1
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Karim B, Arabameri M, Alimoradi F, Mansoori R, Moghadamnia AA, Kazemi S, Hosseini SM. Protective effect of thymoquinone nanoemulsion in reducing the cardiotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil in rats. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22171. [PMID: 38459752 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), which is one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs, has various side effects on the heart. Thymoquinone (TMQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa, has antioxidant and protective effects against toxicity. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of thymoquinone against cardiotoxicity caused by 5-FU in vitro and in vivo models. H9C2 cells were exposed to 5-FU and TMQ, and cell viability was evaluated in their presence. Also, 25 male Wistar rats were divided into five control groups, 5-FU, 2.5, and 5 mg TMQ in nanoemulsion form (NTMQ) + 5-FU and 5 mg NTMQ. Cardiotoxicity was assessed through electrocardiography, cardiac enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and histopathology. 5-FU induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells, which improved dose-dependently with NTMQ cotreatment. 5-FU caused body weight loss, ECG changes (increased ST segment, prolonged QRS, and QTc), increased cardiac enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], creatine kinase-myocardial band [CK-MB], and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, nitric acid; decreased glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity), and histological damage such as necrosis, hyperemia, and tissue hyalinization in rats. NTMQ ameliorated these 5-FU-induced effects. Higher NTMQ dose showed greater protective effects. Thus, the results of our study indicate that NTMQ protects against 5-FU cardiotoxicity likely through antioxidant mechanisms. TMQ warrants further research as an adjuvant to alleviate 5-FU chemotherapy side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bardia Karim
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Motahare Arabameri
- Department of Pharmacology, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Alimoradi
- Department of Pharmacology, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
| | - Razieh Mansoori
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ali A Moghadamnia
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Sohrab Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Seyed M Hosseini
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Babol-Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran
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2
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Shabani H, Karami MH, Kolour J, Sayyahi Z, Parvin MA, Soghala S, Baghini SS, Mardasi M, Chopani A, Moulavi P, Farkhondeh T, Darroudi M, Kabiri M, Samarghandian S. Anticancer activity of thymoquinone against breast cancer cells: Mechanisms of action and delivery approaches. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:114972. [PMID: 37481931 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising incidence of breast cancer has been a significant source of concern in the medical community. Regarding the adverse effects and consequences of current treatments, cancers' health, and socio-economical aspects have become more complicated, leaving research aimed at improved or new treatments on top priority. Medicinal herbs contain multitarget compounds that can control cancer development and advancement. Owing to Nigella Sativa's elements, it can treat many disorders. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural chemical derived from the black seeds of Nigella sativa Linn proved to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. TQ interferes in a broad spectrum of tumorigenic procedures and inhibits carcinogenesis, malignant development, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis owing to its multitargeting ability. It effectively facilitates miR-34a up-regulation, regulates the p53-dependent pathway, and suppresses Rac1 expression. TQ promotes apoptosis and controls the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes. It has also been shown to diminish the phosphorylation of NF-B and IKK and decrease the metastasis and ERK1/2 and PI3K activity. We discuss TQ's cytotoxic effects for breast cancer treatment with a deep look at the relevant stimulatory or inhibitory signaling pathways. This review discusses the various forms of polymeric and non-polymeric nanocarriers (NC) and the encapsulation of TQ for increasing oral bioavailability and enhanced in vitro and in vivo efficacy of TQ-combined treatment with different chemotherapeutic agents against various breast cancer cell lines. This study can be useful to a broad scientific community, comprising pharmaceutical and biological scientists, as well as clinical investigators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Shabani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr Branch, Iran
| | | | - Jalili Kolour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology master student, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Zeinab Sayyahi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amir Parvin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, school of Biology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrad Soghala
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Shojaei Baghini
- Plant Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology(NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Mardasi
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G. C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Chopani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pooria Moulavi
- Department of Biology, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Majid Darroudi
- Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur 9318614139, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Kabiri
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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Shoaib A, Javed S, Wahab S, Azmi L, Tabish M, Sultan MH, Abdelsalam K, Alqahtani SS, Ahmad MF. Cellular, Molecular, Pharmacological, and Nano-Formulation Aspects of Thymoquinone-A Potent Natural Antiviral Agent. Molecules 2023; 28:5435. [PMID: 37513307 PMCID: PMC10383476 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of an antiviral agent research is to find an antiviral drug that reduces viral growth without harming healthy cells. Transformations of the virus, new viral strain developments, the resistance of viral pathogens, and side effects are the current challenges in terms of discovering antiviral drugs. The time has come and it is now essential to discover a natural antiviral agent that has the potential to destroy viruses without causing resistance or other unintended side effects. The pharmacological potency of thymoquinone (TQ) against different communicable and non-communicable diseases has been proven by various studies, and TQ is considered to be a safe antiviral substitute. Adjunctive immunomodulatory effects in addition to the antiviral potency of TQ makes it a major compound against viral infection through modulating the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, decreasing the cytokine storm, and inhibiting endothelial dysfunction. Nevertheless, TQ's low oral bioavailability, short half-life, poor water solubility, and conventional formulation are barriers to achieving its optimal pharmacologic benefits. Nano-formulation proposes numerous ways to overcome these obstacles through a small particle size, a big surface area, and a variety of surface modifications. Nano-based pharmaceutical innovations to combat viral infections using TQ are a promising approach to treating surmounting viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambreen Shoaib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit (PPRU), College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shamama Javed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadma Wahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lubna Azmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
| | - Mohammad Tabish
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad H Sultan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Karim Abdelsalam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit (PPRU), College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad S Alqahtani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Faruque Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Yadav S. Advanced therapeutics avenues in hepatocellular carcinoma: a novel paradigm. Med Oncol 2023; 40:239. [PMID: 37442842 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02104-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent type of primary liver cancer, and it poses a significant risk to patients health and longevity due to its high morbidity and fatality rates. Surgical ablation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and, most recently, immunotherapy have all been investigated for HCC, but none have yielded the desired outcomes. Several unique nanocarrier drug delivery techniques have been studied for their potential therapeutic implications in the treatment of HCC. Nanoparticle-based imaging could be effective for more accurate HCC diagnosis. Since its inception, nanomedicine has significantly transformed the approach to both the treatment and diagnostics of liver cancer. Nanoparticles (NPs) are being studied as a potential treatment for liver cancer because of their ability to carry small substances, such as treatment with chemotherapy, microRNA, and therapeutic genes. The primary focus of this study is on the most current discoveries and practical uses of nanomedicine-based diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for liver cancer. In this section, we had gone over what we know about metabolic dysfunction in HCC and the treatment options that attempt to fix it by targeting metabolic pathways. Furthermore, we propose a multi-target metabolic strategy as a viable HCC treatment option. Based on the findings given here, the scientists believe that smart nanomaterials have great promise for improving cancer theranostics and opening up new avenues for tumor diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Yadav
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Plot No.2, Sector 17-A, Yamuna Expressway, Gautam Buddhnagar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India.
