Piperine (PP) enhanced mitomycin-C (MMC) therapy of human cervical cancer through suppressing Bcl-2 signaling pathway via inactivating STAT3/NF-κB

Prognostic and therapeutic potential of STAT3: Opportunities and challenges in targeting HPV-mediated cervical carcinogenesis

Cervical cancer (CaCx) ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women globally. Persistent infection of high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) is major etiological factor associated with CaCx. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), a prominent member of the STAT family, has emerged as independent oncogenic driver. It is a target of many oncogenic viruses including HPV. How STAT3 influences HPV viral gene expression or gets affected by HPV is an area of active investigation. A better understanding of host-virus interaction will provide a prognostic and therapeutic window for CaCx control and management. In this comprehensive review, we delve into carcinogenic role of STAT3 in development of HPV-induced CaCx. With an emphasis on fascinating interplay between STAT3 and HPV genome, the review explores the diverse array of opportunities and challenges associated with this field to harness the prognostic and therapeutic potential of STAT3 in CaCx.

Comprehensive review of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of alkamides (2016-2022)

Alkamides refer to a class of natural active small-molecule products composed of fatty acids and amine groups. These compounds are widely distributed in plants, and their unique structures and various pharmacological activities have caught the attention of scholars. This review provides a collection of literatures related to the phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of alkamides published in 2016-2022 and their summary to provide references for further development of this class of ingredients. A total of 234 components (including chiral isomers) were summarized, pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, analgesic, neuroprotective, insecticidal, antioxidant, and antibacterial, and miscellaneous properties of alkamides were discussed. In addition, the pharmacokinetic characteristics and toxicity of alkamides were reviewed. However, information on the pharmacological mechanisms of the action, drug safety, and pharmacokinetics of alkamides is limited and thus requires further investigation and evaluation.

In-Vitro Cytotoxic, Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Activity of Siddha Formulation Nandhi Mezhugu (NM) Against Hela Cell Line

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women of childbearing age. Nandhi Mezhugu is a Siddha herbo-mineral drug widely used to treat cancer. Due to a lack of scientific evidence, the present study was intended to evaluate the anti cancer activity of Nandhi Mezhugu in the HeLa cell line. The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium, then treated with different concentrations of the test drug (10 to 200 µg/ml). The anti proliferative activity of the drug was evaluated using an MTT assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were measured by flow cytometry and typical nuclear changes of apoptotic processes were observed under the microscope using the dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide fluorescent staining method. The study result showed that the percentage of cell viability decreased with an increase in the concentration of the test drug. The MTT assay data showed that the test drug Nandhi Mezhugu had the antiproliferative effect on cervical cancer cells with IC50 of 139.7 ± 13.87 µg/ml. Further studies such as flow cytometry and dual staining method also revealed the apoptotic effect of the test drug. Nandhi Mezhugu can be effectively used as an anti cancer formulation to treat cervical cancer. Thus, the current study brings forth scientific evidence for the efficacy of Nandhi Mezhugu against the HeLa cell line. Further studies will be needed to prove the promising efficacy of Nandhi Mezhugu.

Piper nigrum Extract: Dietary Supplement for Reducing Mammary Tumor Incidence and Chemotherapy-Induced Toxicity

A low piperine fractional Piper nigrum extract (PFPE) was prepared by mixing cold-pressed coconut oil and honey in distilled water, namely, PFPE-CH. In this study, PFPE-CH was orally administered as a dietary supplement to decrease the risk of tumor formation and reduce the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs during breast cancer treatment. The toxicity study demonstrated no mortality or adverse effects after administrating PFPE-CH at 5000 mg/kg during a 14-day observation period. Additionally, PFPE-CH at 86 mg/kg BW/day did not cause any harm to the kidney or liver function of the rats for six months. In a cancer prevention study, treatment with PFPE-CH at 100 mg/kg BW for 101 days induced oxidative stress and increased the immune response by altering the levels of cancer-associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-g), leading to a reduction in the tumor incidence of up to 71.4% without any adverse effects. In combination with doxorubicin, PFPE-CH did not disrupt the anticancer effects of the drug in rats with mammary tumors. Surprisingly, PFPE-CH reduced chemotherapy-induced toxicity by improving some hematological and biochemical parameters. Therefore, our results suggest that PFPE-CH is safe and effective in reducing breast tumor incidence and toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs during cancer treatment in mammary tumor rats.

