Curcumin inhibits invasion and metastasis in K1 papillary thyroid cancer cells

Multifaceted physiological and therapeutical impact of curcumin on hormone-related endocrine dysfunctions: A comprehensive review

Over the past five decades, Curcumin (Cur), derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), has gained considerable attention for its potential therapeutic applications. Synthesizing insights from clinical trials conducted over the last 25 years, this review delves into diseases where Cur has demonstrated promise, offering a nuanced understanding of its pharmacokinetics, safety, and effectiveness. Focusing on specific examples, the impact of Cur on various human diseases is explored. Endocrine glands and associated signaling pathways are highlighted, elucidating how Cur influences cellular signaling. The article underscores molecular mechanisms such as hormone level alteration, receptor interaction, cytokine and adipokine expression inhibition, antioxidant enzyme activity, and modulation of transcription factors. Cur showcases diverse protective mechanisms against inflammation and oxidative damage by suppressing antiapoptotic genes and impeding tumor promotion. This comprehensive overview emphasizes the potential of Cur as a natural agent for countering aging and degenerative diseases, calling for further dedicated research in this realm.

Targeted Nanoparticles Based on Alendronate Polyethylene Glycol Conjugated Chitosan for the Delivery of siRNA and Curcumin for Bone Metastasized Breast Cancer Applications

Bone metastasized breast cancer reduces the quality of life and median survival. Targeted delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and chemotherapeutic drugs using nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising strategy to overcome current limitations in treating these metastatic breast cancers. This research develops alendronate conjugated polyethylene glycol functionalized chitosan (ALD-PEG-CHI) NP for the delivery of cell death siRNA (CD-siRNA) and curcumin (CUR) and explores its targeting ability and in vitro cell cytotoxicity. Polyethylene glycol functionalized CHI (mPEG-CHI) NPs serve as control. The size of CD-siRNA loaded NPs is below 100 nm while CUR loaded NPs is below 200 nm, with near neutral zeta potential for all NPs. The CUR encapsulation efficiency (EE) is 70% and 88% for targeted and control NPs, respectively, while complete encapsulation of CD-siRNA is achieved in both NP systems. The bone targeting ability of CY5-dsDNA loaded ALD-PEG-CHI NPs using hydroxyapatite discs is fivefold compared to control indicating ALD presentation at the targeting NP surface. Delivery of CD-siRNA loaded NPs and CUR loaded NPs show synergistic and additive growth inhibition effects against MCF-7 cells by mPEG-CHI and ALD-PEG-CHI NPs, respectively. Overall, these in vitro results illustrate the potential of the targeted NPs as an effective therapeutic system toward bone metastasized breast cancer.

Radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for radioiodine resistance

Radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) is difficult to treat with radioactive iodine because of the absence of the sodium iodide transporter in the basement membrane of thyroid follicular cells for iodine uptake. This is usually due to the mutation or rearrangement of genes and the aberrant activation of signal pathways, which result in abnormal expression of thyroid-specific genes, leading to resistance of differentiated thyroid cancer cells to radioiodine therapy. Therefore, inhibiting the proliferation and growth of RAIR-DTC with multikinase inhibitors and other drugs or restoring its differentiation and then carrying out radioiodine therapy have become the first-line treatment strategies and main research directions. The drugs that regulate these kinases or signaling pathways have been studied in clinical and preclinical settings. In this review, we summarized the major gene mutations, gene rearrangements and abnormal activation of signaling pathways that led to radioiodine resistance of RAIR-DTC, as well as the medicine that have been tested in clinical and preclinical trials.

Curcumin induces mitophagy by promoting mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity and sensitizes human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells to radioiodine treatment

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine malignancies. Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) treatment is based on the ability of thyroid follicular cells to accumulate radioactive iodide (RAI). DTC generally has a good prognosis. However, tumor dedifferentiation or defect in certain cell death mechanism occurs in a subset of DTC patients, leading to RAI resistance. Therefore, developing novel therapeutic approaches that enhance RAI sensitivity are still warranted. We found that curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric with anti-cancer properties, rapidly accumulated in the mitochondria of thyroid cancer cells but not normal epithelial cells. Curcumin treatment triggered mitochondrial membrane depolarization, engulfment of mitochondria within autophagosomes and a robust decrease in mitochondrial mass and proteins, indicating that curcumin selectively induced mitophagy in thyroid cancer cells. In addition, curcumin-induced mitophagic cell death and its synergistic cytotoxic effect with radioiodine could be attenuated by autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Interestingly, the mechanism of mitophagy-inducing potential of curcumin was its unique mitochondria-targeting property, which induced a burst of SDH activity and excessive ROS production. Our data suggest that curcumin induces mitochondrial dysfunction and triggers lethal mitophagy, which synergizes with radioiodine to kill thyroid cancer cells.