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5
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El-Sayed SAES, Rizk MA. COVID-19 and Thymoquinone: Clinical Benefits, Cure, and Challenges. BIOMED 2023; 3:59-76. [DOI: 10.3390/biomed3010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
In today’s world, the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world, causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and several associated complications in various organs (heart, liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract), as well as significant multiple organ dysfunction, shock, and even death. In order to overcome the serious complications associated with this pandemic virus and to prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cell, it is necessary to repurpose currently available drugs with a broad medicinal application as soon as they become available. There are several therapeutics under investigation for improving the overall prognosis of COVID-19 patients, but none of them has demonstrated clinical efficacy to date, which is disappointing. It is in this pattern that Nigella sativa seeds manifest their extensive therapeutic effects, which have been reported to be particularly effective in the treatment of skin diseases, jaundice, and gastrointestinal problems. One important component of these seeds is thymoquinone (TQ), which has a wide range of beneficial properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antibacterial and parasitic properties, in addition to anticarcinogenic, antiallergic, and antiviral properties. This comprehensive review discussed the possibility of an emerging natural drug with a wide range of medical applications; the use of TQ to overcome the complications of COVID-19 infection; and the challenges that are impeding the commercialization of this promising phytochemical compound. TQ is recommended as a highly effective weapon in the fight against the novel coronavirus because of its dual antiviral action, in addition to its capacity to lessen the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 penetration into cells. However, future clinical trials are required to confirm the role of TQ in overcoming the complications of COVID-19 infection.
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6
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Zhao Z, Liu L, Li S, Hou X, Yang J. Advances in research on the relationship between thymoquinone and pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1092020. [PMID: 36686732 PMCID: PMC9846546 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1092020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has one of the worst prognoses among the most common cancers in the world. Its characteristics include a high rate of metastasis and chemotherapeutic resistance, which present major challenges to the medical community. The potential anticancer effects of thymoquinone (TQ), which is the main bioactive compound of the black seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, have recently received widespread attention for their potential use in treating pancreatic cancer. TQ can inhibit cell proliferation, promote cancer cell apoptosis, inhibit cell invasion and metastasis, enhance chemotherapeutic sensitivity, inhibit angiogenesis, and exert anti-inflammatory effects. These anticancer effects predominantly involve the nuclear factor (NF)-κB, phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt, Notch, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways as well as the regulation of the cell cycle, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9 expression, and pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2) activity. TQ regulates the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer at multiple levels and through multiple targets that communicate with each other. In this review, we summarize and discuss the analogs and carriers of TQ that have been developed in recent years. Given its multilevel anticancer effects, TQ may become a new therapeutic drug for treating pancreatic cancer in the future. This review presents a brief introduction to the research that has been conducted on TQ in relation to pancreatic cancer to provide a theoretical basis for future studies on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanxue Zhao
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of General Surgery, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Linxun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Xiaofan Hou
- Graduate school, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Jinyu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China,*Correspondence: Jinyu Yang,
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Shariare MH, Khan MA, Al-Masum A, Khan JH, Uddin J, Kazi M. Development of Stable Liposomal Drug Delivery System of Thymoquinone and Its In Vitro Anticancer Studies Using Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Cell Lines. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196744. [PMID: 36235288 PMCID: PMC9571792 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone, a well-known phytoconstituent derived from the seeds of Nigella sativa, exhibits unique pharmacological activities However, despite the various medicinal properties of thymoquinone, its administration in vivo remains challenging due to poor aqueous solubility, bioavailability, and stability. Therefore, an advanced drugdelivery system is required to improve the therapeutic outcome of thymoquinone by enhancing its solubility and stability in biological systems. Therefore, this study is mainly focused on preparing thymoquinone-loaded liposomes to improve its physicochemical stability in gastric media and its performance in different cancer cell line studies. Liposomes were prepared using phospholipid extracted from egg yolk. The liposomal nano preparations were evaluated in terms of hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, microscopic analysis, and entrapment efficiency. Cell-viability measurements were conducted using breast and cervical cancer cell lines. Optimized liposomal preparation exhibited polygonal, globule-like shape with a hydrodynamic diameter of less than 260 nm, PDI of 0.6, and zeta potential values of -23.0 mV. Solid-state characterizations performed using DSC and XRPD showed that the freeze-dried liposomal preparations were amorphous in nature. Gastric pH stability data showed no physical changes (precipitation, degradation) or significant growth in the average size of blank and thymoquinone-loaded liposomes after 24 h. Cell line studies exhibited better performance for thymoquinone-loaded liposomal drug delivery system compared with the thymoquinone-only solution; this finding can play a critical role in improving breast and cervical cancer treatment management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossain Shariare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
- Correspondence: (M.H.S.); (M.K.); Tel.: +880-1716620012 (M.H.S.); 966-114-677-372 (M.K.)
| | - Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Abdullah Al-Masum
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Junayet Hossain Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Jamal Uddin
- Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD 21216, USA
| | - Mohsin Kazi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.H.S.); (M.K.); Tel.: +880-1716620012 (M.H.S.); 966-114-677-372 (M.K.)
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8
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Imam SS, Gilani SJ, Bin Jumah MN, Rizwanullah M, Zafar A, Ahmed MM, Alshehri S. Harnessing Lipid Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles for Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Thymoquinone: In Vitro and In Vivo Assessments. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:3705. [PMID: 36145851 PMCID: PMC9504729 DOI: 10.3390/polym14183705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical application of phytochemicals such as thymoquinone (THQ) is restricted due to their limited aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability. Developing mucoadhesive nanocarriers to deliver these natural compounds might provide new hope to enhance their oral bioavailability. Herein, this investigation aimed to develop THQ-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (THQ-LPHNPs) based on natural polymer chitosan. THQ-LPHNPs were fabricated by the nanoprecipitation technique and optimized by the 3-factor 3-level Box−Behnken design. The optimized LPHNPs represented excellent properties for ideal THQ delivery for oral administration. The optimized THQ-LPHNPs revealed the particles size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency (%EE), and zeta potential (ZP) of <200 nm, <0.25, >85%, and >25 mV, respectively. THQ-LPHNPs represented excellent stability in the gastrointestinal milieu and storage stability in different environmental conditions. THQ-LPHNPs represented almost similar release profiles in both gastric as well as intestinal media with the initial fast release for 4 h and after that a sustained release up to 48 h. Further, the optimized THQ-LPHNPs represent excellent mucin binding efficiency (>70%). Cytotoxicity study revealed much better anti-breast cancer activity of THQ-LPHNPs compared with free THQ against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, ex vivo experiments revealed more than three times higher permeation from the intestine after THQ-LPHNPs administration compared to the conventional THQ suspension. Furthermore, the THQ-LPHNPs showed 4.74-fold enhanced bioavailability after oral administration in comparison with the conventional THQ suspension. Therefore, from the above outcomes, mucoadhesive LPHNPs might be suitable nano-scale carriers for enhanced oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of highly lipophilic phytochemicals such as THQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Sarim Imam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sadaf Jamal Gilani
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Preparatory Year, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - May Nasser Bin Jumah
- Biology Department, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
- Environment and Biomaterial Unit, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Society for Applied Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Rizwanullah
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Ameeduzzafar Zafar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Muqtader Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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9
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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.
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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.
