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Faundes-Gandolfo N, Jara-Gutiérrez C, Párraga M, Montenegro I, Vera W, Escobar M, Madrid A, Valenzuela-Valderrama M, Villena J. Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. Leaf ethanolic extract exerts selective anticancer activity through ROS-induced apoptotic cell death in human cancer cell lines. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:269. [PMID: 39010075 PMCID: PMC11247786 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04570-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The leaves of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. (K. pinnata), a succulent plant native to tropical regions, are used as a medicinal alternative against cancer in several countries worldwide; however, its therapeutic potential to fight cancer has been little addressed. In this study, we analyzed the phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, and selectivity of K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract against different human cancer cell lines in vitro. METHODOLOGY This study subjected the ethanolic extract to enzymatic assays to quantify the phytochemical content (phenolics, flavonoids, and anthraquinones) and its radical scavenging and iron-reducing capacities. Also, the phytoconstituents and major phenolic compounds present in the extract's subfractions were identified by GC-MS, HPLC, and NMR. Human cancer (MCF-7, PC-3, HT-29) and normal colon (CoN) cell lines were treated with different concentrations of K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract, and the changes in cell proliferation (sulforhodamine B assay), caspases activity (FITC-VAD-FMK reporter), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, rhodamine 123 assay), chromatin condensation/fragmentation (Hoechst 33342 stain), and ROS generation (DCFH2 probe assay) were assessed. RESULTS The results showed that the K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract is rich in phytoconstituents with therapeutic potential, including phenols (quercetin and kaempferol), flavonoids, fatty acid esters (34.6% of the total composition), 1- triacontanol and sterols (ergosterol and stigmasterol, 15.4% of the total composition); however, it presents a poor content of antioxidant molecules (IC50 = 27.6 mg/mL for H2O2 scavenging activity vs. 2.86 mg/mL in the case of Trolox). Notably, the extract inhibited cell proliferation and reduced MMP in all human cell lines tested but showed selectivity for HT-29 colon cancer cells compared to CoN normal cells (SI = 8.4). Furthermore, ROS generation, caspase activity, and chromatin condensation/fragmentation were augmented significantly in cancer-derived cell lines, indicating a selective cytotoxic effect. CONCLUSION These findings reveal that the K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract contains several bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential, capable of displaying selective cytotoxicity in different human cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Faundes-Gandolfo
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación Biomédica e Ingeniería para la Salud (MEDING), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carlos Jara-Gutiérrez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación Biomédica e Ingeniería para la Salud (MEDING), Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Mario Párraga
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación Biomédica e Ingeniería para la Salud (MEDING), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Iván Montenegro
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación Biomédica e Ingeniería para la Salud (MEDING), Escuela de Obstetricia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Laboratorio de Química de Metabolitos Bioactivos, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Farmacia, Centro de Investigación Farmacopea Chilena, Universidad de Valparaíso, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Waleska Vera
- Laboratorio de Química de Metabolitos Bioactivos, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Farmacia, Centro de Investigación Farmacopea Chilena, Universidad de Valparaíso, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Marcela Escobar
- Laboratorio de Química de Metabolitos Bioactivos, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Farmacia, Centro de Investigación Farmacopea Chilena, Universidad de Valparaíso, Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Alejandro Madrid
- Laboratorio de Productos Naturales y Síntesis Orgánica, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Manuel Valenzuela-Valderrama
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Celular, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Joan Villena
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación Biomédica e Ingeniería para la Salud (MEDING), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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Bozali K, Metin Guler E, Kocyigit A. A Study on Thymoquinone: Antioxidant Capacity and Anticancer Activities in LoVo Colorectal Cancer Cells. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301886. [PMID: 38308180 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301886] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Thymoquinone has antioxidant and anticancer effects. This study investigates the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic effects of black seed and its active ingredient, thymoquinone on colorectal cancer cells. The antioxidant content of Black seed methanolic extracts (BSME) with different concentrations (50, 500 and 1000 μg/mL) were determined by the photometric methods. The reactive oxygen production (iROS) of BSME and thymoquinone on colorectal cancer cells (LoVo) and normal epithelial cells (CCD18Co) were analyzed by the fluorometric methods. A luminometric glutathione kit was employed to observe the changes in intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels. Cytotoxicity was determined by the ATP method, genotoxicity was determined by Comet Assay, and the apoptosis was identified by the Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide (AO/EB) double dye method. The cytotoxicity was increased by BSME and thymoquinone in LoVo cells in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.001). BSME and thymoquinone also increased iROS, and induced apoptosis and DNA damage (p<0.001). High doses of BSME and thymoquinone on cancer and healthy cells have cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic effects with pro-oxidant effects. Colorectal cancer cells are more sensitive than healthy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kubra Bozali
- Avans University of Applied Science, Faculty Life Sciences and Environmental Technology, 4818 AJ, Breda, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Hamidiye Medicine, University of Health Sciences Turkey, 34668, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Eray Metin Guler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Hamidiye Medicine, University of Health Sciences Turkey, 34668, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Haydarpasa Numune Health Application and Research Center, 34668, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Abdurrahim Kocyigit
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Medicine, 34093, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Liu X, Zhao T, Shi Z, Hu C, Li Q, Sun C. Synergism Antiproliferative Effects of Apigenin and Naringenin in NSCLC Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:4947. [PMID: 37446609 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134947] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading cancer killers. Apigenin (Api) and Naringenin (Nar) are natural bioactive substances obtained in various vegetables and fruits, possessing anti-tumor effects across multiple studies. This study investigated the latent synergistic antiproliferative functions of Api and Nar in A549 and H1299 NSCLC cells. Cell viability was determined after incubating with different concentrations of Api, Nar, or the combination of Api and Nar (CoAN) for 24 h. Analysis using the CompuSyn software revealed that the CI value of each combined dose was < 1, depicting that the two drugs had a synergistic inhibitory effect. The CoAN (A:N = 3:2) group with the lowest CI value was selected for subsequent experiments. The IC50 of CoAN (A:N = 3:2) was used to determine the cell cycle, the expression ratio of Bax to Bcl2, Caspase 3 activity, and mitochondrial function to assess oxidative stress and apoptosis. The results established that CoAN treatment caused significant cytotoxicity with cell cycle arrest at G2/M phases. Furthermore, CoAN significantly enhanced mitochondria dysfunction, elevated oxidative stress, and activated the apoptotic pathway versus Api or Nar alone groups. Thus, the CoAN chemotherapy approach is promising and deserves further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongxiong Liu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zheng Shi
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Cuilan Hu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Jarmakiewicz-Czaja S, Zielińska M, Helma K, Sokal A, Filip R. Effect of Nigella sativa on Selected Gastrointestinal Diseases. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3016-3034. [PMID: 37185722 PMCID: PMC10136991 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nigella sativa L. (family Ranunculaceae), also known as black cumin, has been used in cuisine around the world for many years. Due to its health-promoting properties, it can be used not only in the food industry but also in medicine. The main bioactive compound contained in the black cumin extract is thymoquinone (TQ), which has a special therapeutic role. The results of research in recent years confirmed its hypoglycemic, hypolipemic, and hepatoprotective effects, among others. In addition, the results of laboratory tests also indicate its immunomodulatory and anticancer effects, although there is still a lack of data on the mechanisms of how they are involved in the fight against cancer. Including this plant material in one’s diet can be both an element of prophylaxis and therapy supporting the treatment process, including pharmacological treatment. However, attention should be paid to its potential interactions with drugs used in the treatment of chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena Zielińska
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Kacper Helma
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Aneta Sokal
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Rafał Filip
- Institute of Medicine, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Gastroenterology with IBD Unit, Clinical Hospital No. 2, 35-301 Rzeszow, Poland
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Abdualmjid RJ, Sergi CM. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Induction of Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Lines by Thymoquinone. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314669. [PMID: 36498999 PMCID: PMC9737800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), a plant-based bioactive constituent derived from the volatile oil of Nigella sativa, has been shown to possess some anti-neoplastic activities. The present study aimed to investigate the mitochondria and apoptosis observed when TQ is applied against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and cholangiocarcinoma (HuCCT1) cells, two of the most common primary tumors of the liver. All cell lines were treated with increasing concentrations of TQ for varying durations. The anti-proliferative effect of TQ was measured using the methoxyphenyl-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay and resulted in dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition in both cell lines. Cell cycle, apoptosis, and assessment of mitochondria viability by morphology assessment and evaluation of the mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated. The present study confirms that TQ caused cell cycle arrest at different phases and induced apoptosis in both cell lines. A systematic review of rodent animal models was also carried out. Overall, our data seem to represent the most robust results, suggesting that TQ possesses promising therapeutic potential as an anti-tumor agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem J. Abdualmjid
- Department of Lab. Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Consolato M. Sergi
- Department of Lab. Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
- Anatomic Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-737-7600 (ext. 2427); Fax: +1-613-738-4837
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Farhan M, Rizvi A. Understanding the Prooxidant Action of Plant Polyphenols in the Cellular Microenvironment of Malignant Cells: Role of Copper and Therapeutic Implications. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:929853. [PMID: 35795551 PMCID: PMC9251333 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.929853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant derived polyphenolic compounds are considered critical components of human nutrition and have shown chemotherapeutic effects against a number of malignancies. Several studies have confirmed the ability of polyphenols to induce apoptosis and regression of tumours in animal models. However, the mechanism through which polyphenols modulate their malignant cell selective anticancer effects has not been clearly established. While it is believed that the antioxidant properties of these molecules may contribute to lowering the risk of cancer induction by causing oxidative damage to DNA, it could not be held responsible for chemotherapeutic properties and apoptosis induction. It is a well known fact that cellular copper increases within the malignant cell and in serum of patients harboring malignancies. This phenomenon is independent of the cellular origin of malignancies. Based on our own observations and those of others; over the last 30 years our laboratory has shown that cellular copper reacts with plant derived polyphenolic compounds, by a Fenton like reaction, which generates reactive oxygen species and leads to genomic DNA damage. This damage then causes an apoptosis like cell death of malignant cells, while sparing normal cells. This communication reviews our work in this area and lays the basis for understanding how plant derived polyphenols can behave as prooxidants (and not antioxidants) within the microenvironment of a malignancy (elevated copper levels) and gives rationale for their preferential cytotoxicity towards malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Farhan
- Department of Basic Sciences, Preparatory Year Deanship, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Mohd Farhan,
| | - Asim Rizvi
- Department of Kulliyat, Faculty of Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
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Anticancer and Anti-Metastatic Role of Thymoquinone: Regulation of Oncogenic Signaling Cascades by Thymoquinone. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116311. [PMID: 35682990 PMCID: PMC9181073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a life-threatening and multifaceted disease. Pioneering research works in the past three decades have mechanistically disentangled intertwined signaling networks which play contributory roles in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Phenomenal strides have been made in leveraging our scientific knowledge altogether to a new level of maturity. Rapidly accumulating wealth of information has underlined a myriad of transduction cascades which can be pharmaceutically exploited for cancer prevention/inhibition. Natural products serve as a treasure trove and compel interdisciplinary researchers to study the cancer chemopreventive roles of wide-ranging natural products in cell culture and preclinical studies. Experimental research related to thymoquinone has gradually gained momentum because of the extra-ordinary cancer chemopreventive multifunctionalities of thymoquinone. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of different cell signaling cascades reported to be regulated by thymoquinone for cancer chemoprevention. Essentially, thymoquinone efficacy has also been notably studied in animal models, which advocates for a rationale-based transition of thymoquinone from the pre-clinical pipeline to clinical trials.
