, VEGF/R etc.) and regulation of a wide range of intracellular signal transduction pathways. These data altogether allow a good basis for initiating further in vivo studies as well as clinical trials. Along with the efforts to overcome low bioavailability issues generally characteristic to plant metabolites, butein can be considered as a potential lead compound for safe and more efficient cancer drugs in the future.

Chemopreventive potential of plant-derived epigenetic inhibitors silibinin and quercetin: an involvement of apoptotic signaling cascade modulation

Background

Epigenetic deregulation of the cellular apoptotic mechanism is the common hallmark of cancer. Silibinin (SBN) and quercetin (QCT) are two bioflavonoids well known for their epigenetic inhibition property. The objective of the present study was to explore the preventive anti-cancer efficacy of the SBN and QCT in both in vitro as well as in vivo tumor xenograft model through regulating cellular apoptotic signaling pathway.

Results

SBN and QCT inhibited the growth of A549 and MDA-MB-468 cancer cells in the concentration dependent manner. The treatment caused significant (p < 0.05) reduction of the size and the number of colonies formed by the cancer cells. In vitro apoptosis assay using the fluorescence microscopy revealed that the treatment noticeably increased the percentage of apoptotic cells as compared to the untreated control. Dosing with SBN (200mg/kg), QCT (100mg/kg) alone and in combination was initiated in 3-week-old C57BL6 mice. Interestingly, the treatment prevented tumor progression significantly (p < 0.05) in adult mice without causing any toxicity. Furthermore, SBN and QCT triggered apoptosis via modulating p53 and Bcl2 gene expression and the SOD enzyme activity.

Conclusion

Daily oral intake of SBN and QCT alone and in combination from the very early stage of life might prevent tumor growth in adult mice through activating cellular apoptotic signaling cascade.

Radio-protective efficacy of Gymnema sylvestre on Pangasius sutchi against gamma (60Co) irradiation

PURPOSE

Freshwater fish Pangasius sutchi was used in this study as a vertebrate model. We evaluated the induction of certain antioxidant enzymes in various vital organs. The radioprotective efficacy of Gymnema sylvestre leaves extract (GS) [25 mg/kg Body Weight (B.W)] and its bioactive compound Gymnemagenin (GG) [0.3 mg/kg B.W] was compared with Amifostine (Ami), the only radioprotector clinically approved by the US-FDA [Ami- 83.3 mg/kg B.W] against different doses of gamma radiation - ⁶⁰Co (Lethal Dose: LD₃₀-9.2 Gy, LD₅₀-10.2 Gy and LD₇₀-11.4 Gy).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was done via stress marker enzymes, cell cycle analysis (CCA) and DNA damage assay prediction with molecular docking, which are reported here for the first time. The results indicate an elevated LPO level and decreased level of CAT, SOD and GSH due to oxidative stress initiation by ⁶⁰Co Ionizing Radiation (IR) on 4th day and slightly reduced on 32nd day while the reverse observed when the fishes were pretreated with Ami, GS and GG. Similarly, CCA and dead/live cells counts were conducted with pretreatment of Ami, GS and GG against ⁶⁰Co IR dose (LD₅₀-10.2 Gy).

RESULTS

In CCA, G0/G1 phase was observed to be the highest in Ami and lowest in GG, against ⁶⁰Co IR doses 10.2 Gy which was 51.76 ± 7.55. The dead cells range observed in pretreated group of Ami, GS and GG was lowest in Ami and highest in GG and live cells (highest in Ami and lowest in GG) as compared to ⁶⁰Co IR group (86.43 ± 3.42 and 8.77 ± 5.95). Thus, antioxidant profile improvement by oxidative stress reduction and gradual progression of different phases of cell cycle except the apoptotic phase along with the live cells counts indicates that the radio-protective efficacy of GS is similar to Ami.

CONCLUSION

Predictive assessment was carried out by docking of Ami, various components of GS with p53, NF-κβ cells and Rad51 proteins structures responsible for CCA, apoptosis and repair mechanism. These structural proteins were docked with other structural proteins like USP7, TNF-α and partner and localizer of BRCA2 associated (PALB2/BRCA2) complex which made us perform these systemic efforts to find the functional activity of these known radio-protectants.

