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Hasheminasab FS, Azimi M, Raeiszadeh M. Therapeutic effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L) on female reproductive system disorders: A systematic review. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2832-2846. [PMID: 38558480 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The effect of Crocus sativus on several disorders has been discussed or even confirmed, but the efficacy of this herb on the female reproductive system has not been well presented. In this regard, this systematic review comprehensively discussed the efficacy of C. sativus and its main phytochemical compounds on the female reproductive system and its disorders for the first time. In this systematic review, scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Scientific Information Database, were explored profoundly. In vivo, in vitro, and human studies published until the end of July 2023, which had investigated the pharmacological properties of C. sativus, crocin, crocetin, safranal, or picrocrocin on the female reproductive system, were selected. A total of 50 studies conducted on the effect of C. sativus on the female reproductive system were acquired. These studies confirmed the efficacy of C. sativus or its main phytochemical ingredients in several aspects of the female reproductive system, including regulation of sex hormones, folliculogenesis, ovulation, and protection of the ovary and uterus against several oxidative stress. Several retrieved studies indicated that this herb also can alleviate the symptoms of patients suffering from dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, menopause, polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, it is a promising candidate for future studies or even trials regarding ovarian and cervical cancers. This review concluded that C. sativus can improve the symptoms of several female reproductive system disorders, which is particularly due to the presence of phytochemical ingredients, such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryam Azimi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Raeiszadeh
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman university of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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2
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Hua Z, Liu N, Yan X. Research progress on the pharmacological activity, biosynthetic pathways, and biosynthesis of crocins. Beilstein J Org Chem 2024; 20:741-752. [PMID: 38633914 PMCID: PMC11022409 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.20.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Crocins are water-soluble apocarotenoids isolated from the flowers of crocus and gardenia. They exhibit various pharmacological effects, including neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory properties, hepatorenal protection, and anticancer activity. They are often used as coloring and seasoning agents. Due to the limited content of crocins in plants and the high cost of chemical synthesis, the supply of crocins is insufficient to meet current demand. The biosynthetic pathways for crocins have been elucidated to date, which allows the heterologous production of these valuable compounds in microorganisms by fermentation. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, pharmacological activity, biosynthetic pathways, and heterologous production of crocins, aiming to lay the foundation for the large-scale production of these valuable natural products by using engineered microbial cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwei Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Nan Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiaohui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
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3
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Ebrahimi N, Javadinia SA, Salek R, Fanipakdel A, Sepahi S, Dehghani M, Valizadeh N, Mohajeri SA. Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Concurrent Use of Crocin During Chemoradiation for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Invest 2024; 42:155-164. [PMID: 38385429 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2024.2319754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Crocin is the major active carotenoid of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Its pluripotent effects have led to a growing body of literature investigating its antitumor properties as well as its diverse potentials for mood stabilization, normal tissue protection, and inflammation reduction; However, there is a gap in clinical trials testing this substance in cancer patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, patients with newly diagnosed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were randomly assigned to either 30 mg/day of crocin or placebo, prescribed during the neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. The primary endpoints were pathological response and toxicity, and secondary endpoints were depression and anxiety levels and survival analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Ebrahimi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Alireza Javadinia
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Roham Salek
- Cancer Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Azar Fanipakdel
- Cancer Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Samaneh Sepahi
- Food and Beverages Safety Research Center, Urmia University of Medical sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Dehghani
- Cancer Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Niloufar Valizadeh
- Department of Radiology, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Mohajeri
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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4
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Awad B, Hamza AA, Al-Maktoum A, Al-Salam S, Amin A. Combining Crocin and Sorafenib Improves Their Tumor-Inhibiting Effects in a Rat Model of Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Cirrhotic-Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4063. [PMID: 37627094 PMCID: PMC10452334 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, with continuously increasing cases and fatalities. Diagnosis often occurs in the advanced stages, confining patients to systemic therapies such as sorafenib. Sorafenib (SB), a multi-kinase inhibitor, has not yet demonstrated sufficient efficacy against advanced HCC. There is a strong argument in favor of studying its use in combination with other medications to optimize the therapeutic results. According to our earlier work, crocin (CR), a key bioactive component of saffron, hinders HCC development and liver cancer stemness. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic use of CR or its combination with SB in a cirrhotic rat model of HCC and evaluated how effectively SB and CR inhibited tumor growth in this model. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was administered intraperitoneally to rats once a week for 15 weeks, leading to cirrhosis, and then 19 weeks later, leading to multifocal HCC. After 16 weeks of cancer induction, CR (200 mg/kg daily) and SB (10 mg/kg daily) were given orally to rats for three weeks, either separately or in combination. Consistently, the combination treatment considerably decreased the incidence of dyschromatic nodules, nodule multiplicity, and dysplastic nodules when compared to the HCC group of single therapies. Combined therapy also caused the highest degree of apoptosis, along with decreased proliferating and β-catenin levels in the tumor tissues. Additionally, when rats received combined therapy with CR, it showed anti-inflammatory characteristics where nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) were considerably and additively lowered. As a result, CR potentiates the suppressive effects of SB on tumor growth and provides the opportunity to strengthen the therapeutic effects of SB in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Awad
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Alaaeldin Ahmed Hamza
- National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza 12611, Egypt;
- National Committee for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Medical Research Council, Academy of Scientific Research, Cairo 11334, Egypt
| | - Amna Al-Maktoum
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Suhail Al-Salam
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Amr Amin
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.); (A.A.-M.)
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Bao X, Hu J, Zhao Y, Jia R, Zhang H, Xia L. Advances on the anti-tumor mechanisms of the carotenoid Crocin. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15535. [PMID: 37404473 PMCID: PMC10315134 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Saffron is located in the upper part of the crocus stigma of iridaceae, which has a long history of medicinal use. Crocin (molecular formula C44H64O24) is a natural floral glycoside ester compound extracted from saffron, which is a type carotenoid. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that crocin has multiple therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-stone effects. In recent years, crocin has been widely noticed due to its considerable anti-tumor effects manifested by the induction of tumor cell apoptosis, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, inhibition of tumor cell invasion and metastasis, enhancement of chemotherapy sensitivity and improvement of immune status. The anti-tumor effects have been shown in various malignant tumors such as gastric cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. In this review, we compiled recent studies on the anti-tumor effects of crocin and summarized its anti-tumor mechanism for developing ideas of treating malignancies and exploring anti-tumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxun Bao
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jinhua Hu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- The Third Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Ruixue Jia
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | | | - Lei Xia
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Chuang YT, Tang JY, Shiau JP, Yen CY, Chang FR, Yang KH, Hou MF, Farooqi AA, Chang HW. Modulating Effects of Cancer-Derived Exosomal miRNAs and Exosomal Processing by Natural Products. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15010318. [PMID: 36612314 PMCID: PMC9818271 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-derived exosomes exhibit sophisticated functions, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, resistance, and tumor microenvironment changes. Several clinical drugs modulate these exosome functions, but the impacts of natural products are not well understood. Exosome functions are regulated by exosome processing, such as secretion and assembly. The modulation of these exosome-processing genes can exert the anticancer and precancer effects of cancer-derived exosomes. This review focuses on the cancer-derived exosomal miRNAs that regulate exosome processing, acting on the natural-product-modulating cell functions of cancer cells. However, the role of exosomal processing has been overlooked in several studies of exosomal miRNAs and natural products. In this study, utilizing the bioinformatics database (miRDB), the exosome-processing genes of natural-product-modulated exosomal miRNAs were predicted. Consequently, several natural drugs that modulate exosome processing and exosomal miRNAs and regulate cancer cell functions are described here. This review sheds light on and improves our understanding of the modulating effects of exosomal miRNAs and their potential exosomal processing targets on anticancer treatments based on the use of natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Yang Tang
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaoshiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Ping Shiau
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yu Yen
- School of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Rong Chang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Han Yang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad 54000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (A.A.F.); (H.-W.C.); Tel.: +92-0334-4346213 (A.A.F.); +886-7-312-1101 (ext. 2691) (H.-W.C.)
| | - Hsueh-Wei Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (A.A.F.); (H.-W.C.); Tel.: +92-0334-4346213 (A.A.F.); +886-7-312-1101 (ext. 2691) (H.-W.C.)
