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Sharma AN, Dewangan HK, Upadhyay PK. Comprehensive Review on Herbal Medicine: Emphasis on Current Therapy and Role of Phytoconstituents for Cancer Treatment. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301468. [PMID: 38206170 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer poses a significant public health challenge in both developed and developing nations, with a rising global incidence of patients facing the threat of death due to abnormal cell proliferation. AIM Review explores the utilization of different parts of herbal medicinal plants and their active pharmaceutical constituents in the prevention and treatment of various types of cancer. METHODOLOGY Various anticancer medicinal plants have been identified, demonstrating their therapeutic effects by inhibiting cancer-stimulating enzymes and hormones, activating DNA repair processes, boosting the synthesis of protective stimulants, reducing the formation of free radicals, and enhancing individual immunity. Data for this study were gathered from diverse online bibliographic and databases, including Google, Google Scholar, Mendeley, Springer Link, Research Gate, and PubMed. RESULT Herbal drugs have a huge contribution to the inhibition of the progression of cancer.A large volume of clinical studies has reported the beneficial effects of herbal medicines on the survival, immune modulation, and quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients, when these herbal medicines are used in combination with conventional therapeutics. CONCLUSION The latest medicines for the clinical purpose (Above 50 %) are derived from herbal products. Furthermore, combination of these herbs with nanotechnology shows promise in treating specific carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Nath Sharma
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research(IPR), GLA University, NH-2 Mathura Delhi Road, P.O.-Chaumuhan, Mathura, 281406 (U.P.), India
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Raja Balwant Singh Engineering Technical Campus, Bichpuri, Agra, 283102
| | - Hitesh Kumar Dewangan
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences (UIPS), Chandigarh University, Panjab, NH-95 Mohali Ludhiana Road
| | - Prabhat Kumar Upadhyay
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research(IPR), GLA University, NH-2 Mathura Delhi Road, P.O.-Chaumuhan, Mathura, 281406 (U.P.), India
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Garnique A, Rezende-Teixeira P, Machado‐Santelli G. Telomerase inhibitors TMPyP4 and thymoquinone decreased cell proliferation and induced cell death in the non-small cell lung cancer cell line LC-HK2, modifying the pattern of focal adhesion. Braz J Med Biol Res 2023; 56:e12897. [PMID: 37909496 PMCID: PMC10609552 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2023e12897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are structures formed at the ends of telomeres rich in guanines and stabilized by molecules that bind to specific sites. TMPyP4 and thymoquinone (TQ) are small molecules that bind to G4 and have drawn attention because of their role as telomerase inhibitors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of telomerase inhibitors on cellular proliferation, senescence, and death. Two cell lines, LC-HK2 (non-small cell lung cancer - NSCLC) and RPE-1 (hTERT-immortalized), were treated with TMPyP4 (5 μM) and TQ (10 μM). Both inhibitors decreased telomerase activity. TMPyP4 increased the percentage of cells with membrane damage associated with cell death and decreased the frequency of cells in the S-phase. TMPyP4 reduced cell adhesion ability and modified the pattern of focal adhesion. TQ acted in a concentration-dependent manner, increasing the frequency of senescent cells and inducing cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. Thus, the present results showed that TMPyP4 and TQ, although acting as telomerase inhibitors, had a broader effect on other signaling pathways and processes in cells, differing from each other. However, they act both on malignant and immortalized cells, and further studies are needed before their anti-cancer potential can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.M.B. Garnique
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - P. Rezende-Teixeira
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - G.M. Machado‐Santelli
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Gulbay G, Secme M, Ilhan H. Exploring the Potential of Thymoquinone-Stabilized Selenium Nanoparticles: In HEC1B Endometrial Cancer Cells Revealing Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:39822-39829. [PMID: 37901525 PMCID: PMC10601430 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this research is to examine the potential anticancer properties of thymoquinone (TQ)-encapsulated selenium nanoparticles (TQ-SeNPs) in HEC1B endometrial carcinoma cells. TQ-SeNPs were synthesized, and their size, morphology, and elemental analysis were characterized. Morphological changes were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cytotoxicity and viability of nanothymoquinone were assessed by the XTT (2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5 carboxanilide) assay. Gene expressions and protein levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were analyzed by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The decrease in the viability of HEC1B endometrial carcinoma cells was observed in a time- and dose-dependent manner. HEC-1B cells were treated with TQ-SeNP at 40-640 μg/mL concentrations and time intervals, and their viability was assessed by XTT assay. IC50 doses of TQ-SeNP in HEC1B cells were detected as 526.45 μg/mL at 48th hour. ELISA indicated that TQ-SeNP treatment reduced the level of p38 MAPK. ERK2, MEK2, and NFKB (p65) mRNA expressions were decreased in the dose group administered TQ-SeNP at the 48th hour compared to that in the control group. However, it was not significant. The novel nanoparticle showed an antiproliferative effect in endometrial cancer cells. However, further studies are needed to increase the anticancer activity of the cell in the TQ-SeNP interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonca Gulbay
- Department
of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu 52200, Turkey
| | - Mucahit Secme
- Department
of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu 52200, Turkey
| | - Hasan Ilhan
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ordu University, Ordu 52200, Turkey
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Yin Z, You B, Bai Y, Zhao Y, Liao S, Sun Y, Wu Y. Natural Compounds Derived from Plants on Prevention and Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Literature Review. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023:e2300025. [PMID: 37607316 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for roughly 85% of all malignant kidney cancer. Therapeutic options for RCC have expanded rapidly over the past decade. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have ushered in a new era of the treatment of RCC, which has facilitated the outcomes of RCC. However, the related adverse effects and drug resistance remain an urgent issue. Natural compounds are optional strategies to reduce mobility. Natural compounds are favored by clinicians and researchers due to their good tolerance and low economic burden. Many studies have explored the anti-RCC activity of natural products and revealed relevant mechanisms. In this article, the chemoprevention and therapeutic potential of natural compounds is reviewed and the mechanisms regarding natural compounds are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Yin
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, 365001, P. R. China
| | - Bingyong You
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, 365001, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Bai
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, 365001, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Medical and Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, 365001, P. R. China
| | - Shangfan Liao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, 365001, P. R. China
| | - Yingming Sun
- Department of Medical and Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, 365001, P. R. China
| | - Yongyang Wu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, 365001, P. R. China
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KOÇ M, DENİZ CD, ERYILMAZ MA, TEZCAN Y, GÜRBİLEK M. Radioprotective effects of melatonin and thymoquinone on liver, parotid gland, brain, and testis of rats exposed to total body irradiation. Turk J Med Sci 2023; 53:902-908. [PMID: 38031946 PMCID: PMC10760538 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate thymoquinone (TQ), and melatonin's radioprotective effects on liver, parotid gland, brain, and testis of rats which were exposed to total body irradiation (IR). METHODS Thirty adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups that are Group 1 (control group): total body IR only, Group 2: IR-Melatonin (10 mg/kg), Group 3: IR-TQ (10 mg/kg), and Group 4 (sham group): nothing. Total body IR dose was 6 Gy. Tissue samples were taken 90 min after IR. The measurements of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were performed in all groups. RESULTS In IR group, GSH-Px and SOD activities significantly decreased whereas MDA levels significantly increased when compared with the sham in all tissues. We recorded a significant decrease in MDA levels in IR-TQ group in liver and parotid gland of rats. Moreover, SOD did not change in IR-TQ group compared with IR only group. DISCUSSION Melatonin, a powerful antioxidant, plays role in preventing oxidative stress. We revealed that premedication with TQ significantly inhibited the increase in MDA induced by IR in liver and parotid gland and protected the activities of SOD, an antioxidant enzyme, in all other tissues. It has been revealed that TQ has a potential effect preventing IR-induced damage as much as melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet KOÇ
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya,
Turkiye
| | - Ciğdem Damla DENİZ
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Konya City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Konya,
Turkiye
| | - Mehmet Akif ERYILMAZ
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya,
Turkiye
| | - Yılmaz TEZCAN
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara,
Turkiye
| | - Mehmet GÜRBİLEK
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya,
Turkiye
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Abd Karim NA, Adam AHB, Jaafaru MS, Rukayadi Y, Abdull Razis AF. Apoptotic Potential of Glucomoringin Isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC) Isolated from Moringa oleifera Lam Seeds on Human Prostate Cancer Cells (PC-3). Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073214. [PMID: 37049977 PMCID: PMC10096378 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of several protein pathways involved in cancer cell regulation is a necessary key in the discovery of cancer chemotherapy. Moringa oleifera Lam is often used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various illnesses. The plant contains glucomoringin isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC) with therapeutic potential against various cancer cells. Therefore, GMG-ITC was evaluated for its cytotoxicity against the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line and its potential to induce apoptosis. GMG-ITC inhibited cell proliferation in the PC-3 cell line with IC50 value 3.5 µg/mL. Morphological changes as a result of GMG-ITC-induced apoptosis showed chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and membrane blebbing. Additionally, Annexin V assay showed proportion of cells in early and late apoptosis upon exposure to GMG-ITC in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, GMG-ITC induced a time-dependent G2/M phase arrest, with reduction of 39.1% in the PC-3 cell line. GMG-ITC also activates apoptotic genes including caspase, tumor suppressor gene (p53), Akt/MAPK, and Bax of the proapoptotic Bcl family. Early apoptosis proteins (JNK, Bad, Bcl2, and p53) were significantly upregulated upon GMG-ITC treatment. It is concluded that apoptosis induction was observed in PC-3 cells treated with GMG-ITC. These phenomena suggest that GMG-ITC from M. oleifera seeds could be useful as a future cytotoxic agent against prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Ashikin Abd Karim
- UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Aziza Hussein Bakheit Adam