Serum Total SOD Activity and SOD1/2 Concentrations in Predicting All-Cause Mortality in Lung Cancer Patients

Redox status disturbances are known during carcinogenesis and may have influence on patients' survival. However, the prediction of mortality in lung cancer patients based on serum total SOD activity, and concentrations of its isoforms, has not been studied to date. This prospective cohort study has following aims: (1) to evaluate the disturbances in serum SOD activity and SOD1/2 concentrations; (2) to assess the implications of these alterations with regard to biochemical variables and clinical data, and (3) to investigate the association between serum SOD activity, SOD1/2 concentrations, and all-cause mortality in lung cancer patients. Serum total SOD activity and SOD1, SOD2, albumin, CRP, and ceruloplasmin concentrations were determined in lung cancer patients (n = 190) and control subjects (n = 52). Additionally, patients were characterized in terms of biochemical, clinical, and sociodemographic data. Multiple Cox regression models were used to estimate the association between all-cause death and SOD-related parameters. All-cause mortality in lung cancer was positively associated with serum SOD1 and SOD2 concentrations. Clinical stage III and IV disease was the strongest predictor. The utility of the evaluated parameters in predicting overall survival was demonstrated only for SOD1. Serum SOD1 and SOD2 concentrations were shown to positively affect all-cause mortality in lung cancer patients, but SOD1 seems to be a better predictor than SOD2.

Copper Isotopes and Copper to Zinc Ratio as Possible Biomarkers for Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer. There is no systematic screening for such cancer, and the current challenge is to find potential biomarkers to facilitate an early diagnosis. Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients involved in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, and changes in their concentrations have been observed in the development of cancer. Previous studies have highlighted the potential ⁶⁵Cu/⁶³Cu ratio (δ⁶⁵Cu) to be a cancer biomarker. This study tests its sensitivity on plasma samples (n = 46) of Algerian patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and a set of corresponding biopsies (n = 11). The δ⁶⁵Cu ratio in blood and tumor samples was determined using multi collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), and their corresponding Cu and Zn plasma total concentrations using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF). Plasma concentrations of Cu were significantly higher (1346.1 ± 328.3 vs. 1060.5 ± 216.1 μg/L, p < 0.0001), and Zn significantly lower (942.1 ± 205.2 vs. 1027.9 ± 151.4 μg/L, p < 0.05) in thyroid cancer patients as compared to healthy controls (n = 50). Accordingly, the Cu/Zn ratio was significantly different between patients and controls (1.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.0 ± 0.3, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the δ⁶⁵Cu plasma levels of patients were significantly lower than healthy controls (p < 0.0001), whereas thyroid tumor tissues presented high δ⁶⁵Cu values. These results support the hypothesis that Cu isotopes and plasma trace elements may serve as suitable biomarkers of thyroid cancer diagnosis.

Evaluating the protective role of Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root supplement on bleomycin induced pulmonary oxidative damage

The goal of this study was to investigate the protective effect of licorice supplements in a rat model of Bleomycin-induced lung oxidative damage over a duration of one month. The rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10 per group). Control group; Bleomycin group (B): rats were IP injected with bleomycin 5 mg/kg twice weekly. Licorice group (L): rats received orally 300 mg/kg licorice extract. Bleomycin and a low dose of Licorice group (BLLG): rats received orally 75 mg/kg licorice daily and injected as the B group. Bleomycin and a middle dose of Licorice group (BMLG): rats received orally 150 mg/kg licorice daily and injected as the Bleomycin group. Bleomycin and a high dose of Licorice group (BHLG): rats received orally 300 mg/kg licorice daily and injected as the Bleomycin group. Treatment with Bleomycin induced inflammation and oxidative damage to the lungs expressed in the disturbance of the measured parameters in the blood serum, the lung tissue, and the broncholavage fluid. In addition to the decreased expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and catalase (CAT) in the lung tissues. Bleomycin caused deformative changes in the histopathological and cellular examination of the lungs especially in the alveolar cells and the interstitial space. On the other hand, treated the bleomycin group with different doses of licorice supplement activates the antioxidant defense mechanism and attenuates the oxidative damage and damage induced to the lung. In conclusion, Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root supplement provided strong antioxidant and protective effects on Bleomycin-induced lung damage.

