Anti-proliferative effects of quercetin and catechin metabolites

Linking Variability in Phytochemical Composition with Safety Profile of Thymus carnosus Boiss. Extracts: Effect of Major Compounds and Evaluation of Markers of Oxidative Stress and Cell Death

Natural products are generally considered safe for human consumption, but this classification is often based on ethnobotanical surveys or their use in traditional medicine over a long period of time. However, edaphoclimatic factors are known to produce different chemotypes, which may affect the safety profile and bioactivities, and are not commonly considered for plants exploited as crops worldwide. Thymus carnosus Boiss., a thyme species with various health-promoting effects, has potential pharmaceutical applications, but edaphoclimatic factors were found to significantly impact its phytochemical composition. Thus, we aimed to assess the safety profile of T. carnosus extracts obtained from plants harvested in two locations over three consecutive years and to establish an association with specific components, an essential study in the search for new sources of nutraceuticals. Thus, the antiproliferative effect of an aqueous decoction (AD), hydroethanolic (HE) extracts, and major extracts' components of T. carnosus was evaluated on intestinal (Caco-2) and hepatic (HepG2) cell models, revealing effects dependent on extract type, cell line, and tested compounds. Flavonoids induced different cytotoxic patterns, which could be attributed to molecular structural differences. Flow cytometry analysis showed apoptosis and necrosis induction, mediated by the modulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential, effects that were dependent on the cell line and phytochemical composition and on the synergism between extracts components, rather than on the activity of an isolated compound. While ursolic acid was the component with the strongest impact on the difference between extraction methods, flavonoids assumed a pivotal role in the response of different cell lines to the extracts. We report for the first time, for Thymus spp. extracts, that variations in the phytochemical composition clearly influence the cellular response, thus highlighting the need for extract standardization for medicinal applications.

An integrated network pharmacology approach to discover therapeutic mechanisms of Commiphora wightii for the treatment of Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy (BP) can result in facial paralysis. Inflammation or injury to the cranial nerves that regulate the facial muscles is primarily responsible for that disease. Commiphora wightii remains recognized as a cure for a few human ailments. This study focused on therapeutic phenomena of C. wightii for the treatment of Bell's palsy, utilizing the network drug discovery and molecular docking techniques. Active biological constituents of C. wightii were retrieved from literature and independent databases. Potential therapeutic targets (431) of 13 bioactive phytochemicals were fetched via SwissTargetPrediction tool. Putative intersecting targets (855) of Bell's palsy were computed through the DisGeNET and GeneCards datasets. Subsequently, by the analysis of potential shared targets (87) of C. wightii and Bell's palsy, a Venn diagram was drawn. DAVID database was used to evaluate gene functional annotations and enriched pathways that are involved in Bell's palsy. STRING database was used for generating the protein-protein relationship complex. Visual presentations of the interactions of potential targets to active chemical constituents were done by the Cytoscape. Whereas, the conformational research sorted out 10 key targets through the protein-protein interactions network. Moreover, the capacity of therapeutic ingredients to interact with a target inhibiting Bell's palsy was confirmed by molecular docking, which might ratify the findings of network pharmacology. In the molecular complex of AKT1-cholesterol, a 100-ns simulation unveiled a graceful stability, with a minimal 0.167 Å ligand shift and resilient hydrogen bonds (ASN54 and SER205). The final 20 ns showcased a P1 motif pirouette, gracefully forming aromatic bonds with H165 and W186, underscoring the complex's dynamic finesse. This study evaluated compound-target interactions and their impact on disease-related genes. It revealed that five genes (AKT1, TNF, MAPK3, EGFR and SRC) of C. wightii might be useful therapeutic targets for the treatment of Bell's palsy, as well as helping in lowering down the blood pressure.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Assessment of the effect of drying on Brassica greens via a multiplex approach based on LC-QTOF-MS/MS, molecular networking, and chemometrics along with their antioxidant and anticancer activities

Turnip (Brassica rapa var rapa L.) leaves are a rich source of versatile bioactive phytochemicals with great potential in the food and herbal industries. However, the effect of drying on its constituents has never been studied before. Hereto, three drying techniques were compared, namely, lyophilization (LY), vacuum oven (VO), and shade drying (SD). Chemical profiling utilizing liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS) combined with chemometrics showed the different impacts of the drying methods on the phytochemical composition of the alcoholic leaf extracts. Unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) of the LC-QTOF-MS/MS data showed distinct distant clustering across the three drying techniques. Loading plots and VIP scores demonstrated that sinapic acid, isorhamnetin glycosides, and sinapoyl malate were key markers for LY samples. Meanwhile, oxygenated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were characteristic for SD samples and oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids and verbascoside were characteristic for VO samples. LY resulted in the highest total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) contents followed by SD and VO. LY and SD samples had much higher antioxidant activity than VO measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and iron metal chelation assays. According to the anticancer activity, the drying methods were ranked in descending order as SD > LY ≫ VO when tested against colon, breast, liver, and lung cancer cell lines. Among the identified compounds, flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids were key metabolites responsible for the anticancer activity as revealed by partial least squares (PLS) regression and correlation analyses. In conclusion, compared to LY, SD projected out as a cost-effective drying method without compromising the phytochemical and biological activities of Brassica greens. The current findings lay the foundation for further studies concerned with the valorization of Brassica greens.

Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin as Natural Antimicrobial Agents for the Treatment of Wound Infections

The rising prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria underscores the need to search for innovative and nature-based solutions. One of the approaches may be the use of plants that constitute a rich source of miscellaneous compounds with a wide range of biological properties. This review explores the antimicrobial activity of seven bioactives and their possible molecular mechanisms of action. Special attention was focused on the antibacterial properties of berberine, catechin, chelerythrine, cinnamaldehyde, ellagic acid, proanthocyanidin, and sanguinarine against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The growing interest in novel therapeutic strategies based on new plant-derived formulations was confirmed by the growing number of articles. Natural products are one of the most promising and intensively examined agents to combat the consequences of the overuse and misuse of classical antibiotics.

Effect of stoichiometry upon the characteristics of quercetin-arginine cocrystals formulated through solution crystallization

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effect of stoichiometry upon characteristics of quercetin-arginine (QCT-Arg) cocrystals.

SIGNIFICANCE

Quercetin (QCT) is a most abundant flavonoid in vegetables and fruits and has been widely used as an antioxidant. However, its oral bioavailability remains low due to poor aqueous solubility. We illustrate that QCT-Arg cocrystals formulated through an optimized stoichiometry can be a useful approach for its solubilization.

