Augmented cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel by curcumin induced overexpression of folate receptor-α for enhanced targeted drug delivery in HeLa cells

Folate conjugated albumin as a targeted nanocarrier for the delivery of fisetin: in silico and in vitro biological studies

Fisetin (FST), a natural flavonoid compound derived from various fruits and vegetables, including apple, strawberry, and onion, demonstrates potential for a wide range of pharmaceutical applications, including potential anticancer properties. However, challenges such as low bioavailability, poor aqueous solubility, and limited permeability restrict the use of FST in the pharmaceutical sector. Nowadays, targeted nanomedicines have garnered attention to overcome limitations associated with phytochemicals, including FST. In the present study, we have designed and successfully prepared folate-targeted FST nanoparticles (FFNPs). Characterization through DLS and FE-SEM revealed the successful preparation of monodisperse (PDI: 0.117), nanoscale-sized (150 nm), and spherical nanoparticles. Physicochemical characterization including FTIR, XRD, DSC, and TGA analysis, confirmed the encapsulation of the FST within the Folic acid (FA) - conjugated nanoparticles (CNPs) and revealed its amorphous nature. Molecular docking analysis revealed the strong binding affinity and specific amino acid interactions involved in the BSA-FST-FA complex, suggesting the potential synergistic effect of FST and FA in enhancing the therapeutic activity of the FFANPs. Cytotoxic assessments by the MTT assay, migration assay, AO-EtBr staining assay, colony formation assay, and cellular uptake study demonstrated enhanced anticancer efficacy, apoptosis induction, and enhanced uptake of FFNPs compared to pure FST. These findings propose prepared FFNPs as a promising targeted drug delivery nanocarrier for effective FST delivery in cancer therapy.

Curcumin: a natural organic component that plays a multi-faceted role in ovarian cancer

Curcumin, a natural organic component obtained from Curcuma longa's rhizomes, shows abundant anti-tumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pharmacological activities, among others. Notably the anti-tumor activity has aroused widespread attention from scholars worldwide. Numerous studies have reported that curcumin can delay ovarian cancer (OC), increase its sensitivity to chemotherapy, and reduce chemotherapy drugs' side effects. It has been shown considerable anticancer potential by promoting cell apoptosis, suppressing cell cycle progression, inducing autophagy, inhibiting tumor metastasis, and regulating enzyme activity. With an in-depth study of curcumin's anti-OC mechanism, its clinical application will have broader prospects. This review summarizes the latest studies on curcumin's anti-OC activities, and discusses the specific mechanism, hoping to provide references for further research and applications.

Folic acid conjugated chitosan encapsulated palladium nanoclusters for NIR triggered photothermal breast cancer treatment

This study developed folic acid (FA) conjugated chitosan (CS) encapsulated rutin (R) synthesized palladium nanoclusters (Pd NCs) for NIR triggered and folate receptor (FR) targeted triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB 231 cells) treatment. R-Pd NCs exhibited flower-shaped particles with an average size of <100 nm. FA-CS encapsulation concealed the flower shape of R-Pd NCs with a positive charge. The XRD spectrum confirmed the cubic crystalline structure of Pd. The FA conjugation on CS improved the cellular uptake of R-Pd NCs in MDA-MB 231 cells was confirmed by TEM. FA-CS-R-Pd NCs (+NIR) treatment was considerably inhibited the MDA-MB 231 cells proliferation evidenced by cell viability, fluorescent staining, and flow cytometry analysis. Further, in vitro hemolysis assay and in Ovo model confirmed the non-toxic nature of FA-CS-R-Pd-NCs with or without NIR radiation. Hence, this study concluded that FA-CS-R-Pd NCs can be applied for the treatment of drug-resistant breast cancer.

Anticancer evaluation of methotrexate and curcumin coencapsulated niosomes against colorectal cancer cell line

Aim: The aim of the present investigation was to develop niosomes containing both curcumin (CUR) and methotrexate (MTX). Also, the combinational effect of CUR and MTX in both free and niosomal forms on growth inhibition potential and induction of apoptosis in the HCT-116 cell line were exploited. Materials & methods: Niosomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method and their physicochemical properties were determined by various techniques. Cellular uptake, cell apoptosis, wound healing and MTT assay were conducted to ascertain niosomes' feasibility for cancer therapy. Results: The combination of CUR and MTX in niosomal formulation showed more toxicity than their combination in free form. Conclusion: The nanocarrier-based approach was effective for the codelivery of CUR and MTX against cancer cells in vitro.

