Golden berry 4β-hydroxywithanolide E prevents tumor necrosis factor α-induced procoagulant activity with enhanced cytotoxicity against human lung cancer cells

Identification of costimulatory molecule signatures for evaluating prognostic risk in non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances in treatment, prognosis remains poor, necessitating the identification of reliable prognostic biomarkers. Costimulatory molecules (CMs) have shown to enhance antitumor immune responses. We aimed to explore their prognostic signals in NSCLC.

Methods

This study is a combination of bioinformatics analysis and laboratory validation. Gene expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), GSE120622, and GSE131907 datasets were collected. NSCLC samples in TCGA were clustered based on CMs using consensus clustering. We used LASSO regression to identify CMs-related signatures and constructed nomogram and risk models. Differences in immune cells and checkpoint expressions between risk models were evaluated. Enrichment analysis was performed for differentially expressed CMs between NSCLC and controls. Key results were validated using qRT-PCR and flow cytometry.

Results

NSCLC samples in TCGA were divided into two clusters based on CMs, with cluster 1 showing poor overall survival. Ten CMs-related signatures were identified using LASSO regression. NSCLC samples in TCGA were stratified into high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score of these signatures, revealing differences in survival probability, drug sensitivity, immune cell infiltration and checkpoints expression. The area under the ROC curve values (AUC) for EDA, ICOS, PDCD1LG2, and VTCN1 exceeded 0.7 in both datasets and considered as hub genes. Expression of these hub genes was significance in GSE131907 and validated by qRT-PCR. Macrophage M1 and T cell follicular helper showed high correlation with hub genes and were lower in NSCLC than controls detected by flow cytometry.

Conclusion

The identified hub genes can serve as prognostic biomarkers for NSCLC, aiding in treatment decisions and highlighting potential targets for immunotherapy. This study provides new insights into the role of CMs in NSCLC prognosis and suggests future directions for clinical research and therapeutic strategies.

Impact of daily administration of blackberry extract on gerbil model of transient cerebral ischemia

PURPOSE

Blackberries are rich in polyphenols and are a human health food continuously consumed to improve health and reduce diseases caused by aging. Herein, we evaluated the effects of daily blackberry administration before and after transient cerebral ischemia in gerbils.

METHODS

Blackberry extract (BBE) was orally administered twice a day for two weeks to protect against ischemic events during continuous administration. On the seventh day after administration, the bilateral common carotid arteries were transiently occluded for 5 min. To verify its therapeutic effect, BBE was administered after ischemia using a similar protocol without pre-administration. In both experiments, the number of viable neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus was assessed seven days after ischemic treatment.

RESULTS

The number of neurons in the group treated with BBE before ischemia was higher than that in the group treated with distilled water (p = 0.0601), and similar to that in the control group. In the BBE administration experiments after ischemia, the number of neurons was significantly reduced compared to that in the control group (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous BBE intake is expected to prevent or ameliorate ischemic events such as transient cerebral ischemia.

Covalent binding of withanolides to cysteines of protein targets

Withanolides represent an important category of natural products with a steroidal lactone core. Many of them contain an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety with a high reactivity toward sulfhydryl groups, including protein cysteine thiols. Different withanolides endowed with marked antitumor and anti-inflammatory have been shown to form stable covalent complexes with exposed cysteines present in the active site of oncogenic kinases (BTK, IKKβ, Zap70), metabolism enzymes (Prdx-1/6, Pin1, PHGDH), transcription factors (Nrf2, NFκB, C/EBPβ) and other structural and signaling molecules (GFAP, β-tubulin, p97, Hsp90, vimentin, Mpro, IPO5, NEMO, …). The present review analyzed the covalent complexes formed through Michael addition alkylation reactions between six major withanolides (withaferin A, physalin A, withangulatin A, 4β-hydroxywithanolide E, withanone and tubocapsanolide A) and key cysteine residues of about 20 proteins and the resulting biological effects. The covalent conjugation of the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system of withanolides with reactive protein thiols can occur with a large set of soluble and membrane proteins. It points to a general mechanism, well described with the leading natural product withaferin A, but likely valid for most withanolides harboring a reactive (electrophilic) enone moiety susceptible to react covalently with cysteinyl residues of proteins. The multiplicity of reactive proteins should be taken into account when studying the mechanism of action of new withanolides. Proteomic and network analyses shall be implemented to capture and compare the cysteine covalent-binding map for the major withanolides, so as to identify the protein targets at the origin of their activity and/or unwanted effects. Screening of the cysteinome will help understanding the mechanism of action and designing cysteine-reactive electrophilic drug candidates.