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Glamoclija U, Mahmutovic L, Bilajac E, Soljic V, Vukojevic K, Suljagic M. Metformin and Thymoquinone Synergistically Inhibit Proliferation of Imatinib-Resistant Human Leukemic Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:867133. [PMID: 35496297 PMCID: PMC9043685 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.867133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance is one of the major challenges in cancer treatment, including leukemia. A massive array of research is evaluating combinations of drugs directed against different intracellular signaling molecules to overcome cancer resistance, increase therapy effectiveness, and decrease its adverse effects. Combining chemicals with proven safety profiles, such as drugs already used in therapy and active substances isolated from natural sources, could potentially have superior effects compared to monotherapies. In this study, we evaluated the effects of metformin and thymoquinone (TQ) as monotherapy and combinatorial treatments in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell lines sensitive and resistant to imatinib therapy. The effects were also evaluated in primary monocytic acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. Both compounds induced a dose- and time-dependent decrease of viability and proliferation in tested cells. Metformin had similar IC50 values in imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant cell lines. IC50 values of TQ were significantly higher in imatinib-resistant cells, but with a limited resistance index (2.4). Synergistic effects of combinatorial treatments were observed in all tested cell lines, as well as in primary cells. The strongest synergistic effects were observed in the inhibition of imatinib-resistant cell line proliferation. Metformin and TQ inhibited the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling and induced apoptosis in tested cell lines and primary cells. The enhanced effects of combinatorial treatments on the induction of apoptosis were more dominant in imatinib-resistant compared to imatinib-sensitive CML cells. Primary cells were more sensitive to combinatorial treatments compared to cell lines. A combination of 1.25 mM metformin and 0.625 µM TQ increased the levels of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), decreased the levels of proliferation regulatory proteins, and inhibited protein kinase B (Akt) and NF-κB signaling in primary CLL cells. This study demonstrates that combinatorial treatments of imatinib-resistant malignant clones with metformin and TQ by complementary intracellular multi-targeting represents a promising approach in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Glamoclija
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, University of Sarajevo-Faculty of Pharmacy, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Scientific Research Unit, Bosnalijek JSC, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Lejla Mahmutovic
- Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Esma Bilajac
- Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Violeta Soljic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Katarina Vukojevic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Mirza Suljagic
- 3D BioLabs, FabLab Bosnia and Herzegovina, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- *Correspondence: Mirza Suljagic,
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Jehan S, Huang J, Farooq U, Basheer I, Zhou W. Combinatorial effect of thymoquinone with chemo agents for tumor therapy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 98:153936. [PMID: 35114449 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most chemotherapeutics used in cancer therapies exhibit considerable side effects to the patients. Thus, developing new chemo agents to treat cancer patients with minimal toxic and side effects is urgently needed. Recently, the combination of different chemotherapeutics has become a promising strategy to treat malignancies. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a primary bioactive compound derived from the folk medicinal plant Nigella sativa, which has been found an antitumor, chemopreventive and chemopotentiating agent against human neoplastic diseases. PURPOSE We briefly summarize the current research of the biomolecular mechanisms of TQ and evaluate the existing literature on TQ adjuvant therapies against various cancers. METHOD The data in this review were gathered by several search engines including, Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect. We highlighted and classified the outcomes of both in vitro and in vivo experiments of TQ adjuvant therapies against human cancers and their chemopreventive activities on vital organs. RESULTS Several studies have shown that TQ synergistically potentiated the antitumor activity of numerous chemo agents against human neoplastic disease, including lung, breast, liver, colorectal, skin, prostate, stomach, bone and blood cancers. TQ also acted as a chemopreventive agent and reduced the toxicity of many chemo agents to vital organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. CONCLUSION In summary, we highly recommend an advanced evaluation of TQ adjuvant therapies at the level of preclinical and clinical trials, which could lead to a novel combinatorial therapy for cancer treatment with low or tolerable adverse effects on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jehan
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiaxin Huang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Umar Farooq
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Irum Basheer
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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Natural Products for Cancer Therapy: A Review of Their Mechanism of Actions and Toxicity in the Past Decade. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:5794350. [PMID: 35309872 PMCID: PMC8933079 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5794350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ethnopharmacological information gathered over many centuries and the presence of diverse metabolites have made the medicinal plants as the prime source of drugs. Despite the positive attributes of natural products, there are many questions pertaining to their mechanism of actions and molecular targets that impede their development as therapeutic agents. One of the major challenges in cancer research is the toxicity exerted by investigational agents towards the host. An understanding of their molecular targets, underlying mechanisms can reveal their anticancer efficacy, help in optimal therapeutic dose selection, to mitigate their side effects and toxicity towards the host. The purpose of this review is to collate details on natural products that are recently been investigated extensively in the past decade for their anticancer potential. Besides, critical analysis of their molecular targets and underlying mechanisms on multiple cancer cell lines, an in-depth probe of their toxicological screening on rodent models is outlined as well to observe the prevalence of their toxicity towards host. This review can provide valuable insights for researchers in developing methods, strategies during preclinical and clinical evaluation of anticancer candidates.