Preparation and Physicochemical Characterization of Water-Soluble Pyrazole-Based Nanoparticles by Dendrimer Encapsulation of an Insoluble Bioactive Pyrazole Derivative

2-(4-Bromo-3,5-diphenyl-pyrazol-1-yl)-ethanol (BBB4) was synthetized and successfully evaluated concerning numerous biological activities, except for antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. Due to the antimicrobial effects possessed by pyrazole nucleus, which have been widely reported, and the worldwide need for new antimicrobial agents, we thought it would be interesting to test BBB4 and to evaluate its possible antibacterial effects. Nevertheless, since it is water-insoluble, the future clinical application of BBB4 will remain utopic unless water-soluble BBB4 formulations are developed. To this end, before implementing biological evaluations, BBB4 was herein re-synthetized and characterized, and a new water-soluble BBB4-based nano-formulation was developed by its physical entrapment in a biodegradable non-cytotoxic cationic dendrimer (G4K), without recovering harmful solvents as DMSO or surfactants. The obtained BBB4 nanoparticles (BBB4-G4K NPs) showed good drug loading (DL%), satisfying encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and a biphasic quantitative release profile governed by first-order kinetics after 24 h. Additionally, BBB4-G4K was characterized by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, NMR, SEM, dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS), and potentiometric titration experiments. While, before the nanotechnological manipulation, BBB4 was completely water-insoluble, in the form of BBB4-G4K NPs, its water-solubility resulted in being 105-fold higher than that of the pristine form, thus establishing the feasibility of its clinical application.

Advances in receptor modulation strategies for flexible, efficient, and enhanced antitumor efficacy

Tumor-sensitivity, effective transport, and precise delivery to tumor cells of nano drug delivery systems (NDDs) have been great challenges to cancer therapy in recent years. The conventional targeting approach involves actively installing the corresponding ligand on the nanocarriers, which is prone to recognize the antigen blasts overexpressed on the surface of tumor cells. However, there are some probable limitations for the active tumor-targeting systems in vivo as follows: a. the limited ligand amount of modifications; b. possible steric hindrance, which was likely to prevent ligand-receptor interaction during the delivery process. c. the restrained antigen saturation highly expressed on the cell membrane, will definitely decrease the specificity and often lead to "off-target" effects of NDDs; and d. water insolubility of nanocarriers due to excess of ligands modification. Obviously, any regulation of receptors on surface of tumor cells exerted an important influence on the delivery of targeting systems. Herein, receptor upregulation was mostly desired for enhancing targeted therapy from the cellular level. This technique with the amplification of receptors has the potential to enhance tumor sensitivity towards corresponding ligand-modified nanoparticles, and thereby increasing the effective therapeutic concentration as well as improving the efficacy of chemotherapy. The enhancement of positively expressed receptors on tumor cells and receptor-dependent therapeutic agents or NDDs with an assembled "self-promoting" effect contributes to increasing cell sensitivity to NPs, and will provide a basic platform for clinical therapeutic practice. In this review, we highlight the significance of modulating various receptors on different types of cancer cells for drug delivery and therapeutic benefits.

Focus on Multi-targeted Role of Curcumin: a Boon in Therapeutic Paradigm

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound that exhibited good anticancer potential against different types of cancers through its multi-targeted effect like the termination of cell proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, thereby acting as antiproliferative and cytotoxic in nature. The present review surveys the various drug combination tried with curcumin or its synthetic analogues and also the mechanism by which curcumin potentiates the effect of almost every drug. In addition, this article also focuses on aromatherapy which is gaining much popularity in cancer patients. After thoroughly studying several articles on combination therapy of curcumin through authenticated book chapters, websites, research, and review articles available at PubMed, ScienceDirect, etc., it has been observed that multi-targeted curcumin possess enormous anticancer potential and, with whatever drug it is given in combination, has always resulted in enhanced effect with reduced dose as well as side effects. It is also capable enough in overcoming the problem of chemoresistance. Besides this, aromatherapy also proved its potency in reducing cancer-related side effects. Combining all the factors together, we can conclude that combination therapy of drugs with curcumin should be explored extensively. In addition, aromatherapy can be used as an adjuvant or supplementary therapy to reduce the cancer complications in patients.

