Lupeol induces S-phase arrest and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in cervical cancer cells

Exploring the therapeutic potential of lupeol: A review of its mechanisms, clinical applications, and advances in bioavailability enhancement

Lupeol, a naturally occurring triterpenoid, has garnered significant attention for its diverse range of biological activities and potential therapeutic applications. This comprehensive review delves into the various aspects of lupeol, including its sources, extraction methods, chemical characteristics, pharmacokinetics, safety evaluation, mechanisms of action, and applications in disease treatment. We highlight the compound's unique carbon skeleton and its role in inflammation regulation, antioxidant activity, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects. The review also underscores lupeol's potential in cancer therapy, cardiovascular protection, metabolic disease management, and wound healing. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives of lupeol's clinical application, emphasizing the need for further research to improve its bioavailability and explore its full therapeutic potential. The review concludes by recognizing the significance of lupeol in drug development and healthcare, with expectations for future breakthroughs in medical applications.

GC-MS profiling and evaluation of acute oral toxicity, anti-tumour, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Croton socotranus Balf.f. aerial parts: in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico studies

Croton socotranus Balf.f. shrub is widely used traditionally in Asia as an anti-infective. The study was conducted for metabolite profiling, oral acute toxicity and antioxidant studies, antimicrobial activity and anticancer effect against human hepatoma (HepG2), breast cancer (MCF-7) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 39 compounds, predominantly comprising fatty acids (57.76%), sesquiterpenes (24.56%) and triterpenes (9.54%). The n-hexane fraction exhibited promising antimicrobial activity and displayed a potent anti-tumour effect against HepG2, MCF-7 and RD cells with IC50 values of 3.4, 6.5 and 7.1 μg/mL, respectively. Histological examination revealed significant morphological changes consistent with the changes observed in the apoptotic mechanism of action. The molecular docking study provided insights into the rational binding modes of the identified compounds with phosphoinositide 3-kinase and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 enzymes. Our findings suggest the potential of C. socotranus as a valuable source of antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

Pakpahan N, Sitohang AI, Sukarno MA, Yuandani, Harahap Y, Setyowati EP, Park MN, Yusoff SD, Zainalabidin S, Prananda AT, Mahadi MK, Kim B, Harahap U, Syahputra RA. In-depth analysis of lupeol: delving into the diverse pharmacological profile

Lupeol, a naturally occurring lupane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid, is widely distributed in various edible vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants. Notably, it is found in high concentrations in plants like Tamarindus indica, Allanblackia monticola, and Emblica officinalis, among others. Quantitative studies have highlighted its presence in Elm bark, Olive fruit, Aloe leaf, Ginseng oil, Mango pulp, and Japanese Pear bark. This compound is synthesized from squalene through the mevalonate pathway and can also be synthetically produced in the lab, addressing challenges in natural product synthesis. Over the past four decades, extensive research has demonstrated lupeol's multifaceted pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial effects. Despite its significant therapeutic potential, clinical applications of lupeol have been limited by its poor water solubility and bioavailability. Recent advancements have focused on nano-based delivery systems to enhance its bioavailability, and the development of various lupeol derivatives has further amplified its bioactivity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in understanding the pharmacological benefits of lupeol. It also discusses innovative strategies to improve its bioavailability, thereby enhancing its clinical efficacy. The aim is to consolidate current knowledge and stimulate further research into the therapeutic potential of lupeol and its derivatives.

Identification of full-length genes involved in the biosynthesis of β-caryophyllene and lupeol from the leaf transcriptome of Ayapana triplinervis

β-Caryophyllene possesses potential anticancer properties against various cancers, including breast, colon, and lung cancer. Therefore, the essential oil of Ayapana triplinervis, which is rich in β-caryophyllene, can be a potential herbal remedy for treating cancer. However, molecular and genomic studies on A. triplinervis are still sparse. In this study, we obtained 14.7 Gb of RNA-Seq data from A. triplinervis leaf RNA and assembled 137 554 transcripts with an N50 value of 1437 bp. We annotated 72 436 (52.7%) transcripts and mapped 10 640 transcripts to 156 biochemical pathways. Among them, 218 were related to terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, while 27 were linked to sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid pathways. Ninety-four transcripts were annotated in the β-caryophyllene and lupeol pathways. From these transcripts, for the first time, we identified 25 full-length genes encoding all the 17 enzymes involved in β-caryophyllene biosynthesis and an additional five genes involved in lupeol biosynthesis. These genes will be useful for the metabolic engineering of β-caryophyllene and lupeol biosynthesis, not just in A. triplinervis but also in other species.

