Apoptosis and cell cycle disturbances induced by coumarin and 7-hydroxycoumarin on human lung carcinoma cell lines

Molecular mechanisms underlying methotrexate-induced intestinal injury and protective strategies

Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid reductase inhibitor that manages various malignancies as well as immune-mediated inflammatory chronic diseases. Despite being frequently prescribed, MTX's severe multiple toxicities can occasionally limit its therapeutic potential. Intestinal toxicity is a severe adverse effect associated with the administration of MTX, and patients are significantly burdened by MTX-provoked intestinal mucositis. However, the mechanism of such intestinal toxicity is not entirely understood, mechanistic studies demonstrated oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions as key factors that lead to the development of MTX-induced intestinal injury. Besides, MTX causes intestinal cells to express pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which activate nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). This is followed by the activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of the transcription3 (JAK/STAT3) signaling pathway. Moreover, because of its dual anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) has been considered a critical signaling pathway that counteracts oxidative stress in MTX-induced intestinal injury. Several agents have potential protective effects in counteracting MTX-provoked intestinal injury such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, taurine, umbelliferone, vinpocetine, perindopril, rutin, hesperidin, lycopene, quercetin, apocynin, lactobacillus, berberine, zinc, and nifuroxazide. This review aims to summarize the potential redox molecular mechanisms of MTX-induced intestinal injury and how they can be alleviated. In conclusion, studying these molecular pathways might open the way for early alleviation of the intestinal damage and the development of various agent plans to attenuate MTX-mediated intestinal injury.

Biological, biochemical and genotoxicological alterations of Benzylamine on Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and its Schistosoma mansoni larvicidal potential

Biomphalaria spp. snails are freshwater gastropods that responsible for Schistosoma mansoni transmission. Schistosomiasis is a chronic illness that occurred in underdeveloped regions with poor sanitation. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the molluscicidal activity of benzylamine against B. alexandrina snails and it larvicidal effects on the free larval stages of S. mansoni. Results showed that benzylamine has molluscicidal activity against adult B. alexandrina snails after 24 h of exposure with median lethal concentration (LC50) 85.7 mg/L. The present results indicated the exposure of B. alexandrina snails to LC10 or LC25 of benzylamine resulted in significant decreases in the survival, fecundity (eggs/snail/week) and reproductive rates, acetylcholinesterase, albumin, protein, uric acid and creatinine concentrations, levels of Testosterone (T) and 17β Estradiol (E), while alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly increased in comparison with control ones. The present results showed that the sub lethal concentration LC50 (85.7 mg/L) of benzylamine has miracidial and cercaricidal activities, where the Lethal Time (LT50) for miracidiae was 17.08 min while for cercariae was 30.6 min. Also, results showed that were decreased significantly after exposure to sub lethal concentrations compared with control. The present results showed that the expression level of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) genes and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) in B. alexandrina snails exposed to LC10 or LC25 concentrations benzylamine were significantly decreased compared to the control groups. Therefore, benzylamine could be used as effective molluscicide to control schistosomiasis.

The genus Actinidia Lindl. (Actinidiaceae): A comprehensive review on its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Actinidia Lindl. belongs to the family Actinidiaceae. Plants of this genus are popularly known as kiwifruits and are traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments associated with digestive disorders, rheumatism, kidney problems, cardiovascular system, cancers, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, and diabetes among others.

AIM

This review discusses the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical profile, and known pharmacological properties of Actinidia plants, to understand their connotations and provide the scientific basis for future studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data were obtained by surveying journal articles, books, and dissertations using various search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Web of Science. The online databases; World Flora Online, Plants of the World Online, International Plant Names Index, and Global Biodiversity Information Facility were used to confirm the distribution and validate scientific names of Actinidia plants. The isolated metabolites from these species were illustrated using ChemBio Draw ultra-version 14.0 software.

RESULTS

Ten (10) species of Actinidia genus have been reported as significant sources of traditional medicines utilized to remedy diverse illnesses. Our findings revealed that a total of 873 secondary metabolites belonging to different classes such as terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alcohols, ketones, organic acids, esters, hydrocarbons, and steroids have been isolated from different species of Actinidia. These compounds were mainly related to the exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, anticinoceptive, anti-tumor, and anticancer activities.

CONCLUSION

This study assessed the information related to the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical compounds, and pharmacological properties of Actinidia species, which indicate that they possess diverse bioactive metabolites with interesting bioactivities. Actinidia plants have great potential for applications in folklore medicines and pharmaceuticals due to their wide ethnomedicinal uses and biological activities. Traditional uses of several Actinidia species are supported by scientific evidences, qualifying them as possible modern remedies for various ailments. Nonetheless, the currently available data has several gaps in understanding the herbal utilization of most Actinidia species. Thus, further research into their toxicity, mechanisms of actions of the isolated bioactive metabolites, as well as scientific connotations between the traditional medicinal uses and pharmacological properties is required to unravel their efficacy in therapeutic potential for safe clinical application.

Umbelliferone and Its Synthetic Derivatives as Suitable Molecules for the Development of Agents with Biological Activities: A Review of Their Pharmacological and Therapeutic Potential

Umbelliferone (UMB), known as 7-hydroxycoumarin, hydrangine, or skimmetine, is a naturally occurring coumarin in the plant kingdom, mainly from the Umbelliferae family that possesses a wide variety of pharmacological properties. In addition, the use of nanoparticles containing umbelliferone may improve anti-inflammatory or anticancer therapy. Also, its derivatives are endowed with great potential for therapeutic applications due to their broad spectrum of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antipsychotic, antiepileptic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiproliferative effects. Moreover, 7-hydroxycoumarin ligands have been implemented to develop 7-hydroxycoumarin-based metal complexes with improved pharmacological activity. Besides therapeutic applications, umbelliferone analogues have been designed as fluorescent probes for the detection of biologically important species, such as enzymes, lysosomes, and endosomes, or for monitoring cell processes and protein functions as well various diseases caused by an excess of hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, 7-hydroxy-based chemosensors may serve as a highly selective tool for Al3+ and Hg2+ detection in biological systems. This review is devoted to a summary of the research on umbelliferone and its synthetic derivatives in terms of biological and pharmaceutical properties, especially those reported in the literature during the period of 2017-2023. Future potential applications of umbelliferone and its synthetic derivatives are presented.

