Grape seed extract triggers apoptosis in Caco-2 human colon cancer cells through reactive oxygen species and calcium increase: extracellular signal-regulated kinase involvement

Protective Effect of Arzanol against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress Damage in Differentiated and Undifferentiated SH-SY5Y Cells

Oxidative stress can damage neuronal cells, greatly contributing to neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). In this study, the protective activity of arzanol, a natural prenylated α-pyrone-phloroglucinol heterodimer, was evaluated against the H2O2-induced oxidative damage in trans-retinoic acid-differentiated (neuron-like) human SH-SY5Y cells, widely used as a neuronal cell model of neurological disorders. The pre-incubation (for 2 and 24 h) with arzanol (5, 10, and 25 μM) significantly preserved differentiated SH-SY5Y cells from cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and morphological changes induced by 0.25 and 0.5 mM H2O2. Arzanol reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by 2 h oxidation with H2O2 0.5 mM, established by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay. The 2 h incubation of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells with H2O2 determined a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells versus control cells, evaluated by propidium iodide fluorescence assay (red fluorescence) and NucView® 488 assay (green fluorescence). Arzanol pre-treatment (2 h) exerted a noteworthy significant protective effect against apoptosis. In addition, arzanol was tested, for comparison, in undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells for cytotoxicity and its ability to protect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, the PubChem database and freely accessible web tools SwissADME and pkCSM-pharmacokinetics were used to assess the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of arzanol. Our results qualify arzanol as an antioxidant agent with potential neuroprotective effects against neuronal oxidative stress implicated in NDs.

Grape seed extract prevents oestrogen deficiency-induced bone loss by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites

Proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract (GSE) has been shown to have the potential to protect bones, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The current study aims to explore GSE's preventive and therapeutic impact on bone loss induced by oestrogen deficiency and the underlying mechanism through the gut microbiota (GM) and metabolomic responses. In oestrogen-deficient ovariectomized (OVX) mice, GSE ameliorated bone loss by inhibiting the expansion of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT), restoring BMAT lipolysis and promoting bone formation. GSE regulated OVX-induced GM dysbiosis by reducing the abundance of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, such as Alistipes, Turicibacter and Romboutsia, while elevating the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium. The modified GM primarily impacted lipid and amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, the serum metabolites of GSE exhibited a significant enrichment in lipid metabolism. In summary, GSE shows potential as a functional food for preventing oestrogen deficiency-induced bone loss by modulating GM and metabolite-mediated lipid metabolism.

Evaluation of the Effect of Grape Seed Extract (GSE) on Oral Mucositis in Patients with Head and Neck Radiotherapy History- A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Mucositis is one of the most important complications of radiotherapy. Some factors such as type of treatment and degree of patient sensitivity affect mucositis occurrence. Objective: This research was implemented to evaluate the effect of grape seed extract on radiation-induced mucositis. Methods: This research is a double-blinded randomized clinical trial implemented on 78 patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy in the oncology ward of Imam Reza Hospital of Tabriz. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups, the intervention, and the control group. Each group included 39 patients. The intervention group used 2% grape seed extract mouthwashes and the control group used placebo mouthwashes. The mouthwashes were used 3 times a day for 2 weeks. For statistical analysis of collected data, SPSS 20 software was applied. Results: The results showed that according to the Friedman test, on the 10th and 14th days, mucositis grade and incidence had a significant difference between the intervention and control groups. Conclusions: The findings indicated that grape seed extract mouthwash in preventing radiation-induced mucositis was more effective than a placebo. Thus, this agent can be recommended as an appropriate medication to eliminate oral mucositis symptoms.

Vitamin C Cytotoxicity and Its Effects in Redox Homeostasis and Energetic Metabolism in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Cell Lines

High-dose of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, ascorbate) exhibits anti-tumoral effects, primarily mediated by pro-oxidant mechanisms. This cytotoxic effect is thought to affect the reciprocal crosstalk between redox balance and cell metabolism in different cancer types. Vitamin C also inhibits the growth of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cells, although the metabolic and redox effects remain to be fully understood. To shed light on these aspects, PTC-derived cell lines harboring the most common genetic alterations characterizing this tumor were used. Cell viability, apoptosis, and the metabolome were explored by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test (MTT), flow cytometry, and UHPLC/MS. Changes were observed in redox homeostasis, with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and perturbation in antioxidants and electron carriers, leading to cell death by both apoptosis and necrosis. The oxidative stress contributed to the metabolic alterations in both glycolysis and TCA cycle. Our results confirm the pro-oxidant effect of vitamin C as relevant in triggering the cytotoxicity in PTC cells and suggest that inhibition of glycolysis and alteration of TCA cycle via NAD⁺ depletion can play an important role in this mechanism of PTC cancer cell death.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins Induce Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest of HepG2 Cells Accompanied by Induction of the MAPK Pathway and NAG-1

