Chemopreventive effect of Phaleria macrocarpa on colorectal cancer aberrant crypt foci in vivo

Boric Acid (Boron) Attenuates AOM-Induced Colorectal Cancer in Rats by Augmentation of Apoptotic and Antioxidant Mechanisms

Boric acid (BA) is a naturally occurring weak Lewis acid containing boron, oxygen, and hydrogen elements that can be found in water, soil, and plants. Because of its numerous biological potentials including anti-proliferation actions, the present investigates the chemopreventive possessions of BA on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. Thirty laboratory rats were divided into 5 groups: negative control (A) received two subcutaneous inoculations of normal saline and nourished on 10% Tween 20; groups B-E had two injections of 15 mg/kg azoxymethane followed by ingestion of 10% Tween 20 (B, cancer control), inoculation with intraperitoneal 35 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil injection (C, reference group), or ingested with boric acid 30 mg/kg (D) and 60 mg/kg (E). The gross morphology results showed significantly increased total colonic ACF in cancer controls, while BA treatment caused a significant reduction of ACF values. Histopathological evaluation of colons from cancer controls showed bizarrely elongated nuclei, stratified cells, and higher depletion of the submucosal glands than that of BA-treated groups. Boric acid treatment up-surged the pro-apoptotic (Bax) expression and reduced anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) protein expressions. Moreover, BA ingestion caused upregulation of antioxidant enzymes (GPx, SOD, CAT), and lowered MDA contents in colon tissue homogenates. Boric acid-treated rats had significantly lower pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and higher anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) based on serum analysis. The colorectal cancer attenuation by BA is shown by the reduced ACF numbers, anticipated by its regulatory potentials on the apoptotic proteins, antioxidants, and inflammatory cytokines originating from AOM-induced oxidative damage.

Jabbar A, Abdel Aziz Ibrahim I, Almaimani G, AbdulMonam Zainel M, Bamagous GA, Almaimani RA, Almasmoum HA, Ghaith MM, Farrash WF, Almutawif YA. Pinostrobin attenuates azoxymethane-induced colorectal cytotoxicity in rats through augmentation of apoptotic Bax/Bcl-2 proteins and antioxidants

OBJECTIVES

Pinostrobin (5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone; PN) is a natural active ingredient with numerous biological activities extensively utilized in tumour chemotherapy. The present study investigates the chemo-preventive potentials of PN on azoxymethane-mediated colonic aberrant crypt foci in rats.

METHODS

Sprague Dawley rats clustered into five groups, normal control (A) and cancer controls were subcutaneously injected with normal saline and 15 mg/kg azoxymethane, respectively, and nourished on 10% tween 20 and fed on 10% tween 20; reference control (C), injected with 15 mg/kg azoxymethane and injected (intraperitoneal) with 35 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); D and E rat groups received a subcutaneous injection of 15 mg/kg azoxymethane and nourished on 30 and 60 mg/kg of PN, respectively.

RESULTS

The acute toxicity trial showed a lack of any abnormal signs or mortality in rats ingested with 250 and 500 mg/kg of PN. The gross morphology of colon tissues revealed significantly lower total colonic aberrant crypt foci incidence in PN-treated rats than that of cancer controls. Histological examination of colon tissues showed increased aberrant crypt foci availability with bizarrely elongated nuclei, stratified cells and higher depletion of the submucosal glands in cancer controls. PN treatment caused positive modulation of apoptotic (Bax and Bcl-2) proteins and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10). Moreover, rats fed on PN had significantly higher antioxidants (superoxide dismutase) and lower malondialdehyde concentrations in their colon tissue homogenates.

CONCLUSION

The chemoprotective efficiency of PN against azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci is shown by lower aberrant crypt foci values and higher aberrant crypt foci inhibition percentage, possibly through augmentation of genes responsible for apoptotic cascade and inflammations originating from azoxymethane oxidative stress insults.

Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl.: An updated review of pharmacological effects, toxicity studies, and separation techniques

Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl. is geographically distributed around Papua Island, Indonesia. Traditionally, P. macrocarpa is exercised to reduce pain, stomachache, diarrhea, tumor problems, blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. A growing interest in the medicinal values of P. macrocarpa especially in Asia reflects the usage of diverse extraction techniques, particularly modern approaches. In this review article, the extraction methods and solvents relevant to P. macrocarpa were discussed, with the extent of its pharmacological activities. Recent bibliographic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Elsevier between 2010 and 2022 were assessed. Based on the findings, the pharmacological studies of P. macrocarpa are still pertinent to its traditional uses but primarily emphasise anti-proliferative activity especially colon and breast cancer cells with low toxicity and fruit as the most studied plant part. The utilization of modern separation techniques has predominantly been aimed at extracting mangiferin and phenolic-rich compounds and evaluating their antioxidant capacity. However, the isolation of bioactive compounds remains a challenge, leading to the extensive utilization of the extracts in in vivo studies. This review endeavors to highlight modern extraction methods that could potentially be used as a point of reference in the future for exploring novel bioactive compounds and drug discovery on a multi-scale extraction level.

Current Advances in Chitosan Nanoparticles Based Oral Drug Delivery for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

As per the WHO, colorectal cancer (CRC) caused around 935,173 deaths worldwide in 2020 in both sexes and at all ages. The available anticancer therapies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and anticancer drugs are all associated with limited therapeutic efficacy, adverse effects and low chances. This has urged to emerge several novel therapeutic agents as potential therapies for CRC including synthetic and natural materials. Orally administrable and targeted drug delivery systems are attractive strategies for CRC therapy as they minimize the side effects, enhance the efficacy of anticancer drugs. Nevertheless, oral drug delivery till today faces several challenges like poor drug solubility, stability, and permeability. Various oral nano-based approaches and targeted drug delivery systems have been developed recently, as a result of the ability of nanoparticles to control the release of the encapsulant, drug targeting and reduce the number of dosages administered. The unique physicochemical properties of chitosan polymer assist to overcome oral drug delivery barriers and target the colon tumour cells. Chitosan-based nanocarriers offered additional improvements by enhancing the stability, targeting and bioavailability of several anti-colorectal cancer agents. Modified chitosan derivatives also facilitated CRC targeting through strengthening the protection of encapsulant against acidic and enzyme degradation of gastrointestinal track (GIT). This review aims to provide an overview of CRC pathology, therapy and the barriers against oral drug delivery. It also emphasizes the role of nanotechnology in oral drug targeted delivery system and the growing interest towards chitosan and its derivatives. The present review summarizes the relevant works to date that have studied the potential applications of chitosan-based nanocarrier towards CRC treatment.

Protective role of a melon superoxide dismutase combined with gliadin (GliSODin) on the status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense against azoxymethane-induced experimental colon carcinogenesis

Background

Azoxymethane (AOM) is a potent carcinogenic agent commonly used to induce colon cancer in rats and mice, with the cytotoxicity of AOM mediated by oxidative stress.

Aim of Study

This study investigated the protective effect of a natural antioxidant (GliSODin) against AOM-induced oxidative stress and carcinogenesis in rat colon.

Methods

Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (five rats/group). The control group was fed a basal diet. AOM-treated group (AOM) was fed a basal diet and received intraperitoneal injections of AOM for 2 weeks at a dose of 15 mg/kg. The GliSODin treatment group (superoxide dismutase [SOD]) received oral supplementation of GliSODin (300 mg/kg) for 3 months, and the fourth combined group received AOM and GliSODin (AOM + SOD). All animals were continuously fed ad libitum until the age of 16 weeks when all rats were sacrificed. The colon tissues were examined microscopically for pathological changes and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) development, oxidant status (lipid peroxidation-LPO), and enzyme antioxidant system (glutathione [GSH], GSH-S-transferase, catalase, and SOD).

Results

Our results showed that AOM induced ACF development and oxidative stress (GSH depletion and lipid peroxidation) in rat colonic cells. The concomitant treatment of AOM with GliSODin significantly ameliorated the cytotoxic effects of AOM.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide in vivo evidence that GliSODin reduced the AOM-induced colon cancer in rats, through their potent antioxidant activities.