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Taysi S, Algburi FS, Mohammed Z, Ali OA, Taysi ME. Thymoquinone: A Review of Pharmacological Importance, Oxidative Stress, COVID-19, and Radiotherapy. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:1847-1875. [PMID: 34983346 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220104151225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Widely consumed worldwide, Nigella sativa (NS) is a medicinal herb commonly used in various alternative medicine systems such as Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda, and Siddha. Recommended for regular use in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine), NS is considered one of the most notable forms of healing medicine in Islamic literature. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main component of the essential oil of NS, has been reported to have many properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antineoplastic. Its chemical structure indicates antiviral potential against many viruses, including the hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and other coronavirus diseases. Interestingly, molecular docking studies have demonstrated that TQ can potentially inhibit the development of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by binding to the receptor site on the transmembrane serine proteinase 2 (the activator enzyme that attaches the virus to the cell). In addition, TQ has been shown to be effective against cancer cells due to its inhibitory effect by binding to the different regions of MDM2, according to the proposed molecular docking study. Detailed in this review is the origin of TQ, its significance in alternative medicine, pharmacological value, potential as a cancer anti-proliferative agent, use against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and treatment of other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyithan Taysi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
| | - Firas Shawqi Algburi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Tikrit University, Iraq
| | - Zaid Mohammed
- Department of Biochemistry and Technology, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
| | - Omeed Akbar Ali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
| | - Muhammed Enes Taysi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical School, Bolu Izzet Baysal University- Bolu-Turkey
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12
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Sittithumcharee G, Kariya R, Kasemsuk T, Saeeng R, Okada S. Antitumor effect of acanthoic acid against primary effusion lymphoma via inhibition of c-FLIP. Phytother Res 2021; 35:7018-7026. [PMID: 34779075 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7322] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Acanthoic acid (AA) is an active substance that is extracted from Croton oblongifolius Roxb., a traditional plant in Thailand. The antiinflammatory effect of AA on NF-κB pathway has been exclusively reported, however, its anticancer effect is still lacking. PEL is a B cell lymphoma that is mostly found in HIV patients. The prognosis and progression of PEL patients are terribly poor with a median survival time less than 6 months, so the new effective treatment is urgently needed. In this study, we found that AA effectively inhibited PEL cell proliferation with IC50s at 120-130 μM in well-representative cells, while the IC50s of AA in PBMC were higher (>200 μM). AA increased percentages of Annexin V/PI positive cells, whereas adding of caspase inhibitor (Q-VD-OPh) prevented AA-induced cell death. The antiapoptotic protein, c-FLIP, was downregulated by AA which leading to the activation of caspase-8 and -3. Combination of AA and TRAIL dramatically enhanced apoptotic cell death. In PEL xenograft model, AA at the dose of 250 mg/kg effectively inhibited PEL tumor growth without detectable toxicities assessed by mice weight and appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunya Sittithumcharee
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Division of Hematopoiesis, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ryusho Kariya
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Teerapich Kasemsuk
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University, Chanthaburi, Thailand
| | - Rungnapha Saeeng
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Seiji Okada
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Division of Hematopoiesis, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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13
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Raut PK, Lee HS, Joo SH, Chun KS. Thymoquinone induces oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis through downregulation of Jak2/STAT3 signaling pathway in human melanoma cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 157:112604. [PMID: 34627931 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant cancer, and the incidence and mortality rates are increasing worldwide. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the active component of Nigella sativa seed extracts and exerts anticancer effects in various cancer cells. However, the anticancer effects of TQ on melanoma and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, TQ treatment induced apoptosis in SK-MEL-28 cells. Interestingly, constitutive phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (Jak2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was markedly decreased following TQ treatment. Furthermore, TQ treatment downregulated STAT3-dependent genes including cyclin D1, D2, and D3 and survivin. Moreover, inhibition of Jak2/STAT3 using AG490, an inhibitor of Jak2 or genetic ablation of STAT3, abrogated the expression of target genes. TQ increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, prevented the suppressive effect of TQ on Jak2/STAT3 activation and protected SK-MEL-28 cells from TQ-induced apoptosis. TQ administration further attenuated the growth of SK-MEL-28 tumor xenografts. Taken together, TQ induced apoptosis of SK-MEL-28 by hindering the Jak2/STAT3 signaling pathway through ROS generation. Our results support further development of TQ as a potential anticancer therapeutic agent for treating melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Kumar Raut
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, 42601, South Korea
| | - Hui Seong Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, 42601, South Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Joo
- College of Pharmacy, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongbuk, 38430, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Soo Chun
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, 42601, South Korea.
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14
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Al-Hayali M, Garces A, Stocks M, Collins H, Bradshaw TD. Concurrent Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Aneuploidy Induction Contribute to Thymoquinone Anticancer Activity. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175136. [PMID: 34500570 PMCID: PMC8433634 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main biologically active constituent of Nigella sativa. Many studies have confirmed its anticancer actions. Herein, we investigated the different anticancer activities of, and considered resistance mechanisms to, TQ. MTT and clonogenic data showed TQ’s ability to suppress breast MDA-MB-468 and T-47D proliferation at lower concentrations compared to other cancer and non-transformed cell lines tested (GI50 values ≤ 1.5 µM). Flow-cytometric analyses revealed that TQ consistently induced MDA-MB-468 and T-47D cell-cycle perturbation, specifically inducing pre-G1 populations. In comparison, less sensitive breast MCF-7 and colon HCT-116 cells exhibited only transient increases in pre-G1 events. Annexin V/PI staining confirmed apoptosis induction in MDA-MB-468 and HCT-116 cells, which was continuous in the former and transient in the latter. Experiments revealed the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and aneuploidy induction in MDA-MB-468 cells within the first 24 h of treatment. The ROS-scavenger NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone 1) (NQO1; DT-diaphorase) and glutathione (GSH) were implicated in resistance to TQ. Indeed, western blot analyses showed that NQO1 is expressed in all cell lines in this study, except those most sensitive to TQ-MDA-MB-468 and T-47D. Moreover, TQ treatment increased NQO1 expression in HCT-116 in a concentration-dependent fashion. Measurement of GSH activity in MDA-MB-468 and HCT-116 cells found that GSH is similarly active in both cell lines. Furthermore, GSH depletion rendered these cells more sensitive to TQ’s antiproliferative actions. Therefore, to bypass putative inactivation of the TQ semiquinone metabolite, the benzylamine analogue was designed and synthesised following modification of TQ’s carbon-3 atom. However, the structural modification negatively impacted potency against MDA-MB-468 cells. In conclusion, we disclose the following: (i) The anticancer activity of TQ may be a consequence of ROS generation and aneuploidy; (ii) Early GSH depletion could substantially enhance TQ’s anticancer activity; (iii) Benzylamine substitution at TQ’s carbon-3 failed to enhance anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Hayali
- Al-Mosul General Hospital, Mosul University Post Office, P.O. Box 11104, Mosul 41002, Iraq
- Correspondence: (M.A.-H.); (T.D.B.)
| | - Aimie Garces
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (A.G.); (M.S.); (H.C.)
| | - Michael Stocks
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (A.G.); (M.S.); (H.C.)
| | - Hilary Collins
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (A.G.); (M.S.); (H.C.)
| | - Tracey D. Bradshaw
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (A.G.); (M.S.); (H.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.A.-H.); (T.D.B.)
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15
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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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Sarkar C, Jamaddar S, Islam T, Mondal M, Islam MT, Mubarak MS. Therapeutic perspectives of the black cumin component thymoquinone: A review. Food Funct 2021; 12:6167-6213. [PMID: 34085672 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo00401h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The dietary phytochemical thymoquinone (TQ), belonging to the family of quinones, mainly obtained from the black and angular seeds of Nigella sativa, is one of the promising monoterpenoid hydrocarbons, which has been receiving massive attention for its therapeutic potential and pharmacological properties. It plays an important role as a chemopreventive and therapeutic agent in the treatment of various diseases and illnesses. The aim of this review is to present a summary of the most recent literature pertaining to the use of TQ for the prevention and treatment of various diseases along with possible mechanisms of action, and the potential use of this natural product as a complementary or alternative medicine. Research findings indicated that TQ exhibits numerous pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anticancer, among others. Conclusions of this review on the therapeutic aspects of TQ highlight the medicinal and folk values of this compound against various diseases and ailments. In short, TQ could be a novel drug in clinical trials, as we hope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Sarkar
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj-8100, Bangladesh.