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10
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Verma R, Sartaj A, Qizilbash FF, Ghoneim MM, Alshehri S, Imam SS, Kala C, Alam MS, Gilani SJ, Taleuzzaman M. An Overview of the Neuropharmacological Potential of Thymoquinone and its Targeted Delivery Prospects for CNS Disorder. Curr Drug Metab 2022; 23:447-459. [PMID: 35676849 DOI: 10.2174/1389200223666220608142506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
At present, people and patients worldwide are relying on the medicinal plant as a therapeutic agent over pharmaceuticals because the medicinal plant is considered safer, especially for chronic disorders. Several medicinal plants and their components are being researched and explored for their possible therapeutic contribution to CNS disorders. Thymoquinone (TQ) is one such molecule. Thymoquinone, one of the constituents of Plant Nigella Sativa, is effective against several neurodegenerative diseases like; Alzheimer's, Depression, Encephalomyelitis, Epilepsy, Ischemia, Parkinson's, and Traumatic. This review article presents the neuropharmacological potential of TQ's, their challenges, and delivery prospects, explicitly focusing on neurological disorders along with their chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity. Since TQ has some pharmacokinetic challenges, scientists have focused on novel formulations and delivery systems to enhance bioavailability and ultimately increase its therapeutic value. In the present work, the role of nanotechnology in neurodegenerative disease and how it improves bioavailability and delivery of a drug to the site of action has been discussed. There are a few limitations for developing novel drug formulation, including solubility, pH, and compatibility of nanomaterials. Since here we are targeting CNS disorders, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) becomes an additional challenge Hence, the review summarized the novel aspects of delivery and biocompatible nanoparticles-based approaches for targeted drug delivery into CNS, enhancing TQ bioavailability and its neurotherapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Verma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110062, India
| | - Ali Sartaj
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, 110062, India
| | - Farheen Fatima Qizilbash
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, 110062, India
| | - Mohammed M Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Al Maarefa University, Ad Diriyah, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Sarim Imam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chandra Kala
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Maulana Azad University, Village Bujhawar, Tehsil Luni, Jodhpur, 342802. Rajasthan, India
| | - Md Shamsher Alam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, P.O. Box 114, Postal Code 45142, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sadaf Jamal Gilani
- College of Basic Health Science, Preparatory Year, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamad Taleuzzaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Maulana Azad University, Village Bujhawar, Tehsil Luni, Jodhpur, Rajasthan,342008, India
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11
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Sofyan F, Munir D, Putra IB, Wardani RS, Hadi RS, Zahara D, Sembiring RJ, Rambe AYM, Ashar T. Effect of Thymoquinone and Transforming Growth Factor-β1 on the Cell Viability of Nasal Polyp-Derived Fibroblast. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nasal polyps are benign masses in the nasal cavity and the abnormal growth of sinonasal tissue due to a chronic inflammatory process. Many fibroblasts populate the nasal polyp stroma release cytokines such as Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) and producing a variety of cytokines resulting in inflammatory cell infiltration. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active component in Nigella sativa oil and has the ability to reduces cell viability in many cancer cell line.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of TQ and TGF-β1 on cell viability of Nasal Polyp-Derived Fibroblast.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts were isolated from nasal polyp specimen and treated with various concentrations of TQ at 1–1000 μM and TGF-β1 at 5 ng/ml to determine the cell viability using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay after 48 h incubation.
RESULTS: TQ significantly reduced the viability of nasal polyp fibroblast cells to 72.49% at 20 μM and reduced to 5% at 50 μM until 1000 μM with IC50 at 21.93 μM. TGF-β1 at 5 ng/ml significantly reduced the viability of nasal polyp fibroblast cells to 81.96% and TGF-β1 appears to have a dual effect that depends on the concentration of TQ.
CONCLUSION: This study proved that TQ and TGF-β1 were able to reduce the viability of nasal polyp fibroblast cells.
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12
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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.
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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.
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13
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Phua CYH, Teoh ZL, Goh BH, Yap WH, Tang YQ. Triangulating the pharmacological properties of thymoquinone in regulating reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and cancer: Therapeutic applications and mechanistic pathways. Life Sci 2021; 287:120120. [PMID: 34762903 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease with high morbidity and mortality rate involving changes in redox balance and deregulation of redox signalling. For decades, studies have involved developing an effective cancer treatment to combat treatment resistance. As natural products such as thymoquinone have numerous health benefits, studies are also focusing on using them as a viable method for cancer treatment, as they have minimal toxic effects compared with standard cancer treatments. Thymoquinone studies have shown numerous mechanisms of action, such as regulation of reactive species interfering with DNA structure, modulating various potential targets and their signalling pathways as well as immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Thymoquinone's anti-cancer effect is mainly due to the induction of apoptotic mechanisms, such as activation of caspases, downregulation of precancerous genes, inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), anti-tumour cell proliferation, ROS regulation, hypoxia and anti-metastasis. Insight into thymoquinone's potential as an alternative treatment for chemoprevention and inflammation can be accomplished via compiling these studies, to provide a better understanding on how and why it works, as well as its interactions with common chemotherapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Yuin Hueii Phua
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Zhi Ling Teoh
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Bey-Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Wei Hsum Yap
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Yin-Quan Tang
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
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14
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Lodovichi J, Landucci E, Pitto L, Gisone I, D'Ambrosio M, Luceri C, Salvatici MC, Bergonzi MC. Evaluation of the increase of the thymoquinone permeability formulated in polymeric micelles: In vitro test and in vivo toxicity assessment in Zebrafish embryos. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 169:106090. [PMID: 34864170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural compound present in the essential oil and in the fixed oil of Nigella sativa L. Like many natural substances, it is characterized by poor aqueous solubility and low stability which limit its bioavailability. Soluplus®-Solutol® HS15 polymeric micelles (TQ-MP) were developed to increase the permeability of TQ with particular attention to overcoming intestinal barrier and the blood brain barrier, for possible oral and parenteral administration. The optimized micelles have dimensions < 100 nm and PdI < 0.2 indicating that the formulation was homogeneous as confirmed also by TEM experiments. EE% was 92.4 ± 0.3%. Stability studies showed a stable formulation following subsequent dilutions and in the gastric-intestinal media. In vitro studies have revealed that the carrier enhances the permeability of TQ in the intestine and in the blood-brain barrier using Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay (PAMPA) assay and cellular tests with Caco-2 cells and hCMEC/D3 monolayer cells. Up-take study, cell viability and cytotoxicity studies were also conducted. Fluorescent micelles (FITC-MP), were also optimized to perform in vitro up-take study in Caco-2 cells and to study their toxicity in Zebrafish model. The toxicity was evaluated on three lines of Zebrafish: wild type, transgenic line Tg(Myl7:EGFP) in which cardiomyocytes are marked with green fluorescence protein and Tg(flk1-GFP) line which expresses GFP under the control of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (vegfr2) promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Lodovichi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via U Schiff 6, 50519 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Landucci
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Italy
| | - Letizia Pitto
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via G. Moruzzi, 1-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Gisone
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via G. Moruzzi, 1-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario D'Ambrosio
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Luceri
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Salvatici
- Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds (ICCOM)-Electron Microscopy Centre (Ce.M.E.), National Reasearch Council (CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Bergonzi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via U Schiff 6, 50519 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
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15
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Spanlastics as an efficient delivery system for the enhancement of thymoquinone anticancer efficacy: Fabrication and cytotoxic studies against breast cancer cell lines. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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16
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Formulation, Characterization and Cytotoxicity Effects of Novel Thymoquinone-PLGA-PF68 Nanoparticles. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179420. [PMID: 34502328 PMCID: PMC8431343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone has anti-cancer properties. However, its application for clinical use is limited due to its volatile characteristics. The current study aims to develop a polymeric nanoformulation with PLGA-PEG and Pluronics F68 as encapsulants to conserve thymoquinone’s (TQ) biological activity before reaching the target sites. Synthesis of nanoparticles was successfully completed by encapsulating TQ with polymeric poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide)-block-poly (ethylene glycol) and Pluronics F68 (TQ-PLGA-PF68) using an emulsion–solvent evaporation technique. The size and encapsulation efficiency of TQ-PLGA-PF68 nanoparticles were 76.92 ± 27.38 nm and 94%, respectively. TQ released from these encapsulants showed a biphasic released pattern. Cytotoxicity activity showed that tamoxifen-resistant (TamR) MCF-7 breast cancer cells required a higher concentration of TQ-PLGA-PF68 nanoparticles than the parental MCF-7 cells to achieve IC50 (p < 0.05). The other two resistant subtypes (TamR UACC732 inflammatory breast carcinoma and paclitaxel-resistant (PacR) MDA-MB 231 triple-negative breast cell line) required a lower concentration of TQ-PLGA-PF68 nanoparticles compared to their respective parental cell lines (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that TQ encapsulation with PLGA-PEG and Pluronics F68 is a promising anti-cancer agent in mitigating breast cancer resistance to chemotherapeutics. In future studies, the anti-cancer activity of TQ-PLGA-PF68 with the standard chemotherapeutic drugs used for breast cancer treatment is recommended.