Lupeol: A dietary and medicinal triterpene with therapeutic potential

Lupeol, a triterpene derived from various plants, has emerged as a potent dietary supplement with extensive therapeutic potential. This review offers a comprehensive examination of lupeol's applications across diverse health conditions. By meticulously analyzing current scientific literature, we have synthesized findings that underscore lupeol's impact on cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological diseases, dermatological conditions, nephrological issues, and cardiovascular health. The review delves into molecular studies that reveal lupeol's ability to modulate disease pathways and alleviate symptoms, positioning it as a promising therapeutic agent. Moreover, we discuss the potential role of lupeol in clinical practice and public health strategies, emphasizing its substantial benefits as a natural compound. This thorough analysis serves as a critical resource for researchers, providing insights into the multifaceted therapeutic properties of lupeol and its potential to significantly enhance health outcomes.

Cell cycle and enzymatic activity alterations induced by ROS production in human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y exposed to Fumonisin B1, Ochratoxin A and their combination

The presence of mycotoxins such as Fumonisin B1(FB1) and Ochratoxin A (OTA) in food and feed has become a threat to human and animal health since they can produce several afflictions. Different mechanisms of action by which they exercise their cytotoxic activity have been attributed to them, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). For this reason, a measurement of the production of ROS species, and an evaluation of the intrinsic cell enzymatic antioxidant activity, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione transferase (GTS), and catalase (CAT) together with a cytotoxicity and cell cycle assay have been performed in undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells exposed to FB1, OTA and [FB1 + OTA] after 24 h and 48 h. FB1 and OTA. Monitoring of intracellular ROS production was carried out by the H2-DCFDA probe; while spectrometry analysis of absorbances was used for measuring GPx, GST and CAT activity. Finally, cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were studied by flow cytometry. When cells were treated with OTA, an increase in GPx and GST activity was observed compared to FB1 and [FB1 + OTA]; conversely, a decrease in CAT activity was observed when cells were exposed to OTA coinciding with the results observed for ROS measurement. Regarding the cell cycle, when cells were exposed to OTA, a decrease in G0/G1 was detected, revealing an arrest of cell division for SH-SY5Y cells at the concentrations studied.

Phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase suppresses human esophageal cancer cell growth by inducing mitotic catastrophe through the P27/cyclin A/CDK2 signaling pathway

Esophageal cancer (ESCA) is a global dead malignancy with poor prognosis. However, its underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. Phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP) has been reported as a tumor suppressor in multisystem cancer but its function in ESCA has not been reported. We analyzed LHPP expression between normal and tumor tissues of ESCA patients and performed LHPP overexpression on the ESCA cells KYSE-150 (K150). We did not observe significant differences in the expression level of LHPP between ESCA and normal tissue, and noticed that LHPP expression was not related to ESCA patient survival rate. However, increased expression of LHPP in K150 cells induced mitochondrial dysfunction, inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle, and simultaneously increased cell apoptosis. Besides, we found that K150 cells underwent mitotic catastrophe after overexpressing LHPP, which may be regulated through the P27/cyclin A/cdk2 signaling pathway. Although the expression of LHPP may not be related to the progression and prognosis of ESCA, mitotic catastrophe, a new mechanism of tumor suppressor function of LHPP was found after overexpressing LHPP in ESCA cells. DATA AVAILABILITY: The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article.

