Effect of lycopene as an adjuvant therapy with 5-florouracil in human colon cancer

Gold nanocomposites in colorectal cancer therapy: characterization, selective cytotoxicity, and migration inhibition

The third most prevalent type of cancer in the world, colorectal cancer, poses a significant treatment challenge due to the nonspecific distribution, low efficacy, and high systemic toxicity associated with chemotherapy. To overcome these limitations, a targeted drug delivery system with a high cytotoxicity against cancer cells while maintaining a minimal systemic side effects represents a promising therapeutic approach. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an efficient gold nanocarrier for the targeted delivery of the anticancer agent everolimus to Caco-2 cells. A novel gold nanocomposite (EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs) functionalized with a targeting ligand (hyaluronic acid), a permeation enhancement excipient (chitosan), and an anticancer inclusive compound consisting of beta-cyclodextrin and everolimus was proposed and prepared via Turkevich method. Characterization was performed with a UV spectrometer, FTIR, Zetasizer, and HRTEM. Its drug release profile was also evaluated in media with three different pH values. Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility studies were performed on a colorectal cancer cell line (Caco-2) and a normal fibroblast line (MRC-5), respectively, via xCELLigence real-time cellular analysis (RTCA) technology. The inhibitory effect on migration was also further tested via the xCELLigence RTCA technique and a scratch assay. Characterization studies revealed the successful formation of EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs with a size and charge which are suitable for the use as targeted drug delivery carrier. In the cytotoxic study, the EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs showed a lower IC50 (16 ± 1 µg/ml) than the pure drug (25 ± 3 µg/ml) toward a colorectal cell line (Caco-2). In the biocompatibility study, the EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs have minimal toxicity, while the pure drug has severe toxicity toward healthy fibroblasts (MRC-5) despite its low concentration. In the cell migration study, the EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs also showed a greater inhibitory effect than the pure drug. Compared with the pure drug, the EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs exhibit an excellent selective cytotoxicity between cancerous colorectal Caco-2 cells and healthy MRC-5 cells, making it a potential carrier to carry the drug to the cancerous site while maintaining its low toxicity to the surrounding environment. In addition, an increase in the cytotoxic activity of the EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs toward cancerous colorectal Caco-2 cells was also observed, which can potentially improve the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Comprehensive Insights Into the Combinatorial Uses of Selected Phytochemicals in Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Isothiocyanates, Quinones, Carotenoids, and Alkaloids

Despite the advancement in cancer diagnosis and treatment, colorectal cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Given the high recurrence rate of colorectal cancer even after surgical resection, chemotherapy has been clinically used to improve the treatment outcomes of colorectal cancer. However, chemotherapy is well-known for its toxic side effects. Thus, phytochemicals have been widely studied in recent years as preventive and therapeutic agents for colorectal cancer owing to their relatively low toxicity. Moreover, combinatorial uses of phytochemicals with other natural compounds or with drugs may amplify the positive outcomes of colorectal cancer prevention and treatment by intervening in multiple signaling pathways and targets. This review summarized the combinatorial use of several well-studied groups of phytochemicals, that is, isothiocyanates, quinones, carotenoids, and alkaloids, in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer, and suggested it as a potential approach to improve the anticancer efficacy of single compounds and minimize the toxic side effects associated with conventional drugs. Notably, we generalized the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical experiments-based molecular mechanisms whereby the selected phytochemicals in combination with other compounds exerted anti-colorectal cancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell invasion, and tumor growth. Overall, this review provides a reference and new perspective to propel further advancements in research and development of preventative and therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer.

Lycopene alleviates 5-fluorouracil-induced nephrotoxicity by modulating PPAR-γ, Nrf2/HO-1, and NF-κB/TNF-α/IL-6 signals

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most used anticancer drugs. However, its nephrotoxicity-associated drawback is of clinical concern. Lycopene (LYC) is a red carotenoid with remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. In this study, rats were divided randomly into five groups: control, lycopene (10 mg) (10 mg/kg/day; P.O), 5-FU (30 mg/kg/day; i.p.), Lycopene (5 mg) + 5-FU (5 mg/kg + 30 mg/kg/day), and lycopene (10 mg) + 5-FU (10 mg/kg + 30 mg/kg/day). LYC attenuated the loss of renal function induced by 5-FU in a dose-dependent manner. Rats co-treated with LYC had lower serum urea, creatinine, uric acid and KIM-1 levels, and a higher serum albumin level than those receiving 5-FU alone. Furthermore, co-treatment with the high dose of LYC maintained renal oxidant-antioxidant balance by ameliorating/preventing the loss of antioxidants and the elevation of malondialdehyde. Rats treated with 5-FU had markedly lower renal levels of PPAR-gamma, HO-1, Nfr2, and Il-10 and higher levels of NF-kB, TNF-alpha, and IL6 compared to the control rats. Co-treatment with LYC attenuated the reduction in PPAR-gamma, HO-1, Nfr2, and IL-10 levels and moderated the elevated levels of NF-kB, TNF-alpha, and IL-6. The kidneys from rats co-treated with lycopene (10 mg) + 5-FU did not show the degenerative changes in the glomerular tufts and tubules observed for the rats treated with 5-FU alone. In conclusion, LYC is a promising therapeutic strategy for attenuating 5-FU-induced nephrotoxicity through the restoration of antioxidant activities and inhibition of inflammatory responses by modulating PPAR-γ, Nrf2/HO-1, and NF-κB/TNF-α/IL-6, signals.

