Differential effects of baicalein and its sulfated derivatives in inhibiting proliferation of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

Ratiometric codelivery of Paclitaxel and Baicalein loaded nanoemulsion for enhancement of breast cancer treatment

The most prevalent clinical option for treating cancer is combination chemotherapy. In combination therapy, assessment and optimization for obtaining a synergistic ratio could be obtained by various preclinical setups. Currently, in vitro optimization is used to get synergistic cytotoxicity while constructing combinations. Herein, we co-encapsulated Paclitaxel (PTX) and Baicalein (BCLN) with TPP-TPGS1000 containing nanoemulsion (TPP-TPGS1000-PTX-BCLN-NE) for breast cancer treatment. The assessment of cytotoxicity of PTX and BCLN at different molar weight ratios provided an optimized synergistic ratio (1:5). Quality by Design (QbD) approach was later applied for the optimization as well as characterization of nanoformulation for its droplet size, zeta potential and drug content. TPP-TPGS1000-PTX-BCLN-NE significantly enhanced cellular ROS, cell cycle arrest, and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential in the 4T1 breast cancer cell line compared to other treatments. In the syngeneic 4T1 BALB/c tumor model, TPP-TPGS1000-PTX-BCLN-NE outperformed other nanoformulation treatments. The pharmacokinetic, biodistribution and live imaging studies pivoted TPP-TPGS1000-PTX-BCLN-NE enhanced bioavailability and PTX accumulation at tumor site. Later, histology studies confirmed nanoemulsion non-toxicity, expressing new opportunities and potential to treat breast cancer. These results suggested that current nanoformulation can be a potential therapeutic approach to effectively address breast cancer therapy.

Ginger-Derived 3HDT Exerts Antiproliferative Effects on Breast Cancer Cells by Apoptosis and DNA Damage

Ginger-derived compounds are abundant sources of anticancer natural products. However, the anticancer effects of (E)-3-hydroxy-1-(4'-hydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)-tetradecan-6-en-5-one (3HDT) have not been examined. This study aims to assess the antiproliferation ability of 3HDT on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. 3HDT showed dose-responsive antiproliferation for TNBC cells (HCC1937 and Hs578T). Moreover, 3HDT exerted higher antiproliferation and apoptosis on TNBC cells than on normal cells (H184B5F5/M10). By examining reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and glutathione, we found that 3HDT provided higher inductions for oxidative stress in TNBC cells compared with normal cells. Antiproliferation, oxidative stress, antioxidant signaling, and apoptosis were recovered by N-acetylcysteine, indicating that 3HDT preferentially induced oxidative-stress-mediated antiproliferation in TNBC cells but not in normal cells. Moreover, by examining γH2A histone family member X (γH2AX) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, we found that 3HDT provided higher inductions for DNA damage, which was also reverted by N-acetylcysteine. In conclusion, 3HDT is an effective anticancer drug with preferential antiproliferation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA damage effects on TNBC cells.

Targeting regulated cell death with plant natural compounds for cancer therapy: A revisited review of apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, and necroptosis

Regulated cell death (RCD) refers to programmed cell death regulated by various protein molecules, such as apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, and necroptosis. Accumulating evidence has recently revealed that RCD subroutines have several links to many types of human cancer; therefore, targeting RCD with pharmacological small-molecule compounds would be a promising therapeutic strategy. Moreover, plant natural compounds, small-molecule compounds synthesized from plant sources, and their derivatives have been widely reported to regulate different RCD subroutines to improve potential cancer therapy. Thus, in this review, we focus on updating the intricate mechanisms of apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, and necroptosis in cancer. Moreover, we further discuss several representative plant natural compounds and their derivatives that regulate the above-mentioned three subroutines of RCD, and their potential as candidate small-molecule drugs for the future cancer treatment.

Marine Sponge Aaptos suberitoides Extract Improves Antiproliferation and Apoptosis of Breast Cancer Cells without Cytotoxicity to Normal Cells In Vitro

The anticancer effects and mechanisms of marine sponge Aaptos suberitoides were rarely assessed, especially for methanol extract of A. suberitoides (MEAS) to breast cancer cells. This study evaluated the differential suppression effects of proliferation by MEAS between breast cancer and normal cells. MEAS demonstrated more antiproliferation impact on breast cancer cells than normal cells, indicating oxidative stress-dependent preferential antiproliferation effects on breast cancer cells but not for normal cells. Several oxidative stress-associated responses were highly induced by MEAS in breast cancer cells but not normal cells, including the generations of cellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress as well as the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential. MEAS downregulated cellular antioxidants such as glutathione, partly contributing to the upregulation of oxidative stress in breast cancer cells. This preferential oxidative stress generation is accompanied by more DNA damage (γH2AX and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine) in breast cancer cells than in normal cells. N-acetylcysteine reverted these MEAS-triggered responses. In conclusion, MEAS is a potential natural product for treating breast cancer cells with the characteristics of preferential antiproliferation function without cytotoxicity to normal cells in vitro.

