Coffee decoction enhances tamoxifen proapoptotic activity on MCF-7 cells

Estrogenic actions of alkaloids: Structural characteristics and molecular mechanisms

This comprehensive review of estrogenic alkaloids reveals that although the number is small, they exhibit a wide range of structures, biosynthesis pathways, mechanisms of action, and applications. Estrogenic alkaloids belong to different classes, different biosynthetic pathways, different estrogenic actions (estrogenic/synergistic, anti-estrogenic/antagonistic, biphasic, and acting as a selective estrogen receptor modulator or SERM), different receptor-initiated signaling pathways, different ways of modulations of estrogen action, and different applications. The future applications of estrogenic alkaloids, such as those for diagnostics, drug development, and therapeutics, are considered with the help of new databases containing comprehensive descriptions of their relationships and more elaborate artificial intelligence-based prediction technologies. Structure-activity studies reveal the significance of the nitrogen atom for their structural and functional diversity, which may help support their broader applications. Based on the summary of previous reports, estrogenic alkaloids have significant potential for future applications.

Suppression of Neuroinflammation by Coffee Component Pyrocatechol via Inhibition of NF-κB in Microglia

According to numerous studies, it has been epidemiologically suggested that habitual coffee intake seems to prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we hypothesized that coffee consumption suppresses neuroinflammation, which is closely related to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Using microglial BV-2 cells, we first found that the inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation was diminished by both coffee and decaffeinated coffee through the inhibition of an inflammation-related transcription factor, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Pyrocatechol, a component of roasted coffee produced by the thermal decomposition of chlorogenic acid, also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the LPS-induced activation of NF-κB. Finally, in an inflammation model using mice injected with LPS into the cerebrum, we observed that intake of pyrocatechol as well as coffee decoctions drastically suppressed the accumulation of microglia and the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), CCL2, and CXCL1 in the inflammatory brain. These observations strongly encourage us to hypothesize that the anti-inflammatory activity of pyrocatechol as well as coffee decoction would be useful for the suppression of neurodegeneration and the prevention of the onsets of Alzheimer's (AD) and Perkinson's diseases (PD).

Adverse effect of Tamarindus indica and tamoxifen combination on redox balance and genotoxicity of breast cancer cell

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most significant threat to women worldwide. Most chemotherapeutic drugs cause cancer cell death and apoptosis by inducing oxidative stress and producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cancer cells have a higher rate of metabolic activity than normal cells and thus produce more ROS. Glutathione and its related enzymes are the most significant antioxidant defense mechanisms that protect cells from oxidative and chemotherapeutic impacts. The anticancer actions of phenolic compounds were greatly confirmed. Using phenolic compounds as drugs in combination with chemotherapy may improve health, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce dose and damage. The goal of the study was to treat breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) with Tamarindus indica extract individually and in combination with the anticancer drug tamoxifen (TAM) to improve therapeutic efficacy.

RESULTS

After 48 h of incubation at IC25 concentrations of T. indica extract (47.3 g/mL), tamoxifen (0.8 g/mL), and their co-treatments, the biochemical and genotoxic effects on MCF-7 cell lines were investigated. In MCF7 cell lines, T. indica extract increased reduced glutathione levels as well as glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities. The same was true for oxidative state indicators, where higher levels of catalase and lactate dehydrogenase activity were associated with higher levels of malondialdehyde. T. indica has almost no effect on the DNA damage parameters. All of these variations can produce alterations in cancer cell genotoxicity and apoptotic pathways, explaining the restoration of DNA moment to normal levels and enhanced survival.

CONCLUSION

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of treatment with T. indica extract could be attributed to the dynamic interaction of glutathione cycle and antioxidant enzymes to combat oxidative stress, which can be considered as a positive therapeutic effect. On the other hand, the negative response of tamoxifen efficacy when co-treated with T. indica reversed tamoxifen's genotoxicity and enhanced survival.