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17
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Thymoquinone loaded chitosan - Solid lipid nanoparticles: Formulation optimization to oral bioavailability study. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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18
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Malik S, Singh A, Negi P, Kapoor VK. Thymoquinone: A small molecule from nature with high therapeutic potential. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2716-2725. [PMID: 34303824 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ; 2-isopropyl-5-methylbenzo-1, 4-quinone), the main active constituent of Nigella sativa, has been proven to have great therapeutic properties in numerous in vivo and in vitro models. Nevertheless, this molecule is not yet in clinical trials, largely because of its poor bioavailability and hydrophobicity. This review examines the different activities of TQ, as well as various combination therapies, nanotechnologies and clinical trials involving TQ. The TQ nanoparticle formulation shows better bioavailability than free TQ, and it is time for clinical trials of these formulations to realize the potential of TQ as a therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiya Malik
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan 173212, India
| | - Amardeep Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan 173212, India
| | - Poonam Negi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan 173212, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Kapoor
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan 173212, India.
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19
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Apoptotic and Non-Apoptotic Modalities of Thymoquinone-Induced Lymphoma Cell Death: Highlight of the Role of Cytosolic Calcium and Necroptosis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143579. [PMID: 34298792 PMCID: PMC8304872 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a high curability rate. However, 40% of patients will relapse or exhibit refractory disease, and compromised apoptotic pathways is among the prognosis-worsening factors. Therefore, drugging non-apoptotic modalities might be therapeutically promising. Thymoquinone (TQ) has been reported to promote apoptosis in cancer cells. Herein, we show that TQ selectively kills DLBCL cells, either cell lines or primary lymphoma cells bearing resistance features to standard treatment. Investigations show that, although TQ induced apoptotic markers, non-apoptotic death was the major mechanism responsible for TQ-induced cellular demise. We demonstrate critical and selective roles of cytosolic calcium and necroptosis in TQ-induced non-apoptotic cell death. Finally, TQ exhibits an improved selectivity profile over conventional chemotherapy. Collectively, this work provides new insights into the mode of action of TQ and points to the therapeutic relevance of non-apoptotic modalities as a fail-safe mechanism for pro-apoptotic DLBCL therapies. Abstract Targeting non-apoptotic modalities might be therapeutically promising in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with compromised apoptotic pathways. Thymoquinone (TQ) has been reported to promote apoptosis in cancer cells, but little is known about its effect on non-apoptotic pathways. This work investigates TQ selectivity against DLBCL cell lines and the cell death mechanisms. TQ reduces cell viability and kills cell lines with minimal toxicity on normal hematological cells. Mechanistically, TQ promotes the mitochondrial caspase pathway and increases genotoxicity. However, insensitivity of most cell lines to caspase inhibition by z-VAD-fmk (benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone) pointed to a critical role of non-apoptotic signaling. In cells dying through non-apoptotic death, TQ increases endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers and substantially increases cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]c) through ER calcium depletion and activation of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). Chelation of [Ca2+]c, but not SOCE inhibitors, reduces TQ-induced non-apoptotic cell death, highlighting the critical role of calcium in a non-apoptotic effect of TQ. Investigations showed that TQ-induced [Ca2+]c signaling is primarily initiated by necroptosis upstream to SOCE, and inhibition necroptosis by necrostatin-1 alone or with z-VAD-fmk blocks the cell death. Finally, TQ exhibits an improved selectivity profile over standard chemotherapy agents, suggesting a therapeutic relevance of the pro-necroptotic effect of TQ as a fail-safe mechanism for DLBCL therapies targeting apoptosis.
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Rahat I, Imam SS, Rizwanullah M, Alshehri S, Asif M, Kala C, Taleuzzaman M. Thymoquinone-entrapped chitosan-modified nanoparticles: formulation optimization to preclinical bioavailability assessments. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:973-984. [PMID: 34036860 PMCID: PMC8158209 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2021.1927245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The major limitation with the oral administration of most of the phytochemicals is their low aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Thymoquinone (THQ) is one of the most widely used phytochemicals used to treat a variety of diseases. However, strong lipophilic characteristics limit its clinical application. Therefore, this study was aimed to design novel chitosan (C) modified polycaprolactone (PL) nanoparticles (NPs) for improved oral bioavailability of THQ. THQ-CPLNPs was optimized 33-Box-Behnken design. After that, the optimized THQ-CPLNPs was characterized by different parameters. THQ-CPLNPs showed the size, PDI, and ZP of 182.32 ± 6.46 nm, 0.179 ± 0.012, and +21.36 ± 1.22 mV, respectively. The entrapment and loading capacity were found to be 79.86 ± 4.36%, and 13.45 ± 1.38%, respectively. THQ-CPLNPs exhibited burst release in initial 2 h followed by prolonged release up to 24 h in simulated intestinal fluids. THQ-CPLNPs showed excellent mucoadhesion properties which were further confirmed with the intestinal permeation study as well as confocal microscopy. The study revealed higher permeation of THQ-CPLNPs compared to neat THQ suspension (THQ-S). Moreover, in vivo gastric irritation study revealed good compatibility of THQ-CPLNPs with the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic results depicted ∼3.53-fold improved oral bioavailability of THQ from THQ-CPLNPs than THQ-S. Therefore, from the findings, it was concluded that the prepared polymeric NPs could be an effective delivery system for improved oral bioavailability of THQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Rahat
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Glocal school of Pharmacy, Glocal University, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Syed Sarim Imam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Rizwanullah
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Asif
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lachoo Memorial College of Science and Technology, Jodhpur, India
| | - Chandra Kala
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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21
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Radwan MF, El-Moselhy MA, Alarif WM, Orif M, Alruwaili NK, Alhakamy NA. Optimization of Thymoquinone-Loaded Self-Nanoemulsion for Management of Indomethacin-Induced Ulcer. Dose Response 2021; 19:15593258211013655. [PMID: 33994890 PMCID: PMC8113367 DOI: 10.1177/15593258211013655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve the water solubility of thymoquinone (TQ), a major constituent of Nigella sativa seed oil, a TQ-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) was prepared. The SNEDDS formulation was optimized using almond oil (AO) (Oil; X1), tween 80 (surfactant; X2) and polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200) (cosurfactant; X3) compounds as independent variables. The results showed that the globule size ranged from 65 to 320 nm. In addition, a strong agreement was reached between the system estimation and the experimental values of globule size. To evaluate the gastroprotective effect of optimized TQ-loaded SNEDDS against indomethacin (Indo.)-induced gastric ulcers in comparison with non-emulsified TQ, the ulcer index and histopathological changes were estimated. Optimized TQ-loaded SNEDDS showed improved gastroprotective activity against Indo.-induced ulcers relative to the non-emulsified TQ. In addition, the gastroprotective index was improved by 2-fold in TQ-loaded SNEDDS as compared to non-emulsified TQ. This is attributed to the strong antioxidant and the cytoprotective activities of the TQ. These results demonstrate enhancement of the efficacy of TQ through the optimized SNEDDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed F Radwan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A El-Moselhy
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ibn Sina National College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walied M Alarif
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Orif
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil K Alruwaili
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil A Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Almajali B, Al-Jamal HAN, Taib WRW, Ismail I, Johan MF, Doolaanea AA, Ibrahim WN. Thymoquinone, as a Novel Therapeutic Candidate of Cancers. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:369. [PMID: 33923474 PMCID: PMC8074212 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, natural products are widely used as pharmaceutical agents for many human diseases and cancers. One of the most popular natural products that have been studied for anticancer properties is thymoquinone (TQ). As a bioactive compound of Nigella sativa, TQ has shown anticancer activities through the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The anticancer efficacy of TQ is being investigated in several human cancers such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, hepatic cancer, cervical cancer, and leukemia. Even though TQ induces apoptosis by regulating the expression of pro- apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes in many cancers, the TQ effect mechanism on such cancers is not yet fully understood. Therefore, the present review has highlighted the TQ effect mechanisms on several signaling pathways and expression of tumor suppressor genes (TSG). Data from relevant published experimental articles on TQ from 2015 to June 2020 were selected by using Google Scholar and PubMed search engines. The present study investigated the effectiveness of TQ alone or in combination with other anticancer therapeutic agents, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors on cancers, as a future anticancer therapy nominee by using nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belal Almajali
