Carnosol inhibits the invasion of B16/F10 mouse melanoma cells by suppressing metalloproteinase-9 through down-regulating nuclear factor-kappaB and c-Jun

Manuka honey's anti-metastatic impact on colon cancer stem-like cells: unveiling its effects on epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis and telomere length

Colorectal cancer often leads to metastasis, with cancer stem cells (CSCs) playing a pivotal role in this process. Two closely linked mechanisms, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis, contribute to metastasis and recent research has also highlighted the impact of telomere replication on this harmful tumor progression. Standard chemotherapy alone can inadvertently promote drug-resistant CSCs, posing a challenge. Combining chemotherapy with other compounds, including natural ones, shows promise in enhancing effectiveness while minimizing side effects. This study investigated the anti-metastatic potential of Manuka honey, both alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil, using a 3D model of colonospheres enriched with CSC-like cells. In summary, it was observed that the treatment reduced migration ability by downregulating the transcription factors Slug, Snail, and Twist, which are key players in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, Manuka honey downregulated pro-angiogenic factors and shortened CSC telomeres by downregulating c-Myc - demonstrating an effective anti-metastatic potential. This study suggests new research opportunities for studying the impact of natural compounds when combined with pharmaceuticals, with the potential to enhance effectiveness and reduce side effects.

Spice-Derived Phenolic Compounds: Potential for Skin Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Skin cancer is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells, primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Different types of skin cancer include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Despite the advancements in targeted therapies, there is still a need for a safer, highly efficient approach to preventing and treating cutaneous malignancies. Spices have a rich history dating back thousands of years and are renowned for their ability to enhance the flavor, taste, and color of food. Derived from various plant parts like seeds, fruits, bark, roots, or flowers, spices are important culinary ingredients. However, their value extends beyond the culinary realm. Some spices contain bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, which are known for their significant biological effects. These compounds have attracted attention in scientific research due to their potential health benefits, including their possible role in disease prevention and treatment, such as cancer. This review focuses on examining the potential of spice-derived phenolic compounds as preventive or therapeutic agents for managing skin cancers. By compiling and analyzing the available knowledge, this review aims to provide insights that can guide future research in identifying new anticancer phytochemicals and uncovering additional mechanisms for combating skin cancer.

Targeting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by the Phytopolyphenol Carnosol: ROS-Dependent Mechanisms

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which lacks the expression of the three hormone receptors (i.e., estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor), is characterized by a high proliferative index, high invasiveness, poor prognosis, early relapse, and a tendency to be present in advanced stages. These characteristics rank TNBC among the most aggressive and lethal forms of breast cancer. The lack of the three receptors renders conventional hormonal therapy ineffective against TNBC. Moreover, there are no clinically approved therapies that specifically target TNBC, and the currently used chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, taxanes, and other platinum compounds, have a limited clinical effect and develop chemoresistance over time. Phytochemicals have shown efficacy against several types of cancer, including TNBC, by targeting several pathways involved in cancer development and progression. In this review, we focus on one phytochemical carnosol, a natural polyphenolic terpenoid with strong anti-TNBC effects and its ROS-dependent molecular mechanisms of action. We discuss how carnosol targets key pathways and proteins regulating the cell cycle, growth, epigenetic regulators, invasion, and metastasis of TNBC. This review identifies carnosol as a potential novel targeting protein degradation molecule.

Biochemical features and therapeutic potential of α-Mangostin: Mechanism of action, medicinal values, and health benefits

α-Mangostin (α-MG) is a natural xanthone obtained from the pericarps of mangosteen. It exhibits excellent potential, including anti-cancer, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and induces apoptosis. α-MG controls cell proliferation by modulating signaling molecules, thus implicated in cancer therapy. It possesses incredible pharmacological features and modulates crucial cellular and molecular factors. Due to its lesser water solubility and pitiable target selectivity, α-MG has limited clinical application. As a known antioxidant, α-MG has gained significant attention from the scientific community, increasing interest in extensive technical and biomedical applications. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems were designed to improve the pharmacological features and efficiency of α-MG. This review is focused on recent developments on the therapeutic potential of α-MG in managing cancer and neurological diseases, with a special focus on its mechanism of action. In addition, we highlighted biochemical and pharmacological features, metabolism, functions, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects and pre-clinical applications of α-MG.

Sustained release hydrogel for durable locoregional chemoimmunotherapy for BRAF-mutated melanoma

The wide prevalence of BRAF mutations in diagnosed melanomas drove the clinical advancement of BRAF inhibitors in combination with immune checkpoint blockade for treatment of advanced disease. However, deficits in therapeutic potencies and safety profiles motivate the development of more effective strategies that improve the combination therapy's therapeutic index. Herein, we demonstrate the benefits of a locoregional chemoimmunotherapy delivery system, a novel thermosensitive hydrogel comprised of gelatin and Pluronic® F127 components already widely used in humans in both commercial and clinical products, for the co-delivery of a small molecule BRAF inhibitor with immune checkpoint blockade antibody for the treatment of BRAF-mutated melanoma. In vivo evaluation of administration route and immune checkpoint target effects revealed intratumoral administration of antagonistic programmed cell death protein 1 antibody (aPD-1) lead to potent antitumor therapy in combination with BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. The thermosensitive F127-g-Gelatin hydrogel that was evaluated in multiple murine models of BRAF-mutated melanoma that facilitated prolonged local drug release within the tumor (>1 week) substantially improved local immunomodulation, tumor control, rates of tumor response, and animal survival. Thermosensitive F127-g-Gelatin hydrogels thus improve upon the clinical benefits of vemurafenib and aPD-1 in a locoregional chemoimmunotherapy approach for the treatment of BRAF-mutated melanoma.

Crosstalk between phytochemicals and inflammatory signaling pathways

Novel bioactive constituents from natural sources are actively being investigated. The phytochemicals in these phenolic compounds are believed to have a variety of beneficial effects on human health. Several phenolic compounds have been found in plants. The antioxidant potential of phenols has been discussed in numerous studies along with their anti-inflammatory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine, inducible cyclooxygenase-2, and nitric oxide synthase. Through current study, an attempt is made to outline and highlight a wide variety of inflammation-associated signaling pathways that have been modified by several natural compounds. These signaling pathways include nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-кB), activator protein (AP)-1, protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factors, tyrosine phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In light of the influence of natural substances on signaling pathways, their impact on the production of inflammatory mediator is highlighted in this review.