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common malignancies leading to death. Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy have certain effects, their side effects limit their therapeutic effect. Phytochemicals have recently been given more attention as promising resources for cancer chemoprevention or chemotherapy due to their safety. In this study, the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) on the apoptosis, cell cycle, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway-related proteins and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1) expression of HepG2 cells were investigated. The results showed that GSPs inhibited the viability of HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, induced apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, and regulated cell cycle-related proteins, cyclin B1, cyclin-dependent kinase 1, and p21. GSPs also increased reactive oxygen species production and caspase-3 activity. In addition, GSPs also increased the expression of p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38 MAPK and NAG-1, and GSPs-induced NAG-1 expression was related to the MAPK pathway-related proteins. These data suggest that GSPs may be promising phytochemicals for HCC chemoprevention or chemotherapy.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins Induce Autophagy and Modulate Survivin in HepG2 Cells and Inhibit Xenograft Tumor Growth in Vivo

Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy are effective in general, they present various side effects, significantly limiting the curative effect. Increasing evidence has shown that the dietary intake of phytochemicals plays an essential role in the chemoprevention or chemotherapy of tumors. In this work, HepG2 cells and nude mice with HepG2-derived xenografts were treated with grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs). The results showed that GSPs induced autophagy, and inhibition of autophagy increased apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In addition, GSPs also reduced the expression of survivin. Moreover, survivin was involved in GSPs-induced apoptosis. GSPs at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg significantly inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in nude mice without causing observable toxicity and autophagy, while inducing the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway-associated proteins, p-JNK, p-ERK and p-p38 MAPK and reducing the expression of survivin. These results suggested that GSPs might be promising phytochemicals against liver cancer.

Crosstalk between Metabolic Alterations and Altered Redox Balance in PTC-Derived Cell Lines

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) being the most common (85⁻90%) among all the different types of thyroid carcinomas. Cancer cells show metabolic alterations and, due to their rapid proliferation, an accumulation of reactive oxygen species, playing a fundamental role in cancer development and progression. Currently, the crosstalk among thyrocytes metabolism, redox balance and oncogenic mutations remain poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay among metabolic alterations, redox homeostasis and oncogenic mutations in PTC-derived cells. Methods: Metabolic and redox profile, glutamate-cysteine ligase, glutaminase-1 and metabolic transporters were evaluated in PTC-derived cell lines with distinguished genetic background (TPC-1, K1 and B-CPAP), as well as in an immortalized thyroid cell line (Nthy-ori3-1) selected as control. Results: PTC-derived cells, particularly B-CPAP cells, harboring BRAF, TP53 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mutation, displayed an increase of metabolites and transporters involved in energetic pathways. Furthermore, all PTC-derived cells showed altered redox homeostasis, as reported by the decreased antioxidant ratios, as well as the increased levels of intracellular oxidant species. Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the pivotal role of the metabolism and redox state regulation in the PTC biology. Particularly, the most perturbed metabolic phenotypes were found in B-CPAP cells, which are characterized by the most aggressive genetic background.

Catalpol Inhibits Ischemia-Induced Premyelinating Oligodendrocyte Damage through Regulation of Intercellular Calcium Homeostasis via Na⁺/Ca2+ Exchanger 3