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Elgohary S, Elkhodiry AA, Amin NS, Stein U, El Tayebi HM. Thymoquinone: A Tie-Breaker in SARS-CoV2-Infected Cancer Patients? Cells 2021; 10:302. [PMID: 33540625 PMCID: PMC7912962 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2(severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2) pandemic, arace to develop a vaccine has been initiated, considering the massive and rather significant economic and healthcare hits that this virus has caused. The pathophysiology occurring following COVID-19(coronavirus disease-2019) infection has givenhints regarding the supportive and symptomatic treatments to establish for patients, as no specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 is available yet. Patient symptoms vary greatly and range from mild symptoms to severe fatal complications. Supportive treatments include antipyretics, antiviral therapies, different combinations of broad-spectrum antibiotics, hydroxychloroquine and plasma transfusion. Unfortunately, cancer patients are at higher risk of viral infection and more likely to develop serious complications due to their immunocompromised state, the fact that they are already administering multiple medications, as well as combined comorbidity compared to the general population. It may seem impossible to find a drug that possesses both potent antiviral and anticancer effects specifically against COVID-19 infection and its complications and the existing malignancy, respectively. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the most pharmacologically active ingredient in Nigella sativa seeds (black seeds); it is reported to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various settings. In this review, we will discuss the multiple effects of TQ specifically against COVID-19, its beneficial effects against COVID-19 pathophysiology and multiple-organ complications, its use as an adjuvant for supportive COVID-19 therapy and cancer therapy, and finally, its anticancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Elgohary
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
| | - Aya A. Elkhodiry
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
| | - Nada S. Amin
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
| | - Ulrike Stein
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hend M. El Tayebi
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
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18
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Guler EM, Sisman BH, Kocyigit A, Hatiboglu MA. Investigation of cellular effects of thymoquinone on glioma cell. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:162-170. [PMID: 33489775 PMCID: PMC7806546 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, as an invasive tumor, is one of the most common primary malignant brain tumors. Despite maximum aggressive treatment, patients with glioblastoma have a dismal prognosis. Thymoquinone (TQ) has been found to show anti-cancer effects on different types of cancer. There are a few in vitro studies on the effect of TQ on glial tumors. However, the molecular mechanism of TQ's anti-cancer effect has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the genotoxic, apoptotic, and cytotoxic effects of TQ on C6 rat glioma cells. C6 glioma cells were analyzed after 24 h of exposure to different concentrations of TQ by the ATP cell viability assay for cytotoxicity, comet assay for genotoxicity, 2',7'dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCF-DA) for intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) generation, 3.3'dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide (DiOC6(3)) for mitochondrial membrane potential, GSH/GSSG-Glo Assay for glutathione level and Fura-2AM for intracellular calcium levels. Apoptosis induction was studied by acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting analyses. Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax, Bcl-2, and pSTAT3 protein levels were determined by the western blotting method. Cytotoxicity was enhanced by TQ in C6 glioma cells in a concentration-dependent manner. TQ also induced DNA damage, apoptosis, and increased iROS. Also, MMP and GSH levels were decreased by TQ. It inhibited pSTAT3, resulting in apoptosis induction through the regulation of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins. Our results suggest that TQ would be an effective treatment in glioma. Further studies should support these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eray Metin Guler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Hamidiye Medicine, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Advanced Research and Application Center (GETAMER), Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Behice Hande Sisman
- Department of Cardiology, Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahim Kocyigit
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Advanced Research and Application Center (GETAMER), Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Aziz Hatiboglu
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Advanced Research and Application Center (GETAMER), Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Medicine Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology, Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Gomathinayagam R, Ha JH, Jayaraman M, Song YS, Isidoro C, Dhanasekaran DN. Chemopreventive and Anticancer Effects of Thymoquinone: Cellular and Molecular Targets. J Cancer Prev 2020; 25:136-151. [PMID: 33033708 PMCID: PMC7523033 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2020.25.3.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a bioactive component derived from the seeds of Nigella sativa that are commonly as black cumin. Evidences indicate that the medicinal properties of TQ have been recognized for more than 2000 years. TQ has been shown to possess potent chemopreventive properties that include anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic activities. Recent studies have unraveled the multiple mechanisms through which TQ exerts its chemopreventive and anticancer activity in different cancer cells in a contextual manner. The present review aims to provide a brief compendium on the molecular mechanisms through which TQ inhibits signaling pathways underlying cancer genesis, progression, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Gomathinayagam
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Ji Hee Ha
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Muralidharan Jayaraman
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yong Sang Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and NanoBioImaging, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Danny N Dhanasekaran
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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20
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Review of Natural Compounds for the Management and Prevention of Lymphoma. Processes (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/pr8091164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that can be categorized into two types-Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A total of 509,590 and 79,990 cases of NHL and HL were newly diagnosed in 2018, respectively. Although conventional therapy has stridden forward over recent decades, its adverse effects are still a hurdle to be solved. Thus, to help researchers develop better lymphoma treatment, this study aims to review the systematic anticancer data for natural products and their compounds. A variety of natural products showed anticancerous effects on lymphoma by regulation of intracellular mechanisms including apoptosis as well as cell cycle arrest. As these results shed light on the potential to substitute conventional therapy with natural products, it may become a promising strategy for lymphoma treatment in the near future.
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21
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Jehan S, Zhong C, Li G, Zulqarnain Bakhtiar S, Li D, Sui G. Thymoquinone Selectively Induces Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis in Synergism With Clinical Therapeutics and Dependence of p53 Status. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:555283. [PMID: 33041795 PMCID: PMC7522566 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.555283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural compound extracted from the black seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. TQ exhibits anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic activities against various cancers. Many therapeutics in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatments, such as doxorubicin (DOX) and cisplatin (DDP), exhibit considerable side effects on patients. We investigated cytotoxic effects of TQ, alone or in combination with DDP and DOX to HCC cells. TQ exhibited selective killing to HCC HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, but relatively low toxicity to normal liver HL-7702 cells. Importantly, when used with DOX or DDP, TQ showed synergistic inhibition of HCC cells, but not HL-7702 cells. We also discovered that Hep3B cells with a p53 null status were more sensitive to TQ than HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells harboring wild type p53. Consistently, shRNA-mediated p53 silencing in HepG2 cells dramatically enhanced TQ-induced apoptosis, measured by caspase 3 and PARP cleavage. Furthermore, TQ-stimulated increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in p53-depleted cells was more pronounced than that in cells with intact p53. In summary, we discovered that TQ synergistically improves the anti-cancer activity of DOX and DDP, and loss of p53 sensitizes HCC cells to TQ-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jehan
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Chen Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangyue Li
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Syed Zulqarnain Bakhtiar
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Dangdang Li
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Guangchao Sui
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
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22
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Afrose SS, Junaid M, Akter Y, Tania M, Zheng M, Khan MA. Targeting kinases with thymoquinone: a molecular approach to cancer therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:2294-2306. [PMID: 32721537 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Kinases are enzymes that are important for cellular functions, but their overexpression has strong connections with carcinogenesis, rendering them important targets for anticancer drugs. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural compound with proven anticancer activities, at least in preclinical studies. TQ can target several kinases, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), and tyrosine kinase in different cancer cells and animal models. Inhibiting the activity of kinases or suppressing their expression might be among the mechanisms of TQ anticancer activity. In this review, we discuss the role of TQ in kinase regulation in different cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Md Junaid
- Molecular Modeling Drug-design and Discovery Laboratory, Pharmacology Research Division, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Yeasmin Akter
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science & Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Division of Molecular Cancer, Red Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Meiling Zheng
- The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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23
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A multiple endpoint approach reveals potential in vitro anticancer properties of thymoquinone in human renal carcinoma cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 136:111076. [PMID: 31883990 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.111076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a monoterpene isolated from the oil of Nigella sativa seeds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects induced by TQ and its impact on the migration and invasion potential of 786-O human renal cancer cells. These cells were exposed to TQ (1-100 μM) for 24 and 48 h and cell viability assessed using the Crystal Violet and MTS assays. TQ treatment clearly decreased cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. TQ exposure moderately increased intracellular ROS levels and co-incubation with reduced glutathione markedly increased cell viability. Moreover, the effect of TQ in the cell cycle distribution was evaluated using flow cytometry, and an increase in the sub-G1 population was observed, especially at 30 μM, along with an increase in the % of apoptotic cells. TQ did not show genotoxic effects at a non-cytotoxic concentration (1.0 μM). At this concentration level, TQ significantly decreased the collective migration of 786-O cells, whereas it had no effect in chemotactic migration. TQ also decreased the invasiveness potential of 786-O cells, as evaluated by the transwell invasion assay. Overall, these results suggest that TQ presents an anticancer potential in the context of renal cancer, warranting further investigation.
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Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer Progression: Molecular Mechanisms and Recent Advancements. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9110735. [PMID: 31766246 PMCID: PMC6920770 DOI: 10.3390/biom9110735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 610] [Impact Index Per Article: 122.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in biological processes and continuous ROS production in normal cells is controlled by the appropriate regulation between the silver lining of low and high ROS concentration mediated effects. Interestingly, ROS also dynamically influences the tumor microenvironment and is known to initiate cancer angiogenesis, metastasis, and survival at different concentrations. At moderate concentration, ROS activates the cancer cell survival signaling cascade involving mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (MAPK/ERK1/2), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), which in turn activate the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). At high concentrations, ROS can cause cancer cell apoptosis. Hence, it critically depends upon the ROS levels, to either augment tumorigenesis or lead to apoptosis. The major issue is targeting the dual actions of ROS effectively with respect to the concentration bias, which needs to be monitored carefully to impede tumor angiogenesis and metastasis for ROS to serve as potential therapeutic targets exogenously/endogenously. Overall, additional research is required to comprehend the potential of ROS as an effective anti-tumor modality and therapeutic target for treating malignancies.