Molecular mechanisms regulating wound repair: Evidence for paracrine signaling from corneal epithelial cells to fibroblasts and immune cells following transient epithelial cell treatment with Mitomycin C

In this paper, we use RNAseq to identify senescence and phagocytosis as key factors to understanding how mitomyin C (MMC) stimulates regenerative wound repair. We use conditioned media (CM) from untreated (CMC) and MMC treated (CMM) human and mouse corneal epithelial cells to show that corneal epithelial cells indirectly exposed to MMC secrete elevated levels of immunomodulatory proteins including IL-1α and TGFβ1 compared to cells exposed to CMC. These factors increase epithelial and macrophage phagocytosis and promote ECM turnover. IL-1α supplementation can increase phagocytosis in control epithelial cells and attenuate TGFβ1 induced αSMA expression by corneal fibroblasts. Yet, we show that epithelial cell CM contains factors besides IL-1α that regulate phagocytosis and αSMA expression by fibroblasts. Exposure to CMM also impacts the activation of bone marrow derived dendritic cells and their ability to present antigen. These in vitro studies show how a brief exposure to MMC induces corneal epithelial cells to release proteins and other factors that function in a paracrine way to enhance debris removal and enlist resident epithelial and immune cells as well as stromal fibroblasts to support regenerative and not fibrotic wound healing.

Research Trend and Detailed Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Food Bioactive Compounds against Cancer: A Comprehensive Review with Special Emphasis on Probiotics

In an attempt to find a potential cure for cancer, scientists have been probing the efficacy of the food we eat and its bioactive components. Over the decades, there has been an exponentially increasing trend of research correlating food and cancer. This review explains the molecular mechanisms by which bioactive food components exhibit anticancer effects in several cancer models. These bioactive compounds are mainly plant based or microbiome based. While plants remain the primary source of these phytochemicals, little is known about probiotics, i.e., microbiome sources, and their relationships with cancer. Thus, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of probiotics are discussed in this review. The principal mode of cell death for most food bioactives is found to be apoptosis. Principal oncogenic signaling axes such as Akt/PI3K, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB seem to be modulated due to these bioactives along with certain novel targets that provide a platform for further oncogenic research. It has been observed that probiotics have an immunomodulatory effect leading to their chemopreventive actions. Various foods exhibit better efficacy as complete extracts than their individual phytochemicals, indicating an orchestrated effect of the food components. Combining bioactive agents with available chemotherapies helps synergize the anticancer action of both to overcome drug resistance. Novel techniques to deliver bioactive agents enhance their therapeutic response. Such combinations and novel approaches are also discussed in this review. Notably, most of the food components that have been studied for cancer have shown their efficacy in vivo. This bolsters the claims of these studies and, thus, provides us with hope of discovering anticancer agents in the food that we eat.

Potential roles and molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals against cancer

Increasing evidence has been reported regarding phytochemicals, plant secondary metabolites, having therapeutic functions against numerous human diseases. Recently, phytochemicals (flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, coumarins and so on) have shown promising anti-cancer efficacy with their distinct advantages of high efficiency and low toxicity. They regulate programmed cell death (apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy), migration and senescence-related signaling pathways of cancer via the modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, deleted in liver cancer 1 (DLC1), nuclear factor κ light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) pathways and glycolytic enzymes. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms by which phytochemicals prevent the development of cancer. Furthermore, phytochemicals combined with chemotherapeutic agents could target the crosstalk among multiple signal cascades to block chemoresistance and attenuate carcinogenic properties, and can be considered as a novel and potential therapeutic strategy. Our review highlights that the mechanisms and promising applications are required to be understood to decisively establish the anti-cancer efficacy of natural phytochemicals.

Therapeutic Effects of Natural Products on Cervical Cancer: Based on Inflammatory Pathways

Inflammation is a protective response of the body to an irritant. When an inflammatory response occurs, immune cells are recruited to the injury, eliminating the irritation. The excessive inflammatory response can cause harm to the organism. Inflammation has been found to contribute to cervical cancer if there is a problem with the regulation of inflammatory response. Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors globally, and the incidence tends to be younger. The harm of cervical cancer cannot be ignored. The standard treatments for cervical cancer include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the prognosis for this treatment is poor, so it is urgent to find a safer and more effective treatment. Natural products are considered excellent candidates for the treatment of cervical cancer. In this review, we first describe the mechanisms by which inflammation induces cervical cancer. Subsequently, we highlight natural products that can treat cervical cancer through inflammatory pathways. We also introduce natural products for the treatment of cervical cancer in clinical trials. Finally, methods to improve the anticancer properties of natural products were added, and the development status of natural products was discussed.

Modulation of TLR/NF-κB/NLRP Signaling by Bioactive Phytocompounds: A Promising Strategy to Augment Cancer Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Background

Tumors often progress to a more aggressive phenotype to resist drugs. Multiple dysregulated pathways are behind this tumor behavior which is known as cancer chemoresistance. Thus, there is an emerging need to discover pivotal signaling pathways involved in the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and cancer immunotherapy. Reports indicate the critical role of the toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) pathway in cancer initiation, progression, and development. Therefore, targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling is a promising strategy to augment cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy and to combat chemoresistance. Considering the potential of phytochemicals in the regulation of multiple dysregulated pathways during cancer initiation, promotion, and progression, such compounds could be suitable candidates against cancer chemoresistance.

Objectives

This is the first comprehensive and systematic review regarding the role of phytochemicals in the mitigation of chemoresistance by regulating the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway in chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Methods

A comprehensive and systematic review was designed based on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane electronic databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to include papers on TLR/NF-κB/NLRP and chemotherapy/immunotherapy/chemoresistance by phytochemicals.

Results

Phytochemicals are promising multi-targeting candidates against the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway and interconnected mediators. Employing phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, and sulfur compounds could be a promising strategy for managing cancer chemoresistance through the modulation of the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway. Novel delivery systems of phytochemicals in cancer chemotherapy/immunotherapy are also highlighted.

Conclusion

Targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling with bioactive phytocompounds reverses chemoresistance and improves the outcome for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in both preclinical and clinical stages.

Phytocompounds from the medicinal and dietary plants: Multi-target agents for cancer prevention and therapy

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Due to cervical cancer's high incidence and mortality, there is an unmet demand for effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive agents. At present, the preferred treatment strategies for advanced metastatic cervical cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, cervical cancer is gradually developing resistance to chemotherapy, thereby reducing its efficacy. Over the last several decades, phytochemicals, a general term for compounds produced from plants, have gained attention for their role in preventing cervical cancer. This role in cervical cancer prevention has garnered attention on the medicinal properties of fruits and vegetables. Phytochemicals are currently being evaluated for their ability to block proteins involved in carcinogenesis and chemoresistance against cervical cancer. Chemoresistance to cancer drugs like cisplatin, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil has become a significant limitation of drug-based chemotherapy. However, the combination of cisplatin with other phytochemicals has been identified as a promising alternative to subjugate cisplatin resistance. Phytochemicals are promising chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic agents as they possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative potential against many cancers, including cervical cancer. Furthermore, the ability of the phytochemicals to modulate cellular signaling pathways through up and down regulation of various proteins has been claimed for their therapeutic potential. Phytochemicals also display a wide range of biological functions, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, inhibition of invasion, and migration in cervical cancer cells. Numerous studies have revealed the critical role of different signaling proteins and their signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. Here, we review the ability of several dietary phytochemicals to alter carcinogenesis by modulating various molecular targets.

Anticancer Applications and Pharmacological Properties of Piperidine and Piperine: A Comprehensive Review on Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives

Piperine and piperidine are the two major alkaloids extracted from black pepper (Piper nigrum); piperidine is a heterocyclic moiety that has the molecular formula (CH₂)₅NH. Over the years, many therapeutic properties including anticancer potential of these two compounds have been observed. Piperine has therapeutic potential against cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, gliomal cancer, lung cancer, oral squamous, chronic pancreatitis, prostate cancer, rectal cancer, cervical cancer, and leukemia. Whereas, piperidine acts as a potential clinical agent against cancers, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer, when treated alone or in combination with some novel drugs. Several crucial signalling pathways essential for the establishment of cancers such as STAT-3, NF-κB, PI3k/Aκt, JNK/p38-MAPK, TGF-ß/SMAD, Smac/DIABLO, p-IκB etc., are regulated by these two phytochemicals. Both of these phytochemicals lead to inhibition of cell migration and help in cell cycle arrest to inhibit survivability of cancer cells. The current review highlights the pharmaceutical relevance of both piperine and piperidine against different types of cancers.

Potential Mechanisms of Plant-Derived Natural Products in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common gynecological malignancy globally; it seriously endangers women’s health because of its high morbidity and mortality. Conventional treatments are prone to drug resistance, recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs with high efficacy and low side effects to prevent and treat cervical cancer. In recent years, plant-derived natural products have been evaluated as potential anticancer drugs that preferentially kill tumor cells without severe adverse effects. A growing number of studies have shown that natural products can achieve practical anti-cervical-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of tumor-cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, suppression of angiogenesis and telomerase activity, enhancement of immunity and reversal of multidrug resistance. This paper reviews the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of plant-derived natural products on cervical cancer and provides references for developing anti-cervical-cancer drugs with high efficacy and low side effects.

Modulation of inflammation by phytochemicals to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity of cancer chemotherapy

Treatment of cancer with chemotherapeutic drugs is associated with numerous adverse effects as well as the eventual development of resistance to chemotherapy. There is a great need for complementary therapies such as botanicals and nutritional supplements with little or no side effects that prevent resistance to chemotherapy and reduce its adverse effects. Inflammation plays a major role in the development of chemoresistance and the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Phytochemicals have well-established anti-inflammatory effects; thus, they could be used as complementary therapies along with chemotherapy to increase its efficacy and reduce its toxicity. Botanical compounds inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway, which plays an important role in the generation of inflammation, chemotherapy resistance, and modulation of cell survival and apoptosis. Botanicals have previously been studied extensively for their cancer chemopreventive activities and are generally considered safe for human consumption. The present review focuses on the modulation of inflammation by phytochemicals and their role in increasing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of cancer chemotherapy.

An Overview of Novel Agents for Cervical Cancer Treatment by Inducing Apoptosis: Emerging Drugs Ongoing Clinical Trials and Preclinical Studies

As the leading cause of cancer death, cervical cancer ranks fourth for both incidence and mortality. Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates have reportedly decreased over the last decades thanks to extensive screening and widespread vaccination against human papilloma virus. However, there have been no major improvements concerning platinum-based chemotherapy on the survival of advanced cervical cancer. Thus, novel agents are urgently needed for the improvement of therapeutic effect. With the development of molecular biology and genomics, targeted therapy research has achieved a breakthrough development, including anti-angiogenesis, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and other treatments that are efficient for treatment of cervical cancer. Apoptosis is a crucial process for tumor progression. Drugs directed at inducing tumor-cell apoptosis are regarded as important treatment modalities. Besides, a number of novel compounds synthesized or derived from plants or microorganisms exhibited prominent anti-cancer activity by changing the apoptotic balance in cervical cancer. In this review, we summarized new target therapy drugs ongoing clinical trials that are used for treatment of cervical cancer. Further, we classified novel agents with a focus on improvement of therapeutic effect pre-clinically. To summarize, we also discussed application prospects of the new uses of old drugs and drug combinations, to provide researchers with new ideas for cervical cancer treatment.

Piperine: Chemical, biological and nanotechnological applications

Piperine (PIP) is an alkaloid present in several species of piper, mainly Piper nigrum Linn. and P. longum, among other species. The present article provides a comprehensive review of PIP research in the last years concerning its chemical properties, synthesis, absorption, metabolism, bioavailability and toxicity. The reviewed PIP literature has shown many pharmacological properties, such as antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic activity of PIP. However, its low solubility and absorption make its application challenging. This review also includes advances in the development of nanosystems containing PIP, including liposomes, micelles, metal nanoparticles, nanofibers, polymeric nanoparticles, and solid-lipid nanoparticles. Finally, we discuss different in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the biological activity of this drug, as well as some methods for the synthesis of nanosystems and their physical characteristics.

Protective effects of piperine on the retina of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes by suppressing HIF-1/VEGFA pathway and promoting PEDF expression

AIM

To evaluate the protective mechanisms of piperine in the retina of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

METHODS

In experiments in vitro, stimulation by chemical hypoxia was established in ARPE-19 cells. Then, the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) was assessed at the mRNA and protein levels. In experiments in vivo, diabetes mellitus was established by intraperitoneally injecting 150 mg/kg streptozotocin once. After 3wk of the onset of diabetes, 15 mg/kg piperine was intraperitoneally injected once daily for 1 or 3wk. Then, the retinal morphology and mRNA and protein expression were assessed.

RESULTS

In hypoxia, 1-100 µmol/L piperine significantly decreased the expression of VEGFA mRNA and increased the expression of PEDF mRNA without affecting HIF-1α mRNA. Meanwhile, 100 µmol/L piperine substantially decreased the protein level of VEGFA and increased the protein level of PEDF. The HIF-1α protein level was also hampered by piperine. In the diabetic retina of mice, the morphological damage was alleviated by piperine. Likewise, the retinal vascular leakage was substantially decreased by piperine. Further, the protein levels of HIF-1α and VEGFA were significantly reduced by piperine. Moreover, the level of the antiangiogenic factor of PEDF dramatically increased by piperine.

CONCLUSION

Piperine may exert protective effects on the retina of mice with diabetes via regulating the pro-antiangiogenic homeostasis composed of HIF-1/VEGFA and PEDF.

Transmission modes of COVID-19 disease pandemic in the light of ancient wisdom of Ayurveda medicine: a review

Human-to-human transmission of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurs most often when people are in the incubation stage of the disease or are carriers and have no symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 transmission on different levels showed that the cold and dry climate, hot wind and relative humid wind, maximum wind speed, turbulent wind, intensified recirculating flow were causing transmission higher than factors. The role of environmental factors described in Ayurveda like air, water, soil, season, frequent earthquakes, sunlight exposure, frequent thunderstorm with lightening, and factors from arthropods were revalidated in perspective of COVID-19 transmission. The authors searched the information regarding epidemic diseases in Ayurveda textbooks. Pubmed, Science Direct, Wikipedia, Elsevier, Lancet, and Springer were approached for the latest knowledge relating to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Google Scholar search engine was thoroughly checked upon for scientific evidence regarding the Ayurveda drugs. Various environmental factors like soil, air, water, frequent earthquake disasters, wildlife animals, aquatic birds, space, inevitable disastrous factors, weather or seasonal hazards, violent thunderstorm with lightning, intermediate hosts, sunlight exposure etc. were considered for their role in the genesis of the disease. The Ayurvedic concepts behind the etiology and development of epidemics are the same as modern epidemiological theories. The mysteries of many aspects of the current pandemic might be deciphered by traditional medicine knowledge and thus adding upon to the integrative medicine concept.

The Synergistic Combination of Cisplatin and Piperine Induces Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cell Line

Background

Piperine is a natural compound obtained from the Piper nigrum that exhibits anti-proliferative and anti-cancer activity in cancer cell lines. We analyzed the cytotoxic effect of piperine combined with cisplatin compound in the human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The present in vitro study was performed on MCF-7 cell line in Jahrom University of Medical Sciences between, Jahrom, Iran from 2016 to 2017. Cultured MCF-7 cells were seeded into four groups: a control group (untreated group), a group treated with cisplatin, a group treated with piperine and a group treated with cisplatin and piperine. Cell viability was analyzed using the MTT assay method. Flow c-ytometric analysis was investigated for apoptosis. The mRNA and protein expression of the apoptotic regulators p53, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 3 and caspase 9 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting analysis.

Results

Piperine (20 and 30 μM) in combination with cisplatin (5, 10 and 15 μM) for 24 h synergistically inhibited cell viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells more than piperine and cisplatin used alone. Synergistic anti-breast cancer activities cisplatin (5 μM) and piperine (20 μM) were via inducing apoptosis. Piperine (20 μM) and cisplatin (5 μM) for 24 h induce apoptosis strongly through reduction of Bcl-2 and increase of caspase 3, p53, caspase 9, and Bax.

Conclusion

Piperine in combination with cisplatin could trigger p53-mediated apoptosis more effective than cisplatin alone in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, reducing the toxic dose of cisplatin used in cancer chemotherapy.

Overview of the Anticancer Potential of the "King of Spices" Piper nigrum and Its Main Constituent Piperine

The main limits of current anticancer therapy are relapses, chemoresistance, and toxic effects resulting from its poor selectivity towards cancer cells that severely impair a patient's quality of life. Therefore, the discovery of new anticancer drugs remains an urgent challenge. Natural products represent an excellent opportunity due to their ability to target heterogenous populations of cancer cells and regulate several key pathways involved in cancer development, and their favorable toxicological profile. Piper nigrum is one of the most popular spices in the world, with growing fame as a source of bioactive molecules with pharmacological properties. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the anticancer potential of Piper nigrum and its major active constituents-not limited to the well-known piperine-whose undeniable anticancer properties have been reported for different cancer cell lines and animal models. Moreover, the chemosensitizing effects of Piper nigrum in association with traditional anticancer drugs are depicted and its toxicological profile is outlined. Despite the promising results, human studies are missing, which are crucial for supporting the efficacy and safety of Piper nigrum and its single components in cancer patients.

Piperine sensitizes radiation-resistant cancer cells towards radiation and promotes intrinsic pathway of apoptosis

Piperine, a bioactive alkaloid, is known to have anticancer activities. Hence, in this study, the effectiveness of piperine pretreatment as a strategy for radio-sensitizing colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) was analyzed. For this, HT-29 cells were pretreated with piperine (12.5 and 25 µg/mL) and exposed to γ-radiation (1.25 Gy) and analyzed for various effector pathways to elucidate the possible mode of action in comparison to individual treatments. The proliferation efficiency of the cells was analyzed by trypan blue dye exclusion assay and MTT assay. The synergistic effects of the combination treatment were analyzed with compuSyn software. Downstream signaling pathways leading to apoptosis were studied using flowcytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunoblot assays. It was observed that combination treatment arrested HT-29 cells at G2/M phase nearly 2.8 folds higher than radiation treatment alone, inducing the radio-resistant cells to undergo apoptosis through mitochondria-dependent pathway. In addition, activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases-1, the key molecular events in apoptotic signaling, were significantly enhanced. Activation of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), a nuclear hormone transcription factor promoting tumor suppression represents a novel clinical advance towards management and prevention of cancers. Interestingly, the expression of ERβ was increased in the cells treated with piperine. In conclusion, piperine pretreatment enhances radio-sensitization in HT-29 cells by inducing the cells to undergo apoptosis hence, can be used as a classic candidate for colon cancer sensitization towards radiotherapy. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Piperine induces enhanced radiosensitization of colon cancer cell line (HT-29) by interfering with the cancer cell line proliferation, DNA damage, and apoptosis.

Piperine suppresses the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and has anti-cancer effects on colorectal cancer cells

More than 94% of colorectal cancer cases have mutations in one or more Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway components. Inactivating mutations in APC or activating mutations in β-catenin (CTNNB1) lead to signaling overactivation and subsequent intestinal hyperplasia. Numerous classes of medicines derived from synthetic or natural small molecules, including alkaloids, have benefited the treatment of different diseases, including cancer, Piperine is a true alkaloid, derived from lysine, responsible for the spicy taste of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (Piper longum). Studies have shown that piperine has a wide range of pharmacological properties; however, piperine molecular mechanisms of action are still not fully understood. By using Wnt/β-catenin pathway epistasis experiment we show that piperine inhibits the canonical Wnt pathway induced by overexpression of β-catenin, β-catenin S33A or dnTCF4 VP16, while also suppressing β-catenin nuclear localization in HCT116 cell line. Additionally, piperine impairs cell proliferation and migration in HCT116, SW480 and DLD-1 colorectal tumor cell lines, while not affecting the non-tumoral cell line IEC-6. In summary, piperine inhibits the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and displays anti-cancer effects on colorectal cancer cell lines.

Synergistic effects of low‑dose chemotherapy and T cells in renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not sensitive to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and the effectiveness rate of molecular targeted therapy is low. Therefore, it is urgent to identify new treatment methods. Recently, adoptive T‑cell therapy has provided a new option for cancer treatment. Furthermore, low‑dose chemotherapy not only has no evident side effects and inhibitory effects on the human immune system, but can also enhance the immune activity of some effector cells. Therefore, it is surmised that the combination of different mechanisms of chemotherapy and immunotherapy could be a new treatment concept. In the present study, the effects of low‑dose chemotherapy combined with T cells in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma were explored using cytotoxicity assays, enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot analysis and flow cytometric analysis. The results revealed that low‑dose chemotherapy and T cells had synergistic effects on tumor cell elimination in vitro. The transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β signaling pathway may be involved in the inhibition of T‑cell functions. The targeted inhibition of TGF‑β signals may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of renal cancer. The present results provided a novel strategy for the combination of low‑dose chemotherapy and T cells to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of RCC treatment.

A novel piperine analogue exerts in vivo antitumor effect by inducing oxidative, antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory actions

Structural diversity characterizes natural products as prototypes for design of lead compounds. The aim of this study was to synthetize, and to evaluate the toxicity and antitumor action of a new piperine analogue, the butyl 4-(4-nitrobenzoate)-piperinoate (DE-07). Toxicity was evaluated against zebrafish, and in mice (acute and micronucleus assays). To evaluate the DE-07 antitumor activity Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model was used in mice. Angiogenesis, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and cytokines levels were investigated. Ninety-six hours exposure to DE-07 did not cause morphological or developmental changes in zebrafish embryos and larvae, with estimated LC₅₀ (lethal concentration 50%) higher than 100 μg/mL. On the acute toxicity assay in mice, LD₅₀ (lethal dose 50%) was estimated at around 1000 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.). DE-07 (300 mg/kg, i.p.) did not induce increase in the number of micronucleated erythrocytes in mice, suggesting no genotoxicity. On Ehrlich tumor model, DE-07 (12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg, i.p.) induced a significant decrease on cell viability. In addition, there was an increase on ROS production and a decrease in peritumoral microvessels density. Moreover, DE-07 induced an increase of cytokines levels involved in oxidative stress and antiangiogenic effect (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-4). No significant clinical toxicological effects were recorded in Ehrlich tumor transplanted animals. These data provide evidence that DE-07 presents low toxicity, and antitumor effect via oxidative and antiangiogenic actions by inducing modulation of inflammatory response in the tumor microenvironment.

Two Natural Alkaloids Synergistically Induce Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells by Inhibiting STAT3 Activation

Breast cancer has become a worldwide threat, and chemotherapy remains a routine treatment. Patients are forced to receive continuous chemotherapy and suffer from severe side effects and poor prognosis. Natural alkaloids, such as piperine (PP) and piperlongumine (PL), are expected to become a new strategy against breast cancer due to their reliable anticancer potential. In the present study, cell viability, flow cytometry, and Western blot assays were performed to evaluate the suppression effect of PP and PL, alone or in combination. Data showed that PP and PL synergistically inhibited breast cancer cells proliferation at lower doses, while only weak killing effect was observed in normal breast cells, indicating a good selectivity. Furthermore, apoptosis and STAT3 signaling pathway-associated protein levels were analyzed. We demonstrated that PP and PL in combination inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation and regulate downstream molecules to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Taken together, these results revealed that inactivation of STAT3 was a novel mechanism with treatment of PP and PL, suggesting that combination application of natural alkaloids may be a potential strategy for prevention and therapy of breast cancer.

Co-delivery of curcumin and Bcl-2 siRNA by PAMAM dendrimers for enhancement of the therapeutic efficacy in HeLa cancer cells

Co-delivery of therapeutic agents and small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be achieved by a suitable nanovehicle. In this work, the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin (Cur) were enhanced by entrapment in a polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer, and a polyplex was formed by grafting Bcl-2 siRNA onto the surface amine groups to produce PAMAM-Cur/Bcl-2 siRNA nanoparticles (NPs). The synthesized polyplex NPs had a particle size of ∼180 nm, and high Cur loading content of ∼82 wt%. Moreover, the PAMAM-Cur/Bcl-2 siRNA NPs showed more effective cellular uptake, and higher inhibition of tumor cell proliferation compared to PAMAM-Cur nanoformulation and free Cur, due to the combined effect of co-delivery of Cur and Bcl-2 siRNA. The newly described PAMAM-Cur/Bcl-2 siRNA polyplex NPs could be a promising co-delivery nanovehicle.