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
- Department of Food Hygiene and Safety, Faculty of Public and Environmental Health, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Mohammed Sani Jaafaru
- Medical Analysis Department, Faculty of Science, Tishk International University, Erbil 44001, Iraq
| | - Yaya Rukayadi
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
- Laboratory of Food Safety and Food Integrity, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
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Jehan S, Huang J, Farooq U, Basheer I, Zhou W. Combinatorial effect of thymoquinone with chemo agents for tumor therapy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 98:153936. [PMID: 35114449 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most chemotherapeutics used in cancer therapies exhibit considerable side effects to the patients. Thus, developing new chemo agents to treat cancer patients with minimal toxic and side effects is urgently needed. Recently, the combination of different chemotherapeutics has become a promising strategy to treat malignancies. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a primary bioactive compound derived from the folk medicinal plant Nigella sativa, which has been found an antitumor, chemopreventive and chemopotentiating agent against human neoplastic diseases. PURPOSE We briefly summarize the current research of the biomolecular mechanisms of TQ and evaluate the existing literature on TQ adjuvant therapies against various cancers. METHOD The data in this review were gathered by several search engines including, Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect. We highlighted and classified the outcomes of both in vitro and in vivo experiments of TQ adjuvant therapies against human cancers and their chemopreventive activities on vital organs. RESULTS Several studies have shown that TQ synergistically potentiated the antitumor activity of numerous chemo agents against human neoplastic disease, including lung, breast, liver, colorectal, skin, prostate, stomach, bone and blood cancers. TQ also acted as a chemopreventive agent and reduced the toxicity of many chemo agents to vital organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. CONCLUSION In summary, we highly recommend an advanced evaluation of TQ adjuvant therapies at the level of preclinical and clinical trials, which could lead to a novel combinatorial therapy for cancer treatment with low or tolerable adverse effects on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jehan
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiaxin Huang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Umar Farooq
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Irum Basheer
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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Plants in Anticancer Drug Discovery: From Molecular Mechanism to Chemoprevention. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5425485. [PMID: 35281598 PMCID: PMC8906971 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5425485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the primary causes of mortality globally, and the discovery of new anticancer drugs is the most important need in recent times. Natural products have been recognized as effective in fight against various diseases including cancer for over 50 years. Plants and microbes are the primary and potential sources of natural compounds to fight against cancer. Moreover, researches in the field of plant-based natural compounds have moved towards advanced and molecular level understandings from the last few decades, leading to the development of potent anticancer agents. Also, plants have been accepted as abundant and prosperous sources for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the management and prevention of different cancer types. The high toxicity of some cancer chemotherapy drugs, as well as their unfavorable side effects and drugs resistance, drives up the demand for natural compounds as new anticancer drugs. In this detailed evidence-based mechanistic review, facts and information about various medicinal plants, their bioactive compounds with their potent anticancer activities against different cancers have been gathered, with further approach to represent the molecular mechanism behind the anticancer activity of these plants. This review will be beneficial for investigators/scientists globally involved in the development of natural, safe, effective, and economical therapeutic agents/drugs against various cancers. This might be an important contribution in the field of drug discovery, where drugs can be used alone or in combination to increase the efficacy of newly synthesized drugs.
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Eftekhar SP, Kazemi S, Moghadamnia AA. Effect of thymoquinone on pharmacokinetics of 5-fluorouracil in rats and its effect on human cell line in vitro. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271221145422. [PMID: 36510676 DOI: 10.1177/09603271221145422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the components extracted from Nigella sativa seeds and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. We evaluated the effect of TQ on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) pharmacokinetics (PK) in vivo and in vitro on human colorectal cancer cell line. Ten Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to two groups. TQ treated group received intraperitoneal TQ once daily for 14 consecutive days (5 mg/kg). Both groups received intraperitoneal 5-FU (50 mg/kg) on day 15 and blood samples were collected from retro-orbital plexus. The pharmacokinetics parameters were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, various concentrations of 5-FU, TQ, and combination of 5-FU and TQ were added to the HT-29 cell line and cell viability was measured using 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay. The maximum serum concentration (Cmax), area under the curve (AUC), and time of maximum concentration (Tmax) of 5-FU in TQ treated group were significantly increased approximately by 61, 60, and 24% compared to the control group, respectively. The combination of 5-FU with TQ (0.284 mM) showed a greater inhibitory effect on HT-29 cell growth compared to the alone 5-FU (0.027 and 0.055 mM) administration. TQ increases the AUC, Cmax, and Tmax of 5-FU and has a synergistic effect on the PK of 5-FU. Moreover, low concentration of TQ enhances the inhibitory effects of 5-FU on cell growth in colorectal cancer cell line. This synergistic effect might enhance the anticancer effects of low concentration of 5-FU, leading to drug dose reduction and reduced systemic toxicity of this chemotherapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Parsa Eftekhar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, 114456Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Sohrab Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, 114456Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Moghadamnia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, 114456Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Yaghutian Nezhad L, Mohseni Kouchesfahani H, Alaee S, Bakhtari A. Thymoquinone ameliorates bleomycin-induced reproductive toxicity in male Balb/c mice. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:S611-S621. [PMID: 34818114 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211048184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bleomycin (BL) is a powerful chemotherapy drug that has devastating effects on spermatogenic function and may make cancer survivors at risk of infertility. Protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ), a phytochemical compound with antioxidant and anticancer influences, were investigated on sperm parameters, testicular structures, and sexual hormones in BL-treated mice. Forty-eight adult male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into six groups. Control group received normal saline; BL group received 10 mg/kg BL; TQ7.5 group received 7.5 mg/kg TQ; TQ15 group received 15 mg/kg TQ; BL+TQ7.5 group received 10 mg/kg BL and 7.5 mg/kg TQ; BL + TQ15 group received 10 mg/kg BL and 15 mg/kg TQ. BL was intraperitoneally used every day through 35 days, and TQ was intraperitoneally injected 3 days before administration of BL and continued twice per week for 35 days. Results showed that BL significantly decreased count, viability, morphology, maturity, and progressive movement of sperm, testosterone, seminiferous tubule diameters, the ratio of testis weight to body weight, number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and Sertoli cells per tubule, and expression of Bcl2l1 and Bcl2l1/Bax ratio, and increased the non-progressive movement and immotile sperm, intermediate and immature sperm, LH, FSH, and malondialdehyde levels, and tunica albuginea thickness compared to the control group (p < .05). TQ at a level of 7.5 mg/kg ameliorated BL-induced toxicity on measured parameters and returned most of them to the level of the control group. These data suggested TQ in a dose-dependent manner may have positive effects on BL-induced toxicity of the testis in mice model.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Yaghutian Nezhad
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, 145440Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Mohseni Kouchesfahani
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, 145440Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Alaee
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, 48435Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Stem Cells Technology Research Center, 48435Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - A Bakhtari
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, 48435Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Homayoonfal M, Asemi Z, Yousefi B. Targeting microRNAs with thymoquinone: a new approach for cancer therapy. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2021; 26:43. [PMID: 34627167 PMCID: PMC8502376 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-021-00286-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a global disease involving transformation of normal cells into tumor types via numerous mechanisms, with mortality among all generations, in spite of the breakthroughs in chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery for cancer treatment. Since one in six deaths is due to cancer, it is one of the overriding priorities of world health. Recently, bioactive natural compounds have been widely recognized due to their therapeutic effects for treatment of various chronic disorders, notably cancer. Thymoquinone (TQ), the most valuable constituent of black cumin seeds, has shown anti-cancer characteristics in a wide range of animal models. The revolutionary findings have revealed TQ's ability to regulate microRNA (miRNA) expression, offering a promising approach for cancer therapy. MiRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that modulate gene expression by means of variation in features of mRNA. MiRNAs manage several biological processes including gene expression and cellular signaling pathways. Accordingly, miRNAs can be considered as hallmarks for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. The purpose of this study was to review the various molecular mechanisms by which TQ exerts its potential as an anti-cancer agent through modulating miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Homayoonfal