Anticancer effect of umbelliferone on MKN-45 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines

In this study, the anticancer activity of umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin-UMB) was investigated in MKN-45 human gastric cancer and MIA PaCa-2 human pancreatic cancer cells. The cytotoxic effect of UMB on MKN-45 and MIA PaCa-2 cells was determined by WST-8 cell viability assay; the effect on colony formation and migration potential by colony forming assay and wound healing/cell migration assay. Apoptotic effect of UMB was determined by measuring the change in mitochondrial membrane potentials, reactive oxygen species levels, and Caspase-3 activities in cells. Anticancer drugs cisplatin and gemcitabine were used as positive controls in experiments, and NIH/Swiss 3 T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells were used as a healthy cell group. The results of this study showed that umbelliferone had a significant cytotoxic effect in MKN-45 and MIA PaCa-2 cells, especially after 72 h treatment, while its cytotoxic effect in NIH/3 T3 cells was low. Furthermore, UMB reduces significantly the potential of cells to colonize and migrate; it has been determined that it causes apoptosis by decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential, increasing intracellular ROS levels and Caspase-3 activity. UMB was found to have more anticancer effect on MIA PaCa-2 cells compared to MKN-45 cells. This showed that UMB has a cell-selective effect.

Morusinol Extracted from Morus alba Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Autophagy via FOXO3a Nuclear Accumulation-Mediated Cholesterol Biosynthesis Obstruction in Colorectal Cancer

The incidence rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing significantly in recent years, and it is urgent to develop novel drugs that have more effects for its treatment. It has been reported that many molecules extracted from the root bark of Morus alba L. (also known as Cortex Mori) have antitumor activities. In our study, we identified morusinol as a promising anticancer agent by selecting from 30 molecules extracted from Morus alba L. We found that morusinol treatment suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro. Besides this, we observed that morusinol induced cytoprotective autophagy. The GO analysis of differentially expressed genes from RNA-seq data showed that morusinol affected cholesterol metabolism. Then we found that key enzyme genes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway as well as the sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 2 (SREBF2) were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, additional cholesterol treatment reversed the anti-CRC effect of morusinol. Interestingly, we also found that morusinol treatment could promote forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a) nuclear accumulation, which subsequently suppressed SREBF2 transcription. Then SREBF2-controlled cholesterol biosynthesis was blocked, resulting in the suppression of cell proliferation, promotion of apoptosis, and production of autophagy. The experiments in animal models also showed that morusinol significantly impeded tumor growth in mice models. Our results suggested that morusinol may be used as a candidate anticancer drug for the treatment of CRC.

Therapeutic effects of medicinal plants and their constituents on lung cancer, in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence

The most common type of cancer in the world is lung cancer. Traditional treatments have an important role in cancer therapy. In the present review, the most recent findings on the effects of medicinal plants and their constituents or natural products (NP) in treating lung cancer are discussed. Empirical studies until the end of March 2022 were searched using the appropriate keywords through the databases PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus. The extracts and essential oils tested were all shown to effect lung cancer by several mechanisms including decreased tumour weight and volume, cell viability and modulation of cytokine. Some plant constituents increased expression of apoptotic proteins, the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase and subG0/G1 phase, and Cyt c levels. Also, natural products (NP) activate apoptotic pathways in lung cancer cell including p-JNK, Akt/mTOR, PI3/ AKT\ and Bax, Bcl2, but suppressed AXL phosphorylation. Plant-derived substances altered the cell morphology, reduced cell migration and metastasis, oxidative marker production, p-eIF2α and GRP78, IgG, IgM levels and reduced leukocyte counts, LDH, GGT, 5'NT and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Therefore, medicinal plant extracts and their constituents could have promising therapeutic value for lung cancer, especially if used in combination with ordinary anti-cancer drugs.

Triethylammonium salt of a synthesized dicoumarol: Structural insight and human anti-glioblastoma activities

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and primary brain tumor with poor prognosis. They are removed by following tedious and life threatening surgeries. GBM stem cells (GSCs) are the main source of tumor recurrence after surgery. Hence, drugs are designed to overcome the recurrent glioblastoma malignant cells. Currently used chemotherapies are not cost effective as well as bear resistance. New and effective chemotherapeutic compounds are developed to overcome the intrinsic and acquired resistance. Dicoumarol derivative 3,3'-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methanediyl]bis(4-hydroxy-2Hchromen-2-one) (HL) and its triethylammonium salt triethylammonium3-[(4-methoxyphenyl)(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)methyl]-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-olate (L) were synthesized and characterized using spectral and analytical techniques. The deprotonated compound L was further studied structurally using single crystal analysis. Cytotoxic studies against human glioblastoma cells A172 and LN229 were investigated both dose and time dependently and compared with the cytotoxicity of normal human astrocytes (NHA). The IC₅₀ value of HL against A172 was found to be lying within the range 2.68-0.95 μM whereas against LN229 the range was found to be 9.55-0.85 μM. Similarly, the compound L revealed range of 1.9-0.271 μM against A172 and 1.2-0.27 μM against LN229. Cell cycle arrest was observed in GBM cells treated with L compared to the control group, which suggested that L may trigger apoptosis in GBM cells according to cytotoxicity and flow cytometry results. The antioxidant activity of synthesized compounds was also investigated using DPPH free radicals.

7-hydroxycoumarin-β-D-glucuronide protects against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury via inhibiting p38MAPK-mediated apoptosis in mice

AIMS

Cisplatin is a widely-used drug in the clinical treatment of tumors, but kidney nephrotoxicity is one of the reasons that limits its widespread use. We previously found that 7-hydroxycoumarin-β-D-glucuronide (7-HCG) was one of metabolites of skimmin and highly enriched in the kidneys and maintained a high blood concentration in skimmin-treated rats. Therefore, we investigated whether 7-HCG has a protective effect on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were continuously administered 7-HCG for five days, and on the third day, an intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin was given to induce acute kidney injury. After 72 h, the mice were sacrificed for analysis. Serum and renal tissue were collected for renal function evaluation. RNA sequencing was used to explore mechanism, and further validated by western blot and immunohistochemistry. In addition, pharmacokinetic study of oral 7-HCG administration was performed to examine how much 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) was metabolized and 7-HC possible effect on renal protection.

KEY FINDINGS

7-HCG significantly reduced serum BUN and SCR levels, and alleviated pathological damage in renal tissue, and reduced the renal index. RNA sequencing revealed that 7-HCG could reverse p38 MAPK regulation and apoptosis. By western blotting, it was found that 7-HCG could reduce renal injury by reducing p-p38, p-ERK, p-JNK, cleaved-caspase3 and Bax. The immunohistochemical results of cleaved-caspase3 were consistent with western blotting. 7-HCG also significantly reduced the production of ROS in kidney tissue. Pharmacokinetic experiments have shown that 7-HCG in the blood increased rapidly and was eliminated slowly, with an average t_1/2β of 18.3 h. And the concentration of 7-HCG in the target organ kidney was about 4 times higher than that in blood.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings indicate that 7-HCG could exert its protective effect against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting apoptosis via p38 MAPK regulation and elucidates its pharmacokinetics.