The combined anticancer of peanut skin procyanidins and resveratrol to CACO-2 colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Currently, chemotherapy is the primary way for colorectal cancer, but with severe side effects. Therefore, it is urgent to find safer and more effective adjuvant treatment methods. At present, natural active substances are promising alternatives, as numerous studies have demonstrated possible synergistic anticancer effects in plant-active polyphenols. In the present study, the combined effect of procyanidins (PC) (from peanut skin) and resveratrol (RES) (from peanut buds) on the synergistic anticancer potential was investigated. CACO-2 and HCT-8 cells were served as colorectal cancer models, and HEPG-2 and HUH-7 cells were served as liver cancer models to observe the effects of PC and RES alone or in combination on the growth and proliferation of these four types of cancer cells. The results revealed that both PC and RES could inhibit the cells' proliferation in a manner with concentration-dependent, but they exerted synergistic anticancer effects only on CACO-2 cells. PC and RES could synergistically inhibit CACO-2 cell clone formation, inducing apoptosis of CACO-2 cells and blocking their cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. Additionally, as observed by the results of Western blot assay, the combined effect of PC and RES also inhibited the phosphorylation of Thr308, Ser473, and ERK and promoted the phosphorylation of IKBα and NF-κB in CACO-2 cells. These findings collectively indicate that PC combined with RES might exert synergistic anticancer effects by regulating AKT, ERK, and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Therapeutic potential and limitations of curcumin as antimetastatic agent

Treatment of metastatic cancer is one of the biggest challenges in anticancer therapy. Curcumin is interesting nature polyphenolic compound with unique biological and medicinal effects, including repression of metastases. High impact studies imply that curcumin can modulate the immune system, independently target various metastatic signalling pathways, and repress migration and invasiveness of cancer cells. This review discusses the potential of curcumin as an antimetastatic agent and describes potential mechanisms of its antimetastatic activity. In addition, possible strategies (curcumin formulation, optimization of the method of administration and modification of its structure motif) to overcome its limitation such as low solubility and bioactivity are also presented. These strategies are discussed in the context of clinical trials and relevant biological studies.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of curcumin on thyroid gland disorders

There is growing literature on the positive therapeutic potentials of curcumin. Curcumin or diferuloylmethane is a polyphenol obtained from the plant Curcuma longa. Curcumin has been used widely in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for various conditions. The role of curcumin on thyroid glands has been shown by its effects on various biological pathways, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell cycle and metastasis. We reviewed the recent literature on curcumin applications for thyroid dysfunction, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and discussed the molecular mechanisms of these effects. This review aims to summarize the wealth of research related to the thyroid gland therapeutic effect of curcumin.

Curcumin enhances the membrane trafficking of the sodium iodide symporter and augments radioiodine uptake in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cells via suppression of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway

Radioactive iodine (RAI) is commonly used to treat differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). A major challenge is the dedifferentiation of DTC with the loss of radioiodine uptake. Patients with distant metastases have persistent or recurrent disease and develop resistance to RAI therapy due to tumor dedifferentiation. Hence, tumor redifferentiation to restore sensitivity to RAI therapy is considered a promising strategy to overcome RAI resistance. In the present study, curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound, was found to re-induce cell differentiation and increase the expression of thyroid-specific transcription factors, TTF-1, TTF-2 and transcriptional factor paired box 8 (PAX8), and iodide-metabolizing proteins, including thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and sodium iodide symporter (NIS) in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cell lines, BCPAP and KTC-1. Importantly, curcumin enhanced NIS glycosylation and its membrane trafficking, resulting in a significant improvement of radioiodine uptake in vitro. Additionally, AKT knockdown phenocopied the restoration of thyroid-specific gene expression; however, ectopic expressed AKT inhibited curcumin-induced up-regulation of NIS protein, demonstrating that curcumin might improve radioiodine sensitivity via the inhibition of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Our study demonstrates that curcumin could represent a promising adjunctive therapy for restoring iodide avidity and improve radioiodine therapeutic efficacy in patients with RAI-refractory thyroid carcinoma.

Phytochemicals in thyroid cancer: analysis of the preclinical studies

PURPOSE

In the search for novel effective compounds to use in thyroid cancer (TC) unresponsive to current treatment, attention has recently focused on plant-derived compounds with anticancer activity. In this review, we discuss the preclinical studies demonstrating phytochemical activity against thyroid cancer cells.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

In particular, we describe their antiproliferative properties or ability to re-induce iodine retention, thus supporting their potential use as single agents or adjuvants in radioiodine-resistant thyroid cancer treatment.

Curcumin inhibits the viability, migration and invasion of papillary thyroid cancer cells by regulating the miR-301a-3p/STAT3 axis

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, and the mortality rate associated with thyroid cancer has been increasing annually. Curcumin has been reported to exert an antitumor effect on papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and the identification of additional mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of curcumin on PTC requires further investigation. The present study aimed to explore the effects of curcumin on the viability, migration and invasion of PTC cells. TPC-1 cells were incubated with different concentrations of curcumin, and then, cell viability, migration and invasion, and wound healing were examined by CCK-8, Transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Subsequently, microRNA (miR)-301a-3p mimics, miR-301a-3p inhibitors and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 overexpression vector were transfected into TPC-1 cells, and cell viability, migration, and invasion were reassessed in these transfected cells. Matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers, and Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT signaling pathway components were assessed by western blot analysis. Curcumin significantly inhibited cell viability, migration and invasion and downregulated MMP-2, MMP-9 and EMT marker expression. Additionally, curcumin decreased STAT3 expression by upregulating miR-301a-3p expression, and the inhibition of miR-301a-3p and the overexpression of STAT3 reversed the effects of curcumin on cell viability, migration and invasion, and MMP-2, MMP-9 and EMT marker expression in TPC-1 cells. Furthermore, curcumin suppressed the JAK/STAT signaling pathway through the miR-301a-3p/STAT3 axis. The data of the present study indicated that curcumin could inhibit the viability, migration and invasion of TPC-1 cells by regulating the miR-301a-3p/STAT3 axis. These findings may provide a possible strategy for the clinical treatment of PTC.