Current Status, Distribution, and Future Directions of Natural Products against Colorectal Cancer in Indonesia: A Systematic Review

In 2020, an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer deaths have occurred worldwide, with colorectal cancer ranking as the third most frequently diagnosed (10.0%). Several attempts have been conducted against cancer, including surgery, radiation, monoclonal antibodies, and chemotherapy. Many people choose natural products as alternatives against cancer. These products will not only help in human life preservation but also work as a source of up-to-date information, leading people away from incorrect information. We discuss the current status, distribution, and future implications of protecting populations with natural products as an alternative against colorectal cancer in Indonesia. Thirty-eight studies were included in this review for data extraction. The distribution of natural products in Indonesia that have potential activity against colorectal cancer cells was predominated by terpenoids, followed by phytosterols, phenolics, alkaloids, and polyisoprenoids. The type of cell line utilized in the cytotoxic activity analysis of natural products was the WiDr cell line, followed by HT-29 cells and HCT-116 cells. This review showed that MTT in vitro assay is a general method used to analyze the cytotoxic activity of a natural product against colorectal cancer cells, followed by other in vitro and in vivo methods. The systematic review provided predictions for several secondary metabolites to be utilized as an alternative treatment against colorectal cancer in Indonesia. It also might be a candidate for a future co-chemotherapy agent in safety, quality, and standardization. In addition, computational methods are being developed to predict the drug-likeness of compounds, thus, drug discovery is already on the road towards electronic research and development.

Extraction and identification of biologically important proteins from the medicinal plant God's crown (Phaleria macrocarpa)

The fruit and leaf of God's crown (Phaleria macrocarpa) have been traditionally used to treat a wide variety of diseases. However, the proteins of this tropical plant are still heavily understudied. Three protein extraction methods; phenol (Phe), trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-acetone-phenol (TCA-A-Phe), and ultrasonic (Ult) were compared on the fruit and leaf of P. macrocarpa. The Phe extraction method showed the highest percentage of recovered protein after the resolubilization process for both leaf (12.24%) and fruit (30.41%) based on protein yields of the leaf (6.15 mg/g) and fruit (36.98 mg/g). Phe and TCA-A-Phe extraction methods gave well-resolved bands over a wide range of molecular weights through sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Following liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, proteins identified through the Phe extraction method were 30%-35% enzymatic proteins, including oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases that possess various biological functions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Every part of God's crown plant is traditionally consumed to treat various illnesses. While plant's benefits are well known and have led to a plethora of health products, the proteome remains mostly unknown. This study compares three protein extraction methods for the leaf and fruit of P. macrocarpa and identifies their proteins thru LC-MS/MS coupled with PEAKS. These method comparisons can be a guide for works on other plants as well. In addition, the proteomics data from this study may shed light on the functional properties of these plant parts and their products.

Safety assessment of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive

The present opinion deals with an updated safety assessment of the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171) based on new relevant scientific evidence considered by the Panel to be reliable, including data obtained with TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and data from an extended one-generation reproductive toxicity (EOGRT) study. Less than 50% of constituent particles by number in E 171 have a minimum external dimension < 100 nm. In addition, the Panel noted that constituent particles < 30 nm amounted to less than 1% of particles by number. The Panel therefore considered that studies with TiO2 NPs < 30 nm were of limited relevance to the safety assessment of E 171. The Panel concluded that although gastrointestinal absorption of TiO2 particles is low, they may accumulate in the body. Studies on general and organ toxicity did not indicate adverse effects with either E 171 up to a dose of 1,000 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day or with TiO2 NPs (> 30 nm) up to the highest dose tested of 100 mg/kg bw per day. No effects on reproductive and developmental toxicity were observed up to a dose of 1,000 mg E 171/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested in the EOGRT study. However, observations of potential immunotoxicity and inflammation with E 171 and potential neurotoxicity with TiO2 NPs, together with the potential induction of aberrant crypt foci with E 171, may indicate adverse effects. With respect to genotoxicity, the Panel concluded that TiO2 particles have the potential to induce DNA strand breaks and chromosomal damage, but not gene mutations. No clear correlation was observed between the physico-chemical properties of TiO2 particles and the outcome of either in vitro or in vivo genotoxicity assays. A concern for genotoxicity of TiO2 particles that may be present in E 171 could therefore not be ruled out. Several modes of action for the genotoxicity may operate in parallel and the relative contributions of different molecular mechanisms elicited by TiO2 particles are not known. There was uncertainty as to whether a threshold mode of action could be assumed. In addition, a cut-off value for TiO2 particle size with respect to genotoxicity could not be identified. No appropriately designed study was available to investigate the potential carcinogenic effects of TiO2 NPs. Based on all the evidence available, a concern for genotoxicity could not be ruled out, and given the many uncertainties, the Panel concluded that E 171 can no longer be considered as safe when used as a food additive.