Umbelliferone loaded PEGylated liposomes: preparation, characterization and its mitigatory effects on Dalton's ascites lymphoma development

Umbelliferone (UB) is a phenylpropanoid-based pharmacologically active agent with promising anti-tumor activities. However, complete elucidation of its therapeutic efficacy remains challenging due to low solubility and bioavailability. The present study aimed to develop a liposomal delivery system for UB to enhance its therapeutic efficacy against Dalton's ascites lymphoma tumor model. Umbelliferone-encapsulated nanoliposomes (nLUB) were prepared using the thin-film hydration method and performed a series of characterizations to confirm successful development. The nLUB showed a particle size of 116 ± 3.2 nm with a negative surface charge and encapsulation efficiency of 78%. In vitro study results showed that nLUB treatment significantly enhanced cellular uptake and apoptosis induction in lymphoma cells compared to free UB. nLUB treatment significantly stabilized body weight, reduced tumor growth, and improved the serum biochemical and hematological parameters of experimental animals, thereby improving their overall survivability compared to an free UB. Our result indicates that nanoencapsulation enhanced the therapeutic potential of UB, which may find its way to clinical application in the near future.

Umbelliferone potentiates intestinal protective effect of Lactobacillus Acidophilus against methotrexate-induced intestinal injury: Biochemical and histological study

Intestinal injury is a common adverse effect of methotrexate (MTX) therapy, limiting its clinical use. Despite oxidative stress and inflammation being the most embedded mechanism of injury, pharmacological agents that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impacts could prevent such toxicities. This study aimed to assess the enteroprotective effect of lactobacillus acidophilus (LB) and/or umbelliferone (UMB) against MTX-induced intestinal injury. Histologically, pretreatment with LB, UMB, or their combinations preserve the intestinal histological structure and mucin content with superior effect in combination therapy. In addition, oral pretreatment with UMB, LB, or their combinations significantly restored oxidant/antioxidant status, as evidenced by the upregulation of Nrf2, SOD3, HO-1, GSH, and GST levels concurrent with a decline in MDA contents. Besides, they suppressed the inflammatory burden by inhibiting STAT3, MPO, TLR4, NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. Moreover, LB, UMB, or their combinations significantly upregulated Wnt and β-catenin expression. Notably, pretreatment with the combination therapy is superior to monotherapy in protecting rats' small intestines from MTX-induced enteritis. In conclusion, combined pretreatment with LB and UMB could be a novel therapeutic regimen for conditions of intestinal injury induced by MTX via restoring oxidant/antioxidant balance and suppressing inflammatory burden.

Total coumarins of Pileostegia tomentella induces cell death in SCLC by reprogramming metabolic patterns, possibly through attenuating β-catenin/AMPK/SIRT1

BACKGROUND

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a high malignant and high energy-consuming type of lung cancer. Total coumarins of Pileostegia tomentella (TCPT) from a traditional folk medicine of Yao minority, is a potential anti-cancer mixture against SCLC, but the pharmacological and molecular mechanism of TCPT remains largely unknown.

METHODS

Screening of viability inhibition of TCPT among 7 cell lines were conducted by using CCK-8 assays. Anti-proliferative activities of TCPT in SCLC were observed by using colony formation and flow cytometry assays. Morphological changes were observed by transmission electron microscope and Mito-Tracker staining. High Throughput RNA-seq analysis and bio-informatics analysis were applied to find potential targeted biological and signaling pathways affected by TCPT. The mRNA expression of DEGs and protein expression of signalling proteins and metabolic enzymes were verified by qPCR and Western blot assays. Activity of rate-limiting enzymes and metabolite level were detected by corresponding enzyme activity and metabolites kits. Xenograft nude mice model of SCLC was established to observe the in vivo inhibition, metabolism reprogramming and mechanism of TCPT.

RESULTS

TCPT treatment shows the best inhibition in SCLC cell line H1688 rather than other 5 lung cancer cell lines. Ultrastructural investigation indicates TCPT induces mitochondria damage such as cytoplasm shrinkage, ridges concentration and early sight of autolysosome, as well as decrease of membrane potential. Results of RNA-seq combined bio-informatics analysis find out changes of metabolism progression affected the most by TCPT in SCLC cells, and these changes might be regulated by β-catenin/AMPK/SIRT1 axis. TCPT might mainly decline the activity and expression of rate-limiting enzymes, OGDH, PDHE1, and LDHA/B to reprogram aerobic oxidation pattern, resulting in reduction of ATP production in SCLC cells. Xenograft nude mice model demonstrates TCPT could induce cell death and inhibit growth in vivo. Assimilate to the results of in vitro model, TCPT reprograms metabolism by decreasing the activity and expression of rate-limiting enzymes (OGDH, PDHE1, and LDHA/B), and attenuates the expression of β-catenin, p-β-catenin, AMPK and SIRT1 accordance with in vitro data.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated TCPT induces cell death of SCLC by reprograming metabolic patterns, possibly through attenuating master metabolic pathway axis β-catenin/AMPK/SIRT1.

Peitu Shengjin Recipe Attenuates Airway Inflammation via the TLR4/NF-kB Signaling Pathway on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease, but there is no specific medicine for COPD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Peitu Shengjin Recipe (PSR) and Biostime Probiotic Powder on COPD rats.

Methods

UPLC-Q/TOF-MS was used to detect the chemical constituents in PSR. The COPD rat model was established by cigarette smoke combined with tracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide. We assessed lung function by calculating FEV_0.3/FVC%, dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), and resistance of inspiration (RI). Histological analysis was performed by HE staining. The levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-10 were detected by the ELISA. The mRNA and protein expressions of the TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway were detected by the qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively.

Results

There were 53 ESI⁺ and 50 ESI⁻ components in PSR. After high-dose PSR treatment, FEV_0.3/FVC% and Cdyn increased significantly, while RI decreased. Compared with the COPD model, the RI of the Biostime Probiotic Powder group was significantly lower. HE staining showed that the inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced to varying degrees, the bronchial tube wall was not thickened, and the alveoli were relatively intact after treatment with PSR and Biostime Probiotic Powder. Compared with the model group, the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-10 in the PSR group and the Biostime Probiotic Powder group were reversed. The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-kB were significantly decreased after PSR and Biostime Probiotic Powder treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that PSR and Biostime Probiotic Powder have protective effects on COPD rats, which may be achieved by modulating the TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway.