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu 21300, Malaysia; (B.A.); (W.R.W.T.); (I.I.)
| | - Hamid Ali Nagi Al-Jamal
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu 21300, Malaysia; (B.A.); (W.R.W.T.); (I.I.)
| | - Wan Rohani Wan Taib
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu 21300, Malaysia; (B.A.); (W.R.W.T.); (I.I.)
| | - Imilia Ismail
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu 21300, Malaysia; (B.A.); (W.R.W.T.); (I.I.)
| | - Muhammad Farid Johan
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia;
| | - Abd Almonem Doolaanea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan 25594, Malaysia;
| | - Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
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Banupriya SK, Kavithaa K, Poornima A, Sumathi S. Mechanistic Study on Thymoquinone Conjugated ZnO Nanoparticles Mediated Cytotoxicity and Anticancer Activity in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:313-327. [PMID: 33845751 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210412104731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the current era, development of molecular techniques involves nanotechniques and the synthesis of nanoparticles is considered as the preferred field in nanotechnology. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present work is to analyze the anticancer activity of the thymoquinone conjugated ZnO nanoparticles and to understand its mechanism of action in triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. METHODS Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have extensive applications and it was synthesized using a chemical precipitation method. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the major bioactive component of the seeds of Nigella sativa. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. Thymoquinone coated nanoparticles were checked for its efficiency. The cytotoxicity of ZnO, TQ and TQ conjugated ZnO nanoparticles against MDA-MB-231. Colony forming and cell migration assay were performed to measure the proliferative competence of the breast cancer cells on exposure to nanoparticles. The mechanism of apoptosis was probed by assessing MMP, interplay between ER stress and ROS. RESULTS The results of the characterization techniques confirmed the particles synthesized were ZnO and TQ-ZnO nanoparticles. pH dependent release of the compound was observed. Anti-proliferative effect that impairs the formation of colony was found to be enhanced in cells exposed to combined treatment with the nanoconjugate. CONCLUSION Hence, the TQ conjugated ZnO nanoparticles can act as an efficient carrier for drug delivery at the target site in TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampath K Banupriya
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, TN. India
| | | | - Arumugam Poornima
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, TN. India
| | - Sundaravadivelu Sumathi
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, TN. India
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Rachamalla HK, Bhattacharya S, Ahmad A, Sridharan K, Madamsetty VS, Mondal SK, Wang E, Dutta SK, Jan BL, Jinka S, Chandra Sekhar Jaggarapu MM, Yakati V, Mukhopadhyay D, Alkharfy KM, Banerjee R. Enriched pharmacokinetic behavior and antitumor efficacy of thymoquinone by liposomal delivery. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:641-656. [PMID: 33769068 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Thymoquinone (TQ) has potential anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticancer effects but its clinical use is limited by its low solubility, poor bioavailability and rapid clearance. Aim: To enhance systemic bioavailability and tumor-specific toxicity of TQ. Materials & methods: Cationic liposomal formulation of TQ (D1T) was prepared via ethanol injection method and their physicochemical properties, anticancer effects in orthotopic xenograft pancreatic tumor model and pharmacokinetic behavior of D1T relative to TQ were evaluated. Results: D1T showed prominent inhibition of pancreatic tumor progression, significantly greater in vivo absorption, approximately 1.5-fold higher plasma concentration, higher bioavailability, reduced volume of distribution and improved clearance relative to TQ. Conclusion: Encapsulation of TQ in cationic liposomal formulation enhanced its bioavailability and anticancer efficacy against xenograft pancreatic tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Krishnareddy Rachamalla
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
| | - Santanu Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA.,Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Ajaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kathyayani Sridharan
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
| | - Vijay Sagar Madamsetty
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Sujan Kumar Mondal
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,UPMC Hilman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Enfeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Shamit K Dutta
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Basit L Jan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sudhakar Jinka
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
| | | | - Venu Yakati
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
| | - Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA.,Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Khalid M Alkharfy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajkumar Banerjee
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
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25
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AbouAitah K, Lojkowski W. Delivery of Natural Agents by Means of Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres as a Promising Anticancer Strategy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:143. [PMID: 33499150 PMCID: PMC7912645 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural prodrugs derived from different natural origins (e.g., medicinal plants, microbes, animals) have a long history in traditional medicine. They exhibit a broad range of pharmacological activities, including anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo. They have potential as safe, cost-effective treatments with few side effects, but are lacking in solubility, bioavailability, specific targeting and have short half-lives. These are barriers to clinical application. Nanomedicine has the potential to offer solutions to circumvent these limitations and allow the use of natural pro-drugs in cancer therapy. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) of various morphology have attracted considerable attention in the search for targeted drug delivery systems. MSNs are characterized by chemical stability, easy synthesis and functionalization, large surface area, tunable pore sizes and volumes, good biocompatibility, controlled drug release under different conditions, and high drug-loading capacity, enabling multifunctional purposes. In vivo pre-clinical evaluations, a significant majority of results indicate the safety profile of MSNs if they are synthesized in an optimized way. Here, we present an overview of synthesis methods, possible surface functionalization, cellular uptake, biodistribution, toxicity, loading strategies, delivery designs with controlled release, and cancer targeting and discuss the future of anticancer nanotechnology-based natural prodrug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled AbouAitah
- Laboratory of Nanostructures and Nanomedicine, Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sokolowska 29/37, 01-142 Warsaw, Poland
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre (NRC), 33 El-Behouth St., Dokki 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Witold Lojkowski
- Laboratory of Nanostructures and Nanomedicine, Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sokolowska 29/37, 01-142 Warsaw, Poland
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Effect of Chitosan Coating on PLGA Nanoparticles for Oral Delivery of Thymoquinone: In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and Cancer Cell Line Assessments. COATINGS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings11010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, thymoquinone (TQ)-encapsulated chitosan- (CS)-coated poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were formulated using the emulsion evaporation method. NPs were optimized by using 33-QbD approach for improved efficacy against breast cancer. The optimized thymoquinone loaded chitosan coated Poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (TQ-CS-PLGA-NPs) were successfully characterized by different in vitro and ex vivo experiments as well as evaluated for cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines. The surface coating of PLGA-NPs was completed by CS coating and there were no significant changes in particle size and entrapment efficiency (EE) observed. The developed TQ-CS-PLGA-NPs showed particle size, polydispersibility index (PDI), and %EE in the range between 126.03–196.71 nm, 0.118–0.205, and 62.75%–92.17%. The high and prolonged TQ release rate was achieved from TQ-PLGA-NPs and TQ-CS-PLGA-NPs. The optimized TQ-CS-PLGA-NPs showed significantly higher mucoadhesion and intestinal permeation compared to uncoated TQ-PLGA-NPs and TQ suspension. Furthermore, TQ-CS-PLGA-NPs showed statistically enhanced antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells compared to uncoated TQ-PLGA-NPs and pure TQ. On the basis of the above findings, it may be stated that chitosan-coated TQ-PLGA-NPs represent a great potential for breast cancer management.