Rosmarinus officinalis and Skin: Antioxidant Activity and Possible Therapeutical Role in Cutaneous Diseases

The rosemary plant, Rosmarinus officinalis L., one of the main members of the Lamiaceae family, is currently one of the most promising herbal medicines due to its pharmaceutical properties. This research aimed to evaluate the antioxidant role of Rosmarinus officinalis and its bioactive compounds on the skin, with a focus on the newly emerging molecular mechanisms involved, providing extensive scientific evidence of its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound-healing and anticancer activity in dermatological practice. The search was conducted on articles concerning in vitro and in vivo studies in both animals and humans. The results obtained confirm the antioxidant role of R. officinalis. This assumption derives the possibility of using R. officinalis or its bioactive elements for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious skin pathologies. However, although the use of rosemary in the treatment of skin diseases represents a fascinating line of research, future perspectives still require large and controlled clinical trials in order to definitively elucidate the real impact of this plant and its components in clinical practice.

Comparing healing effect against ulcerative colitis and toxicological effects of Rosmarinus officinalis: A comprehensive in vivo study of an edible plant in rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. UC usually worsens the daily life of the patient and may sometimes become mortal. There is no known remedy discovered against UC, yet. Rosmarinus officinalis consists of many flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids possessing various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory. For this reason, in the present study, anti-ulcerative colitis effect of ROME (Rosmarinus officinalis methanol extract) was investigated comprehensively by histopathological studies, a number of in vivo anti-inflammatory activities and several in vivo antioxidant activities, in addition to in vitro antioxidant activities and biochemical analyses. In addition, the toxic effects of ROME were examined. The results showed that ROME provided a significant healing effect against ulcerative colitis in rats. Both in vitro and in vivo assay results correlated with histopathological examinations. ROME exhibited minimal toxic alterations. When the results of rosemary are compared with the results of sulfasalazine, it can be suggested that instead of synthetic drugs with side effects, natural sources can be used for the treatment of various diseases. Although some activities of rosemary have been investigated in vitro in the previous studies, this is the first study revealing anti-ulcerative colitis effect of rosemary through histopathological studies, in vivo and in vitro assays as well as biochemical analyses overall. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results revealed and proved that ROME provided a significant healing effect against ulcerative colitis in rats. When the results of rosemary are compared with the results of sulfasalazine, a commercially available drug on the market, it can be suggested that instead of synthetic drugs with side effects, natural sources can be used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as UC disease. In addition, ROME possesses limited toxic alterations, but not much more than the commercial drug. As a future perspective, lethal and therapeutic doses can be examined and determined. Thus, human studies can be started through this comprehensive in vivo study on rosemary which is commonly used as an edible plant and spice all over the world.

Paradoxical Radiosensitizing Effect of Carnosic Acid on B16F10 Metastatic Melanoma Cells: A New Treatment Strategy

Carnosic acid (CA) is a phenolic diterpene characterized by its high antioxidant activity; it is used in industrial, cosmetic, and nutritional applications. We evaluated the radioprotective capacity of CA on cells directly exposed to X-rays and non-irradiated cells that received signals from X-ray treated cells (radiation induced bystander effect, RIBE). The genoprotective capacity was studied by in vivo and in vitro micronucleus assays. Radioprotective capacity was evaluated by clonogenic cell survival, MTT, apoptosis and intracellular glutathione assays comparing radiosensitive cells (human prostate epithelium, PNT2) with radioresistant cells (murine metastatic melanoma, B16F10). CA was found to exhibit a genoprotective capacity in cells exposed to radiation (p < 0.001) and in RIBE (p < 0.01). In PNT2 cells, considered as normal cells in our study, CA achieved 97% cell survival after exposure to 20 Gy of X-rays, eliminating 67% of radiation-induced cell death (p < 0.001), decreasing apoptosis (p < 0.001), and increasing the GSH/GSSH ratio (p < 0.01). However, the administration of CA to B16F10 cells decreased cell survival by 32%, increased cell death by 200% (p < 0.001) compared to irradiated cells, and increased cell death by 100% (p < 0.001) in RIBE bystander cells (p < 0.01). Furthermore, it increased apoptosis (p < 0.001) and decreased the GSH/GSSG ratio (p < 0.01), expressing a paradoxical radiosensitizing effect in these cells. Knowing the potential mechanisms of action of substances such as CA could help to create new applications that would protect healthy cells and exclusively damage neoplastic cells, thus presenting a new desirable strategy for cancer patients in need of radiotherapy.

A novel ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 inhibitor attenuates the malignant phenotype of cutaneous malignant melanoma cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Malignant melanoma (MM) is a highly life-threatening tumor causing the majority of the cutaneous cancer-related deaths. Previously, ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 (RSK2), the downstream effector of the MAPK pathway, represents a therapeutic target in melanoma. AE007 is discovered as a targeted RSK2 inhibitor, and subsequent results showed that AE007 inhibits RSK2 by directly binding to its protein kinase domain. AE007 causes cell cycle arrest and cellular apoptosis, thereby dramatically inhibiting proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells. Nevertheless, melanocytes and keratinocytes are not affected by this compound. In addition, suppression of RSK2 abrogates the inhibitory effect of AE007 on melanoma cell proliferation. AE007 treatment significantly inhibits the expression of Cyclin D1, Cyclin B1, CDK2, and Bcl-2, while raises the cleavage of PARP. Moreover, RNA sequencing results show that AE007 treatment can affect the genes expression profile, including the expression of cell cycle and DNA replication genes. In conclusion, AE007 is a promising melanoma therapeutic agent by targeting RSK2.

Cytotoxic Effect of Puya chilensis Collected in Central Chile

This study sought to evaluate the pharmacological activity of metabolites isolated from the dried and lyophilized ethanol extracts as well as other solvent fractions of the currently endangered Puya chilensis Molina (Chagual) by analyzing their effects on a human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line. We identified several active metabolites from Chagual extracts and two, in particular, carnosol, were found in all the prepared fractions. In addition, Chagual exhibited considerable cytotoxicity against the cancer cell line used in this study, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.44 ± 0.11 and 0.27 ± 0.04 after a 72-hour treatment and, therefore, has the potential for further investigation as a source of candidate therapeutic agents.

Thermosensitive hydrogel releasing nitric oxide donor and anti-CTLA-4 micelles for anti-tumor immunotherapy

Due to their autosynchronous roles in shaping the anti-tumor immune response, complex immune regulatory networks acting both locally within the tumor microenvironment as well as in its draining lymph nodes play critical roles in the cancer immunotherapy response. We describe herein a thermosensitive co-polymer hydrogel system formed from biocompatible polymers gelatin and Pluronic^® F127 that are widely used in humans to enable the sustained release of a nitric oxide donor and antibody blocking immune checkpoint cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 for efficient and durable anti-tumor immunotherapy. By virtue of its unique gel formation and degradation properties that sustain drug retention at the tumor tissue site for triggered release by the tumor microenvironment and formation of in situ micelles optimum in size for lymphatic uptake, this rationally designed thermosensitive hydrogel facilitates modulation of two orthogonal immune signaling networks relevant to the regulation of the anti-tumor immune response to improve local and abscopal effects of cancer immunotherapy.

