Naringin inhibits the invasion and migration of human glioblastoma cell via downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and inactivation of p38 signaling pathway

Computational-Based Polyphenol Therapy for Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer: Naringin Coamorphous Systems for Solubility and Bioavailability Enhancement

In this research, we utilized molecular simulations to create co-amorphous materials (CAMs) of ceritinib (CRT) with the objective of improving its solubility and bioavailability. We identified naringin (NRG) as a suitable co-former for CRT CAMs based on binding energy and intermolecular interactions through computational modeling. We used the solvent evaporation method to produce CAMs of CRT and NRG, expecting to enhance both solubility and bioavailability simultaneously. The solid-state characterization using techniques like differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy affirmed the formation of a single amorphous phase and the presence of intermolecular interactions between CRT and NRG in the CAMs. These materials remained physically stable for up to six months under dry conditions at 40 °C. Moreover, the CAMs demonstrated significant improvements in the solubility and dissolution of CRT (specifically in the ratio CRT:NRG 1:2). This, in turn, led to an increase in cytotoxicity, apoptotic cells, and G0/G1 phase inhibition in A549 cells compared to CRT alone. Furthermore, CRT permeability is also improved twofold, as estimated by the everted gut sac method. The enhanced solubility of CAMs also positively affected the pharmacokinetic parameters. When compared to the physical mixture, the CAMs of CRT:NRG 2:1 exhibited a 2.1-fold increase in CRT exposure (AUC0-t) and a 2.4-fold increase in plasma concentration (Cmax).

Network pharmacology -based study on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common primary malignant brain tumors. Yi Qi Qu Yu Jie Du Fang (YYQQJDF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription for GBM. The present study aimed to use a network pharmacology method to analyze the underlying mechanism of YQQYJDF in treating GBM.

METHODS

GBM sample data, active ingredients and potential targets of YQQYJDF were obtained from databases. R language was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GBM tissues and normal tissues, and to perform enrichment analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database was used to perform a protein‒protein interaction (PPI) analysis. A Venn diagram was used to obtain the core target genes of YQQYJDF for GBM treatment. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding between the active ingredient molecules and the proteins corresponding to the core target genes. Cell proliferation assays and invasion assays were used to verify the effect of active ingredients on the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells.

RESULTS

A total of 73 potential targets of YQQYJDF in the treatment of GBM were obtained. Enrichment analyses showed that the biological processes and molecular functions involved in these target genes were related to the activation of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway and the regulation of hypoxia. The neuroactive ligand‒receptor pathway, the cellular senescence pathway, the calcium signaling pathway, the cell cycle pathway and the p53 signaling pathway might play important roles. Combining the results of WGCNA and PPI analysis, five core target genes and their corresponding four core active ingredients were screened. Molecular docking indicated that the core active ingredient molecules and the proteins corresponding to the core target genes had strong binding affinities. Cell proliferation and invasion assays showed that the core active ingredients of YQQYJDF significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study predicted the possible active ingredients and targets of YQQYJDF in treating GBM, and analyzed its possible mechanism. These results may provide a basis and ideas for further research.

Research progress on the anti-tumor effect of Naringin

Naringin is a kind of natural dihydro flavone, which mainly exists in citrus fruits of the Rutaceae family, as well as traditional Chinese medicines such as trifoliate orange, fingered citron, exocarpium citri grandis, and rhizoma dynamite. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Naringin has excellent anti-tumor activity. Through reviewing the relevant literature at home and abroad in recent years, we summarized the pharmacological mechanism of Naringin to play an anti-cancer role in blocking tumor cell cycle, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor cell invasion and metastasis, inducing tumor cell autophagy, reversing tumor cell drug resistance and enhancing chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity, as well as anti-inflammatory to prevent canceration, alleviate Adverse drug reaction of chemotherapy, activate and strengthen immunity, It provides theoretical basis and reference basis for further exploring the anticancer potential of Naringin and its further development and utilization.