Coumarin Derivatives Exert Anti-Lung Cancer Activity by Inhibition of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Migration in A549 Cells

A series of coumarin derivatives and isosteres were synthesized from the reaction of triflic intermediates with phenylboronic acids, terminal alkynes, and organozinc compounds through palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The in vitro cytotoxic effect of the compounds was evaluated against two non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines (A-549 and H2170) and a normal cell line (NIH-3T3) using cisplatin as a reference drug. Additionally, the effects of the most promising coumarin derivative (9f) in reversing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in IL-1β-stimulated A549 cells and in inhibiting the EMT-associated migratory ability in A549 cells were also evaluated. 9f had the greatest cytotoxic effect (CC₅₀ = 7.1 ± 0.8 and 3.3 ± 0.5 μM, respectively against A549 and H2170 cells) and CC₅₀ value of 25.8 µM for NIH-3T3 cells. 9f inhibited the IL-1β-induced EMT in epithelial cells by inhibiting the F-actin reorganization, attenuating changes in the actin cytoskeleton reorganization, and downregulating vimentin in A549 cells stimulated by IL-1β. Treatment of A549 cells with 9f at 7 µM for 24 h significantly reduced the migration of IL-1β-stimulated cells, which is a phenomenon confirmed by qualitative assessment of the wound closure. Taken together, our findings suggest that coumarin derivatives, especially compound 9f, may become a promising candidate for lung cancer therapy, especially in lung cancer promoted by NSCLC cell lines.

Role of HMGB1 in Cisplatin-Persistent Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines

Significant advances have been made recently in the development of targeted therapy for lung adenocarcinoma. However, platinum-based chemotherapy remains as the cornerstone in the treatment of this neoplasm. This is the treatment option for adenocarcinomas without EGFR gain-of-function mutations or tumors that have developed resistance to targeted therapy. The High-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) is a multifunctional protein involved in intrinsic resistance to cisplatin. HMGB1 is released when cytotoxic agents, such as cisplatin, induce cell death. In the extracellular milieu, HMGB1 acts as adjuvant to induce an antitumor immune response. However, the opposite effect favoring tumor progression has also been reported. In this study, the effects of cisplatin in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines harboring clinically relevant mutations, such as EGFR mutations, were studied. Subcellular localization of HMGB1 was detected in the cell lines and in viable cells after a single exposure to cisplatin, which are designated as cisplatin-persistent cells. The mRNA expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), TLR-2, and TLR-4 receptors was measured in parental cell lines and their persistent variants. Finally, changes in plasma HMGB1 from a cohort of lung adenocarcinoma patients without EGFR mutation and treated with cisplatin-based therapy were analyzed. Cisplatin-susceptible lung adenocarcinoma cell lines died by apoptosis or necrosis and released HMGB1. In cisplatin-persistent cells, nuclear relocalization of HMGB1 and overexpression of HMGB1 and RAGE, but not TLR-2 or TLR-4, were observed. In tumor cells, this HMGB1–RAGE interaction may be associated with the development of cisplatin resistance. The results indicate a direct relationship between the plasma levels of HMGB1 and overall survival. In conclusion, HMGB1 may be an effective biomarker associated with increased overall survival of lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Advances in Research on Chemical Constituents and Their Biological Activities of the Genus Actinidia

Kiwi, a fruit from plants of the genus Actinidia, is one of the famous fruits with thousand years of edible history. In the past twenty years, a great deal of research has been done on the chemical constituents of the Actinidia species. A large number of secondary metabolites including triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, etc. have been identified from differents parts of Actinidia plants, which exhibited significant in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, and anti-diabetic activities. In order to fully understand the chemical components and biological activities of Actinidia plants, and to improve their further research, development and utilization, this review summarizes the compounds extracted from different parts of Actinidia plants since 1959 to 2020, classifies the types of constituents, reports on the pharmacological activities of relative compounds and medicinal potentials.

Effects of Itxasol© Components on Gene Expression in Bacteria Related to Infections of the Urinary Tract and to the Inflammation Process

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a health problem of the first magnitude since they affect large segments of the population, cause increased mortality and comorbidity, and have a high incidence of relapse. Therefore, UTIs cause a major socioeconomic concern. Current antibiotic treatments have various limitations such as the appearance of resistance to antibiotics, nephrotoxicity, and side effects such as gastrointestinal problems including microbiota alterations that contribute to increasing antibiotic resistance. In this context, Itxasol© has emerged, approved as an adjuvant for the treatment of UTIs. Designed with biomimetic principles, it is composed of arbutin, umbelliferon, and N-acetyl cysteine. In this work, we review the activities of these three compounds concerning the changes they produce in the expression of bacterial genes and those related to inflammation as well as assess how they are capable of affecting the DNA of bacteria and fungi.

Umbelliferone Ameliorates Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Inhibiting Cell Proliferation and G1/S Phase Cell Cycle Progression through Regulation of STAT3/E2F1 Axis

Umbelliferone (UMB), also known as 7-hydroxycoumarin, is a derivative of coumarin, which is widely found in many plants such as carrots, coriander, and garden angelica. Although many studies have already revealed the various pharmacological properties of UMB, its effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of the anti-proliferative effect of UMB in a human benign prostatic hyperplasia cell line (BPH-1), as well as its ameliorative effect on BPH in testosterone propionate (TP)-induced rats. The results showed that UMB exerts an anti-proliferative effect in BPH-1 cells by modulating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) axis. UMB treatment not only inhibited androgen/androgen receptor (AR) signaling-related markers, but also downregulated the overexpression of G1/S phase cell cycle-related markers. In TP-induced rats, UMB administration demonstrated an anti-BPH effect by significantly reducing prostate size, weight, and epithelial thickness. In addition, UMB suppressed cell proliferation by reducing the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p-STAT3 (Tyr 705) in prostate tissue following TP injection. These findings suggest that UMB has pharmacological effects against BPH.

8-Geranylumbelliferone isolated from Paramignya trimera triggers RIPK1/RIPK3-dependent programmed cell death upon TNFR1 ligation

In tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling, IκB kinase (IKK) complex-mediated activation of NF-κB is a well-known protective mechanism against cell death via transcriptional induction of pro-survival genes occurring as a late checkpoint. However, recent belief holds that IKK functions as an early cell death checkpoint to suppress the death-inducing signaling complex by regulating receptor interacting protein kinase1 (RIPK1) phosphorylation. In this study, we propose that two major gernaylated 7-hydroxy coumarins, 6-geranyl-7-hydroxycoumarin (ostruthin) and 8-geranyl-7-hydroxycoumarin (8-geranylumbelliferone, 8-GU) isolated from Paramignya timera, facilitate RIPK1-dependent dual modes of apoptosis and necroptosis by targeting IKKβ upon TNF receptor1 (TNFR1) ligation. Analysis of events upstream of NF-κB revealed that 8-GU and ostruthin drastically inhibited TNF-induced IKK phosphorylation, while having no effect on TAK1 phosphorylation and TNFR1 complex-I formation. Interestingly, 8-GU did not affect the cell death induced by Fas ligand or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand or that induced by DNA-damaging agents, indicating that 8-GU sensitizes TNF-induced cell death exclusively. Moreover, 8-GU accelerated TNF-driven necroptosis by up-regulating necrosome formation in FADD deficient cancer cells harboring RIPK3. Thus, the present study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying geranylated 7-hydroxy coumarin-mediated control of the RIPK1-dependent early cell death checkpoint and suggests that 8-GU is a potential anti-cancer therapeutic via an alternative apoptosis-independent strategy to overcome TNF resistance.