Medicinal Plants in Cancer Treatment: Contribution of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-kB) Inhibitors

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is one of the principal inducible proteins that is a predominant transcription factor known to control the gene expression in mammals and plays a pivotal role in regulating cell signalling in the body under certain physiological and pathological conditions. In cancer cells, such as colon, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, melanoma, and lymphoma, the NF-κB pathway has been reported to be active. In cellular proliferation, promoting angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis of tumour cells and blocking apoptosis, the constitutive activity of NF-κB signalling has been reported. Therefore, immense attention has been given to developing drugs targeting NF-κB signalling pathways to treat many types of tumours. They are a desirable therapeutic target for drugs, and many studies concentrated on recognizing compounds. They may be able to reverse or standstill the growth and spread of tumours that selectively interfere with this pathway. Recently, numerous substances derived from plants have been evaluated as possible inhibitors of the NF-κB pathway. These include various compounds, such as flavonoids, lignans, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, polyphenols, etc. A study supported by folk medicine demonstrated that plant-derived compounds could suppress NF-κB signalling. Taking this into account, the present review revealed the anticancer potential of naturally occurring compounds which have been verified both by inhibiting the NF-κB signalling and suppressing growth and spread of cancer and highlighting their mechanism of NF-κB inhibition.

Phytochemicals targeting NF-κB signaling: Potential anti-cancer interventions

Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is a ubiquitous regulator of the signalome and is indispensable for various biological cell functions. NF-κB consists of five transcription factors that execute both cytoplasmic and nuclear signaling processes in cells. NF-κB is the only signaling molecule that governs both pro- and anti-apoptotic, and pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. This is due to the canonical and non-canonical components of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Together, these pathways orchestrate cancer-related inflammation, hyperplasia, neoplasia, and metastasis. Non-canonical NF-κB pathways are particularly involved in the chemoresistance of cancer cells. In view of its pivotal role in cancer progression, NF-κB represents a potentially significant therapeutic target for modifying tumor cell behavior. Several phytochemicals are known to modulate NF-κB pathways through the stabilization of its inhibitor, IκB, by inhibiting phosphorylation and ubiquitination thereof. Several natural pharmacophores are known to inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and associated pro-inflammatory responses and cell survival pathways. In view of this and the high degree of specificity exhibited by various phytochemicals for the NF-κB component, we herein present an in-depth overview of these phytochemicals and discuss their mode of interaction with the NF-κB signaling pathways for controlling the fate of tumor cells for cancer-directed interventions.

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NF-κB plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of homeostasis and various inflammation-mediated pathologies.

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NF-κB is involved in cancer development and progression by modulating growth signaling and apoptosis pathways.

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Phytochemicals modulating NF-κB activity should be exploited to design anticancer drugs with minimal side effects.

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Use of these phytochemicals in adjunctive chemotherapy may enhance the chemosensitivity of existing chemotherapeutic drugs.

Plumbagin Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Induced by FGF-2

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a serious ophthalmic disease and characterized by the formation of proliferative membranes by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. In PVR, the contraction and traction of the fibrocellular membranes cause retinal detachment, which can cause reduction surgery for retinal detachment to fail. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) causes RPE cells to form extracellular matrix (ECM), promotes chemotaxis, mitosis, and positively promotes the disease process of PVR. Plumbagin (PLB) is a plant small molecule naphthoquinone compound. It has the functions in anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, inhibit proliferation. We tried to investigate the possible effects of PLB on the biological behavior of ARPE-19 cells induced by FGF-2 and its underlying mechanisms. Our study confirmed that proliferation, migration, and invasion of ARPE-19 cells induced by FGF-2 (10 ng/ml) were significantly inhibited by PLB. PLB also significantly inhibits the expression of MMP-2/-9, collagen I Alpha 1 (Col1A1), collagen IV Alpha 1 (Col4A1), collagen VI Alpha 1 (Col6A1), and the phosphorylation of FGF receptor (FGFR)-1, FGFR-2, ERK, p38, JNK of FGF-2-induced ARPE-19 cells. In summary, PLB inhibits FGF-2-stimulated proliferation, migration, and invasion of ARPE-19 cells, which may take place through inhibiting the expression of MMP-2/-9, Col1A1, Col4A1, Col6A1, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. PLB may have a preventive effect on proliferation, migration, and invasion of FGF-2-induced ARPE-19 cells.

Potential Role of Phytochemicals Against Matrix Metalloproteinase Induced Breast Cancer; An Explanatory Review

World Health Organization (WHO) estimated breast cancer as one of the most prevailed malignancy around the globe. Its incident cases are gradually increasing every year, resulting in considerable healthcare burden. The heterogeneity of breast cancer accounts for its differential molecular subtyping, interaction between pathways, DNA damaging, and chronic inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of zinc-containing, calcium dependent endopeptidases which play a substantial role in breast carcinogenesis through several mechanisms. These mechanisms include remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM), cell proliferation, and angiogenesis which promote metastasis and result in tumor progression. In this context, compounds bearing MMP inhibitory potential can serve as potent therapeutic agents in combating MMPs provoked breast cancer. Current systematic review aimed to encompass the details of potent natural lead molecules that can deter MMPs-provoked breast cancer. Following the critical appraisal of literature, a total of n = 44 studies that explored inhibitory effect of phytochemicals on MMPs were included in this review. These phytoconstituents include alkaloids (n = 11), flavonoids (n = 23), terpenoids (n = 7), and lignans (n = 2). The most common inhibitory methods used to evaluate efficacy of these phytoconstituents included Gelatin Zymography, Western Blotting, and real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Moreover, current limitations, challenges, and future directions of using such compounds have been critically discussed. This review underscores the potential implications of phytochemicals in the management of breast cancer which could lessen the growing encumbrance of disease.

Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles as Anticancer Agents: An Overview

Background:

Cancer is spreading all over the world, and it is becoming the leading cause of major deaths. Today’s most difficult task for every researcher is to invent a new drug that can treat cancer with minimal side effects. Many factors, including pollution, modern lifestyle and food habits, exposure to oncogenic agents or radiations, enhanced industrialization, etc. can cause cancer. Treatment of cancer is done by various methods that include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy in combination or singly along with kinase inhibitors. Most of the anti-cancer drugs use the concept of kinase inhibition.

