Carvacrol affects breast cancer cells through TRPM7 mediated cell cycle regulation

Dietary monoterpenoids and human health: Unlocking the potential for therapeutic use

Natural products are widely used in different aspects of our lives - from household cleaners and food production, via cosmetics and aromatherapy, to both alternative and traditional medicine. In our research group, we have recently described several monoterpenoids with potential in the antiviral and anticancer therapy by allosteric targeting of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Prior to any practical application, biological effects on human organism must be taken in concern. This review article is focused on the biological effects of 5 monoterpenoids on the human health previously identified as AhR antagonists with a therapeutic potential as antiviral and anticancer agents. We have thoroughly described cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anticancer effects, as well as known interactions with nuclear receptors. As clearly demonstrated, monoterpenoids in general represent almost an inexhaustible reservoir of natural compounds possessing the ability to influence, modulate and improve human health.

Bioelectric pharmacology of cancer: A systematic review of ion channel drugs affecting the cancer phenotype

Cancer is a pernicious and pressing medical problem; moreover, it is a failure of multicellular morphogenesis that sheds much light on evolutionary developmental biology. Numerous classes of pharmacological agents have been considered as cancer therapeutics and evaluated as potential carcinogenic agents; however, these are spread throughout the primary literature. Here, we briefly review recent work on ion channel drugs as promising anti-cancer treatments and present a systematic review of the known cancer-relevant effects of 109 drugs targeting ion channels. The roles of ion channels in cancer are consistent with the importance of bioelectrical parameters in cell regulation and with the functions of bioelectric signaling in morphogenetic signals that act as cancer suppressors. We find that compounds that are well-known for having targets in the nervous system, such as voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, proton pumps, and gap junctions are especially relevant to cancer. Our review suggests further opportunities for the repurposing of numerous promising candidates in the field of cancer electroceuticals.

Development and therapeutic implications of small molecular inhibitors that target calcium-related channels in tumor treatment

Calcium ion dysregulation exerts profound effects on various physiological activities such as tumor proliferation, migration, and drug resistance. Calcium-related channels play a regulatory role in maintaining calcium ion homeostasis, with most channels being highly expressed in tumor cells. Additionally, these channels serve as potential drug targets for the development of antitumor medications. In this review, we first discuss the current research status of these pathways, examining how they modulate various tumor functions such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metabolism, and drug resistance. Simultaneously, we summarize the recent progress in the study of novel small-molecule drugs over the past 5 years and their current status.

Essential oils and their nanoformulations for breast cancer therapy

Breast Cancer (BC) is the most prevalent type of cancer in the world. Current treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy but often are associated with high toxicity to normal tissues, chemoresistance, and relapse. Thus, developing novel therapies which could combat these limitations is essential for effective treatment. In this context, phytochemicals are increasingly getting popular due to their safety profile, ability to efficiently target tumors, and circumvent limitations of existing treatments. Essential Oils (EOs) are mixtures of various phytochemicals which have shown potential anticancer activity in preclinical BC models. However, their clinical translation is limited by factors such as high volatility, low stability, and poor solubility. Nanotechnology has facilitated their encapsulation in a variety of nanostructures and proven to overcome these limitations. In this review, we have efficiently summarized the current knowledge on the anticancer effect of EOs and constituents in both in in vitro and in in vivo BC models. Further, we also provide a descriptive account on the potential of nanotechnology in enhancing the anti-BC activity of EOs and their constituents. The papers discussed in this review were selected using the keywords "antiproliferative Essential Oils in breast cancer," "anticancer activity of Essential Oil in breast cancer," and "cytotoxicity of Essential Oils in breast cancer" performed in PubMed and ScienceDirect databases.

The Role of TRPM7 in Oncogenesis

This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) channels in the pathophysiology of neoplastic diseases. The TRPM family represents the largest and most diverse group in the TRP superfamily. Its subtypes are expressed in virtually all human organs playing a central role in (patho)physiological events. The TRPM7 protein (along with TRPM2 and TRPM6) is unique in that it has kinase activity in addition to the channel function. Numerous studies demonstrate the role of TRPM7 chanzyme in tumorigenesis and in other tumor hallmarks such as proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. Here we provide an up-to-date overview about the possible role of TRMP7 in a broad range of malignancies such as tumors of the nervous system, head and neck cancers, malignant neoplasms of the upper gastrointestinal tract, colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, neoplasms of the urinary system, breast cancer, malignant tumors of the female reproductive organs, prostate cancer and other neoplastic pathologies. Experimental data show that the increased expression and/or function of TRPM7 are observed in most malignant tumor types. Thus, TRPM7 chanzyme may be a promising target in tumor therapy.