Piperine-A Major Principle of Black Pepper: A Review of Its Bioactivity and Studies

Piperine is the main compound present in black pepper, and is the carrier of its specific pungent taste, which is responsible for centuries of human dietary utilization and worldwide popularity as a food ingredient. Along with the application as a food ingredient and food preservative, it is used in traditional medicine for many purposes, which has in most cases been justified by modern scientific studies on its biological effects. It has been confirmed that piperine has many bioactive effects, such as antimicrobial action, as well as many physiological effects that can contribute to general human health, including immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimetastatic, antitumor, and many other activities. Clinical studies demonstrated remarkable antioxidant, antitumor, and drug availability-enhancing characteristics of this compound, together with immunomodulatory potential. All these facts point to the therapeutic potential of piperine and the need to incorporate this compound into general health-enhancing medical formulations, as well as into those that would be used as adjunctive therapy in order to enhance the bioavailability of various (chemo)therapeutic drugs.

Phytochemical and pharmacological attributes of piperine: A bioactive ingredient of black pepper

Plants are vital for the wellbeing of humankind in a variety of ways. Some plant extracts contain antimicrobial properties that can treat different pathogens. Most of the world's population relies on medicinal plants and natural products for their primary health care needs. Therefore, there is a growing interest in natural products, medicinal plants, and traditional medicine along with a desire to design and develop novel plant-based pharmaceuticals. These plant-based pharmaceuticals may address the concerns of reduced efficacy of synthetic antibiotics due to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. In this regard, some plant extracts from black pepper (Piper nigrum) with antimicrobial properties, including piperine, have the potential to be used as natural dietary supplements together with modern therapeutic approaches. This review highlights possible applications of piperine as the active compound in the fields of rational drug design and discovery, pharmaceutical chemistry, and biomedicine. We discuss different extraction methods and pharmacological effects of the analyzed substance to pave the way for further research strategies and perspectives towards the development of novel herbal products for better healthcare solutions.

Antioxidative and anti-proliferative potential of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn in oxidative stress induced cytotoxicity: In vitro, ex vivo and in silico studies

Plant phytoconstituents have been a valuable source of clinically important anticancer agents. Antioxidant and anticancerous activity of plant Curculigo orchioides Gaertn were explored In vitro antioxidant activity, antioxidant enzyme activity of oxidatively stressed tissue, and cell culture studies on human cancer cell lines HepG2, HeLa and MCF-7 were carried out. Active plant fractions were subjected to GC-MS analysis and compounds selected on the basis of their abundance were screened in silico with the help of Auto Dock 4.2 tools with pre-selected antioxidant enzymes. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn plant fractions exhibited significant antioxidant activities by virtue of scavenging of free radicals having IC₅₀ value of ethylacetate fraction (EA) for DPPH radical scavenging assay to be 52.93 ± 0.66 μg/ml. Further, antioxidant enzyme defense of mammalian tissue when treated with plant fractions revealed that enzyme concentrations were refurbished which were increased during oxidative stress. MTT assay on cell lines HepG2, HeLa and MCF-7 presented IC₅₀ values of ethylacetate (EA) fraction as 171.23 ± 2.1 μg/ml, 144.80 ± 1.08 μg/ml and 153.51 μg/ml and aqueous ethylacetate (AEA) fraction as 133.44 ± 1.1 μg/ml, 136.50 ± 0.8 μg/ml and 145.09 μg/ml respectively. Further EA and AEA plant fractions down regulated the levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 expression and upregulated the expression of apoptotic proteins caspase-3 and caspase-8 through an intrinsic ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction pathway.

KEY MESSAGE

Key findings explained that fractions of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn inhibited oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant enzyme content and have anticancerous potential on cancer cell lines HepG2, HeLa and MCF-7.