IFN-α-2b Reduces Postoperative Arthrofibrosis in Rats by Inhibiting Fibroblast Proliferation and Migration through STAT1/p21 Signaling Pathway

Objective

To investigate the effect of IFN-α-2b in preventing postoperative arthrofibrosis in rats, its antiproliferation effect on fibroblasts in vitro, and its molecular mechanism.

Methods

The rat model of arthrofibrosis was established and treated with different concentrations of drugs. Knee specimens were collected for histological and immunohistochemical staining to observe the effect of IFN-α-2b on arthrofibrosis in rats. The biological information was further mined according to the database data, and the possible regulatory mechanism of IFN-α-2b on fibroblasts was analyzed. The inhibitory effect of IFN-α-2b on fibroblast proliferation and migration in vitro was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), immunofluorescence analysis, cell cycle test, EdU assay, wound healing test, and Transwell method, and the analysis results were verified by Western blotting method.

Results

The test results of rat knee joint specimens showed that IFN-α-2b significantly inhibited the degree of fibrosis after knee joint surgery, the number of fibroblasts in the operation area was less than that of the control group, and the expression of collagen and proliferation-related proteins decreased. In vitro experimental results show that IFN-α-2b can inhibit the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. According to the results of database analysis, it is suggested that the STAT1/P21 pathway may be involved, and it has been verified and confirmed by Western blotting and other related methods.

Conclusion

IFN-α-2b can reduce surgery-induced arthrofibrosis by inhibiting fibroblast proliferation and migration, which may be related to the regulation of STAT1/p21 signaling pathway.

Utility of Indian fruits in cancer prevention and treatment: Time to undertake translational and bedside studies

The World Health Organization predicts a 70% increase in cancer incidents in developing nations over the next decade, and it will be the second leading cause of death worldwide. Traditional plant-based medicine systems play an important role against various diseases and provide health care to a large section of the population in developing countries. Indigenous fruits and their bioactive compounds with beneficial effects like antioxidant, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory are shown to be useful in preventing the incidence of cancer. India is one of the biodiversity regions and is native to numerous flora and fauna in the world. Of the many fruiting trees indigenous to India, Mango (Mangifera indica), Black plum (Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium jambolana), Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis or Phyllanthus emblica), kokum (Garcinia indica or Brindonia indica), stone apple or bael (Aegle marmelos), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Karaunda (Carissa carandas) and Phalsa (Grewia asiatica), Monkey Jackfruit (Artocarpus lakoocha) and Elephant apple (Dillenia indica) have been shown to be beneficial in preventing cancer and in the treatment of cancer in validated preclinical models of study. In this review, efforts are also made to collate the fruits' anticancer effects and the important phytochemicals. Efforts are also made at emphasizing the underlying mechanism/s responsible for the beneficial effects in cancer prevention and treatment. These fruits have been a part of the diet, are non-toxic, and easily acceptable for human application. The plants and some of their phytochemicals possess diverse medicinal properties. The authors propose that future studies should be directed at detailed studies with various preclinical models of study with both composite fruit extract/juice and the individual phytochemicals. Additionally, translational studies should be planned with the highly beneficial, well-investigated and pharmacologically multifactorial amla to understand its usefulness as a cancer preventive in the high-risk population and as a supportive agent in cancer survivors. The outcome of both preclinical and clinical studies will be useful for patients, the healthcare fraternity, pharmaceutical, and agro-based sectors.

Molecular pharmacology and therapeutic advances of the pentacyclic triterpene lupeol

BACKGROUND

Plant triterpenoids are major sources of nutraceuticals that provide many health benefits to humans. Lupeol is one of the pentacyclic dietary triterpenoids commonly found in many fruits and vegetables, which is highly investigated for its pharmacological effect and benefit to human health.

PURPOSE

This systematic review critically discussed the potential pharmacological benefits of lupeol and its derivatives as evidenced by various cellular and animal model studies. To gain insight into the pharmacological effects of lupeol, the network pharmacological approach is applied. Pharmacokinetics and recent developments in nanotechnology-based approaches to targeted delivery of lupeol along with its safety use are also discussed.