New insights into the cytotoxic effects of Thymus vulgaris essential oil on the human triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231

Essential oils (EOs) are natural products that have gained wide interest due to their biological activities and anticancer properties through various mechanisms. The present study aimed to test the cytotoxicity of Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) EO of Italian origin, rich in thymol (49.6%) and p-cymene (18.8%), towards the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and to investigate the biochemical mechanisms underlying its antitumor activity. Thyme EO reduced cancer cell viability in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h treatment, with an IC50 value equal to 75.1 ± 15.2 μg/ml; simultaneously, the inhibition of cancer cell migration and colony formation capacity was evidenced. Thyme EO antiproliferative effects were related to the induction of apoptosis as demonstrated by the increased expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, cleaved caspase-3, phospho-p53, and SMAC/Diablo and by the reduction of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, cIAP-1, cIAP-2, HIF-1α, survivin, and XIAP. Thyme EO administration led to the early formation of intracellular ROS, followed by the increment of MDA as an index of lipid peroxidation and by the decreased expression of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and PON2. The upregulation of Nrf2 mRNA expression and the strong induction of HO-1 sustained the activation of the Nrf2 pathway by thyme EO. These data showed that the EO from Thymus vulgaris L. might inhibit the malignant phenotype of MDA-MB-231, thus suggesting potential benefits against human triple-negative breast cancer.

Assessment of the in Vitro Antimelanoma Potential of Lippia microphylla Cham (Verbenaceae) Essential Oil

Essential oils stand out among natural products for their complex composition, frequently described in the literature with a range of biological effects. This study evaluated the cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines of essential oils extracted from the leaves of Lippia microphylla (EO-LM) Cham. (Verbenaceae). The melanoma cell line SK-MEL-28 was the most sensitive to the EO-LM, presenting an IC50 of 33.38±1.16 μg/mL. Afterward, the effects of EO-LM on the cell cycle, induction of apoptosis, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. We stated a significant increase in the sub-G1 population, indicating apoptosis, later confirmed by an increase of SK-MEL-28 cells labeled with Annexin V-FITC and by the formation of apoptotic bodies and membrane blebs, observed by confocal microscopy. Additionally, EO-LM reduced the production of ROS, indicating antioxidant activity. Therefore, EO-LM exhibits anti-melanoma activity in vitro, suggesting its potential as an anticancer agent.

Roles of TRPM7 in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer stands as the prevailing gynecologic malignancy, afflicting over 313,959 individuals annually worldwide, accompanied by more than 207,252 fatalities. Perturbations in calcium signaling contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of numerous cancers, including ovarian cancer, wherein alterations in calcium transporter expression have been reported. Overexpression of TRPM7, a prominent calcium transporter, has been linked to adverse prognostic outcomes in various cancer types. The focus of this comprehensive review centers around delineating the oncogenic role of TRPM7 in cancer development and exploring its therapeutic potential as a target in combating this disease. Notably, TRPM7 fosters cancer invasion, metastasis, and uncontrolled cell proliferation, thereby perpetuating the expansion and reinforcement of these malignant entities. Furthermore, this review takes ovarian cancer as an example and summarizes the "dual-mode" regulatory role of TRPM7 in cancer. Within the domain of ovarian cancer, TRPM7 assumes the role of a harsh tyrant, firmly controlling the calcium ion signaling pathway and metabolic reprogramming pathways.