Objective:

The number of drugs being used in chemotherapy has heterocycles as their basic structure in spite of various side effects. Medicinal chemists are focusing on nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds like pyrrole, pyrrolidine, pyridine, imidazole, pyrimidines, pyrazole, indole, quinoline, oxadiazole, azole, benzimidazole, etc. as the key building blocks to develop active biological compounds. The aim of this study is to attempt to compile a dataset of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic anti-cancer drugs.

Methods:

We adopted a structural search on notorious journal publication websites and electronic databases such as Bentham Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, USFDA, etc. for the collection of peer-reviewed research and review articles for the present review. The quality papers were retrieved, studied, categorized into different sections, analyzed and used for article writing.

Conclusion:

As per FDA databases, nitrogen-based heterocycles in the drug design are almost 60% of unique small-molecule drugs. Some of the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic anti-cancer drugs are Axitinib, Bosutinib, Cediranib, Dasatanib (Sprycel®), Erlotinib (Tarceva®), Gefitinib (Iressa®), Imatinib (Gleevec®), Lapatinib (Tykerb ®), Linifanib, Sorafenib (Nexavar®), Sunitinib (Sutent®), Tivozanib, etc. In the present review, we shall focus on the overview of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic active compounds as anti-cancer agents.

Anticancer Properties of Carnosol: A Summary of in Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

Cancer is characterized by unrestricted cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, enhanced invasion and migration, and deregulation of signalling cascades. These properties lead to uncontrolled growth, enhanced survival, and the formation of tumours. Carnosol, a naturally occurring phyto-polyphenol (diterpene) found in rosemary, has been studied for its extensive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. In cancer cells, carnosol has been demonstrated to inhibit cell proliferation and survival, reduce migration and invasion, and significantly enhance apoptosis. These anticancer effects of carnosol are mediated by the inhibition of several signalling molecules including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Akt, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Additionally, carnosol prevents the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and promotes apoptosis, as indicated by increased levels of cleaved caspase-3, -8, -9, increased levels of the pro-apoptotic marker Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), and reduced levels of the anti-apoptotic marker B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). The current review summarizes the existing in vitro and in vivo evidence examining the anticancer effects of carnosol across various tissues.

Putative molecular determinants mediating sensitivity or resistance towards carnosic acid tumor cell responses

BACKGROUND

Carnosic acid (CA) is one of the main constituents in rosemary extract. It possesses valuable pharmacological properties, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer activities. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies investigated the anticancer profile of CA and emphasized its potentiality for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, the role of multidrug-resistance (MDR) related mechanisms for CA's anticancer effect is not yet known.

PURPOSE

We investigated the cytotoxicity of CA against known mechanisms of anticancer drug resistance (P-gp, ABCB5, BCRP, EGFR and p53) and determined novel putative molecular factors associated with cellular response towards CA.

STUDY DESIGN

Cytotoxicity assays, bioinformatic analysis, flow cytometry and western blotting were performed to identify the mode of action of CA towards cancer cells.

METHODS

The cytotoxicity to CA was assessed using the resazurin assays in cell lines expressing the mentioned resistance mechanisms. A pharmacogenomic characterization of the NCI 60 cell line panel was applied via COMPARE, hierarchical cluster and network analyses. Flow cytometry was used to detect cellular mode of death and ROS generation. Changes in proteins-related to apoptosis were determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Cell lines expressing ABC transporters (P-gp, BCRP or ABCB5), mutant EGFR or p53 were not cross-resistant to CA compared to their parental counterparts. By pharmacogenomic approaches, we identified genes that belong to different functional groups (e.g. signal transduction, regulation of cytoskeleton and developmental regulatory system). These genes were predicted as molecular determinants that mediate CA tumor cellular responses. The top affected biofunctions included cellular development, cellular proliferation and cellular death and survival. The effect of CA-mediated apoptosis in leukemia cells, which were recognized as the most sensitive tumor type, was confirmed via flow cytometry and western blot analysis.

CONCLUSION

CA may provide a novel treatment option to target refractory tumors and to effectively cooperate with established chemotherapy. Using pharmacogenomic approaches and network pharmacology, the relationship between cancer complexity and multi-target potentials of CA was analyzed and many putative molecular determinants were identified. They could serve as novel targets for CA and further studies are needed to translate the possible implications to clinical cancer treatment.

Anticancer Activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L.: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Potentials

Alternative treatments for neoplastic diseases with new drugs are necessary because the clinical effectiveness of chemotherapy is often reduced by collateral effects. Several natural substances of plant origin have been demonstrated to be successful in the prevention and treatment of numerous tumors. Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a herb that is cultivated in diverse areas of the world. There is increasing attention being directed towards the pharmaceutical capacities of rosemary, utilized for its anti-inflammatory, anti-infective or anticancer action. The antitumor effect of rosemary has been related to diverse mechanisms, such as the antioxidant effect, antiangiogenic properties, epigenetic actions, regulation of the immune response and anti-inflammatory response, modification of specific metabolic pathways, and increased expression of onco-suppressor genes. In this review, we aim to report the results of preclinical studies dealing with the anticancer effects of rosemary, the molecular mechanisms related to these actions, and the interactions between rosemary and anticancer drugs. The prospect of utilizing rosemary as an agent in the treatment of different neoplastic diseases is discussed. However, although the use of rosemary in the therapy of neoplasms constitutes a fascinating field of study, large and controlled studies must be conducted to definitively clarify the real impact of this substance in clinical practice.

Carnosol inhibits inflammasome activation by directly targeting HSP90 to treat inflammasome-mediated diseases

Aberrant activation of inflammasomes, a group of protein complexes, is pathogenic in a variety of metabolic and inflammation-related diseases. Here, we report that carnosol inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation by directly targeting heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90), which is essential for NLRP3 inflammasome activity, thereby treating inflammasome-mediated diseases. Our data demonstrate that carnosol inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), THP-1 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). Mechanistically, carnosol inhibits inflammasome activation by binding to HSP90 and then inhibiting its ATPase activity. In vivo, our results show that carnosol has remarkable therapeutic effects in mouse models of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated diseases, including endotoxemia and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our data also suggest that intraperitoneal administration of carnosol (120 mg/kg) once daily for two weeks is well tolerated in mice. Thus, our study reveals the inhibitory effect of carnosol on inflammasome activation and demonstrates that carnosol is a safe and effective candidate for the treatment of inflammasome-mediated diseases.