Dietary phytochemicals/nutrients as promising protector of breast cancer development: a comprehensive analysis

Genetic change, particularly epigenetic alteration, is one of the imperative factors for sporadic breast cancer development in the worldwide population of women. The DNA methylation process is essential and natural for human cellular renewal and tissue homeostasis, but its dysregulation contributes to many pathological changes, including breast tumorigenesis. Chemopreventive agents mainly protect the abnormal DNA methylation either by hindering the division of pre-malignant cells or looming the DNA damage, which leads to malignancy. The present review article is about understanding the potential role of dietary phytochemicals in breast cancer prevention. Accordingly, a literature search of the published article until August 2021 has been performed. Further, we have investigated the binding affinity of different phytochemicals isolated from diverse dietary sources against the various oncogenic proteins related to breast cancer initiation to understand the common target(s) in breast cancer prevention mechanisms. Various small phytochemicals, especially dietary phytochemicals including sulforaphane, mahanine, resveratrol, linolenic acid, diallyl sulfide, benzyl/phenethyl isothiocyanate, etc. are being investigated as the chemopreventive agent to manage breast cancer development, and some of them have shown promising outcomes in the cited research. In this present review, we discuss the recent advancement in acceptance of such types of potential dietary phytochemicals as a chemopreventive agent against breast cancer development and their inner lining mechanism. The critical clinical trials and cohort studies have also been considered to understand the progress in contemporary perspectives.

Baicalein Inhibits the SMYD2/RPS7 Signaling Pathway to Inhibit the Occurrence and Metastasis of Lung Cancer

Objective

This study investigated the potential effects of Baicalein on proliferation, migration, and invasion of human lung cancer A549 and NCI-H1299 cells and its possible mechanisms.

Methods

The effects of Baicalein on proliferation and invasion of A549 and NCI-H1299 cells were detected by MTT assay, clonogenesis assay, and Transwell assay. A subcutaneous transplanted tumor model was used to evaluate the effects of SMYD2 and Baicalein on the proliferation of lung cancer. Baicalein inhibited in SMYD2/RPS7 signaling pathway in tumor cells was also detected by qRT-PCR.

Results

Baicalein significantly inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells. In addition, Baicalein significantly reduced the rate of A549 and NCI-H1299 cell invasion and clone formation in a dose-dependent manner. Animal experiments showed that both SMYD2 and Baicalein treatments could inhibit lung cancer tumor proliferation. Mechanism studies suggest that Baicalein inhibits the SMYD2/RPS7 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

These results indicated that Baicalein could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUNG cancer A549 and NCI-H1299 cells. Baicalein inhibits cell proliferation by downregulating the SMYD2/RPS7 signaling pathway.

An overview of pharmacological activities of baicalin and its aglycone baicalein: New insights into molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways

The flavonoids, baicalin, and its aglycone baicalein possess multi-fold therapeutic properties and are mainly found in the roots of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. These flavonoids have been reported to possess various pharmacological properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, anticonvulsant, anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. The pharmacological properties of baicalin and baicalein are due to their abilities to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interaction with various signaling molecules associated with apoptosis, inflammation, autophagy, cell cycle, mitochondrial dynamics, and cytoprotection. In this review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic applications of baicalin and baicalein in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. In addition, the preventive effects of baicalin and baicalein on mitochondrial dynamics and functions were highlighted with a particular emphasis on their anti-oxidative and cytoprotective properties. The current review highlights could be useful for future prospective studies to further improve the pharmacological applications of baicalein and baicalin. These studies should define the threshold for optimal drug exposure, dose optimization and focus on therapeutic drug monitoring, objective disease markers, and baicalin/baicalein drug levels.