Management of triple-negative breast cancer by natural compounds through different mechanistic pathways

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most severe form of breast cancer, characterized by the loss of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptors. It is caused by various genetic and epigenetic factors, resulting in poor prognosis. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, are the leading mechanisms responsible for TNBC progression and metastasis. This review comprehensively covers the various subtypes of TNBC and their epigenetic causes. In addition, the genetic association of TNBC with all significant genes and signaling pathways linked to the progression of this form of cancer has been enlisted. Furthermore, the possible uses of natural compounds through different mechanistic pathways have also been discussed in detail for the successful management of TNBC.

Withanolides: Promising candidates for cancer therapy

Natural products have played a significant role throughout history in the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases, particularly cancers. As a natural product primarily derived from various medicinal plants in the Withania genus, withanolides have been shown in several studies to exhibit potential activities in cancer treatment. Consequently, understanding the molecular mechanism of withanolides could herald the discovery of new anticancer agents. Withanolides have been studied widely, especially in the last 20 years, and attracted the attention of numerous researchers. Currently, over 1200 withanolides have been classified, with approximately a quarter of them having been reported in the literature to be able to modulate the survival and death of cancer cells through multiple avenues. To what extent, though, has the anticancer effects of these compounds been studied? How far are they from being developed into clinical drugs? What are their potential, characteristic features, and challenges? In this review, we elaborate on the current knowledge of natural compounds belonging to this class and provide an overview of their natural sources, anticancer activity, mechanism of action, molecular targets, and implications for anticancer drug research. In addition, direct targets and clinical research to guide the design and implementation of future preclinical and clinical studies to accelerate the application of withanolides have been highlighted.

Main urinary biomarkers of golden berries (Physalis peruviana) following acute and short-term nutritional intervention in healthy human volunteers

The metabolites entering the bloodstream and being excreted in urine as a result of consuming golden berries are currently unidentified. However, these metabolites potentially underlie the health benefits observed in various in vitro, animal, and human models. A nutritional intervention with 18 healthy human volunteers was performed, and urine was collected at baseline and after acute and short-term fruit consumption for 19 days. After UPLC-ESI/QToF-MS analysis, untargeted metabolomics was performed on the urine samples, and from the 50 most discriminant ions (VIP > 2) generated by a validated PLS-DA model (CV-ANOVA = 3.7e-35; R^2Y = 0.86, Q^2Y = 0.62 and no overfitting), 22 compounds were identified with relatively high confidence. The most discriminant metabolites confirmed by DHS/GC-MS2 analysis of volatiles in urine were sesquiterpenes (C15H22): 3 stereoisomers, β-vatirenene, β-vetivenene, and β-vetispirene, and 2 isomers, eremophila-1(10),8,11-triene and α-curcumene. Another major urinary biomarker was 4β-hydroxywithanolide E and its phase II derivatives, which were observed in urine for all individual up to 24 h after the fruit was consumed; thus, the bioavailability of this biomarker in humans was demonstrated for the first time. Additionally, the excretion of certain acylcarnitines and hypoxanthine in urine increased after golden berry consumption, which may be associated with a detoxifying effect and may occur because fats were utilized rather than carbohydrates to meet the body's energy needs. The main biomarkers of golden berry consumption are specific to this fruit, confirming its potential for the functional food market.

Molecular targets and mechanisms of anti-cancer effects of withanolides

Withanolides are a class of natural products with a steroidal lactone structure that exhibit a broad spectrum of anti-cancer effects. To date, several studies have shown that their possible mechanisms in cancer development and progression are associated with the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Withanolides can also attenuate inflammatory responses, as well as modulate the genomic instability and energy metabolism of cancer cells. In addition, they may improve the safety and efficacy of cancer treatments as adjuvants to traditional cancer therapeutics. Herein, we summarize the molecular targets and mechanisms of withanolides in different cancers, as well as their current clinical studies on them.

Hairy root culture: a potent method for improved secondary metabolite production of Solanaceous plants

Secondary metabolites synthesized by the Solanaceous plants are of major therapeutic and pharmaceutical importance, many of which are commonly obtained from the roots of these plants. 'Hairy roots', mirroring the same phytochemical pattern of the corresponding root of the parent plant with higher growth rate and productivity, are therefore extensively studied as an effective alternative for the in vitro production of these metabolites. Hairy roots are the transformed roots, generated from the infection site of the wounded plants with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. With their fast growth, being free from pathogen and herbicide contamination, genetic stability, and autotrophic nature for plant hormones, hairy roots are considered as useful bioproduction systems for specialized metabolites. Lately, several elicitation methods have been employed to enhance the accumulation of these compounds in the hairy root cultures for both small and large-scale production. Nevertheless, in the latter case, the cultivation of hairy roots in bioreactors should still be optimized. Hairy roots can also be utilized for metabolic engineering of the regulatory genes in the metabolic pathways leading to enhanced production of metabolites. The present study summarizes the updated and modern biotechnological aspects for enhanced production of secondary metabolites in the hairy root cultures of the plants of Solanaceae and their respective importance.