METHODS

This study is dependent on the systematic and non-exhaustive literature survey for related research articles, papers, and books on the chemistry, pharmacological benefits, pharmacokinetics, and safety of lupeol published between 2011 and 2021. For online materials, the popular academic search engines viz. Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, ResearchGate, Springer, as well as official websites were explored with selected keywords.

RESULTS

Lupeol has shown promising benefits in the management of cancer and many other human diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, kidney and liver problems, skin diseases, and neurological disorders. The pharmacological effects of lupeol primarily rely on its capacity to revitalize the cellular antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Network pharmacological approach revealed some prospective molecular targets and pathways and presented some significant information that could help explain the pharmacological effects of lupeol and its derivatives. Despite significant progress in molecular pharmacology, the clinical application of lupeol is limited due to poor bioavailability and insufficient knowledge on its mode of action. Structural modification and nanotechnology-guided targeted delivery of lupeol improve the bioavailability and bioactivity of lupeol.

CONCLUSION

The pentacyclic triterpene lupeol possesses numerous human health-benefiting properties. This review updates current knowledge and critically discusses the pharmacological effects and potential applications of lupeol and its derivatives in human health and diseases. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacies of lupeol and its derivatives in the management and pathobiology of human diseases.

Lupeol triggers oxidative stress, ferroptosis, apoptosis and restrains inflammation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via AMPK/NF-κB pathway

OBJECTIVE

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor with high incidence in Asia. This study investigated the anti-tumor capacities of lupeol in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODS

CCK-8 assay was employed to select the suitable concentration and intervention time of lupeol in 5-8F and CNE1 cells. The anti-cancer impacts of lupeol were evaluated by flow cytometry, ROS generation, western blotting, ELISA, iron assay, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), TUNEL, and immunohistochemistry assays. Additionally, levels of AMPK/NF-κB pathway-related proteins were tested by western blotting.

RESULTS

Cell viability was notably decreased after administration of lupeol ≧ 20 μM. 20 μM and 40 μM lupeol induced cell apoptosis, enhanced oxidative stress and restrained immune response in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells to some extent, as evidenced by the elevation of apoptotic rate, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression, ROS production and malondialdehyde level, and reduction of levels of Bcl-2, MMP, superoxide dismutase, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Also, lupeol promoted the iron secretion and lipid peroxidation, the effects of which were reversed by ferroptosis inhibitor (Fer-1). The inhibitory impacts of lupeol at the doses of 20 μM and 40 μM on glutathione and GPX4 levels were observed. Importantly, lupeol significantly elevated AMPKα phosphorylation, and reduced the levels of p-IκBα and nuclear NF-κB p65. Rescue assay stated that siAMPK could neutralize the above impacts of lupeol. Moreover, lupeol suppressed tumorigenesis of xenografts in nude mice.

CONCLUSION

Lupeol exerted the anti-cancer impacts by inducing oxidative stress, ferroptosis and apoptosis, and suppressing inflammation via the AMPK/NF-κB pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

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.

Therapeutic Potential of Certain Terpenoids as Anticancer Agents: A Scoping Review

Cancer is a life-threatening disease and is considered to be among the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemoresistance, severe toxicity, relapse and metastasis are the major obstacles in cancer therapy. Therefore, introducing new therapeutic agents for cancer remains a priority to increase the range of effective treatments. Terpenoids, a large group of secondary metabolites, are derived from plant sources and are composed of several isoprene units. The high diversity of terpenoids has drawn attention to their potential anticancer and pharmacological activities. Some terpenoids exhibit an anticancer effect by triggering various stages of cancer progression, for example, suppressing the early stage of tumorigenesis via induction of cell cycle arrest, inhibiting cancer cell differentiation and activating apoptosis. At the late stage of cancer development, certain terpenoids are able to inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis via modulation of different intracellular signaling pathways. Significant progress in the identification of the mechanism of action and signaling pathways through which terpenoids exert their anticancer effects has been highlighted. Hence, in this review, the anticancer activities of twenty-five terpenoids are discussed in detail. In addition, this review provides insights on the current clinical trials and future directions towards the development of certain terpenoids as potential anticancer agents.