Novel diacylglycerol oil-based nanostructured lipid carriers improves the stability and digestibility of lycopene

Diacylglycerol (DAG) has garnered attention for its safe and nutritious qualities, and its utilization in emulsion systems to encapsulate hydrophobic bioactives is anticipated to enhance their bioaccessibility. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of DAG oil as a carrier on the stability and digestive characteristics of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing lycopene (LYC). The results indicated that DAG oil demonstrated superior storage and heating stability in comparison to triacylglycerol (TAG) oil. Furthermore, NLCs formulated with DAG oil exhibited a faster rate of lipolysis (>76.3%) and higher loading capacity (1.48%), resulting in an approximate 11% enhancement in the bioaccessibility of LYC (reaching up to 31.4%). DAG oils show considerable potential for enhancing and prolonging the properties and bioactivity of NLC carriers, thereby boosting bioaccessibility. The incorporation of DAG oil in food systems holds promise for enriching their functionality over traditional TAG oil.

High-throughput sequencing reveals twelve cell death pattern prognostic target genes as potential drug-response-associated genes in the treatment of colorectal cancer cells with palmatine hydrochloride

Objectives

Palmatine Hydrochloride (PaH), an isoquinoline alkaloid from Phellodendron amurense and Coptis chinensis, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study aimed to assess PaH’s effectiveness against SW480 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and explore its molecular mechanisms.

Methods

PaH’s effects on SW480 CRC cells were evaluated using MTT assays for proliferation, scratch assays for migration, and flow cytometry for apoptosis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through high-throughput sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses assessed DEG roles. Prognostic significance related to programmed cell death (PCD) was analyzed using R-Package with TCGA data. RT-qPCR validated key genes identified.

Results

PaH significantly inhibited SW480 cell growth, invasion, and apoptosis. The MTT assay showed inhibition rates increased from 5.49 % at 25 μg/mL to 52.48 % at 400 μg/mL. Scratch assays indicated reduced cell invasion over 24, 48, and 72 h. Apoptosis rose from 12.36 % in controls to 45.54 % at 400 μg/mL. Sequencing identified 3,385 significant DEGs, primarily in cancer pathways (p=0.004). Among 35 PCD-related DEGs, Lasso Cox regression highlighted 12 key genes, including TERT, TGFBR1, WNT4, and TP53. RT-qPCR confirmed TERT and TGFBR1 downregulation (0.614-fold, p=0.008; 0.41-fold, p<0.001) and TP53 and WNT4 upregulation (5.634-fold, p<0.001; 5.124-fold, p=0.002).

Conclusions

PaH inhibits CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by modulating key PCD genes, suggesting its potential as a CRC therapeutic agent.

Lycopene supplementation promoted increased survival and decreased parasitemia in mice with severe malaria: comparison with N-acetylcysteine

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of malaria, causing anemia, respiratory complications, and cerebral malaria. To mitigate oxidative stress, we investigated the effect of nutritional supplementation whit lycopene (LYC) on the evolution of parasitemia and survival rate in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (Pb), comparing to the effects promoted by N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Therefore, 175 mice were randomly distributed into 4 groups; Sham: untreated and uninfected animals; Pb: animals infected with Pb; LYC+Pb: animals treated with LYC and infected with Pb; NAC+Pb: animals treated with NAC and infected with Pb. The animals were followed for 12 days after infection, and survival and parasitemia rates were evaluated. There was a 40.1% increase in parasitemia in the animals of the Pb group on the 12th day, and a survival rate of 45%. LYC supplementation slowed the development of parasitemia to 19% and promoted a significative increase in the survival rate of 80% on the 12th day after infection, compared to the Pb group, effects superior to those promoted by NAC, providing strong evidence of the beneficial effect of LYC on in vivo malaria and stressing the importance of antioxidant supplementation in the treatment of this disease.