Curcumin and wikstroflavone B, a new biflavonoid isolated from Wikstroemia indica, synergistically suppress the proliferation and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via blocking FAK/STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural diarylheptanoid with marked anti-tumor activities. Recent investigations demonstrate that CUR combines with some other phytochemicals exerts advantages over its single application manifested as lower toxicity, higher efficacy or more significant reversal of multidrug resistance.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to elucidate a new biflavonoid (wikstroflavone B, WFB) isolated from Wikstroemia indica and to assess the synergistic inhibition of combined CUR and WFB (CUR/WFB) on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines proliferation and metastasis.

METHODS

WFB was obtained through sequential chromatographic methods including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and preparative HPLC. Its structure was determined by HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of WFB was assigned through comparison of experimental and calculated optical rotation (OR) values. Changes in cellular viability, migration and invasion were assessed by MTT, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays. The nature of synergistic interaction of CUR/WFB was determined through the combination index (CI) method under the median-effect analysis. Expression levels of indicated mRNAs and proteins were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting assays, respectively.

RESULTS

WFB was isolated and structural elucidated. Compared with CUR or WFB used alone, CUR/WFB treatment inhibited more effectively on the cell viability, colony formation, cell migration and invasion. Both CI and dose reduction index (DRI) values indicated the significant synergistic effects existed between CUR and WFB. Besides, CUR/WFB showed the marked modulation on the genes involved in cell proliferation (survivin, cyclin D1, p53 and p21) and metastasis (MMP-2, MMP-9 and FAK). CUR/WFB treatment was also found to restrain the phosphorylation of FAK and STAT3 proteins. When pretreatment with a FAK inhibitor, the cell viability and metastasis were significantly attenuated.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that WFB can synergistically increase the inhibitory effects of CUR on NPC cells proliferation and metastasis, and these findings may afford a rational approach for developing the antitumor medications.

Folate Receptor Targeting and Cathepsin B-Sensitive Drug Delivery System for Selective Cancer Cell Death and Imaging

In this work, a folate receptor (FR)-mediated dual-targeting drug delivery system was synthesized to improve the tumor-killing efficiency and inhibit the side effects of anticancer drugs. We designed and synthesized an FR-mediated fluorescence probe (FA-Rho) and FR-mediated cathepsin B-sensitive drug delivery system (FA-GFLG-SN38). FA-GFLG-SN38 is composed of the FR ligand (folic acid, FA), the tetrapeptide substrate for cathepsin B (GFLG), and an anticancer drug (SN38). The rhodamine B (Rho)-labeled probe FA-Rho is suitable for specific fluorescence imaging of SK-Hep-1 cells overexpressing FR and inactive in FR-negative A549 and 16-HBE cells. FA-GFLG-SN38 exhibited strong cytotoxicity against FR-overexpressing SK-Hep-1, HeLa, and Siha cells, with IC₅₀ values of 2-3 μM, but had no effect on FR-negative A549 and 16-HBE cells. The experimental results show that the FA-CFLG-SN38 drug delivery system proposed by us can effectively inhibit tumor proliferation in vitro, and it can be adopted for the diagnostics of tumor tissues and provide a basis for effective tumor therapy.

Protective effect of leaf extract of Abutilon indicum on DNA damage and peripheral blood lymphocytes in combating the oxidative stress

The current research explores in vitro antioxidant characteristics, radiation-induced DNA damage protection and quenching effects of the oxidative stress by the ethanolic leaf extract of Abutilon indicum (EEAI) on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). PBLs were incubated with various concentrations of EEAI accompanied by pre- and post-treatment with hydrogen peroxide. Cell viability was investigated by MTT assay. In addition, quenching of free radicals were measured in vitro using DPPH, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, reducing power and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. These activities were compared with ascorbic acid as standard antioxidants. Furthermore, inhibition of UV radiation-induced strand break formation in plasmid pBR322 DNA and anti-Fenton reactions in calf thymus DNA was evaluated. Cytotoxic effects of hydrogen peroxide on PBLs were significantly reduced with EEAI pre-treatment compared to post-treatment in a dose-dependent manner comparable with similar cytoprotective effects of ascorbic acid (p > 0.05). EEAI has shown strong antioxidant effects in the scavenging of DPPH, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide. EEAI also has a strong protective effect of UV-induced plasmid pBR322 DNA cleavage and Fenton-induced DNA damage. Overall, the results revealed that Abutilon indicum has a cytoprotective, potent antioxidant and DNA protective effect that provide pharmacological credence to justify its overall biological activity. Furthermore, future studies to identifying bioactive molecules and its molecular mechanisms responsible for promising therapeutic applications in the rescue of disease-induced cellular oxidative damage.