Facile green synthesis and characterization of Terminalia arjuna bark phenolic-selenium nanogel: a biocompatible and green nano-biomaterial for multifaceted biological applications

Biogenic nanoparticle production is in demand as it is secure, has great promise, and is environmental friendly. This study aimed at green synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of Terminalia arjuna selenium nanoparticles (TA-SeNPs) for their antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer activities, and their incorporation in gel for biomedical applications. The bio-reduction attributes of the T. arjuna (TA) bark extract were utilized to fabricate selenium nanoparticles. The TA bark extract is abundant in phenolics (193.63 ± 1.61 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), flavonoids (88.23 ± 0.39 mg quercetin equivalents/g), and tannins (109.46 ± 1.16 mg catechin equivalents/g), which perform as effective capping and stabilizing agents, thus enabling the fabrication of stable SeNPs. The fabrication of TA-SeNPs was corroborated by UV-visible spectra, which exhibited surface plasmon resonance at 291 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated nano-sized spherical TA-SeNPs with an average diameter ranging from 100 to 150 nm. Zeta potential analysis revealed that TA-SeNPs were negatively charged (-26.1 mV). X-ray diffraction presented amorphous TA-SeNPs with a quantification of 82.36 ± 10.2 μg/mL resulting from ICP-AES. The IC50 45.18 ± 0.11 μg/mL for the DPPH assay and 66.51% reducing power capacity values indicated that the TA-SeNPs possessed excellent radical scavenging efficacy. Moreover, the TA-SeNPs exhibited a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against potential pathogens. Additionally, the TA-SeNPs exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, with an IC50 of 23.41 μg/mL. Furthermore, the TA-SeNP-incorporated gel showed excellent spreadability, extrudability, and consistency with retention of antimicrobial properties and hydrophilic contact angle. As an outcome, TA-SeNPs offer the possibility of the formulation and growth of sustainably designed green SeNPs that can be produced, conserved, and marketed securely across the globe.

Carvacrol enhances anti-tumor activity and mitigates cardiotoxicity of sorafenib in thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma model through inhibiting TRPM7

AIMS

Sorafenib (Sora) represents one of the few effective drugs for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while resistance and cardiotoxicity limit its therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated the effect of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) inhibitor, carvacrol (CARV), on overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in thioacetamide (TAA) induced HCC in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TAA (200 mg/kg/twice weekly, intraperitoneal) was administered for 16 weeks to induce HCC. Rats were treated with Sora (10 mg/Kg/day; orally) and CARV (15 mg/kg/day; orally) alone or in combination, for six weeks after HCC induction. Liver and heart functions, antioxidant capacity, and histopathology were performed. Apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance were assessed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry.

KEY FINDINGS

CARV/Sora combination significantly improved survival rate, and liver functions, reduced Alpha-Fetoprotein level, and attenuated HCC progression compared with Sora group. CARV coadministration almost obviated Sora-induced changes in cardiac and hepatic tissues. The CARV/Sora combination suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, NOTCH1, Spalt like transcription factor 4, and CD133. CARV boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing cyclin D1 and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 and increasing BCL2-Associated X and caspase-3.

SIGNIFICANCE

CARV/Sora is a promising combination for tumor suppression and overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in HCC by modulating TRPM7. To our best knowledge, this study represents the first study to investigate the efficiency of CARV/ Sora on the HCC rat model. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of inhibiting TRPM7 on HCC.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties of Thyme Oil and Its Main Constituents

Thyme oil (TO) is derived from the flowers of various plants belonging to the genus Thymus. It has been used as a therapeutic agent since ancient times. Thymus comprises numerous molecular species exhibiting diverse therapeutic properties that are dependent on their biologically active concentrations in the extracted oil. It is therefore not surprising that oils extracted from different thyme plants present different therapeutic properties. Furthermore, the phenophase of the same plant species has been shown to yield different anti-inflammatory properties. Given the proven efficacy of TO and the diversity of its constituents, a better understanding of the interactions of the various components is warranted. The aim of this review is to gather the latest research findings regarding TO and its components with respect to their immunomodulatory properties. An optimization of the various components has the potential to yield more effective thyme formulations with increased potency.

Attenuation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Enhances Carvacrol-Induced Apoptosis in Osteosarcoma Cell Lines

Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid phenol that has excellent antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. It can also improve wound healing. However, few studies have explored its antitumor effect on osteosarcoma. In this report, we tried to determine the potential efficacy of carvacrol against osteosarcoma cell lines. Our data revealed that carvacrol exposure inhibited the proliferation of osteosarcoma HOS and U-2 OS cells. In addition, carvacrol exposure enhanced the levels of cleaved PARP and caspase 3 and increased annexin V-positive cells, indicating that carvacrol exposure triggers apoptosis in osteosarcoma cell lines. Furthermore, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were enhanced after carvacrol exposure and cotreatment with NAC, the ROS scavenger, decreased the levels of cleaved PARP and caspase 3, suggesting the involvement of ROS in carvacrol-induced apoptosis. Importantly, we found that carvacrol exposure triggered several protein expressions related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, including GRP78/Bip, IRE1a, PERK, and CHOP, in HOS and U-2 OS cells, indicating that carvacrol exposure could result in ER stress in these cell lines. Cotreatment with the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA increased the levels of cleaved PARP and caspase 3 and further suppressed cellular proliferation in carvacrol-exposed osteosarcoma cell lines. Overall, the results indicate that induced ER stress can protect cells from apoptosis, but increased ROS contributes to apoptosis in carvacrol-treated cells. In this report, we first demonstrate the role of ER stress in carvacrol-induced apoptosis and suggest that ER stress could be targeted to enhance the antitumor activity of carvacrol in osteosarcoma cell lines.

An Update on the Therapeutic Anticancer Potential of Ocimum sanctum L.: "Elixir of Life"

In most cases, cancer develops due to abnormal cell growth and subsequent tumour formation. Due to significant constraints with current treatments, natural compounds are being explored as potential alternatives. There are now around 30 natural compounds under clinical trials for the treatment of cancer. Tulsi, or Holy Basil, of the genus Ocimum, is one of the most widely available and cost-effective medicinal plants. In India, the tulsi plant has deep religious and medicinal significance. Tulsi essential oil contains a valuable source of bioactive compounds, such as camphor, eucalyptol, eugenol, alpha-bisabolene, beta-bisabolene, and beta-caryophyllene. These compounds are proposed to be responsible for the antimicrobial properties of the leaf extracts. The anticancer effects of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) have earned it the title of "queen of herbs" and "Elixir of Life" in Ayurvedic treatment. Tulsi leaves, which have high concentrations of eugenol, have been shown to have anticancer properties. In a various cancers, eugenol exerts its antitumour effects through a number of different mechanisms. In light of this, the current review focuses on the anticancer benefits of tulsi and its primary phytoconstituent, eugenol, as apotential therapeutic agent against a wide range of cancer types. In recent years, tulsi has gained popularity due to its anticancer properties. In ongoing clinical trials, a number of tulsi plant compounds are being evaluated for their potential anticancer effects. This article discusses anticancer, chemopreventive, and antioxidant effects of tulsi.

Dietary flavonoid carvacrol triggers the apoptosis of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells via the p53/Bax/Bcl-2 axis

Recently, numerous studies have shown that natural compounds such as carvacrol can be used as therapeutic agents for medicinal purposes. Although carvacrol was found to suppress breast cancer cell lines, however, whether the therapeutic effect of carvacrol on breast cancer is caused by increasing the expression of pro-apoptotic genes in the MCF-7 cell line has not been studied. In this research, we investigate the effect of carvacrol on the expression of P53, pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic BCL-2 genes in MCF-7 cells. After preparation and cultivation of MCF-7 cells, the IC50 value of carvacrol on the cells was evaluated by MTT assay, and then apoptosis induction was observed in the cell line treated with different concentrations of carvacrol by DAPI staining. To assess the expression level of Bax, P53 and Bcl-2 both in genes and protein levels QPCR method and western blot analysis were used. According to the results of the research, it was determined that the IC50 of carvacrol compound in MCF-7 cells is 305 µM. DAPI staining exhibit apoptosis and morphological changes in treated MCF-7 cells. Real-time PCR assay and western blot showed increasing the Bax and P53 expression and decreasing the expression of the Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic gene and protein. These results showed that carvacrol has cell growth inhibition effects on the MCF-7 cancer cell line. Carvacrol-induced p53-dependent apoptosis, which might be related to the Bax/Bcl-2 associated pathway. These results indicated that carvacrol could be considered suitable for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