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Zhou X, Wang F, Wu H, Chen X, Zhang Y, Lin J, Cai Y, Xiang J, He N, Hu Z, Jin X. Thymoquinone Suppresses the Proliferation, Migration and Invasiveness through Regulating ROS, Autophagic Flux and miR-877-5p in Human Bladder Carcinoma Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3456-3475. [PMID: 34512159 PMCID: PMC8416733 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder carcinoma is among the top 10 most frequently diagnosed cancer types in the world. As a phytochemical active metabolic, thymoquinone (TQ) is extracted from seeds of Nigella sativa, possessing various biological properties in a wide range of diseases. Moreover, the outstanding anti-cancer effect of TQ is attracting increasing attentions. In certain circumstances, moderate autophagy is regarded to facilitate the adaptation of malignant cells to different stressors. Conversely, closely linked with the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss, the upregulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) is reported to activate the cell apoptosis in many cancer types. Furthermore, the vital effects of microRNAs in the pathological processes of cancer cells have also been confirmed by previous studies. The present research confirms that TQ restrains the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion through activating caspase-dependent apoptosis in bladder carcinoma cells, which is mediated by TQ induced ROS increase in bladder carcinoma cells. Furthermore, TQ is proved to block the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes, causing the accumulation of autophagosomes and subsequent cell apoptosis. In addition, TQ is also found to initiate the miR-877-5p/PD-L1 axis, which suppresses the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion of bladder carcinoma cells. Taken together, TQ induces the apoptosis through upregulating ROS level and impairing autophagic flux, and inhibiting the EMT and cell invasion via activating the miR-877-5p/PD-L1 axis in bladder carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejian Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Feifan Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Hongshen Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Xianwu Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Juntao Lin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Yueshu Cai
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Jiayong Xiang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Ning He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhenghui Hu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
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Hassan R, Mohi-Ud-Din R, Dar MO, Shah AJ, Mir PA, Shaikh M, Pottoo FH. Bioactive Heterocyclic Compounds as Potential Therapeutics in the Treatment of Gliomas: A Review. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:551-565. [PMID: 34488596 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210901112954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most alarming diseases, with an estimation of 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Glioma occurs in glial cells surrounding nerve cells. The majority of the patients with gliomas have a terminal prognosis, and the ailment has significant sway on patients and their families, be it physical, psychological, or economic wellbeing. As Glioma exhibits, both intra and inter tumour heterogeneity with multidrug resistance and current therapies are ineffective. So the development of safer anti gliomas agents is the need of hour. Bioactive heterocyclic compounds, eithernatural or synthetic,are of potential interest since they have been active against different targets with a wide range of biological activities, including anticancer activities. In addition, they can cross the biological barriers and thus interfere with various signalling pathways to induce cancer cell death. All these advantages make bioactive natural compounds prospective candidates in the management of glioma. In this review, we assessed various bioactive heterocyclic compounds, such as jaceosidin, hispudlin, luteolin, silibinin, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, didemnin B, thymoquinone, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and cucurbitacins for their potential anti-glioma activity. Also, different kinds of chemical reactions to obtain various heterocyclic derivatives, e.g. indole, indazole, benzimidazole, benzoquinone, quinoline, quinazoline, pyrimidine, and triazine, are listed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyaz Hassan
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar-190006, Kashmir. India
| | - Roohi Mohi-Ud-Din
- Pharmacognosy Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, Kashmir. India
| | - Mohammad Ovais Dar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab-160062. India
| | - Abdul Jalil Shah
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar-190006, Kashmir. India
| | - Prince Ahad Mir
- Amritsar Pharmacy College, 12 KM stone Amritsar Jalandhar GT Road, Mandwala-143001. India
| | - Majeed Shaikh
- Natural Product Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu-180001. India
| | - Faheem Hyder Pottoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 31441, Dammam. Saudi Arabia
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14
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Malik S, Singh A, Negi P, Kapoor VK. Thymoquinone: A small molecule from nature with high therapeutic potential. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2716-2725. [PMID: 34303824 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ; 2-isopropyl-5-methylbenzo-1, 4-quinone), the main active constituent of Nigella sativa, has been proven to have great therapeutic properties in numerous in vivo and in vitro models. Nevertheless, this molecule is not yet in clinical trials, largely because of its poor bioavailability and hydrophobicity. This review examines the different activities of TQ, as well as various combination therapies, nanotechnologies and clinical trials involving TQ. The TQ nanoparticle formulation shows better bioavailability than free TQ, and it is time for clinical trials of these formulations to realize the potential of TQ as a therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiya Malik
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan 173212, India
| | - Amardeep Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan 173212, India
| | - Poonam Negi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan 173212, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Kapoor
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan 173212, India.
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15
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Kumar R, Nehul S, Singh A, Tomar S. Identification and evaluation of antiviral potential of thymoquinone, a natural compound targeting Chikungunya virus capsid protein. Virology 2021; 561:36-46. [PMID: 34146962 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Capsid protein (CP) of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a multifunctional protein with a conserved hydrophobic pocket that plays a crucial role in the capsid assembly and virus budding process. This study demonstrates antiviral activity of thymoquinone (TQ), a natural compound targeting the hydrophobic pocket of CP. The binding of TQ to the hydrophobic pocket of CHIKV CP was analysed by structure-based molecular docking, isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy. The binding constant KD obtained for TQ was 27 μM. Additionally, cell-based antiviral studies showed that TQ diminished CHIKV replication with an EC50 value 4.478 μM. Reduction in viral RNA copy number and viral replication as assessed by the qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence assay, confirmed the antiviral potential of TQ. Our study reveals that TQ is an effective antiviral targeting the hydrophobic pocket of CHIKV CP and may serve as the basis for development of a broad-spectrum therapy against alphaviral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sanketkumar Nehul
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ankur Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shailly Tomar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
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16
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Thabet NA, El-Khouly D, Sayed-Ahmed MM, Omran MM. Thymoquinone chemosensitizes human colorectal cancer cells to imatinib via uptake/efflux genes modulation. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:911-920. [PMID: 33783002 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Imatinib (IM) is a pharmaceutical drug that inhibits tyrosine kinase enzymes that are responsible for the activation of many proteins by signal transduction cascades as c-Abl, c-Kit and the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active constituent of Nigella sativa seeds. Thymoquinone benefits are attributed to its medicinal uses as antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial agent. This study aimed to investigate the impact of using TQ with IM in the HCT116 human colorectal cancer cell line model. The HCT116 cells were treated with IM or/and TQ in non-constant ratios, in which the fixed concentrations of TQ (5, 10 or 20 µmol/L) were co-treated with various concentrations of IM (7.5-120 µmol/L) for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Imatinib-TQ interaction was analysed using CompuSyn software. The IC50 values for IM were 105, 72 μmol/L after 48 and 72 hours, respectively, and were significantly reduced to 7.3, 7 and 5.5 μmol/L after combination with TQ (10 μmol/L) and to 5.8, 5.6 and 4.6 μmol/L after combination with TQ (20 μmol/L) to 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. The combination index (CI) and dose reduction index (DRI) values indicate a significant synergism in HCT-116 cells at different treatment time points. Thymoquinone significantly enhances the cellular uptake of IM in HCT116 cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner. A significant downregulation in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), ABC subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) and human organic cation transporter 1 (hOCT1) genes was observed in the cells exposed to IM+TQ combination as compared to IM alone, which resulted in a substantial elevation in uptake/efflux ratio in combination group. In conclusion, TQ potentiates IM efficacy on HCT116 cells via uptake/efflux genes modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia A Thabet
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dalia El-Khouly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Sayed-Ahmed
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mervat M Omran
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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17
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Pal RR, Rajpal V, Singh P, Saraf SA. Recent Findings on Thymoquinone and Its Applications as a Nanocarrier for the Treatment of Cancer and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:775. [PMID: 34067322 PMCID: PMC8224699 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13060775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer causes a considerable amount of mortality in the world, while arthritis is an immunological dysregulation with multifactorial pathogenesis including genetic and environmental defects. Both conditions have inflammation as a part of their pathogenesis. Resistance to anticancer and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) happens frequently through the generation of energy-dependent transporters, which lead to the expulsion of cellular drug contents. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a bioactive molecule with anticancer as well as anti-inflammatory activities via the downregulation of several chemokines and cytokines. Nevertheless, the pharmacological importance and therapeutic feasibility of thymoquinone are underutilized due to intrinsic pharmacokinetics, including short half-life, inadequate biological stability, poor aqueous solubility, and low bioavailability. Owing to these pharmacokinetic limitations of TQ, nanoformulations have gained remarkable attention in recent years. Therefore, this compilation intends to critically analyze recent advancements in rheumatoid arthritis and cancer delivery of TQ. This literature search revealed that nanocarriers exhibit potential results in achieving targetability, maximizing drug internalization, as well as enhancing the anti-inflammatory and anticancer efficacy of TQ. Additionally, TQ-NPs (thymoquinone nanoparticles) as a therapeutic payload modulated autophagy as well as enhanced the potential of other drugs when given in combination. Moreover, nanoformulations improved pharmacokinetics, drug deposition, using EPR (enhanced permeability and retention) and receptor-mediated delivery, and enhanced anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. TQ's potential to reduce metal toxicity, its clinical trials and patents have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Raj Pal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India; (R.R.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Vasundhara Rajpal
- Department of Biotechology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Priya Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India; (R.R.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Shubhini A. Saraf
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), VidyaVihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India; (R.R.P.); (P.S.)