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Fazary AE, Ibrahium HA, Youssef MA, Awwad NS, Abd-Rabboh HSM. Solution Equilibria of Holmium(III) and Gadolinium(III) Complexes of Thymoquinone. J SOLUTION CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10953-019-00918-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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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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Krylova NG, Drobysh MS, Semenkova GN, Kulahava TA, Pinchuk SV, Shadyro OI. Cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of thymoquinone on rat C6 glioma cells depend on oxidative stress. Mol Cell Biochem 2019; 462:195-206. [PMID: 31493190 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-019-03622-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a highly perspective chemotherapeutic agent against gliomas and glioblastomas because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and its selective cytotoxicity for glioblastoma cells compared to primary astrocytes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that TQ-induced mild oxidative stress provokes C6 glioma cell apoptosis through redox-dependent alteration of MAPK proteins. We showed that low concentrations of TQ (20-50 μM) promoted cell-cycle arrest and induced hydrogen peroxide generation as a result of NADH-quinone oxidoreductase 1-catalyzed two-electron reduction of this quinone. Similarly, low concentrations of TQ efficiently conjugated intracellular GSH disturbing redox state of glioma cells and provoking mitochondrial dysfunction. We demonstrated that high concentrations of TQ (70-100 μM) induced reactive oxygen species generation due to its one-electron reduction. TQ provoked apoptosis in C6 glioma cells through mitochondrial potential dissipation and permeability transition pore opening. The identified TQ modes of action on C6 glioma cells open up the possibility of considering it as a promising agent to enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to standard chemotherapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Krylova
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, Belarusian State University, 4 Nezavisimosti ave., 220030, Minsk, Belarus
| | - M S Drobysh
- Department of Radiation Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Belarusian State University, 14 Leningradskaya st., 220030, Minsk, Belarus
| | - G N Semenkova
- Department of Radiation Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Belarusian State University, 14 Leningradskaya st., 220030, Minsk, Belarus
| | - T A Kulahava
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, Belarusian State University, 4 Nezavisimosti ave., 220030, Minsk, Belarus.
| | - S V Pinchuk
- Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 27 Academicheskaya st., 220072, Minsk, Belarus
| | - O I Shadyro
- Department of Radiation Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Belarusian State University, 14 Leningradskaya st., 220030, Minsk, Belarus
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Krishnankutty R, Iskandarani A, Therachiyil L, Uddin S, Azizi F, Kulinski M, Bhat AA, Mohammad RM. Anticancer Activity of Camel Milk via Induction of Autophagic Death in Human Colorectal and Breast Cancer Cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018; 19:3501-3509. [PMID: 30583676 PMCID: PMC6428541 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2018.19.12.3501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective: Camel milk is traditionally known for its human health benefits and believed to be a remedy for various human ailments including cancer. The study was aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of commercially available camel milk on cancer cells and its underlying mechanism(s). Materials and Methods: Two cell lines: colorectal cancer HCT 116 and breast cancer MCF-7 were cultured with different doses of camel milk. The effects of camel milk on cell death were determined by MTT assay, viability by trypan blue exclusion assay and migration by in vitro scratch assay. The mechanism was elucidated by western blotting and confocal microscopy was used to confirm autophagy. Results: Camel milk significantly reduced proliferation, viability as well as migration of both the cells. The accumulation of LC3-II protein along with reduction in expression of p62 and Atg 5-12, the autophagy proteins implied induction of autophagy. The (GFP)-LC3 puncta detected by confocal microscopy confirmed the autophagosome formation in response to camel milk treatment. Conclusion: Camel milk exerted antiproliferative effects on human colorectal HCT 116 and breast MCF-7 cancer cells by inducing autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopesh Krishnankutty
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, State of Qatar.
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Glamočlija U, Padhye S, Špirtović-Halilović S, Osmanović A, Veljović E, Roca S, Novaković I, Mandić B, Turel I, Kljun J, Trifunović S, Kahrović E, Kraljević Pavelić S, Harej A, Klobučar M, Završnik D. Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Docking Studies of Benzoxazoles Derived from Thymoquinone. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123297. [PMID: 30545123 PMCID: PMC6321291 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural compound with antimicrobial and antitumor activity, was used as the starting molecule for the preparation of 3-aminothymoquinone (ATQ) from which ten novel benzoxazole derivatives were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and NMR (1H, 13C) spectroscopy in solution. The crystal structure of 4-methyl-2-phenyl-7-isopropyl-1,3-benzoxazole-5-ol (1a) has been determined by X-ray diffraction. All compounds were tested for their antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor activities. TQ and ATQ showed better antibacterial activity against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains than benzoxazoles. ATQ had the most potent antifungal effect against Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus brasiliensis. Three benzoxazole derivatives and ATQ showed the highest antitumor activities. The most potent was 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methyl-7-isopropyl-1,3-benzoxazole-5-ol (1f). Western blot analyses have shown that this compound inhibited phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor (IGF1R β) in HeLa and HepG2 cells. The least toxic compound against normal fibroblast cells, which maintains similar antitumor activities as TQ, was 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-7-isopropyl-1,3-benzoxazole-5-ol (1e). Docking studies indicated that 1e and 1f have significant effects against selected receptors playing important roles in tumour survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Glamočlija
- Scientific Research Department, Bosnalijek JSC, Jukićeva 53, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Bijeli Brijeg bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Subhash Padhye
- Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Research Academy, University of Pune, 2390-B, Hidayatullah Road, 411001 Pune, India.
| | - Selma Špirtović-Halilović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Amar Osmanović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Elma Veljović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Sunčica Roca
- NMR Centre, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Irena Novaković
- ICTM, Center for Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Boris Mandić
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Iztok Turel
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Jakob Kljun
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Snežana Trifunović
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Emira Kahrović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 35, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Sandra Kraljević Pavelić
- Centre for High-throughput Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Anja Harej
- Centre for High-throughput Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Marko Klobučar
- Centre for High-throughput Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Davorka Završnik
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Imran M, Rauf A, Khan IA, Shahbaz M, Qaisrani TB, Fatmawati S, Abu-Izneid T, Imran A, Rahman KU, Gondal TA. Thymoquinone: A novel strategy to combat cancer: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:390-402. [PMID: 29966985 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The higher consumption of fruit, herbs, spices, and vegetables is well known and practical strategy to cure human cancers owing to their presence of bioactive compounds. Among these, Nigella sativa is a promising source of bioactive compounds including thymoquinone, monoterpenes, p-cymene and α-piene etc. Thymoquinone has been found effective to inhibit the different cancer stages such as proliferation, migration and invasion. It also acts as anticancer agent against different human cancers such as breast, pancreatic, prostate, blood, oral, bone, head and neck, cervical, liver and lung. It significantly mediated miR-34a up-regulation, enhanced the levels of miR-34a through p53, and down controlled Rac1 expression. Thymoquinone induces apoptosis, regulates the levels of pro- and anti- apoptotic genes. It also has been known to lower the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IKKα/β and reduces the metastasis as well as also lowered the ERK1/2 and PI3K activities. Thymoquinone inhibits the metastasis through activation of JNK and p38. The present review article highlights the anticancer perspectives of thymoquinone in human by various pathways and use of this compound as diet based therapy has proven new pharmacological agent against several types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Imtiaz Ali Khan
- Department ofAgriculture, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahbaz
- Department of Food science and Technology, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Sri Fatmawati
- Department of Chemistry,Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS-Sukolilo, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, P.O.Box 42, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Imran
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Khaliq Ur Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Tanweer Aslam Gondal
- School of Exercise and Nutrition, Centre of Advanced Sensory Science, Deakin University, Australia
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Pratheeshkumar P, Siraj AK, Divya SP, Parvathareddy SK, Begum R, Melosantos R, Al-Sobhi SS, Al-Dawish M, Al-Dayel F, Al-Kuraya KS. Downregulation of SKP2 in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Acts Synergistically With TRAIL on Inducing Apoptosis via ROS. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:1530-1544. [PMID: 29300929 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-02178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE S-phase kinase protein 2 (SKP2) is an F-box protein with proteasomal properties and has been found to be overexpressed in a variety of cancers. However, its role in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has not been fully elucidated. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN SKP2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray format on a cohort of >1000 PTC samples. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed using proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and proapoptopic death ligand tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) either alone or in combination on PTC cell lines. RESULTS SKP2 was overexpressed in 45.5% of PTC cases and was significantly associated with extrathyroidal extension (P = 0.0451), distant metastasis (P = 0.0435), and tall cell variant (P = 0.0271). SKP2 overexpression was also directly associated with X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein overexpression (P < 0.0001) and Bcl-xL overexpression (P = 0.0005) and inversely associated with death receptor 5 (P < 0.0001). The cotreatment of bortezomib and TRAIL synergistically induced apoptosis via mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in PTC cell lines. Furthermore, bortezomib and TRAIL synergistically induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and caused death receptor 5 upregulation through activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase-C/EBP homologous protein signaling cascade. Finally, bortezomib treatment augmented the TRAIL-mediated anticancer effect on PTC xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. CONCLUSION These data suggest that SKP2 is a potential therapeutic target in PTC and that a combination of bortezomib and TRAIL might be a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of patients with aggressive PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poyil Pratheeshkumar
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul K Siraj
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sasidharan Padmaja Divya
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Rafia Begum
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roxanne Melosantos
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saif S Al-Sobhi
- Department of Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Al-Dawish
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Al-Dayel
- Department of Pathology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khawla S Al-Kuraya
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Beker M, Dallı T, Elibol B. Thymoquinone Can Improve Neuronal Survival and Promote Neurogenesis in Rat Hippocampal Neurons. Mol Nutr Food Res 2018; 62. [PMID: 29277983 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201700768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Thymoquinone (TQ) has been used as a potential therapeutic for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Herein, we aim to investigate the effect of TQ on behavioral and molecular parameters in healthy rat hippocampus. METHODS TQ (20 mg kg-1 d-1 ) is administered intragastrically for 15 days to adult rats. After behavioral tests, the hippocampal tissues are investigated at the histological and molecular levels. RESULTS In both dentate gyrus and cornu ammonis 1, TQ significantly increases the number of hippocampal neurons. This increase is supported by a significant increase in the doublecortin expression on both gene and protein levels. In addition, TQ significantly decreases the amount of Caspase-3 expression and the cleavage of poly ADP ribose polymerase, indicating a decrease in apoptosis. Further, ERK, GSK-3, JNK, CREB, and iNOS proteins are found to be positively regulated by TQ. However, the gene expression of synapsin, synaptophysin, NGF, AKT, Bax, NFkB, and p53 and the protein expression of BDNF and nNOS are not affected by TQ. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that TQ has an enhancing effect on cell survival and neurogenesis in healthy hippocampus, rather inducing apoptosis in damaged neurons. This may proceed via ERK/JNK and CREB signaling pathways as a candidate acting mechanism for TQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Beker
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuğçe Dallı
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Birsen Elibol