The new exploration of pure total flavonoids extracted from Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. as a new therapeutic agent to bring health benefits for people

The peel and fruit of Citrus varieties have been a raw material for some traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Pure total flavonoids from Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. (PTFC), including naringin, hesperidin, narirutin, and neohesperidin, have been attracted increasing attention for their multiple clinical efficacies. Based on existing in vitro and in vivo research, this study systematically reviewed the biological functions of PTFC and its components in preventing or treating liver metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, intestinal barrier dysfunction, as well as malignancies. PTFC and its components are capable of regulating glycolipid metabolism, blocking peroxidation and persistent inflammation, inhibiting tumor progression, protecting the integrity of intestinal barrier and positively regulating intestinal microbiota, while the differences in fruit cultivation system, picking standard, manufacturing methods, delivery system and individual intestinal microecology will have impact on the specific therapeutic effect. Thus, PTFC is a promising drug for the treatment of some chronic diseases, as well as continuous elaborate investigations are necessary to improve its effectiveness and bioavailability.

Flavonoids as regulators of TIMPs expression in cancer: Consequences, opportunities, and challenges

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in patients worldwide, where invasion and metastasis are directly responsible for this statement. Although cancer therapy has progressed in recent years, current therapeutic approaches are ineffective due to toxicity and chemoresistance. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate other treatment options, and natural products are a promising alternative as they show antitumor properties in different study models. This review describes the regulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) expression and the role of flavonoids as molecules with the antitumor activity that targets TIMPs therapeutically. These inhibitors regulate tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover; they inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis and induce apoptosis in tumor cells. Data obtained in cell lines and in vivo models suggest that flavonoids are chemopreventive and cytotoxic against various types of cancer through several mechanisms. Flavonoids also regulate crucial signaling pathways such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor κB (NFκB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) involved in cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. All these data reposition flavonoids as excellent candidates for use in cancer therapy.

Comprehensive review on naringenin and naringin polyphenols as a potent anticancer agent

Though the incidence of several cancers in Western societies is regulated wisely, some cancers such as breast, lung, and colorectal cancer are currently rising in many low- and middle-income countries due to increased risk factors triggered by societal and development problems. Surgery, chemotherapy, hormone, radiation, and targeted therapies are examples of traditional cancer treatment approaches. However, multiple short- and long-term adverse effects may also significantly affect patient prognosis depending on treatment-associated clinical factors. More and more research has been carried out to find new therapeutic agents in natural products, among which the bioactive compounds derived from plants have been increasingly studied. Naringin and naringenin are abundantly found in citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits. A variety of cell signaling pathways mediates their anti-carcinogenic properties. Naringin and naringenin were also documented to overcome multidrug resistance, one of the major challenges to clinical practice due to multiple defense mechanisms in cancer. The effective parameters underlying the anticancer effects of naringenin and naringin include GSK3β inactivation, suppression of the gene and protein activation of NF-kB and COX-2, JAK2/STAT3 downregulation, downregulation of intracellular adhesion molecules-1, upregulation of Notch1 and tyrocite-specific genes, and activation of p38/MAPK and caspase-3. Thus, this review outlines the potential of naringin and naringenin in managing different types of cancers.

Neuroimmunomodulatory Properties of Flavonoids and Derivates: A Potential Action as Adjuvants for the Treatment of Glioblastoma

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are tumors that have a high ability to migrate, invade and proliferate in the healthy tissue, what greatly impairs their treatment. These characteristics are associated with the complex microenvironment, formed by the perivascular niche, which is also composed of several stromal cells including astrocytes, microglia, fibroblasts, pericytes and endothelial cells, supporting tumor progression. Further microglia and macrophages associated with GBMs infiltrate the tumor. These innate immune cells are meant to participate in tumor surveillance and eradication, but they become compromised by GBM cells and exploited in the process. In this review we discuss the context of the GBM microenvironment together with the actions of flavonoids, which have attracted scientific attention due to their pharmacological properties as possible anti-tumor agents. Flavonoids act on a variety of signaling pathways, counteracting the invasion process. Luteolin and rutin inhibit NFκB activation, reducing IL-6 production. Fisetin promotes tumor apoptosis, while inhibiting ADAM expression, reducing invasion. Naringenin reduces tumor invasion by down-regulating metalloproteinases expression. Apigenin and rutin induce apoptosis in C6 cells increasing TNFα, while decreasing IL-10 production, denoting a shift from the immunosuppressive Th2 to the Th1 profile. Overall, flavonoids should be further exploited for glioma therapy.