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Tang L, Liu H, Fu M, Xu Y, Wen J, Wu J, Yu Y, Lin X, Li L, Bu Z, Yang W. Yellow pigment from gardenia fruit: structural identification and evaluation of cytotoxic activity in HepG2 cells by induction of apoptosis. Food Sci Biotechnol 2022; 31:1389-1399. [PMID: 36060565 PMCID: PMC9433637 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-022-01133-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The preparation process of yellow pigment (YP) from gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) fruit was investigated, and the main components of YP were characterized by liquid chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometer/mass spectrometer (LC-TOF-MS/MS). Furthermore, cytotoxic activity in HepG2 cells by induction of apoptosis was also evaluated. The preparation results indicated that the color value of YP was 498.34, which was 8.6 times higher than crude YP. Fifteen compounds in YP were identified, and crocins were the predominant compounds. The cell experiment results showed that YP inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, YP also inhibited HepG2 cells in G2/M stage, increased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhanced cell apoptosis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed the up-regulation of caspase-3, 8, 9, and bax and down-regulation of bcl-2 in HepG2 cells. Overall, these findings suggested that YP had potential cytotoxic activity in HepG2 cells by induction of apoptosis, which might be beneficial to human health. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01133-9.
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8
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The physicochemical properties and immunomodulatory activities of gardenia yellow pigment from gardenia fruit. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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An In Vitro Study of Saffron Carotenoids: The Effect of Crocin Extracts and Dimethylcrocetin on Cancer Cell Lines. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061074. [PMID: 35739971 PMCID: PMC9220052 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. has various pharmacological properties, known for over 3600 years. These properties are attributed mainly to biologically active substances, which belong to the terpenoid group and include crocins, picrocrocin and safranal. The aim of the current work was to examine the effects of crocins (CRCs) and their methyl ester derivate dimethylcrocetin (DMCRT) on glioblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, in terms of cytotoxicity and gene expression, implicated in proapoptotic and cell survival pathways. Cell cytotoxicity was assessed with Alamar Blue fluorescence assay after treatment with saffron carotenoids for 24, 48 and 72 h and concentrations ranging from 22.85 to 0.18 mg/mL for CRCs and 11.43 to 0.09 mg/mL for DMCRT. In addition, BAX, BID, BCL2, MYCN, SOD1, and GSTM1 gene expression was studied by qRT-PCR analysis. Both compounds demonstrated cytotoxic effects against glioblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. They induced apoptosis, via BAX and BID upregulation, MYCN and BCL-2, SOD1, GSTM1 downregulation. The current research denotes the possible anticancer properties of saffron carotenoids, which are considered safe phytochemicals, already tested in clinical trials for their health promoting properties.
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Chitosan-Sodium alginate-Polyethylene glycol-Crocin nanocomposite treatment inhibits esophageal cancer KYSE-150 cell growth via inducing apoptotic cell death. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.103844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Abdalla Y, Abdalla A, Hamza AA, Amin A. Safranal Prevents Liver Cancer Through Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Alleviating Inflammation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:777500. [PMID: 35177980 PMCID: PMC8845597 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.777500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite all efforts, an effective and safe treatment for liver cancer remains elusive. Natural products and their derived biomolecules are potential resources to mine for novel anti-cancer drugs. Chemopreventive effects of safranal, a major bioactive ingredient of the golden spice "saffron", were evaluated in this study against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer in rats. Safranal's mechanisms of action were also investigated in the human liver cancer line "HepG2". When administered to DEN-treated rats, safranal significantly inhibited proliferation (Ki-67) and also induced apoptosis (TUNEL and M30 CytoDeath). It also exhibited anti-inflammatory properties where inflammatory markers such as NF-kB, COX2, iNOS, TNF-alpha, and its receptor were significantly inhibited. Safranal's in vivo effects were further supported in HepG2 cells where apoptosis was induced and inflammation was downregulated. In summary, safranal is reported here as a potent chemopreventive agent against hepatocellular carcinoma that may soon be an important ingredient of a broad-spectrum cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Abdalla
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Ali Abdalla
- Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Alaaeldin Ahmed Hamza
- Hormone Evaluation Department, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amr Amin
- The College, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Biology Department, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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12
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Evaluation of the Effect of Crocin on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1328:143-153. [PMID: 34981476 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73234-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite newer advances in cancer treatment, chemotherapy is still one of the most widely used treatment strategies in this field. However, this treatment strategy faces major challenges. Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent used to treat various cancers. However, several studies have shown that the use of Dox in therapeutic concentrations is associated with serious side effects, such as cardiac toxicity. The use of natural products in combination with chemotherapeutic agents to reduce side effects is a novel approach, and several studies have shown promising results. In this regard, we examined the effect of Crocin on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rat and H9c2 cell line. The in vitro model on H9C2 cells and the in vivo models on rats were treated with doxorubicin. Cell viability, DNA damage, and apoptosis were measured in H9C2 cell line in the presence and absence of Crocin. Oxidative stress and various inflammatory parameters, as well as cardiac function tests, also were assessed in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity animal model in the presence and absence of Crocin. Our results showed that Crocin can significantly decrease apoptosis in H9C2 cell line through a reduction in ROS production and DNA damages. Moreover, evaluation of the effect of Crocin on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity animal model showed that Crocin also can significantly reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in the serum of the animals. Assessment of cardiac function revealed that Crocin has a significant protective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in the animal model. Our data indicate that Crocin significantly attenuated doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Hence, Crocin could be potentially used as an adjuvant treatment in combination with Dox to reduce cardiotoxicity.