Emerging role of plumbagin: Cytotoxic potential and pharmaceutical relevance towards cancer therapy

Plumbagin is a naphthoquinone derived yellow crystalline phytochemical. Plumbagin has a wide range of biological effects including cytotoxicity against cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Due to the pleiotropic nature of plumbagin, it shows the anticancer effect by targeting several molecular mechanisms including apoptosis and autophagic pathways, cell cycle arrest, anti-angiogenic pathways, anti-invasion and anti-metastasis pathways. Among many signaling pathways the key regulatory genes regulated by plumbagin are NF-kβ, STAT3, and AKT, etc. Plumbagin is also a potent inducer of ROS, suppressor of cellular glutathione, and causes DNA strand break by oxidative DNA base damages. In vivo studies suggested that plumbagin significantly reduces the tumor weight and volume in dose-dependent manner without any side effects in tested model organisms. Another exciting aspect of plumbagin is the ability to re-sensitize the chemo and radioresistant cancer cells when used in combination or alone. Nano encapsulation of plumbagin overcomes the poor water solubility and bioavailability obstacles, enhancing the pharmaceutical relevance with better therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, plumbagin can be introduced as a future phytotherapeutic anticancer drug after fully satisfied preclinical and clinical trials.

Euxanthone Impairs the Metastatic Potential of Osteosarcoma by Reducing COX-2 Expression

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common malignancies of bone. This study was aimed to explore the anti-metastatic effect of euxanthone on OS. Adhesion assay and Transwell assay were used to examine the effect of euxanthone on adhesion, migration and invasion of OS cells. COX-2-over-expressing plasmid was applied to transfect OS cells to assess whether COX-2 affects the anti-metastatic function of euxanthone. PDCD4 knockdown and miR-21 mimic were applied to assess whether euxanthone suppresses the transactivation of c-jun via modulating miR-21-PDCD4 signaling. The effect of euxanthone in vivo was also examined by lung metastasis assay. Euxanthone, a xanthone derivative extracted from Polygala caudata, has been found to exhibit anti-neoplastic activities. In present study, our results showed that euxanthone suppressed cell adhesion, migration, and invasion in OS cells. Our experimental data also showed that repression of COX-2 by euxanthone mediated its anti-metastatic activities. Moreover, our findings revealed that euxanthone modulated the COX-2 expression through the miR-21/PDCD4/c-jun signaling pathway. The anti-metastatic activities of euxanthone were also validated in a pulmonary metastasis model. Taken together, our results highlighted the potential of euxanthone to be used in the treatment of OS. Anat Rec, 302:1399-1408, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Carnosol protects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Acute kidney injury, which is caused by renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), occurs in several clinical situations and causes severe renal damage. There is no effective therapeutic agent available for renal IRI at present. In this study, we performed an experiment based on an in vivo murine model of renal IRI to examine the effect of carnosol. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups (10 rats in each group): the sham, IRI, and carnosol groups. Rats in the carnosol group were injected intravenously with 3 mg/kg of carnosol, and those in the sham and IRI groups were injected intravenously with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide 1 h before ischemia. Rats were sacrificed after 24 h of reperfusion. The blood and kidneys were harvested, renal function was assessed, and histologic evaluation was performed to analyze renal injury. A renal myeloperoxidase activity assay, in-situ apoptosis examination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemical assay, and western blot were also performed. Carnosol pretreatment significantly reduced renal dysfunction and histologic damage induced by renal IRI. Carnosol pretreatment suppressed renal inflammatory cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. In addition, carnosol markedly inhibited apoptotic tubular cell death, caspase-3 activation, and activation of the p38 pathway. Carnosol pretreatment protects rats against renal IRI by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. Although future investigation is needed, carnosol may be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing renal IRI.

Medicinal Plants of the Family Lamiaceae in Pain Therapy: A Review

Recently, numerous side effects of synthetic drugs have lead to using medicinal plants as a reliable source of new therapy. Pain is a global public health problem with a high impact on life quality and a huge economic implication, becoming one of the most important enemies in modern medicine. The medicinal use of plants as analgesic or antinociceptive drugs in traditional therapy is estimated to be about 80% of the world population. The Lamiaceae family, one of the most important herbal families, incorporates a wide variety of plants with biological and medical applications. In this study, the analgesic activity, possible active compounds of Lamiaceae genus, and also the possible mechanism of actions of these plants are presented. The data highlighted in this review paper provide valuable scientific information for the specific implications of Lamiaceae plants in pain modulation that might be used for isolation of potentially active compounds from some of these medicinal plants in future and formulation of commercial therapeutic agents.

Phytochemical screening and biological activity of Lamiaceae family plant extracts

The current study aimed to investigate ethanolic extracts from the following medicinal plant species cultivated in western Romania: Melissa officinalis L., Rosmarinus officinalis L. (RO) and Salvia officinalis L. (SO). Antioxidant activity, total phenolics content and a profile of the main hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs), including caffeic, ferulic, coumaric and rosmarinic acids, was determined for each plant extract. The in vitro antimicrobial activity against four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Listeria-, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus), and the effect on cell viability in two melanoma cell lines (B164A5 murine melanoma and A375 human melanoma) was also assessed. The results indicated that total phenolics content was 73.76-274.73 mg GAE·g-1 and the antioxidant activity was 2.32-2.87 mM Fe2+·100 g-1. There was found a strong positive correlation (R=0.9691) between total phenolics content and the antioxidant activity in the investigated samples. Regarding the HCA profile obtained by high performance liquid chromatography, the results demonstrated that rosmarinic acid represents the main identified compound. The ethanolic extracts of RO and SO exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. RO was the most effective in terms of decreasing the cell viability of murine and human melanoma cell lines, while the HCAs did not exhibit any effect on cell viability. These findings suggest that plant extracts from the Lamiaceae family may used in the clinic as natural antibacterial agents.

FOXM1 promotes invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells partially dependent on HSPA5 transactivation

In this study, to investigate whether endoplastic reticulum (ER) stress correlated with FOXM1 in colorectal cancer, we analysed the mRNA levels of FOXM1 and ER stress markers HSPA5 and spliced XBP1 by qRT-PCR. FOXM1 mRNA levels were found to positively correlate with HSPA5 in colorectal cancer. However, no significant correlation between FOXM1 and spliced XBP1 mRNA levels was found. Theses results suggested the positive correlation between FOXM1 and HSPA5 in colorectal cancer was not associated with ER stress. Next, we provided evidences that FOXM1 promoted HSPA5 transcription by directly binding to and stimulating HSPA5 promoter. Moreover, a FOXM1-binding site mapped between -1019 and -1012 bp of the proximal HSPA5 promoter was identified. In addition, we found that enhancement of cell migration and invasion by FOXM1 was significantly attenuated by depletion of HSPA5 in colorectal cancer cell. Furthermore, FOXM1 triggered colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion was involved in activities of cell-surface HSPA5. Lastly, our results suggested FOXM1 facilitated the activities and expressions of MMP2 and 9 associated with cell-surface HSPA5 in colorectal cancer cells. Moreover, statistically significant positive correlations between FOXM1 and MMP2 mRNA expression, between HSPA5 and MMP2 were found in colorectal cancer tissue specimens. Together, our results suggested that FOXM1-HSPA5 signaling might be considered as a novel molecular target for designing novel therapeutic regimen to control colorectal cancer metastasis and progression.