Naringenin attenuates cell viability and migration of C6 glioblastoma cell line: a possible role of hedgehog signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Gliomas are the most prevalent type of malignant primary brain tumors. Despite the availability of several treatment modalities, these tumors have poor prognostic features. Aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been found to be implicated in the development of numerous malignancies including gliomas. Naringenin appears to have anti-proliferative and anti-cancer properties. However, there is no report describing its effects via the Hh signaling pathway on the C6 glioblastoma cell line. The current study was set to examine the anti-cancer effects of naringenin on C6 cells in order to determine the effect of this compound on the Hh signaling pathway.

METHODS

The anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of naringenin against C6 and 3T3 fibroblast cells were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and annexin-V/PI dual staining assay, respectively. The effect of naringenin on the migration of C6 cells was evaluated by the migration scratch assay. To assess the anti-cancer effect of naringenin on the Hh signaling pathway, the expression of Gli-1, Smo, and Sufu at protein levels in C6 cells was analyzed using western blotting.

RESULTS

The obtained data indicated that naringenin exerted higher cytotoxicity against C6 cells (IC50 value of 114 ± 3.4 µg/mL) than normal 3T3 fibroblasts (IC50 value of 290 ± 7 µg/mL). Naringenin (114 µg/mL) also induced stronger apoptotic effects on C6 cells than 3T3 cells after 24 h of incubation. Furthermore, naringenin at a concentration of 114 µg/mL and a lower concentration of 60 µg/mL inhibited the migration of the C6 cell line. In addition, naringenin at a concentration of 114 µg/mL significantly decreased the expression of Gli-1 and Smo and elevated the expression of Sufu at the protein level in the C6 cell line.

CONCLUSION

These data represent that naringenin may have a potential effect on the management of the proliferation and metastasis of malignant gliomas by inhibiting the Hh signaling pathway.

Flavonoid-Based Cancer Therapy: An Updated Review

As cancers are one of the most important causes of human morbidity and mortality worldwide, researchers try to discover novel compounds and therapeutic approaches to decrease survival of cancer cells, angiogenesis, proliferation and metastasis. In the last decade, use of special phytochemical compounds and flavonoids was reported to be an interesting and hopeful tactic in the field of cancer therapy. Flavonoids are natural polyphenols found in plant, fruits, vegetables, teas and medicinal herbs. Based on reports, over 10,000 flavonoids have been detected and categorized into several subclasses, including flavonols, anthocyanins, flavanones, flavones, isoflavones and chalcones. It seems that the anticancer effect of flavonoids is mainly due to their antioxidant and anti inflammatory activities and their potential to modulate molecular targets and signaling pathways involved in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis and hormone activities. The main aim of this review is to evaluate the relationship between flavonoids consumption and cancer risk, and discuss the anti-cancer effects of these natural compounds in human cancer cells. Hence, we tried to collect and revise important recent in vivo and in vitro researches about the most effective flavonoids and their main mechanisms of action in various types of cancer cells.

New Perspectives in the Pharmacological Potential of Naringin in Medicine

BACKGROUND

Naringin (NAR) is a flavonoid enriched in several medicinal plants and fruits. An increasing interest in this molecule has emerged because it has the potential to contribute to alleviating many health problems.

OBJECTIVE

This review briefly describes the NAR pharmacokinetics and it mainly focuses on the in vitro and in vivo animal studies showing NAR beneficial effects on cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological and pulmonary disorders and cancer. The anabolic effects of NAR on different models of bone and dental diseases are also analyzed. In addition, the evidence of the NAR action on the gastrointestinal tract is reported as well as its influence on the microbiota composition and activity. Finally, current research on NAR formulations and clinical applications are discussed.

METHODS

The PubMed database was searched until 2019, using the keywords NAR, naringenin, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, neurological and pulmonary disorders, cancer, bone and dental diseases, gastrointestinal tract, microbiota, NAR formulations, clinical trials.

RESULTS

The number of studies related to the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of NAR is limited. Positive effects of NAR have been reported on cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), metabolic syndrome, pulmonary disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and gastrointestinal pathologies. The current NAR formulations seem to improve its bioavailability, which would allow its clinical applications.

CONCLUSION

NAR is endowed with broad biological effects that could improve human health. Since a scarce number of clinical studies have been performed, the NAR use requires more investigation in order to know better their safety, efficacy, delivery, and bioavailability in humans.