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Butnariu M, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, Sharifi-Rad J, Singh L, Aborehab NM, Bouyahya A, Venditti A, Sen S, Acharya K, Bashiry M, Ezzat SM, Setzer WN, Martorell M, Mileski KS, Bagiu IC, Docea AO, Calina D, Cho WC. The Pharmacological Activities of Crocus sativus L.: A Review Based on the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities of its Phytoconstituents. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8214821. [PMID: 35198096 PMCID: PMC8860555 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8214821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Crocus species are mainly distributed in North Africa, Southern and Central Europe, and Western Asia, used in gardens and parks as ornamental plants, while Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is the only species that is cultivated for edible purpose. The use of saffron is very ancient; besides the use as a spice, saffron has long been known also for its medical and coloring qualities. Due to its distinctive flavor and color, it is used as a spice, which imparts food preservative activity owing to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. This updated review discusses the biological properties of Crocus sativus L. and its phytoconstituents, their pharmacological activities, signaling pathways, and molecular targets, therefore highlighting it as a potential herbal medicine. Clinical studies regarding its pharmacologic potential in clinical therapeutics and toxicity studies were also reviewed. For this updated review, a search was performed in the PubMed, Science, and Google Scholar databases using keywords related to Crocus sativus L. and the biological properties of its phytoconstituents. From this search, only the relevant works were selected. The phytochemistry of the most important bioactive compounds in Crocus sativus L. such as crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal and also dozens of other compounds was studied and identified by various physicochemical methods. Isolated compounds and various extracts have proven their pharmacological efficacy at the molecular level and signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, toxicity studies and clinical trials were analyzed. The research results highlighted the various pharmacological potentials such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, hypolipidemic, and antihyperglycemic properties and protector of retinal lesions. Due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, saffron has proven effective as a natural food preservative. Starting from the traditional uses for the treatment of several diseases, the bioactive compounds of Crocus sativus L. have proven their effectiveness in modern pharmacological research. However, pharmacological studies are needed in the future to identify new mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic studies, new pharmaceutical formulations for target transport, and possible interaction with allopathic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Butnariu
- 1Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Quispe
- 2Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avda Arturo Prat 2120, Iquique 1110939, Chile
| | - Jesús Herrera-Bravo
- 3Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile
- 4Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | | | - Laxman Singh
- 6G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nora M. Aborehab
- 7Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October 12566, Egypt
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- 8Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco
| | - Alessandro Venditti
- 9Dipartimento di Chimica, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Surjit Sen
- 10Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
- 11Department of Botany, Fakir Chand College, Diamond Harbour, West Bengal 743331, India
| | - Krishnendu Acharya
- 10Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Moein Bashiry
- 12Department of Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Food Sciences Faculty, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Shahira M. Ezzat
- 13Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Ainy Street, Cairo 11562, Egypt
- 14Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October 12566, Egypt
| | - William N. Setzer
- 15Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA
| | - Miquel Martorell
- 16Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Ksenija S. Mileski
- 17Department of Morphology and Systematic of Plants, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iulia-Cristina Bagiu
- 18Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara Discipline of Microbiology, Timișoara, Romania
- 19Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Anca Oana Docea
- 20Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Calina
- 21Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - William C. Cho
- 22Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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14
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Kalantar H, Rashidi M, Kalantar M, Tavallaei M, Hosseini SM. Anticancer Effects of Valproic Acid via Regulation of Epigenetic Mechanisms in Non-small-cell Lung Cancer A549 Cell Line. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2021; 20:133-140. [PMID: 34400947 PMCID: PMC8170755 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2019.111945.13442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are the most important factors contributing to both the development and metastasis of cancer cells. We aimed to scrutinize the role of epigenetic alternations of genes involved in cancer metastasis, including CD44v6 (metastasis indicator) and Nm23-H1 (a novel tumor suppressor), in the A549 lung cancer cell line. The A549 cells were cultured in the DMEM medium. Valproic acid (VPA) was used as a histone deacetylase inhibitor. Caspase-3 activity was assessed by adding DEVD-pNA substrate to the cell lysate. Gene expression was determined by real-time PCR. Finally, protein expression was assessed by western blot. The results showed that VA significantly decreased the expression of the CD44v6 gene and its protein level. This was further accompanied by lower expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes. On the other hand, the expression of Nm23-H1 and its protein were significantly increased in the cells accompanied by higher activity of caspase-3 (P ˂ 0.05). Our results showed that epigenetic regulation of CD44v6, Nm23-H1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 might be involved in the pathogenesis and metastasis of lung cancer. Therefore, the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors can be effective in the suppression of metastases and the treatment of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Kalantar
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Mahmoud Tavallaei
- Human Genetics Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sayed Mostafa Hosseini
- Human Genetics Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Song YN, Wang Y, Zheng YH, Liu TL, Zhang C. Crocins: A comprehensive review of structural characteristics, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic effects. Fitoterapia 2021; 153:104969. [PMID: 34147548 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Crocins, as a kind of water-soluble carotenoid pigment, are a series of ester compounds formed from crocetin and gentibiose or glucose, and mainly distributed among Crocus sativus L. (CSL), Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. (GJE). Crocins exhibit a wide range of pharmacological effects on neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, depression, liver disease, arthritis, tumor, diabetes, etc. This review systematically discussed the pharmacologic study of crocins in the aspect of structural characteristic and pharmacokinetics, and summarized the mechanism of treating disease. It summarized the abundant research of crocins from 1984 to 2020 based on the above aspects, which provide a reference for the deeply development and application of crocins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Song
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271016, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Ying-Hao Zheng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | | | - Cun Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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16
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Karimi F, Mollaei H. Potential of miRNAs in cervical cancer chemoresistance. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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17
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Farahi A, Abedini MR, Javdani H, Arzi L, Chamani E, Farhoudi R, Talebloo N, Hoshyar R. Crocin and Metformin suppress metastatic breast cancer progression via VEGF and MMP9 downregulations: in vitro and in vivo studies. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3341-3351. [PMID: 33929675 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-04043-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer remains a serious health concern and numerous investigations recommended medicinal plants as a complementary therapy. Crocin is one of the known anticancer bio-component. Recently, the inhibitory effect of metformin has been studied on the various aspects of cancer. However, no study reported their combination effects on metastatic breast cancer. In the present study, we have assessed their anti-metastatic effects on in vitro and in vivo breast cancer models. Using MTT assay, scratch, and adhesion tests, we have evaluated the cytotoxic, anti-invasive and anti-adhesion effects of crocin and metformin on 4T1 cell line, respectively. Their protective effects and MMP9 as well as VEGF protein expression levels (Western blotting) investigated in the 4T1 murine breast cancer model. Our results showed that both crocin and metformin reduced cell viability, delayed scratch healing and inhibited the cell adhesion, in vitro. While crocin alone restored the mice's weight reduction, crocin, metformin, and their combination significantly reduced the tumor volume size and enhanced animal survival rate in murine breast cancer model, responses that were associated with VEGF and MMP9 down-regulation. These findings suggest that a combination of crocin and metformin could serve as a novel therapeutic approach to enhance the effectiveness of metastatic breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Farahi
- Student Research Committee and Department of Molecular Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 9717853577, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abedini
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 9717853577, Birjand, Iran. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa School of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Hossein Javdani
- Student Research Committee and Department of Molecular Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 9717853577, Birjand, Iran
| | - Laleh Arzi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Chamani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 9717853577, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ramin Farhoudi
- Department of Viral Vaccine Production, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Research and Production Complex, Karaj, Iran
| | - Nazanin Talebloo
- Precision Health Program, Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Reyhane Hoshyar
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 9717853577, Birjand, Iran. .,Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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18