Preparation and photodynamic bactericidal effects of curcumin-β-cyclodextrin complex

To overcome the poor water solubility of curcumin, a curcumin-β-cyclodextrin (Cur-β-CD) complex was prepared as a novel photosensitizer. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to verify the formation of Cur-β-CD. Furthermore, the ROS generation capacity and photodynamic bactericidal effect were measured to confirm this Cur-β-CD complex kept photodynamic activity of curcumin. The result showed Cur-β-CD could effectively generate ROS upon blue-light irradiation. The plate count assay demonstrated Cur-β-CD complex possess desirable photodynamic antibacterial effect against food-borne pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. The cell morphology determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed Cur-β-CD could cause cell deformation, surface collapse and cell structure damage of the bacteria, resulting in the leakage of cytoplasmic; while agarose gel electrophoresis and SDS-PAGE further illustrated the inactivation mechanisms by Cur-β-CD involve bacterial DNA damage and protein degradation.

Curcumin encapsulation in nanostructures for cancer therapy: A 10-year overview

Curcumin (CUR) is a phenolic compound present in some herbs, including Curcuma longa Linn. (turmeric rhizome), with a high bioactive capacity and characteristic yellow color. It is mainly used as a spice, although it has been found that CUR has interesting pharmaceutical properties, acting as a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumoral agent. Nonetheless, CUR is a hydrophobic compound with low water solubility, poor chemical stability, and fast metabolism, limiting its use as a pharmacological compound. Smart drug delivery systems (DDS) have been used to overcome its low bioavailability and improve its stability. The current work overviews the literature from the past 10 years on the encapsulation of CUR in nanostructured systems, such as micelles, liposomes, niosomes, nanoemulsions, hydrogels, and nanocomplexes, emphasizing its use and ability in cancer therapy. The studies highlighted in this review have shown that these nanoformulations achieved higher solubility, improved tumor cytotoxicity, prolonged CUR release, and reduced side effects, among other interesting advantages.

Ricinus communis Butanol Fraction Inhibits MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Migration, Adhesion, and Invasiveness

In this study, the potential of an n-butanol fraction from Ricinus communis to prevent metastasis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells was investigated. The effect of the fraction on BUD-8 and MCF-7 cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Apoptotic cell death was analyzed by Hoechst staining assay. The antimetastatic effect of the fraction on MCF-7 cell was evaluated using the wound healing, adhesion and Boyden chamber invasion assays. Gelatin-zymography was used to assess the effect of the fraction on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. The expression profile of proteins implicated in metastasis and angiogenesis was determined using the human angiogenesis antibody array kit, following treatment with the fraction. BUD-8 cell viability was significantly reduced at concentrations between 300 and 500 µg/ml of the extract. In contrast, a significant reduction in cell viability was seen in MCF-7 cells treated with 400 to 500 µg/ml of the fraction. At sub-lethal concentrations (100 and 200 µg/ml) of the fraction, no nuclei morphological changes associated with apoptotic cell death were observed in MCF-7 cells. In addition, the fraction showed to have an inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cell migration, adhesion, invasiveness, and MMP-2 activity. Moreover, the fraction was seen to modulate the expression of several proteins, such as MMP-9, uPA, VEGF, and TGF-β1, playing a role in the metastasis process. This study demonstrates that the n-butanol fraction of R. communis can inhibit major steps of the metastatic cascade and modulate metastasis regulatory proteins. Thus, the fraction can be considered a potential source of antimetastatic agents that could be useful in the treatment of malignant cancers.

A comparison of the location in membranes of curcumin and curcumin-derived bivalent compounds with potential neuroprotective capacity for Alzheimer's disease

Curcumin and two bivalent compounds, namely 17MD and 21MO, both obtained by conjugation of curcumin with a steroid molecule that acts as a membrane anchor, were comparatively studied. When incorporated into 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine the compounds showed a very limited solubility in the model membranes. Curcumin and the two bivalent compounds were also incorporated in membranes of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and quenching the fluorescence of pure curcumin or of the curcumin moiety in the bivalent compounds by acrylamide it was seen that curcumin was accessible to this water soluble quencher but the molecule was somehow located in a hydrophobic environment. This was confirmed by quenching with doxyl-phosphatidylcholines, indicating that the curcumin moieties of 17MD and 21MO were in a more polar environment than pure curcumin itself. ¹H NOESY MAS-NMR analysis supports this notion by showing that the orientation of curcumin was parallel to the plane of the membrane surface close to C2 and C3 of the fatty acyl chains, while the curcumin moiety of 17MD and 21MO positioned close to the polar part of the membrane with the steroid moiety in the centre of the membrane. Molecular dynamics studies were in close agreement with the experimental results with respect to the likely proximity of the protons studied by NMR and show that 17MD and 21MO have a clear tendency to aggregate in a fluid membrane. The anchorage of the bivalent compounds to the membrane leaving the curcumin moiety near the polar part may be very important to facilitate the bioactivity of the curcumin moiety when used as anti-Alzheimer drugs.

Curcumin inhibits the migration of osteoclast precursors and osteoclastogenesis by repressing CCL3 production

Background

Curcumin can inhibit the osteoclastogenesis and the migration of several cells including macrophages. Osteoclast precursors (OCPs) are known to exist as bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). This study aims to explore whether curcumin can prevent the fusion and differentiation of OCPs to mature osteoclasts by inhibiting OCP migration.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the role of curcumin in regulating the production of several chemokines (CCL2, CCL3 and CX3CL1) and the migration of OCPs by ELISA, Western blotting and Transwell assays. Furthermore, we explored the role of curcumin in the chemokines-related osteoclastogenesis using pharmacological intervention and virus infection, and used ovariectomized (OVX) mice (osteoporosis model) to explore the effect of curcumin on the production of specific chemokine in vivo.