METHOD

Cocrystals were prepared using solvent evaporation method. Characterizations were performed through microscopic, spectroscopic, and thermal techniques. The stoichiometry was confirmed from the binary phase diagram which was prepared using thermograms derived from differential scanning calorimetric experiments.

RESULT

Cocrystal formation was accompanied by the conversion of isotropic phase into anisotropic one. Thread-like cocrystals were formed, regardless of QCT-Arg stoichiometry and solvent's polarity. Spectral analyses suggested that cocrystal structure was held together by hydrogen bonding between QCT and Arg. We ruled out the existence of eutectic mixture based on the observation of two eutectic points in the binary phase diagram.

CONCLUSION

Morphology of cocrystals remained unaffected by the solvent type, stoichiometry and the presence of surfactant. We noticed that the cocrystals could improve the aqueous solubility of QCT.

Identification of the main flavonoids of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) medik and their metabolites in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Introduction: Huangkui capsule (HKC) is made from the ethanol extract of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik [Malvaceae; abelmoschi corolla] and received approval from the China Food and Drug Administration (Z19990040) in 1999. Currently, HKC is used for treatment of the patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) in China. The bioactive chemical constituents in HKC are total flavonoids of A. manihot (L.) Medik (TFA). The present study aims to identify the primary flavonoid metabolites in HKC and TFA and their metabolism fates in db/db mice, the animal model for the study of type 2 diabetes and DN. Methods: HKC (0.84 g/kg/d) and TFA (0.076 g/kg/d) or vehicle were respectively administered daily via oral gavage in db/db mice for 4 weeks. The metabolism fate of the main metabolites of HKC in serum, liver, kidney, heart, jejunum, colon, jejunal contents, colonic contents, and urine of db/db mice were analyzed with a comprehensive metabolite identification strategy. Results and Discussion: In db/db mice administered with HKC and TFA, 7 flavonoid prototypes and 38 metabolites were identified. The related metabolic pathways at Phases I and II reactions included dehydroxylation, deglycosylation, hydrogenation, methylation, glucuronidation, sulphation, and corresponding recombined reactions. Quercetin, isorhamnetin, quercetin sulphate, quercetin monoglucuronide, and isorhamnetin monoglucuronide presented a high exposure in the serum and kidney of db/db mice. Thereby, the present study provides a pharmacodynamic substance basis for better understanding the mechanism of A. manihot (L.) Medik for medication of DN.

Gut microbial metabolites of dietary polyphenols and their potential role in human health and diseases

Polyphenols contribute as one of the largest groups of compounds among all the phytochemicals. Common sources of dietary polyphenols are vegetables, fruits, berries, cereals, whole grains, etc. Owing to their original form, they are difficult to get absorbed. Dietary polyphenols after undergoing gut microbial metabolism form bioaccessible and effective metabolites. Polyphenols and derived metabolites are all together a diversified group of compounds exhibiting pharmacological activities against cardiovascular, cancer, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and bacterial diseases. The formed metabolites are sometimes even more bioavailable and efficacious than the parent polyphenols. Studies on gut microbial metabolism of dietary polyphenols have introduced new approach for the use of polyphenol-rich food in the form of supplementary diet. This review provides insights on various aspects including classification of polyphenols, gut microbiota-mediated metabolism of polyphenols, chemistry of polyphenol metabolism, and pharmacological actions of gut microbial metabolites of polyphenols. It also suggests the use of polyphenols from marine source for the microbial metabolism studies. Till date, gut microbial metabolism of polyphenols from terrestrial sources is extensively studied as compared to marine polyphenols. Marine ecosystem is a profound but partially explored source of phytoconstituents. Among them, edible seaweeds contain high concentration of polyphenols, especially phlorotannins. Hence, microbial metabolism studies of seaweeds can unravel the pharmacological potential of marine polyphenol-derived metabolites.

Integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology to assess the effects of quercetin on lung inflammatory injury induced by human respiratory syncytial virus

Quercetin (QR) has significant anti-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) effects. However, its therapeutic mechanism has not been thoroughly explored. In this study, a lung inflammatory injury model caused by RSV was established in mice. Untargeted lung tissue metabolomics was used to identify differential metabolites and metabolic pathways. Network pharmacology was used to predict potential therapeutic targets of QR and analyze biological functions and pathways modulated by QR. By overlapping the results of the metabolomics and the network pharmacology analyses, the common targets of QR that were likely to be involved in the amelioration of RSV-induced lung inflammatory injury by QR were identified. Metabolomics analysis identified 52 differential metabolites and 244 corresponding targets, while network pharmacology analysis identified 126 potential targets of QR. By intersecting these 244 targets with the 126 targets, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT1), thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP), lactoperoxidase (LPO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1) were identified as the common targets. The key targets, HPRT1, TYMP, LPO, and MPO, were components of purine metabolic pathways. The present study demonstrated that QR effectively ameliorated RSV-induced lung inflammatory injury in the established mouse model. Combining metabolomics and network pharmacology showed that the anti-RSV effect of QR was closely associated with purine metabolism pathways.

Quercetin: A Functional Food-Flavonoid Incredibly Attenuates Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Infections through Immunomodulatory Actions

Many of the medicinally active molecules in the flavonoid class of phytochemicals are being researched for their potential antiviral activity against various DNA and RNA viruses. Quercetin is a flavonoid that can be found in a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables. It has been reported to be effective against a variety of viruses. This review, therefore, deciphered the mechanistic of how Quercetin works against some of the deadliest viruses, such as influenza A, Hepatitis C, Dengue type 2 and Ebola virus, which cause frequent outbreaks worldwide and result in significant morbidity and mortality in humans through epidemics or pandemics. All those have an alarming impact on both human health and the global and national economies. The review extended computing the Quercetin-contained natural recourse and its modes of action in different experimental approaches leading to antiviral actions. The gap in effective treatment emphasizes the necessity of a search for new effective antiviral compounds. Quercetin shows potential antiviral activity and inhibits it by targeting viral infections at multiple stages. The suppression of viral neuraminidase, proteases and DNA/RNA polymerases and the alteration of many viral proteins as well as their immunomodulation are the main molecular mechanisms of Quercetin's antiviral activities. Nonetheless, the huge potential of Quercetin and its extensive use is inadequately approached as a therapeutic for emerging and re-emerging viral infections. Therefore, this review enumerated the food-functioned Quercetin source, the modes of action of Quercetin for antiviral effects and made insights on the mechanism-based antiviral action of Quercetin.