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Chowdhury FA, Hossain MK, Mostofa AGM, Akbor MM, Bin Sayeed MS. Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone in Glioblastoma Treatment: Targeting Major Gliomagenesis Signaling Pathways. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4010629. [PMID: 29651429 PMCID: PMC5831880 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4010629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most devastating brain tumors with median survival of one year and presents unique challenges to therapy because of its aggressive behavior. Current treatment strategy involves surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy even though optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach and knowledge of potential complications from both the disease and its treatment. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa L., has exhibited anticancer effects in numerous preclinical studies. Due to its multitargeting nature, TQ interferes in a wide range of tumorigenic processes and counteract carcinogenesis, malignant growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. TQ can specifically sensitize tumor cells towards conventional cancer treatments and minimize therapy-associated toxic effects in normal cells. Its potential to enter brain via nasal pathway due to volatile nature of TQ adds another advantage in overcoming blood-brain barrier. In this review, we summarized the potential role of TQ in different signaling pathways in GBM that have undergone treatment with standard therapeutic modalities or with TQ. Altogether, we suggest further comprehensive evaluation of TQ in preclinical and clinical level to delineate its implied utility as novel therapeutics to combat the challenges for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabliha Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kamal Hossain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - A. G. M. Mostofa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Maruf Mohammad Akbor
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
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Majdalawieh AF, Fayyad MW, Nasrallah GK. Anti-cancer properties and mechanisms of action of thymoquinone, the major active ingredient of Nigella sativa. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2018; 57:3911-3928. [PMID: 28140613 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2016.1277971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, studies have documented the wide-range anti-cancer effects of Nigella sativa, known as black seed or black cumin. Thymoquinone (TQ), its major active ingredient, has also been extensively studied and reported to possess potent anti-cancer properties. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the findings related to the anti-cancer activity of TQ. The review focuses on analyzing experimental studies performed using different in vitro and in vivo models to identify the anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, cytotoxic, anti-metastatic, and NK-dependent cytotoxic effects exerted by TQ. In addition, we pinpoint the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and the signal transduction pathways implicated by TQ. Our analysis show that p53, NF-κB, PPARγ, STAT3, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are among the most significant pathways through which TQ mediates its anti-cancer activity. Experimental findings and recent advances in the field highlight TQ as an effective therapeutic agent for the suppression of tumor development, growth and metastasis for a wide range of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin F Majdalawieh
- a Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences , American University of Sharjah , Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
| | - Muneera W Fayyad
- a Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences , American University of Sharjah , Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- b Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences , Qatar University , Doha , Qatar.,c Biomedical Research Center , Qatar University , Doha , Qatar
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Shanmugam MK, Arfuso F, Kumar AP, Wang L, Goh BC, Ahn KS, Bishayee A, Sethi G. Modulation of diverse oncogenic transcription factors by thymoquinone, an essential oil compound isolated from the seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. Pharmacol Res 2017; 129:357-364. [PMID: 29162539 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), isolated almost fifty years ago, is the main bioactive constituent of black seed essential oil extracted from the seed of Nigella sativa. TQ has been shown to have promising effects against a variety of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Cancer development is a multistep process where normal cells acquire qualities that enable the cells to proliferate continuously and migrate to distant sites in the human body. Drugs that interfere with this process are considered potential anti-cancer therapeutics, which may ultimately result in their clinical usage. TQ is once such compound which has been reported to modulate several major signaling pathways and key oncogenic molecules that play a prominent role in cancer initiation, progression, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Various studies have reported that TQ can enhance the anti-cancer potential when co-administered with several chemotherapeutic agents while reducing their toxic side effects. In addition, TQ has been shown to inhibit the growth of breast, prostate, pancreatic, colon, lung, and hematological malignancies in different mouse models of cancer. This review focuses on TQ's chemical and pharmacological properties, its diverse molecular targets and also provides clear evidence on its promising potential under preclinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Frank Arfuso
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia; National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, 117600, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, 119228, Singapore
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyungheedae-gil, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 130-701, South Korea, South Korea
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, 18301 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33169, USA
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
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Prophetic medicine as potential functional food elements in the intervention of cancer: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:614-648. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Feng LM, Wang XF, Huang QX. Thymoquinone induces cytotoxicity and reprogramming of EMT in gastric cancer cells by targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. J Biosci 2017; 42:547-554. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-017-9708-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Mollazadeh H, Afshari AR, Hosseinzadeh H. Review on the Potential Therapeutic Roles of Nigella sativa in the Treatment of Patients with Cancer: Involvement of Apoptosis: - Black cumin and cancer. J Pharmacopuncture 2017; 20:158-172. [PMID: 30087792 PMCID: PMC5633668 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2017.20.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nigella sativa (N. sativa, family Ranunculaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been widely used for centuries throughout the world as a natural remedy. A wide range of chemical compounds found in N. sativa expresses its vast therapeutic effects. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main component (up to 50%) in the essential oil of N. sativa. Also, pinene (up to 15%), p-cymene (40%), thymohydroquinone (THQ), thymol (THY), and dithymoquinone (DTQ) are other pharmacologically active compounds of its oil. Other terpenoid compounds, such as carvacrol, carvone, 4-terpineol, limonenes, and citronellol, are also found in small quantities in its oil. The main pharmacological characteristics of this plant are immune system stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, anti-tussive, milk production, uricosuric, choleretic, anti-fertility, and spasmolytic properties. In this regard, we have searched the scientific databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar with keywords of N. sativa, anti-cancer, apoptotic effect, antitumor, antioxidant, and malignancy over the period from 2000 to 2017. The effectiveness of N. sativa against cancer in the blood system, kidneys, lungs, prostate, liver, and breast and on many malignant cell lines has been shown in many studies, but the molecular mechanisms behind that anti-cancer role are still not clearly understood. From among the many effects of N. sativa, including its anti-proliferative effect, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, ROS generation, anti-metastasis/anti-angiogenesis effects, Akt pathway control, modulation of multiple molecular targets, including p53, p73, STAT-3, PTEN, and PPAR-γ, and activation of caspases, the main suggestive anti-cancer mechanisms of N. sativa are its free radical scavenger activity and the preservation of various anti-oxidant enzyme activities, such as glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase. In this review, we highlight the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis and the anti-cancer effects of N. sativa, with a focus on its molecular targets in apoptosis pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Mollazadeh
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Goyal SN, Prajapati CP, Gore PR, Patil CR, Mahajan UB, Sharma C, Talla SP, Ojha SK. Therapeutic Potential and Pharmaceutical Development of Thymoquinone: A Multitargeted Molecule of Natural Origin. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:656. [PMID: 28983249 PMCID: PMC5613109 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone, a monoterpene molecule is chemically known as 2-methyl-5-isopropyl-1, 4-benzoquinone. It is abundantly present in seeds of Nigella sativa L. that is popularly known as black cumin or black seed and belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. A large number of studies have revealed that thymoquinone is the major active constituent in N. sativa oil this constituent is responsible for the majority of the pharmacological properties. The beneficial organoprotective activities of thymoquinone in experimental animal models of different human diseases are attributed to the potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thymoquinone has also been shown to alter numerous molecular and signaling pathways in many inflammatory and degenerative diseases including cancer. Thymoquinone has been reported to possess potent lipophilicity and limited bioavailability and exhibits light and heat sensitivity. Altogether, these physiochemical properties encumber the successful formulation for the delivery of drug in oral dosages form and restrict the pharmaceutical development. In recent past, many efforts were undertaken to improve the bioavailability for clinical usage by manipulating the physiochemical parameters. The present review aimed to provide insights regarding the physicochemical characteristics, pharmacokinetics and the methods to promote pharmaceutical development and endorse the clinical usage of TQ in future by overcoming the associated physiochemical obstacles. It also enumerates briefly the pharmacological and molecular targets of thymoquinone as well as the pharmacological properties in various diseases and the underlying molecular mechanism. Though, a convincing number of experimental studies are available but human studies are not available with thymoquinone despite of the long history of use of black cumin in different diseases. Thus, the clinical studies including pharmacokinetic studies and regulatory toxicity studies are required to encourage the clinical development of thymoquinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer N. Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
- SVKM Institute of PharmacyDhule, India
| | - Chaitali P. Prajapati
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Prashant R. Gore
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Chandragouda R. Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Umesh B. Mahajan
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates UniversityAl Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sandhya P. Talla
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, North Maharashtra UniversityShirpur, India
| | - Shreesh K. Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates UniversityAl Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Asaduzzaman Khan M, Tania M, Fu S, Fu J. Thymoquinone, as an anticancer molecule: from basic research to clinical investigation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:51907-51919. [PMID: 28881699 PMCID: PMC5584300 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone is an anticancer phytochemical commonly found in black cumin. In this review, we discuss the potential of thymoquinone as anticancer molecule, its mechanism of action and future usage in clinical applications. Thymoquinone exhibits anticancer activity via numerous mechanisms of action, specifically by showing selective antioxidant and oxidant activity, interfering with DNA structure, affecting carcinogenic signaling molecules/pathways and immunomodulation. In vitro activity of thymoquinone has been further implicated in animal models of cancer; however, no clinical application has been proven yet. This is the optimum time to focus on clinical trials for developing thymoquinone as a future drug in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Computing Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shangyi Fu
- The Honors College, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Galadari S, Rahman A, Pallichankandy S, Thayyullathil F. Reactive oxygen species and cancer paradox: To promote or to suppress? Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 104:144-164. [PMID: 28088622 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 606] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a group of highly reactive ions and molecules, are increasingly being appreciated as powerful signaling molecules involved in the regulation of a variety of biological processes. Indeed, their role is continuously being delineated in a variety of pathophysiological conditions. For instance, cancer cells are shown to have increased ROS levels in comparison to their normal counterparts. This is partly due to an enhanced metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells. The escalated ROS generation in cancer cells contributes to the biochemical and molecular changes necessary for the tumor initiation, promotion and progression, as well as, tumor resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, increased ROS in cancer cells may provide a unique opportunity to eliminate cancer cells via elevating ROS to highly toxic levels intracellularly, thereby, activating various ROS-induced cell death pathways, or inhibiting cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy. Such results can be achieved by using agents that either increase ROS generation, or inhibit antioxidant defense, or even a combination of both. In fact, a large variety of anticancer drugs, and some of those currently under clinical trials, effectively kill cancer cells and overcome drug resistance via enhancing ROS generation and/or impeding the antioxidant defense mechanism. This review focuses on our current understanding of the tumor promoting (tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, and chemoresistance) and the tumor suppressive (apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis) functions of ROS, and highlights the potential mechanism(s) involved. It also sheds light on a very novel and an actively growing field of ROS-dependent cell death mechanism referred to as ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehamuddin Galadari
- Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, P.O. Box 300100, Dubai, UAE.