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Naddafi M, Eghbal MA, Ghazi-Khansari M, Sattari MR, Azarmi Y. Study of the cardioprotective effects of crocin on Human Cardiac Myocyte cells and reduction of oxidative stress produced by aluminum phosphide poisoning. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 73:1539-1546. [PMID: 33793778 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgaa066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The effects of Crocin as a cardioprotective material against Aluminum phosphide poisoning by reducing the oxidative stress is investigated. METHODS The level of biomarkers of oxidative stress (Catalase, Superoxide dismutase, Malondialdehyde and Protein carbonyl) were measured in the cell culture model on Human Cardiac Myocyte cells to detect the protective effect of crocin. Initially, to define the pure impact of aluminum phosphide poison and crocin on the heart cells, their effects on the biomarkers quantity in cell line were measured, separately, using the standard related kits. Later the effect of crocin with different concentration as a treatment on the oxidative stress biomarkers of the poisoned heart cells were monitored. Note that in pre-treatment case, the crocin was initially added to the cells before poisoning them. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance method. KEY FINDINGS Results showed that crocin treatment reduced the aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning effect significantly. The treatment resulted in substantial deviation in the biomarkers of oxidative stress at the pre- and post-treatment phases for all groups. The oxidative markers values of the poisoned cells were recovered by crocin treatment. CONCLUSIONS Crocin is proposed as a potentially powerful antioxidant to treat the cardiotoxicity caused by aluminum phosphide poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mastoureh Naddafi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Eghbal
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ghazi-Khansari
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sattari
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Azarmi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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19
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Zhu J, Zheng S, Liu H, Wang Y, Jiao Z, Nie Y, Wang H, Liu T, Song K. Evaluation of anti-tumor effects of crocin on a novel 3D tissue-engineered tumor model based on sodium alginate/gelatin microbead. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 174:339-351. [PMID: 33529625 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Crocin, as one of the biologically active components of saffron, has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-depressant and auxiliary anti-tumor effects. Studies have shown that crocin could promote breast cancer cell apoptosis. However, conventional methods are mainly based on two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models, which are difficult to reproduce the tumor environment in vivo due to space constraints. In this study, we prepared a three-dimensional (3D) cell model in vitro based on sodium alginate/gelatin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of crocin on MCF-7 cells, which could bridge the gap in crocin drug evaluation between 2D and 3D cell model in vitro. Different from the 2D culture, the cells were found to aggregate in a spherical shape in the 3D microgel beads. And the CCK-8 assay showed that the growth of MCF-7 cells exposed to crocin was inhibited in a time-related and concentration-related manner. Compared with 2D culture (IC50 that MCF-7 cells treated with crocin at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h: 3.68, 2.55 and 1.53 mg/mL, respectively), the IC50 value of 3D culture (IC50 that MCF-7 cells treated with crocin at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h: 10.12, 6.89 and 6.64 mg/mL, respectively) was significantly increased by 2.77, 2.70, 4.34 times, respectively. Besides, live/dead staining and scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the 2D cultured cells shrank and ruptured after crocin treatment, and the number of living cells was considerably reduced; the size of the cell colonies in the 3D microgel beads decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian R&D Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; Zhengzhou Institute of Emerging Industrial Technology, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Shuangshuang Zheng
- Zhengzhou Institute of Emerging Industrial Technology, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Hanbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian R&D Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- Burns Research Group, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Zeren Jiao
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3122, USA
| | - Yi Nie
- Zhengzhou Institute of Emerging Industrial Technology, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China.
| | - Tianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian R&D Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Kedong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian R&D Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
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20
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Luo Y, Yu P, Zhao J, Guo Q, Fan B, Diao Y, Jin Y, Wu J, Zhang C. Inhibitory Effect of Crocin Against Gastric Carcinoma via Regulating TPM4 Gene. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:111-122. [PMID: 33442270 PMCID: PMC7800707 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s254167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and the second most frequent cause of cancer death worldwide. Crocin is a kind of bioactive constituent found in the stigmas of saffron, which has shown various pharmacological activities. Methods In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of crocin on gastric cancer AGS cells proliferation and explored the underlying mechanism. A series of methods were used including cell counting kit assay, gene microarray analysis, qRT-PCR, Celigo image cytometry, cell clone formation assay, Western blot, and cell xenograft growth in vivo. Results The results indicated that crocin inhibited AGS cells proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. Further studies suggested that crocin decreased a series of genes expression, among which TPM4 gene downregulation inhibited the tumor cells proliferation and tumor growth in mice, and overexpression of TPM4 gene abolishes the inhibitory effect of crocin. Further study using microarray analysis suggested that knocking down of TPM4 altered genes related to the proliferation and apoptosis of cells. Discussion Crocin could inhibit the gastric cancer cells AGS cells proliferation by regulating TPM4 gene expression, and TPM4 may be a promising therapeutic target for GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushuang Luo
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengjie Yu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhui Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qijing Guo
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001, People's Republic of China
| | - Baohua Fan
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinzhuo Diao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulong Jin
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengwu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810001, People's Republic of China
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21
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Wu Z, Hui J. Crocin reverses 1-methyl-3-nitroso-1-nitroguanidine (MNNG)-induced malignant transformation in GES-1 cells through the Nrf2/Hippo signaling pathway. J Gastrointest Oncol 2020; 11:1242-1252. [PMID: 33456997 PMCID: PMC7807260 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-20-406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crocin, an active constituent of saffron, has anticancer activity. In this study, we investigated the relationship of Crocin with human gastric epithelial cells induced by 1-methyl-3-nitroso-1-nitroguanidine (MNNG), and explored the underlying mechanism. METHODS In vivo, the animal growth and atypical hyperplasia were observed in Sprague-Dawley rats. A cell model was established by treating the human gastric mucosa epithelial cell line GES-1 with MNNG. The effects of Crocin on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GES-1 cells were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, and Transwell assay, respectively. Western blot was used to explore the potential mechanism.. RESULTS The gastric mucosa of animal model deteriorated obviously, the weight growth rate slowed down, and the atypical hyperplasia of gastric mucosa increased. The GES-1 cells had characteristics of malignant cells such as proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis ability. It was found that Crocin suppressed the cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and blocked the cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase simultaneously. Furthermore, Crocin negatively regulated the invasion ability of MNNG-treated GES-1 cells and EMT process. Crocin also increased the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), decreased TAZ in MNNG-treated GES-1 cells. Interestingly, Crocin regulated the expression of TAZ and yes-associated protein (YAP) by increasing Nrf2 level, as well as their upstream targets, mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST) and large tumor suppressor (LATS). CONCLUSIONS Crocin protected against MNNG-induced malignant transformation through the Nrf2/Hippo signaling pathway, which might be a drug candidate for clinical gastric cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhide Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, the First People’s Hospital of Lanzhou City, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianping Hui
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi Xian New Area, Xianyang, China
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22
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Adebamowo SN, Adeyemo AA, Rotimi CN, Olaniyan O, Offiong R, Adebamowo CA. Genome-wide association study of prevalent and persistent cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 21:231. [PMID: 33225922 PMCID: PMC7682060 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-020-01156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Genetic factors may influence the susceptibility to high-risk (hr) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and persistence. We conducted the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify variants associated with cervical hrHPV infection and persistence. Methods Participants were 517 Nigerian women evaluated at baseline and 6 months follow-up visits for HPV. HPV was characterized using SPF10/LiPA25. hrHPV infection was positive if at least one carcinogenic HPV genotype was detected in a sample provided at the baseline visit and persistent if at least one carcinogenic HPV genotype was detected in each of the samples provided at the baseline and follow-up visits. Genotyping was done using the Illumina Multi-Ethnic Genotyping Array (MEGA) and imputation was done using the African Genome Resources Haplotype Reference Panel. Association analysis was done for hrHPV infection (125 cases/392 controls) and for persistent hrHPV infection (51 cases/355 controls) under additive genetic models adjusted for age, HIV status and the first principal component (PC) of the genotypes. Results The mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 38 (±8) years, 48% were HIV negative, 24% were hrHPV positive and 10% had persistent hrHPV infections. No single variant reached genome-wide significance (p < 5 X 10− 8). The top three variants associated with hrHPV infections were intronic variants clustered in KLF12 (all OR: 7.06, p = 1.43 × 10− 6). The top variants associated with cervical hrHPV persistence were in DAP (OR: 6.86, p = 7.15 × 10− 8), NR5A2 (OR: 3.65, p = 2.03 × 10− 7) and MIR365–2 (OR: 7.71, p = 2.63 × 10− 7) gene regions. Conclusions This exploratory GWAS yielded suggestive candidate risk loci for cervical hrHPV infection and persistence. The identified loci have biological annotation and functional data supporting their role in hrHPV infection and persistence. Given our limited sample size, larger discovery and replication studies are warranted to further characterize the reported associations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12881-020-01156-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally N Adebamowo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660 West Redwood Street, Howard Hall, Room 119, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA. .,University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Adebowale A Adeyemo