A Natural Alternative Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections: Itxasol©, the Importance of the Formulation

Genito-urinary tract infections have a high incidence in the general population, being more prevalent among women than men. These diseases are usually treated with antibiotics, but very frequently, they are recurrent and lead to the creation of resistance and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. For this reason, it is necessary to develop new compounds for their treatment. In this work, our objective is to review the characteristics of the compounds of a new formulation called Itxasol© that is prescribed as an adjuvant for the treatment of UTIs and composed of β-arbutin, umbelliferon and n-acetyl cysteine. This formulation, based on biomimetic principles, makes Itxasol© a broad-spectrum antibiotic with bactericidal, bacteriostatic and antifungal properties that is capable of destroying the biofilm and stopping its formation. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, without the adverse effects associated with the recurrent use of antibiotics that leads to renal nephrotoxicity and other side effects. All these characteristics make Itxasol© an ideal candidate for the treatment of UTIs since it behaves like an antibiotic and with better characteristics than other adjuvants, such as D-mannose and cranberry extracts.

Biscoumarin-pyrimidine conjugates as potent anticancer agents and binding mechanism of hit candidate with human serum albumin

In our continuing efforts to develop therapeutically active coumarin-based compounds, a series of new C4-C4' biscoumarin-pyrimidine conjugates (1a-l) was synthesized via S_N 2 reaction of substituted 4-bromomethyl coumarin with thymine. All compounds were characterized using spectroscopic techniques, that is, attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR), CHN elemental analysis, and ¹ H and ¹³ C NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). In addition, the structure of compound 1d (1,3-bis[(7-chloro-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)methyl]-5-methylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione) was established through X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1a-l were screened for in vitro anticancer activity against C6 rat glioma cells. Among the screened compounds, 1,3-bis[(6-chloro-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)methyl]-5-methylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (1c) was identified as the best antiproliferative candidate, exhibiting an IC₅₀ value of 4.85 μM. All the compounds (1a-l) were found to be nontoxic toward healthy human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293), indicating their selective nature. In addition, the most active compound (1c) displayed strong binding interactions with the drug carrier protein, human serum albumin, and exhibited good solution stability at biological pH conditions. Fluorescence, UV-visible spectrophotometry and molecular modeling methodologies were employed for studying the interaction mechanism of compound 1c with protein.

Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography Analysis of Esculin in Ointments with UV Detection

Background:

Esculin (ESCN) is used in the pharmaceutical industry with intravenous effect, stimulant and anti-inflammatory capillaries, like vitamin P. It is a significant component of many anti-inflammatory remedies such as esqusan, esflazid and anavenol [14]. It is also found in numerous other remedies available in the market such as proctosone, anustat, and ariproct.

Objective:

To determine experimental conditions, to elucidate retention behavior of esculin in HILIC mode. Moreover, to suggest new ways to separate and determinate esculin in ointments.

Methods:

Two hydrophilic columns were obtained by attaching molecules of sulfobetaine to polystyrene- divinylbenzene particles were studied for chromatographic separation of esculin. The various lengths of the chain are used as an investigative instrument for esculin retention conduct. The change of ACN percentage, buffer concentrations and pH of mobile phase in order to study the retention conduct of esculin.

Results:

A mixed mode hydrophilic interaction and ion exchange is the separation mechanism of esculin. A calibration graph was created for two columns. The concentration range was 8-1200 ng.ml-1, LOD 2.33 and 1.40, RSD% 0.31-1.02, , LOQ 7.07 and 4.25 ng.ml-1, Erel% 0.83 ± 0.68 and 0.545 ± 0.45, Recovery% 100.86 ± 0.68 and 1054 ± 0.45.

Conclusion:

The findings of the current study introduced new ZIC-HILIC methods for the separation and quantitation of esculin.

Umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin): A non-toxic antidiarrheal and antiulcerogenic coumarin

Gastrointestinal diseases are very common problems; available treatments are very limited and come with a range of side effects. Coumarins are an extensive class of phenolic compounds that can be found in plants, fungi and bacteria. The 7-hydroxycoumarin, also known as umbelliferone (UMB), is a compound that comes from coumarin and has been showing biological activities in other studies. As of this scenario, the present study was designed to evaluate the acute oral toxicity, mutagenic, antidiarrheal, anti-bacterial, and antiulcerogenic effects, and antioxidant capacity of UMB. An investigation was conducted through the hippocratic screening method and through histopathological analysis in animals to evaluate the effects of acute oral administration of a dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of UMB. A micronucleus test on peripheral blood of Swiss mice, which were orally treated with three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), was conducted to evaluate mutagenic activities. The antiulcerogenic activity was accomplished through the ethanol-induced damage method. Antidiarrheal activities were tested for inducing diarrhea with castor oil and evaluating intestinal transit duration; additionally, the antimicrobial effect against some enteropathogenic bacteria was analyzed. Finally, the antioxidant capability was determined by the capacity of the UMB sample to kidnap the stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Of the evaluated doses, signs of toxicity after acute administration of the compound were not observed. UMB presented antiulcerogenic activity (100 and 200 mg/kg), which was explained because of its antioxidant capacity. A gastro protective effect was similar to the positive control, and the UMB was able to significantly reduce intestinal transit, and also diarrheal symptoms. Furthermore, UMB had an anti-bacterial effect with minimum inhibitory concentration fluctuating between 62.5 and 1000 μg/mL. Based on these findings, we can suggest that UMB has important biological activities in vivo and in vitro and is not toxic under the evaluated circumstances, which demonstrates its large potential for pharmacological use.