Dietary phytochemicals/nutrients as promising protector of breast cancer development: a comprehensive analysis

Genetic change, particularly epigenetic alteration, is one of the imperative factors for sporadic breast cancer development in the worldwide population of women. The DNA methylation process is essential and natural for human cellular renewal and tissue homeostasis, but its dysregulation contributes to many pathological changes, including breast tumorigenesis. Chemopreventive agents mainly protect the abnormal DNA methylation either by hindering the division of pre-malignant cells or looming the DNA damage, which leads to malignancy. The present review article is about understanding the potential role of dietary phytochemicals in breast cancer prevention. Accordingly, a literature search of the published article until August 2021 has been performed. Further, we have investigated the binding affinity of different phytochemicals isolated from diverse dietary sources against the various oncogenic proteins related to breast cancer initiation to understand the common target(s) in breast cancer prevention mechanisms. Various small phytochemicals, especially dietary phytochemicals including sulforaphane, mahanine, resveratrol, linolenic acid, diallyl sulfide, benzyl/phenethyl isothiocyanate, etc. are being investigated as the chemopreventive agent to manage breast cancer development, and some of them have shown promising outcomes in the cited research. In this present review, we discuss the recent advancement in acceptance of such types of potential dietary phytochemicals as a chemopreventive agent against breast cancer development and their inner lining mechanism. The critical clinical trials and cohort studies have also been considered to understand the progress in contemporary perspectives.

Antiproliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of a Phenolic-Rich Extract from Lycium barbarum Fruits on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16-Positive Head Cancer Cell Lines

The in vitro antiproliferative activity of a phenolic-rich extract from Lycium barbarum fruits against head and neck HPV16 squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been demonstrated, indicating for the first time that L. barbarum extract inhibits human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 cell lines. Ethanol extract of L. barbarum was used for cell viability evaluation on SCC090, CAL27, and HGnF cell lines. After 24 and 48 h, the cell cycle effect of L. barbarum extract (at 1.0, 10, and 100 µg/mL) was measured via flow cytometry. In addition, the mRNA expression on E6/E7 and p53 via RT-PCR and the expression of p16, p53, Ki-67, and Bcl-2 via immunohistochemistry were also determined. Untreated cells, 20 µM cisplatin, and a Camellia sinensis-derived extract were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. We demonstrated that the studied L. barbarum extract resulted in G0/G1 arrest and S phase accumulation in SCC090 at 1.0 and 10 μg/mL. A reduction in mRNA levels of E6/E7 oncogenes (p < 0.05) with p53 overexpression was also observed through PCR, while immunohistochemical analyses indicated p16 overexpression (p > 0.05) and a decrease in p53 overexpression. The observed effects were associated with anticancer and immunomodulatory phenolics, such as flavonols/flavan-3-ols and tyramine-conjugated hydroxycinnamic acid amides, identified in the studied extract. These findings revealed that the phenolic-rich extract of L. barbarum fruits has promising properties to be considered further for developing new therapies against oral and oropharyngeal HPV lesions.

Sources, Properties and Pharmacological Effects of Quercetin

Abstract:

The present review aims to describe an overview of quercetin with its various pharmacological effects. Quercetin is used as antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial and antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antifungal, anti-allergic and antiproliferative agents, which are described in the manuscript. It is mainly obtained from plant resources, which is also described in the manuscript. The manuscript also focuses on describing the various studies related to quercetin which shows various pharmacological activities. It is concluded from the study that quercetin has shown an efficacious effect on various diseases.

Effects and mechanisms of dietary bioactive compounds on breast cancer prevention

Breast cancer (BC) is the most often diagnosed cancer among females globally and has become an increasing global health issue over the last decades. Despite the substantial improvement in screening methods for initial diagnosis, effective therapy remains lacking. Still, there has been high recurrence and disease progression after treatment of surgery, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Considering this view, there is a crucial requirement to develop safe, freely accessible, and effective anticancer therapy for BC. The dietary bioactive compounds as auspicious anticancer agents have been recognized to be active and their implications in the treatment of BC with negligible side effects. Hence, this review focused on various dietary bioactive compounds as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of BC with the mechanisms of action. Bioactive compounds have chemo-preventive properties as they inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, downregulate the expression of estrogen receptors, and cell cycle arrest by inducing apoptotic settings in tumor cells. Therapeutic drugs or natural compounds generally incorporate engineered nanoparticles with ideal sizes, shapes, and enhance their solubility, circulatory half-life, and biodistribution. All data of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies of dietary bioactive compounds and their impact on BC were collected from Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The data of chemopreventive and anticancer activity of dietary bioactive compounds were collected and orchestrated in a suitable place in the review. These shreds of data will be extremely beneficial to recognize a series of additional diet-derived bioactive compounds to treat BC with the lowest side effects.

Systems Pharmacology Approach and Experiment Evaluation Reveal Multidimensional Treatment Strategy of LiangXueJieDu Formula for Psoriasis

Clinical studies have demonstrated the anti-psoriatic effect of the LiangXueJieDu (LXJD) herbal formula. However, the systemic mechanism and the targets of the LXJD formula have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, a systems pharmacology approach, metabolomics, and experimental evaluation were employed. First, by systematic absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion (ADME) analysis, 144 active compounds with satisfactory pharmacokinetic properties were identified from 12 herbs of LXJD formula using the TCMSP database. These active compounds could be linked to 125 target proteins involved in the pathological processes underlying psoriasis. Then, the networks constituting the active compounds, targets, and diseases were constructed to decipher the pharmacological actions of this formula, indicating its curative effects in psoriasis treatment and related complications. The psoriasis-related pathway comprising several regulatory modules demonstrated the synergistic mechanisms of LXJD formula. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of LXJD formula was validated in a psoriasis-like mouse model. Consistent with the systems pharmacology analysis, LXJD formula ameliorated IMQ-induced psoriasis-like lesions in mice, inhibited keratinocyte proliferation, improved keratinocyte differentiation, and suppressed the infiltration of CD3+ T cells. Compared to the model group, LXJD formula treatment remarkably reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and factors, such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Cox2, and inhibited the phosphorylation of p-P65, p-IқB, p-ERK, p-P38, p-PI3K, p-AKT, indicating that LXJD formula exerts its therapeutic effect by inhibiting the MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and NF-қB signaling pathways. The metabolic changes in the serum of psoriasis patients were evaluated by liquid chromatography coupled with orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The LXJD formula improved two perturbed metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Overall, this study revealed the complicated anti-psoriatic mechanism of LXJD formula and also offered a reliable strategy to elucidate the complex therapeutic mechanism of this Chinese herbal formula in psoriasis from a holistic perspective.