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Charles N Rotimi
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Olayinka Olaniyan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Hospital Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Richard Offiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Clement A Adebamowo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660 West Redwood Street, Howard Hall, Room 119, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.,University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
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23
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Elsherbiny NM, Eisa NH, El-Sherbiny M, Said E. Chemo-preventive effect of crocin against experimentally-induced hepatocarcinogenesis via regulation of apoptotic and Nrf2 signaling pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 80:103494. [PMID: 32942000 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The results of the current study investigated the chemo-preventive effect of crocin against hepatocarcinogenesis in rats with particular focus on the evaluation of the modulatory impact of crocin on apoptotic and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways. Thioacetamide (TAA) (200 mg/kg, I.P.) was used for experimental induction of hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. Crocin administration significantly attenuated TAA-induced cancerous lesions with concomitant attenuation of impaired liver functions. This was associated with significant enhancement in hepatic Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression with parallel suppression in Keap-1 expression. Inline, crocin induced a significant improvement in hepatic oxidative status with enhanced antioxidant batteries. Crocin administration significantly suppressed the hepatic content of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (c-JNK) with significant upregulation in TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and caspase-8 protein expression as well as p53 gene expression; biomarkers of apoptosis. Moreover, hepatic expression of the apoptotic BAX significantly increased and the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 significantly decreased in the liver specimen; biomarkers of intrinsic apoptosis. In conclusion; crocin attenuates experimentally induced hepato-carcinogenesis via modulation of oxidative/apoptotic signaling. Namely, crocin induced hepatic expression of Nrf2 with downstream modulation of endogenous HO-1 and Keap-1 signaling with modulation of various key players of apoptosis including; c-JNK, p53, TRAIL, caspase-8, BAX, and Bcl-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal M Elsherbiny
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, 35516, Mansoura, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada H Eisa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, 35516, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Sherbiny
- Department of Anatomy, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt; Almaarefa University, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman Said
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, 35516, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Yousefi F, Arab FL, Rastin M, Tabasi NS, Nikkhah K, Mahmoudi M. Comparative assessment of immunomodulatory, proliferative, and antioxidant activities of crocin and crocetin on mesenchymal stem cells. J Cell Biochem 2020; 122:29-42. [PMID: 32951264 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L) is a well-known spice with active pharmacologic components including crocin, crocetin, safranal, and picrocrocin. Similar to crocin/crocetin, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to display immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties, which could be beneficial in treatment of various diseases. In the current study, we have evaluated the effects of crocin and crocetin on the functions of MSCs. We used the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay to evaluate MSCs proliferation, and flow cytometry assay to measure the percentage of apoptotic MSCs and Tregs populations. Furthermore, we used the real-time polymerase chain reaction method to quantify messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Antioxidant assay was employed to quantify antioxidant parameters including nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels besides superoxide dismutase activity. Our findings indicated that both crocin and crocetin at low concentrations (2.5 and 5 µM) exhibited significant effects on increasing MSCs viability and on protecting them against apoptosis-induced death. Furthermore, crocin and crocetin at low concentrations (2.5 and 5 µM) displayed a better antioxidant function. Moreover, increased Treg population was observed at lower doses. In addition, crocin/crocetin at low concentrations caused an elevation in mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-10 [IL-10], and IL-4), while at higher doses (25 and 50 µM) they led to lowering inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and interferon gamma). Altogether, both crocin and crocetin at lower concentrations exhibited more efficacies on MSCs with a better effect toward crocin. It seems that crocin and crocetin may be considered as complementary treatments for the patients who undergo MSCs transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forouzan Yousefi
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fahimeh L Arab
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Rastin
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nafiseh S Tabasi
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Karim Nikkhah
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Mahmoudi
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Zhang J, Yang S, Wang K, Huang Y, Yang N, Yang Z, Zheng Z, Wang Y. Crocin induces autophagic cell death and inhibits cell invasion of cervical cancer SiHa cells through activation of PI3K/AKT. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1180. [PMID: 33241029 PMCID: PMC7576020 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer is a prevalent tumor mainly induced by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Autophagy was inactivated with HPV to promote cancer progression. Here we explored the effects of crocin on cervical cancer cells, mainly on autophagy and apoptosis. Methods SiHa cells were treated with crocin, and proliferation, metastases, apoptosis and autophagy were measured using a CCK-8 assay, transwell migration assay, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Protein levels were measured using western blotting. The antitumor effects of crocin were validated in female BALB/c nude mice injected with SiHa cells. Results The result showed that 2, 4, 8 and 16 mM of crocin significantly reduced the viability of SiHa cells within 24 h. Subsequently, 0, 1, 2 and 4 mM crocin concentrations were used in later experiments. Treatment with crocin reduced invasive cells, while increasing autophagic and apoptotic cells dose-dependently. The enhanced apoptosis and autophagy were partly validated by an increase in cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9/caspase9, LC3B II/I, Beclin1 and ATG7. AMPK and mTOR were inactivated with crocin treatment, while PI3K was activated. These results indicated that crocin might promote autophagy and apoptosis by inactivating AMPK and mTOR signaling. Tumor progression was inhibited in mice treated with 50 mg/kg/d of crocin, which was demonstrated by smaller tumor volumes, less VEGF expression, more intense caspase-3 staining and increased LC3B II/I in the tumor tissues. Conclusions Crocin inhibited the progression of cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo, possibly through inactivation of AMPK and mTOR, inhibition of proliferation and invasion, and promotion of autophagy and apoptosis. These results support the potential therapeutic value of crocin in treating cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaoping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Kana Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Nian Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongmei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenrong Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
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Koklesova L, Liskova A, Samec M, Buhrmann C, Samuel SM, Varghese E, Ashrafizadeh M, Najafi M, Shakibaei M, Büsselberg D, Giordano FA, Golubnitschaja O, Kubatka P. Carotenoids in Cancer Apoptosis-The Road from Bench to Bedside and Back. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2425. [PMID: 32859058 PMCID: PMC7563597 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An incidence and mortality of cancer are rapidly growing worldwide, especially due to heterogeneous character of the disease that is associated with irreversible impairment of cellular homeostasis and function. Targeting apoptosis, one of cancer hallmarks, represents a potent cancer treatment strategy. Carotenoids are phytochemicals represented by carotenes, xanthophylls, and derived compounds such as apocarotenoids that demonstrate a broad spectrum of anti-cancer effects involving pro-apoptotic signaling through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. As demonstrated in preclinical oncology research, the apoptotic modulation is performed at post-genomic levels. Further, carotenoids demonstrate additive/synergistic action in combination with conventional oncostatic agents. In addition, a sensitization of tumor cells to anti-cancer conventional treatment can be achieved by carotenoids. The disadvantage of anti-cancer application of carotenoids is associated with their low solubility and, therefore, poor bioavailability. However, this deficiency can be improved by using nanotechnological approaches, solid dispersions, microemulsions or biofortification that significantly increase the anti-cancer and pro-apoptotic efficacy of carotenoids. Only limited number of studies dealing with apoptotic potential of carotenoids has been published in clinical sphere. Pro-apoptotic effects of carotenoids should be beneficial for individuals at high risk of cancer development. The article considers the utility of carotenoids in the framework of 3P medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Koklesova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Alena Liskova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Marek Samec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Constanze Buhrmann
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumour Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany; (C.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Samson Mathews Samuel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar; (S.M.S.); (E.V.); (D.B.)