Madhuca longifolia Embedded Silver Nanoparticles Attenuate Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-Induced Renal Cancer via Regulating Oxidative Stress

OBJECTIVE

Madhuca longifolia has been used for the treatment of renal cancer. Therefore, the current study describes the protective effects of biofabricated silver nanoparticles (MLAg- NPs) using Madhuca longifolia aqueous leaves extract against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) in rats.

METHODS

Animals were categorized into five groups and treated with doses of silver nanoparticles for 16 weeks. Antineoplastic effect in renal cancer was dose dependent to control the macroscopical variations when compared to DEN induced group. Significant changes were observed in biochemical parameters and dose graded improvement in the level of antioxidants parameters were accountable for its protective nature.

RESULTS

Silver nanoparticles in dose dependent manner was effective to modify the raised levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators during renal cancer. Alteration in renal histopathology were also detected in the silver nanoparticles treated group, which show its safety concern. Biofabricated silver nanoparticles (MLAgNPs) using Madhuca longifolia can convey significant chemo-protective effect against renal cancer by suppressing the IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our outcomes implicates that biofabricated MLAgNPs exhibited a chemoprotective potential in the prevention and intervention of RCC.

Differences between antioxidant defense parameters and specific trace element concentrations in healthy, benign, and malignant brain tissues

There are only a few reports examining the impact of oxidative stress in patients with benign and malignant brain tumors. In this study we investigated whether there are changes in antioxidant system (AOS) parameters and key trace elements between control, benign and malignant brain tissues. The study also aimed to examine correlations between the analyzed parameters. The study enrolled both types of brain tumors, benign tumors (BT) and malignant tumors (MT). The results were compared with control tissue (CT) without tumor infiltration collected from patients with BT. The following antioxidant parameters were determined: activities of total, manganese-containing, and copper/zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (TotSOD, MnSOD and CuZnSOD), activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase and acetylcholine esterase (AChE), the concentrations of glutathione and sulfhydryl groups and of manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se). BT and MT had altered activities/levels of multiple AOS parameters as compared to CT, indicating that tumor cells had an altered cell metabolism and changes in AOS represent adaptive response to increased oxidative stress. Low MnSOD and AChE and high GST activities were significant for distinguishing between MT and CT. Malignant tissue was also characterized by lower Mn and Cu concentrations relative to CT and BT. Principal Component Analysis clearly discriminated BT from CT and MT (PC1, 66.97%), while PC2 clearly discriminated CT from BT and MT (33.03%). Most correlative relationships were associated with Se in the BT group and Cu in the MT group. The results of this study reveal differences between the AOS parameters and the essential trace elements between the analyzed groups. The observed dysregulations show that oxidative stress could have an important role in disrupting brain homeostasis and its presence in the pathogenesis of benign and malignant brain tumors.

Effects of neoadjuvant therapies on genetic regulation of targeted pathways in ER+ primary ductal breast carcinoma: A meta-analysis of microarray datasets

Breast cancer arises as a result of multiple interactions between environmental and genetic factors. Conventionally, breast cancer is treated based on histopathological and clinical features. DNA technologies like the human genome microarray are now partially integrated into clinical practice and are used for developing new "personalized medicines" and "pharmacogenetics" for improving the efficiency and safety of cancer medications. We investigated the effects of four established therapies-for ER+ ductal breast cancer-on the differential gene expression. The therapies included single agent tamoxifen, two-agent docetaxel and capecitabine, or combined three-agents CAF (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil) and CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil). Genevestigator 8.1.0 was used to compare five datasets from patients with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, untreated or treated with selected drugs, to those from the healthy control. We identified 74 differentially expressed genes involved in three pathways, i.e., apoptosis (extrinsic and intrinsic), oxidative signaling, and PI3K/Akt signaling. The treatments affected the expression of apoptotic genes (TNFRSF10B [TRAIL], FAS, CASP3/6/7/8, PMAIP1 [NOXA], BNIP3L, BNIP3, BCL2A1, and BCL2), the oxidative stress-related genes (NOX4, XDH, MAOA, GSR, GPX3, and SOD3), and the PI3K/Akt pathway gene (ERBB2 [HER2]). Breast cancer treatments are complex with varying drug responses and efficacy among patients. This necessitates identifying novel biomarkers for predicting the drug response, using available data and new technologies. GSR, NOX4, CASP3, and ERBB2 are potential biomarkers for predicting the treatment response in primary ER+ ductal breast carcinoma.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammation, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled- trials