Comparative Studies of Essential Oil Composition and Biological Activities of Callistemon citrinus from Western Himalaya

This work described a comprehensive study to estimate chemical constituents of essential oils (EOs) extracted from different parts of the Callistemon citrinus viz: fruits, leaves and aerial part. The EOs were characterized using physicochemical parameters, and GC-FID/MS. It was observed that among different parts, aerial part has the highest oil yield (0.90 %) followed by leaves and fruits. Further, seventeen compounds were characterized, and represented total amount (97.2-99.5 %) with domination of monoterpenes (12.5-34.6 %) and oxygenated monoterpenes hydrocarbon (61.8-86.8 %). α-pinene (11.8-24.7 %), α-phellandrene (1.2-3.0 %), p-cymene (3.3-3.9 %) and 1,8-cineole (58.3-85.1 %) were found as major compounds in C. citrinus samples. These major compounds are the quality chemical markers of C. citrinus oil. The findings revealed significant quantitative variations in EO composition of samples and were also clearly supported by multivariate statistical analysis. Moreover, EOs were evaluated for glucosidase and colon cancer cell lines inhibitory activities, which were found promising.

Apoptotic effect of 5-fluorouracil-doxorubicin combination on colorectal cancer cell monolayers and spheroids

BACKGROUND

Drug combination studies help to improve new treatment approaches for colon cancer. Tumor spheroids (3D) are better models than traditional 2-dimensional cultures (2D) to evaluate cellular responses to chemotherapy drugs. The cultivation of cancer cells in 2D and 3D cultures affects the apoptotic process, which is a major factor influencing the response of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, the antiproliferative effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and doxorubicin (DOX) were investigated separately and in combination using 2D and 3D cell culture models on two different colon cancer cell lines, HT-29 (apoptosis-resistant cells) and Caco-2 2 (apoptosis-susceptible cells).

METHODS

The effect of the drugs on the proliferation of both colon cancer cells was determined by performing an MTT assay in 2D culture. The apoptotic effect of 5-FU and DOX, both as single agents and in combination, was assessed in 2D and 3D cultures through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The expression of apoptotic genes, such as caspases, p53, Bax, and Bcl-2, was quantified.

RESULTS

It was found that the mRNA expression of proapoptotic genes was significantly upregulated, whereas the mRNA expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 gene was significantly downregulated in both colon cancer models treated with 5-FU, DOX, and 5-FU + DOX.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the 5-FU + DOX combination therapy induces apoptosis and renders 5-FU and DOX more effective at lower concentrations compared to their alone use. This study reveals promising results in reducing the potential side effects of treatment by enabling the use of lower drug doses.

Role of Nutraceuticals in Counteracting Inflammation in In Vitro Macrophages Obtained from Childhood Cancer Survivors

The advancement of anti-cancer therapies has markedly improved the survival rate of children with cancer, making them long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Nevertheless, these treatments cause a low-grade inflammatory state, determining inflamm-aging and, thus, favoring the early onset of chronic diseases normally associated with old age. Identification of novel and safer therapeutic strategies is needed to counteract and prevent inflamm-aging. Macrophages are cells involved in immune and inflammatory responses, with a pivotal role in iron metabolism, which is related to inflammation. We obtained macrophages from CCS patients and evaluated their phenotype markers, inflammatory states, and iron metabolism by Western blotting, ELISA, and iron assays. We observed a strong increase in classically activated phenotype markers (M1) and iron metabolism alteration in CCS, with an increase in intracellular iron concentration and inflammatory markers. These results suggest that the prevalence of M1 macrophages and alteration of iron metabolism could be involved in the worsening of inflammation in CCS. Therefore, we propose macrophages and iron metabolism as novel therapeutic targets to counteract inflamm-aging. To avoid toxic regimens, we tested some nutraceuticals (resveratrol, curcumin, and oil-enriched lycopene), which are already known to exert anti-inflammatory properties. After their administration, we observed a macrophage switch towards the anti-inflammatory phenotype M2, as well as reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines and the intracellular iron concentration. Therefore, we suggest-for the first time-that nutraceuticals reduce inflammation in CCS macrophages through a novel anti-inflammatory mechanism of action, modulating iron metabolism.