| | - Anees Rahman
- Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Siraj Pallichankandy
- Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Faisal Thayyullathil
- Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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Farooqi AA, Gadaleta CD, Ranieri G, Fayyaz S, Marech I. Restoring TRAIL Induced Apoptosis Using Naturopathy. Hercules Joins Hand with Nature to Triumph Over Lernaean Hydra. Curr Genomics 2016; 18:27-38. [PMID: 28503088 PMCID: PMC5321767 DOI: 10.2174/1389202917666160803150023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifaceted disease. Our deepened knowledge about genetic and biological mechanisms of cancer cells presents an opportunity to explore the inter-individual differences in the body’s ability to metabolize and respond to different nutrients. It is becoming progressively more understandable that the deregulation of several signaling pathways and the alterations in apoptotic response are some of the major determinants that underpin carcinogenesis. Tumor necrosis factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)-mediated signaling has gained a remarkable appreciation because of its ability to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells leaving normal cells intact. However, technological advances have started to shed light on underlying mechanisms of resistance against TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancer cells. The impairment of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis includes various factors ranging from the loss or down regulation of TRAIL receptors or pro-apoptotic proteins to the up regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. Intriguingly to mention that there is an ever-increasing number of natural herbal extracts (phytometabolites), which have been explored to date for their potential action in restoring apoptosis TRAIL-mediated in cancer cells. In this review, we will highlight the progress in understanding the mechanisms opted by phenolic compounds in overcoming TRAIL resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- 1Laboratory for Translational Oncology and Personalized Medicine, Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan; 2Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Cosmo Damiano Gadaleta
- 1Laboratory for Translational Oncology and Personalized Medicine, Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan; 2Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Girolamo Ranieri
- 1Laboratory for Translational Oncology and Personalized Medicine, Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan; 2Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Sundas Fayyaz
- 1Laboratory for Translational Oncology and Personalized Medicine, Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan; 2Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Marech
- 1Laboratory for Translational Oncology and Personalized Medicine, Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan; 2Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
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Antiproliferative and Apoptosis-Inducing Activities of Thymoquinone in Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Line. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2016; 33:516-524. [PMID: 29075062 DOI: 10.1007/s12288-016-0758-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is one of the malignant proliferations of lymphoid cells in the early stages of differentiation and accounts for about 80% of all cases of childhood leukemia. Side effects of available treatment are still main concern. Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural compound isolated from Nigella sativa, induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of TQ alone and in combination with doxorubicine on the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction of TQ in a lymphoblastic leukemia cell line. Jurkat cell line was cultured in standard condition and with concentrations of TQ (0-30 μm) and doxorubicine for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cell viability was measured by MTS assay. Apoptosis induction by TQ was assessed by annexin V-FITC/PI and flow cytometry analysis. TQ and DOX decreased cell viability with a time and dose dependent manner. The IC50 values were 19.461 ± 1.141, 17.342 ± 1.949 and 14.123 ± 1.874 μM in 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively for TQ. IC50 values for DOX were. 075 ± .0124, .028 ± .007 and.007 ± .001 μM in 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. The level of cell apoptosis in all used concentrations of TQ (4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 μm) was higher than control group (10.2, 14.1, 36.6, 87.5 and 93.3% respectively after 24 h; 10.7, 13.9, 64.6, 92.2 and 93.1 respectively after 48 h; 2.83, 5.83, 41.4, 71.6 and 86.6% respectively after 72 h) and reached to a significant level at 12, 16 and 20 μm concentration for 24 and 48 h and 16 and 20 μm for 72 h incubation. Combination of doxorubicine and TQ lead to a synergistic cytotoxicity as compared to any of them alone. The study indicated that TQ is effective on proliferation inhibition and is a strong apoptotic inducer in Jurkat lymphoblastic cell line and has synergistic effect in combination with DOX. This combination strategy can be an alternative way for more powerful anticancer effects. Therefore, the study of the mechanism of apoptosis induction of TQ can be a step forward to in target therapy which might be considered in the future studies.