Results

The results showed that curcumin significantly reduced the production of CCL3 in OCPs. Moreover, curcumin-inhibited the migration of OCPs was not affected by CCR1 (Receptor of CCL3) overexpression. Remarkably, curcumin-reduced osteoclastogenesis was significantly reversed by CCL3 addition, while CCR1 overexpression did not increase the osteoclastogenesis in the presence of curcumin. Furthermore, in vivo assays also showed that curcumin significantly reduced the production of CCL3 in OCPs in the trabecular bone of OVX mice.

Conclusions

In conclusion, curcumin prevents the migration of OCPs by reducing CCL3 production, ultimately inhibiting the formation of mature osteoclasts. Therefore, our study provides the clues for improving the clinical strategies of osteoporosis, dental implantation or orthodontic treatment.

Herbal Active Ingredients: An Emerging Potential for the Prevention and Treatment of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common subtype of differentiated thyroid cancers in Asian coastal cities, where the patients have increased risk of potentially high or excessive iodine intake. Given the high metastasis and recurrence of patients with BRAF^V600E mutation, the mortality rate of thyroid cancer has recently shown an upward trend. A variety of therapies, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have been used to treat thyroid cancer, but these therapies still have limitations, including postoperative complications, drug resistance, poor efficacy, or serious side effects. Recent studies have shown the potential of active ingredients derived from herbal medicine in inhibiting PTC via various cell signaling pathways. Some plant-derived compounds, such as apigenin, genistein, and curcumin, are also known to prevent and treat PTC. This article summarizes the recent advances in the structure-functional impact of anti-PTC active ingredients and their effects on PTC cells and tumor microenvironments with an emphasis on their challenges from basic research to clinical practice.

Nevirapine inhibits migration and invasion in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cells

Background

Metastatic or recurrent thyroid cancer often behaves aggressively, and approximately two‐thirds of patients present with radioiodine resistance. Effective therapies to suppress thyroid cancer metastasis are urgently needed. Nevirapine has been proved to suppress tumor growth and induce differentiation in several tumor cells, but has not previously been evaluated in metastasis of thyroid cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of nevirapine on migration and invasion in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cells.

Methods

Human dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cell line (WRO 82‐1) was subject to real‐time quantitative PCR, western blot and transwell migration/invasion assays. The liver metastasis in tumor xenografts of nude mice was subject to hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining.

Results

Nevirapine significantly repressed cell migration and invasion in WRO 82‐1 cells, and surprisingly significantly decreased liver metastatic tumor in the nude mouse model of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer compared with that of the control. Moreover, nevirapine significantly decreased the expression of IL‐6 mRNA and phosphorylation of JAK2 (Y1007+Y1008) and STAT3 (Tyr 705) in WRO 82‐1 cells compared with those in control cells.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that nevirapine significantly repressed migration and invasion/metastasis in WRO 82‐1 cells and tumor xenografts, which may be related to inhibition of IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway. It promises great potential as a novel therapy for thyroid cancer, especially for those patients with metastasis.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in prevention and treatment of disease

Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound present in rhizome of Curcuma longa belonging to the family zingiberaceae. Growing experimental evidence revealed that curcumin exhibit multitarget biological implications signifying its crucial role in health and disease. The current review highlights the recent progress and mechanisms underlying the wide range of pharmacological effects of curcumin against numerous diseases like neuronal, cardiovascular, metabolic, kidney, endocrine, skin, respiratory, infectious, gastrointestinal diseases and cancer. The ability of curcumin to modulate the functions of multiple signal transductions are linked with attenuation of acute and chronic diseases. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have revealed that curcumin modulates several molecules in cell signal transduction pathway including PI3K, Akt, mTOR, ERK5, AP-1, TGF-β, Wnt, β-catenin, Shh, PAK1, Rac1, STAT3, PPARγ, EBPα, NLRP3 inflammasome, p38MAPK, Nrf2, Notch-1, AMPK, TLR-4 and MyD-88. Curcumin has a potential to prevent and/or manage various diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties with an excellent safety profile. In contrast, the anti-cancer effects of curcumin are reflected due to induction of growth arrest and apoptosis in various premalignant and malignant cells. This review also carefully emphasized the pharmacokinetics of curcumin and its interaction with other drugs. Clinical studies have shown that curcumin is safe at the doses of 12 g/day but exhibits poor systemic bioavailability. The use of adjuvant like piperine, liposomal curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles and curcumin phospholipid complex has shown enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic potential. Further studies are warranted to prove the potential of curcumin against various ailments.

The inhibitory effect of Manuka honey on human colon cancer HCT-116 and LoVo cell growth. Part 2: Induction of oxidative stress, alteration of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, and suppression of metastatic ability

Despite its high content of phenolic compounds, the chemopreventive activity of Manuka honey (MH) is still elusive. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of MH on oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, cellular metabolism and the metastatic ability in HCT-116 and LoVo cells, paying particular attention to the molecular mechanisms involved. We observed a strong induction of oxidative stress after MH treatment since it augmented the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and increased the damage to proteins, lipids and DNA. Furthermore, MH suppressed the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant enzyme expression (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and heme oxygenase-1) and the activity of SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. Cell metabolisms were markedly disrupted after MH treatment. It decreased maximal oxygen consumption and spare respiratory capacity, which could reduce the mitochondrial function that is correlated with cell survival potential. Simultaneously, MH decreased the extracellular acidification rate (glycolysis) of HCT-116 and LoVo cells. Furthermore, MH suppressed the p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC1α and SIRT1 activation, involved in the survival of HCT-116 and LoVo cells under metabolic stress conditions. Dose-dependently, MH reduced the migration and invasion (MMP-2 and MMP-9) ability, and concurrently regulated EMT-related markers (E cadherin, N cadherin, and β-catenin) in both cell types. The above findings indicate that MH induces HCT-116 and LoVo cell death partly by enhancing oxidative stress, as well as by regulating the energy metabolism in both aerobic and anaerobic pathways and suppressing the metastatic ability.