Effects of Dietary Phytochemicals on DNA Damage in Cancer Cells

With the increasing incidence of cancer worldwide, the prevention and treatment of cancer have garnered considerable scientific attention. Traditional chemotherapeutic drugs are highly toxic and associated with substantial side effects; therefore, there is an urgent need for developing new therapeutic agents. Dietary phytochemicals are important in tumor prevention and treatment because of their low toxicity and side effects at low concentrations; however, their exact mechanisms of action remain obscure. DNA damage is mainly caused by physical or chemical factors in the environment, such as ultraviolet light, alkylating agents and reactive oxygen species that cause changes in the DNA structure of cells. Several phytochemicals have been shown inhibit the occurrence and development of tumors by inducing DNA damage. This article reviews the advances in phytochemical research; particularly regarding the mechanisms related to DNA damage and provide a theoretical basis for future chemoprophylaxis research.

Production of a Yogurt Drink Enriched with Golden Berry (Physalispubescens L.) Juice and Its Therapeutic Effect on Hepatitis in Rats

Fermented dairy products have been associated with multiple health benefits. The present study aimed to produce a functional yogurt drink fortified with golden berry juice and assess its therapeutic effect on hepatitis rats. Thirty male albino rats were randomly divided into two major groups. The first group included the control (-) animals (six rats) and was fed a standard diet, whereas the second group included 24 rats that were fed a standard diet and injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 2 weeks to trigger chronic damage of the liver (hepatitis); they were then divided into four groups (six rats/group): Group 2: hepatitis, fed on a standard diet as a positive control group; Group 3: received a basal diet with 5 mL of the yogurt drink; Group 4: received a basal diet with 5 mL of the yogurt drink fortified with 10% golden berry juice. Group 5: received a basal diet with 5 mL of the yogurt drink fortified with 20% golden berry juice. Various biological parameters were determined. Yogurt drink treatments were evaluated for their chemical, phytochemical, and sensory properties, as well as for their effects on hepatoprotective activity by determining various biochemical parameters. We found that the yogurt drinks containing golden berry juice exhibited no significant differences in fat, protein, and ash content compared with the control samples. Moreover, the yogurt drinks containing golden berry juice exhibited the highest content of total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and organoleptic scores among all treatments. In addition, rats fed on a diet fortified with yogurt drinks containing golden berry juice for 8 weeks exhibited higher potential hepatoprotective effects compared with the liver injury control group. This improvement was partly observed in the group that received the yogurt drink containing golden berry juice. Therefore, we concluded that golden berry juice can be recommended as a natural additive in the manufacture of functional yogurt drinks, as it showed a potential hepatoprotective effect in rats with hepatitis.

Heteroleptic pincer palladium(II) complex coated orthopedic implants impede the AbaI/AbaR quorum sensing system and biofilm development by Acinetobacter baumannii

Implant-associated infections mediated by Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms have become a major concern in the healthcare sector. As biofilm formation by this important pathogen is mediated by quorum sensing, quorum sensing inhibitors (QSI) have gained much attention. The present study confirms that novel thiazolinyl-picolinamide based palladium(II) complexes had good biofilm disruptive and QSI properties against A. baumannii. Key QS-mediated virulence factors like pili mediated surface motility and polysaccharide production were inhibited by the best Pd(II) complex (E). This also showed potent inhibitory activity against both the standard and clinical strains of A. baumannii. Molecular docking analysis also proved the potent binding affinity of Pd(II)-E with the virulence targets. The Pd(II) complex also disrupted preformed biofilms and down-regulated the expression of QS mediated virulence genes in the biofilms established on implant material (titanium plates). As a whole, the present study showed that the novel thiazolinyl-picolinamide based Pd(II) complexes offer a promising anti-infective strategy to combat biofilm-mediated implant infections.

Recent Studies on Berry Bioactives and Their Health-Promoting Roles

Along with the increased knowledge about the positive health effects of food bioactives, the eating habits of many individuals have changed to obtain higher nutritional benefits from foods. Fruits are among the most preferred food materials in this regard. In particular, berry fruits are important sources in the diet in terms of their high nutritional content including vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds. Berry fruits have remedial effects on several diseases and these health-promoting impacts are associated with their phenolic compounds which may vary depending on the type and variety of the fruit coupled with other factors including climate, agricultural conditions, etc. Most of the berries have outstanding beneficial roles in many body systems of humans such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. Furthermore, they are effective on some metabolic disorders and several types of cancer. In this review, the health-promoting effects of bioactive compounds in berry fruits are presented and the most recent in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies are discussed from a food science and nutrition point of view.