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18
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Ibrahim EH, Ghramh HA, Alshehri A, Kilany M, Khalofah A, El-Mekkawy HI, Sayed MA, Alothaid H, Taha R. Lepidium sativum and Its Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Activate Immune Cells and Induce Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in HT-29 Colon Cancer Cells. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2021.2551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is an increased demand for plants with antioxidants and anticancer properties. Lepidium sativum L. is an edible plant with medical importance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anticancer activity; antioxidant capacity and antibacterial impact of Lepidium sativum
L. seed acetone extract (LSSAExt), alone and with its biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). LSSAExt-produced AgNPs were characterized using SEM, XRD and Vis/UV analysis. Biomolecules in LSSAExt and LSSAExt + AgNPs were explored utilizing FTIR. The ability of LSSAExt and LSSAExt + AgNPs to
induce apoptosis and mitotic cell arrest in the HT-29 colon cancer cells, compared to normal and repeated cell division activated splenic cells was determined by florescent stains and flow cytometry. Antibacterial power was tested using well diffusion technique. LSSAExt and LSSAExt + AgNPs
showed a good antibacterial impact. LSSAExt contains ROS, which could help in cancer cells apoptosis. LSSAExt and LSSAExt+AgNPs were not toxic to splenic cells and increased the rate of their cell division. LSSAExt and LSSAExt+AgNPs increased p53 expression and could arrest cell division of
HT-29 colon cancer cells but not of normal fast dividing cells. LSSAExt and LSSAExt+AgNPs caused apoptosis in cancer cells rather than necrosis. In conclusion, acetone preparation of the edible plant L. sativum is a good antibacterial agent, good anticancer preparation at least against
colon cancer as it is shown to be targeted, effective and can boost immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam H. Ibrahim
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamed A. Ghramh
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alshehri
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Kilany
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahlam Khalofah
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haitham I. El-Mekkawy
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud A. Sayed
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Alothaid
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, 4781, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramadan Taha
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
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19
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Development of antibacterial nanofibrous wound dressing and conceptual reaction mechanism to deactivate the viral protein by Nigella sativa extract. ADVANCES IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE 2021. [PMCID: PMC7804899 DOI: 10.1007/s13596-020-00538-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is extensively used as medicinal plant all over the world. It has the potential properties as the antiviral and antibacterial application. Its seed contain thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ), thymol (THY), p-cymene as major and other minor components. TQ and THQ exhibit broad spectrum of antimicrobial properties against the activity of bacteria, viruses, parasites, schistosoma and fungi. This work provides credence to the fabrication of antibacterial nanofibrous membrane by electrospinning machine from N. sativa extract with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution for wound dressing. The morphology of the developed membrane is also characterized using scanning electron microscope. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) data has been showed that the functional groups of N. sativa are present in the prepared PVA-N. sativa nanofibrous membrane and its antibacterial activity was investigated. The disk diffusion method has been used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of PVA-N. sativa nanofibrous membrane against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria and the inhibition zone with a value of 10 mm is formed. Considering the inherent properties of N. sativa, a conceptual reaction mechanism has been proposed to deactivate the viral proteins by the action of TQ and THQ.
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20
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Park G, Song NY, Kim DH, Lee SJ, Chun KS. Thymoquinone Suppresses Migration of Human Renal Carcinoma Caki-1 Cells through Inhibition of the PGE 2-Mediated Activation of the EP2 Receptor Pathway. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2021; 29:64-72. [PMID: 32843585 PMCID: PMC7771838 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2020.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is likely to metastasize to other organs, and is often resistant to conventional chemotherapies. Thymoquinone (TQ), a phytochemical derived from the seeds of Nigella sativa, has been shown to inhibit migration and metastasis in various cancers. In this study, we assessed the effect of TQ on the migratory activity of human RCC Caki-1 cells. We found that treatment with TQ reduced the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in Caki-1 cells. TQ significantly repressed prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, its EP2 receptor expression as well as the activation of Akt and p38, the wellknown upstream signal proteins of MMP-9. In addition, treatment with butaprost, a PGE2 agonist, also induced MMP-9 activity and migration/invasion in Caki-1 cells. Moreover, pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K/Akt and p38 remarkably attenuated butaprostinduced Caki-1 cell migration and invasion, implying that activation of PI3K/Akt and p38 is a bridge between the PGE2-EP2 axis and MMP-9-dependent migration and invasion. Taken together, these data suggest that TQ is a promising anti-metastatic drug to treat advanced and metastatic RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geumi Park
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Young Song
- College of Dentistry, Younsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Convergence and Integrated Science, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jun Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Center, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Soo Chun
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
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21
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Differential effects of thymoquinone on lysophosphatidic acid-induced oncogenic pathways in ovarian cancer cells. J Tradit Complement Med 2020; 10:207-216. [PMID: 32670815 PMCID: PMC7340879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone, a therapeutic phytochemical derived from Nigella sativa, has been shown to have a potent anticancer activity. However, it has been identified that the tumor microenvironment (TME) can attenuate the anticancer effects of thymoquinone (TQ) in ovarian cancer. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a lipid growth factor present in high concentration in the TME of ovarian cancer, has been shown to regulate multiple oncogenic pathways in ovarian cancer. Taking account of the crucial role of LPA in the genesis and progression of ovarian cancer, the present study is focused on assessing the efficacy of TQ in inhibiting LPA-stimulated oncogenic pathways in ovarian cancer cells. Our results indicate that TQ is unable to attenuate LPA-stimulated proliferation or metabolic reprogramming in ovarian cancer cells. However, TQ potently inhibits the basal as well as LPA-stimulated migratory responses of the ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, TQ abrogates the invasive migration of ovarian cancer cells induced by Gαi2, through which LPA stimulates cell migration. TQ also attenuates the activation of JNK, Src, and FAK, the downstream signaling nodes of LPA-LPAR-Gαi2 signaling pathway. In addition to establishing the differential effects of TQ in ovarian cancer cells, our results unravel the antitherapeutic role of LPA in the ovarian cancer TME could override the inhibitory effects of TQ on cell proliferation and metabolic reprogramming of ovarian cancer cells. More importantly, the concomitant finding that TQ could still sustain its inhibitory effect on LPA-stimulated invasive cell migration, points to its potential use as a response-specific therapeutic agent in ovarian cancer. LPA, present in the TME of ovarian cancer, plays a determinant role in limiting the anti-oncogenic efficacy of TQ. TQ has no inhibitory effect on LPA-stimulated oncogenic cell proliferation and metabolic reprogramming. However, TQ potently inhibits both the basal and LPA- or the downstream Gαi2-induced invasive migration ovarian cancer cells. Corollary to these findings, TQ also inhibits JNK, Src, and FAK that are involved in LPA-induced invasive cell migration. These findings identify the potential of TQ as a response-specific therapeutic phytochemical in vivo.
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22
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Chae IG, Song NY, Kim DH, Lee MY, Park JM, Chun KS. Thymoquinone induces apoptosis of human renal carcinoma Caki-1 cells by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 through pro-oxidant effect. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 139:111253. [PMID: 32165235 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there are limited effective treatment options for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), due to its poor responses to conventional therapies. Instead of using extrinsic anti-cancer drugs, cancer cell-intrinsic reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be a weapon of RCC treatment. In the present study, we found that the phytochemical thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive natural product obtained from the black cumin seeds of Nigella sativa, generates intracellular ROS in human renal cancer Caki-1 cells. Treatment of Caki-1 cells with high concentration of TQ up-regulated pro-apoptotic p53 and Bax expression, while downregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl expression. Simultaneously, TQ suppressed the pro-oncogenic JAK2/STAT3 pathway, resulting in decreased expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, cyclin D1, cyclin D2, and survivin. Thus, TQ can integrate between apoptosis and the pro-survival JAK2/STAT3 pathway through the Bcl family members, collectively magnifying Caki-1 cell apoptosis. However, treatment with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine significantly blocked TQ-induced apoptosis as well as incorporated signaling pathways, supporting that its pro-oxidant property is crucial for Caki-1 cell apoptosis. Moreover, TQ reduced the tumor xenograft growth of Caki-1 cells in nude mice. Taken together, these data suggest that TQ is a prominent anti-cancer drug to treat human RCC by enhancing apoptosis through its pro-oxidant nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Gyeong Chae
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, 42601, South Korea
| | - Na-Young Song
- Department of Oral Biology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Do-Hee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Convergence and Integrated Science, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16227, South Korea
| | - Moo-Yeol Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, 410-820, South Korea
| | - Jung-Min Park
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, 410-820, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Soo Chun
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, 42601, South Korea.