Inhibitory Effect of Gallotannin on Lung Metastasis of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Cells by Inducing Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Arrest and Autophagy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the world, and metastatic CRC is a major cause of cancer death. Gallotannin (GT), a polyphenolic compound, has shown various biological effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor effects. However, the effects of GT on metastatic CRC cells are not completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the anti-metastatic effect of GT and the underlying mechanisms on metastatic CRC cells. Oral administration of GT suppressed the lung metastasis of metastatic CRC cells in the experimental mouse model. GT decreased the viability of metastatic CRC cell lines, including CT26, HCT116, and SW620, by inducing apoptosis through the activation of extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, cell cycle arrest through inactivation of CDK2/cyclin A complex, and autophagic cell death through up-regulation of LC3B and p62 levels. GT regulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways, which are critical for the development and maintenance of cancer. Additionally, non-cytotoxic concentrations of GT can suppress migration and invasion of CRC cells by inhibiting the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by downregulating the expression of mesenchymal markers including snail, twist, and vimentin. In conclusion, GT prevented colorectal lung metastasis by reducing survival and inhibiting the metastatic phenotypes of CRC cells.

Potential targeting of Hep3B liver cancer cells by lupeol isolated from Avicennia marina

Medicinal plants are valuable sources of different active constituents that are known to have important pharmacological activities including anticancer effects. Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, present in many medicinal plants, has a wide range of biological activities. Although the anticancer activity of lupeol was reported, the published data are inconsistent and the clear mechanism of action has never been assigned. The current study aims at investigating the anticancer specificity and mechanism of lupeol isolated from Avicennia marina, which grows in the desert of the United Arab Emirates. The compound was purified by chromatography and identified by spectroscopy. Compared with a negative control, lupeol caused significant (p < .001) growth inhibitory activity on MCF-7 and Hep3B parental and resistant cells by 45%, 46%, 72%, and 35%, respectively. The mechanism of action of lupeol was further explored by measuring its effect on key players in cancer development and progression, BCL-2 anti-apoptotic and BAX pro-apoptotic proteins. Lupeol significantly (p < .01) downregulated BCL-2 gene expression in parental and resistant Hep3B cells by 33 and 3.5 times, respectively, contributing to the induction of apoptosis in Hep3B cells, whereas it caused no effect on BAX. Furthermore, the immunoblotting analysis revealed that lupeol cleaved the executioner caspase-3 into its active form. Interestingly, lupeol showed no significant effect on the proliferation of monocytes, whereas it caused an increase in the sub-G1 population and a reduction in the apoptosis rates of monocytes at 48 and 72 h, indicative of no immuno-inflammatory responses. Collectively, lupeol can be considered as promising effective and safe anticancer agent, particularly against Hep3B cancer cells.

Lupeol induces autophagy and apoptosis with reduced cancer stem-like properties in retinoblastoma via phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the anticancer effects of lupeol in retinoblastoma cells.

METHODS

WERI-Rb-1 and Y-79 cell lines were used to evaluate the anticancer effect of lupeol. After lupeol treatment, the viability, proliferation, apoptosis, cancer stem-like properties, autophagy and in vivo tumour xenograft formation were detected.

KEY FINDINGS

In this study, lupeol decreased cell viability in both WERI-Rb-1 and Y-79 cell lines. Lupeol could also inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of RB cells, with increased Bax level and decreased Ki67, survivin and Bcl-2 levels. Furthermore, lupeol could suppress the spheroid formation and stem-like properties of RB cells. Moreover, LC3 II/LC3 I ratio and the levels of Beclin1 and ATG7 were increased after lupeol treatment, indicating that lupeol could induce autophagy in RB cells. Next, the inhibitory effect of lupeol on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway was observed. In tumour-bearing mice, lupeol suppressed tumour growth, and this might relate to its role in cell apoptosis, autophagy and stem-like properties.