Phytochemical characteristics from Phaleria macrocarpa and its inhibitory activity on the peritoneal damage of endometriosis

Background

Endometriois represents a gynecological disease that still becomes an issue in community. Phaleria macrocarpa is a plant native to Indonesia that contains an antioxidant substance, which may serve as apoptotic modulator and useful for angiogenesis.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the effects of flavonoid isolates from P. macrocarpa (PM) on the development of granulomas, apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis of the disease.

Material and methods

Total thirty mice (Mus musculus) were categorized into six groups, including the normal group (without any treatment), EMT (endometriosis) group, and EMT group treated with PM flavonoid isolates. Identification of the active compounds of P. macrocarpa was done using LC-HRMS. Measurement of granuloma scores and vascular density was done histologically. Apoptosis and proliferation analysis was performed by immunohistochemical techniques.

Results

There was an increase in granulomas, proliferation, and apoptosis in the peritoneal tissues of the endometriosis model. This change can be normalized by extract of P. macrocarpa.

Conclusion

We concluded that the flavonoid isolates from P. macrocarpa can suppress the growth of endometriosis lesions through normalization of proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, the P. macrocarpa flavonoid can be used as an alternative to inhibit the development of endometriosis.

Toxicological, chemopreventive, and cytotoxic potentialities of rare vegetal species and supporting findings for the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS)

Caatinga flora which are found in a poor Brazilian region contain a substantial number of endemic taxa with biomedical and social importance for regional communities. This study examined the antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of 35 samples (extracts/fractions) from 12 Caatinga species and determined the antiproliferative and genotoxic action of dichloromethane fraction from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia stem bark (DC-Mca) on human and vegetal cells. Samples were assessed for chemopreventive ability, toxic effects on Artemia salina shrimp as well as cytotoxicity on tumor cell lines and erythrocytes. DC-Mca was also tested with respect to antiproliferative and genotoxic effects upon normal leukocytes and meristematic cells from A. cepa roots. Some extracts reduced free radical levels >95% and 7 samples exhibited a lethal concentration (LC) ₅₀ < 100 µg/ml upon Artemia salina larvae. Eight samples displayed in vitro antitumor effects and three produced hemolysis. Data also demonstrated the pharmacological significance of bioactive extracts from Brazilian semi-arid region. There was no significant relationship between antioxidant, toxic, and antiproliferative activities, and that these properties were dependent upon the extractant. DC-Mca contained betulinic acid as main compound (approximately 70%), which showed higher (1) cytotoxic activity on cancer cell lines and dividing leukocytes, (2) reduced mitotic index of Allium cepa roots, and (3) induced cell cycle arrest and chromosomal bridges, thereby providing native promising sources for phytotherapy development.

ABBREVIATIONS

ABTS: 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid); AcOH: ethyl acetate; ANOVA: analysis of variance; SUS: Brazilian Unified Health System; DC-Mca: dichloromethane fraction from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia stem bark; DMSO: dimethylsulfoxide; DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl; EC₅₀: effective concentration 50%; EtOAc: ethyl acetate; FDA: Food and Drug Administration; GC-Qms: gas chromatograph quadrupole mass spectrometer; GI: genotoxic index; HCT-116: colon carcinoma line; HL-60: promyelocytic leukemia line; HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography; HRAPCIMS: high resolution atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrum; IC₅₀: inhibitory concentration 50%; LC₅₀: lethal concentration 50%; MeOH = methyl alcohol; MI: mitotic index; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide; MutI: mutagenic index; OVCAR-8 = ovarian carcinoma line; PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cells; RPMI-1640: Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium; SF-295: glioblastoma line; TEAC: trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity; TLC: thin-layer chromatography; Trolox: 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid.

Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation Regulates the Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway to Counteract 1, 2-Dimethylhydrazine Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Albino wistar Rats

The present work was undertaken to study the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on 1, 2-dimethyhydrazine (DMH) induced colon cancer and role of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways (CAP) in the same. Groups of rats were randomly divided into ten groups (n = 8). DMH administration was very well apparent for autonomic dysfunction as observed through distorted hemodynamic (electrocardiogram and heart rate variability), increased aberrant crypt foci and flat neoplastic lesions (methylene blue staining, scanning electron microscopy and Hematoxylin and eosin staining). DMH administration was also recorded for per-oxidative damage. taVNS application restored the autonomic function, cellular morphology and curtailed the oxidative damage. DMH application conspicuously inhibited the mitochondrial apoptosis which was restored back after taVNS application, when scrutinized through immunoblotting and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction studies. taVNS application up-regulated the CAP as perceived through increased expression for α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7nAchR) and decreased expression for nuclear factor kappa-ligand-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκBp65), tissue necrosis factor-α and high mobility group box-1 at protein and mRNA levels. All in all, taVNS up-surged the CAP to counteract DMH induced colon carcinogenesis. Among all the stimulation parameters used, taVNS 3 (pulse width-1 ms, frequency-6 Hz, voltage-6 v, duration-240 min) was observed to be the most effective. Since only chemotherapy and surgery are available options for management of CRC, which are troublesome and painful, there is currently no non-invasive method available for management of CRC. Results of the current study affirmed the effectiveness of taVNS against DMH induced colon cancer. The present study established taVNS as a novel and non-invasive approach toward the management of CRC.

Phaleria macrocarpa (Boerl.) fruit induce G0/G1 and G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through mitochondria-mediated pathway in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff) Boerl, is a well-known folk medicinal plant in Indonesia. Traditionally, P. macrocarpa has been used to control cancer, impotency, hemorrhoids, diabetes mellitus, allergies, liver and hearth disease, kidney disorders, blood diseases, acne, stroke, migraine, and various skin diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to determine the in situ cytotoxicity effect P. macrocarpa fruit ethyl acetate fraction (PMEAF) and the underlying molecular mechanism of cell death.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MDA-MB-231 cells were incubated with PMEAF for 24h. Cell cycle and viability were examined using flow cytometry analysis. Apoptosis was determined using the Annexin V assay and also by fluorescence microscopy. Apoptosis protein profiling was detected by RayBio® Human Apoptosis Array.

RESULTS

The AO/PI staining and flow cytometric analysis of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with PMEAF were showed apoptotic cell death. The cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry analysis revealed that the accumulation of PMEAF treated MDA-MB-231 cells in G₀/G₁ and G₂/M-phase of the cell cycle. Moreover, the PMEAF exert cytotoxicity by increased the ROS production in MDA-MB-231 cells consistently stimulated the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (∆_Ψm) and induced apoptosis cell death by activation of numerous signalling proteins. The results from apoptosis protein profiling array evidenced that PMEAF stimulated the expression of 9 pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bid, caspase 3, caspase 8, cytochrome c, p21, p27, p53 and SMAC) and suppressed the 4 anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-w, XIAP and survivin) in MDA-MB-231 cells.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that PMEAF treatment induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells through intrinsic mitochondrial related pathway with the participation of pro and anti-apoptotic proteins, caspases, G₀/G₁ and G₂/M-phases cell cycle arrest by p53-mediated mechanism.