Effects and mechanisms of dietary bioactive compounds on breast cancer prevention

Breast cancer (BC) is the most often diagnosed cancer among females globally and has become an increasing global health issue over the last decades. Despite the substantial improvement in screening methods for initial diagnosis, effective therapy remains lacking. Still, there has been high recurrence and disease progression after treatment of surgery, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Considering this view, there is a crucial requirement to develop safe, freely accessible, and effective anticancer therapy for BC. The dietary bioactive compounds as auspicious anticancer agents have been recognized to be active and their implications in the treatment of BC with negligible side effects. Hence, this review focused on various dietary bioactive compounds as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of BC with the mechanisms of action. Bioactive compounds have chemo-preventive properties as they inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, downregulate the expression of estrogen receptors, and cell cycle arrest by inducing apoptotic settings in tumor cells. Therapeutic drugs or natural compounds generally incorporate engineered nanoparticles with ideal sizes, shapes, and enhance their solubility, circulatory half-life, and biodistribution. All data of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies of dietary bioactive compounds and their impact on BC were collected from Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The data of chemopreventive and anticancer activity of dietary bioactive compounds were collected and orchestrated in a suitable place in the review. These shreds of data will be extremely beneficial to recognize a series of additional diet-derived bioactive compounds to treat BC with the lowest side effects.

Ligand decorated biodegradable nanomedicine in the treatment of cancer

Cancer is one of the major global health problems, responsible for the second-highest number of deaths. The genetic and epigenetic changes in the oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes alter the regulatory pathways leading to its onset and progression. Conventional methods are used in appropriate combinations for the treatment. Surgery effectively treats localized tumors; however, it fails to treat metastatic tumors, leading to a spread in other organs, causing a high recurrence rate and death. Among the different strategies, the nanocarriers-based approach is highly sought for, but its nonspecific delivery can cause a profound side effect on healthy cells. Targeted nanomedicine has the advantage of targeting cancer cells specifically by interacting with the receptors overexpressed on their surface, overcoming its non-specificity to target healthy cells. Nanocarriers prepared from biodegradable and biocompatible materials are decorated with different ligands by encapsulating therapeutic or diagnostic agents or both to target cancer cells overexpressing the receptors. Scientists are now utilizing a theranostic approach to simultaneously evaluate nanocarrier bio-distribution and its effect on the treatment regime. Herein, we have summarized the recent 5-year efforts in the development of the ligands decorated biodegradable nanocarriers, as a targeted nanomedicine approach, which has been highly promising in the treatment of cancer.

Dietary Phenolics against Breast Cancer. A Critical Evidence-Based Review and Future Perspectives

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related death in adult women worldwide. Over 85% of BC cases are non-hereditary, caused by modifiable extrinsic factors related to lifestyle, including dietary habits, which play a crucial role in cancer prevention. Although many epidemiological and observational studies have inversely correlated the fruit and vegetable consumption with the BC incidence, the involvement of their phenolic content in this correlation remains contradictory. During decades, wrong approaches that did not consider the bioavailability, metabolism, and breast tissue distribution of dietary phenolics persist behind the large currently existing gap between preclinical and clinical research. In the present review, we provide comprehensive preclinical and clinical evidence according to physiologically relevant in vitro and in vivo studies. Some dietary phenolics such as resveratrol (RSV), quercetin, isoflavones, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), lignans, and curcumin are gaining attention for their chemopreventive properties in preclinical research. However, the clinical evidence of dietary phenolics as BC chemopreventive compounds is still inconclusive. Therefore, the only way to validate promising preclinical results is to conduct clinical trials in BC patients. In this regard, future perspectives on dietary phenolics and BC research are also critically discussed.

Baicalein Is a Phytohormone that Signals Through the Progesterone and Glucocorticoid Receptors

While flavonoids have been studied extensively for estrogen receptor activity, they have not been well studied for their ability to modify progesterone receptor (PR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling. Three flavonoid compounds, tangeretin, wogonin, and baicalein, were selected for testing for PR and GR activity based on their structural similarity to known phytoprogesterone-like compounds. Each compound was docked in the binding pocket of PR and GR. Of these compounds, baicalein was predicted to be most likely to bind to both receptors. A fluorescence polarization competitive binding assay for PR and GR confirmed that baicalein binds to both the PR and GR with IC₅₀ values of 15.30 μM and 19.26 μM, respectively. In Ishikawa PR-B and T47D cells, baicalein acted as a PR antagonist in a hormone response element (HRE) luciferase (Luc) assay. In OVCAR5 cells, which only express GR, baicalein was a GR agonist via an HRE/Luc assay and induced GR target genes, FKBP5 and GILZ. RU486, a PR and GR antagonist, abrogated baicalein's activity in OVCAR5 cells, confirming baicalein's activity is mediated through the GR. In vivo, baicalein administered intraperitoneally to female mice twice a week for 4 weeks at a dose of 25 mg/kg induced the GR target gene GILZ in the reproductive tract, which was blocked by RU486. In summary, baicalein has PR antagonist and GR agonist activity in vitro and demonstrates GR agonist activity in the uterus in vivo.