The heightened vulnerability of premyelinating oligodendrocytes (PreOLs) in response to hypoxia⁻ischemia may contribute to perinatal white matter injury and subsequent neurobehavioral dysfunction. Intracellular Ca²⁺ overload is considered a crucial mechanism predisposing PreOLs to ischemic injury. We previously reported that catalpol, an iridoid glycoside extracted from Rehmannia root, inhibits intracellular Ca²⁺ overload of PreOLs in an in vitro ischemia model. However, the exact underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of catalpol on PreOLs and to explore the underlying mechanisms involved in the modulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis. Postnatal day 2 (P2) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats subjected to bilateral common carotid artery ligation followed by exposure to 8% oxygen for 10 min were used as a rat model of neonatal hypoxia⁻ischemia. We found that catalpol significantly improved behavioral functions and prevented PreOL loss and myelination deficit after hypoxia⁻ischemia. Our in vitro studies also confirmed the direct effects of catalpol on oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cell death and arrested maturation of PreOLs. Moreover, we demonstrated that catalpol significantly inhibited intracellular Ca²⁺ overload and promoted the expression of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger 3 (NCX3). Finally, we found that catalpol significantly reduced mitochondrial damage and subsequent extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) activation. Treatment with NCX3-preferring inhibitor 2-[2-[4-(4-nitrobenzyloxy)phenyl]ethyl]isothiourea (KB-R7943) significantly reversed the protective effects of catalpol on PreOLs under OGD. Overall, our data suggest that catalpol protects PreOLs from ischemic injury through regulation of intercellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis via upregulation of NCX3 activity.

Potential Benefits of Edible Berries in the Management of Aerodigestive and Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

Epidemiological reports as well as experimental studies have demonstrated the significant health benefits provided by regular berry consumption. Berries possess both prophylactic and therapeutic potential against several chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and neoplastic diseases. Berries owe their health benefits to phytoconstituents, such as polyphenolic anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and a diverse array of phytochemicals bestowed with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as the ability to engage a multitude of signaling pathways. This review highlights the principal chemical constituents present in berries and their primary molecular targets. The article presents and critically analyzes the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of berry extracts, fractions, and bioactive components on various cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including esophageal, stomach, intestinal, and colorectal cancers as well as cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, such as oral cancer. The current status of clinical studies evaluating berry products in several aforementioned cancers is presented. Various emerging issues including dose-ranging and dosage forms, the role of synergy and the usage of combination therapy as well as other relevant areas essential for the development of berry phytoconstituents as mainstream chemopreventive and therapeutic agents against aerodigestive and GIT cancers are critically discussed.

The Hydroalcoholic Extract of Matricaria chamomilla Suppresses Migration and Invasion of Human Breast Cancer MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 Cell Lines

Background:

Matricaria chamomilla is an aromatic plant with antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the inhibitory role of M. chamomilla on migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells remains unclear.

Objective:

This study investigated the methods to evaluate these anticancer mechanisms of M. chamomilla on human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines.

Materials and Methods:

The cells were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of M. chamomilla at different concentrations (50–1300 μg/mL) for 24, 48, and 72 h in a culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. This study quantified the 50% growth inhibition concentrations (IC₅₀) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay; apoptosis and necrosis through Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide staining; cell proliferation and clone formation by clonogenic assay as well as cellular migration, invasion, and attachment. After 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment, the IC₅₀levels were 992 ± 2.3 μg/mL, 893 ± 5.4 μg/mL, and 785 ± 4.8 μg/mL against MDA-MB-468, respectively, and 1288 ± 5.6 μg/mL, 926 ± 2.5 μg/mL, and 921 ± 3.5 μg/mL, against MCF-7, respectively. Furthermore, increasing the extract concentrations induced cellular apoptosis and necrosis and decreased cellular invasion or migration through 8 μm pores, colonization and attachment in a dose-dependent manner.

Results:

It indicated time- and dose-dependent anti-invasive and antimigrative or proliferative and antitoxic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of chamomile on breast cancer cells.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated an effective plant in preventing or treating breast cancer.

SUMMARY

Antioxidant compounds in Matricaria chamomilla have anticancer effects.

Hydroalcoholic extract of M. chamomilla controls cellular proliferation and apoptosis induction.

Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide staining suggested that the extract induces apoptosis more than necrosis.

Hydroalcoholic extract of M. chamomilla prevents colonization and cellular migration of human breast cancer MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent manner.