CONCLUSIONS

Lupeol suppressed proliferation and cancer stem-like properties, and promoted autophagy and apoptosis of RB cells by restraining the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Natural Compounds in Sex Hormone-Dependent Cancers: The Role of Triterpenes as Therapeutic Agents

Sex hormone-dependent cancers currently contribute to the high number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The study and elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of these tumors was a double-edged sword, leading to the expansion and development of new treatment options, with the cost of triggering more aggressive, therapy resistant relapses. The interaction of androgen, estrogen and progesterone hormones with specific receptors (AR, ER, PR) has emerged as a key player in the development and progression of breast, ovarian, prostate and endometrium cancers. Sex hormone-dependent cancers share a common and rather unique carcinogenesis mechanism involving the active role of endogenous and exogenous sex hormones to maintain high mitotic rates and increased cell proliferation thus increasing the probability of aberrant gene occurrence and accumulation highly correlated with abnormal cell division and the occurrence of malignant phenotypes. Cancer related hormone therapy has evolved, currently being associated with the blockade of other signaling pathways often associated with carcinogenesis and tumor progression in cancers, with promising results. However, despite the established developments, there are still several shortcomings to be addressed. Triterpenes are natural occurring secondary metabolites biosynthesized by various pathways starting from squalene cyclization. Due to their versatile therapeutic potential, including the extensively researched antiproliferative effect, these compounds are most definitely a cornerstone in the research and development of new natural/semisynthetic anticancer therapies. The present work thoroughly describes the ongoing research related to the antitumor activity of triterpenes in sex hormone-dependent cancers. Also, the current review highlights both the biological activity of various triterpenoid compounds and their featured mechanisms of action correlated with important chemical structural features.

Lupeol and its derivatives as anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy

Lupeol is a natural triterpenoid that widely exists in edible fruits and vegetables, and medicinal plants. In the last decade, a plethora of studies on the pharmacological activities of lupeol have been conducted and have demonstrated that lupeol possesses an extensive range of pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Pharmacokinetic studies have indicated that absorption of lupeol by animals was rapid despite its nonpolar characteristics, and lupeol belongs to class II BCS (biopharmaceutics classification system) compounds. Moreover, the bioactivities of some isolated or synthesized lupeol derivatives have been investigated, and these results showed that, with modification to C-3 or C-19, some derivatives exhibit stronger activities, e.g., antiprotozoal or anticancer activity. This review aims to summarize the advances in pharmacological and pharmacokinetic studies of lupeol in the last decade with an emphasis on its anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as the research progress of lupeol derivatives thus far, to provide researchers with the latest information, point out the limitations of relevant research at the current stage and the aspects that should be strengthened in future research.

Chemistry, Biological Activities and In Silico Bioprospection of Sterols and Triterpenes from Mexican Columnar Cactaceae

The Cactaceae family is an important source of triterpenes and sterols. The wide uses of those plants include food, gathering, medicinal, and live fences. Several studies have led to the isolation and characterization of many bioactive compounds. This review is focused on the chemistry and biological properties of sterols and triterpenes isolated mainly from some species with columnar and arborescent growth forms of Mexican Cactaceae. Regarding the biological properties of those compounds, apart from a few cases, their molecular mechanisms displayed are not still fully understand. To contribute to the above, computational chemistry tools have given a boost to traditional methods used in natural products research, allowing a more comprehensive exploration of chemistry and biological activities of isolated compounds and extracts. From this information an in silico bioprospection was carried out. The results suggest that sterols and triterpenoids present in Cactaceae have interesting substitution patterns that allow them to interact with some bio targets related to inflammation, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative processes. Thus, they should be considered as attractive leads for the development of drugs for the management of chronic degenerative diseases.