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27
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Mehanna MM, Sarieddine R, Alwattar JK, Chouaib R, Gali-Muhtasib H. Anticancer Activity of Thymoquinone Cubic Phase Nanoparticles Against Human Breast Cancer: Formulation, Cytotoxicity and Subcellular Localization. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:9557-9570. [PMID: 33293807 PMCID: PMC7718962 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s263797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple negative breast cancer is an aggressive disorder which accounts for at least 15% of breast cancer diagnosis and a high percentage of breast cancer morbidity, hence intensive research efforts are focused on the development of effective therapies to overcome the disease. Thymoquinone (TQ), the bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa, exhibits anticancer activity, yet its translation to the clinic is hindered by its poor bioavailability and lack of quantification method in blood and tissues. To overcome these limitations, cubosomes were utilized for the encapsulation and delivery of this anticancer molecule. METHODS Thymoquinone loaded cubosomes were prepared through the emulsification homogenization method. The physicochemical characteristics, including particle size, zeta potential, morphology and entrapment efficiency, were studied. Moreover, the in vitro antitumor activity was tested on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and compared to non-tumorigenic cell line (MCF-10A). Subcellular localization, cellular uptake and apoptotic effects of the formulations were assessed. RESULTS The results revealed that the TQ loaded cubosomal formulation exhibited a mean particle size of 98.0 ± 4.10 nm with narrow unimodal distribution. The high entrapment efficiency (96.60 ± 3.58%) and zeta potential (31.50 ±4.20 mV) conceived the effectiveness of this nanosystem for TQ encapsulation. Cell viability in both breast cancer cell lines demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in response to treatment with free TQ or TQ-loaded cubosomes, with enhanced antitumor activity upon treating with the latter formulation. A significant increase in apoptotic bodies and cleaved caspase 3 was observed upon treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with either TQ or TQ-loaded cubosomes. Localization and trafficking studies unveiled that cubosomes accumulate in the cytoplasm of the studied breast cancer cell lines. DISCUSSION Our results show that thymoquinone encapsulation in cubosomal nanoparticles provides a promising anticancer drug delivery system with the ability to label, detect and subsequently trace it within the human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M Mehanna
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana Sarieddine
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jana K Alwattar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Racha Chouaib
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Gali-Muhtasib
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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28
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Thymoquinone-Loaded Soluplus ®-Solutol ® HS15 Mixed Micelles: Preparation, In Vitro Characterization, and Effect on the SH-SY5Y Cell Migration. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204707. [PMID: 33066549 PMCID: PMC7587349 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active ingredient of Nigella sativa essential oil, with remarkable anti-neoplastic activities with anti-invasive and anti-migratory abilities on a variety of cancer cell lines. However, its poor water solubility, high instability in aqueous solution and pharmacokinetic drawbacks limits its use in therapy. Soluplus® and Solutol® HS15 were employed as amphiphilic polymers for developing polymeric micelles (SSM). Chemical and physical characterization studies of micelles are reported, in terms of size, homogeneity, zeta potential, critical micelle concentration (CMC), cloud point, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), load capacity (DL), in vitro release, and stability. This study reports for the first time the anti-migratory activity of TQ and TQ loaded in SSM (TQ-SSM) in the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line. The inhibitory effect was assessed by the wound-healing assay and compared with that of the unformulated TQ. The optimal TQ-SSM were provided with small size (56.71 ± 1.41 nm) and spherical shape at ratio of 1:4 (Soluplus:Solutol HS15), thus increasing the solubility of about 10-fold in water. The entrapment efficiency and drug loading were 92.4 ± 1.6% and 4.68 ± 0.12, respectively, and the colloidal dispersion are stable during storage for a period of 40 days. The TQ-SSM were also lyophilized to obtain a more workable product and with increased stability. In vitro release study indicated a prolonged release of TQ. In conclusion, the formulation of TQ into SSM allows a bio-enhancement of TQ anti-migration activity, suggesting that TQ-SSM is a better candidate than unformulated TQ to inhibit human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell migration.
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29
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Sunoqrot S, Alfaraj M, Hammad AM, Kasabri V, Shalabi D, Deeb AA, Hasan Ibrahim L, Shnewer K, Yousef I. Development of a Thymoquinone Polymeric Anticancer Nanomedicine through Optimization of Polymer Molecular Weight and Nanoparticle Architecture. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E811. [PMID: 32867015 PMCID: PMC7560238 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a water-insoluble natural compound isolated from Nigella sativa that has demonstrated promising chemotherapeutic activity. The purpose of this study was to develop a polymeric nanoscale formulation for TQ to circumvent its delivery challenges. TQ-encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated using methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) (mPEG-PCL) copolymers by the nanoprecipitation technique. Formulation variables included PCL chain length and NP architecture (matrix-type nanospheres or reservoir-type nanocapsules). The formulations were characterized in terms of their particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), drug loading efficiency, and drug release. An optimized TQ NP formulation in the form of oil-filled nanocapsules (F2-NC) was obtained with a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 117 nm, PDI of 0.16, about 60% loading efficiency, and sustained in vitro drug release. The formulation was then tested in cultured human cancer cell lines to verify its antiproliferative efficacy as a potential anticancer nanomedicine. A pilot pharmacokinetic study was also carried out in healthy mice to evaluate the oral bioavailability of the optimized formulation, which revealed a significant increase in the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and a 1.3-fold increase in bioavailability compared to free TQ. Our findings demonstrate that the versatility of polymeric NPs can be effectively applied to design a nanoscale delivery platform for TQ that can overcome its biopharmaceutical limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhair Sunoqrot
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan; (M.A.); (A.M.H.); (A.A.D.); (L.H.I.)