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are associated with breast cancer. CoQ10 as an adjuvant treatment with conventional anti-cancer chemotherapy has been demonstrated to help in the inflammatory process and OS. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation on levels of inflammatory markers, OS parameters, and matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (MMPs/TIMPs) in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out using electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase, up to December 2020 to identify eligible RCTs evaluating the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on OS biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, and MMPs/TIMPs. From 827 potential reports, 5 eligible studies consisting of 9 trials were finally included in the current meta-analysis. Quality assessment and heterogeneity tests of the selected trials were performed using the PRISMA checklist protocol and the I² statistic, respectively. Fixed and random-effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as the standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis of the pooled findings for inflammatory biomarkers of OS and MMPs showed that CoQ10 supplementation (100 mg/day for 45-90 days) significantly decreased the levels of VEGF [SMD: - 1.88, 95% CI: (- 2. 62 to - 1.13); I² = 93.1%, p < 0.001], IL-8 [SMD: - 2.24, 95% CI: (- 2.68 to - 1.8); I² = 79.6%, p = 0.001], MMP-2 [SMD: - 1.49, 95% CI: (- 1.85 to - 1.14); I² = 76.3%, p = 0.005] and MMP-9 [SMD: - 1.58, 95% CI: (- 1.97 to - 1.19); I² = 79.6%, p = 0.002], but no significant difference was observed between CoQ10 supplementation and control group on TNF-α [SMD: - 2.30, 95% CI: (- 2.50 to - 2.11); I² = 21.8%, p = 0.280], IL-6 [SMD: - 1.56, 95% CI: (- 1.73 to - 1.39); I² = 0.0%, p = 0.683], IL-1β [SMD: - 3.34, 95% CI: (- 3.58 to - 3.11); I² = 0.0%, p = 0.561], catalase (CAT) [SMD: 1.40, 95% CI: (1.15 to 1.65); I² = 0.0%, p = 0.598], superoxide dismutase (SOD) [SMD: 2.42, 95% CI: (2.12 to 2.71); I² = 0.0%, p = 0.986], glutathione peroxidase (GPx) [SMD: 2.80, 95% CI: (2.49 to 3.11); I² = 0.0%, p = 0.543]], glutathione (GSH) [SMD: 4.71, 95% CI: (4.26 to 5.16); I² = 6.1%, p = 0.302] and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) [SMD: - 3.20, 95% CI: (- 3.53 to - 2.86); I² = 29.7%, p = 0.233].

CONCLUSION

Overall, the findings showed that CoQ10 supplementation reduced some of the important markers of inflammation and MMPs in patients with breast cancer. However, further studies with controlled trials for other types of cancer are needed to better understand and confirm the effect of CoQ10 on tumor therapy.

Assessment of structural protein expression by FTIR and biochemical assays as biomarkers of metabolites response in gastric and colon cancer

Colon and gastric cancers are the widespread benign types of cancers which are synchronous and metachronous neoplasms. In terms of the progression and progress of the disease, metabolic processes and differentiation in protein structures have an important role in for treatment of the disease. In this study we proposed to investigate the metabolic process and the differentiation of protein secondary structure among colon and gastric cancer as well as healthy controls using biochemistry and Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR) methods. For this purpose, we measured blood serum of 133 patients, which were conducted upon oncology department (45 colon cancer, 45 gastric cancer and 43 control individuals). The obtained spectroscopic results and biochemical assays showed significant reduction in the amount of functional groups in cancer groups contrary with total protein measurements and structure of protein differences between colon and gastric cancers. Differentiations were visible in serum levels of CEA, CA-125, CA-15-3, CA-19-9 AFP (Alpha fetoprotein) of gastric and colon cancer patients as well as in amide III and secondly described amide I regions. Our findings suggest that amide I bonds in colon cancer cells can be helpful in diagnosis of colon cancer. Indeed, our results showed that metabolic processes were higher in gastric cancer group than in colon cancer. Hence, FTIR spectroscopy and curve-fitting analysis of amide I profile can be successfully applied as tools for identifying quantitative and qualitative changes of proteins in human cancerous blood serum. However, what is very important, in PCA analysis we see, that the scatter plot of PC1 (variability 80%) and PC2 (variability 15%) show that the data related to the control and two cancer groups are clustered together with different magnitudes and directions.