Curcumin in cancer therapy: A novel adjunct for combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel and alleviation of its adverse effects

Dealing with cancer is of importance due to enhanced incidence rate of this life-threatening disorder. Chemotherapy is an ideal candidate in overcoming and eradication of cancer. To date, various chemotherapeutic agents have been applied in cancer therapy and paclitaxel (PTX) is one of them. PTX is a key member of taxane family with potential anti-tumor activity against different cancers. Notably, PTX has demonstrated excellent proficiency in elimination of cancer in clinical trials. This chemotherapeutic agent is isolated from Taxus brevifolia, and is a tricyclic diterpenoid. However, resistance of cancer cells into PTX chemotherapy has endangered its efficacy. Besides, administration of PTX is associated with a number of side effects such as neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity and so on, demanding novel strategies in obviating PTX issues. Curcumin is a pharmacological compound with diverse therapeutic effects including anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and so on. In the current review, we demonstrate that curcumin, a naturally occurring nutraceutical compound is able to enhance anti-tumor activity of PTX against different cancers. Besides, curcumin administration reduces adverse effects of PTX due to its excellent pharmacological activities. These topics are discussed with an emphasis on molecular pathways to provide direction for further studies in revealing other signaling networks.

Role of Folic Acid in the Therapeutic Action of Nanostructured Porous Silica Functionalized with Organotin(IV) Compounds Against Different Cancer Cell Lines

The synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic activity against different cancer cell lines of various mesoporous silica-based materials containing folate targeting moieties and a cytotoxic fragment based on a triphenyltin(IV) derivative have been studied. Two different mesoporous nanostructured silica systems have been used: firstly, micronic silica particles of the MSU-2 type and, secondly, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) of about 80 nm. Both series of materials have been characterized by different methods, such as powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, absorption spectroscopy and microscopy. In addition, these systems have been tested against four different cancer cell lines, namely, OVCAR-3, DLD-1, A2780 and A431, in order to observe if the size of the silica-based systems and the quantity of incorporated folic acid influence their cytotoxic action. The results show that the materials are more active when the quantity of folic acid is higher, especially in those cells that overexpress folate receptors such as OVCAR-3 and DLD-1. In addition, the study of the potential modulation of the soluble folate receptor alpha (FOLR1) by treatment with the synthesized materials has been carried out using OVCAR-3, DLD-1, A2780 and A431 tumour cell lines. The results show that a relatively high concentration of folic acid functionalization of the nanostructured silica together with the incorporation of the cytotoxic tin fragment leads to an increase in the quantity of the soluble FOLR1 secreted by the tumour cells. In addition, the studies reported here show that this increase of the soluble FOLR1 occurs presumably by cutting the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor of membrane FR-α and by the release of intracellular FR-α. This study validates the potential use of a combination of mesoporous silica materials co-functionalized with folate targeting molecules and an organotin(IV) drug as a strategy for the therapeutic treatment of several cancer cells overexpressing folate receptors.

Phytochemical characteristics of aerial part of Cissus quadrangularis (L) and its in-vitro inhibitory activity against leukemic cells and antioxidant properties

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Cissus quadrangularis Linn, is a rich bioresource for folk and traditional medicines from ancient times till date. The present study aimed to investigate the free radical scavenging and anticancer efficacy in vitro of the ethanolic and methanolic extract from the aerial parts of Cissus quadrangularis (L).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In vitro cell-free antioxidant analyses were performed for the ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis (L). (EECQ) and methanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis (L). (MECQ) using different free radical scavenging assays includes DPPH, nitric oxide, superoxide, metal chelation, and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assays. In vitro leukemic cytotoxic assessment by MTT assay was performed both EECQ and MECQ extract against HL-60 cell lines.

RESULTS

Strong antioxidant effects were recorded in EECQ and MECQ in all the cell-free models. The ethanolic extract exhibited a significant dose-dependent free radical activity in comparison with methanolic extracts. The EECQ and MECQ possess pronounced anticancer efficacy against leukemic cells HL-60 with an IC50 value of 36 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL respectively.

CONCLUSION

Present data indicates the presence of marked antioxidant and anticancer behaviors in the extracts of aerial portions of Cissus quadrangularis (L). extracts. Thus, Cissus quadrangularis (L). poses as a promising safe chemopreventive plant to combat cancer.