Baicalein, as a Prooxidant, Triggers Mitochondrial Apoptosis in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells Through Mobilization of Intracellular Copper and Reactive Oxygen Species Generation

Background

Baicalein, a natural flavonoid derived from traditional Chinese herb Scutellaria baicalensis Georg (known as Huang Qin in Chinese), has been reported to exhibit notable antitumor activity in various cancer cells, including breast cancer. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying its induced apoptosis as a prooxidant in breast cancer cells are still unknown.

Materials and methods

In this study, we investigated the effect of endogenous copper on cytotoxic activity of baicalin against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells in vitro.

Results

Baicalein could remarkably reduce the cell viability in both dose- and time-dependent manners in MCF-7 cells but with lower cytotoxic effects on normal breast epithelial cells, MCF-10A. Such cell death could be prevented by pretreatment with Cu (I)-specific chelator neocuproine (Neo) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers. Meanwhile, baicalein could induce MCF-7 cell morphological changes, promote apoptotic cell death and increase the apoptotic cell number. Moreover, DCHF-DA staining, flow cytometry and Western blotting analyses proved that baicalein triggered the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway, as indicated by enhancement the level of intracellular ROS, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), downregulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, upregulation of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, release of cytochrome C and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in MCF-7 cells. The pretreatment with Neo remarkably weakened these effects of baicalein. Furthermore, we confirmed that the prooxidant action of baicalein involved the direct production of hydroxyl radicals through redox recycling of copper ions.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that baicalein, acting as a prooxidant, could trigger apoptosis in MCF-7 cells occurs via the ROS-mediated intrinsic mitochondria-dependent pathway.

Combination of baicalein and docetaxel additively inhibits the growth of non-small cell lung cancer in vivo

Objective: The objective of this study is to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of the combination of baicalein and docetaxel on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vivo.

Methods: The subcutaneous model was established by inoculation of A549 cells, and then these tumor-bearing mice were randomly assigned to eight groups to receive normal saline (NS) as control, baicalein alone, Taxotere[Formula: see text] (docetaxel injection) alone or the combination of baicalein and Taxotere[Formula: see text]. The effect of the combination treatment was evaluated by [Formula: see text] value. Tumors were harvested for TUNEL and CD31 immunohistochemical staining and important organs for H&E staining.

Results: Baicalein 50[Formula: see text]mg/kg plus docetaxel 10[Formula: see text]mg/kg significantly reduced tumor weight and inhibited the growth rate of tumor, displaying the additive effect indicated by the [Formula: see text] value. Increased apoptosis and decreased tumor angiogenesis also provided pathological evidence. Additionally, baicalein 50[Formula: see text]mg/kg plus docetaxel 10[Formula: see text]mg/kg did not increase toxicity in lung, liver and kidney.

Conclusion: Baicalein 50[Formula: see text]mg/kg plus docetaxel 10[Formula: see text]mg/kg additively inhibits the growth of NSCLC in vivo, and the mechanism underlying remains to be discovered.

Metabolic Engineering of Escherichia coli for Enhanced Production of Naringenin 7-Sulfate and Its Biological Activities

Flavonoids are one of the predominant groups of plant polyphenols, and these compounds have significant effects on human health and nutrition. Sulfated flavonoids have more favorable attributes compared to their parent compounds such as increased solubility, stability, and bioavailability. In this research, we developed a microbial system to produce sulfated naringenin using Escherichia coli expressing a sulfotransferase (ST) from Arabidopsis thaliana (At2g03770). This wild-type strain was used as a model system for testing clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) interference (CRISPRi) metabolic engineering strategies. Using synthetic sgRNA to mediate transcriptional repression of cysH, a gene encoding 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) ST, which is involved in sulfur metabolism, resulted in an increase in intracellular PAPS accumulation by over 3.28-fold without impairing cell growth. Moreover, naringenin 7-sulfate production by engineering E. coli with its cysH gene repressed in the open reading frame through CRISPRi was enhanced by 2.83-fold in compared with the wild-type control. To improve the efficiency of biotransformation, the concentration of SO42- , glucose, and substrate were optimized. The bioproductivity of naringenin 7-sulfate was 135.49 μM [∼143.1 mg (47.7 mg L^-1)] in a 3-L fermenter at 36 h. These results demonstrated that the CRISPRi system was successfully applied for the first time in E. coli to develop an efficient microbial strain for production of a sulfated flavonoid. In addition, antibacterial and anticancer activities of naringenin 7-sulfate were investigated and found to be higher than the parent compound.