Deep insights into the response of human cervical carcinoma cells to a new cyano enone-bearing triterpenoid soloxolone methyl: a transcriptome analysis

Semisynthetic triterpenoids, bearing cyano enone functionality in ring A, are considered now as novel promising anti-tumor agents. However, despite the large-scale studies, their effects on cervical carcinoma cells and, moreover, mechanisms underlying cell death activation by such compounds in this cell type have not been fully elucidated. In this work, we attempted to reconstitute the key pathways and master regulators involved in the response of human cervical carcinoma KB-3-1 cells to the novel glycyrrhetinic acid derivative soloxolone methyl (SM) by a transcriptomic approach. Functional annotation of differentially expressed genes, analysis of their cis^- regulatory sequences and protein-protein interaction network clearly indicated that stress of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the central event triggered by SM in the cells. A range of key ER stress sensors and transcription factor AP-1 were identified as upstream transcriptional regulators, controlling the response of the cells to SM. Additionally, by using Gene Expression Omnibus data, we showed the ability of SM to modulate the expression of key genes involved in regulation of the high proliferative rate of cervical carcinoma cells. Further Connectivity Map analysis revealed similarity of SM's effects with known ER stress inducers thapsigargin and geldanamycin, targeting SERCA and Grp94, respectively. According to the molecular docking study, SM could snugly fit into the active sites of these proteins in the positions very close to that of both inhibitors. Taken together, our findings provide a basis for the better understanding of the intracellular processes in tumor cells switched on in response to cyano enone-bearing triterpenoids.

Lupeol suppresses migration and invasion via p38/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells

Lupeol, one of the common components from the fruits and natural foods, has been reported to exert antitumor activities in many human cancer cell lines; however, its effects on osteosarcoma cell metastasis were not elucidated. In the present study, lupeol at 10–25 μM induced cell morphological changes and decreased total viable cell number in U-2 OS cells. Lupeol (5–15 μM) suppressed cell mobility, migration, and invasion by wound healing and transwell chamber assays, respectively. Lupeol inhibited the activities of MMP-2 and −9 in U-2 OS cells by gelatin zymography assay. Lupeol significantly decreased PI3K, pAKT, β-catenin, and increased GSK3β. Furthermore, lupeol decreased the expressions of Ras, p-Raf-1, p-p38, and β-catenin. Lupeol also decreased uPA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and N-cadherin but increased VE-cadherin in U-2 OS cells. Based on these observations, we suggest that lupeol can be used in anti-metastasis of human osteosarcoma cells in the future.

Antitumor Effect of Pyrogallol via miR-134 Mediated S Phase Arrest and Inhibition of PI3K/AKT/Skp2/cMyc Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Though Pyrogallol, one of the natural polyphenols, was known to have anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects in breast and colon cancers, the underlying antitumor mechanisms of Pyrogallol, still remain unclear so far. Here, the antitumor mechanisms of Pyrogallol were elucidated in Hep3B and Huh7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCCs). Pyrogallol showed significant cytotoxicity and reduced the number of colonies in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. Interestingly, Pyrogallol induced S-phase arrest and attenuated the protein expression of CyclinD1, Cyclin E, Cyclin A, c-Myc, S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2), p-AKT, PI3K, increased the protein expression of p27, and also reduced the fluorescent expression of Cyclin E in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. Furthermore, Pyrogallol disturbed the interaction between Skp2, p27, and c-Myc in Huh7 cells. Notably, Pyrogallol upregulated miRNA levels of miR-134, and conversely, miR-134 inhibition rescued the decreased expression levels of c-Myc, Cyclin E, and Cyclin D1 and increased the expression of p27 by Pyrogallol in Huh7 cells. Taken together, our findings provide insight that Pyrogallol exerts antitumor effects in HCCs via miR-134 activation-mediated S-phase arrest and inhibition of PI3K/AKT/Skp2/cMyc signaling as a potent anticancer candidate.