Characteristics of Curcumin-Loaded Bacterial Cellulose Films and Anticancer Properties against Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer Cells

Curcumin-loaded bacterial cellulose films were developed in this study. Curcumin was absorbed into never-dried bacterial cellulose pellicles by 24-h immersion in solutions of curcumin in the range of 0.2–1.0 mg /mL. The curcumin-loaded bacterial cellulose pellicles were then air-dried and characterized. The mechanical properties of curcumin-loaded bacterial cellulose films, particularly the stretching properties, appeared to be lower than those of bacterial cellulose film. This was especially evident when the loading concentration of curcumin was higher than 0.4 mg/mL. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated an interaction between bacterial cellulose microfibrils and curcumin. Controlled release of curcumin was achieved in buffer solutions containing Tween 80 and methanol additives, at pH 5.5 and 7.4. Curcumin-loaded bacterial cellulose films prepared with curcumin solutions at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL displayed antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger. They also exhibited anticancer activity against A375 malignant melanoma cells. No significant cytotoxic effect was observed against normal dermal cells, specifically, human keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts.

Capsaicin inhibits the metastasis of human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells through the modulation of the TRPV1 channel

Capsaicin (CAP), a potent transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) agonist, is a major ingredient of red pepper. Recently, capsaicin has attracted increasing attention owing to its multiple biological activities. However, the anticancer effects of capsaicin against various types of cancers, especially on thyroid carcinoma, have not been completely elucidated. TRPV1, which can be activated by capsaicin, plays a key role in many biological and physiological processes. In the present study, the anticancer properties of capsaicin against papillary thyroid cancer BCPAP cells were investigated. Our results indicated that TRPV1 and TRPV6 were universally expressed in different types of thyroid cell lines. Capsaicin could inhibit multiple steps of metastasis without affecting the viability of BCPAP cells. The activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin (25-100 μM) significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of BCPAP cells as well as their adhesion. The protein levels of Snail1 and Twist1, two critical EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs), dramatically decreased in a dose-dependent manner after capsaicin treatment, accompanied by the up-regulation of downstream protein E-cadherin. Subsequently, the activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin also caused significant inhibition of the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of capsaicin on the metastasis of BCPAP cells were abrogated by the pre-treatment of a specific TRPV1 antagonist (capsazepin). Our results suggest that the activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin is associated with the metastatic inhibition of papillary thyroid cancer BCPAP cells, indicating that targeting of TRPV1 functions remains a feasible strategy for cancer treatment.

Effects of different extracts of curcumin on TPC1 papillary thyroid cancer cell line

BACKGROUND

The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. The vast majority of TCs (> 90%) originate from follicular cells and are defined as differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) and the two histological subtypes are the papillary TC with its variants and the follicular TC. Curcumin possesses a wide variety of biological functions, and thanks to its properties, it has gained considerable attention due to its profound medicinal values (Prasad, Gupta, Tyagi, and Aggarwal, Biotechnol Adv 32:1053-1064, 2014). We have undertaken the present work in order to define the possible role of curcumin in modulating the genetic expression of cell markers and to understand the effectiveness of this nutraceutical in modulating the regression of cancer phenotype.

METHODS

As a template we used the TPC-1 cells treated with the different extracts of turmeric, and examined the levels of expression of different markers (proliferative, inflammatory, antioxidant, apoptotic).

RESULTS

Treatment with the three different curcumin extracts displays anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and it is able to influence cell cycle with slightly different effects upon the extracts. Furthermore curcumin is able to influence cell metabolic activity vitality.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion curcumin has the potential to be developed as a safe therapeutic but further studies are needed to verify its antitumor ability in vivo.

Curcumin and endometriosis: Review on potential roles and molecular mechanisms

Endometriosis, an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease, is one of the most common chronic gynecological disorders affecting women in reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. The exact pathophysiology of endometriosis is not still well-known, but the immune system and inflammation have been considered as pivotal factors in disease progression. Turmeric, an important spice all around the world, is obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, a member of the Zingiberaceae family. It has been used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases since ancient times. Curcumin is the principal polyphenol isolated from turmeric. Several evidences have shown the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-metastatic activities of curcumin. In this review, relevant articles on the effect of curcumin on endometriosis and possible molecular mechanisms are discussed.

Overexpression of long intergenic noncoding RNA LINC00312 inhibits the invasion and migration of thyroid cancer cells by down-regulating microRNA-197-3p

The study evaluated the ability of long intergenic noncoding RNA LINC00312 (LINC00312) to influence the proliferation, invasion, and migration of thyroid cancer (TC) cells by regulating miRNA-197-3p. TC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from 211 TC patients. K1 (papillary TC), SW579 (squamous TC), and 8505C (anaplastic TC) cell lines were assigned into a blank, negative control (NC), LINC00312 overexpression, miR-197-3p inhibitors, and LINC00312 overexpression + miR-197-3p mimics group. The expression of LINC00312, miR-197-3p, and p120 were measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was assessed via CCK8 assay, cell invasion through the scratch test, and cell migration via Transwell assay. In comparison with adjacent normal tissues, the expression of LINC00312 is down-regulated and the expression of miR-197-3p is up-regulated in TC tissues. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that P120 is a target of miR-197-3p. The expression of LINC00312 and p120 was higher in the LINC00312 overexpression group than in the blank and NV groups. However, the expression of miR-197-3p was lower in the LINC00312 overexpression group than in the blank and NC groups. The miR-197-3p inhibitors group had a higher expression of miR-197-3p, but a lower expression of p120 than the blank and NC groups. The LINC00312 overexpression and miR-197-3p inhibitor groups had reduced cell proliferation, invasion and migration than the blank and NC groups. These results indicate that a LINC00312 overexpression inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and migration of TC cells and that this can be achieved by down-regulating miR-197-3p.