A RBC membrane-camouflaged biomimetic nanoplatform for enhanced chemo-photothermal therapy of cervical cancer

Due to the untargeted release of chemical drugs, the efficacy of chemotherapy is often compromised along with serious side effects on patients. Recently, the development of targeted delivery systems using nanomaterials as carriers has provided more alternatives for chemical drug transportation. In this study, we developed a novel targeted nanocomplex of GOQD-ICG-DOX@RBCM-FA NPs (GID@RF NPs). First, PEG modified graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) were used to co-load the photosensitizer of indocyanine green (ICG) and DOX, to form GOQD-ICG-DOX NPs (GID NPs). Then, the red blood cell membrane (RBCM) was applied for GID NP camouflage to avoid immune clearance. Finally, folic acid was used to endow the targeting ability of GID@RF NPs. MTT assay showed that the survival rate of HeLa cells reduced by 71% after treatment with GID@RF NPs and laser irradiation. Meanwhile, membrane camouflage significantly prolonged the blood circulation time and enhanced the immune evading ability of GID NPs. Moreover, the drug accumulation at tumor sites was significantly improved through the strong interaction between FA and FA receptor highly expressed on the tumor cells. In vivo assay demonstrated the strongest tumor growth inhibition ability of the combinational chemo/photothermal therapy. H&E analysis indicated no significant abnormalities in the major organs of mice undergoing GID@RF NPs treatment. The level of blood and biochemical parameters remained stable as compared to the control. In summary, this combinational therapy system provides a safe, rapid and effective alternative for the treatment of cervical cancer in the future.

Curcumin Protects Human Trophoblast HTR8/SVneo Cells from H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress by Activating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Pregnancy complications are associated with oxidative stress induced by accumulation of trophoblastic ROS in the placenta. We employed the human trophoblast HTR8/SVneo cell line to determine the effect of curcumin pre-treatment on H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in HTR8/Sveo cells. Cells were pretreated with 2.5 or 5 μM curcumin for 24 h, and then incubated with 400 μM H₂O₂ for another 24 h. The results showed that H₂O₂ decreased the cell viability and induced excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HTR8/Sveo cells. Curcumin pre-treatment effectively protected HTR8/SVneo cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis via increasing Bcl-2/Bax ratio and decreasing the protein expression level of cleaved-caspase 3. Moreover, curcumin pre-treatment alleviated the excessive oxidative stress by enhancing the activity of antioxidative enzymes. The antioxidant effect of curcumin was achieved by activating Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant proteins. In addition, knockdown of Nrf2 by Nrf2-siRNA transfection abolished the protective effects of curcumin on HTR8/SVneo cells against oxidative damage. Taken together, our results show that curcumin could protect HTR8/SVneo cells from H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Synthesis of organosilocane allied N-heteroaryl Schiff base chemosensor for the detection of Cu2+ metal ions and their biological applications

N-Heteroaryl organosilocanes-based chemosensors have been synthesized for the recognition of copper metal ions with excellent selectivity.

Quercetin Enhances the Anti-Tumor Effects of BET Inhibitors by Suppressing hnRNPA1

Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, which are important epigenetic readers, are often dysregulated in cancer. While a number of BET inhibitors are currently in early phase clinical trials, BET inhibitors show limited single-agent activity. The purpose of this study is to determine if Quercetin, a naturally occurring polyphenolic flavonoid often found abundant in fruits and vegetables, can enhance the anti-tumor effects of BET inhibitors. The efficacy of the combination was evaluated in vitro and in a xenograft model of pancreatic cancer. Co-treatment with BET inhibitors and Quercetin promoted apoptosis, decreased sphere-forming ability by cancer cells, and decreased cell proliferation. We found that hnRNPA1, a nuclear protein known to control mRNA export and mRNA translation of anti-apoptotic proteins, mediates some anti-tumor effects by Quercetin. Additionally, we show that combining BET inhibitors with Quercetin or hnRNPA1 knockdown decreased the anti-apoptotic protein Survivin. Significantly, Quercetin decreased hnRNPA1 in vivo and enhanced the effects of BET inhibitors at suppressing tumor growth. Together, these results demonstrate that Quercetin enhances the efficacy of BET inhibitors by suppressing hnRNPA1, and identify combination therapy with Quercetin and BET inhibitors for the treatment of cancer patients.

Green-emitting carbon dot loaded silica nanoparticles coated with DNA-cross-linked hydrogels for sensitive carcinoembryonic antigen detection and effective targeted cancer therapy

Bifunctional composite nanospheres for carcinoembryonic antigen sensing and targeted drug delivery, based on carbon dot loaded silica nanoparticles coated with DNA-cross-linked hydrogels.