1
|
Butnariu M, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, Helon P, Kukula-Koch W, López V, Les F, Vergara CV, Alarcón-Zapata P, Alarcón-Zapata B, Martorell M, Pentea M, Dragunescu AA, Samfira I, Yessimsiitova Z, Daştan SD, Castillo CMS, Roberts TH, Sharifi-Rad J, Koch W, Cho WC. The effects of thymoquinone on pancreatic cancer: Evidence from preclinical studies. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113364. [PMID: 35810693 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a secondary metabolite found in abundance in very few plant species including Nigella sativa L., Monarda fistulosa L., Thymus vulgaris L. and Satureja montana L. Preclinical pharmacological studies have shown that TQ has many biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that TQ acts as an antitumor agent by altering cell cycle progression, inhibiting cell proliferation, stimulating apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, reducing metastasis and affecting autophagy. In this comprehensive study, the evidence on the pharmacological potential of TQ on pancreatic cancer is reviewed. The positive results of preclinical studies support the view that TQ can be considered as an additional therapeutic agent against pancreatic cancer. The possibilities of success for this compound in human medicine should be further explored through clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Butnariu
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Cristina Quispe
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avda. Arturo Prat 2120, Iquique 1110939, Chile.
| | - Jesús Herrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile; Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile.
| | - Paweł Helon
- Branch in Sandomierz, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Schinzla 13a Str., 27-600, Sandomierz, Poland.
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Str., 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Víctor López
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad San Jorge, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), 50059 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Francisco Les
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad San Jorge, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), 50059 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Cristian Valdés Vergara
- Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile.
| | - Pedro Alarcón-Zapata
- Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Concepción, VIII - Bio Bio Region, Chile; Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción 4080871, Chile.
| | - Barbara Alarcón-Zapata
- Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Concepción, VIII - Bio Bio Region, Chile.
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, 4070386 Concepción, Chile; Universidad de Concepción, Unidad de Desarrollo Tecnológico, UDT, Concepción 4070386, Chile.
| | - Marius Pentea
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Aneta Anca Dragunescu
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Ionel Samfira
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Zura Yessimsiitova
- Department of Biodiversity and Bioresource, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 050040, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
| | - Sevgi Durna Daştan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Turkey; Beekeeping Development Application and Research Center, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Turkey.
| | | | - Thomas H Roberts
- Plant Breeding Institute, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia.
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, 14-008 Cuenca, Ecuador.
| | - Wojciech Koch
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xue B, DasGupta D, Alam M, Khan MS, Wang S, Shamsi A, Islam A, Hassan MI. Investigating binding mechanism of thymoquinone to human transferrin, targeting Alzheimer's disease therapy. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:1381-1393. [PMID: 35722728 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Iron deposition in the central nervous system (CNS) is one of the causes of neurodegenerative diseases. Human transferrin (hTf) acts as an iron carrier present in the blood plasma, preventing it from contributing to redox reactions. Plant compounds and their derivatives are frequently being used in preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural product has gained popularity because of its broad therapeutic applications. TQ is one of the significant phytoconstituent of Nigella sativa. The binding of TQ to hTf was determined by spectroscopic methods and isothermal titration calorimetry. We have observed that TQ strongly binds to hTf with a binding constant (K) of 0.22 × 106 M-1 and forming a stable complex. In addition, isothermal titration calorimetry revealed the spontaneous binding of TQ with hTf. Molecular docking analysis showed key residues of the hTf that were involved in the binding to TQ. We further performed a 250 ns molecular dynamics simulation which deciphered the dynamics and stability of the hTf-TQ complex. Structure analysis suggested that the binding of TQ doesn't cause any significant alterations in the hTf structure during the course of simulation and a stable complex is formed. Altogether, we have elucidated the mechanism of binding of TQ with hTf, which can be further implicated in the development of a novel strategy for AD therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xue
- School of Engineering, Guangzhou College of Technology and Business, Guangzhou, China
| | - Debarati DasGupta
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Manzar Alam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohd Shahnawaz Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shuo Wang
- School of Engineering, Guangzhou College of Technology and Business, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.,Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, UAE, Ajman
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pottoo FH, Ibrahim AM, Alammar A, Alsinan R, Aleid M, Alshehhi A, Alshehri M, Mishra S, Alhajri N. Thymoquinone: Review of Its Potential in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040408. [PMID: 35455405 PMCID: PMC9026861 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) possesses anticonvulsant, antianxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic properties. It could be utilized to treat drug misuse or dependence, and those with memory and cognitive impairment. TQ protects brain cells from oxidative stress, which is especially pronounced in memory-related regions. TQ exhibits antineurotoxin characteristics, implying its role in preventing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. TQ’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect brain cells from damage and inflammation. Glutamate can trigger cell death by causing mitochondrial malfunction and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Reduction in ROS production can explain TQ effects in neuroinflammation. TQ can help prevent glutamate-induced apoptosis by suppressing mitochondrial malfunction. Several studies have demonstrated TQ’s role in inhibiting Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and some inflammatory mediators, leading to reduced inflammation and neurotoxicity. Several studies did not show any signs of dopaminergic neuron loss after TQ treatment in various animals. TQ has been shown in clinical studies to block acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, which increases acetylcholine (ACh). As a result, fresh memories are programmed to preserve the effects. Treatment with TQ has been linked to better outcomes and decreased side effects than other drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Hyder Pottoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (R.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence: (F.H.P.); (A.M.I.)