Quercetin as a Natural Therapeutic Candidate for the Treatment of Influenza Virus

The medical burden caused by respiratory manifestations of influenza virus (IV) outbreak as an infectious respiratory disease is so great that governments in both developed and developing countries have allocated significant national budget toward the development of strategies for prevention, control, and treatment of this infection, which is seemingly common and treatable, but can be deadly. Frequent mutations in its genome structure often result in resistance to standard medications. Thus, new generations of treatments are critical to combat this ever-evolving infection. Plant materials and active compounds have been tested for many years, including, more recently, active compounds like flavonoids. Quercetin is a compound belonging to the flavonols class and has shown therapeutic effects against influenza virus. The focus of this review includes viral pathogenesis as well as the application of quercetin and its derivatives as a complementary therapy in controlling influenza and its related symptoms based on the targets. We also touch on the potential of this class of compounds for treatment of SARS-COV-2, the cause of new pandemic.

The Confounders of Cancer Immunotherapy: Roles of Lifestyle, Metabolic Disorders and Sociological Factors

Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy (CPI) is an effective treatment option for many types of cancers. Irrespective of its wide clinical implications, the overall efficacy remains unpredictable and even poor in certain pathologies such as breast cancer. Thus, it is imperative to understand the role of factors affecting its responsiveness. In this review, we provide an overview on the involvement of sociological factors, lifestyles and metabolic disorders in modulating the CPI response in patients from multiple malignancies. Lifestyle habits including exercise, and diet promoted therapeutic responsiveness while alcohol consumption mitigated the CPI effect by decreasing mutational burden and hampering antigen presentation by dendritic cells. Metabolic disorder such as obesity was recognized to enhance the PD-1 expression while diabetes and hypertension were consequences of CPI therapy rather than causes. Among the sociologic factors, sex and race positively influenced the CPI effectiveness on account of increased effector T cell activity and increased PD-1 expression while ageing impaired CPI responsiveness by decreasing functional T cell and increased toxicity. The combined effect of these factors was observed for obesity and gender, in which obese males had the most significant effect of CPI. Therefore these variables should be carefully considered before treating patients with CPI for optimal treatment outcome.

A network pharmacology-based approach to explore potential targets of Caesalpinia pulcherima: an updated prototype in drug discovery

Caesalpinia pulcherima (CP) is a traditional herb used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and as abortifacient. In the present study, bioactive components and potential targets in the treatment of breast cancer validated through in silico, in vitro and in vivo approach. The results for the analysis were as among 29 components, only four components were found active for further study which proved the use of CP as a multi-target herb for betterment of clinical uses. The results found by PPI states that our network has significant interactions which include the ESR-1, ESR-2, ESRRA, MET, VEGF, FGF, PI3K, PDK-1, MAPK, PLK-1, NEK-2, and GRK. Compound-target network involves 4 active compound and 150 target genes which elucidate the mechanisms of drug action in breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, on the basis of the above results the important proteins were fetched for the docking study which helps in predicting the possible interaction between components and targets. The results of the western blotting showed that CP regulates ER and EGFR expression in MCF-7 cell. In addition to this animal experimentation showed that CP significantly improved immunohistological status in MNU induced carcinoma rats. Network pharmacology approach not only helps us to confirm the study of the chosen target but also gave an idea of compound-target network as well as pathways associated to the CP for treating the complex metabolic condition as breast cancer and they importance for experimental verification.

Dietary Phenolics against Breast Cancer. A Critical Evidence-Based Review and Future Perspectives

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related death in adult women worldwide. Over 85% of BC cases are non-hereditary, caused by modifiable extrinsic factors related to lifestyle, including dietary habits, which play a crucial role in cancer prevention. Although many epidemiological and observational studies have inversely correlated the fruit and vegetable consumption with the BC incidence, the involvement of their phenolic content in this correlation remains contradictory. During decades, wrong approaches that did not consider the bioavailability, metabolism, and breast tissue distribution of dietary phenolics persist behind the large currently existing gap between preclinical and clinical research. In the present review, we provide comprehensive preclinical and clinical evidence according to physiologically relevant in vitro and in vivo studies. Some dietary phenolics such as resveratrol (RSV), quercetin, isoflavones, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), lignans, and curcumin are gaining attention for their chemopreventive properties in preclinical research. However, the clinical evidence of dietary phenolics as BC chemopreventive compounds is still inconclusive. Therefore, the only way to validate promising preclinical results is to conduct clinical trials in BC patients. In this regard, future perspectives on dietary phenolics and BC research are also critically discussed.

Antiprotozoal Activity against Entamoeba histolytica of Flavonoids Isolated from Lippia graveolens Kunth

Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is nowadays a serious public health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. Annually, up to 100,000 deaths occur across the world. Due to the resistance that pathogenic protozoa exhibit against commercial antiprotozoal drugs, a growing emphasis has been placed on plants used in traditional medicine to discover new antiparasitics. Previously, we reported the in vitro antiamoebic activity of a methanolic extract of Lippia graveolens Kunth (Mexican oregano). In this study, we outline the isolation and structure elucidation of antiamoebic compounds occurring in this plant. The subsequent work-up of this methanol extract by bioguided isolation using several chromatographic techniques yielded the flavonoids pinocembrin (1), sakuranetin (2), cirsimaritin (3), and naringenin (4). Structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was achieved by spectroscopic/spectrometric analyses and comparing literature data. These compounds revealed significant antiprotozoal activity against E. histolytica trophozoites using in vitro tests, showing a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) ranging from 28 to 154 µg/mL. Amebicide activity of sakuranetin and cirsimaritin is reported for the first time in this study. These research data may help to corroborate the use of this plant in traditional Mexican medicine for the treatment of dyspepsia.