Lycopene Maintains Mitochondrial Homeostasis to Counteract the Enterotoxicity of Deoxynivalenol

The intestinal tract is a target organ for Deoxynivalenol (DON) absorption and toxicity. Mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance is the gut toxicity mechanism of DON. Lycopene (LYC) has intestinal protective effects and can maintain mitochondrial homeostasis in response to various danger signals. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of LYC on DON-induced IPEC-J2 cells damage. These results showed that DON exposure induced an increase in the levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in IPEC-J2 cells. DON impaired IPEC-J2 cell barrier function and caused mitochondrial dysfunction by inducing mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) reducing, destroying mitochondrial fission factors, mitochondrial fusion factors, and mitophagy factors expression. However, adding LYC can reduce the toxic effects of DON-induced IPEC-J2 cells and decrease cellular oxidative stress, functional damage, mitochondrial dynamics imbalance, and mitophagy processes. In conclusion, LYC maintains mitochondrial homeostasis to counteract the IPEC-J2 cells' toxicity of DON.

Bioactive Compounds of Dietary Origin and Their Influence on Colorectal Cancer as Chemoprevention

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of death and the third most diagnosed cancer worldwide. The tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells participate in colorectal tumor progression and can dictate malignancy. Nutrition status affects treatment response and the progression or recurrence of the tumor. This review summarizes the main bioactive compounds against the molecular pathways related to colorectal carcinogenesis. Moreover, we focus on the compounds with chemopreventive properties, mainly polyphenols and carotenoids, which are highly studied dietary bioactive compounds present in major types of food, like vegetables, fruits, and seeds. Their proprieties are antioxidant and gut microbiota modulation, important in the intestine because they decrease reactive oxygen species and inflammation, both principal causes of cancer. These compounds can promote apoptosis and inhibit cell growth, proliferation, and migration. Combined with oncologic treatment, a sensitization to first-line colorectal chemotherapy schemes, such as FOLFOX and FOLFIRI, is observed, making them an attractive and natural support in the oncologic treatment of CRC.

Evaluation of physicochemical, antioxidant, antibacterial activity, and sensory properties of watermelon rind candy

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is consumed all over the world that contains a large number of seeds and rind, which is discarded. These by-products contain phytochemical compounds with great nutritional potential. This study aims to evaluate physicochemical properties and sensory values of watermelon rind candy. In this study in order to make the waste of watermelon a more sustainable and value-added food product, the watermelon rind was dried using an osmotic dehydration technique which comprises gradual impregnation of syrup (50 and 70% w/w - 1 to 5 h) before drying at 40 and 60 °C in 8 and 10 h. Various variables such as moisture content, chemical composition, water loss, solid gain, rehydration water, acidity, pH, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, residual toxins, phenolic and flavonoid contents during osmotic dehydration of watermelon were investigated. Results showed by rising temperatures, dehydration becomes more severe. Increasing the temperature in both osmotic samples in a concentrated solution (70%) and in osmotic samples with a dilute solution (50%) can enhance the mass transfer, water loss, solid absorption, as well as dehydration intensity. However, antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid content significantly decreased after osmotic dehydration. TPC decreased from 35.83 mg/100 g to 27.45 mg/100 g and TFC of the watermelon rind (8.71 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) decreased to 2.63 ± 0.02 mg/100 g and also antioxidant activity after the osmotic process decreased from 61% to 40%. Also, osmotic dehydration had no significant impact on acidity and pH. The watermelon rind dehydrated sample (osmosis temperature: 40 °C, osmotic solution concentration: 70%, immersion duration: 5 h) was the best choice of panelists due to the highest score in the sensory evaluation including taste, texture, and overall acceptability. By determining the hardness of the watermelon rind candy and comparing it with the results of texture analysis of other dried products, it can be concluded that this product can be used as a healthy snack with longer shelf life properties.

Anticancer activity of lycopene in HT-29 colon cancer cell line

An inverse association between serum lycopene levels and the risk of cancers has been pointed out by many prospective and retrospective epidemiological studies which prompted more studies to be performed on animal models and cell cultures in order to test this hypothesis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effect of lycopene on colon cancer HT-29 cell line. The effect of lycopene on the viability of HT-29 cell line was investigated using XTT assay. The levels of Bcl-2, cleaved caspase 3, BAX, cleaved PARP, and 8-oxo-dG in lycopene-treated HT-29 cells were measured using ELISA. Gamma-H2AX and cytochrome c expression was assessed semi-quantitatively using immunofluorescence staining. Lycopene at doses of 10 and 20 μM produced a significant antiproliferative effect on HT-29 cells compared to the control (p < 0.05). The IC₅₀ value of lycopene in HT-29 cells was found to be 7.89 μM for 24 h. Lycopene (7.89 μM) significantly elevated cleaved caspase 3 (p < 0.01), BAX, and cleaved PARP, 8-oxo-dG levels (p < 0.05). The levels of γ-H2AX foci are significantly higher while the levels of cytochrome-c are lower (p < 0.05) in lycopene-treated HT-29 cells. These results indicate that lycopene has an antiproliferative apoptotic and genotoxic effect on HT-29 colon cancer cell line.