A pan-cancer-bioinformatic-based literature review of TRPM7 in cancers

TRPM7, a divalent cation-selective channel with kinase domains, has been widely reported to potentially affect cancers. In this study, we conducted multiple bioinformatic analyses based on open databases and reviewed articles that provided evidence for the effects of TRPM7 on cancers. The purposes of this paper are 1) to provide a pan-cancer overview of TRPM7 in cancers; 2) to summarize evidence of TRPM7 effects on cancers; 3) to identify potential future studies of TRPM7 in cancer. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that no cancer-related TRPM7 mutation was found. TRPM7 is aberrantly expressed in most cancer types but the cancer-noncancer expression pattern varies across cancer types. TRPM7 was not associated with survival, TMB, or cancer stemness in most cancer types. TRPM7 affected drug sensitivity and tumor immunity in some cancer types. The in vitro evidence, preclinical in vivo evidence, and clinical evidence for TRPM7 effects on cancers as well as TRPM7 kinase substrate and TRPM7-targeting drugs associated with cancers were summarized to facilitate comparison. We matched the bioinformatics evidence to literature evidence, thereby unveiling potential avenues for future investigation of TRPM7 in cancers. We believe that this paper will help orient research toward important and relevant aspects of the role of TRPM7 in cancers.

Phytogenic Blend Improves Intestinal Health and Reduces Obesity, Diabetes, Cholesterol and Cancers: A Path toward Customised Supplementation

Poultry production is among the most challenging industries for pathogen control. High animal density and abundance of faecal material demand strict biosecurity measures and continual vigilance in monitoring animal health parameters. Despite this vigilance, dealing with disease outbreaks is a part of farmers’ routines. Phytogenic feed additives comprised of herbs, spices, essential oils, and oleoresins have potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Related studies are gaining substantial interest in human and animal health worldwide. In this study, a commercial blend phytogenic feed additive was supplemented to layers in an industrial free-range production system with 20,000 birds in both control and treatment groups. At the end of the trial, the ileum tissue was sampled for RNAseq transcriptomic analysis to study the host reaction to the supplement. Phytogenic supplement significantly inhibited four cholesterol-related pathways and reduced the Arteriosclerosis disease category towards improved cardiovascular health. The supplemented birds exhibited reduced disease susceptibility for 26 cancer categories with p-values in the range from 5.23 × 10⁻⁴ to 1.02 × 10⁻²⁵. Major metabolic shifts in Lipid metabolism in combination with Carbohydrate metabolism have resulted in a decrease in the Obesity category, altering the ratio of fat and carbohydrate metabolism toward lower fat storage.

A Focused Insight into Thyme: Biological, Chemical, and Therapeutic Properties of an Indigenous Mediterranean Herb

A perennial wild shrub from the Lamiaceae family and native to the Mediterranean region, thyme is considered an important wild edible plant studied for centuries for its unique importance in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industry. Thyme is loaded with phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins. It is pungent in taste, yet rich in moisture, proteins, crude fiber, minerals and vitamins. Its chemical composition may vary with geographical location but is mainly composed of flavonoids and antioxidants. Previous studies have illustrated the therapeutic effects of thyme and its essential oils, especially thymol and carvacrol, against various diseases. This is attributed to its multi-pharmacological properties that include, but are not limited to, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic actions. Moreover, thyme has long been known for its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic activities, in addition to remarkable disruption of microbial biofilms. In the COVID-19 era, some thyme constituents were investigated for their potential in viral binding. As such, thyme presents a wide range of functional possibilities in food, drugs, and other fields and prominent interest as a nutraceutical. The aims of the current review are to present botanical and nutritive values of this herb, elaborate its major constituents, and review available literature on its dietetic and biological activities.

Modulators of TRPM7 and its potential as a drug target for brain tumours

TRPM7 is a non-selective divalent cation channel with an alpha-kinase domain. Corresponding with its broad expression, TRPM7 has a role in a wide range of cell functions, including proliferation, migration, and survival. Growing evidence shows that TRPM7 is also aberrantly expressed in various cancers, including brain cancers. Because ion channels have widespread tissue distribution and result in extensive physiological consequences when dysfunctional, these proteins can be compelling drug targets. In fact, ion channels comprise the third-largest drug target type, following enzymes and receptors. Literature has shown that suppression of TRPM7 results in inhibition of migration, invasion, and proliferation in several human brain tumours. Therefore, TRPM7 presents a potential target for therapeutic brain tumour interventions. This article reviews current literature on TRPM7 as a potential drug target in the context of brain tumours and provides an overview of various selective and non-selective modulators of the channel relevant to pharmacology, oncology, and ion channel function.