Daurinol blocks breast and lung cancer metastasis and development by inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)

FAK overexpression has been reported in diverse primary and metastatic tumor tissues, supporting its pro-tumorigenic and pro-metastatic roles. Therefore, we have developed a neo-treatment strategy using daurinol to effectively treat cancer metastasis. Daurinol blocked cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and exhibited anti-metastatic activity in an experimental metastasis model of breast and lung cancer. Daurinol selectively inhibited phosphorylation of FAK at Tyr925, Tyr576/577, and Tyr397 sites in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Daurinol effectively suppressed migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 and A549 cancer cells. These data were associated with inhibition of expression and secretion of invasion factors, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP9, and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). Consistent with these in vitro results, daurinol (10 mg/kg; Oral gavage) effectively inhibited breast and lung cancer metastasis in a mouse model. In addition, daurinol showed strong suppressive activity of cell survival as revealed by colony formation assays. Analysis of cellular phenotypes revealed that inhibition of FAK phosphorylation in cancer cells limited colony formation, cell migration, and invasion, thereby reducing the cell proliferation rate. Furthermore, daurinol significantly reduced tumor development in 4-(methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)/benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)-treated A/J mice. Our results suggest that daurinol suppresses lung metastasis through inhibition of migration and survival via blockade of FAK activity.

Induction of ROS-independent DNA damage by curcumin leads to G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells

Previously we found that curcumin, the active constituent of dietary spice turmeric, showed potent inhibitory effects on the cell growth of thyroid cancer cells. However, the detailed anti-cancer mechanism of curcumin is still unknown. In this study, we have reported that curcumin induces significant DNA damage in human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells in a dose-dependent manner as evidenced by the upregulated phosphorylation of H2A.X at Ser139, which was further confirmed by the long tails in the comet assay and the increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells. Subsequently, curcumin treatment caused a significant accumulation of cells at the G2/M phase that eventually resulted in a caspase-dependent apoptosis in BCPAP cells. DNA agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that curcumin-induced DNA damage in BCPAP cells was independent of DNA conformational change. Pretreatment with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers failed to block the phosphorylation of H2A.X, suggesting the non-involvement of ROS in curcumin-mediated DNA damage. Interestingly, ATM/ATR activation by curcumin induced phosphorylation of Chk2 (Thr68) followed by that of Cdc25C (Ser216) and Cdc2 (Tyr15), and Cyclin B1 accumulation. In addition, the ATM-specific inhibitor KU-55933 reversed curcumin-induced phosphorylation of H2A.X. These results collectively show that curcumin treatment induced the DNA damage response via triggering an ATM-activated Chk2-Cdc25C-Cdc2 signaling pathway. These observations provide novel mechanisms and potential targets for the better understanding of the anti-cancer mechanisms of curcumin.

Spices for Prevention and Treatment of Cancers

Spices have been widely used as food flavorings and folk medicines for thousands of years. Numerous studies have documented the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of spices, which might be related to prevention and treatment of several cancers, including lung, liver, breast, stomach, colorectum, cervix, and prostate cancers. Several spices are potential sources for prevention and treatment of cancers, such as Curcuma longa (tumeric), Nigella sativa (black cumin), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Allium sativum (garlic), Crocus sativus (saffron), Piper nigrum (black pepper) and Capsicum annum (chili pepper), which contained several important bioactive compounds, such as curcumin, thymoquinone, piperine and capsaicin. The main mechanisms of action include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion of tumors, and sensitizing tumors to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review summarized recent studies on some spices for prevention and treatment of cancers, and special attention was paid to bioactive components and mechanisms of action.

Protective effect of Trillium tschonoskii saponin on CCl4-induced acute liver injury of rats through apoptosis inhibition

To explore hepatoprotective role and underlying mechanisms of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim (TTM), 36 rats were randomly divided into control, CCl₄-induced liver injury model, and biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate (DDB) and low-, moderate-, and high-dose TTM treatment groups. After CCl₄-induced model establishment, the rats from DDB and TTM groups were administrated with DDB at 0.2 g/kg per day and TTM at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg per day, while the rats from control and model groups were administrated with saline. After 5 days of treatments, all rats were sacrificed for determining serum ALT and AST levels and liver index, examining histopathological changes in liver through HE and TUNEL staining, and evaluating TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expression by real-time PCR, and caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax expression by Western blot. Results indicated that CCl₄ could induce acute liver injury and abnormal liver function in rats with obvious hepatomegaly, increased liver index, high ALT and AST levels, up-regulated TNF-α and IL-6, and overexpressed Bax and caspase-3. However, DDB and TTM could execute protective role in CCl₄-induced liver injury in rats through reducing ALT and AST levels, rescuing hepatomegaly, down-regulating inflammatory factors and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, TTM has obvious protective role in CCl₄-induced liver injury of rats through inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.

Therapeutic actions of curcumin in bone disorders

Curcumin is the active component of turmeric extract derived from the Curcuma longa plant. In the last decade, curcumin has raised a considerable interest in medicine owing to its negligible toxicity and multiple therapeutic actions including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities. Among the various molecular targets of curcumin, some are involved in bone remodeling, which strongly suggests that curcumin can affect the skeletal system. The review sheds light on the current and potential applications of curcumin to treat bone disorders characterized by an excessive resorption activity. Within the scope of this review, the novel formulations of curcumin to overcome its physico-chemical and pharmacokinetic constraints are also discussed.