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Zhang L, Bai Y, Yang Y. Thymoquinone chemosensitizes colon cancer cells through inhibition of NF-κB. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:2840-2845. [PMID: 27698868 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the effects and molecular mechanisms of thymoquinone (TQ) on colon cancer cells were investigated. Cell viability was determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and the results revealed that treatment with TQ significantly decreased cell viability in COLO205 and HCT116 cells in a dose-dependent manner. TQ treatment additionally sensitized COLO205 and HCT116 cells to cisplatin therapy in a concentration-dependent manner. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of TQ action, western blot analysis was used to determine the levels of phosphorylated p65 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-regulated gene products vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), c-Myc and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). The results indicated that TQ treatment significantly decreased the level of phosphorylated p65 in the nucleus, which indicated the inhibition of NF-κB activation by TQ treatment. Treatment with TQ also decreased the expression levels of VEGF, c-Myc and Bcl-2. In addition, the inhibition of NF-κB activation with a specific inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, potentiated the induction of cell death and caused a chemosensitization effect of TQ in colon cancer cells. Overall, the results of the present study suggested that TQ induced cell death and chemosensitized colon cancer cells by inhibiting NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lida Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Yangqiu Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Yuxiu Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
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Su X, Ren Y, Yu N, Kong L, Kang J. Thymoquinone inhibits inflammation, neoangiogenesis and vascular remodeling in asthma mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 38:70-80. [PMID: 27240137 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic obstructive disease which is characterized by recurring airway inflammation, reversible airway obstruction, airway hyper responsiveness and vascular remodeling. Thymoquinone (TQ), an active ingredient isolated from Nigella sativa, was reported to exhibit anti-inflammation and anti-proliferation of in various cancer cells as well as epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TQ on the inflammation, neoangiogenesis and vascular remodeling induced by Ovalbumin (OVA) in asthma mice in vivo and the anti-angiogenesis effects of TQ in VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Our results revealed that TQ inhibited the production of inflammatory factors interleukin-4/-5 (IL-4/-5) by enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the increase of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, which is also known as CD31 and α-smooth muscle actinalpha (α-SMA) expression in asthma mice challenged by OVA was suppressed by TQ. Moreover, TQ suppressed the activation of VEGFR2-PI3K-Akt pathway and up-regulated the expression of Slit glycoprotein-2 (Slit-2) both in vivo and in vitro with the inhibition of tube information in HUVEC cells. Meanwhile immunofluorescence analysis showed that Slit-2 and Roundabout-4 (Robo-4) were co-expressing after TQ treatment in OVA-challenged asthma mice. Our study demonstrates that TQ attenuated the inflammatory reaction by antagonizing IL-4/-5 while the anti-neoangiogenesis effect of TQ is mediated by inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression through VEGFR2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which supports a potential role for TQ in ameliorating asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinming Su
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuan Ren
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingfei Kong
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Kang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
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Ashour AE, Ahmed AF, Kumar A, Zoheir KMA, Aboul-Soud MA, Ahmad SF, Attia SM, Abd-Allah ARA, Cheryan VT, Rishi AK. Thymoquinone inhibits growth of human medulloblastoma cells by inducing oxidative stress and caspase-dependent apoptosis while suppressing NF-κB signaling and IL-8 expression. Mol Cell Biochem 2016; 416:141-55. [PMID: 27084536 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2703-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. The transcription factor NF-κB is overexpressed in human MB and is a critical factor for MB tumor growth. NF-κB is known to regulate the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8), the chemokine that enhances cancer cell growth and resistance to chemotherapy. We have recently shown that thymoquinone (TQ) suppresses growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in part by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. Here we sought to extend these studies in MB cells and show that TQ suppresses growth of MB cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, causes G2M cell cycle arrest, and induces apoptosis. TQ significantly increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while pretreatment of MB cells with the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) abrogated TQ-induced cell death and apoptosis, suggesting that TQ-induced cell death and apoptosis are oxidative stress-mediated. TQ inhibitory effects were associated with inhibition of NF-κB and altered expression of its downstream effectors IL-8 and its receptors, the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, X-IAP, and FLIP, as well as the pro-apoptotic TRAIL-R1, caspase-8, caspase-9, Bcl-xS, and cytochrome c. TQ-triggered apoptosis was substantiated by up-regulation of the executioner caspase-3 and caspase-7, as well as cleavage of the death substrate poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase. Interestingly, pretreatment of MB cells with NAC or the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk abrogated TQ-induced apoptosis, loss of cyclin B1 and NF-κB activity, suggesting that these TQ-mediated effects are oxidative stress- and caspase-dependent. These findings reveal that TQ induces both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis in MB cells, and suggest its potential usefulness in the treatment of MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelkader E Ashour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Atallah F Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Vitiligo Research Chair, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khairy M A Zoheir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Cell Biology Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mourad A Aboul-Soud
- Medical and Molecular Genetics Research Chair, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Adel R A Abd-Allah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Vino T Cheryan
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Arun K Rishi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
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Muralidharan-Chari V, Kim J, Abuawad A, Naeem M, Cui H, Mousa SA. Thymoquinone Modulates Blood Coagulation in Vitro via Its Effects on Inflammatory and Coagulation Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:474. [PMID: 27043539 PMCID: PMC4848930 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (THQ) is a major component of black seeds. Given that both THQ and black seeds exhibit anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities, we hypothesized that THQ will affect cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), which is primarily triggered by tissue factor (TF) and inflammation. The effect of both black seed-extracted and purchased (“pure”) THQ on normal blood coagulation was tested with in vitro thromboelastography (TEG) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) coagulation assays. The effect of pure THQ on CAT was tested with aPTT assay using pancreatic cancer cell lines that are either positive or negative for TF, and with TEG assay using lipopolysaccharide as an inflammatory trigger. Additionally, the direct effect of THQ on the inactivation of factors IIa and Xa was assessed. Since TNF-α facilitates crosstalk between inflammation and thrombosis by triggering the NF-κB pathway, we tested THQ’s ability to interfere with this communication with a luciferase assay. Both extracted and pure THQ had minimal effects on normal blood coagulation. Pure THQ reversed CAT initiated by both TF and inflammation to basal levels (p < 0.001). Mechanistically, while THQ had minimal to no effect on factor IIa and Xa inactivation, it strongly reduced the effects of TNF-α on NF-κB elements (p < 0.001). THQ has a minimal effect on basal coagulation and can reverse CAT in vitro, possibly by interfering with the crosstalk between inflammation and coagulation. This study suggests the utility of THQ as a preventative anticoagulant and/or as a supplement to existing chemotherapies and anticoagulant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandhana Muralidharan-Chari
- The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 1 Discovery Drive, Rennselaer, NY 12144, USA.
| | - Jaehan Kim
- The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 1 Discovery Drive, Rennselaer, NY 12144, USA.
| | - Ahlam Abuawad
- The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 1 Discovery Drive, Rennselaer, NY 12144, USA.
| | - Mubeena Naeem
- The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 1 Discovery Drive, Rennselaer, NY 12144, USA.
| | - Huadong Cui
- The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 1 Discovery Drive, Rennselaer, NY 12144, USA.
| | - Shaker A Mousa
- The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 1 Discovery Drive, Rennselaer, NY 12144, USA.
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Liu RM, Li YB, Liang XF, Liu HZ, Xiao JH, Zhong JJ. Structurally related ganoderic acids induce apoptosis in human cervical cancer HeLa cells: Involvement of oxidative stress and antioxidant protective system. Chem Biol Interact 2015; 240:134-44. [PMID: 26282491 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ganoderic acids (GAs) produced by Ganoderma lucidum possess anticancer activities with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the role of oxidative stress in apoptotic process induced by GAs is still undefined. In this study, the effects of four structurally related GAs, i.e. GA-T, GA-Mk, and two deacetylated derivatives of GA-T (GA-T1 and GA-T2) on the antioxidant defense system and induced apoptosis in cervical cancer cells HeLa were investigated in vitro. Our results indicated that the tested GAs (5-40 μM) induced apoptotic cell death through mitochondrial membrane potential decrease and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Furthermore, GAs increased the generation of intracellular ROS and attenuated antioxidant defense system by decreasing glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities. The above effects were remarkably blocked by the exogenous antioxidants, i.e. N-acetylcysteine, catalase and diphenyleneiodonium chloride. The potency of the four GAs toward induced apoptosis, generation of ROS and suppression of antioxidant defense system was in the order of: GA-T > GA-Mk ≈ GA-T1 > GA-T2 in HeLa cells. These findings suggest that GAs induced mitochondria-dependent cell apoptosis in HeLa cells are mediated via enhancing oxidative stress and depressing antioxidant defense. Additionally, the acetylation of hydroxyl groups in GAs may contribute to their pro-oxidant activities and cytotoxicity, which is helpful to the development of novel chemotherapy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Ming Liu
- Guizhou Center for Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, PR China
| | - Ying-Bo Li
- Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Xiang-Feng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Hui-Zhou Liu
- Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Jian-Hui Xiao
- Guizhou Center for Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, PR China.
| | - Jian-Jiang Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, and Laboratory of Molecular Biochemical Engineering, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong-Chuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
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49
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Thymoquinone and its therapeutic potentials. Pharmacol Res 2015; 95-96:138-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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50
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Salem AA, El Haty IA, Abdou IM, Mu Y. Interaction of human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA with thymoquinone: a possible mechanism for thymoquinone anticancer effect. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1850:329-42. [PMID: 25450185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymoquinone (TQ) has been documented to possess chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic antitumor effects. Studies reported that TQ inhibits the growth of cancer cells in animal models, culture and xenografted tumors. Molecular mechanisms underlying these anticancer effects were attributed to inductions of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, oxidative damage of cellular macromolecules, blockade of tumor angiogenesis and inhibitions in migration, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. On the other hand, human telomere DNA plays a role in regulating genes' transcriptions. It folds up into G-quadruplex structures that inhibit telomerase enzyme over-expressed in cancerous cells. Molecules that selectively stabilize G-quadruplex are potential anticancer agents. Therefore, this work aimed to explore the interaction of TQ with G-quadruplex DNA as a possible underlying mechanism for the anticancer effect of TQ. METHODS Interactions of TQ with telomeric G-quadruplex (5'-AGGG(TTAGGG)3-3') and duplex DNAs were studied using UV-vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism, liquid and solid NMR (1H and 13C), melting temperature and docking simulation. RESULTS Changes in UV-vis, CD, fluorescence, 1H NMR and 13C NMR, spectra as well as melting temperatures and docking simulations provided evidences for TQ's interactions with G-quadruplex. TQ was found to interact with G-quadruplex on two binding sites adjacent to the TTA loop with binding constants 1.80×10(5) and 1.12×10(7) M(-1). Melting temperatures indicated that TQ stabilized G-quadruplex by 5.6 °C and destabilized ct-DNA by 5.1 °C. Selectivity experiment indicated that TQ is preferentially binding to G-quadruplex over duplex with selectivity coefficients of 2.80-3.33×10(-3). Results suggested an intercalation binding mode based on π-π stacking. CONCLUSION Our results propose that TQ can possibly act as a G-quadruplex DNA stabilizer and subsequently contribute to the inhibition of telomerase enzyme and cancer's proliferation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Our results represent a change in the paradigms reported for structural features of G-quadruplex's stabilizers and anticancer mechanisms of TQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A Salem
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ismail A El Haty
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim M Abdou
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yuguang Mu
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
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