TRPM7 Ion Channel: Oncogenic Roles and Therapeutic Potential in Breast Cancer

Simple Summary

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumor and the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. The risk of developing breast cancer is 12.8%, i.e., 1 in 8 people, and a woman’s risk of dying is approximately 1 in 39. Calcium signals play an important role in various cancers and transport calcium ions may have altered expression in breast cancer, such as the TRPM7 calcium permeant ion channel, where overexpression may be associated with a poor prognosis. This review focuses on the TRPM7 channel, and the oncogenic roles studied so far in breast cancer. The TRPM7 ion channel is suggested as a potential and prospective target in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Abstract

The transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) is a divalent cations permeant channel but also has intrinsic serine/threonine kinase activity. It is ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues and studies have indicated that it participates in important physiological and pharmacological processes through its channel-kinase activity, such as calcium/magnesium homeostasis, phosphorylation of proteins involved in embryogenesis or the cellular process. Accumulating evidence has shown that TRPM7 is overexpressed in human pathologies including breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women with an incidence rate increase of around 0.5% per year since 2004. The overexpression of TRPM7 may be associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, so more efforts are needed to research a new therapeutic target. TRPM7 regulates the levels of Ca²⁺, which can alter the signaling pathways involved in survival, cell cycle progression, proliferation, growth, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and thus determines cell behavior, promoting tumor development. This work provides a complete overview of the TRPM7 ion channel and its main involvements in breast cancer. Special consideration is given to the modulation of the channel as a potential target in breast cancer treatment by inhibition of proliferation, migration and invasion. Taken together, these data suggest the potential exploitation of TRPM7 channel-kinase as a therapeutic target and a diagnostic biomarker.

Lidocaine inhibited migration of NSCLCA549 cells via the CXCR4 regulation

BACKGROUND:

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that wildly used in surgical treatment and postoperative medical care for lung cancers. We hypothesized that lidocaine at clinical plasma concentration can inhibit CXCL12/CXCR4 axis-regulated cytoskeletal remodeling thereby reduce the migration of Non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) cells.

METHODS:

We determined the effect of lidocaine at clinical plasma concentration on CXCL12-induced cell viability, apoptosis, cell death, monolayer cell wound healing rate, individual cell migration indicators, expression of CXCR4, CD44, and ICAM-1, intracellular Ca2+ level, and filamentous actin level alteration of NSCLC cells A549 and CXCR4-knocked down A549 cells using CCK-8, Bcl-2 ELISA, Cell death ELISA, wound healing assay, chemotaxis assay, western blotting, QPCR, Fura-2-based intracellular Ca2+ assay, and Fluorescein Phalloidin staining respectively.

RESULTS:

Lidocaine did not affect cell viability, apoptosis, and cell death but inhibited CXCL12-induced migration, intracellular Ca2+ releasing, and filamentous actin increase. Lidocaine decreased expression of CXCR4, increased CD44, but had no effect on ICAM-1. CXCL12 induced the increase of CD44 and ICAM-1 but did not affect CD44 in the presence of lidocaine. The knockdown of CXCR4 eliminated all the effects of lidocaine. The overexpression of CXCR4 promoted migration but the migration was inhibited by lidocaine.

CONCLUSION:

Lidocaine at clinical plasma concentrations inhibited CXCL12-induced CXCR4 activation, thereby reduced the intracellular Ca2+-dependent cytoskeleton remodeling, resulting in slower migration of A549 cells.

Antitumor Effects of Carvacrol and Thymol: A Systematic Review

Background: It is estimated that one in five people worldwide faces a diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm during their lifetime. Carvacrol and its isomer, thymol, are natural compounds that act against several diseases, including cancer. Thus, this systematic review aimed to examine and synthesize the knowledge on the antitumor effects of carvacrol and thymol.

Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Lilacs databases in April 2020 (updated in March 2021) based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The following combination of health descriptors, MeSH terms and their synonyms were used: carvacrol, thymol, antitumor, antineoplastic, anticancer, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell proliferation, in vitro and in vivo. To assess the risk of bias in in vivo studies, the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool was used, and for in vitro studies, a modified version was used.

Results: A total of 1,170 records were identified, with 77 meeting the established criteria. The studies were published between 2003 and 2021, with 69 being in vitro and 10 in vivo. Forty-three used carvacrol, 19 thymol, and 15 studies tested both monoterpenes. It was attested that carvacrol and thymol induced apoptosis, cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, antimetastatic activity, and also displayed different antiproliferative effects and inhibition of signaling pathways (MAPKs and PI3K/AKT/mTOR).