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23
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Thymoquinone (2-Isoprpyl-5-methyl-1, 4-benzoquinone) as a chemopreventive/anticancer agent: Chemistry and biological effects. Saudi Pharm J 2019; 27:1113-1126. [PMID: 31885471 PMCID: PMC6921197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains the topmost disorders of the mankind and number of cases is unceasingly growing at unprecedented rates. Although the synthetic anti-cancer compounds still hold the largest market in the modern treatment of cancer, natural agents have always been tried and tested for potential anti-cancer properties. Thymoquinone (TQ), a monoterpene and main ingredient in the essential oil of Nigella sativa L. has got very eminent rankings in the traditional systems of medicine for its anti-cancer pharmacological properties. In this review we summarized the diverse aspects of TQ including its chemistry, biosynthesis, sources and pharmacological properties with a major concern being attributed to its anti-cancer efficacies. The role of TQ in different aspects involved in the pathogenesis of cancer like inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, proliferation, invasion and migration have been described. The mechanism of action of TQ in different cancer types has been briefly accounted. Other safety and toxicological aspects and some combination therapies involving TQ have also been touched. A detailed literature search was carried out using various online search engines like google scholar and pubmed regarding the available research and review accounts on thymoquinone upto may 2019. All the articles reporting significant addition to the activities of thymoquinone were selected. Additional information was acquired from ethno botanical literature focusing on thymoquinone. The compound has been the centre of attention for a long time period and researched regularly in quite considerable numbers for its various physicochemical, medicinal, biological and pharmacological perspectives. Thymoquinone is studied for various chemical and pharmacological activities and demonstrated promising anti-cancer potential. The reviewed reports confirmed the strong anti-cancer efficacy of thymoquinone. Further in-vitro and in-vivo research is strongly warranted regarding the complete exploration of thymoquinone in ethnopharmacological context.
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Key Words
- AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase
- APC, adenomatous polyposis coli
- Anti-cancer therapeutics
- CDDP, cisplatin
- CDKs, cyclin-dependent kinases
- EMT, epithelial to mesenchymal transition
- FGFs, fibroblast growth factors
- FTIR, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
- GBM, glioblastoma multiforme
- HPDE, human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells
- IUPAC, international union of pure and applied chemistry
- LKB1, liver kinase B1
- LPS, lipopolysaccharide
- MC-A, myrtucommulone-A
- NLCs, nanostructured lipid carriers
- NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance
- NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Natural compounds
- OEC, oral epithelial cells
- PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen
- PXRD, powder x-ray diffraction
- Phytopharmaceuticals
- Plant products
- RES, resveratrol
- RNS, reactive nitrogen species
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- SCLC, small cell lung carcinoma
- SLNs, solid lipid nanoparticles
- THQ, thymohydroquinone
- TMZ, temozolomide
- TNBC, triple negative breast cancer
- TNFα, tumor necrosis factor alpha
- TQ, thymoquinone
- Thymoquinone
- UMSCC, university of Michigan squamous cell carcinoma
- USD, United States Dollar
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- WHO, world health organization
- XIAP, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein
- eEF-2K, elongation factor 2 kinase
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Al-Gabri NA, Qaid MM, El-Shaer NH, Ali MH, Abudabos AM. Thymoquinone ameliorates pulmonary vascular damage induced byEscherichia coli-derived lipopolysaccharide via cytokine downregulation in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:18465-18469. [PMID: 31044379 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05229-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Our study investigated the ameliorative effects of thymoquinone (TQ) on the pulmonary blood vessels which were injured after intratracheal administration of Escherichia coli-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a rat model. Forty rats (150 ± 50 g) were randomly divided into four groups equally. The first group was intratracheally administered LPS (Escherichia coli O55:B5) at a dose 200 μg. The second group was co-administered intraperitoneal injection of TQ and LPS daily for one week. The third group was provided intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg of TQ. The fourth group was administered normal saline intratracheally at the rate of 200 μl. The results revealed that cytokine level of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in serum was reduced in TQ-treated rats. Immunohistochemical study showed that expression of NF-kB was countered in the lung tissue by the application of TQ. In addition, the lesion score for various pathological aberrations were checked when rats were treated with TQ. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that TQ has an ameliorative effect on the pulmonary blood vascular damage via rearrangement of the cytokines in response to LPS injury in the rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif A Al-Gabri
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Veterinary Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen
| | - Mohammed M Qaid
- Veterinary Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahla H El-Shaer
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mutahar H Ali
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaeldein M Abudabos
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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25
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Mahmoud YK, Abdelrazek HMA. Cancer: Thymoquinone antioxidant/pro-oxidant effect as potential anticancer remedy. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 115:108783. [PMID: 31060003 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there is growing interest in the natural bioactive components having anticancer activity. Thymoquinone (TQ), the principle active constituent of black seed (Nigella sativa), has promising properties including anticancer and chemosensitizing peculiarities. The anticancer power of TQ is accomplished by several aspects; including promotion of apoptosis, arrest of cell cycle and ROS generation. In addition, it boosts the immune system and lessens the side effects associated with traditional anticancer therapy. TQ also controls angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. This review focuses on the potential aspects and mechanisms by which TQ acquires its actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina K Mahmoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Heba M A Abdelrazek
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
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Glamočlija U, Padhye S, Špirtović-Halilović S, Osmanović A, Veljović E, Roca S, Novaković I, Mandić B, Turel I, Kljun J, Trifunović S, Kahrović E, Kraljević Pavelić S, Harej A, Klobučar M, Završnik D. Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Docking Studies of Benzoxazoles Derived from Thymoquinone. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123297. [PMID: 30545123 PMCID: PMC6321291 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural compound with antimicrobial and antitumor activity, was used as the starting molecule for the preparation of 3-aminothymoquinone (ATQ) from which ten novel benzoxazole derivatives were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and NMR (1H, 13C) spectroscopy in solution. The crystal structure of 4-methyl-2-phenyl-7-isopropyl-1,3-benzoxazole-5-ol (1a) has been determined by X-ray diffraction. All compounds were tested for their antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor activities. TQ and ATQ showed better antibacterial activity against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains than benzoxazoles. ATQ had the most potent antifungal effect against Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus brasiliensis. Three benzoxazole derivatives and ATQ showed the highest antitumor activities. The most potent was 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methyl-7-isopropyl-1,3-benzoxazole-5-ol (1f). Western blot analyses have shown that this compound inhibited phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor (IGF1R β) in HeLa and HepG2 cells. The least toxic compound against normal fibroblast cells, which maintains similar antitumor activities as TQ, was 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-7-isopropyl-1,3-benzoxazole-5-ol (1e). Docking studies indicated that 1e and 1f have significant effects against selected receptors playing important roles in tumour survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Glamočlija
- Scientific Research Department, Bosnalijek JSC, Jukićeva 53, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Bijeli Brijeg bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Subhash Padhye
- Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Research Academy, University of Pune, 2390-B, Hidayatullah Road, 411001 Pune, India.
| | - Selma Špirtović-Halilović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Amar Osmanović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Elma Veljović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Sunčica Roca
- NMR Centre, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Irena Novaković
- ICTM, Center for Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Boris Mandić
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Iztok Turel
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Jakob Kljun
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Snežana Trifunović
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Emira Kahrović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 35, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Sandra Kraljević Pavelić
- Centre for High-throughput Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Anja Harej
- Centre for High-throughput Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Marko Klobučar
- Centre for High-throughput Technologies, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Davorka Završnik
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Cytotoxic Effect of Thymoquinone-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (TQ-NLC) on Liver Cancer Cell Integrated with Hepatitis B Genome, Hep3B. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:1549805. [PMID: 30186351 PMCID: PMC6116464 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1549805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive compound found in Nigella sativa, cannot be orally consumed due to its lipophilicity. In order to overcome this low bioavailability, TQ is loaded into a colloidal drug carrier known as a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC). This study aims to determine the antiproliferative effects of TQ and TQ-NLC on liver cancer cells integrated with the hepatitis B genome, Hep3B. The Hep3B was treated with TQ or TQ-NLC for 24, 48, and 72 hours via MTT assay. The results confirm that TQ or TQ-NLC inhibited the growth of Hep3B at IC50 <16.7 μM for 72 hours. TQ was also found to induce cell cycle arrest at the G1 checkpoint while TQ-NLC induced non-phase-specific cell cycle arrest. Further analysis using Annexin V staining confirmed the apoptotic induction of TQ or TQ-NLC via activation of caspases-3/7. In ROS management, TQ acted as a prooxidant (increased the level of ROS), while TQ-NLC acted as an antioxidant (reduced the level of ROS). Molecular analysis demonstrated that the GSH system and the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway in Hep3B influenced the differential responses of the cells towards TQ or TQ-NLC. Hence, this study demonstrated that TQ and TQ-NLC have in vitro anticancer effects on the Hep3B.