A Systematic Review of the Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Naringin Against Human Malignancies

Background: Natural product-based cancer preventive and therapeutic entities, such as flavonoids and their derivatives, are shown to have a noticeable capability to suppress tumor formation and cancer cell growth. Naringin, a natural flavanone glycoside present in various plant species, has been indicated to modulate different signaling pathways and interact with numerous cell signaling molecules, which allows for an extensive variety of pharmacological actions, such as amelioration of inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic syndromes, bone disorders, and cancer. The purpose of this systematic review is to present a critical and comprehensive assessment of the antitumor ability of naringin and associated molecular targets in various cancers. Methods: Studies were identified through systematic searches of Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus as well as eligibility checks according to predefined selection criteria. Results: Eighty-seven studies were included in this systematic review. There was strong evidence for the association between treatment with naringin alone, or combined with other drugs and antitumor activity. Additionally, studies showed that naringin-metal complexes have greater anticancer effects compared to free naringin. It has been demonstrated that naringin employs multitargeted mechanisms to hamper cancer initiation, promotion, and progression through modulation of several dysregulated signaling cascades implicated in cell proliferation, autophagy, apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and invasion. Conclusion: The results of our work show that naringin is a promising candidate for cancer prevention and treatment, and might offer substantial support for the clinical application of this phytocompound in the future. Nevertheless, further preclinical and clinical studies as well as drug delivery approaches are needed for designing novel formulations of naringin to realize the full potential of this flavonoid in cancer prevention and intervention.

Natural Marine and Terrestrial Compounds as Modulators of Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in Alzheimer's Disease

Several studies have reported neuroprotective effects by natural products. A wide range of natural compounds have been investigated, and some of these may play a beneficial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, have been implicated in AD. In particular, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are able to trigger several neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative pathways. In this review, we summarize and discuss existing literature on natural marine and terrestrial compounds, as well as their ability to modulate MMP-2 and MMP-9, and we evaluate their potential as therapeutic compounds for neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease.

Naringin and naringenin as anticancer agents and adjuvants in cancer combination therapy: Efficacy and molecular mechanisms of action, a comprehensive narrative review

Although the rates of many cancers are controlled in Western countries, those of some cancers, such as lung, breast, and colorectal cancer are currently increasing in many low- and middle-income countries due to increases in risk factors caused by development and societal problems. Additionally, endogenous factors, such as inherited mutations, steroid hormones, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor systems, inflammation, oxidative stress, and exogenous factors (including tobacco, alcohol, infectious agents, and radiation), are believed to compromise cell functions and lead to carcinogenesis. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies are some examples of the approaches used for cancer treatment. However, various short- and long-term side effects can also considerably impact patient prognosis based on clinical factors associated with treatments. Recently, increasing numbers of studies have been conducted to identify novel therapeutic agents from natural products, among which plant-derived bioactive compounds have been increasingly studied. Naringin (NG) and its aglycone naringenin (NGE) are abundantly present in citrus fruits, such as grapefruits and oranges. Their anti-carcinogenic activities have been shown to be exerted through several cell signal transduction pathways. Recently, different pharmacological strategies based on combination therapy, involving NG and NGE with the current anti-cancer agents have shown prodigious synergistic effects when compared to monotherapy. Besides, NG and NGE have been reported to overcome multidrug resistance, resulting from different defensive mechanisms in cancer, which is one of the major obstacles of clinical treatment. Thus, we comprehensively reviewed the inhibitory effects of NG and NGE on several types of cancers through different signal transduction pathways, the roles on sensitizing with the current anticancer medicines, and the efficacy of the cancer combination therapy.

Modulation of dysregulated cancer metabolism by plant secondary metabolites: A mechanistic review

Several signaling pathways and basic metabolites are responsible for the control of metabolism in both normal and cancer cells. As emerging hallmarks of cancer metabolism, the abnormal activities of these pathways are of the most noticeable events in cancer. This altered metabolism expedites the survival and proliferation of cancer cells, which have attracted a substantial amount of interest in cancer metabolism. Nowadays, targeting metabolism and cross-linked signaling pathways in cancer has been a hot topic to investigate novel drugs against cancer. Despite the efficiency of conventional drugs in cancer therapy, their associated toxicity, resistance, and high-cost cause limitations in their application. Besides, considering the numerous signaling pathways cross-linked with cancer metabolism, discovery, and development of multi-targeted and safe natural compounds has been a high priority. Natural secondary metabolites have exhibited promising anticancer effects by targeting dysregulated signaling pathways linked to cancer metabolism. The present review reveals the metabolism and cross-linked dysregulated signaling pathways in cancer. The promising therapeutic targets in cancer, as well as the critical role of natural secondary metabolites for significant anticancer enhancements, have also been highlighted to find novel/potential therapeutic agents for cancer treatment.