| | - Abdallah Mohammad Ibrahim
- Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, College of Nursing, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (F.H.P.); (A.M.I.)
| | - Ali Alammar
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (R.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Rida Alsinan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (R.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Mahdi Aleid
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (R.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Ali Alshehhi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Muruj Alshehri
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (R.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Supriya Mishra
- SRM Modinagar College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Delhi-NCR Campus, Modinagar, Ghaziabad 201204, UP, India;
| | - Noora Alhajri
- Department of Medicine, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Homayoonfal M, Asemi Z, Yousefi B. Potential anticancer properties and mechanisms of thymoquinone in osteosarcoma and bone metastasis. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:21. [PMID: 35236304 PMCID: PMC8903697 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00320-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite great advances, therapeutic approaches of osteosarcoma, the most prevalent class of preliminary pediatric bone tumors, as well as bone-related malignancies, continue to demonstrate insufficient adequacy. In recent years, a growing trend toward applying natural bioactive compounds, particularly phytochemicals, as novel agents for cancer treatment has been observed. Bioactive phytochemicals exert their anticancer features through two main ways: they induce cytotoxic effects against cancerous cells without having any detrimental impact on normal cell macromolecules such as DNA and enzymes, while at the same time combating the oncogenic signaling axis activated in tumor cells. Thymoquinone (TQ), the most abundant bioactive compound of Nigella sativa, has received considerable attention in cancer treatment owing to its distinctive properties, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis and metastasis inhibition, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, along with inducing immune system responses and reducing side effects of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. The present review is focused on the characteristics and mechanisms by which TQ exerts its cytotoxic effects on bone malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Homayoonfal
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Homayoonfal M, Asemi Z, Yousefi B. Targeting microRNAs with thymoquinone: a new approach for cancer therapy. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2021; 26:43. [PMID: 34627167 PMCID: PMC8502376 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-021-00286-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a global disease involving transformation of normal cells into tumor types via numerous mechanisms, with mortality among all generations, in spite of the breakthroughs in chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery for cancer treatment. Since one in six deaths is due to cancer, it is one of the overriding priorities of world health. Recently, bioactive natural compounds have been widely recognized due to their therapeutic effects for treatment of various chronic disorders, notably cancer. Thymoquinone (TQ), the most valuable constituent of black cumin seeds, has shown anti-cancer characteristics in a wide range of animal models. The revolutionary findings have revealed TQ's ability to regulate microRNA (miRNA) expression, offering a promising approach for cancer therapy. MiRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that modulate gene expression by means of variation in features of mRNA. MiRNAs manage several biological processes including gene expression and cellular signaling pathways. Accordingly, miRNAs can be considered as hallmarks for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. The purpose of this study was to review the various molecular mechanisms by which TQ exerts its potential as an anti-cancer agent through modulating miRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Homayoonfal
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou X, Wang F, Wu H, Chen X, Zhang Y, Lin J, Cai Y, Xiang J, He N, Hu Z, Jin X. Thymoquinone Suppresses the Proliferation, Migration and Invasiveness through Regulating ROS, Autophagic Flux and miR-877-5p in Human Bladder Carcinoma Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3456-3475. [PMID: 34512159 PMCID: PMC8416733 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder carcinoma is among the top 10 most frequently diagnosed cancer types in the world. As a phytochemical active metabolic, thymoquinone (TQ) is extracted from seeds of Nigella sativa, possessing various biological properties in a wide range of diseases. Moreover, the outstanding anti-cancer effect of TQ is attracting increasing attentions. In certain circumstances, moderate autophagy is regarded to facilitate the adaptation of malignant cells to different stressors. Conversely, closely linked with the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss, the upregulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) is reported to activate the cell apoptosis in many cancer types. Furthermore, the vital effects of microRNAs in the pathological processes of cancer cells have also been confirmed by previous studies. The present research confirms that TQ restrains the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion through activating caspase-dependent apoptosis in bladder carcinoma cells, which is mediated by TQ induced ROS increase in bladder carcinoma cells. Furthermore, TQ is proved to block the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes, causing the accumulation of autophagosomes and subsequent cell apoptosis. In addition, TQ is also found to initiate the miR-877-5p/PD-L1 axis, which suppresses the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion of bladder carcinoma cells. Taken together, TQ induces the apoptosis through upregulating ROS level and impairing autophagic flux, and inhibiting the EMT and cell invasion via activating the miR-877-5p/PD-L1 axis in bladder carcinoma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuejian Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Feifan Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Hongshen Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Xianwu Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Juntao Lin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Yueshu Cai
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Jiayong Xiang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Ning He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhenghui Hu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pal RR, Rajpal V, Singh P, Saraf SA. Recent Findings on Thymoquinone and Its Applications as a Nanocarrier for the Treatment of Cancer and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:775. [PMID: 34067322 PMCID: PMC8224699 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13060775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer causes a considerable amount of mortality in the world, while arthritis is an immunological dysregulation with multifactorial pathogenesis including genetic and environmental defects. Both conditions have inflammation as a part of their pathogenesis. Resistance to anticancer and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) happens frequently through the generation of energy-dependent transporters, which lead to the expulsion of cellular drug contents. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a bioactive molecule with anticancer as well as anti-inflammatory activities via the downregulation of several chemokines and cytokines. Nevertheless, the pharmacological importance and therapeutic feasibility of thymoquinone are underutilized due to intrinsic pharmacokinetics, including short half-life, inadequate biological stability, poor aqueous solubility, and low bioavailability. Owing to these pharmacokinetic limitations of TQ, nanoformulations have gained remarkable attention in recent years. Therefore, this compilation intends to critically analyze recent advancements in rheumatoid arthritis and cancer delivery of TQ. This literature search revealed that nanocarriers exhibit potential results in achieving targetability, maximizing drug internalization, as well as enhancing the anti-inflammatory and anticancer efficacy of TQ. Additionally, TQ-NPs (thymoquinone nanoparticles) as a therapeutic payload modulated autophagy as well as enhanced the potential of other drugs when given in combination. Moreover, nanoformulations improved pharmacokinetics, drug deposition, using EPR (enhanced permeability and retention) and receptor-mediated delivery, and enhanced anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. TQ's potential to reduce metal toxicity, its clinical trials and patents have also been discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Raj Pal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India; (R.R.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Vasundhara Rajpal
- Department of Biotechology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Priya Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India; (R.R.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Shubhini A. Saraf
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India; (R.R.P.); (P.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ünal TD, Hamurcu Z, Delibaşı N, Çınar V, Güler A, Gökçe S, Nurdinov N, Ozpolat B. Thymoquinone Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of MDA-MB-231 Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Suppressing Autophagy, Beclin-1 and LC3. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 21:355-364. [PMID: 32767958 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200807221047] [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: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and highly heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer associated with poor prognosis. A better understanding of the biology of this complex cancer is needed to develop novel therapeutic strategies for the improvement of patient survival. We have previously demonstrated that Thymoquinone (TQ), the major phenolic compound found in Nigella sativa, induces anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects and inhibits in vivo tumor growth in orthotopic TNBC models in mice. Also, we have previously shown that Beclin-1 and LC3 autophagy genes contributes to TNBC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, suggesting that Beclin-1 and LC3 genes provide proto-oncogenic effects in TNBC. However, the role of Beclin-1 and LC3 in mediating TQ-induced anti-tumor effects in TNBC is not known. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of TQ on the major autophagy mediators, Beclin-1 and LC3 expression, as well as autophagic activity in TNBC cells. METHODS Cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and autophagy activity were evaluated using MTS cell viability, colony formation assay, wound healing and acridine orange staining assays, respectively. Western blotting and RT-PCR assays were used to investigate LC3 and Beclin-1 protein and gene expressions, respectively, in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells in response to TQ treatments. RESULTS TQ treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and autophagic activity of MDA-MB-231 cells and suppressed LC3 and Beclin-1 expressions. Furthermore, TQ treatment led to the inhibition of Integrin-β1, VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in TNBC cells. CONCLUSION TQ inhibits autophagic activity and expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 in TNBC cells and suppresses pathways related to cell migration/invasion and angiogenesis, including Integrin-β1, VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP- 9, suggesting that TQ may be used to control autophagic activity and oncogenic signaling in TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuba D Ünal
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Zuhal Hamurcu
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nesrin Delibaşı
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Venhar Çınar
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ahsen Güler
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Sevda Gökçe
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nursultan Nurdinov