Cancer Hazard Identification Integrating Human Variability: The Case of Coumarin

Coumarin is a naturally occurring sweet-smelling benzopyrone that may be extracted from plants or synthesized for commercial uses. Its uses include as a flavoring agent, fragrance enhancer, and odor-masking additive. We reviewed and evaluated the scientific evidence on the carcinogenicity of coumarin, integrating information from carcinogenicity studies in animals with mechanistic and other relevant data, including data from toxicogenomic, genotoxicity, and metabolism studies, and studies of human variability of a key enzyme, CYP2A6. Increases in tumors were observed in multiple studies in rats and mice in multiple tissues. Our functional pathway analysis identified several common cancer-related biological processes/pathways affected by coumarin in rat liver following in vivo exposure and in human primary hepatocytes exposed in vitro. When coumarin 7-hydroxylation by CYP2A6 is compromised, this can lead to a shift in metabolism to the 3,4-epoxidation pathway and increased generation of electrophilic metabolites. Mechanistic data align with 3 key characteristics of carcinogens, namely formation of electrophilic metabolites, genotoxicity, and induction of oxidative stress. Considerations of metabolism, human variability in CYP2A6 activity, and coumarin hepatotoxicity in susceptible individuals provide additional support for carcinogenicity concern. Our analysis illustrates the importance of integrating information on human variability in the cancer hazard identification process.

Grb2 dimer interacts with Coumarin through SH2 domains: A combined experimental and molecular modeling study

Grb2 is an important regulator of normal vs. oncogenic cell signaling transduction. It plays a pivotal role on kinase-mediated signaling transduction by linking Receptor Tyrosine kinases to Ras/MAPK pathway which is known to bring oncogenic outcome. Coumarins are phenolic molecules found in several plants and seeds widely studied because of the antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, vasodilator, and anti-tumor properties. Despite several studies about the anti-tumor properties of Coumarin in vivo and the role of Grb2 in signaling pathways related to cell proliferation, a molecular level investigation of the interaction between Grb2 and Coumarin is still missing. In this study, we performed a combined set of biophysical approaches to get insights on the interaction between Grb2 in a dimer state and Coumarin. Our results showed that Coumarin interacts with Grb2 dimer through its SH2 domain. The interaction is entropically driven, 1:1 molecular ratio and presents equilibrium constant of 105 M-1. In fact, SH2 is a well-known domain and a versatile signaling module for drug targeting which has been reported to bind compounds that block Ras activation in vivo. Despite we don't know the biological role coming from interaction between Grb2-SH2 domain and Coumarin, it is clear that this molecule could work in the same way as a SH2 domain inhibitor in order to block the link of Receptor Tyrosine kinases to Ras/MAPK pathway.

The antitumor activity of umbelliferone in human renal cell carcinoma via regulation of the p110γ catalytic subunit of PI3Kγ

Umbelliferone exhibits extensive pharmacological activity, including anti-immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antigenotoxicity activities. However, its antitumor properties still remain unclear in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. Our results have revealed that treatment of human RCC cells (786-O, OS-RC-2, and ACHN) with umbelliferone reduced cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner and induced dose-dependent apoptotic events. In addition, cell cycle analysis determined that umbelliferone treatment induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, western blotting analysis showed a dose-dependent decrease in Ki67, MCM2, Bcl-2, CDK2, CyclinE1, CDK4, and CyclinD1 and a dose-dependent increase in Bax in RCC cells cultured with umbelliferone. Similarly, umbelliferone exhibited a dose-dependent reduction of p110γ when using western blotting analyses. Taken together, these results provide an insight into the pharmacology regarding the potential application of umbelliferone, which contributes to cell death by decreasing p110γ protein expression.

Eleutheroside B1 mediates its anti-influenza activity through POLR2A and N-glycosylation

Influenza viruses represent a serious threat to human health. Although our research group has previously demonstrated the antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities of eleutheroside B1, a detailed explanation of the mechanism by which it is effective against the influenza virus remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the transcriptomic responses of influenza A virus-infected lung epithelial cells (A549) treated with eleutheroside B1 were investigated using high-throughput RNA sequencing, and potential targets were identified using a molecular docking technique, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay, and DNA methylation analysis. The transcriptomic data revealed that there are 1,871 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the cells infected with the influenza virus strain variant PR8, and the cells infected with PR8 and treated with eleutheroside B1. Among the DEGs, RNA polymerase II subunit A (POLR2A; encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II) and mannosidase α class II member 1 (MAN2A1) were selected from the molecular docking analysis with eleutheroside B1. The docking score of Drosophila melanogaster MAN2A1 (3BVT) was 11.3029, whereas that of POLR2A was 9.0133. The RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the expression levels of host genes (MAN2A2, POLR2A) and viral genes (PA, PB1, PB2, HA) were downregulated following eleutheroside B1 treatment. Bisulfite-sequencing PCR was performed to investigate whether eleutheroside B1 was able to modify the DNA methylation of POLR2A, and the results suggested that the average proportion of methylated CpGs (-222-72 bp) increased significantly following treatment with eleutheroside B1. Taken together, these findings suggested that eleutheroside B1 may affect N-glycan biosynthesis, the chemokine signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and, in particular, may target the POLR2A to inhibit the production of influenza virus genes.

Hybrid Molecules Composed of 2,4-Diamino-1,3,5-triazines and 2-Imino-Coumarins and Coumarins. Synthesis and Cytotoxic Properties

A series of 2-imino-2H-chromen-3-yl-1,3,5-triazine compounds 5⁻12, which are namely hybrids of 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazines and 2-imino-coumarins, was synthesized by reacting 2-(4,6-diamine-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)acetonitriles 1⁻4 with 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes. After this, upon heating in aqueous DMF, 2-imino-2H-chromen-3-yl-1,3,5-triazines 10 and 12 were converted into the corresponding 2H-chromen-3-yl-1,3,5-triazines 13 and 14, which are essentially hybrids of 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazines and coumarins. The in vitro anticancer activity of the newly prepared compounds was evaluated against five human cancer cell lines: DAN-G, A-427, LCLC-103H, SISO and RT-4. The greatest cytotoxic activity displayed 4-[7-(diethylamino)-2-imino-2H-chromen-3-yl]-6-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (11, IC₅₀ in the range of 1.51⁻2.60 μM).

Cinnamon, a promising prospect towards Alzheimer's disease

Over the last decades, an exponential increase of efforts concerning the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been practiced. Phytochemicals preparations have a millenary background to combat various pathological conditions. Various cinnamon species and their biologically active ingredients have renewed the interest towards the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate AD through the inhibition of tau protein aggregation and prevention of the formation and accumulation of amyloid-β peptides into the neurotoxic oligomeric inclusions, both of which are considered to be the AD trademarks. In this review, we presented comprehensive data on the interactions of a number of cinnamon polyphenols (PPs) with oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in the brain. In addition, we discussed the potential association between AD and diabetes mellitus (DM), vis-à-vis the effluence of cinnamon PPs. Further, an upcoming prospect of AD epigenetic pathophysiological conditions and cinnamon has been sighted. Data was retrieved from the scientific databases such as PubMed database of the National Library of Medicine, Scopus and Google Scholar without any time limitation. The extract of cinnamon efficiently inhibits tau accumulations, Aβ aggregation and toxicity in vivo and in vitro models. Indeed, cinnamon possesses neuroprotective effects interfering multiple oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory pathways. Besides, cinnamon modulates endothelial functions and attenuates the vascular cell adhesion molecules. Cinnamon PPs may induce AD epigenetic modifications. Cinnamon and in particular, cinnamaldehyde seem to be effective and safe approaches for treatment and prevention of AD onset and/or progression. However, further molecular and translational research studies as well as prolonged clinical trials are required to establish the therapeutic safety and efficacy in different cinnamon spp.