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Zidan AAA, El-Ashmawy NE, Khedr EG, Ebeid EZM, Salem ML, Mosalam EM. Loading of doxorubicin and thymoquinone with F2 gel nanofibers improves the antitumor activity and ameliorates doxorubicin-associated nephrotoxicity. Life Sci 2018; 207:461-470. [PMID: 29885348 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to elucidate the benefits of nanoformulation of doxorubicin (DOX) and thymoquinone (TQ) loaded with nanofibers of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (pGlcNAc), which is known as F2 gel, over their conventional free forms. Moreover, evaluate the role of TQ in improving chemotherapeutic effect and ameliorating nephrotoxicity of DOX. MAIN METHODS The drugs were loaded into F2 gel followed by measurement of physicochemical characterization. Next, MCF-7 and HEPG2 cells were treated with the prepared formulations and assessed for apoptosis alongside with cellular proliferation. Furthermore, we experimentally induced Heps liver carcinoma in mice and at the end of the treatment, mice were sacrificed and serum samples were used to assess nephrotoxicity markers; blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Additionally, renal tissue was used for determination of oxidative markers and antioxidant enzymes; whereas, tumor tissue was utilized to measure nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and caspase 3. KEY FINDINGS Nanoformulation showed dramatic increase in apoptosis, caspase 3, and antioxidant enzymes; in contrast to, dramatic fall in cell viability, tumor volume, oxidative and nephrotoxicity markers, and NF-κB compared to corresponding free therapies. Combined therapy was superior in conserving the measured parameters compared to other treated groups. SIGNIFICANCE F2 gel loaded with DOX and TQ revealed enhanced antitumor activity with minimal toxicity. Moreover, using TQ as an adjuvant with DOX could augment its cytotoxicity and ameliorate nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel-Aziz A Zidan
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Egypt; Center of Excellence in cancer Research (CECR), Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | | | - Eman G Khedr
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - El-Zeiny M Ebeid
- Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed L Salem
- Immunology and Biotechnology Unit, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Esraa M Mosalam
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Egypt
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Cascella M, Bimonte S, Barbieri A, Del Vecchio V, Muzio MR, Vitale A, Benincasa G, Ferriello AB, Azzariti A, Arra C, Cuomo A. Dissecting the Potential Roles of Nigella sativa and Its Constituent Thymoquinone on the Prevention and on the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:16. [PMID: 29479315 PMCID: PMC5811465 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Several nutraceuticals have been investigated for preventing or retarding the progression of different neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because Nigella sativa (NS) and its isolated compound thymoquinone (TQ) have significant anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory proprieties, they could represent effective neuroprotective agents. The purpose of this manuscript is to analyze and to recapitulate the results of in vitro and in vivo studies on the potential role of NS/TQ in AD's prevention and treatment. The level of evidence for each included animal study has been assessed by using a modified CAMARADES (Collaborative Approach to Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies) 10-item checklist. We used MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to screen relevant articles published up to July 2017. A manual search was also performed. The database search yielded 38 studies, of which 18 were included in this manuscript. Results from these approaches suggest that NS or TQ could represent an effective strategy against AD due to the balancing of oxidative processes and the binding to specific intracellular targets. The overall effects mainly regard the prevention of hippocampal pyramidal cell loss and the increased cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cascella
- Division of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Bimonte
- Division of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Barbieri
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Vitale Del Vecchio
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Muzio
- Division of Infantile Neuropsychiatry, UOMI-Maternal and Infant Health, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Amalia Azzariti
- Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Claudio Arra
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Arturo Cuomo
- Division of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
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30
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Chowdhury FA, Hossain MK, Mostofa AGM, Akbor MM, Bin Sayeed MS. Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone in Glioblastoma Treatment: Targeting Major Gliomagenesis Signaling Pathways. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4010629. [PMID: 29651429 PMCID: PMC5831880 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4010629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most devastating brain tumors with median survival of one year and presents unique challenges to therapy because of its aggressive behavior. Current treatment strategy involves surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy even though optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach and knowledge of potential complications from both the disease and its treatment. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa L., has exhibited anticancer effects in numerous preclinical studies. Due to its multitargeting nature, TQ interferes in a wide range of tumorigenic processes and counteract carcinogenesis, malignant growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. TQ can specifically sensitize tumor cells towards conventional cancer treatments and minimize therapy-associated toxic effects in normal cells. Its potential to enter brain via nasal pathway due to volatile nature of TQ adds another advantage in overcoming blood-brain barrier. In this review, we summarized the potential role of TQ in different signaling pathways in GBM that have undergone treatment with standard therapeutic modalities or with TQ. Altogether, we suggest further comprehensive evaluation of TQ in preclinical and clinical level to delineate its implied utility as novel therapeutics to combat the challenges for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabliha Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kamal Hossain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - A. G. M. Mostofa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Maruf Mohammad Akbor
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
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Farooqui Z, Shahid F, Khan AA, Khan F. Oral administration of Nigella sativa oil and thymoquinone attenuates long term cisplatin treatment induced toxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 96:912-923. [PMID: 29223554 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin (CP) is an effective anti-cancer drug which causes remarkable toxicity to the kidney, particularly to proximal tubules, by generating reactive oxygen species. Nigella sativa (NS), commonly known as "black cumin" reduces the progression of various kidney disorders. Thymoquinone (TQ), the major bioactive constituent of NS seeds, has been credited for various pharmacological effects of NS. Since, a typical clinical CP dosing regimen involves CP administration in multiple cycles over a long time duration, hence the present study aimed to evaluate the renoprotective efficacy of NS oil and TQ against multiple dose CP treatment induced deleterious biochemical and histological alterations in rat kidney. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups viz. control, CP, CPNSO, CPTQ, NSO and TQ. Animals in CPNSO and CPTQ groups were pre-administered NSO (2ml/kg bwt, orally) and TQ (1.5mg/kg bwt, orally) respectively for 14 days and were then treated with CP (3mg/kg bwt, i.p), every fourth day for 20 days while still receiving NSO/TQ. NSO and TQ administration, prior to and along with CP treatment, attenuated CP induced renal functional impairment as evident by significantly restored serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. CP treatment alone led to significant decline in the specific activities of brush border membrane (BBM) marker enzymes viz. ALP (-46.64%), GGTase (-50.24%) and LAP (-42.15%), while NSO or TQ administration to CP treated rats significantly prevented the decline in the activities of these enzymes in isolated BBM vesicles (BBMVs) as well as in the homogenates of renal cortex and medulla. Furthermore, both NSO and TQ administration also mitigated the CP induced perturbations in renal metabolic and redox status. Histological studies supported these biochemical results showing significant attenuation of CP induced kidney damage in CPNSO and CPTQ cotreated groups. Thus, NSO and TQ have excellent scope for use as functional food or combinatorial nutraceuticals in CP chemotherapy to ameliorate the accompanying nephropathy in long term cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeba Farooqui
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India
| | - Faaiza Shahid
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India
| | - Aijaz Ahmed Khan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, J. N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India
| | - Farah Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, U.P., India.
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32
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Therapeutic effects of thymoquinone for the treatment of central nervous system tumors: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 96:1440-1444. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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El-Ashmawy NE, Khedr EG, Ebeid EZM, Salem ML, Zidan AAA, Mosalam EM. Enhanced anticancer effect and reduced toxicity of doxorubicin in combination with thymoquinone released from poly-N-acetyl glucosamine nanomatrix in mice bearing solid Ehrlish carcinoma. Eur J Pharm Sci 2017; 109:525-532. [PMID: 28890201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of breast cancer remarkably increases all over the world. Therefore, there is a great demand to introduce new approaches into cancer treatment field. The current study was designated to evaluate the role of doxorubicin (DOX) and/or thymoquinone (TQ) nanomatrix in potentiating the cytotoxicity of either drug, and to investigate the ability of TQ to reduce cardiotoxicity of DOX in solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC)-bearing mice. DOX and TQ were loaded into F2 gel, which is a fully-acetylated poly-N-acetyl glucosamine nanofiber. SEC was induced in female albino mice as a model for experimentally induced breast cancer. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n=10): normal control, tumor control, F2 gel, free DOX, DOX+F2 gel, free TQ, TQ+F2 gel, and DOX+TQ+F2 gel. On day 28th from tumor inoculation, mice were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for measurement of the cardiac markers; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK-MB). In addition, cardiac tissue was utilized for determination of lipid peroxide, and tumor tissue was used for measurement of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 as well as gene expression of the tumor suppressor gene P53. DOX and/or TQ showed a significant reduction in tumor volume, cardiac markers, tumor Bcl-2, and P53 upregulation compared to free conventional therapies. Co-treatment with DOX+TQ+F2 gel was superior to all other groups in exerting beneficial effects. Use of TQ as an adjuvant therapy with DOX could improve its cytotoxic effects and limit its cardiac toxicity. Furthermore, loading of DOX and/or TQ into F2 gel showed a remarkable anti-cancer activity.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylglucosamine/administration & dosage
- Animals
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/administration & dosage
- Benzoquinones/administration & dosage
- Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor/pathology
- Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
- Creatine Kinase/blood
- Creatine Kinase, MB Form/blood
- Doxorubicin/administration & dosage
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Genes, p53
- L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/blood
- Malondialdehyde/metabolism
- Mice
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Myocardium/metabolism
- Nanostructures/administration & dosage
- Nanostructures/ultrastructure
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eman G Khedr
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - El-Zeiny M Ebeid
- Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed L Salem
- Immunology and Biotechnology Unit, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science Tanta University, Egypt
| | | | - Esraa M Mosalam
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Egypt.