Regulation of cell signaling pathways by dietary agents for cancer prevention and treatment

Although it is widely accepted that better food habits do play important role in cancer prevention and treatment, how dietary agents mediate their effects remains poorly understood. More than thousand different polyphenols have been identified from dietary plants. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanism by which dietary agents can modulate a variety of cell-signaling pathways linked to cancer, including transcription factors, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), activator protein-1 (AP-1), β-catenin/Wnt, peroxisome proliferator activator receptor- gamma (PPAR-γ), Sonic Hedgehog, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2); growth factors receptors (EGFR, VEGFR, IGF1-R); protein Kinases (Ras/Raf, mTOR, PI3K, Bcr-abl and AMPK); and pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, interleukins, COX-2, 5-LOX). In addition, modulation of proteasome and epigenetic changes by the dietary agents also play a major role in their ability to control cancer. Both in vitro and animal based studies support the role of dietary agents in cancer. The efficacy of dietary agents by clinical trials has also been reported. Importantly, natural agents are already in clinical trials against different kinds of cancer. Overall both in vitro and in vivo studies performed with dietary agents strongly support their role in cancer prevention. Thus, the famous quote "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" made by Hippocrates 25 centuries ago still holds good.

The ACE2/Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas Receptor Axis: Pleiotropic Roles in Cancer

Cancer remains one of the most common causes of death and disability and represents a major economic burden in industrialized nations. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been well-recognized as one of the most important regulators of both normal and pathological physiological processes in the brain, kidney, heart, and blood vessels. The activation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/angiotensin-(1–7)/mitochondrial assembly receptor [ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/MasR] axis, which is one component of the RAS, has recently been identified as a critical component of pulmonary systems, gastric mucosa, and cancer. However, the ability of the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/MasR axis to suppress or promote cancer has not been fully elucidated. In this review, we focus on recent experimental and clinical studies investigating the basic properties, roles, and mechanisms of ACE2, Ang-(1–7), and the MasR, as well as the axis pathway, to provide insights into possible therapeutic strategies for treating cancer that target the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/MasR axis.

Improving In Vivo Efficacy of Bioactive Molecules: An Overview of Potentially Antitumor Phytochemicals and Currently Available Lipid-Based Delivery Systems

Cancer is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many of the chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer treatment exhibit cell toxicity and display teratogenic effect on nontumor cells. Therefore, the search for alternative compounds which are effective against tumor cells but reduce toxicity against nontumor ones is of great importance in the progress or development of cancer treatments. In this sense, scientific knowledge about relevant aspects of nutrition intimately involved in the development and progression of cancer progresses rapidly. Phytochemicals, considered as bioactive ingredients present in plant products, have shown promising effects as potential therapeutic/preventive agents on cancer in several in vitro and in vivo assays. However, despite their bioactive properties, phytochemicals are still not commonly used in clinical practice due to several reasons, mainly attributed to their poor bioavailability. In this sense, new formulation strategies are proposed as carriers to improve their bioefficacy, highlighting the use of lipid-based delivery systems. Here, we review the potential antitumoral activity of the bioactive compounds derived from plants and the current studies carried out in animal and human models. Furthermore, their association with lipids as a formulation strategy to enhance their efficacy in vivo is also reported. The development of high effective bioactive supplements for cancer treatment based on the improvement of their bioavailability goes through this association.

Diet phytochemicals and cutaneous carcinoma chemoprevention: A review

Cutaneous carcinoma, which has occupied a peculiar place among worldwide populations, is commonly responsible for the considerably increasing morbidity and mortality rates. Currently available medical procedures fail to completely avoid cutaneous carcinoma development or to prevent mortality. Cancer chemoprevention, as an alternative strategy, is being considered to reduce the incidence and burden of cancers through chemical agents. Derived from dietary foods, phytochemicals have become safe and reliable compounds for the chemoprevention of cutaneous carcinoma by relieving multiple pathological processes, including oxidative damage, epigenetic alteration, chronic inflammation, angiogenesis, etc. In this review, we presented comprehensive knowledges, main molecular mechanisms for the initiation and development of cutaneous carcinoma as well as effects of various diet phytochemicals on chemoprevention.

Evaluation of the intestinal permeability of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extract polyphenols and terpenoids in Caco-2 cell monolayers

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is grown throughout the world and is widely used as a medicinal herb and to season and preserve food. Rosemary polyphenols and terpenoids have attracted great interest due to their potential health benefits. However, complete information regarding their absorption and bioavailability in Caco-2 cell model is scarce. The permeation properties of the bioactive compounds (flavonoids, diterpenes, triterpenes and phenylpropanoids) of a rosemary extract (RE), obtained by supercritical fluid extraction, was studied in Caco-2 cell monolayer model, both in a free form or liposomed. Compounds were identified and quantitated by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS), and the apparent permeability values (P_app) were determined, for the first time in the extract, for 24 compounds in both directions across cell monolayer. For some compounds, such as triterpenoids and some flavonoids, P_app values found were reported for the first time in Caco-2 cells.Our results indicate that most compounds are scarcely absorbed, and passive diffusion is suggested to be the primary mechanism of absorption. The use of liposomes to vehiculize the extract resulted in reduced permeability for most compounds. Finally, the biopharmaceutical classification (BCS) of all the compounds was achieved according to their permeability and solubility data for bioequivalence purposes. BCS study reveal that most of the RE compounds could be classified as classes III and IV (low permeability); therefore, RE itself should also be classified into this category.

Antimetastatic pectic polysaccharide from Decalepis hamiltonii; galectin-3 inhibition and immune-modulation

Melanoma is a malignant neoplasm of major concern because of its high mortality rate and failure of chemotherapy. Previously we have shown that galectin-3, a galactose specific lectin, plays a pivotal role in the initiation of metastasis. It was hypothesized that blocking galectin-3 with galactose rich dietary pectic polymer would inhibit metastasis. The current study analyzes the preventive effect and mode of action of a pectic polymer from Swallow Root (Decalepis hamiltonii) in a preventative study of B16F10 cells lung colonization. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) activity was assayed by zymography. Apoptotic/proliferative markers and cytokines were analyzed by immunoassay. Results indicated ~88% inhibition of lung colonization by SRPP as compared to 60% by CPP and only 7% by GRPP. Further molecular analysis revealed that galectin-3 blockade was associated with down regulation of MMPs and NFκB. Activation of caspases supported the apoptotic effect of SRPP. Infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung was evidenced by presence of CD11b+ cells and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine-IL-17, indicating inflammation during the cancer cell colonization process. SRPP enhanced the release of IL-12 that enables the reduction of inflammation. Our data for the first time indicate the effective anti-metastatic effect of SRPP due to both galectin-3 blockade and immunomodulation.

Comparative Study of Green Sub- and Supercritical Processes to Obtain Carnosic Acid and Carnosol-Enriched Rosemary Extracts with in Vitro Anti-Proliferative Activity on Colon Cancer Cells

In the present work, four green processes have been compared to evaluate their potential to obtain rosemary extracts with in vitro anti-proliferative activity against two colon cancer cell lines (HT-29 and HCT116). The processes, carried out under optimal conditions, were: (1) pressurized liquid extraction (PLE, using an hydroalcoholic mixture as solvent) at lab-scale; (2) Single-step supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) at pilot scale; (3) Intensified two-step sequential SFE at pilot scale; (4) Integrated PLE plus supercritical antisolvent fractionation (SAF) at pilot scale. Although higher extraction yields were achieved by using PLE (38.46% dry weight), this extract provided the lowest anti-proliferative activity with no observed cytotoxic effects at the assayed concentrations. On the other hand, extracts obtained using the PLE + SAF process provided the most active rosemary extracts against both colon cancer cell lines, with LC₅₀ ranging from 11.2 to 12.4 µg/mL and from 21.8 to 31.9 µg/mL for HCT116 and HT-29, respectively. In general, active rosemary extracts were characterized by containing carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (CS) at concentrations above 263.7 and 33.9 mg/g extract, respectively. Some distinct compounds have been identified in the SAF extracts (rosmaridiphenol and safficinolide), suggesting their possible role as additional contributors to the observed strong anti-proliferative activity of CA and CS in SAF extracts.

Mechanistic insight into carnosol-mediated pharmacological effects: Recent trends and advancements

For several decades, bioactive phytochemicals have been appreciated to prevent and cure various lethal diseases. Many studies have proven the ability of dietary phytochemicals to avoid and retard tumor initiation and progression. Among the pharmacologically active moieties, terpenoids are considered one of the most important classes. Carnosol, is also a kind of diterpenoid, which known to possess a range of therapeutic effects such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities. All these effects are mediated via modulating different signaling cascades, including apoptosis regulating molecules (Bax/Bcl2), prosurvival-proproliferative molecules (Akt/mTOR, MAPK), transcription factors like NF-kappaB, STAT3-6, and steroid receptors, such as androgen and estrogen receptors. The present review highlights the recent trends and advancements have been done in the field of research by using carnosol.

Nano-liquid Chromatography-orbitrap MS-based Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Differences Between the Mechanisms of Action of Carnosic Acid and Carnosol in Colon Cancer Cells

Carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (CS) are two structurally related diterpenes present in rosemary herb (Rosmarinus officinalis). Although several studies have demonstrated that both diterpenes can scavenge free radicals and interfere in cellular processes such as cell proliferation, they may not necessarily exert the same effects at the molecular level. In this work, a shotgun proteomics study based on stable isotope dimethyl labeling (DML) and nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS) has been performed to identify the relative changes in proteins and to gain some light on the specific molecular targets and mechanisms of action of CA and CS in HT-29 colon cancer cells. Protein profiles revealed that CA and CS induce different Nrf2-mediated response. Furthermore, examination of our data revealed that each diterpene affects protein homeostasis by different mechanisms. CA treatment induces the expression of proteins involved in the unfolded protein response in a concentration dependent manner reflecting ER stress, whereas CS directly inhibits chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome. In conclusion, the unbiased proteomics-wide method applied in the present study has demonstrated to be a powerful tool to reveal differences on the mechanisms of action of two related bioactive compounds in the same biological model.

Carnosol and Related Substances Modulate Chemokine and Cytokine Production in Macrophages and Chondrocytes

Phenolic diterpenes present in Rosmarinus officinalis and Salvia officinalis have anti-inflammatory and chemoprotective effects. We investigated the in vitro effects of carnosol (CL), carnosic acid (CA), carnosic acid-12-methylether (CAME), 20-deoxocarnosol and abieta-8,11,13-triene-11,12,20-triol (ABTT) in murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) and human chondrocytes. The substances concentration-dependently reduced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production in LPS-stimulated macrophages (i.e., acute inflammation). They significantly blunted gene expression levels of iNOS, cytokines/interleukins (IL-1α, IL-6) and chemokines including CCL5/RANTES, CXCL10/IP-10. The substances modulated the expression of catabolic and anabolic genes in chondrosarcoma cell line SW1353 and in primary human chondrocytes that were stimulated by IL-1β (i.e., chronic inflammation In SW1353, catabolic genes like MMP-13 and ADAMTS-4 that contribute to cartilage erosion were down-regulated, while expression of anabolic genes including Col2A1 and aggrecan were shifted towards pre-pathophysiological homeostasis. CL had the strongest overall effect on inflammatory mediators, as well as on macrophage and chondrocyte gene expression. Conversely, CAME mainly affected catabolic gene expression, whereas ABTT had a more selectively altered interleukin and chemokine gene exprssion. CL inhibited the IL-1β induced nuclear translocation of NF-κBp65, suggesting that it primarily regulated via the NF-κB signalling pathway. Collectively, CL had the strongest effects on inflammatory mediators and chondrocyte gene expression. The data show that the phenolic diterpenes altered activity pattern of genes that regulate acute and chronic inflammatory processes. Since the substances affected catabolic and anabolic gene expression in cartilage cells in vitro, they may beneficially act on the aetiology of osteoarthritis.

Melatonin inhibits MMP-9 transactivation and renal cell carcinoma metastasis by suppressing Akt-MAPKs pathway and NF-κB DNA-binding activity

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal of all urological malignancies because of its potent metastasis potential. Melatonin exerts multiple tumor-suppressing activities through antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and anti-angiogenic actions and has been tested in clinical trials. However, the antimetastastic effect of melatonin and its underlying mechanism in RCC are unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that melatonin at the pharmacologic concentration (0.5-2 mm) considerably reduced the migration and invasion of RCC cells (Caki-1 and Achn). Furthermore, we found that melatonin suppressed metastasis of Caki-1 cells in spontaneous and experimental metastasis animal models. Mechanistic investigations revealed that melatonin transcriptionally inhibited MMP-9 by reducing p65- and p52-DNA-binding activities. Moreover, the Akt-mediated JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways were involved in melatonin-regulated MMP-9 transactivation and cell motility. Clinical samples revealed an inverse correlation between melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) and MMP-9 expression in normal kidney and RCC tissues. In addition, a higher survival rate was found in MTNR1A(high) /MMP-9(low) patients than in MTNR1A(low) /MMP-9(high) patients. Overall, our results provide new insights into the role of melatonin-induced molecular regulation in suppressing RCC metastasis and suggest that melatonin has potential therapeutic applications for metastastic RCC.