| | - Malek Alfaraj
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan; (M.A.); (A.M.H.); (A.A.D.); (L.H.I.)
| | - Ala’a M. Hammad
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan; (M.A.); (A.M.H.); (A.A.D.); (L.H.I.)
| | - Violet Kasabri
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (V.K.); (D.S.)
| | - Dana Shalabi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (V.K.); (D.S.)
| | - Ahmad A. Deeb
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan; (M.A.); (A.M.H.); (A.A.D.); (L.H.I.)
| | - Lina Hasan Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan; (M.A.); (A.M.H.); (A.A.D.); (L.H.I.)
| | | | - Ismail Yousef
- Smart Medical Labs, Amman 11180, Jordan; (K.S.); (I.Y.)
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Ballout F, Monzer A, Fatfat M, Ouweini HE, Jaffa MA, Abdel-Samad R, Darwiche N, Abou-Kheir W, Gali-Muhtasib H. Thymoquinone induces apoptosis and DNA damage in 5-Fluorouracil-resistant colorectal cancer stem/progenitor cells. Oncotarget 2020; 11:2959-2972. [PMID: 32821342 PMCID: PMC7415406 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The high recurrence rates of colorectal cancer have been associated with a small population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are resistant to the standard chemotherapeutic drug, 5-fluorouracil (5FU). Thymoquinone (TQ) has shown promising antitumor properties on numerous cancer systems both in vitro and in vivo; however, its effect on colorectal CSCs is poorly established. Here, we investigated TQ's potential to target CSCs in a three-dimensional (3D) sphere-formation assay enriched for a population of colorectal cancer stem/progenitor cells. Our results showed a significant decrease in self-renewal potential of CSC populations enriched from 5FU-sensitive and resistant HCT116 cells at 10-fold lower concentrations when compared to 2D monolayers. TQ decreased the expression levels of colorectal stem cell markers CD44 and Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule EpCAM and proliferation marker Ki67 in colonospheres derived from both cell lines and reduced cellular migration and invasion. Further investigation revealed that TQ treatment led to increased TUNEL positivity and a dramatic increase in the amount of the DNA damage marker gamma H2AX particularly in 5FU-resistant colonospheres, suggesting that the diminished sphere forming ability in TQ-treated colonospheres is due to induction of DNA damage and apoptotic cell death. The intraperitoneal injection of TQ in mice inhibited tumor growth of spheres derived from 5FU-sensitive and 5FU-resistant HCT116 cells. Furthermore, TQ induced apoptosis and inhibited NF-κB and MEK signaling in mouse tumors. Altogether, our findings document TQ's effect on colorectal cancer stem-like cells and provide insights into its underlying mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ballout
- 1Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alissar Monzer
- 1Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maamoun Fatfat
- 1Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala El Ouweini
- 1Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Miran A. Jaffa
- 2Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana Abdel-Samad
- 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nadine Darwiche
- 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- 4Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Wassim Abou-Kheir, email:
| | - Hala Gali-Muhtasib
- 1Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- 4Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Correspondence to: Hala Gali-Muhtasib, email:
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31
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Rashid M, Sanjarin F, Sabouni F. Thymoquinone Effects on Cell Viability, Apoptosis and VEGF-A Gene Expression Level in AGS(CRL-1739) Cell Line. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2020; 19:820-826. [PMID: 30727919 DOI: 10.2174/1871520619666190206163504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases across the world and it was reported that 90% of cancer fatality depends on its angiogenesis potential. Black seed or Nigella sativa L. is a medicinal plant native to southwest Asia. N. sativa has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and predominantly has bioactive components like Thymoquinone, which is used as a candidate for anti-cancer and anti-angiogenesis drugs. METHODS Callus was induced from leaf tissue, after that alcoholic extracts were prepared from three-month-old calluses. Thymoquinone content was measured by HPLC methods. AGS cell line was cultured and treated with standard Thymoquinone and extracts from callus. Then, cell proliferation, expression of angiogenic factor (VEGF-A gene), and apoptosis test were done by MTT assay, real-time PCR and Annexin-v kit, respectively. RESULTS HPLC found the maximum amount of Thymoquinone in the extract of leaf calluses, which were grown in the dark. MTT assay revealed that particular doses of extracts reduced cell proliferation. Real-time and Fluorescence- Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) results demonstrated that standard Thymoquinone and callus extracts down-regulated the VEGF-A gene expression, and all three induced apoptosis in the AGS cell line. CONCLUSION It has been shown that TQ has pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic effects on stomach cancer cell line, and these properties can introduce it as an anti-cancer drug in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Rashid
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Plant Bioproducts Department, Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (IAB), National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Sanjarin
- Plant Bioproducts Department, Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (IAB), National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Sabouni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
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Rathore C, Rathbone MJ, Chellappan DK, Tambuwala MM, Pinto TDJA, Dureja H, Hemrajani C, Gupta G, Dua K, Negi P. Nanocarriers: more than tour de force for thymoquinone. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:479-494. [PMID: 32077770 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1730808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Thymoquinone (TQ), 2-isopropyl-5-methylbenzo-1, 4-quinone, the main active constituent of Nigella sativa (NS) plant, has been proven to be of great therapeutic aid in various in vitro and in vivo conditions. Despite the promising therapeutic activities of TQ, this molecule is not yet in the clinical trials, restricted by its poor biopharmaceutical properties including photo-instability.Area covered: This review compiles the different types of polymeric and lipidic nanocarriers (NCs), encapsulating TQ for their improved oral bioavailability, and augmented in vitro and in vivo efficacy, evidenced on various pathologies. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of TQ in relation to its encapsulation approaches advancing the delivery and improving the efficacy of TQ.Expert opinion: TQ was first identified in the essential oil of Nigella sativa L. black seed. TQ has not been used in formulations because it is a highly hydrophobic drug having poor aqueous solubility. To deal with the poor physicochemical problems associated with TQ, various NCs encapsulating TQ have been tried in the past. Nevertheless, these NCs could be impending in bringing forth this potential molecule to clinical reality. This will also be beneficial for a large research community including pharmaceutical & biological sciences and translational researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charul Rathore
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | | | - Dinesh K Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Malaysia
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Harish Dureja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Chetna Hemrajani
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.,Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Australia & Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Poonam Negi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India
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Pushpa Sweety J, Sowparani S, Mahalakshmi P, Selvasudha N, Yamini D, Geetha K, Ruckmani K. Fabrication of stimuli gated nanoformulation for site-specific delivery of thymoquinone for colon cancer treatment – Insight into thymoquinone’s improved physicochemical properties. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2019.101334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Rathore C, Upadhyay N, Kaundal R, Dwivedi RP, Rahatekar S, John A, Dua K, Tambuwala MM, Jain S, Chaudari D, Negi P. Enhanced oral bioavailability and hepatoprotective activity of thymoquinone in the form of phospholipidic nano-constructs. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:237-253. [PMID: 32003249 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1716728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background: The poor biopharmaceutical properties of thymoquinone (TQ) obstruct its development as a hepatoprotective agent. To surmount the delivery challenges of TQ, phospholipid nanoconstructs (PNCs) were constructed.Method: PNCs were constructed employing microemulsification technique and systematic optimization by three-factor three level Box-Behnken design.Result: Optimized PNC composition exhibited nano size (<100 nm), spherical morphology, within acceptable range of polydispersity index (0.55), high drug entrapment efficiency (>90%), controlled drug release pattern, and neutral surface charge (zeta potential of -0.65 mV). After oral administration of a single dose of PNC, it showed a relative bioavailability of 386.03% vis-à-vis plain TQ suspension. Further, TQ-loaded PNC demonstrated significant enhanced hepato-protective effect vis-à-vis pure TQ suspension and silymarin, as evidenced by reduction in the ALP, ALT, AST, bilirubin, and albumin level and ratified by histopathological analysis.Conclusion: TQ-loaded PNCs can be efficient nano-platforms for the management of hepatic disorders and promising drug delivery systems to enhance oral bioavailability of this hydrophobic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rathore