Curcumin inhibits metastasis in human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells via down-regulation of the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway

Thyroid cancers usually possess a good prognosis while the risks of recurrence and metastasis turn out to be a disturbing issue. Curcumin [bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione] is a natural polyphenolic compound mainly found in turmeric (Curcuma longa). Our previous studies have demonstrated that curcumin showed proliferation-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects on K1 papillary thyroid cancer cells. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibition effects of curcumin on thyroid cancer cells remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that curcumin remarkably increased the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and repressed the expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin in human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells. Curcumin also suppressed multiple metastatic steps of BCPAP cells, including cell attachment, spreading as well as migration. In addition, the transcription, secretion and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in BCPAP cells were mitigated upon curcumin treatment. Further evidence showed that curcumin decreased TGF-β1-mediated phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. These results revealed that curcumin inhibited the TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via down-regulation of Smad2/3 signaling pathways. Our findings provide new evidence that the anti-metastatic and anti-EMT activities of curcumin may contribute to the development of chemo-preventive agents for thyroid cancer treatment.

Curcumin induces cell death of human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress

Curcumin induced cell death of BCPAP cells via ER stress with activation of the ATF6/XBP-1 signaling pathway and Ca²⁺ release.

Curcumin Suppresses Phthalate-Induced Metastasis and the Proportion of Cancer Stem Cell (CSC)-like Cells via the Inhibition of AhR/ERK/SK1 Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Recent evidence indicating that phthalates promote cancer development, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, has raised public health concerns. Here, we show that bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate promotes the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In addition, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate increased the proportion of cancer stem cell (CSC)-like cells and stemness maintenance in vitro as well as tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. The various activities of curcumin, including anticancer, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and immunomodulation, have been investigated extensively. Curcumin suppressed phthalate-induced cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, decreased the proportion of CSC-like cells in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines in vitro, and inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. We also reveal that curcumin suppressed phthalate-induced migration, invasion, and CSC-like cell maintenance through inhibition of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/ERK/SK1/S1P3 signaling pathway. Our results suggest that curcumin may be a potential antidote for phthalate-induced cancer progression.

Influence of curcumin on HOTAIR-mediated migration of human renal cell carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the influence of curcumin on HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR)- mediated migration of cultured renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five RCC cell lines (769-P, 769-P-vector, 769-P-HOTAIR, 786-0, and Kert-3 ) were maintained in vitro. The expression of HOTAIR mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time PCR and cell migration was measured by transwell migration assay. The effects of different concentrations of curcumin (0 to 80 μmol/L) on cell proliferation was determined by the CCK-8 assay and influence of non-toxic levels (0 to 10 μM) on the migration of RCC cells was also determined.

RESULTS

Comparison of the 5 cell lines indicated a correlation between HOTAIR mRNA expression and cell migration. In particular, the migration of 769-P-HOTAIR cells was significantly higher than that of 769-P-vector cells. Curcumin at 2.5-10 μM had no evident toxicity against RCC cells, but inhibited cell migration in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

HOTAIR expression is correlated with the migration of RCC cells, and HOTAIR may be involved in the curcumin-induced inhibition of RCC metastasis.

Paris saponin VII from trillium tschonoskii reverses multidrug resistance of adriamycin-resistant MCF-7/ADR cells via P-glycoprotein inhibition and apoptosis augmentation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Saponins of several herbs are known to induce apoptosis in some cancer cells and are proposed to be promising modulators of drug resistance. In the present study, we extracted Paris saponin VII (PS VII), a kind of saponin, from Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. and observed its effect on adriamycin-resistant breast cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An adriamycin-resistant human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7/ADR cells were exposed to different concentrations of PS VII (0-100 μmol/L). Then, flow cytometric assays and a human apoptosis array were used to detect apoptotic cells and apoptosis related protein expression. P-glycoprotein levels and intracellular rhodamine 123 (RH-123) accumulations were measured to evaluate the expression and activity of P-glycoprotein.

RESULTS

PS VII dose dependently suppressed cell viability as well as triggered apoptosis and modulated drug resistance of MCF-7/ADR cells. Further results showed that PS VII treatment in MCF-7/ADR cells led to increased TNFR1, TRAIL R1/DR4, TRAIL R2/DR5, and FADD expression, and activation of PARP, caspase-8, and 3. In parallel to the alterations, P-glycoprotein expression and activity were also reduced.

CONCLUSION

These findings showed that PS VII might be an effective tumouristatic agent for the treatment of MDR breast cancer.

Synergistic apoptosis-inducing effects on A375 human melanoma cells of natural borneol and curcumin

This study was to investigate the synergistic effect of NB/Cur on growth and apoptosis in A375 human melanoma cell line by MTT assay, flow cytometry and Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that NB effectively synergized with Cur to enhance its antiproliferative activity on A375 human melanoma cells by induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by an increase in sub-G1 cell population, DNA fragmentation, PARP cleavage and caspase activation. Further mechanistic studies by Western blotting showed that after treatment of the cells with NB/Cur, up-regulation of the expression level of phosphorylated JNK and down-regulation of the expression level of phosphorylated ERK and Akt contributed to A375 cells apoptosis. Moreover, NB also potentiated Cur to trigger intracellular ROS overproduction and the DNA damage with up-regulation of the expression level of phosphorylated ATM, phosphorylated Brca1 and phosphorylated p53. The results indicate the combinational application potential of NB and Cur in treatments of cancers.