Downregulation of EphA2 stability by RNF5 limits its tumor-suppressive function in HER2-negative breast cancers

Ephrin receptor A2 (EphA2) plays dual functions in tumorigenesis through ligand-independent tumor promotion or ligand-dependent tumor suppression. However, the regulation of EphA2 tumor-suppressive function remains unclear. Here, we showed that RNF5 interacts with EphA2 and induces its ubiquitination and degradation, decreases the stability and cell surface distribution of EphA2 and alters the balance of its phosphorylation at S897 and Y772. In turn, RNF5 inhibition decreases ERK phosphorylation and increases p53 expression through an increase in the EphA2 level in HER2-negative breast cancer cells. Consequently, RNF5 inhibition increases the adhesion and decreases the migration of HER2-negative breast cancer cells, and RNF5 silencing suppresses the growth of xenograft tumors derived from ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer cells with increased EphA2 expression and altered phosphorylation. RNF5 expression is inversely correlated with EphA2 expression in breast cancers, and a high EphA2 level accompanied by a low RNF5 level is related to better survival in patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers. These studies revealed that RNF5 negatively regulates EphA2 properties and suppresses its tumor-suppressive function in HER2-negative breast cancers.

Hsa-miR-221-3p promotes proliferation and migration in HER2-positive breast cancer cells by targeting LASS2 and MBD2

BACKGROUND

Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2)-positive breast cancers account for nearly 20% of all breast cancer cases and microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in disease progression. The study was aimed to explore the role of miR-221-3p in HER2-positive breast cancer.

METHODS

Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by high-throughput sequencing. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to evaluate mRNA levels of corresponding genes. CKK8 and transwell assays were performed to evaluate cell viability and migration. The translation binding was assessed by luciferase assay.

RESULTS

Hsa-miR-221-3p was highly upregulated in HER2-positive breast cancer samples, particularly in patients with advanced or metastatic disease, as compared to healthy controls. miR-221-3p upregulation using mimics promoted cell proliferation and migration in HER2-positive cell lines, whereas miR-221-3p suppression had the opposite effect. Additionally, miR-221-3p mimics reduced the expression levels of LASS2 and MBD2 in HER2-positive breast cancer cells; conversely, miR-221-3p inhibition upregulated LASS2 and MBD2. miR-221-3p inhibited the translation of LASS2 and MBD2 by directly binding to their 3'-untranslated regions. Forced expression of LASS2 and MBD2 significantly attenuated the ability of miR-221-3p mimics to enhance cell growth and migration in HER2-positive but not in HER2-negative breast cancer cells. In HER-2-positive breast cancer patients, the levels of miR-221-3p were negatively correlated with the mRNA levels of LASS2 and MBD2.

CONCLUSIONS

Upregulation of hsa-miR-221-3 in HER2-positive breast cancer contributes to cancer cell proliferation and migration by directly targeting the tumor suppressors LASS2 and MBD2. Therefore, the hsa-miR-221-3 may serve as a promising and actionable therapeutic target in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Novel Mechanism by a Bis-Pyridinium Fullerene Derivative to Induce Apoptosis by Enhancing the MEK-ERK Pathway in a Reactive Oxygen Species-Independent Manner in BCR-ABL-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia-Derived K562 Cells

In the treatment of breakpoint cluster region-Abelson (BCR-ABL)-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) using BCR-ABL inhibitors, the appearance of a gatekeeper mutation (T315I) in BCR-ABL is a serious issue. Therefore, the development of novel drugs that overcome acquired resistance to BCR-ABL inhibitors by CML cells is required. We previously demonstrated that a bis-pyridinium fullerene derivative (BPF) induced apoptosis in human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)-derived K562 cells partially through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We herein show that BPF enhanced the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK-ERK) pathway in a ROS-independent manner. BPF-induced apoptosis was attenuated by trametinib, suggesting the functional involvement of the MEK-ERK pathway in apoptosis in K562 cells. In addition, the constitutive activation of the MEK-ERK pathway by the enforced expression of the BRAFV600E mutant significantly increased the sensitivity of K562 cells to BPF. These results confirmed for the first time that BPF induces apoptosis in K562 cells through dual pathways-ROS production and the activation of the MEK-ERK pathway. Furthermore, BPF induced cell death in transformed Ba/F3 cells expressing not only BCR-ABL but also T315I mutant through the activation of the MEK-ERK pathway. These results indicate that BPF is as an effective CML drug that overcomes resistance to BCR-ABL inhibitors.