Modulation of Multiple Signaling Pathways of the Plant-Derived Natural Products in Cancer

Natural compounds are highly effective anticancer chemotherapeutic agents, and the targets of plant-derived anticancer agents have been widely reported. In this review, we focus on the main signaling pathways of apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis that are regulated by polyphenols, alkaloids, saponins, and polysaccharides. Alkaloids primarily affect apoptosis-related pathways, while polysaccharides primarily target pathways related to proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Other compounds, such as flavonoids and saponins, affect all of these aspects. The association between compound structures and signaling pathways may play a critical role in drug discovery.

Citrus unshiu peel suppress the metastatic potential of murine melanoma B16F10 cells in vitro and in vivo

The peel of Citrus unshiu Marcow. fruits (CU) has long been used as a traditional medicine that has therapeutic effects against pathogenic diseases, including asthma, vomiting, dyspepsia, blood circulation disorders, and various types of cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of CU peel on metastatic melanoma, a highly aggressive skin cancer, in B16F10 melanoma cells, and in B16F10 cells inoculated‐C57BL/6 mice. Our results show that ethanol extracts of CU (EECU) inhibited cell growth and increased the apoptotic cells in B16F10 cells. EECU also stimulated the induction of mitochondria‐mediated intrinsic pathway, with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and increased generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, EECU suppressed the migration, invasion, and colony formation of B16F10 cells. In addition, the oral administration of EECU reduced serum lactate dehydrogenase activity without weight loss, hepatotoxicity, nor nephrotoxicity in B16F10 cell‐inoculated mice. Moreover, EECU markedly suppressed lung hypertrophy, the number and expression of metastatic tumor nodules, and the expression of inflammatory tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in lung tissue. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of EECU on the metastasis of melanoma indicates that it may be regarded as a potential therapeutic herbal drug for melanoma.

Therapeutic potential of naringin in neurological disorders

Neurological illnesses are multifactorial incurable debilitating disorders that may cause neurodegeneration. These diseases influence approximately 30 million people around the world. Despite several therapies, effective management of such disorders remains a global challenge. Thus, natural products might offer an alternative therapy for the treatment of various neurological disorders. Polyphenols, such as curcumin, resveratrol, myricetin, mangiferin and naringin (NRG) have been shown to possess promising potential in the treatment of neurogenerative illness. In this review, we have targeted the therapeutic potential of naringin as a neuroprotective agent. The overall neuroprotective effects and different possible underlying mechanisms related to NRG are discussed. In light of the strong evidence for the neuropharmacological efficacy of NRG in various experimental paradigms, it is concluded that this molecule should be further considered and studied as a potential candidate for neurotherapeutics, focusing on mechanistic and clinical trials to ascertain its efficacy.

Molecular Targets of Genistein and Its Related Flavonoids to Exert Anticancer Effects

Increased health awareness among the public has highlighted the health benefits of dietary supplements including flavonoids. As flavonoids target several critical factors to exert a variety of biological effects, studies to identify their target-specific effects have been conducted. Herein, we discuss the basic structures of flavonoids and their anticancer activities in relation to the specific biological targets acted upon by these flavonoids. Flavonoids target several signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT kinase, and metastasis. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) has been recognized as a valuable target in cancer treatment due to the prognostic implication of PLK1 in cancer patients and its clinical relevance between the overexpression of PLK1 and the reduced survival rates of several carcinoma patients. Recent studies suggest that several flavonoids, including genistein directly inhibit PLK1 inhibitory activity. Later, we focus on the anticancer effects of genistein through inhibition of PLK1.

Naringenin inhibited migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells through multiple mechanisms

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most mortality brain cancer in the world. Due to high invasion and drug resistance cause the poor prognosis of GBM. Naringenin, an ingredient of citrus, exhibits many cellular functions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anticancer. Naringenin inhibits the migration of bladder and lung cancer via modulation of MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 activities, Naringenin inhibits migration and trigger apoptosis in gastric cancer cells through downregulation of AKT pathway. However, the effects of naringenin in GBM still remain to be elucidated. In this study, we reveal the molecular mechanisms of naringenin in the inhibition of migration and invasion in GBM. No overt alternation of cell proliferation was found in of GBM 8901 cells treated with different concentration of naringenin. Slight decreased cell viability was found in GBM 8401 cell treated with 200 and 300 μM naringenin. Significant reduction of migration and invasion as assayed by Boyden chamber analysis was found in of GBM cells treated with 100, 200, and 300 μM naringenin. Zymography analysis also revealed that the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 of GBM cells were significantly inhibited in response to 100, 200, or 300 μM naringenin treatment. Proteins of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were downregulated in naringenin treated GBM cells. In addition, naringenin also attenuated the activities of ERK and p38. Naringenin decreased mesenchymal markers (snail and slug) expression as revealed by Western blot analysis. Taken together, our findings indicated that naringenin eliminated the migration and invasion of GBM cells through multiple mechanisms including inhibition of MMPs, ERK, and p38 activities and modulation of EMT markers. Our results also suggested that naringenin may be a potential agent to prevent metastasis of GBM.

MMP-2 expression and correlation with pathology and MRI of glioma

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in brain glioma and its correlation with patients' clinicopathological characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features were investigated. A total of 104 patients with brain glioma admitted and treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2010 to September 2014 were randomly enrolled. MRI examination was performed before operation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression levels of MMP-2 in brain glioma tissues and paired normal brain tissues after operation and to analyze the associations of MMP-2 expression with the clinicopathological characteristics of brain glioma and survival time of patients. The relationship between MMP-2 expression and preoperative MRI features of glioma was analyzed. The positive rate of MMP-2 expression in brain glioma was 73.08% (76/104), while that in paired normal brain tissues was only 12.5% (13/104), obviously lower than that in brain glioma tissues (P<0.05). The MMP-2 expression in the body of glioma was not related to the patients' sex, age, tumor location and pathological type (P>0.05), but there was a significant correlation with the tumor diameter and pathological grade of the patients (P<0.05). Analysis by Cox model suggested that tumor diameter, pathological grade and MMP-2 were independent prognostic factors for glioma (P<0.05). The overall survival (OS) of patients in the positive MMP-2 expression group was 16.4 months, while the OS in the negative MMP-2 expression group was 20.16 months, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The positive expression of MMP-2 in glioma was closely related to the uniformity of MRI signal for tumor, tumor diameter, severity of peritumoral edema, degree of enhancement and pathological grade of tumor (P<0.05). MMP-2 is highly expressed in brain glioma, and it is a negative factor for prognosis. Therefore, the MRI manifestations of glioma can reflect to some extent the intensity of MMP-2 expression.

Possible neuroprotective mechanisms of action involved in the neurobehavioral property of naringin in mice

Flavonoids are naturally occurring bioactive phytochemical metabolites widely known to prevent and suppress several human diseases, and are important sources of therapeutic compounds from plants. Evidence derived from previous studies suggests that naringin, a neuroactive flavonoid possess functional beneficial neurobehavioral effects including anxiolytic, antidepressant and memory enhancing properties. However, literature search revealed that no studies have been carried out to evaluate the possible biochemical mechanisms involved in the neurobehavioral property of naringin alone following repeated treatment. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the possible neuro-biochemical mechanisms involved in the neurobehavioral property of naringin following repeated administration in mice. The effects of naringin (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg), diazepam (2 mg/kg), imipramine (15 mg/kg) and donepezil (1 mg/kg) or vehicle on neurobehavioral and biochemical effects were evaluated in mice following repeated intraperitoneal injection for 7 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral activities consisting of open-field (locomotor), elevated-plus maze (anxiolytic), forced swim and social interaction (antidepressant and social preference), and Y-maze (memory enhancing) tests were assessed. Thereafter, brains levels of biomarkers of oxidative, nitrosative and cholinergic parameters were determined. Repeated treatment with naringin produced increased locomotor activity, and demonstrated antidepressant-like effects evidenced by decreased immobility time in forced swim test and increased % social preference in the social interaction test relative to controls. Also, naringin induced anxiolytic-like effect and increased cognitive performance in mice. Mechanistically, naringin significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and glutathione concentration relative to vehicle-controls. However, naringin significantly decreased malondialdehyde and nitrite contents, and reduced brain acetylcholinesterase activity in mice brains in a significant manner relative to controls. Taken together, these findings suggest that treatment with naringin might be useful to produce functional behavioral effects via mechanisms related to enhancement of cholinergic transmission, antioxidant defense systems, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and nitrosative processes.

Nobiletin inhibits human osteosarcoma cells metastasis by blocking ERK and JNK-mediated MMPs expression

Nobiletin, a polymethoxyflavone, has a few pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects. However, its effect on human osteosarcoma progression remains uninvestigated. Therefore, we examined the effectiveness of nobiletin against cellular metastasis of human osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanisms. Nobiletin, up to 100 μM without cytotoxicity, significantly decreased motility, migration and invasion as well as enzymatic activities, protein levels and mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in U2OS and HOS cells. In addition to inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the inhibitory effect of nobiletin on the DNA-binding activity of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and specificity protein 1 (SP-1) in U2OS and HOS cells. Co-treatment with ERK and JNK inhibitors and nobiletin further reduced U2OS cells migration and invasion. These results indicated that nobiletin inhibits human osteosarcoma U2OS and HOS cells motility, migration and invasion by down-regulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions via ERK and JNK pathways and through the inactivation of downstream NF-κB, CREB, and SP-1. Nobiletin has the potential to serve as an anti-metastatic agent for treating osteosarcoma.

Effects of naringin on physical fatigue and serum MMP-9 concentration in female rats

CONTEXT

Oxidative stress has a critical role in the development of physical fatigue and activation of matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9). Naringin (Nar) is a bioflavonoid that has antioxidant activity and suppresses MMP-9 expression.

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluates the anti-fatigue activity of Nar on physical fatigue and serum MMP-9 concentration in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10); a control group, vehicle group and three Nar treatment groups. The Nar treated groups received different doses of Nar (40, 80 and 160 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. On the 30th day, rats were sacrificed immediately after exhaustive swimming test. Serum MMP-9 concentration and several biochemical parameters related to fatigue were measured.

RESULTS

Exhaustive swimming time in the Nar-80 group significantly increased 1.78-, 1.53-, 1.5- and 1.3-fold compared with the control, vehicle, Nar-40 and Nar-160 groups, respectively. In addition, exhaustive swimming time in the Nar-160 group significantly increased 1.36-fold compared with the control group. Nar-80 significantly decreased LDH activity by 60.45% and 57.47% compared with the vehicle and control groups, respectively. Furthermore, Nar-80 and Nar-160 increased blood glucose levels by 19.56% and 18.38% compared with the control group, respectively. Nar-80 and Nar-160 significantly decreased serum MMP-9 concentration by 61.57% and 83.39% compared with the control group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Based on our data, Nar has anti-fatigue effects which may be attributed to its property in modulating energy metabolism and reducing serum MMP-9 concentration. Thus, Nar may be a promising agent for the treatment of physical fatigue.

Punicalagin suppresses the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells through inhibition of the β-catenin pathway

Natural botanical drugs have attracted attention due to their cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties in cancer. Punicalagin (PUN) is the major bioactive component of pomegranate peel, and has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiproliferation and anticancer properties. PUN has been shown to induce apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of PUN on HeLa human cervical cancer cells in vitro. The viability of the HeLa cells was assessed following treatment with PUN (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 µM) for 24, 36 and 48 h using a Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay. In addition, the cell cycle distribution, protein expression levels of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein (Bax), Bcl‑2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2, TIMP‑3 and the β‑catenin pathway, and the activities of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2 and MMP‑9 were analyzed following treatment with PUN (0, 25, 50 and 100 µM) for 36 h using cell cycle analysis, western blot analysis and gelatin zymography, respectively. In addition, a wound‑healing assay was used to detect cell migration. PUN led to a number of effects on the HeLa cells, including the inhibition of cell proliferation and cell migration, downregulation of MMP‑2 and MMP‑9, upregulation of TIMP‑2 and TIMP‑3, cell‑cycle arrest in the G1 phase, induction of apoptosis via alterations of Bcl‑2 and Bax, and downregulation of β‑catenin and its downstream proteins, cyclin D1 and c-myc. These results suggested that PUN may have chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects against cervical cancer in humans through inhibition of the β-catenin signaling pathway.