| | - Elizabeth Varghese
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar; (S.M.S.); (E.V.); (D.B.)
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 51368 Tabriz, Iran;
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, 67146 Kermanshah, Iran;
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumour Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany; (C.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar; (S.M.S.); (E.V.); (D.B.)
| | - Frank A. Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- Predictive, Preventive Personalised (3P) Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia
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Ghorbani-Abdi-Saedabad A, Hanafi-Bojd MY, Parsamanesh N, Tayarani-Najaran Z, Mollaei H, Hoshyar R. Anticancer and apoptotic activities of parthenolide in combination with epirubicin in mda-mb-468 breast cancer cells. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:5807-5815. [PMID: 32686017 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05649-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Unfortunately, current therapeutic methods are not completely efficient. Hence, combination therapy with medicinal plants has attracted several kinds of research. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the apoptotic and anti-cancer effect of Parthenolide in combination with Epirubicin in the MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell line. In this study, the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect of Parthenolide in combination with Epirubicin and without it, in the MDA-MB-468 cell line have been assessed by MTT test, Hoescht staining and flow cytometry methods. Our outcomes showed that Parthenolide treatment in the present of Epirubicin led to a decrease in the minimum toxic concentration of Parthenolide and Epirubicin in comparison with individual treatments. Then, to achieve a likely molecular mechanism of mentioned drugs Bax and Bcl2 expression level evaluated by Real-time PCR and subsequently, Western blotting has been estimated the protein level of Caspase 3. Our data indicated that the treatment of cells with Parthenolide led to up-regulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl2 at mRNA level. Moreover, Parthenolide treatment led to the obvious alternation of Caspase3 protein level. These results indicated that Parthenolide in combination with Epirubicin have significant cytotoxicity due to targeting the main regulators of apoptosis. Hence, according to lack of cytotoxicity of Parthenolide on normal cells that lead to reduction of drug side effects, it could be suggested as an adjuvant therapy with Epirubicin after complementary research on animal model and clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Yahya Hanafi-Bojd
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Department of Nanomedicine, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Negin Parsamanesh
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Zahra Tayarani-Najaran
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Homa Mollaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
| | - Reyhane Hoshyar
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran. .,Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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Shariat Razavi SM, Mahmoudzadeh Vaziri R, Karimi G, Arabzadeh S, Keyvani V, Behravan J, Kalalinia F. Crocin Increases Gastric Cancer Cells' Sensitivity to Doxorubicin. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:1959-1967. [PMID: 32711421 PMCID: PMC7573416 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.7.1959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Crocin is one of the substantial constituents of saffron extract. It has multiple clinical effects including anti-cancer effects. The development of the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype is one of the principal causes of cancer chemotherapy failure. The multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) is one of the MDR-related protein and is often overexpressed in different cancers. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of crocin on the expression and function of MDR1 protein in EPG85-257 and EPG85-257RDB gastric cancer cell lines. Methods: The cytotoxicity effect of crocin was evaluated by the MTT assay. The impacts of crocin on the expression and function of MDR1 were assessed by Real-time RT-PCR and MTT assay, respectively. Results: The results demonstrated that crocin decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner with higher intensity on the EPG85-257 than the EPG85-257RDB cells. Crocin did not make any significant changes in the MDR1 gene expression level in EPG85-257 and EPG85-257RDB cell lines. In contrast, crocin increased doxorubicin cytotoxicity in drug-resistant cells, which might be induced by reduced MDR1 activity. Conclusion: In summary, although crocin did not affect mRNA expression of MDR1, results of MTT assay suggest that it might inhibit the MDR1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Mahya Shariat Razavi
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sepideh Arabzadeh
- 4Biotechnology Research Center,
Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vahideh Keyvani
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Javad Behravan
- 4Biotechnology Research Center,
Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kalalinia
- 4Biotechnology Research Center,
Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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29
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Bakshi HA, Zoubi MSA, Faruck HL, Aljabali AAA, Rabi FA, Hafiz AA, Al-Batanyeh KM, Al-Trad B, Ansari P, Nasef MM, Charbe NB, Satija S, Mehta M, Mishra V, Gupta G, Abobaker S, Negi P, Azzouz IM, Dardouri AAK, Dureja H, Prasher P, Chellappan DK, Dua K, Silva MWD, Tanani ME, McCarron PA, M. Tambuwala M. Dietary Crocin is Protective in Pancreatic Cancer while Reducing Radiation-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Damage. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061901. [PMID: 32604971 PMCID: PMC7353213 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the fatal causes of global cancer-related deaths. Although surgery and chemotherapy are standard treatment options, post-treatment outcomes often end in a poor prognosis. In the present study, we investigated anti-pancreatic cancer and amelioration of radiation-induced oxidative damage by crocin. Crocin is a carotenoid isolated from the dietary herb saffron, a prospect for novel leads as an anti-cancer agent. Crocin significantly reduced cell viability of BXPC3 and Capan-2 by triggering caspase signaling via the downregulation of Bcl-2. It modulated the expression of cell cycle signaling proteins P53, P21, P27, CDK2, c-MYC, Cyt-c and P38. Concomitantly, crocin treatment-induced apoptosis by inducing the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. Microarray analysis of the expression signature of genes induced by crocin showed a substantial number of genes involved in cell signaling pathways and checkpoints (723) are significantly affected by crocin. In mice bearing pancreatic tumors, crocin significantly reduced tumor burden without a change in body weight. Additionally, it showed significant protection against radiation-induced hepatic oxidative damage, reduced the levels of hepatic toxicity and preserved liver morphology. These findings indicate that crocin has a potential role in the treatment, prevention and management of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid A. Bakshi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (M.W.D.S.); (P.A.M.)