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | - N Upadhyay
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | - R Kaundal
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, Hospital and Healthcare, New York, NY, USA
| | - R P Dwivedi
- School of Electrical and Computer Science Engineering, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | | | - A John
- Laboratory of Materials Science, Institute of Chemistry of Natural Resource, University of Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - K Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life & Health Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - S Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Punjab, India
| | - D Chaudari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Punjab, India
| | - P Negi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, India
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Anwanwan D, Singh SK, Singh S, Saikam V, Singh R. Challenges in liver cancer and possible treatment approaches. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1873:188314. [PMID: 31682895 PMCID: PMC6981221 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.188314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 677] [Impact Index Per Article: 169.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Globally, liver cancer is the most frequent fatal malignancy; in the United States, it ranks fifth. Patients are often diagnosed with liver cancer in advanced stages, contributing to its poor prognosis. Of all liver cancer cases, >90% are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) for which chemotherapy and immunotherapy are the best options for therapy. For liver cancer patients, new treatment options are necessary. Use of natural compounds and/or nanotechnology may provide patients with better outcomes with lower systemic toxicity and fewer side effects. Improved treatments can lead to better prognoses. Finally, in this review, we present some of the problems and current treatment options contributing to the poor outcomes for patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Anwanwan
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Cancer Health Equity Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Cancer Health Equity Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Shriti Singh
- Department of Kriya Sharir, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP 221 005, India
| | - Varma Saikam
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Rajesh Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Cancer Health Equity Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA.
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Pham DC, Shibu MA, Mahalakshmi B, Velmurugan BK. Effects of phytochemicals on cellular signaling: reviewing their recent usage approaches. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2019; 60:3522-3546. [PMID: 31822111 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1699014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Most of the previous studies in last three decades report evidence of interactions between the different phytochemicals and the proteins involved in signal transduction pathways using in silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo analyses. However, extrapolation of these findings for clinical purposes has not been that fruitful. The efficacy of the phytochemicals in vivo studies is limited by parameters such as solubility, metabolic degradation, excretion, etc. Various approaches have now been devised to circumvent these limitations. Recently, chemical modification of the phytochemicals are demonstrated to reduce some of the limitations and improve their efficacy. Similar to traditional medicines several combinatorial phytochemical formulations have shown to be more efficient. Further, phytochemicals have been reported to be even more efficient in the form of nanoparticles. However, systematic evaluation of their efficacy, mode of action in pathway modulation, usage and associated challenges is required to be done. The present review begins with basic understanding of how signaling cascades regulate cellular response and the consequences of their dysregulation further summarizing the developments and problems associated with the dietary phytochemicals and also discuss recent approaches in strengthening these compounds in pharmacological applications. Only context relevant studies have been reviewed. Considering the limitations and scope of the article, authors do not claim inclusion of all the early and recent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinh-Chuong Pham
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - M A Shibu
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondria Related Diseases Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - B Mahalakshmi
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Bharath Kumar Velmurugan
- Toxicology and Biomedicine Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Zhu N, Xiang Y, Zhao X, Cai C, Chen H, Jiang W, Wang Y, Zeng C. Thymoquinone suppresses platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration and neointimal formation. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:8482-8492. [PMID: 31638340 PMCID: PMC6850929 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are mainly responsible for vascular occlusion diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and restenosis. Our previous study demonstrated thymoquinone (TQ) attenuated monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. The aim of the present study is to systematically examine inhibitory effects of TQ on platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB)–induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs in vitro and neointimal formation in vivo and elucidate the potential mechanisms. Vascular smooth muscle cells were isolated from the aorta in rats. Cell viability and proliferation were measured in VSMCs using the MTT assay. Cell migration was detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assay. Alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and Ki‐67‐positive cells were examined by immunofluorescence staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry and terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining, respectively. Molecules including the mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis factors, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), PTEN/AKT and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were determined by Western blot. Neointimal formation was induced by ligation in male Sprague Dawley rats and evaluated by HE staining. Thymoquinone inhibited PDGF‐BB–induced VSMC proliferation and the increase in α‐SMA and Ki‐67‐positive cells. Thymoquinone also induced apoptosis via mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis pathway and p38MAPK. Thymoquinone blocked VSMC migration by inhibiting MMP2. Finally, TQ reversed neointimal formation induced by ligation in rats. Thus, TQ is a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of occlusive vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yijia Xiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Xuyong Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Changhong Cai
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenbing Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunlai Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, China
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Phospholipid nanoformulation of thymoquinone with enhanced bioavailability: Development, characterization and anti-inflammatory activity. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2019.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Mohammadabadi M, Mozafari M. Enhanced efficacy and bioavailability of thymoquinone using nanoliposomal dosage form. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2018.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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El-Far AH, Al Jaouni SK, Li W, Mousa SA. Protective Roles of Thymoquinone Nanoformulations: Potential Nanonutraceuticals in Human Diseases. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1369. [PMID: 30257423 PMCID: PMC6213571 DOI: 10.3390/nu10101369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The focus on nanotechnology for improved bioavailability and drug delivery is of increasing importance for control of different human diseases. Therefore, numerous nanoformulations have been developed for the oral bioavailability of different drugs. This review introduces applications of nanomedicine to enhance the biological activities of thymoquinone (TQ) to control different diseases in several in vivo studies as a preliminary investigation for human disease treatment with nano-TQ. Nano-TQ effectively augments the anticancer roles of doxorubicin by upregulation of P53 and downregulation of Bcl2 and potentiates paclitaxel's apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, nano-TQ protects against diabetes, inflammation, CNS, and hepatotoxicity, mainly by enhancement of organs' antioxidant status. We summarize the pros and cons of several FDA approved nanoparticle-based therapeutics and discuss the roadblocks in clinical translation, along with potential nano-TQ strategies to overcome these roadblocks. From this review, we can conclude that nano-TQ may be considered as a promising nutraceutical for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali H El-Far
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt.
| | - Soad K Al Jaouni
- Department of Hematology/Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Yousef Abdulatif Jameel scientific chair of Prophetic Medicine Application, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Weikun Li
- The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA.
| | - Shaker A Mousa
- The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA.
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Novel nanotherapeutic strategies: fabrication approaches, application and clinical challenges. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:931-933. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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