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Departments of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mintz J, Vedenko A, Rosete O, Shah K, Goldstein G, Hare JM, Ramasamy R, Arora H. Current Advances of Nitric Oxide in Cancer and Anticancer Therapeutics. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:94. [PMID: 33513777 PMCID: PMC7912608 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a short-lived, ubiquitous signaling molecule that affects numerous critical functions in the body. There are markedly conflicting findings in the literature regarding the bimodal effects of NO in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, which has important consequences for treatment. Several preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that both pro- and antitumorigenic effects of NO depend on multiple aspects, including, but not limited to, tissue of generation, the level of production, the oxidative/reductive (redox) environment in which this radical is generated, the presence or absence of NO transduction elements, and the tumor microenvironment. Generally, there are four major categories of NO-based anticancer therapies: NO donors, phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE-i), soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activators, and immunomodulators. Of these, NO donors are well studied, well characterized, and also the most promising. In this study, we review the current knowledge in this area, with an emphasis placed on the role of NO as an anticancer therapy and dysregulated molecular interactions during the evolution of cancer, highlighting the strategies that may aid in the targeting of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Mintz
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL 33328, USA;
| | - Anastasia Vedenko
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (A.V.); (J.M.H.)
| | - Omar Rosete
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Khushi Shah
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA;
| | - Gabriella Goldstein
- College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA;
| | - Joshua M. Hare
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (A.V.); (J.M.H.)
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Himanshu Arora
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (A.V.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Khasiyatullina NR, Gubaidullin AT, Shinkareva AM, Islamov DR, Mironov VF. New bisphosphonium salt containing a 1,4-dihydroxynaphthalene moiety: molecular and supramolecular structure. Russ Chem Bull 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11172-020-3012-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
11
|
Talebi M, Talebi M, Farkhondeh T, Samarghandian S. Biological and therapeutic activities of thymoquinone: Focus on the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Phytother Res 2020; 35:1739-1753. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Talebi
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Mohsen Talebi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas United States
- Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc San Antonio Texas United States
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC) Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS) Birjand Iran
- Faculty of Pharmacy Birjand University of Medical Sciences Birjand Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences Neyshabur Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Stelmashook EV, Chetverikov NS, Golyshev SA, Genrikhs EE, Isaev NK. Thymoquinone Induces Mitochondrial Damage and Death of Cerebellar Granule Neurons. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2020; 85:205-212. [PMID: 32093596 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920020078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) exhibits a wide spectrum of biological activities. Most studies on the neurotoxic action of TQ have been carried out in cancer cell lines. Here, we studied the toxic effect of TQ in primary neuronal cultures in vitro. Incubation with 0.04-0.05 mM TQ for 24 h induced the death of cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) in a dose-dependent manner. Neuronal death was preceded by an increase in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as demonstrated using CellROX Green and MitoSOX Red. Confocal and electron microscopy showed that incubation with 0.05 mM TQ for 5 h induced changes in the intracellular localization of mitochondria and mitochondria hypertrophy and cell swelling. The antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (2 mM) protected CGNs from the toxic action of TQ. Taken together, these facts suggest that TQ is toxic for normal neurons, while ROS-induced changes in the mitochondria can be one of the major causes of the TQ-induced neuronal damage and death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - N S Chetverikov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - S A Golyshev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - E E Genrikhs
- Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - N K Isaev
- Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, 125367, Russia. .,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Thymoquinone therapy remediates elevated brain tissue inflammatory mediators induced by chronic administration of food preservatives. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7026. [PMID: 31065039 PMCID: PMC6505027 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43568-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous exposure to preservatives such as nitrite salts has deleterious effects on different organs. Meanwhile, Nigella sativa oil can remediate such organ dysfunction. Here, we studied the effect of consumption of thymoquinone (TQ); the main component of Nigella sativa oil on the brain damage induced by sodium nitrite. Forty adult male rats were daily given oral gavage of sodium nitrite (80 mg/kg) with or without thymoquinone (50 mg/kg). Oxidative stress, cytokines of inflammation, fibrotic elements and apoptotic markers in brain tissue were measured. Exposure to sodium nitrite (SN) resulted in increased levels of malondialdehyde, TGF-β, c-reactive protein, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and caspase-3 associated with reduced levels of glutathione, cytochrome c oxidase, Nrf2 and IL-10. However, exposure of rats’ brain tissues to thymoquinone resulted ameliorated all these effects. In conclusion, thymoquinone remediates sodium nitrite-induced brain impairment through several mechanisms including attenuation of oxidative stress, retrieving the reduced concentration of glutathione, blocks elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, restores cytochrome c oxidase activity, and reducing the apoptosis markers in the brain tissues of rats.