Baicalein inhibits breast cancer growth via activating a novel isoform of the long noncoding RNA PAX8-AS1-N

Baicalein, a natural flavonoid, has fascinating anti-cancer properties in breast cancer. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of transcripts with no protein-coding potential, also exhibit critical roles in breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating the anti-cancer properties of baicalein and whether lncRNAs are involved in the anti-cancer effects are still unclear. In this study, we identified a novel isoform of lncRNA PAX8-AS1 (PAX8-AS1-N), which is activated by baicalein in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Functional assays showed that PAX8-AS1-N reduced cell viability, inhibited cell-cycle progression, and induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells in vitro. Depletion of PAX8-AS1-N promoted breast xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, depletion of PAX8-AS1-N attenuated the suppressive roles of baicalein on cell viability, the apoptosis induced by baicalein, and also the suppressive roles of baicalein on tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, PAX8-AS1-N bound to miR-17-5p, and up-regulated miR-17-5p targets, such as PTEN, CDKN1A, and ZBTB4. In addition, PAX8-AS1-N was down-regulated in breast cancer and reduced expression of PAX8-AS1-N indicated poor survival of breast cancer patients. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that PAX8-AS1-N activation mediated the anti-cancer effects of baicalein via regulating miR-17-5p, and suggested that baicalein and enhancing PAX8-AS1-N would be potential therapeutic strategies against breast cancer.

Liposome‑delivered baicalein induction of myeloid leukemia K562 cell death via reactive oxygen species generation

Baicalein (BL), a potential cancer chemopreventative flavone, has been reported to inhibit cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and causing cell cycle arrest in various human cancer cell models. Delivery of BL via nanoliposomes has been shown to improve its oral bioavailability and long-circulating property in vivo. However, the role of BL in the inhibition of human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) K562 cell growth and its underlying mechanisms has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, BL was formulated into liposomes with different sizes to improve its solubility and stability. The cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of free BL and liposomal BL were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that 100 nm liposomes were the most stable formulation when compared with 200 and 400 nm liposomes. Liposomal BL inhibited K562 cell growth as efficiently as free BL (prepared in DMSO), indicating that the liposome may be a potential vehicle to deliver BL for the treatment of CML. Flow cytometry analysis showed that there was significant (P<0.005) cell cycle arrest in the sub-G1 phase (compared with vehicle control), indicating cell apoptosis following 20 µM liposomal BL or free BL treatment of K562 cells for 48 h. The induction of cell apoptosis by all BL preparations was further confirmed through the staining of treated cells with Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide. A significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was observed in free BL and liposomal BL treated cells, with a higher level of ROS produced from those treated with free BL. This indicated that cell apoptosis induced by BL may be via ROS generation and liposome delivery may further extend the effect through its long-circulating property.

Baicalein Inhibits the Proliferation of Cervical Cancer Cells Through the GSK3β-Dependent Pathway

Baicalein, a flavonoid derived from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis, has been reported to possess multiple pharmacological activities, such as anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the effect of baicalein in cervical cancer cells. Cell growth curve and MTT assay were performed and revealed that baicalein inhibited the proliferation of SiHa and HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. We further found that baicalein arrested the cell cycle of SiHa and HeLa cells at the G₀/G₁ phase by suppressing the expression of cyclin D1 through the downregulation of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β (p-GSK3β) according to FACS assays and Western blotting. Moreover, when CHIR-99021, a GSK3β inhibitor, was added to baicalein-treated SiHa cells, the expression of cyclin D1 was recovered, and cell proliferation was promoted. In conclusion, these data indicated that baicalein suspended the cell cycle at the G₀/G₁ phase via the downregulation of cyclin D1 through the AKT–GSK3β signaling pathway and further inhibited the proliferation of SiHa and HeLa cervical cancer cells.