Toward Repurposing Metformin as a Precision Anti-Cancer Therapy Using Structural Systems Pharmacology

Metformin, a drug prescribed to treat type-2 diabetes, exhibits anti-cancer effects in a portion of patients, but the direct molecular and genetic interactions leading to this pleiotropic effect have not yet been fully explored. To repurpose metformin as a precision anti-cancer therapy, we have developed a novel structural systems pharmacology approach to elucidate metformin's molecular basis and genetic biomarkers of action. We integrated structural proteome-scale drug target identification with network biology analysis by combining structural genomic, functional genomic, and interactomic data. Through searching the human structural proteome, we identified twenty putative metformin binding targets and their interaction models. We experimentally verified the interactions between metformin and our top-ranked kinase targets. Notably, kinases, particularly SGK1 and EGFR were identified as key molecular targets of metformin. Subsequently, we linked these putative binding targets to genes that do not directly bind to metformin but whose expressions are altered by metformin through protein-protein interactions, and identified network biomarkers of phenotypic response of metformin. The molecular targets and the key nodes in genetic networks are largely consistent with the existing experimental evidence. Their interactions can be affected by the observed cancer mutations. This study will shed new light into repurposing metformin for safe, effective, personalized therapies.

Natural products with therapeutic potential in melanoma metastasis

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and accounts for about 3% of all cases of malignant tumour. Its incidence is increasing worldwide and it is becoming resistant to current therapeutic agents. Natural products continue to provide lead cytotoxic compounds for cancer treatment but less attention has been given to antimigratory compounds. This paper systematically and critically surveys all natural products with direct in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects on migration and/or metastasis of melanoma cells and maps the mechanisms of action for these underexploited properties. As a result, over 30 natural active principles are described acting mainly through their antagonistic effects upon the TNF-α and EP2 receptors or the suppression of several protein kinases involved in metastatic pathways such as RAS, PI3K, ERK and FAK. Also, some were able to reduce the level of mesenchymal biomarkers such as N-cadherin and/or elevate the expression of other molecules such as E-cadherin. Consequently, downstream transcription factors namely NF-kB, AP-1, ATF-2, CREB, and HIF were inactivated leading to diminished production of MMPs, IL-1, IL-6, COX-2, VEGF and GM-CSF. This review also discusses the opportunity of combination therapies based on natural products and approved drugs, such as the combination of EGCG and dacarbazine, or the combination of two natural compounds such as quercetin and sulforaphane.

Hydrazone-initiated carbene/alkyne cascades to form polycyclic products: ring-fused cyclopropenes as mechanistic intermediates

A hydrazone-based carbene/alkyne cascade produced a variety of bridged and fused polycyclic products. NaOSiMe3 is a superior base for conversion of hydrazones to diazoalkanes. A key mechanistic intermediate, a ring-fused cyclopropene, has been isolated and characterized.

Carnosol Inhibits Pro-Inflammatory and Catabolic Mediators of Cartilage Breakdown in Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes and Mediates Cross-Talk between Subchondral Bone Osteoblasts and Chondrocytes

Aim

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of carnosol, a rosemary polyphenol, on pro-inflammatory and catabolic mediators of cartilage breakdown in chondrocytes and via bone-cartilage crosstalk.

Materials and Methods

Osteoarthritic (OA) human chondrocytes were cultured in alginate beads for 4 days in presence or absence of carnosol (6 nM to 9 μM). The production of aggrecan, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, interleukin (IL)-6 and nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of type II collagen and ADAMTS-4 and -5 were analyzed. Human osteoblasts from sclerotic (SC) or non-sclerotic (NSC) subchondral bone were cultured for 3 days in presence or absence of carnosol before co-culture with chondrocytes. Chondrocyte gene expression was analyzed after 4 days of co-culture.

Results

In chondrocytes, type II collagen expression was significantly enhanced in the presence of 3 μM carnosol (p = 0.008). MMP-3, IL-6, NO production and ADAMTS-4 expression were down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner by carnosol (p<0.01). TIMP-1 production was slightly increased at 3 μM (p = 0.02) and ADAMTS-5 expression was decreased from 0.2 to 9 μM carnosol (p<0.05). IL-6 and PGE₂ production was reduced in the presence of carnosol in both SC and NSC osteoblasts while alkaline phosphatase activity was not changed. In co-culture experiments preincubation of NSC and SC osteoblasts wih carnosol resulted in similar effects to incubation with anti-IL-6 antibody, namely a significant increase in aggrecan and decrease in MMP-3, ADAMTS-4 and -5 gene expression by chondrocytes.

Conclusions

Carnosol showed potent inhibition of pro-inflammatory and catabolic mediators of cartilage breakdown in chondrocytes. Inhibition of matrix degradation and enhancement of formation was observed in chondrocytes cocultured with subchondral osteoblasts preincubated with carnosol indicating a cross-talk between these two cellular compartments, potentially mediated via inhibition of IL-6 in osteoblasts as similar results were obtained with anti-IL-6 antibody.

Anti-Proliferative Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Extract on Human Melanoma A375 Cells

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine, while nowadays various rosemary formulations are increasingly exploited by alternative medicine to cure or prevent a wide range of health disorders. Rosemary’s bioproperties have prompted scientific investigation, which allowed us to ascertain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytostatic, and cytotoxic activities of crude extracts or of pure components. Although there is a growing body of experimental work, information about rosemary’s anticancer properties, such as chemoprotective or anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells, is very poor, especially concerning the mechanism of action. Melanoma is a skin tumor whose diffusion is rapidly increasing in the world and whose malignancy is reinforced by its high resistance to cytotoxic agents; hence the availability of new cytotoxic drugs would be very helpful to improve melanoma prognosis. Here we report on the effect of a rosemary hydroalcoholic extract on the viability of the human melanoma A375 cell line. Main components of rosemary extract were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) and the effect of the crude extract or of pure components on the proliferation of cancer cells was tested by MTT and Trypan blue assays. The effect on cell cycle was investigated by using flow cytometry, and the alteration of the cellular redox state was evaluated by intracellular ROS levels and protein carbonylation analysis. Furthermore, in order to get information about the molecular mechanisms of cytotoxicity, a comparative proteomic investigation was performed.