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Edris AE, Wawrzyniak P, Kalemba D. Subcritical CO2 extraction of a volatile oil-rich fraction from the seeds of Nigella sativa for potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2017.1391721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amr E. Edris
- Aroma & Flavor Chemistry Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Paweł Wawrzyniak
- Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Danuta Kalemba
- Institute of General Food Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
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35
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Giacoppo S, Iori R, Rollin P, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Moringa isothiocyanate complexed with α-cyclodextrin: a new perspective in neuroblastoma treatment. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:362. [PMID: 28705212 PMCID: PMC5513314 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1876-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several lines of evidence suggest the consume of natural products for cancer prevention or treatment. In particular, isothiocyanates (ITCs) exerting anti-cancer properties, have received great interest as potential chemotherapeutic agents. This study was designed to assess the anti-proliferative activities of a new preparation of Moringa oleifera-derived 4-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzyl ITC (moringin) complexed with alpha-cyclodextrin (moringin + α-CD; MAC) on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. This new formulation arises in the attempt to overcome the poor solubility and stability of moringin alone in aqueous media. METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were cultured and exposed to increasing concentrations of MAC (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 μg). Cell proliferation was examined by MTT and cell count assays. The cytotoxic activity of the MAC complex was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and trypan blue exclusion test. In addition, western blotting analyses for the main apoptosis-related proteins were performed. RESULTS Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with the MAC complex reduced cell growth in concentration dependent manner. Specifically, MAC exhibited a potent action in inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, whose aberrant activation was found in many types of cancer. MAC was also found to induce the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 activation by phosphorylation and its translocation into the nucleus. Moreover, treatment with MAC was able to down-regulate MAPK pathway (results focused on JNK and p38 expression). Finally, MAC was found to trigger apoptotic death pathway (based on expression levels of cleaved-caspase 3, Bax/Bcl-2 balance, p53 and p21). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that use of MAC complex may open novel perspectives to improve the poor prognosis of patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Giacoppo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Renato Iori
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria, Centro di ricerca Agricoltura e Ambiente (CREA-AA), Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrick Rollin
- Université d'Orléans et CNRS, ICOA, UMR 7311, BP 6759, F-45067, Orléans, France
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124, Messina, Italy.
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Cascella M, Palma G, Barbieri A, Bimonte S, Amruthraj NJ, Muzio MR, Del Vecchio V, Rea D, Falco M, Luciano A, Arra C, Cuomo A. Role of Nigella sativa and Its Constituent Thymoquinone on Chemotherapy-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Evidences from Experimental Animal Studies. Nutrients 2017. [PMID: 28629150 PMCID: PMC5490604 DOI: 10.3390/nu9060625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Most chemotherapeutic drugs are known to cause nephrotoxicity. Therefore, new strategies have been considered to prevent chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity. It is of note that Nigella sativa (NS), or its isolated compound Thymoquinone (TQ), has a potential role in combating chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity. AIM: To analyze and report the outcome of experimental animal studies on the protective effects of NS/TQ on chemotherapy-associated kidney complications. Design: Standard systematic review and narrative synthesis. Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles published up to March 2017. Additionally, a manual search was performed. Criteria for a study’s inclusion were: conducted in animals, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, containing data on nephroprotective effects of NS/TQ compared to a placebo or other substance. All strains and genders were included. Results: The database search yielded 71 studies, of which 12 (cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity 8; methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity 1; doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity 2; ifosfamide-induced nephrotoxicity 1) were included in this review. Conclusions: Experimental animal studies showed the protective effect of NS, or TQ, on chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity. These effects are caused by decreasing lipid peroxidation and increasing activity of antioxidant enzymes in renal tissue of chemotherapy-treated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cascella
- Division of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-"Fondazione G. Pascale", Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Palma
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-"Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Barbieri
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-"Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Bimonte
- Division of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-"Fondazione G. Pascale", Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Nagoth Joseph Amruthraj
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-"Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy.
- Clinical, Experimental and Medical Sciences, Chair of Nephrology, Department of Cardio-Vascular Medicine, University of Study of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Maria Rosaria Muzio
- Division of Infantile Neuropsychiatry, UOMI-Maternal and Infant Health, Asl NA 3 SUD, Torre del Greco, Via Marconi, 80059 Naples, Italy.
| | - Vitale Del Vecchio
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-"Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Domenica Rea
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-"Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Michela Falco
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-"Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Luciano
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-"Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Claudio Arra
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-"Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Arturo Cuomo
- Division of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-"Fondazione G. Pascale", Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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Mostofa AGM, Hossain MK, Basak D, Bin Sayeed MS. Thymoquinone as a Potential Adjuvant Therapy for Cancer Treatment: Evidence from Preclinical Studies. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:295. [PMID: 28659794 PMCID: PMC5466966 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa, has been found to exhibit anticancer effects in numerous preclinical studies. Due to its multitargeting nature, TQ interferes in a wide range of tumorigenic processes and counteracts carcinogenesis, malignant growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. Moreover, TQ can specifically sensitize tumor cells toward conventional cancer treatments (e.g., radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy) and simultaneously minimize therapy-associated toxic effects in normal cells. In this review, we summarized the adjuvant potential of TQ as observed in various in vitro and in vivo animal models and discussed the pharmacological properties of TQ to rationalize its supplementary role in potentiating the efficacy of standard therapeutic modalities namely surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Altogether, we suggest further comprehensive evaluation of TQ in preclinical and clinical levels to delineate its implied utility as a novel complementary adjuvant therapy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G M Mostofa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of DhakaDhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kamal Hossain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of DhakaDhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Debasish Basak
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of DhakaDhaka, Bangladesh
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Shen H, Liu L, Yang Y, Xun W, Wei K, Zeng G. Betulinic Acid Inhibits Cell Proliferation in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Modulating ROS-Regulated p53 Signaling. Oncol Res 2017; 25:1141-1152. [PMID: 28109089 PMCID: PMC7841107 DOI: 10.3727/096504017x14841698396784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common cancer of the head and neck. Betulinic acid (BA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid. The present study was designed to explore the effects of BA on OSCC KB cell proliferation in vitro and on implanted tumor growth in vivo and to examine the possible molecular mechanisms. The results showed that BA dose-dependently inhibited KB cell proliferation and decreased implanted tumor volume. In addition, BA significantly promoted mitochondrial apoptosis, as reflected by an increase in TUNEL+ cells and the activities of caspases 3 and 9, an increase in Bax expression, and a decrease in Bcl-2 expression and the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate. BA significantly increased cell population in the G0/G1 phase and decreases the S phase cell number, indicating the occurrence of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. ROS generation was significantly increased by BA, and antioxidant NAC treatment markedly inhibited the effect of BA on apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and proliferation. BA dose-dependently increased p53 expression in KB cells and implanted tumors. p53 reporter gene activity and p53 binding in the promoters of Bax were significantly increased by BA. Knockdown of p53 blocked BA-induced increase in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cell proliferation. NAC treatment suppressed BA-induced increase in p53 expression. Furthermore, phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was increased by BA. Taken together, the data demonstrated that ROS–p53 signaling was crucial for BA-exhibited antitumor effect in OSCC. BA may serve as a potential drug for the treatment of oral cancer.