C-ring cleavage metabolites of catechin and epicatechin enhanced antioxidant activities through intestinal microbiota

The changes in DPPH radical-scavenging capability of catechin and epicatechin during 24 h incubation with fecal microbiota in vitro and the targeted analysis of the characteristic metabolites by using UPLC-Q-TOF indicated that increase in antioxidant activity was synchronous with the accumulation of C-ring cleavage metabolites. Therefore, C-ring cleavage metabolite, 1-(3',4'-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2'',4'',6''-trihydroxyphenyl)propan-2-ol (3,4-DHPP-2-ol), was separated from incubation liquid. The antioxidant activities of this metabolite and other 11 metabolites were examined through DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant capability (FRAC). The results indicated that all metabolites with the structure of 3',4'-dihydroxylated had high antioxidant activity, especially 3,4-DHPP-2-ol, whose EC₅₀ was 5.97 μM in DPPH assay, 2 times as high as that of catechin, and 1.8 times as high as that of epicatechin. But the metabolites with the structure of monohydroxylated or unhydroxylated on the benzene ring hardly exhibited antioxidant activity.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Defatted Sea Buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) Berry Pomace Fractions Consecutively Recovered by Pressurized Ethanol and Water

This study aimed at valorisation of sea buckthorn pomace (SBP) for the production of extracts containing valuable bioactive compounds. For this purpose, SBP defatted by supercritical CO₂ was subjected to consecutive fractionation with pressurized ethanol and water, which yielded 11.9% and 4.8% of extracts, respectively. The extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant potential, phytochemical composition and antiproliferative effects against cancer cells. Water extracts exhibited remarkably higher values in Folin-Ciocalteu assay of total phenolic content, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ABTS^●+/DPPH● scavenging and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays and more efficiently inhibited proliferation of HT29 cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations measured in non-tumoral Caco2 cells. Among 28 detected and 21 quantified phytochemicals, flavonols with the structures of isorhamnetin (five compounds), quercetin (three compounds), kaempferol (three compounds) glycosides and catechin (six compounds) were the most abundant in the extracts. In conclusion, the applied method of fractionation of SBP produces promising natural antioxidant complexes with antiproliferative properties that could find potential applications in nutraceuticals, functional foods and cosmeceuticals.

In vitro effect of low-level laser therapy on the proliferative, apoptosis modulation, and oxi-inflammatory markers of premature-senescent hydrogen peroxide-induced dermal fibroblasts

Skin aging is a complex biological process induced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors which is characterized by clinical and cellular changes, especially dermal fibroblasts. It is possible that, some procedures, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), could decelerate this process. To test this hypothesis, this study evaluated the in vitro LLLT on dermal fibroblast cell line (HFF-1) with premature senescence H2O2-induced. HFF-1 cells were cultured in standardized conditions, and initially H2O2 exposed at different concentrations. Fibroblasts were also just exposed at different LLLT (660 nm) doses. From these curves, the lowest H2O2 concentration that induced indicators of premature senescence and the lowest LLLT doses that triggered fibroblast proliferation were used in all assays. Cellular mortality, proliferation, and the levels of oxidative, inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic markers, and of two growth signaling molecules (FGF-1 and KGF) were compared among treatments. The H2O2 at 50 μM concentration induced some fibroblast senescence markers and for LLLT, the best dose for treatment was 4 J (p < 0.001). The interaction between H2O2 at 50 μM and LLLT at 4 J showed partially reversion of the higher levels of DNA oxidation, CASP 3, CASP 8, IL-1B, IL-6, and INFy induced by H2O2 exposure. LLLT also trigger increase of IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine, FGF-1 and KGF levels. Cellular proliferation was also improved when fibroblasts treated with H2O2 were exposed to LLLT (p < 0.001). These results suggest that in fibroblast with some senescence characteristics H2O2-induced, the LLLT presented an important protective and proliferative action, reverting partially or totally negative effects triggering by H2O2.

Systems Pharmacology and Microbiome Dissection of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Reveal Multiscale Treatment Strategy for IBD

Generally, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be caused by psychology, genes, environment, and gut microbiota. Therefore, IBD therapy should be improved to utilize multiple strategies. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (SLBZS) adheres to the aim of combating complex diseases from an integrative and holistic perspective, which is effective for IBD therapy. Herein, a systems pharmacology and microbiota approach was developed for these molecular mechanisms exemplified by SLBZS. First, by systematic absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion (ADME) analysis, potential active compounds and their corresponding direct targets were retrieved. Then, the network relationships among the active compounds, targets, and disease were built to deduce the pharmacological actions of the drug. Finally, an “IBD pathway” consisting of several regulatory modules was proposed to dissect the therapeutic effects of SLBZS. In addition, the effects of SLBZS on gut microbiota were evaluated through analysis of the V3-V4 region and multivariate statistical methods. SLBZS significantly shifted the gut microbiota structure in a rat model. Taken together, we found that SLBZS has multidimensionality in the regulation of IBD-related physiological processes, which provides new sights into herbal medicine for the treatment of IBD.

SP-8356, a (1S)-(-)-verbenone derivative, exerts in vitro and in vivo anti-breast cancer effects by inhibiting NF-κB signaling

Breast cancer exhibits high lethality in women because it is frequently detected at an advanced stage and aggressive forms such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which are often characterized by metastasis through colonization of secondary tumors. Thus, developing therapeutic agents that target the metastatic process is crucial to successfully treat aggressive breast cancer. We evaluated SP-8356, an anti-inflammatory synthetic verbenone derivative, with respect to its regulation of breast cancer cell behavior and cancer progression. Treatment of SP-8356 arrested cell cycle and reduced growth in various types of breast cancer cells with mild cytotoxicity. Particularly, SP-8356 significantly reduced the motility and invasiveness of TNBC cells. Assays using an in vivo xenograft mouse model confirmed the cell-specific anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activity of SP-8356. Functional studies revealed that SP-8356 suppressed serum response element-dependent reporter gene expression and NF-κB-related signaling, resulting in downregulation of many genes related to cancer invasion. We conclude that SP-8356 suppresses breast cancer progression through multimodal functions, including inhibition of NF-κB signaling and growth-related signaling pathways.

Bioactivity of dietary polyphenols: The role of metabolites

A polyphenol-rich diet protects against chronic pathologies by modulating numerous physiological processes, such as cellular redox potential, enzymatic activity, cell proliferation and signaling transduction pathways. However, polyphenols have a low oral bioavailability mainly due to an extensive biotransformation mediated by phase I and phase II reactions in enterocytes and liver but also by gut microbiota. Despite low oral bioavailability, most polyphenols proved significant biological effects which brought into attention the low bioavailability/high bioactivity paradox. In recent years, polyphenol metabolites have attracted great interest as many of them showed similar or higher intrinsic biological effects in comparison to the parent compounds. There is a huge body of literature reporting on the biological functions of polyphenol metabolites generated by phase I and phase II metabolic reactions and gut microbiota-mediated biotransformation. In this respect, the review highlights the pharmacokinetic fate of the major dietary polyphenols (resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, rutin, genistein, daidzein, ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins) in order to further address the efficacy of biometabolites as compared to parent molecules. The present work strongly supports the contribution of metabolites to the health benefits of polyphenols, thus offering a better perspective in understanding the role played by dietary polyphenols in human health.