Collapse
|
14
|
Khasiyatullina NR, Mironov VF, Voloshina AD, Sapunova AS. Synthesis and Antimicrobial Properties of Novel Phosphonium Salts Bearing 1,4-Dihydroxyaryl Fragment. Chem Biodivers 2019; 16:e1900039. [PMID: 30817850 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201900039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A versatile two-step pathway to the synthesis of triaryl(2,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-3-(propan-2-yl)phenyl)- and triaryl(1,4-dihydroxynaphthyl)phosphonium salts from triarylphosphonium trifluoroacetates was developed. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions (20 °C, CH2 Cl2 ) with high yields (88-95 %). Some representatives of this series possess low hemolytic and high bactericidal activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda R Khasiyatullina
- FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Arbuzov str. 8, Kazan, 420088, Russia
| | - Vladimir F Mironov
- FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Arbuzov str. 8, Kazan, 420088, Russia
| | - Alexandra D Voloshina
- FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Arbuzov str. 8, Kazan, 420088, Russia
| | - Anastasiya S Sapunova
- FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Arbuzov str. 8, Kazan, 420088, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang Y, Fan Y, Huang S, Wang G, Han R, Lei F, Luo A, Jing X, Zhao L, Gu S, Zhao X. Thymoquinone inhibits the metastasis of renal cell cancer cells by inducing autophagy via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:3865-3873. [PMID: 30259603 PMCID: PMC6272120 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ, 2-methyl-5-isopropyl-1,4-benzoquinone), a bioactive constituent extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, has been proved to exert anti-tumor efficiency in various cancers. Autophagy is a self-digestion phenomenon, and its role in tumor formation and progression remains controversial. In the present study, we investigated the effects of TQ on renal cell cancer (RCC) cell lines (786-O and ACHN) using wound healing assay, transwell assay and western blot analysis. We found that TQ effectively inhibited the metastatic capacity of RCC cells in vitro, which was also verified in a xenograft model. Meanwhile, we observed LC3 puncta and detected the expression of LC3 in TQ-treated RCC cells, and then found that autophagy was induced by TQ in 786-O and ACHN cell lines. In addition, TQ inhibited the migration and invasion as well as the EMT in RCC cells in an autophagy-dependent manner. To further explore the underlying mechanism, we detected the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. The results indicated that TQ inhibited the metastasis of RCC cells by inducing autophagy via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings provide a novel therapeutic strategy that aims at TQ-induced autophagy in RCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yizeng Fan
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Shangke Huang
- Department of Medical Oncologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Guanying Wang
- Department of Medical Oncologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Medical Oncologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Fuxi Lei
- Department of Medical Oncologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Anqi Luo
- Department of Medical Oncologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Xin Jing
- Department of Medical Oncologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Shanzhi Gu
- Department of College of Forensic MedicineXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Xinhan Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Samarghandian S, Azimi-Nezhad M, Farkhondeh T. Thymoquinone-induced antitumor and apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:10421-10431. [PMID: 30387147 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer has been associated with the highest cancer-associated mortality rate in the world. Chemotherapeutic management of cancer necessitates introducing new promising agents. Plants represent a rich source of new antineoplastic and chemotherapeutic agents. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main constituent of Nigella sativa (black seed or black cumin), has shown potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities so far. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the antineoplastic potential of TQ and their underlying mechanisms in A549 cells (human lung cancer cell line). METHOD The A549 cells were treated with the different concentrations of TQ for three following days. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Necrosis and apoptosis were assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis through propidium iodide and annexin V staining and also by assessing caspase-3 and -9 activation. DNA fragmentation was monitored by gel electrophoresis. RESULTS TQ decreased the viability and increased apoptotic cell death in A549 human lung tumor cells. TQ treatment significantly elevated the Bax/ Bcl-2 ratio in the lung cancer cells. TQ also upregulated p53 expression, another apoptotic modulator in A549 cancer cells. TQ also activated caspase-dependent apoptosis by the activation of caspases-3 and -9. CONCLUSION Our results proposed that TQ may be a potential new therapeutic agent for the management of lung cancer. TQ promoted apoptosis in A546 lung cancer cells by the activation of p53 and caspase cascade dependent pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Samarghandian
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Mohsen Azimi-Nezhad
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.,Department of Basic Medical Science, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| |
Collapse
|