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Hao DC, He CN, Shen J, Xiao PG. Anticancer Chemodiversity of Ranunculaceae Medicinal Plants: Molecular Mechanisms and Functions. Curr Genomics 2016; 18:39-59. [PMID: 28503089 PMCID: PMC5321773 DOI: 10.2174/1389202917666160803151752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, comprising more than 2,200 species in at least 62 genera, mostly herbs, has long been used in folk medicine and worldwide ethnomedicine since the beginning of human civilization. Various medicinal phytometabolites have been found in Ranunculaceae plants, many of which, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, and polysaccharides, have shown anti-cancer activities in vitro and in vivo. Most concerns have been raised for two epiphany molecules, the monoterpene thymoquinone and the isoquinoline alkaloid berberine. At least 17 genera have been enriched with anti-cancer phytometabolites. Some Ranunculaceae phytometabolites induce the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of cancer cells or enhance immune activities, while others inhibit the proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis, or reverse the multi-drug resistance of cancer cells thereby regulating all known hallmarks of cancer. These phytometabolites could exert their anti-cancer activities via multiple signaling pathways. In addition, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion/toxicity properties and structure/activity relationships of some phytometabolites have been revealed assisting in the early drug discovery and development pipelines. However, a comprehensive review of the molecular mechanisms and functions of Ranunculaceae anti-cancer phytometabolites is lacking. Here, we summarize the recent progress of the anti-cancer chemo- and pharmacological diversity of Ranunculaceae medicinal plants, focusing on the emerging molecular machineries and functions of anti-cancer phytometabolites. Gene expression profiling and relevant omics platforms (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) could reveal differential effects of phytometabolites on the phenotypically heterogeneous cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Cheng Hao
- 1Biotechnology Institute, School of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China; 2Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chun-Nian He
- 1Biotechnology Institute, School of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China; 2Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Shen
- 1Biotechnology Institute, School of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China; 2Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Pei-Gen Xiao
- 1Biotechnology Institute, School of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China; 2Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Guo L, Tan K, Wang H, Zhang X. Pterostilbene inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma through p53/SOD2/ROS-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:3233-3240. [PMID: 27748853 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies and the second cause of cancer-related deaths around the world. Pterostilbene (PTE), is a natural analog of resveratrol, possessing diverse pharmacological activities. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effect of PTE on tumor growth in mouse models of HCC and to elucidate the possible molecular mechanism in vivo and in vitro. We showed that PTE dose-dependently suppressed tumor growth in mice induced by diethylnitrosamine plus carbon tetrachloride, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of tumors and in the maximum size of the tumors. PTE concentration-dependently inhibited cell viability and proliferation in HepG2 cells. PTE increased caspase-3 activities and apoptosis in liver tumor tissues and cells, indicating the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. PFTα, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) lentivirus and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly inhibited PTE-induced inhibition of tumor growth and cell proliferation and increase in apoptosis. PTE dose-dependently increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels both in liver tumor tissues and cells, which were inhibited by PFTα, SOD2 lentivirus and NAC. PTE resulted in a significant decrease in SOD2 expression in liver tumor tissues and cells, which were inhibited by PFTα, but not NAC, indicating that PTE-induced ROS generation was attributed to p53-mediated downregulation of SOD2. Collectively, PTE increased p53 expression, decreased SOD2 expression, and resulted in an increase in the ROS levels and the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, leading to inhibition of tumor growth and cell proliferation. These data demonstrated that the p53/SOD2/ROS pathway is critical for PTE-mediated inhibition of tumor growth and HCC cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Guo
- Department of Hepatology, Xi'an No. 8 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Kai Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, P.R. China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, P.R. China
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Zheng J, Zhou Y, Li Y, Xu DP, Li S, Li HB. Spices for Prevention and Treatment of Cancers. Nutrients 2016; 8:E495. [PMID: 27529277 PMCID: PMC4997408 DOI: 10.3390/nu8080495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spices have been widely used as food flavorings and folk medicines for thousands of years. Numerous studies have documented the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of spices, which might be related to prevention and treatment of several cancers, including lung, liver, breast, stomach, colorectum, cervix, and prostate cancers. Several spices are potential sources for prevention and treatment of cancers, such as Curcuma longa (tumeric), Nigella sativa (black cumin), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Allium sativum (garlic), Crocus sativus (saffron), Piper nigrum (black pepper) and Capsicum annum (chili pepper), which contained several important bioactive compounds, such as curcumin, thymoquinone, piperine and capsaicin. The main mechanisms of action include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion of tumors, and sensitizing tumors to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review summarized recent studies on some spices for prevention and treatment of cancers, and special attention was paid to bioactive components and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Yue Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Ya Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Dong-Ping Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Sha Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hua-Bin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
- South China Sea Bioresource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Kensara OA, El-Shemi AG, Mohamed AM, Refaat B, Idris S, Ahmad J. Thymoquinone subdues tumor growth and potentiates the chemopreventive effect of 5-fluorouracil on the early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis in rats. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2016; 10:2239-53. [PMID: 27468227 PMCID: PMC4946859 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s109721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers and has a high mortality rate. Insensitivity and the limited therapeutic efficacy of its standard chemotherapeutic drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), represents an important challenge in CRC treatment. The robust antitumor properties of thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa, have recently been demonstrated on different cancers. We investigated whether TQ could potentiate the chemopreventive effect of 5-FU to eradicate the early stages of CRC and elucidated its underlying mechanisms. An intermediate-term (15 weeks) model of colorectal tumorigenesis was induced in male Wistar rats by azoxymethane (AOM), and the animals were randomly and equally divided into five groups: control, AOM, AOM/5-FU, AOM/TQ, and AOM/5-FU/TQ. TQ (35 mg/kg/d; 3 d/wk) was given during the seventh and 15th weeks post-AOM injection, while 5-FU was given during the ninth and tenth weeks (12 mg/kg/d for 4 days; then 6 mg/kg every other day for another four doses). At week 15, the resected colons were subjected to macroscopic, histopathological, molecular, and immunohistochemical examinations. Interestingly, 5-FU/TQ combination therapy resulted in a more significant reduction on AOM-induced colorectal tumors and large aberrant crypts foci than treatment with the individual drugs. Mechanistically, 5-FU and TQ remarkably cooperated to repress the expression of procancerous Wnt, β-catenin, NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS, VEGF, and TBRAS and upregulate the expression of anti-tumorigenesis DKK-1, CDNK-1A, TGF-β1, TGF-βRII, Smad4, and GPx. Overall, our findings present the first report describing the in vivo enhancement effect of combined TQ and 5-FU against early stages of CRC; however, further studies are required to determine the value of this combination therapy in an advanced long-term model of CRC and also to realize its clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Adnan Kensara
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Holy Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Galal El-Shemi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Holy Makkah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amr Mohamed Mohamed
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Holy Makkah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Bassem Refaat
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Holy Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakir Idris
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Holy Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawwad Ahmad
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Holy Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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p53-p66shc/miR-21-Sod2 signaling is critical for the inhibitory effect of betulinic acid on hepatocellular carcinoma. Toxicol Lett 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Salem AA, El Haty IA, Abdou IM, Mu Y. Interaction of human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA with thymoquinone: a possible mechanism for thymoquinone anticancer effect. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1850:329-42. [PMID: 25450185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymoquinone (TQ) has been documented to possess chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic antitumor effects. Studies reported that TQ inhibits the growth of cancer cells in animal models, culture and xenografted tumors. Molecular mechanisms underlying these anticancer effects were attributed to inductions of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, oxidative damage of cellular macromolecules, blockade of tumor angiogenesis and inhibitions in migration, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. On the other hand, human telomere DNA plays a role in regulating genes' transcriptions. It folds up into G-quadruplex structures that inhibit telomerase enzyme over-expressed in cancerous cells. Molecules that selectively stabilize G-quadruplex are potential anticancer agents. Therefore, this work aimed to explore the interaction of TQ with G-quadruplex DNA as a possible underlying mechanism for the anticancer effect of TQ. METHODS Interactions of TQ with telomeric G-quadruplex (5'-AGGG(TTAGGG)3-3') and duplex DNAs were studied using UV-vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism, liquid and solid NMR (1H and 13C), melting temperature and docking simulation. RESULTS Changes in UV-vis, CD, fluorescence, 1H NMR and 13C NMR, spectra as well as melting temperatures and docking simulations provided evidences for TQ's interactions with G-quadruplex. TQ was found to interact with G-quadruplex on two binding sites adjacent to the TTA loop with binding constants 1.80×10(5) and 1.12×10(7) M(-1). Melting temperatures indicated that TQ stabilized G-quadruplex by 5.6 °C and destabilized ct-DNA by 5.1 °C. Selectivity experiment indicated that TQ is preferentially binding to G-quadruplex over duplex with selectivity coefficients of 2.80-3.33×10(-3). Results suggested an intercalation binding mode based on π-π stacking. CONCLUSION Our results propose that TQ can possibly act as a G-quadruplex DNA stabilizer and subsequently contribute to the inhibition of telomerase enzyme and cancer's proliferation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Our results represent a change in the paradigms reported for structural features of G-quadruplex's stabilizers and anticancer mechanisms of TQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A Salem
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ismail A El Haty
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim M Abdou
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yuguang Mu
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
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