In vivoformed metabolites of polyphenols and their biological efficacy

The metabolites of polyphenols are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. Being bioavailable, they may play an important role in preventing degenerative diseases.

An Array of Bioactive Compounds From Australian Eucalypts and Their Relevance in Pancreatic Cancer Therapeutics

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most devastating human cancers, and despite the significant advances in the current therapeutic options, the overall survival rate for PC has remained static for the past 50 years. Plant-derived bioactive compounds play a vital role in cancer therapeutics by providing new lead compounds for future drug development. Therefore, the isolation, characterization, and identification of new bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of cancer continue to be an important aspect of natural product research. Many in vitro and in vivo studies published in the last few decades have established strong links between the phytochemical profile of eucalypts and anticancer activity. However, only a small number of these reports have attempted to demonstrate a relationship between the biological activity of eucalypt extracts and PC. This review focuses on potential anti-PC effects of an array of bioactive compounds present in various species of eucalypts. It also highlights the necessity for further in vitro and in vivo studies to develop a complete understanding of the potential this group of plants has for the development of potent and specific chemotherapeutic drugs for PC.

Eucalyptus microcorys leaf extract derived HPLC-fraction reduces the viability of MIA PaCa-2 cells by inducing apoptosis and arresting cell cycle

New therapeutic strategies such as the development of novel drugs and combinatorial therapies with existing chemotherapeutic agents are urgently needed to improve the clinical prognosis of pancreatic cancer. We have previously reported the antiproliferative properties of aqueous crude Eucalyptus microcorys extract against pancreatic cancer cell lines. In this study, bioassay-guided fractionation of the aqueous crude E. microcorys extract using RP-HPLC and subsequent assessment of the resultant fractions (F1-F5) for their antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cell lines were performed. The molecular mechanisms associated with the cytotoxicity was characterised by studying the effects of the most potent fraction-1 (F1) on apoptosis and cell cycle profiles as well as its phytochemical constituents by LC-ESI/MS/MS. F1 displayed significantly greater antioxidant activity in three different assays (p < 0.05). Moreover, F1 exhibited significantly greater antiproliferative activity (IC₅₀ = 93.11 ± 3.43 μg/mL) against MIA PaCa-2 cells compared to the other four fractions (p < 0.05). F1 induced apoptosis by regulating key apoptotic proteins- Bcl-2, Bak, Bax, cleaved PARP, procaspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 in MIA PaCa-2 cells, suggesting the involvement of intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and arrested cells at G2/M phase. A combination of gemcitabine and F1 exerted a greater effect on apoptosis and cell cycle arrest than F1 or gemcitabine alone (p < 0.05). LC-ESI/MS/MS revealed the tentative identities of phytochemicals present in F1 and their similarities with the phenolic compounds previously reported in Eucalyptus with antipancreatic cancer activity. Our study shows that the polyphenol and antioxidant-rich fraction of E. microcorys extract is a promising candidate for developing mono or combination therapies against pancreatic cancer.

Therapeutic charm of quercetin and its derivatives: a review of research and patents

Bioactive polyphenolic compounds derived from plants are being utilized for prevention of various chronic diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Quercetin, a potential poly-phenolic flavonol, found in onions, apples and berries, has been implicated against cancer proliferation, chronic inflammation and various other oxidative manifestations. Evidences suggested that quercetin negatively regulates the numerous crucial signaling pathways associated with life-threatening diseases. Major signaling pathways including NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K-AKT and mTOR are found to be regulated by quercetin. In addition, several patents have reported recently on quercetin derivatives describing wide therapeutic applications such as anticancer/antiproliferatory, antioxidative/antiaging, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective. Present review emphasizes the chemistry and sources of quercetin followed by description of its broad-spectrum therapeutic potential along with proposed mechanisms of action. Furthermore, this review also highlights the important modifications in the basic chemical structure of quercetin in terms of published patents. Insolubility of the bioactive compounds restricts their medicinal importance which could be overcome by modifications in the chemical structure of so-called derivatives. Most of the patents deal with the modifications in chemical structure of quercetin mainly at hydroxyl groups and C-6 and C-7 positions.

Nature nominee quercetin's anti-influenza combat strategy-Demonstrations and remonstrations

Nature's providences are rather the choicest remedies for human health and welfare. One such is quercetin, which is nature's nominee for cancer cure and recently demonstrated against influenza attack. Quercetin is highly recognized for its anticancer applications. This review emphasizes on yet another gift that this compound has to offer for mankind, which is none other than combating the deadly evasive influenza virus. The chemistry of this natural bioflavonoid and its derivatives and its modus operandi against influenza virus is consolidated into this review. The advancements and achievements made in the anti-influenza clinical history are also documented. Further, the challenges facing the progress of this compound to emerge as a predominant anti-influenza drug are discussed, and the future perspective for breaking its limitations through integration with nanoplatforms is envisioned.

Wine Flavonoids in Health and Disease Prevention

Wine, and particularly red wine, is a beverage with a great chemical complexity that is in continuous evolution. Chemically, wine is a hydroalcoholic solution (~78% water) that comprises a wide variety of chemical components, including aldehydes, esters, ketones, lipids, minerals, organic acids, phenolics, soluble proteins, sugars and vitamins. Flavonoids constitute a major group of polyphenolic compounds which are directly associated with the organoleptic and health-promoting properties of red wine. However, due to the insufficient epidemiological and in vivo evidences on this subject, the presence of a high number of variables such as human age, metabolism, the presence of alcohol, the complex wine chemistry, and the wide array of in vivo biological effects of these compounds suggest that only cautious conclusions may be drawn from studies focusing on the direct effect of wine and any specific health issue. Nevertheless, there are several reports on the health protective properties of wine phenolics for several diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, some cancers, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, allergies and osteoporosis. The different interactions that wine flavonoids may have with key biological targets are crucial for some of these health-promoting effects. The interaction between some wine flavonoids and some specific enzymes are one example. The way wine flavonoids may be absorbed and metabolized could interfere with their bioavailability and therefore in their health-promoting effect. Hence, some reports have focused on flavonoids absorption, metabolism, microbiota effect and overall on flavonoids bioavailability. This review summarizes some of these major issues which are directly related to the potential health-promoting effects of wine flavonoids. Reports related to flavonoids and health highlight some relevant scientific information. However, there is still a gap between the knowledge of wine flavonoids bioavailability and their health-promoting effects. More in vivo results as well as studies focused on flavonoid metabolites are still required. Moreover, it is also necessary to better understand how biological interactions (with microbiota and cells, enzymes or general biological systems) could interfere with flavonoid bioavailability.