- Correspondence: or (H.A.B.); (H.L.F.); (M.M.T.)
| | - Mazhar S Al Zoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 566, Jordan;
| | - Hakkim L. Faruck
- Department of Mathematics and Sciences, College of Arts and Applied Sciences, Dhofar University, Salalah 211, Oman
- Correspondence: or (H.A.B.); (H.L.F.); (M.M.T.)
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 566, Jordan;
| | - Firas A. Rabi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | - Amin A. Hafiz
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Khalid M Al-Batanyeh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 566, Jordan; (K.M.A.-B.); (B.A.-T.)
| | - Bahaa Al-Trad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 566, Jordan; (K.M.A.-B.); (B.A.-T.)
| | - Prawej Ansari
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK;
| | - Mohamed M. Nasef
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD13DH, UK;
| | - Nitin B. Charbe
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 340, Región Metropolitana, Chile;
| | - Saurabh Satija
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India; (S.S.); (M.M.); (V.M.)
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Meenu Mehta
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India; (S.S.); (M.M.); (V.M.)
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India; (S.S.); (M.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, Mahal Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017, India;
| | - Salem Abobaker
- Department of Gynecology, European Competence Center for Ovarian Cancer, Campus Virchow, Klinikum Charite-Universitatmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Poonam Negi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Bajhol, Sultanpur, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173229, India;
| | - Ibrahim M. Azzouz
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology, and Allergology, Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universitat Berlin, Chariteplatz1, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Ashref Ali K Dardouri
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD13DH, UK;
| | - Harish Dureja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India;
| | - Parteek Prasher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, India;
| | - Dinesh K. Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Bajhol, Sultanpur, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173229, India;
| | - Mateus Webba Da Silva
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (M.W.D.S.); (P.A.M.)
| | - Mohamed El Tanani
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan;
| | - Paul A. McCarron
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (M.W.D.S.); (P.A.M.)
| | - Murtaza M. Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (M.W.D.S.); (P.A.M.)
- Correspondence: or (H.A.B.); (H.L.F.); (M.M.T.)
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Saini RK, Keum YS, Daglia M, Rengasamy KR. Dietary carotenoids in cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy: A review of emerging evidence. Pharmacol Res 2020; 157:104830. [PMID: 32344050 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, natural products have reemerged as biotherapeutic options, with several dietary carotenoids, viz. astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, siphonaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene, and lycopene, developing as potential candidates for chemoprevention and chemotherapeutics of breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers. The potent cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of carotenoids against various cancer cells are mediated by a wide range of molecular mechanisms modulating oxidative stress and redox balance, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and other cellular signaling proteins, transcription factors, caspase cascade pathways of apoptosis, cell cycle progression and proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), and multidrug resistance (MDR). This review discusses recent evidence demonstrating the crucial roles of carotenoids in these cellular and molecular events of cancer cell cytotoxicity. In addition, recent case-control and cohort studies are discussed to support the potential role of carotenoids in cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kumar Saini
- Department of Bioresources and Food Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea; Institute of Natural Science and Agriculture, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Crop Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Soo Keum
- Department of Crop Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Pavia University, Viale Taramelli 12, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Kannan Rr Rengasamy
- Department of Bioresources and Food Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
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Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic and Cytotoxic Activity of Crocus sativus L. Petals. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10041519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to examine in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and cytotoxic efficacy of different extracts of Crocus sativus L. petals. Antioxidant activity of extracts was assessed by DPPH and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. Among all extracts, ethanol (SPE) had the maximum radical scavenging activity with IC50 values 86.63 ± 7.53 μg/mL. The antimicrobial activity was determined by the evaluation of the minimum inhibitory concentration using the agar well plate procedure. The most effective extract was SPE with a minimum inhibitory concentration varying between 500 µg/mL, 250 µg/mL, 125 µg/mL, 62.5 µg/mL, 31.25 µg/mL, 15.63 µg/mL. Cytotoxic activity was tested against MDA-MB-231 cell lines using the MTT method whereas, antidiabetic activity was evaluated using an alpha-glucosidase inhibition assay. All extracts were found to have significant antidiabetic activity.
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Hatziagapiou K, Kakouri E, Lambrou GI, Koniari E, Kanakis C, Nikola OA, Theodorakidou M, Bethanis K, Tarantilis PA. Crocins: The Active Constituents of Crocus Sativus L. Stigmas, Exert Significant Cytotoxicity on Tumor Cells In Vitro. CURRENT CANCER THERAPY REVIEWS 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1573394714666181029120446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background::Tumors of the childhood are considered to be grave and devastating pathologies, with high mortality rates. Current therapeutic options like cytotoxic drugs and radiotherapy target both healthy and malignant cells, thus resulting in long-term neurological and intellectual sequelae and endocrinological disorders.Objectives::In this study, we focused on the anticancer potency of crocins, the main constituents of Crocus sativus L, stigmas. Crocins were first extracted using organic solvents from the dried stigmas and then were identified using the HPLC analysis.Materials and Methods::TE-671 cells were treated with the extract of crocins using a range of concentrations between 0.25-mg/ mL and 16 mg/mL. Viability of the cells was measured at 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h. In addition, we have examined the expression levels of the p53 gene using Real-Time Reverse Transcription PCR.Results::Results showed that crocins exerted significant cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects in a concentration and time - dependent-manner on TE-671 cells. Furthermore, p53 manifested similar expression pattern as the anti-proliferative effect of crocin.Conclusion::Our data demonstrate that crocins could be a novel promising agent for the improvement of tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Hatziagapiou
- Haematology and Oncology Unit, Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Kakouri
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George I. Lambrou
- Haematology and Oncology Unit, Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Koniari
- Haematology and Oncology Unit, Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalabos Kanakis
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Olti A. Nikola
- Haematology and Oncology Unit, Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Margarita Theodorakidou
- Haematology and Oncology Unit, Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Bethanis
- Laboratory of Physics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros A. Tarantilis
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Farahi A, Mollaei H, Hoshyar R. Crocetin as an Active Secondary Metabolite of Saffron Stigma and Anticancer Effects. CURRENT CANCER THERAPY REVIEWS 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1573394714666180626154833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In order to try to increase the effectiveness of cancer therapeutic procedures, natural carotenoids
attract lots of attention. Crocetin is one of the main carotenoids of saffron whose anticancer
properties have been shown in recent decades. This study aimed to review previous invitro
and invivo investigations on anticancer effects of this carotenoid and also proposed molecular
mechanisms of its action. Literature reviewing between 1990 and 2017 was performed using
pubmed and scopus databases. Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of crocetin have been
observed in several cancers cell lines and also model organisms that might be due to the alternation
in the expression of cancer-related genes and epigenetic changes. Moreover, several studies
indicated synergistic effects of crocetin with common chemotherapy agents and mentioned it as a
potential novel adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Farahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Homa Mollaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
| | - Reyhane Hoshyar