8-Farnesyloxycoumarin induces apoptosis in PC-3 prostate cancer cells by inhibition of 15-lipoxygenase-1 enzymatic activity

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Overexpression of 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) has been reported in prostate cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and anticancer effects of 8-farnesyloxycoumarin (8f), a prenylated coumarin, by inhibition of 15-LOX-1 activity, in prostate cancer cells. The activity of 15-LOX-1 and the inhibitory effects of 8f on this enzyme were first assessed in PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells. The MTT assay was used to examine the cytotoxicity effects of 8f on PC-3 cells following 15-LOX-1 inhibition. To determine the type of cell death, chromatin condensation and DNA damage were examined by DAPI staining and comet assay, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of 8f on the cell cycle were evaluated by PI staining and flow cytometry. The activity of 15-LOX-1 was determined to be higher in PC-3 compared with DU145 cells; thus, this cell line was selected for further experiments. 8f induced cell death in PC-3 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, with IC50 values similar to cisplatin, which was used as a control. However, 8f did not significantly affect the viability of HFF3, human foreskin fibroblast cells, under identical conditions. The appearance of apoptotic cells after 8f treatment was confirmed by the presence of PC-3 cells containing condensed chromatin as shown by DAPI staining. The comet assay indicated the induction of DNA damage in cancerous cells compared with normal cells. In addition, 8f induced a potent G1 cell-cycle arrest in PC-3 cells. Our results showed that the antitumor effects of 8f on PC-3 cells were promoted by apoptosis induction, probably via inhibition of 15-LOX-1 activity, thus suggesting that 8f may have therapeutic value in prostate cancer treatment.

Helicobacter pylori outer inflammatory protein A (OipA) suppresses apoptosis of AGS gastric cells in vitro

Outer inflammatory protein A (OipA) is an important virulence factor associated with gastric cancer and ulcer development; however, the results have not been well established and turned out to be controversial. This study aims to elucidate the role of OipA in Helicobacter pylori infection using clinical strains harbouring oipA "on" and "off" motifs. Proteomics analysis was performed on AGS cell pre-infection and postinfection with H. pylori oipA "on" and "off" strains, using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. AGS apoptosis and cell cycle assays were performed. Moreover, expression of vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) was screened using Western blotting. AGS proteins that have been suggested previously to play a role or associated with gastric disease were down-regulated postinfection with oipA "off" strains comparing to oipA "on" strains. Furthermore, oipA "off" and ΔoipA cause higher level of AGS cells apoptosis and G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest than oipA "on" strains. Interestingly, deletion of oipA increased bacterial VacA production. The capability of H. pylori to induce apoptosis and suppress expression of proteins having roles in human disease in the absence of oipA suggests that strains not expressing OipA may be less virulent or may even be protective against carcinogenesis compared those expressing OipA. This potentially explains the higher incidence of gastric cancer in East Asia where oipA "on" strains predominates.

The PD-L1/PD-1 pathway promotes dysfunction, but not "exhaustion", in tumor-responding T cells from pleural effusions in lung cancer patients

Malignant pleural effusions are frequent in patients with advanced stages of lung cancer and are commonly infiltrated by lymphocytes and tumor cells. CD8+ T cells from these effusions have reduced effector functions. The programmed death receptor 1(PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway is involved in T-cell exhaustion, and it might be responsible for T-cell dysfunction in lung cancer patients. Here, we show that PD-L1 is expressed on tumor cell samples from malignant effusions, on lung cancer cell lines, and, interestingly, on MRC-5 lung fibroblasts. PD-L1 was up-regulated in lung cancer cell lines upon treatment with IFN-gamma, but not under hypoxic conditions, as detected by RT-qPCR and flow cytometry. Blockade of PD-L1 on tumor cells restored granzyme-B expression in allogenic CD8+ T cells in vitro. Remarkably, pleural effusion CD8+ T cells that responded to the tumor antigens MAGE-3A and WT-1 (identified as CD137+ cells) were lower in frequency than CMV pp65-responding CD8+ T cells and did not have an exhausted phenotype (PD-1+ TIM-3+). Nonetheless, tumor-responding CD8+ T cells had a memory phenotype and expressed higher levels of PD-1. A PD-L1 blocking antibody increased the expression of granzyme-B and perforin on polyclonal- and tumor-stimulated CD8+ T cells. Taken together, our data show that rather than being exhausted, tumor-responding CD8+ T cells are not completely differentiated into effector cells and are prone to negative regulation by PD-L1. Hence, our study provides evidence that lung cancer patients respond to immunotherapy due to blockade of the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway.

Rare Coumarins Induce Apoptosis, G1 Cell Block and Reduce RNA Content in HL60 Cells

The rare coumarins stenocarpin, stenocarpin isobutyrate, oficinalin, oficinalin isobutyrate, 8-methoxypeucedanin and the known xanthotoxin, isoimperatorin, bergapten, peucedanin and 8–methoxyisoimperatorin were isolated from Peucedanum luxurians Tamamsch. (Apiaceae) and identified by means of spectral data (1D and 2D NMR). Their immunomodulating activity was evaluated by flow cytometry and their influence on HL60 cells as well as on PHA-stimulated PBLs was tested. All tested coumarins induce apoptosis (maximal in the 48 h culture) and decrease cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner, especially in HL60 cells. They also induce partial G1 block, but only in HL60 cells (at 100 µM concentrations). Dose-dependent reduction of RNA content was also found in G1 cells treated by the coumarins. All of the tested coumarins also possessed immunomodulatory activities. Bergapten and xanthotoxin were found to be the best candidates for further evaluation as anti-cancer drugs.

Inhibition viral RNP and anti-inflammatory activity of coumarins against influenza virus

Influenza viruses pose a severe threat to human health and a significant increase in antiviral drug-resistant among influenza viruses worldwide has been observed. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop the new antiviral drugs, specifically from the natural products. In this study, the anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activities of coumarins against influenza A virus in vitro were investigated. One of the derivatives eleutheroside B₁ showed a wide spectrum of anti- human influenza virus effect with the IC₅₀ value of 64-125μg/ml in vitro, but it showed no effects against avian influenza virus. The time of addition was done and the results indicated that it had a potent antiviral effect when added at 0-6h, and also the virus yield was reduced by 60%. The influenza virus ribonucleoprotein was inhibited at 200μg/ml, and also the NP mRNA expression was inhibited at 50 and 200μg/ml. The expression level of cytokines and chemokines influenced by eleutheroside B₁ was further demonstrated, the IL-6, CXCL-8, CCL-2 expression were all inhibited by the eleuthe roside B₁ at concentration 200μg/ml. The findings of study suggest that eleutheroside B₁ can be as potential agent to develop for the prevention and treatment of influenza A virus.