FoxR2 promotes glioma proliferation by suppression of the p27 pathway

FoxR2 plays an important role in the development of many human tumors. However, the effects of FoxR2 on tumorigenicity of human glioma remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles of FoxR2 in cell proliferation and invasion of glioma. We found that overexpression of FoxR2 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells. Knockout of FoxR2 induced G1 arrest by decreasing the expression levels of cyclin D1, cyclin E and p-Rb. Mechanistically, upregulation of FoxR2 increased the level and activity of MMP-2 and decreased the expression of p27. Furthermore, overexpression of FoxR2 decreased the nuclear accumulation of p27. Taken together, these results indicate that upregulation of FoxR2 may confer enhanced tumorigenicity in glioma cells.

Naringin suppresses the development of glioblastoma by inhibiting FAK activity

As the most common and lethal primary malignant brain cancer, glioblastoma is hard to timely diagnose and sensitive therapeutic monitoring. It is essential to develop new and effective drugs for glioblastoma multiform. Naringin belongs to citrus flavonoids and was found to display strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor activities. In this report, we found that naringin can specifically inhibit the kinase activity of FAK and suppress the FAK^p-Try397and its downstream pathway in glioblastoma cells. Our study showed out that naringin can inhibit cell proliferation by inhibiting FAK/cyclin D1 pathway, promote cell apoptosis through influencing FAK/bads pathway, at the same time, it can also inhibit cell invasion and metastasis by inhibiting the FAK/mmps pathway. All these showed that naringin exerts the anti-tumor effects in U87 MG by inhibiting the kinase activity of FAK.

NEU3 inhibitory effect of naringin suppresses cancer cell growth by attenuation of EGFR signaling through GM3 ganglioside accumulation

Naringin, which is one of the flavonoids contained in citrus fruits, is well known to possess various healthy functions to humans. It has been reported that naringin suppresses cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Recently, the roles of glycoconjugates, such as gangliosides, in cancer cells have been focused because of their regulatory effects of malignant phenotypes. Here, to clarify the roles of naringin in the negative-regulation of cancer cell growth, the alteration of glycoconjugates induced by naringin exposure and its significance on cell signaling were investigated. Human cancer cells, HeLa and A549, were exposed to various concentrations of naringin. Naringin treatment induced the suppression of cell growth toward HeLa and A549 cells accompanied with an increase of apoptotic cells. In naringin-exposed cells, GM3 ganglioside was drastically increased compared to the GM3 content prior to the treatment. Furthermore, naringin inhibited NEU3 sialidase, a GM3 degrading glycosidase. Similarly, NEU3 inhibition activities were also detected by other flavanone, such as hesperidin and neohesperidin dihydrocalcone, but their aglycones showed less inhibitions. Naringin-treated cancer cells showed suppressed EGFR and ERK phosphorylation levels. These results suggest a novel mechanism of naringin in the suppression of cancer cell growth through the alteration of glycolipids. NEU3 inhibitory effect of naringin induced GM3 accumulation in HeLa and A549 cells, leading the attenuation of EGFR/ERK signaling accompanied with a decrease in cell growth.

Downregulation of the Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel KC a3.1 by histone deacetylase inhibition in human breast cancer cells

The intermediate‐conductance Ca²⁺‐activated K⁺ channel K_Ca3.1 is involved in the promotion of tumor growth and metastasis, and is a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for cancer. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) have considerable potential for cancer therapy, however, the effects of HDACis on ion channel expression have not yet been investigated in detail. The results of this study showed a significant decrease in K_Ca3.1 transcription by HDAC inhibition in the human breast cancer cell line YMB‐1, which functionally expresses K_Ca3.1. A treatment with the clinically available, class I, II, and IV HDAC inhibitor, vorinostat significantly downregulated K_Ca3.1 transcription in a concentration‐dependent manner, and the plasmalemmal expression of the K_Ca3.1 protein and its functional activity were correspondingly decreased. Pharmacological and siRNA‐based HDAC inhibition both revealed the involvement of HDAC2 and HDAC3 in K_Ca3.1 transcription through the same mechanism. The downregulation of K_Ca3.1 in YMB‐1 was not due to the upregulation of the repressor element‐1 silencing transcription factor, REST and the insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 5, IGFBP5. The significant decrease in K_Ca3.1 transcription by HDAC inhibition was also observed in the K_Ca3.1‐expressing human prostate cancer cell line, PC‐3. These results suggest that vorinostat and the selective HDACis for HDAC2 and/or HDAC3 are effective drug candidates for K_Ca3.1‐overexpressing cancers.