Baicalein Induces Beclin 1- and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-Dependent Autophagy in Ovarian Cancer Cells

Baicalein (BA), one of the major compounds isolated from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Gerogi, exhibits various pharmacological effects, such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. In this study, we found that BA reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Treatment of cells with BA enhanced microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II (LC3-II) expression, acidic vesicular organelle and GFP-LC3 fluorescence dot accumulation. Combined treatment with chloroquine and BA apparently reduced cell viability and increased the cleavage of poly (ADPribose) polymerase (PARP) in both HEY and A2780 ovarian cancer cell lines, indicating that BA induces a protective autophagy in these cells. Knockdown of Beclin 1 by siRNA remarkably decreased BA-induced LC3-II lipidation. In addition, we found an increase in the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK, Thr202/Thr204) and AKT (Ser473) after BA treatment, and inhibition of ERK activation by the pharmacological inhibitor U0126 or ERK siRNA blocked BA-induced autophagy. Taken together, these results suggest that BA induces Beclin 1- and ERK-dependent autophagy in ovarian cancer cells.

The Fascinating Effects of Baicalein on Cancer: A Review

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and a major global health problem. In recent decades, the rates of both mortality and morbidity of cancer have rapidly increased for a variety of reasons. Despite treatment options, there are serious side effects associated with chemotherapy drugs and multiple forms of drug resistance that significantly reduce their effects. There is an accumulating amount of evidence on the pharmacological activities of baicalein (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and antitumor effects). Furthermore, there has been great progress in elucidating the target mechanisms and signaling pathways of baicalein's anti-cancer potential. The anti-tumor functions of baicalein are mainly due to its capacities to inhibit complexes of cyclins to regulate the cell cycle, to scavenge oxidative radicals, to attenuate mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase B (Akt) or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activities, to induce apoptosis by activating caspase-9/-3 and to inhibit tumorinvasion and metastasis by reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2/-9 (MMP-2/-9). In this review, we focused on the relevant biological mechanisms of baicalein involved in inhibiting various cancers, such as bladder cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Moreover, we also summarized the specific mechanisms by which baicalein inhibited the growth of various tumors in vivo. Taken together, baicalein may be developed as a potential, novel anticancer drug to treat tumors.

Anticancer properties of baicalein: a review

The constituents of many traditional Chinese herbal remedies are currently at the forefront of modern cancer research. Baicalein, a bioactive flavone widely used in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, has shown great potential in the treatment and prevention of cancer without causing severe side effects. Baicalein induces cancer cell apoptosis and cause cell cycle arrest. It shows inhibitory effects on angiogenesis, metastasis and inflammation, all of which are necessary for the promotion and progression of cancer. This review presents an overview of the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of baicalein. In addition, the bioavailability of baicalein and approaches to improve it are summarized. Treatments of baicalein in combination with other anti-cancer agents are also mentioned.

Latest research progress in the correlation between baicalein and breast cancer invasion and metastasis

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly occurring female malignant tumors. According to the 2012 GLOBOCAN statistics, produced by the International Agency for Research On Cancer ('IARC'), nearly 1.7 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, with 522,000 related deaths: An increase in the incidence of breast cancer and associated mortality by nearly 18% from 2008. Metastasis is the final step in breast cancer progression, and represents the most common cause of mortality in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, a search for low-toxicity, safe and effective anti-breast cancer drugs in the form of natural compounds has become an intense focus of research. Baicalein, a widely used Chinese herbal medicine, has extensive antitumor activity. The present review briefly describes the research that has been performed on the association between baicalein and breast cancer metastasis, and further illustrates the influence of baicalein on the underlying mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis, adding a novel theory basis for baicalein antitumor research. In conclusion, baicalein may represent a promising target for the prevention and therapy of breast cancer.

BDMC-A, an analog of curcumin, inhibits markers of invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis in breast cancer cells via NF-κB pathway--A comparative study with curcumin

Breast cancer chemoprevention has become increasingly important in India as it faces a potential breast cancer epidemic over the next decade. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric is a well known chemopreventive agent that possesses various therapeutic properties including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we have investigated the inhibitory effects of BDMC-A, an analog of curcumin, on invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis markers using in vitro with MCF-7 cells and in silico studies, hence proved that BDMC-A has more potential than curcumin. Mechanistic studies revealed that BDMC-A might have exerted its activity by inhibiting metastatic and angiogenic pathways by modulating the expression of proteins upstream to NF-κB (TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β and c-Src), and NF-κB signaling cascade (c-Rel, COX-2, MMP-9, VEGF, IL-8) and by upregulating TIMP-2 levels. An in silico molecular docking study with NF-κB revealed that the docking score and interaction of BDMC-A with NF-κB-DNA binding was more efficient when compared to curcumin. Our overall results showed that BDMC-A more effectively inhibited invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis markers compared to curcumin. The activity can be attributed to the presence of hydroxyl group in the ortho position in its structure. Further research are going on to prove its potential as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer.