Inhibitory role of a smart nano-trifattyglyceride of Moringa oleifera root in epithelial ovarian cancer, through attenuation of FSHR - c-Myc axis

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, the "Achiles' hill" for clinicians and molecular biologists: a molecular insight

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), the deadliest ovarian cancer, alone accounts for 90% of all its subtypes. Characterized by hallmark mutation of TP53, HGSOC show diverse molecular etiology. HGSOC can arise from both ovarian epithelium as well as the fimbrial epithelium of the fallopian tube. Ovulation induced reactive oxygen species, follicular fluid associated growth factor induced stemness, deregulation of hormone receptors like ER, FSHR, AR and hormones like FSH, LH, prolonged ovulation cycle, use of oral contraceptives are agonists of HGSOC while parity, breastfeeding provide protective effect from HGSOC development. Apart from a generic TP53 mutation, mutation of BRCA1/2, RAD51, BRIP1, PALB2, CHEK2, RAD50 etc., were reportedly associated with development of HGSOC. Epigenetic events like methylation of RASSF1A of RAS signaling pathway,OR51L1, OR51I1, OR51F1 etc. has been reported in HGSOC. Micro-RNAs like miR-1290, miR 27-a-3p miR23a, miR205 were reportedly upregulated in HGSOC. Amongst its cognate subtypes viz. differentiated, immunoreactive, mesenchymal, and proliferative, mesenchymal, and proliferative show worst prognosis. A system biology approach showed five major altered pathways in HGSOC, namely, RB, PI3K/RAS, NOTCH, HRR and FOXM1 signaling. For chemonaive patients, drugs that helps in efflux of reduced glutathione or prevent the redox coupling of GSH-GSSG, like Cisplatin, could be considered as the best therapeutic choice for HGSOC. For patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, PARP inhibitors alone or with Bevacizumab can be effective. Immune checkpoint inhibitors could be effective against immunoreactive subtypes. Identification of genes deregulated in chemoresistance could provide better insights in dealing with the disease.

Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Moringa olifera Ethanolic Extract Lessens Acrylamide-Induced Testicular Damage, Apoptosis, and Steroidogenesis-Related Gene Dysregulation in Adult Rats

This study assessed the possible protective role of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Moringa olifera leaf extract (MO-ZNPs) in acrylamide (ACR)-induced reproductive dysfunctions in male rats. ACR (20 mg/kg b.wt/day) and/or MO-ZNPs (10 mg/kg b.wt/day) were given orally by gastric gavage for 60 days. Then, sperm parameters; testicular enzymes; oxidative stress markers; reproductive hormones including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH)-estradiol, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration; testis histology; steroidogenesis-related gene expression; and apoptotic markers were examined. The findings revealed that MO-ZNPs significantly ameliorated the ACR-induced decline in the gonadosomatic index and altered the pituitary-gonadal axis, reflected by decreased serum testosterone and FSH with increased estradiol and LH, and sperm analysis disruption. Furthermore, a notable restoration of the tissue content of antioxidants (catalase and reduced glutathione) but depletion of malondialdehyde was evident in MO-ZNPs+ACR-treated rats compared to ACR-exposed ones. In addition, MO-ZNPs oral dosing markedly rescued the histopathological changes and apoptotic caspase-3 reactions in the testis resulting from ACR exposure. Furthermore, in MO-ZNPs+ACR-treated rats, ACR-induced downregulation of testicular steroidogenesis genes and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immune-expression were reversed. Conclusively, MO-ZNPs protected male rats from ACR-induced reproductive toxicity by suppressing oxidative injury and apoptosis while boosting steroidogenesis and sex hormones.

Palliative effect of Moringa olifera-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats

Repeated acrylamide (ACR) exposure in experimental animals and humans causes variable degrees of neuronal damage. Because of its unique features, several green synthesized nanomaterials are explored for neuromodulatory activity. Hence, this study investigated the effect of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Moriga olifera leaves extract (MO-ZnONP) against acrylamide (ACR)-induced neurobehavioral and neurotoxic impacts in rat. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were distributed into four groups orally given distilled water, MO-ZnONP (10 mg/kg b.wt), ACR (20 mg/kg b.wt), or MO-ZnONP + ACR for 60 days. Gait quality and muscular, motor, and sensory function were assessed. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), dopamine, catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), and Zn brain contents were determined. Brain histopathology and immunohistochemical localization of the amyloid-β protein and abnormal Tau were performed. The results revealed that MO-ZnONP significantly reduced ACR-induced sensory dysfunctions, hind limb abnormality, and motor deficits. Additionally, the ACR-induced increase in dopamine and AChE were significantly supressed by MO-ZnONP. Besides, MO-ZnONP significantly restored catalase and Zn content but reduced increased MDA brain content resulting from ACR. Furthermore, the ACR-induced neurodegenerative changes and increased amyloid-β and phosphorylated Tau immunoexpression was significantly abolished by MO-ZnONP. Conclusively, MO-ZnONP could be used as a biologically effective compound for mitigating ACR's neurotoxic and neurobehavioral effects.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) polysaccharides: Extraction, characterization, bioactivities, and industrial application

Owing to numerous biological activities of different parts of Moringa oleifera Lam., various studies have been carried out to isolate and explore the activities of its various bioactive compounds including polysaccharides. Polysaccharides of M. oleifera have been reported to possess a variety of biofunctionalities including antihyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive and gastrointestinal protection. In addition to bioactive polysaccharides, the gum exudated by stem of this plant is of commercial importance with wide range of applications in pharmaceutical industries. Various extraction and purification methods as well as combination of methods have been used to isolate and purify moringa polysaccharides. Studies suggest that extraction methods influence the structure of polysaccharides and thus their biological activity. This review summarizes all the available literature to provide updated information related to extraction, purification, modification, structural characterization, bioactivities and potential applications of moringa polysaccharides. This review will provide novel insights for future research and applications of moringa polysaccharides.