Conclusions: Carvacrol and thymol exhibited antitumor and antiproliferative activity through several signaling pathways. In vitro, carvacrol appears to be more potent than thymol. However, further in vivo studies with robust methodology are required to define a standard and safe dose, determine their toxic or side effects, and clarify its exact mechanisms of action.

This systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020176736) and the protocol is available at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=176736.

Cumin Prevents 17β-Estradiol-Associated Breast Cancer in ACI Rats

Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women in less developed countries and the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. In this study, we report the inhibition of E2-mediated mammary tumorigenesis by Cuminum cyminum (cumin) administered via the diet as cumin powder, as well as dried ethanolic extract. Groups of female ACI rats were given either an AIN-93M diet or a diet supplemented with cumin powder (5% and 7.5%, w/w) or dried ethanolic cumin extract (1%, w/w), and then challenged with subcutaneous E2 silastic implants (1.2 cm; 9 mg). The first appearance of a palpable mammary tumor was significantly delayed by both the cumin powder and extract. At the end of the study, the tumor incidence was 96% in the control group, whereas only 55% and 45% animals had palpable tumors in the cumin powder and extract groups, respectively. Significant reductions in tumor volume (660 ± 122 vs. 138 ± 49 and 75 ± 46 mm³) and tumor multiplicity (4.21 ± 0.43 vs. 1.16 ± 0.26 and 0.9 ± 0.29 tumors/animal) were also observed by the cumin powder and cumin extract groups, respectively. The cumin powder diet intervention dose- and time-dependently offset E2-related pituitary growth, and reduced the levels of circulating prolactin and the levels of PCNA in the mammary tissues. Mechanistically, the cumin powder diet resulted in a significant reversal of E2-associated modulation in ERα, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. Further, the cumin powder diet reversed the expression levels of miRNAs (miR-182, miR-375, miR-127 and miR-206) that were highly modulated by E2 treatment. We analyzed the composition of the extract by GC/MS and established cymene and cuminaldehyde as major components, and further detected no signs of gross or systemic toxicity. Thus, cumin bioactives can significantly delay and prevent E2-mediated mammary tumorigenesis in a safe and effective manner, and warrant continued efforts to develop these clinically translatable spice bioactives as chemopreventives and therapeutics against BC.

CCT128930 is a novel and potent antagonist of TRPM7 channel

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) channels represent a major magnesium (Mg²⁺)-uptake component in mammalian cells and are negatively modulated by internal Mg²⁺. However, few TRPM7 modulators were identified so far, which hindered the understanding of the TRPM7 channel functions. In this study, we identified that CCT128930, an ATP-competitive protein kinase B inhibitor reported previously, was a potent TRPM7 channel antagonist. The inhibition of CCT128930 on TRPM7 was independent of intracellular Mg²⁺. In the absence and presence of 300 μM Mg²⁺ in pipette solution, the IC₅₀ values were 0.86 ± 0.11 μM and 0.63 ± 0.09 μM, respectively. Subtype selectivity data showed that CCT128930 preferentially inhibited TRPM7 channels compared to TRPM6 and TRPM8 isoforms. In addition, CCT128930 was found to be able to reduce the endogenous TRPM7-like currents in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. At last, multiple residues in the superficial part of the TRPM7 selectivity filter were identified to be critical for the inhibitory activity of CCT128930 which are different from the determinants of Mg²⁺ and reported TRPM7 antagonists. Our results indicated that CCT128930 is a novel and potent TRPM7 channel antagonist.

Selected Monocyclic Monoterpenes and Their Derivatives as Effective Anticancer Therapeutic Agents

Terpenes-a diverse group of secondary metabolites-constitute the largest class of natural products abundant in almost every plant species. The properties of concrete terpenes and essential oils have been intensively studied due to their widespread use in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. Despite the popularity of these aromatic compounds, their derivatives, terpenoids, are still not comprehensively characterized despite exhibiting potent bioactive properties. This review aims to assess the anticancer properties of selected monoterpenes including carvone, carvacrol, perillyl alcohol, perillaldehyde, limonene, menthol and their derivatives while also evaluating potential applications as novel anticancer treatments. Special attention is paid to functional groups that improve the bioactivity of monoterpene molecules. This review also covers the therapeutic potential of deep eutectic solvents that contain monoterpene substances. Taken together, the literature supports the use of monoterpene derivatives in the development of new alternatives for disease treatment and prevention.