Crystal structure of 2-amino-4-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile, C16H12F2N2O2

C16H12F2N2O2, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 8.7770(8) Å, b = 8.8227(8) Å, c = 10.1940(9) Å, α = 75.080(8)°, β = 73.618(8)°, γ = 74.829(8)°, V = 716.43(12) Å3, R gt(F) = 0.0479, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1387, T = 293 K.

Geranylated 4-Phenylcoumarins Exhibit Anticancer Effects against Human Prostate Cancer Cells through Caspase-Independent Mechanism

Geranylated 4-phenylcoumarins, DMDP-1 & -2 isolated from Mesua elegans were investigated for anticancer potential against human prostate cancer cells. Treatment with DMDP-1 & -2 resulted in cell death in a time and dose dependent manner in an MTT assay on all cancer cell lines tested with the exception of lung adenocarcinoma cells. DMDP-1 showed highest cytotoxic efficacy in PC-3 cells while DMDP-2 was most potent in DU 145 cells. Flow cytometry indicated that both coumarins were successful to induce programmed cell death after 24 h treatment. Elucidation on the mode-of-action via protein arrays and western blotting demonstrated death induced without any significant expressions of caspases, Bcl-2 family proteins and cleaved PARP, thus suggesting the involvement of caspase-independent pathways. In identifying autophagy, analysis of GFP-LC3 showed increased punctate in PC-3 cells pre-treated with CQ and treated with DMDP-1. In these cells decreased expression of autophagosome protein, p62 and cathepsin B further confirmed autophagy. In contrary, the DU 145 cells pre-treated with CQ and treated with DMDP-2 has reduced GFP-LC3 punctate although the number of cells with obvious GFP-LC3 puncta was significantly increased in the inhibitor-treated cells. The increase level of p62 suggested leakage of cathepsin B into the cytosol to trigger potential downstream death mediators. This correlated with increased expression of cathepsin B and reduced expression after treatment with its inhibitor, CA074. Also auto-degradation of calpain-2 upon treatment with DMDP-1 &-2 and its inhibitor alone, calpeptin compared with the combination treatment, further confirmed involvement of calpain-2 in PC-3 and DU 145 cells. Treatment with DMDP-1 & -2 also showed up-regulation of total and phosphorylated p53 levels in a time dependent manner. Hence, DMDP-1 & -2 showed ability to activate multiple death pathways involving autophagy, lysosomal and endoplasmic reticulum death proteins which could potentially be manipulated to develop anti-cancer therapy in apoptosis resistant cells.

Cinnamomum cassia Suppresses Caspase-9 through Stimulation of AKT1 in MCF-7 Cells but Not in MDA-MB-231 Cells

Background

Cinnamomum cassia bark is a popular culinary spice used for flavoring and in traditional medicine. C. cassia extract (CE) induces apoptosis in many cell lines. In the present study, particular differences in the mechanism of the anti-proliferative property of C. cassia on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, were elucidated.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The hexane extract of C. cassia demonstrated high anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (IC₅₀, 34±3.52 and 32.42 ±0.37 μg/ml, respectively). Oxidative stress due to disruption of antioxidant enzyme (SOD, GPx and CAT) activity is suggested as the probable cause for apoptosis initiation. Though the main apoptosis pathway in both cell lines was found to be through caspase-8 activation, caspase-9 was also activated in MDA-MB-231 cells but suppressed in MCF-7 cells. Gene expression studies revealed that AKT1, the caspase-9 suppressor, was up-regulated in MCF-7 cells while down-regulated in MDA-MB-231 cells. Although, AKT1 protein expression in both cell lines was down-regulated, a steady increase in MCF-7 cells was observed after a sharp decrease of suppression of AKT1. Trans-cinnamaldehyde and coumarin were isolated and identified and found to be mainly responsible for the observed anti-proliferative activity of CE (Cinnamomum cassia).

Conclusion

Activation of caspase-8 is reported for the first time to be involved as the main apoptosis pathway in breast cancer cell lines upon treatment with C. cassia. The double effects of C. cassia on AKT1 gene expression in MCF-7 cells is reported for the first time in this study.

Single-cell microinjection assay indicates that 7-hydroxycoumarin induces rapid activation of caspase-3 in A549 cancer cells

Coumarins have attracted intense interest in recent years due to their apoptogenic effects. The aim of the present study was to determine whether 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) induces changes in caspase-3 (C-3) activity in A549 human lung carcinoma cells. A range of analytical techniques, including colorimetric and fluorometric assays, western blotting, single-cell microinjection, fluorescence microscopy and image analysis were conducted to elucidate the effects of 7-HC. A 24-h exposure to 1.85 mM 7-HC induced a 65% increase in C-3 activity, and a notable conversion of procaspase-3 to C-3, in addition to poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase cleavage. Furthermore, morphological changes associated with apoptosis were observed. Exposure of the cells to 7-HC for 3 or 6 h increased calcium conductance by 27%. By performing the single-cell microinjection of a specific fluorescent substrate of C-3 into previously 7-HC-exposed cells, a typical enzymatic kinetic profile of C-3 activation was identified a number of hours prior to the morphological and biochemical changes associated with apoptosis being observed. These results suggest that the rapid in vivo activation of C-3 is induced by 7-HC, the most relevant biotransformation product of coumarin in humans.

Antibacterial and Antitumor Activities of Biscoumarin and Dihydropyran Derivatives

A novel series of biscoumarin (1–4) and dihydropyran (5–13) derivatives were synthesized via a one-pot multicomponent condensation reaction and evaluated for antibacterial and antitumor activity in vitro. The X-ray crystal structure analysis of four representative compounds, 3, 7, 9 and 11, confirmed the structures of these compounds. Compounds 1–4 showed the most potent antitumor activity among the total 13 derivatives; especially for compounds 1 and 2, they also emerged as promising antibacterial members with better antibacterial activity. In addition, the results of density functional theory (DFT) showed that compared with compounds 3 and 4, biscoumarins 1 and 2 had lower intramolecular hydrogen bonds (HB) energy in their structures.

4-Methylcoumarins with cytotoxic activity against T24 and RT4 human bladder cancer cell lines

4-Methylcoumarins were synthesized by microwave-assisted synthesis via Pechmann condensation and their cytotoxic activity against human bladder cancer cell lines was investigated.