Upregulation of extrinsic apoptotic pathway in curcumin-mediated antiproliferative effect on human pancreatic carcinogenesis

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal human cancers, with almost identical incidence and mortality rates. Curcumin, derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has a long history of use as coloring agent and for a wide variety of disorders. Here, the antiproliferative activity of curcumin and its modulatory effect on gene expression of pancreatic cancer cell lines were investigated. The effect of curcumin on cellular proliferation and viability was monitored by sulphurhodamine B assay. Apoptotic effect was evaluated by flow cytometry and further confirmed by measuring amount of cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA fragments. Analysis of gene expression was performed with and without curcumin treatment using microarray expression profiling techniques. Array results were confirmed by real-time PCR. ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) has been used to classify the list of differentially expressed genes and to indentify common biomarkergenes modulating the chemopreventive effect of curcumin. Results showed that curcumin induces growth arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Its effect was more obvious on the highly COX-2 expressing cell line. Additionally, the expression of 366 and 356 cancer-related genes, involved in regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle, metastasis, was significantly altered after curcumin treatment in BxPC-3 and MiaPaCa-2 cells, respectively. Our results suggested that up-regulation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway was among signaling pathways modulating the growth inhibitory effects of curcumin on pancreatic cancer cells. Curcumin effect was mediated through activation of TNFR, CASP 8, CASP3, BID, BAX, and down-regulation of NFκB, NDRG 1, and BCL2L10 genes.

Potential therapeutic efficacy of curcumin in liver cancer

PURPOSE

Liver cancer, one of the most common cancers in China, is reported to feature relatively high morbidity and mortality. Curcumin (Cum) is considered as a drug possessing anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effect. Previous research has demonstrated antitumor effects in a series of cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study the in vitro cytotoxicity of Cum was measured by MTT assay and pro-apoptotic effects were assessed by DAPI staining and measurement of caspase-3 activity. In vivo anti-hepatoma efficacy of Cum was assessed with HepG2 xenografts.

RESULTS

It is found that Cum dose-dependently inhibited cell growth in HepG2 cells with activation of apoptosis. Moreover, Cum delayed the growth of liver cancer in a dose-dependent manner in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Cum might be a promising phytomedicine in cancer therapy and further efforts are needed to explore this therapeutic strategy.

Synergism from the combination of ulinastatin and curcumin offers greater inhibition against colorectal cancer liver metastases via modulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 and E-cadherin expression

Liver metastasis is a major cause of mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC). The current study was to investigate the ability of ulinastatin (UTI) and curcumin (CUR) to inhibit CRC liver metastases via modulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and E-cadherin expression. Human CRC HCT-116 cells were treated with compounds individually and in combination in order to understand the effect on cell migration and invasion. The HCT-116 cell line was established to stably express luciferase and green fluorescent protein (GFP) by lentiviral transduction (HCT-116-Luc-GFP). We identified an anti-metastasis effect of UTI and CUR on a CRC liver metastasis mouse model. Tumor development and therapeutic responses were dynamically tracked by bioluminescence imaging. Expression of MMP-9 and E-cadherin in metastatic tumors was detected by immunohistochemical assay. Results of wound healing and cell invasion assays suggest that treatment with UTI, CUR, and UTI plus CUR, respectively, significantly inhibit HCT-116 cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, results of CRC hepatic metastasis on a nude mouse model showed that treatment with UTI, CUR alone, and a combination notably inhibited hepatic metastases from CRC and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice, especially in the UTI plus CUR group. These results suggest that the combination of UTI and CUR together may offer greater inhibition against metastasis of CRC.

Curcumin-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: stability, solubility, characterisation by FT-IR, FT-Raman, X-ray diffraction and photoacoustic spectroscopy, and food application

Curcumin was complexed with β-CD using co-precipitation, freeze-drying and solvent evaporation methods. Co-precipitation enabled complex formation, as indicated by the FT-IR and FT-Raman techniques via the shifts in the peaks that were assigned to the aromatic rings of curcumin. In addition, photoacoustic spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, with the disappearance of the band related to aromatic rings, by Gaussian fitting, and modifications in the spectral lines, respectively, also suggested complex formation. The possible complexation had an efficiency of 74% and increased the solubility of the pure colourant 31-fold. Curcumin-β-CD complex exhibited a sunlight stability 18% higher than the pure colourant. This material was stable to pH variations and storage at -15 and 4°C. With an isothermal heating at 100 and 150°C for 2h, the material exhibited a colour retention of approximately 99%. The application of curcumin-β-CD complex in vanilla ice creams intensified the colour of the products and produced a great sensorial acceptance.

Anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective, and other health benefits of tomato compounds lycopene, α-tomatine, and tomatidine in pure form and in fresh and processed tomatoes

Tomatoes produce the bioactive compounds lycopene and α-tomatine that are reported to have potential health-promoting effects in animals and humans, but our understanding of the roles of these compounds in the diet is incomplete. Our current knowledge gained from the chemistry and analysis of these compounds in fresh and processed tomatoes and from studies on their bioavailability, bioactivity, and mechanisms of action against cancer cells and other beneficial bioactivities including antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, cardiovascular, and immunostimulating effects in cells, animals, and humans is discussed and interpreted here. Areas for future research are also suggested. The collated information and suggested research might contribute to a better understanding of the agronomical, biochemical, chemical, physiological, molecular, and cellular bases of the health-promoting effects and facilitate and guide further studies needed to optimize the use of lycopene and α-tomatine in pure form and in fresh tomatoes and processed tomato products to help prevent or treat human disease.