Hexavalent chromium-induced autophagic death of WRL-68 cells is mitigated by aqueous extract of Cuminum cyminum L. seeds

Hormetic effect of low doses of rapamycin triggers anti-aging cascades in WRL-68 cells by modulating an mTOR-mitochondria cross-talk

BACKGROUND

Rapamycin is hormetic in nature-it demonstrates contrasting effects at high and low doses. It is toxic at moderate/high doses, while it can restrain aging and extend lifespan at low doses. However, it is not fully understood how rapamycin governs cellular aging. On the other hand, aging is putatively correlated to mitochondrial dysregulation. Although previous studies have suggested that hormetic (low) doses of rapamycin can cause partial/incomplete inhibition of mTOR, the actual modus operandi of how such partial mTOR inhibition might modulate the mTOR-mitochondria cross-talk remained to be deciphered in the context of cellular aging. The present study was designed to understand the hormetic effects of rapamycin on cellular factors that govern aging-associated changes in mitochondrial facets, such as functional and metabolic homeostases, sustenance of membrane potential, biogenesis, mitophagy, and oxidative injury to mitochondrial macromolecules.

METHODS AND RESULTS

WRL-68 cells treated (24 h) with variable doses of rapamycin were studied for estimating their viability, apoptosis, senescence, mitochondrial density and Δψm. Expression levels of key functional proteins were estimated by immunofluorescence/immunoblots. Oxidative damage to mtDNA/mtRNA/proteins was measured in mitochondrial lysates. We demonstrated that hormetic doses (0.1 and 1 nM) of rapamycin can alleviate aging-associated mitochondrial dyshomeostasis in WRL-68 cells, such as oxidative injury to mitochondrial nucleic acids and proteins, as well as disequilibrium of mitochondrial density, membrane potential, biogenesis, mitophagy and overall metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

We established that low doses of rapamycin can hormetically amend the mTOR-mitochondria cross-talk, and can consequently promote anti-aging outcome in cells.

A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of dietary spice Cuminum cyminum L

Cuminum cyminum L. is a versatile spice belonging to family Apiaceae. Though the plant has pan-tropical distribution but it is indigenous to Egypt, the Mediterranean, and South Asian countries. It exhibits numerous culinary, traditional, and pharmacological attributes. Its traditional uses also validate its immense pharmacological potential. Cuminum cyminum is the hub of numerous bioactives such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and so forth. Cuminaldehyde is the major bioactive, rendered to most of its pharmacological as well as clinical significance. The present study comprised of current knowledge on its taxonomy, nutritional, traditional, phytochemistry, pharmacology (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, antidiabetic, wound healing, anticancer, etc.), toxicology, and clinical attributes. Besides, the mechanism of action is also well explained. The present study provides a rationale for further bioprospection of this wonder plant. Future studies are needed to fill the research gaps, particularly on relevant phytocompound isolation, their pre-clinical and clinical characterization, evaluation, and structure-activity relationship. Moreover, well-designed and highly appropriate clinical and placebo trials are still needed to demonstrate the trustworthy role of cumin on human health.

The role of autophagy in metal-induced urogenital carcinogenesis

Environmental and/or occupational exposure to metals such as Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), and Chromium (Cr) have been shown to induce carcinogenesis in various organs, including the urogenital system. However, the mechanisms responsible for metal-induced carcinogenesis remain elusive. We and others have shown that metals are potent inducers of autophagy, which has been suggested to be an adaptive stress response to allow metal-exposed cells to survive in hostile environments. Albeit few, recent experimental studies have shown that As and Cd promote tumorigenesis via autophagy and that inhibition of autophagic signaling suppressed metal-induced carcinogenesis. In light of the newly emerging role of autophagic involvement in metal-induced carcinogenesis, the present review focuses explicitly on the mechanistic role of autophagy and potential signaling pathways involved in As-, Cd-, and Cr-induced urogenital carcinogenesis.

Evaluation of the Effects of Cuminum cyminum on Cellular Viability, Osteogenic Differentiation and Mineralization of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells

Background and Objectives: Cuminum cyminum L. has long been used in the treatment of various diseases in multiple geographical regions. This study was performed to determine the effects of C. cyminum methanolic extract (CCT) on the cellular viability, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization of human mesenchymal stem cells. Materials and Methods: Bone marrow-derived stem cells were cultured in the presence of CCT at concentrations of 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 μg/mL. Evaluations of cell morphology were performed on days 1, 3, 7 and 14. Cellular viability was evaluated on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. On the 7th and 14th day, alkaline phosphatase activity measurements and Alizarin red S staining were conducted to assess the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. A real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression levels of RUNX2, BSP, OCN, COL2A1 and β-catenin mRNAs. Results: Stem cells in the control group showed fibroblast-like morphology and the addition of CCT at 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 μg/mL did not generate noticeable changes in morphology compared with the untreated control group. The application of CCT did not produce significant changes in cellular viability or alkaline phosphatase activity compared with controls. Alizarin Red S staining was significantly increased with the application of CCT. Treatment with CCT increased the expressions of RUNX2, BSP and OCN. Conclusions: These results indicate that CCT enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells derived from bone marrow by regulating the expressions of RUNX2, BSP and OCN. Thus, the use of CCT may be applied to achieve beneficial effects on the mineralization of stem cells.

The Impact of Herbal Infusion Consumption on Oxidative Stress and Cancer: The Good, the Bad, the Misunderstood

The release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress is associated with the development of many ailments, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. The causal link between oxidative stress and cancer is well established and antioxidants are suggested as a protective mechanism against cancer development. Recently, an increase in the consumption of antioxidant supplements was observed globally. The main sources of these antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, and beverage. Herbal infusions are highly popular beverages consumed daily for different reasons. Studies showed the potent antioxidant effects of plants used in the preparation of some herbal infusions. Such herbal infusions represent an important source of antioxidants and can be used as a dietary protection against cancer. However, uncontrolled consumption of herbal infusions may cause toxicity and reduced antioxidant activity. In this review, eleven widely consumed herbal infusions were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities, anticancer potential and possible toxicity. These herbal infusions are highly popular and consumed as daily drinks in different countries. Studies discussed in this review will provide a solid ground for researchers to have better understanding of the use of herbal infusions to reduce oxidative stress and as protective supplements against cancer development.