The Antitumor Activity of a Novel Fluorobenzamidine against Dimethylhydrazine- Induced Colorectal Cancer in Rats

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide. The incidence of deaths is expected to be 11.4 million in 2030.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and antitumor activities of a novel Bithiophene- Fluorobenzamidine (BFB) against DMH-induced colorectal cancer in rats.

METHODS

The antiproliferative activity of BFB against HCT-116 colon cancer cells and apoptotic genes was assessed. In vivo study was also conducted in which 80 adult male rats were divided into 5 groups; control, BFB, and the other 3 groups were injected with DMH (20mg/kg, s.c., for 9 weeks). Group 4 was injected with 5 doses of cisplatin (2.5mg/kg, i.p over 21 weeks) and group 5 was injected with 3 doses/week of BFB (2.5mg/kg, i.p, for 21 weeks).

RESULTS

BFB exhibited weak to moderate in vitro antioxidant activity. It had a strong antiproliferative activity with IC50 ~0.3µg/ml. BFB induced extrinsic apoptosis through the upregulation of FasL, TRAL, p53 and caspase-8, and intrinsic apoptosis through the downregulation of Bcl-2 and survivin. BFB decreased the tumor incidence, multiplicity and size and improved the decreased body weight. BFB also ameliorated the functions of kidney and liver and antioxidants deteriorated by DMH. BFB significantly improved the pathological changes caused by DMH in colon tissues.

CONCLUSION

BFB showed a very promising antitumor activity against colorectal cancer induced by DMH in rats without causing hepato- or nephrotoxicity.

Differential sensitivities of triple-negative breast cancer stem cell towards various doses of vitamin C: An insight into the internal antioxidant systems

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are quiescent and self-renewing, having low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and are responsible for cancer recurrence after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the interplay between the ROS production and scavenging from the oxidative stress has never been studied in breast CSCs. In this present study, we have investigated the cellular energetics of two triple-negative breast cancer stem cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) treated with two pharmacological doses of vitamin C (10 and 20 mM) that generated ROS. Our results indicate a differential behavior of ROS scavenging by both the CSCs. MDA-MB-468 CSCs exhibited higher resistance to ROS induced damage owing to the higher antioxidant activity, lower mitochondrial damage, and less decrease in membrane potential (ΔΨ_m ) as compared with MDA-MB-231 CSCs. Moreover, MDA-MB-231 CSCs exhibited an intrinsic apoptosis pathway by activating the cytochrome c, caspase-9, 3, 7, and cleaved PARP upon treatment with vitamin C. This data suggests a possible strategy for targeting breast CSCs using vitamin C. Taken together, the CSCs from MDA-MB-231 could be easily targeted by high/pharmacological doses of vitamin C (≥20 mM) thereby indicating a less robust internal antioxidant machinery.

Two Faces of Vitamin C-Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent

Vitamin C has been known for decades. It is common in everyday use as an element of the diet, supplementation, and a preservative. For years, research has been conducted to precisely determine the mechanism of action of ascorbate in the cell. Available results indicate its multi-directional cellular effects. Vitamin C, which belongs to antioxidants scavenging free radicals, also has a ‘second face’—as a pro-oxidative factor. However, whether is the latter nature a defect harmful to the cell, or whether a virtue that is a source of benefit? In this review, we discuss the effects of vitamin C treatment in cancer prevention and the role of ascorbate in maintaining redox balance in the central nervous system (CNS). Finally, we discuss the effect of vitamin C supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative DNA damage and review the evidence that vitamin C has radioprotective properties.

Human Papillomavirus-related Cancers and Mitochondria

Although it has been established that persistent infection with high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the main cause in the development of cervical cancer, the HR-HPV infection is also related with the cause of a significant fraction of other human malignancies from the mucosal squamous epithelial such as anus, vagina, vulva, penis and oropharynx. HR-HPV infection induces cell proliferation, cell death evasion and genomic instability resulting in cell transformation, due to HPV proteins, which target and modify the function of differents cell molecules and organelles, such as mitochondria. Mitochondria are essential in the production of the cellular energy by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), in the metabolism of nucleotides, aminoacids (aa), and fatty acids, even in the regulation of cell death processes such as apoptosis or mitophagy. Thus, mitochondria have a significant role in the HPV-related cancer development. This review focuses on the role of HPV and mitochondria in HPV-related cancer development, and treatments associated to mitochondrial apoptosis.

Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Activity of the Usnea barbata (L.) F. H. Wigg Dry Extract

The secondary metabolites of lichens have proven to be promising sources of anticancer drugs; one of the most important of these is usnic acid, which is a phenolic compound with dibenzofuran structure that is responsible for the numerous biological actions of lichens of genus Usnea. As a result, in this study, we related to this phenolic secondary metabolite. The aim of the present study is the evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of Usnea barbata (L.) F. H. Wigg dry acetone extract (UBE). In advance, the usnic acid content was determined in various extracts of Usnea barbata (L.) F. H. Wigg: the liquid extracts were found in water, ethanol, acetone, and the dry acetone extract; the highest usnic acid quantity was found in the dry acetone extract. First, the cytotoxic action of UBE was assessed using Brine Shrimp Lethality (BSL) test; a significant lethal effect was obtained after 24 h of treatment at high used concentrations of UBE, and it was quantified by the high mortality rate of the Artemia salina (L.) larvae. Secondly, in vitro cytotoxicity of UBE was evaluated on human tongue squamous cells carcinoma, using CAL 27 (ATCC® CRL-2095™) cell line. The most intense cytotoxic effect of UBE on CAL 27 cells was registered after 24 h; this response is directly proportional with the tested UBE concentrations. The obtained results have been reported regarding usnic acid content of UBE, and the data show that CAL 27 cells death was induced by apoptosis and high oxidative stress.

Biochemical Markers of Saliva in Lung Cancer: Diagnostic and Prognostic Perspectives

The aim of the work is to study the metabolic characteristics of saliva in lung cancer for use in early diagnosis and determining the prognosis of the disease. The patient group included 425 lung cancer patients, 168 patients with non-cancerous lung diseases, and 550 healthy volunteers. Saliva samples were collected from all participants in the experiment before treatment and 34 biochemical saliva parameters were determined. Participants were monitored for six years to assess survival rates. The statistical analysis was performed by means of Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft) program and R package (version 3.2.3). To construct the classifier, the Random Forest method was used; the classification quality was assessed using the cross-validation method. Prognostic factors were analyzed by multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazard model in a backward step-wise fashion to adjust for potential confounding factors. A complex of metabolic changes occurring in saliva in lung cancer is described. Seven biochemical parameters were identified (catalase, triene conjugates, Schiff bases, pH, sialic acids, alkaline phosphatase, chlorides), which were used to construct the classifier. The sensitivity and specificity of the method were 69.5% and 87.5%, which is practically not inferior to the diagnostic characteristics of markers routinely used in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Significant independent factors in the poor prognosis of lung cancer are imidazole compounds (ICs) above 0.478 mmol/L and salivary lactate dehydrogenase activity below 545 U/L. Saliva has been shown to have great potential for the development of diagnostic and prognostic tests for lung cancer.

Epigenetic role of thymoquinone: impact on cellular mechanism and cancer therapeutics

Thymoquinone is a natural product known for its anticancer activity. Preclinical studies indicated numerous mechanisms of action by which thymoquinone exerts its effects on cancer cells. Recent evidence has indicated that thymoquinone can modulate epigenetic machinery, like modifying histone acetylation and deacetylation, DNA methylation and demethylation, which are among the major epigenetic changes that can contribute to carcinogenesis. Moreover, thymoquinone can alter the genetic expression of various noncoding RNAs, such as miRNA and lncRNA, which are the key parts of cellular epigenetics. This review focuses on cellular epigenetic systems, epigenetic changes responsible for cancer and the counteraction of thymoquinone to target epigenetic challenges, which might be among the mechanisms of the thymoquinone effect in cancer cells.

Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer Progression: Molecular Mechanisms and Recent Advancements

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in biological processes and continuous ROS production in normal cells is controlled by the appropriate regulation between the silver lining of low and high ROS concentration mediated effects. Interestingly, ROS also dynamically influences the tumor microenvironment and is known to initiate cancer angiogenesis, metastasis, and survival at different concentrations. At moderate concentration, ROS activates the cancer cell survival signaling cascade involving mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (MAPK/ERK1/2), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), which in turn activate the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). At high concentrations, ROS can cause cancer cell apoptosis. Hence, it critically depends upon the ROS levels, to either augment tumorigenesis or lead to apoptosis. The major issue is targeting the dual actions of ROS effectively with respect to the concentration bias, which needs to be monitored carefully to impede tumor angiogenesis and metastasis for ROS to serve as potential therapeutic targets exogenously/endogenously. Overall, additional research is required to comprehend the potential of ROS as an effective anti-tumor modality and therapeutic target for treating malignancies.

Role of Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Osteoarthritis Management

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease, in which metabolic imbalance in bone is observed. The pathological mechanism of metabolic imbalance is not clear yet, but the nutritional factors, particularly the vitamins, might be intrinsic to the development and progression of OA. In this review article, we have explored databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar articles until the beginning of 2017 and reviewed the role of fat-soluble vitamins in pathological and therapeutic aspects of OA. Vitamin D plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the skeleton, as well as bone and cartilage metabolism, and its deficiency is implicated in the pathological process of OA. Vitamin E enhances chondrocyte growth and exhibits an anti-inflammatory activity, as well as plays an important role in the prevention of cartilage degeneration. In human OA cartilage, vitamin K deficiency produces abnormal growth plate calcification and inappropriate mineralization of cartilage. Thus, these fat-soluble vitamins play a key role in the pathophysiology of OA, and supplementation of these vitamins may provide innovative approaches for OA management. However, vitamin A has a different role, which is a regulator of cartilage and skeletal formation. When metabolite levels of vitamin A are elevated in synovial fluid, they appear to drive OA development. The role of inhibitors of vitamin A here remains unclear. More investigations are needed to examine the effects of fat-soluble vitamins on the various molecular pathways of OA, as well as to assess the efficacy and safety of their usage clinically.

Recent Advances in the Understanding of the Health Benefits and Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Green Tea Polyphenols

Tea, leaf, or bud from the plant Camellia sinensis, make up some of the beverages popularly consumed in different parts of the world as green tea, oolong tea, or black tea. More particularly, as a nonfermented tea, green tea has gained more renown because of the significant health benefits assigned to its rich content in polyphenols. As a main constituent, green tea polyphenols were documented for their antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anticancer, anticardiovascular, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, and antiobesity properties. Recent reports demonstrate that green tea may exert a positive effect on the reduction of medical chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes. The health benefits of green teas, in particular EGCG, are widely investigated, and these effects are known to be primarily associated with the structure and compositions of its polyphenols. This Review focuses on the diverse constituents of green tea polyphenols and their molecular mechanisms from the perspective of their potential therapeutic function. Recent advances of green tea polyphenols on their bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and microbiota were also summarized in this article. Dietary supplementation with green tea represents an attractive alternative toward promoting human health.

Non-tumor adjacent tissue of advanced stage from CRC shows activated antioxidant response

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of malignant cancer-related morbidity and mortality, with a higher incidence in developed countries and a high mortality rate mainly attributable to metastases. The aim of the present study was to determine the metabolic adaptations related to oxidative stress in tumor tissue from advanced stages (III and IV) of CRC and whether they could be used as potential biomarkers for clinical applications. To tackle this aim, we have analyzed the protein expression levels related to oxidative stress and the enzymatic activities of MnSOD and catalase, comparing samples of non-tumor adjacent tissue and tumor tissue of CRC patients in stages III and IV. The results showed no differences between stage III and IV in tumor tissues for any of the proteins studied. However, some differences were found between samples of non-tumor adjacent tissue and tumor tissue for some of the antioxidant enzymes. Overwhelmingly, the greatest differences were detected when comparing samples of non-tumor adjacent tissue from stage III and stage IV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study where differences between the non-tumor adjacent tissues of CRC patients from different cancer stages were determined. This study suggests that the parameters analyzed should be evaluated as biomarkers for the evolution of CRC. Furthermore, tumor tissue status should not be of sole importance for the prognosis of CRC, as the non-tumor adjacent tissues could also merit consideration.