Fisetin suppresses migration, invasion and stem-cell-like phenotype of human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells via attenuation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition

Fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a bioactive polyphenolic flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables. It exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities including anticancer and anti-invasive effects. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) allows the tumor cells to acquire increased migratory and invasive properties mediating their dissemination to faraway sites, thus favoring metastasis. With metastatic lung cancer claiming the majority of lung cancer-related deaths, agents targeting the pathways underlying metastasis are translationally promising. In the present study, we have explored the anti-metastatic effects of fisetin in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells A549 and H1299 with emphasis on EMT. The results suggested a significant inhibition in migration and invasion of NSCLC cells under non-cytotoxic concentrations. Furthermore, an attenuation of the EMT was observed in both the cell lines with upregulation in the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin in A549 cells and ZO-1 in H1299 cells with concomitant downregulation of the mesenchymal markers vimentin as well as N-cadherin along with invasion marker MMP-2. Herein, the downregulation of the expression of NSCLC stem cell signature markers CD44 and CD133 was also observed. Fisetin decreased the expression of multiple signaling proteins (β-catenin, NF-κB, EGFR, STAT-3) acting upstream to EMT and known to be involved in induction and maintenance of mesenchymal phenotype, which may explain the observed effects. Moreover, fisetin decreased the ability of H1299 cells to form colonies on soft agar and potentiated the cytotoxic effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), erlotinib. Overall, our study suggested the ability of fisetin to serve as a potential therapeutic agent on its capacity to attenuate the EMT program and inhibit migration, invasion and stem cell phenotype of lung cancer cells.

Plumbagin induces ROS-mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and inhibits EMT in human cervical carcinoma cells

Plumbagin, an important phytochemical from the roots of the medicinal plant Plumbago zeylanica L. has shown many biological activities. The roots of this plant have been in use in the Indian system of medicine for more than twenty five centuries for treatments of various ailments. It has shown anticancer activities, however, the anticancer and anti-metastatic effects of plumbagin are largely unknown against cervical cancer cells. Herein, we investigated the molecular alterations associated with plumbagin-mediated inhibition of growth, survival and epithelial to mesenchymal transition of human cervical cancer SiHa and HeLa cells. Plumbagin (1-4 μM) caused a significant decrease in the cell viability and increased the cell death in SiHa and Hela cells after 24 and 48 h. Plumbagin also caused strong G2/M and S-G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in SiHa and HeLa cells, respectively which was accompanied by a decrease in the expression of cyclin and CDK levels. The expression levels of both mRNAs and proteins of cyclin B1, A and E2 and CDK 1 and 2 decreased after 24 and 48 h. Plumbagin strongly induced apoptosis along with increased ratio of Bax : Bcl2 and cleavage of caspase 3, 9, and PARP. Plumbagin caused a significant increase in reactive oxygen species generation which mediated cell death as it was attenuated by pre-treatment with N-acetyl cysteine. Additionally, we also report for the first time that plumbagin possesses an anti-metastatic effect at non-cytotoxic doses that was accompanied by the modulation of MMP-2, 9, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, β-catenin and vimentin. Taken together, our findings suggest that plumbagin has strong anticancer and anti-metastatic effects against human cervical cancer cells.

Mancozeb selectively induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma cells through ROS generation

Mancozeb (Manganese ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate with zinc salt) is a dithiocarbamate fungicide used to control fungal disease in many fruit plants, flowers and the maintenance of field crops. The effect of mancozeb on cell viability of human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS, SNU-1 cells and human normal FHs 74 Int cells were investigated. This study demonstrated that mancozeb was able to inhibit cell proliferation by 56-82% at 5-10 μM concentrations after 48 h. Mancozeb treatment for 48 h resulted in 33% (P < 0.05) and 61% (P < 0.001) increase in apoptotic cells at 5 and 10 μM concentrations in AGS cells, respectively. Treatment with mancozeb did not cause cell cycle arrest, while modulated the expression level of cleaved caspase-3, and cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Furthermore, treatment with mancozeb caused a rapid stimulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The results also showed that mancozeb-induced apoptosis was accompanied by up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Overall, our data suggested that mancozeb caused ROS generation which induced significant (P < 0.05) apoptosis in AGS cells that was attenuated with pretreatment of NAC. More importantly, same concentration of mancozeb did not show any considerable effect on cell growth, death, cell cycle arrest and ROS generation in normal FHs 74 Int cells. Overall, for the first time these results suggest that mancozeb has selective anticancer activity at lower concentrations against gastric cancer cells.