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Zhou Y, Xu Q, Shang J, Lu L, Chen G. Crocin inhibits the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells via miR-320/KLF5/HIF-1α signaling. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:17876-17885. [PMID: 30851060 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The biological activities of crocin, one of the main bioactive compounds of saffron, include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, and anticancer effects. Crocin has been shown to trigger the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells, but its effect on the metastasis of gastric cancer cells remains unclear. Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) are important transcription factors in the development of gastric cancer. KLF5 and HIF-1α expression were analyzed in gastric cancer tissues and cells. Following exposure to crocin, AGS and HGC-27 gastric cancer cells were assessed with regard to migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as the expression of KLF5, HIF-1α, and microRNA-320 (miR-320). The miR-320/KLF5/HIF-1α signaling pathway became the focus for further investigation of the mechanism of crocin in gastric cancer cell migration, invasion, and EMT. KLF5 and HIF-1α expression were elevated in gastric cancer tissues and cells, and KLF5 expression was positively correlated with the HIF-1α level in gastric cancer tissues. Crocin was associated with reduced expression of KLF5 and HIF-1α, whereas miR-320 expression was increased. Crocin also inhibited the migration, invasion, and EMT of gastric cancer cells. Upregulation of KLF5 attenuated crocin's function and elevated HIF-1α expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that KLF5 was a target gene of miR-320. Crocin modulated KLF5 expression via elevation of miR-320 expression. In conclusion, crocin inhibits the EMT, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells, and this activity is mediated through miR-320/KLF5/HIF-1α signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihua Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjuan Shang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihua Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoyan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Deng L, Li J, Lu S, Su Y. Crocin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis through suppressing MYCN expression in retinoblastoma. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2019; 33:e22292. [PMID: 30672053 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenetic mechanisms of retinoblastoma are still not yet fully elucidated, putting limits to efficacious treatment. Crocin is the main component of saffron, which exhibits significant antitumorigenic properties. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of crocin on retinoblastoma. The effects of crocin on the proliferation of human retinoblastoma cells were determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, cell number assay, and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis induced by crocin was measured by flow cytometry analysis. Cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and cleaved caspase-3 were tested by western blot analysis. The expression levels of MYCN were assessed by western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction and the stability of MYCN messenger RNA was determined by in vitro RNA degradation assays. We found that crocin significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and clonogenicity and induced cell apoptosis in Y79 and WERI-RB-1 cells. In addition, crocin treatment significantly reduced the expression and the stability of MYCN. Besides, overexpression of MYCN rescued the inhibitory effect of crocin in Y79 cells. Our findings suggest that crocin exhibits antitumorigenic effects in human retinoblastoma cell lines through a MYCN-dependent manner, which may provide guidance to logical therapeutic designs in prevention and treatment of retinoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Deng
- Department of TCM Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jincun Li
- Department of TCM, Shandong Provincial Western Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shiyou Lu
- Department of Acupuncture, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Su
- Department of TCM Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Effects of Combined Crocin and Epirubicin on Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Pathways in a Human Cervical Cancer Cell Line. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER MANAGEMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.5812/ijcm.82575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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A Comparative Study on Anti-Invasion, Antimigration, and Antiadhesion Effects of the Bioactive Carotenoids of Saffron on 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells Through Their Effects on Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Genes. DNA Cell Biol 2018; 37:697-707. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2018.4248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Yao C, Liu BB, Qian XD, Li LQ, Cao HB, Guo QS, Zhou GF. Crocin induces autophagic apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting Akt/mTOR activity. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:2017-2028. [PMID: 29670377 PMCID: PMC5898595 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s154586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autophagy induction is a common mechanism for antitumor chemicals in induction of cancer cell death. However, the role of autophagy in crocin-induced apoptosis is barely studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and methods The influence of crocin on growth, apoptosis, and autophagy and its mutual relations were analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometer, EGFP-LC3 puncta analysis, and Western blot in HCC cells. The activities of Akt/mTOR axis and its roles in autophagy regulation were also detected by Western blot in HCC cells treated with crocin. Finally, the roles of Akt/mTOR axis in crocin-induced autophagic apoptosis were analyzed by Western blot and flow cytometer in HCC cells. Results The results showed that crocin can induce growth inhibition in a does- and time-dependent pattern by apoptosis. Increased LC3 puncta and upregulated LC3-II accumulation was observed as early as at 6 hours in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells treated with 3 mg/mL crocin. Moreover, apoptosis analysis using flow cytometer and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase detection revealed that autophagy initiation was prior to apoptosis activation in HCC cells treated with crocin. When autophagy was blocked with 3-methyladenine, crocin-induced apoptosis was inhibited in HCC cells. Furthermore, crocin treatment constrained the activities of key proteins in Akt/mTOR signaling, such as p-Akt (S473), p-mTOR (S2448), and p-p70S6K (T389), suggesting that crocin could induce autophagic apoptosis in HCC cells in an Akt/mTOR-dependent mechanism. Indeed, when autophagy was suppressed by forced expression of Akt, the crocin-induced apoptosis was also impaired in HCC cells. Conclusion The results suggested that crocin could induce autophagic apoptosis in HCC cells by inhibiting Akt/mTOR activity. This study originally revealed that autophagic apoptosis is a novel cytotoxic function of crocin, which lays the theoretical foundation for clinical application of crocin in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yao
- Institute of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Pharmaceutical Department, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou 313003, China
| | - Bing-Bing Liu
- Pharmaceutical Department, TCM Hospital of Changxin, Huzhou 313100, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Qian
- Pharmaceutical Department, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou 313003, China
| | - Li-Qin Li
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Heng-Bin Cao
- Pharmaceutical Department, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou 313003, China
| | - Qiao-Sheng Guo
- Institute of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Gui-Fen Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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Anticancer activity of crocin against cervical carcinoma (HeLa cells): Bioassessment and toxicity evaluation of crocin in male albino rats. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2018; 180:118-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Bukhari SI, Manzoor M, Dhar MK. A comprehensive review of the pharmacological potential of Crocus sativus and its bioactive apocarotenoids. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 98:733-745. [PMID: 29306211 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.12.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Crocus sativus is an herbaceous plant that belongs to family Iridaceae. It is commonly known as saffron and has been used for medicinal purposes since many centuries in India and other parts of the world. Saffron of commercial importance comprises of dried stigmas of the plant and is rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and carotenoids. Carotenoids represent the main components of saffron and their cleavage results in the formation of apocarotenoids such as crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal. Studies conducted during the past two decades have revealed the immense therapeutic potential of saffron. Most of the therapeutic properties are due to the presence of unique apocarotenoids having strong free radical scavenging activity. The mode of action of these apocarotenoids could be: modulatory effects on detoxifying enzymes involved in combating oxidative stress, decreasing telomerase activity, increased the proapoptotic effect, inhibition of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, and by a strong binding capacity of crocetin with tRNA. The present review focuses on the therapeutic role of saffron and its bio oxidative cleavage products and also highlights the possible molecular mechanism of action. The findings reported in this review describes the wide range of applications of saffron and attributes its free radical scavenging nature the main property which makes this spice a potent chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahreen Manzoor
- School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, 180006, India
| | - M K Dhar
- School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, 180006, India
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