The Antiproliferative Effect of Chakasaponins I and II, Floratheasaponin A, and Epigallocatechin 3-O-Gallate Isolated from Camellia sinensis on Human Digestive Tract Carcinoma Cell Lines

Acylated oleanane-type triterpene saponins, namely chakasaponins I (1) and II (2), floratheasaponin A (3), and their analogs, together with catechins—including (–)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (4), flavonoids, and caffeine—have been isolated as characteristic functional constituents from the extracts of “tea flower”, the flower buds of Camellia sinensis (Theaceae), which have common components with that of the leaf part. These isolates exhibited antiproliferative activities against human digestive tract carcinoma HSC-2, HSC-4, MKN-45, and Caco-2 cells. The antiproliferative activities of the saponins (1–3, IC₅₀ = 4.4–14.1, 6.2–18.2, 4.5–17.3, and 19.3–40.6 µM, respectively) were more potent than those of catechins, flavonoids, and caffeine. To characterize the mechanisms of action of principal saponin constituents 1–3, a flow cytometric analysis using annexin-V/7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) double staining in HSC-2 cells was performed. The percentage of apoptotic cells increased in a concentration-dependent manner. DNA fragmentation and caspase-3/7 activation were also detected after 48 h. These results suggested that antiproliferative activities of 1–3 induce apoptotic cell death via activation of caspase-3/7.

The Val158Met polymorphism in COMT gene and cancer risk: role of endogenous and exogenous catechols

Catechol-O-methyltransferase, COMT, is an important phase II enzyme catalyzing the transfer of a methyl-group from S-adenosylmethionine to a catechol-containing substrate molecule. A genetic variant Val158Met in the COMT gene leads to a several-fold decrease in the enzymatic activity giving rise to the accumulation of potentially carcinogenic endogenous catechol estrogens and their reactive intermediates and increasing thus the risk of tumorigenesis. However, numerous association studies between the COMT genotype and susceptibility to various malignancies have shown inconsistent and controversial findings indicating that additional gene-gene and gene-environment interactions might be crucial in modulating the physiological role of the COMT. In this review article, the important contribution of dietary catechol-containing flavonoids to modification of the relationships between the COMT genotype and cancer risk is discussed. Whereas, the diverse anticancer activities of common phytochemicals, such as green tea polyphenols, quercetin, fisetin or luteolin, can be markedly changed (both decreased or increased) by the COMT-mediated O-methylation of these exogenous substrates, flavonoids can also behave as potent inhibitors of the COMT enzyme slowing detoxification of endogenous catechol estrogens. Such a many-featured functioning of the COMT and its complex regulation by several different genetic and environmental factors, including plant-based food ingredients, emphasizes the necessity to further stratify the association studies between the COMT genotype and tumor risk by consumption of catechol-containing dietary flavonoids. Currently, it can be only speculated that some of the possible associations might be masked by the regular intake of specific food polyphenols, taking effect in certain communities or populations.

New halogenated constituents from Mangifera zeylanica Hook.f. and their potential anti-cancer effects in breast and ovarian cancer cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVENCE

Mangifera zeylanica Hook.f. (Anacardiaceae) is a plant endemic to Sri Lanka. Its bark has been used in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of various diseases including some cancers.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was planned to isolate and identify potentially cytotoxic compounds from the bark of M. zeylanica, which may have contributed to its ethno pharmacological use in the treatment of cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chloroform extract of M. zeylanica bark which is cytotoxic to breast and ovarian cancer cells was fractionated using column chromatography and preparative reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography to isolate four compounds. Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by means of (1)H- and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometric techniques. Cytotoxic potential of the isolated compounds was tested in MDA-MB-231 (triple negative breast cancer), MCF-7 (estrogen receptor positive breast cancer), SKOV-3 (ovarian epithelial cancer) and MCF-10A (normal mammary epithelial) cells by SRB assay. Human cancer drug target real-time PCR array was carried out to analyze regulation of possible cancer drug target genes in compound 2 treated triple negative breast cancer cells. DPPH radical scavenging and caspase 3 and 7 induction in response to isolated compounds were also studied.

RESULTS

Two new halogenated compounds, bromomangiferic acid (1), and chloromangiferamide (2) along with two known compounds quercetin (3), and catechin (4), were isolated from the bark of Mangifera zeylanica for the first time. Interestingly, chloromangiferamide showed cytotoxicity only to triple negative breast cancer cells [IC50:73.19±0.87µM (24h), 56.29±0.86µM (48h)] with no cytotoxicity to other two cancer cell lines or to normal mammary epithelial cells. Quercetin and catechin were cytotoxic to all three cancer cell lines while bromomangiferic acid had no effect. Chloromangiferamide significantly regulated expression of genes associated with apoptosis, drug metabolism, cell cycle, receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, protein kinases, histone deacetylases, growth factors and receptors, topoisomerases, PI-3 kinases and phosphatases in triple negative breast cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Selective cytotoxic activity in triple negative breast cancer cells and regulation of some cancer drug target genes by chloromangiferamide indicate that it can be used to develop a potential chemotherapeutic agent for triple negative breast cancer cells.

The p53-inducible gene 3 involved in flavonoid-induced cytotoxicity through the reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in human hepatoma cells

Flavonoids have been reported to exhibit prooxidant cytotoxicity against cancer cells, but the underlying mechanism is still poorly understood. Here we investigated the potential mechanism that p53-inducible gene 3 (PIG3), a NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase, mediated the prooxidant cytotoxicity of flavonoids on human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The results showed that flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, and quercetin) inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in a dosage- and time-dependent manner, and induced the morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis in HepG2 cells. We also found that expression of PIG3 was increased markedly in HepG2 cells treated with flavonoids at both mRNA and protein levels, which was accompanied by increased intracellular ROS production and a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). All these effects were largely reversed through knockdown of the PIG3 gene in HepG2 cells. Western blotting indicated that flavonoids increased cytochrome c release, upregulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and activated the caspases-9 and -3. Moreover, knockdown of PIG3 could reverse the changes of these apoptotic-related proteins. These results suggest that PIG3 plays an important role in regulating the prooxidant activity and apoptosis-inducing action of flavonoids on HepG2 cells though the ROS-triggered mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

Quercetin as an Antiviral Agent Inhibits Influenza A Virus (IAV) Entry

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause seasonal pandemics and epidemics with high morbidity and mortality, which calls for effective anti-IAV agents. The glycoprotein hemagglutinin of influenza virus plays a crucial role in the initial stage of virus infection, making it a potential target for anti-influenza therapeutics development. Here we found that quercetin inhibited influenza infection with a wide spectrum of strains, including A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1), A/FM-1/47/1 (H1N1), and A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 7.756 ± 1.097, 6.225 ± 0.467, and 2.738 ± 1.931 μg/mL, respectively. Mechanism studies identified that quercetin showed interaction with the HA2 subunit. Moreover, quercetin could inhibit the entry of the H5N1 virus using the pseudovirus-based drug screening system. This study indicates that quercetin showing inhibitory activity in the early stage of influenza infection provides a future therapeutic option to develop effective, safe and affordable natural products for the treatment and prophylaxis of IAV infections.

Inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell migration by plasma anthocyanins isolated from healthy volunteers receiving an anthocyanin-rich berry juice

PURPOSE

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer type, of which the most important characteristics are migration and metastasis. Anthocyanins (ACN) are discussed to be protective phytochemicals; however, up to now only scarce data are available regarding their effects on cancer prevention. In this study, we aimed to determine whether ACN and their metabolites from plasma (PAM), isolated from blood of healthy volunteers after ingestion of an ACN-rich juice, are effective in modulating cancer cell migration in vitro.

METHODS

PAM were isolated from blood of healthy volunteers (n = 10) after consumption of an ACN-rich berry juice. Before ingestion (PAM_0min) and after 60 min (PAM_60min), blood was taken and PAM were isolated from plasma by solid-phase extraction. Migration of pancreatic cancer cells PANC-1 and AsPC-1 was assayed in a Boyden chamber. The influence of PAM on cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) or mitochondria-specific ROS was measured fluorimetrically. mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and NF-κB mRNA were determined by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

After application of PAM_60min to PANC-1, we observed a reduced cell migration, which was associated with reduced levels of endogenously generated ROS concomitant with reduced NF-κB as well as MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression levels. In AsPC-1 cells, however, migration was not affected by PAM_60min.

CONCLUSION

It can be assumed that physiologically relevant ACN and their metabolites were able to inhibit pancreatic cancer cell migration in dependency of the phenotype of cells and may thus deserve further attention as potential bioactive phytochemicals in cancer prevention.

Pleiotropic Role of Dietary Phytochemicals in Cancer: Emerging Perspectives for Combinational Therapy

Cancer is considered a complicated health issue worldwide. The mean cancer survival through standard therapeutic strategies has not been significantly improved over the past few decades. Hence, alternate remedies are needed to treat or prevent this dreadful disease being explored. Currently, it has been recognized that repeated treatment with chemotherapeutic agents has been largely ineffective due to multidrug resistance and further conventional treatment possesses limited drug accessibility to cancerous tissues, which in turn necessitates a higher dose resulting in increased cytotoxicity. Drug combinations have been practiced to address the problems associated with conventional single drug treatment. Recently, natural dietary agents have attracted much attention in cancer therapy because of their synergistic effects with anticancer drugs against different types of cancer. Natural phytochemicals may execute their anticancer activity through targeting diverse cancer cell signaling pathways, promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, regulating antioxidant status and detoxification. This review focuses mainly on the anticancer efficacy of dietary phytochemicals in combination with standard therapeutic drugs reported from various in vitro and in vivo experimental studies apart from clinical trials. This review adds knowledge to the field of intervention studies using combinational modalities that opens a new window for cancer treatment/chemoprevention.

Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Effects of (-)-Epicatechin and Other Polyphenols in Cancer, Inflammation, Diabetes, and Neurodegeneration

With recent insight into the mechanisms involved in diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes, more efficient modes of treatment are now being assessed. Traditional medicine including the use of natural products is widely practiced around the world, assuming that certain natural products contain the healing properties that may in fact have a preventative role in many of the diseases plaguing the human population. This paper reviews the biological effects of a group of natural compounds called polyphenols, including apigenin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, and (-)-epicatechin, with a focus on the latter. (-)-Epicatechin has several unique features responsible for a variety of its effects. One of these is its ability to interact with and neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell. (-)-Epicatechin also modulates cell signaling including the MAP kinase pathway, which is involved in cell proliferation. Mutations in this pathway are often associated with malignancies, and the use of (-)-epicatechin holds promise as a preventative agent and as an adjunct for chemotherapy and radiation therapy to improve outcome. This paper discusses the potential of some phenolic compounds to maintain, protect, and possibly reinstate health.

Catechin and quercetin attenuate adipose inflammation in fructose-fed rats and 3T3-L1 adipocytes

SCOPE

This study evaluated the capacity of dietary catechin (C), quercetin (Q), and the combination of both (CQ), to attenuate adipose inflammation triggered by high fructose (HFr) consumption in rats and by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In rats, HFr consumption for 6 wk caused dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, reduced plasma adiponectin, adiposity, and adipose tissue inflammation. Dietary supplementation with 20 mg/kg/day of C, Q, and CQ improved all these parameters. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, C and Q attenuated TNF-α-induced elevated protein carbonyls, increased proinflammatory cytokine expression (MCP-1, resistin), and decreased adiponectin. The protective effects of C and Q on adipose inflammation are in part associated with their capacity to (i) decrease the activation of the mitogen-activated kinases (MAPKs) JNK and p38; and (ii) prevent the downregulation of PPAR-γ. In summary, C and Q, and to a larger extent the combination of both, attenuated adipose proinflammatory signaling cascades and regulated the balance of molecules that improve (adiponectin) or impair (TNF-α, MCP-1, resistin) insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Together, these findings suggest that dietary Q and C may have potential benefits in mitigating MetS-associated adipose inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance.

Diet components can suppress inflammation and reduce cancer risk

Epidemiology studies indicate that diet or specific dietary components can reduce the risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. An underlying cause of these diseases is chronic inflammation. Dietary components that are beneficial against disease seem to have multiple mechanisms of action and many also have a common mechanism of reducing inflammation, often via the NFκB pathway. Thus, a plant based diet can contain many components that reduce inflammation and can reduce the risk for developing all three of these chronic diseases. We summarize dietary components that have been shown to reduce cancer risk and two studies that show that dietary walnut can reduce cancer growth and development. Part of the mechanism for the anticancer benefit of walnut was by suppressing the activation of NFκB. In this brief review, we focus on reduction of cancer risk by dietary components and the relationship to suppression of inflammation. However, it should be remembered that most dietary components have multiple beneficial mechanisms of action that can be additive and that suppression of chronic inflammation should reduce the risk for all three chronic diseases.

The pleiotropic flavonoid quercetin: from its metabolism to the inhibition of protein kinases in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Quercetin inhibits the key protein kinases active in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, ameliorating anticancer therapy.