M. chamomilla has low cytotoxic effects on natural cells.

Abbreviations Used: IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer; WHO: World Health Organization; FBS: Fetal bovine serum; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; PI: Propidium iodide; LN: Live cells with normal nucleus; LA: Live cells with apoptized nucleus; DN: Dead cells with normal nucleus; DA: Dead cells with apoptized nucleus; BSA: Bovine serum albumin; ANOVA: Analysis of variance; IC₅₀: 50% growth inhibition concentration; GSE: Grape seed extract

Catalpol Protects Pre-Myelinating Oligodendrocytes against Ischemia-induced Oxidative Injury through ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway

The vulnerability of pre-myelinating oligodendrocytes (PreOLs) to ischemic injury plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of perinatal white matter injury. Although oxidative stress is thought to be a major pathogenic mechanism predisposing the PreOLs to injury, no effective therapies have been identified to date. The present study aimed to investigate the direct protective effects of catalpol, a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, on ischemia-induced oxidative damage in PreOLs and to explore whether the ERK1/2 signaling pathway contributed to the protection provided by catalpol. Primary cultures of PreOLs exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by reperfusion were used as an in vitro model of ischemia. Pretreatment with 0.5 mM catalpol for 1 h prior to OGD treatment significantly reversed ischemia-induced apoptosis in PreOLs and myelination deficits by inhibiting intracellular Ca²⁺ increase, reducing mitochondrial damage, and ameliorating overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and activated poly-ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) were also markedly decreased by catalpol treatment. Blocking the ERK1/2 signaling pathway with the MEK inhibitor U0126 and catalpol significantly protected PreOLs from ROS-mediated apoptosis under OGD. Taken together, these results suggest that catalpol protects PreOLs against ischemia-induced oxidative injury through ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Catalpol may be a candidate for treating ischemic white matter damage.

Hydrogen peroxide derived from marine peroxy sesquiterpenoids induces apoptosis in HCT116 human colon cancer cells

In this study, the isolates of the peroxy sesquiterpenoids (1-3) from the Okinawan soft coral, Sinularia sp., indicated cytotoxicity in HCT116 colon cancer cells. The apoptotic cells with a nuclear condensation were detected in the presence of these compounds, then the caspase 3/7 activity was induced, indicating that the compounds have a potential antitumor activity by apoptosis-induction. The cells treated with these compounds were generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), indicating that the ROS is related to the induction of apoptosis. The ROS production reduced in the presence of catalase or trolox, indicating that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is generated through a certain free radical reaction derived from the compound. In fact, the accumulation of intracellular H2O2 was also confirmed in the presence of these compounds. Based on all the results, this study proposed the apoptosis-inducing mechanism due to the compounds that the H2O2 produced involving free radical reactions derived from cleavage of the end or hydro-peroxide in the molecule induced cell death.

Hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol sulfate metabolites protect against the oxidized cholesterol pro-oxidant effect in Caco-2 human enterocyte-like cells

Hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol sulfate metabolites counteract the oxidizing action of oxidized cholesterol in Caco-2 cells with an efficiency comparable to that of the parent compounds.

Anticancer properties of extracts from Opuntia humifusa against human cervical carcinoma cells

In this study, we found that the total polyphenol and ascorbic acid levels in the fruit of Opuntia humifusa are higher than those in other parts of the plant. We further hypothesized that antioxidants in O. humifusa might affect the growth or survival of cancer cells. Hexane extracts of seeds and ethyl acetate extracts of fruits and stems significantly suppressed the proliferation of HeLa cervical carcinoma cells, but did not affect the proliferation of normal human BJ fibroblasts. Additionally, the extracts of O. humifusa induced G1 phase arrest in HeLa cells. The O. humifusa extracts reduced the levels of G1 phase-associated cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4), and phosphorylated retinoblastoma proteins. Moreover, p21(WAF1/Cip1) and p53 expression significantly increased after treatment. We examined the effects of ethyl acetate extracts of O. humifusa fruit (OHF) on HeLa cells xenograft tumor growth. OHF treatment significantly reduced tumor volume and this decrease was correlated with decreased Cdk4 and cyclin D1 expression. Furthermore, flavonoids, trans Taxifolin, and dihydrokaempferol, were isolated from OHF. Thus, this extract may be a promising candidate for treating human cervical carcinoma.

REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES AND COLORECTAL CANCER

Several agents used for treatment of colon and other cancers induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and this plays an important role in their anticancer activities. In addition to the well-known proapoptotic effects of ROS inducers, these compounds also decrease expression of specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 and several pro-oncogenic Spregulated genes important for cancer cell proliferation, survival and metastasis. The mechanism of these responses involve ROS-dependent downregulation of microRNA-27a (miR-27a) or miR-20a (and paralogs) and induction of two Sp-repressors, ZBTB10 and ZBTB4 respectively. This pathway significantly contributes to the anticancer activity of ROS inducers and should be considered in development of drug combinations for cancer chemotherapy.