A bis-pyridinium fullerene derivative induces apoptosis through the generation of ROS in BCR-ABL-positive leukemia cells

A fusion protein, Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson (BCR-ABL) is responsible for the development of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Inhibitors against BCR-ABL are effective for the treatment of leukemia; however, a gatekeeper mutation (T315I) in BCR-ABL results in resistance to these inhibitors, which markedly impedes their efficacy. We herein demonstrated that a bis-pyridinium fullerene derivative (BPF) significantly induced apoptosis in human CML-derived K562 cells and ALL-derived SUP-B15 cells via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). BPF reduced the expression of Bcr-Abl mRNA by inhibiting expression of c-Myc through ROS production. BPF also accelerated protein degradation of BCR-ABL through ROS production. Furthermore, BPF down-regulated the expression of not only BCR-ABL but also T315I-mutated BCR-ABL in ROS-dependent manner. As a result, BPF effectively induced apoptosis in transformed Ba/F3 cells expressing both BCR-ABL and T315I-mutated BCR-ABL. Collectively, these results indicate the potential of BPF as an effective leukemia drug that overcomes resistance to BCR-ABL inhibitors.

Polymeric Hydrogels for Controlled Release of Black Tea and Coffee Extracts for Topical Applications

Tea and coffee are popular beverages. Both are also used in topical applications, such as ultraviolet (UV) protection, anti-aging, and wound healing. However, the impact of tea and coffee extract on skin cells is minimally explored. This study investigated the direct exposure of tea and coffee extract on skin cells using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. It was found that direct exposure of tea and coffee to skin cells can be toxic at a high dose on prolonged exposure (72 h). Therefore, it was hypothesized that a formulation providing a controlled release of tea and coffee could improve their skin compatibility. Thermally cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels loaded with tea and coffee extracts (with and without milk) were formulated and optimized. The release profiles of these hydrogels were studied at varying loading efficiency. Milk addition with tea extract retarded the tea extract release from hydrogel while minimally affecting the coffee release. This effect was due to the molecular interaction of tea with milk components, showing changes in size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. The release study best fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas release model. Skin cells exposed to tea or coffee-loaded hydrogel showed normal skin cell morphology under fluorescence microscopic analysis. In conclusion, the hydrogels controlled the tea and coffee release and showed biocompatibility with skin cells. It can potentially be used for skin applications.

A Decade of Research on Coffee as an Anticarcinogenic Beverage

Coffee consumption has been investigated as a protective factor against cancer. Coffee is a complex beverage that contains more than 1000 described phytochemicals, which are responsible for its pleasant taste, aroma, and health-promoting properties. Many of these compounds have a potential therapeutic effect due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anticancer properties. The roasting process affects the phytochemical content, and undesirable compounds may be formed. In recent years, there have been contradictory publications regarding the effect of coffee drinking and cancer. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the association of coffee consumption with the development of cancer. In PubMed, until July 2021, the terms “Coffee and cancer” resulted in about 2150 publications, and almost 50% of them have been published in the last 10 years. In general, studies published in recent years have shown negative associations between coffee consumption and the risk or development of different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, oral, oral and pharyngeal, melanoma, skin and skin nonmelanoma, kidney, gastric, colorectal, endometrial, liver, leukemic and hepatocellular carcinoma, brain, and thyroid cancer, among others. In contrast, only a few publications demonstrated a double association between coffee consumption and bladder, pancreatic, and lung cancer. In this review, we summarize the in vitro and in vivo studies that accumulate epidemiological evidence showing a consistent inverse association between coffee consumption and cancer.

Caffeic acid and its derivatives as potential modulators of oncogenic molecular pathways: New hope in the fight against cancer

As a phenolic acid compound, caffeic acid (CA) can be isolated from different sources such as tea, wine and coffee. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is naturally occurring derivative of CA isolated from propolis. This medicinal plant is well-known due to its significant therapeutic impact including its effectiveness as hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anti-diabetic agent. Among them, anti-tumor activity of CA has attracted much attention, and this potential has been confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. CA can induce apoptosis in cancer cells via enhancing ROS levels and impairing mitochondrial function. Molecular pathways such as PI3K/Akt and AMPK with role in cancer progression, are affected by CA and its derivatives in cancer therapy. CA is advantageous in reducing aggressive behavior of tumors via suppressing metastasis by inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition mechanism. Noteworthy, CA and CAPE can promote response of cancer cells to chemotherapy, and sensitize them to chemotherapy-mediated cell death. In order to improve capacity of CA and CAPE in cancer suppression, it has been co-administered with other anti-tumor compounds such as gallic acid and p-coumaric acid. Due to its poor bioavailability, nanocarriers have been developed for enhancing its ability in cancer suppression. These issues have been discussed in the present review with a focus on molecular pathways to pave the way for rapid translation of CA for clinical use.