Regression of murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma using synthesized cobalt complex

Pluronic-F-127-Passivated SnO2 Nanoparticles Derived by Using Polygonum cuspidatum Root Extract: Synthesis, Characterization, and Anticancer Properties

Nanotechnology has emerged as the most popular research topic with revolutionary applications across all scientific disciplines. Tin oxide (SnO₂) has been gaining considerable attention lately owing to its intriguing features, which can be enhanced by its synthesis in the nanoscale range. The establishment of a cost-efficient and ecologically friendly procedure for its production is the result of growing concerns about human well-being. The novelty and significance of this study lie in the fact that the synthesized SnO₂ nanoparticles have been tailored to have specific properties, such as size and morphology. These properties are crucial for their applications. Moreover, this study provides insights into the synthesis process of SnO₂ nanoparticles, which can be useful for developing efficient and cost-effective methods for large-scale production. In the current study, green Pluronic-coated SnO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing the root extracts of Polygonum cuspidatum have been formulated and characterized by several methods such as UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), field emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies. The crystallite size of SnO₂ NPs was estimated to be 45 nm, and a tetragonal rutile-type crystalline structure was observed. FESEM analysis validated the NPs' spherical structure. The cytotoxic potential of the NPs against HepG2 cells was assessed using the in vitro MTT assay. The apoptotic efficiency of the NPs was evaluated using a dual-staining approach. The NPs revealed substantial cytotoxic effects against HepG2 cells but failed to exhibit cytotoxicity in different liver cell lines. Furthermore, dual staining and flow cytometry studies revealed higher apoptosis in NP-treated HepG2 cells. Nanoparticle treatment also inhibited the cell cycle at G0/G1 stage. It increased oxidative stress and promoted apoptosis by encouraging pro-apoptotic protein expression in HepG2 cells. NP treatment effectively blocked the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis in HepG2 cells. Thus, green Pluronic-F-127-coated SnO₂ NPs exhibits enormous efficiency to be utilized as an talented anticancer agent.

A Newly Synthesized Derivative and a Natural Parent Molecule: Which Would Be More Beneficial as a Future Antitumor Candidate? Docking and In Vivo Study

Seeking for new effectual anticancer drugs is of great importance. In this study, a newly synthesized and well-characterized chromene derivative (ethyl 2-amino-4-phenyl-4H-benzo(h)chromene-3-carboxylate) "C" was prepared. Molecular docking studies were done. The new compound "C" in compare to the natural parent Quercetin "Q," as a well-known natural chromene derivative with antioxidant and antitumor activities, were tested for their antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice. Both reduced ascites volume, decreased viable EAC cells, and prolonged EAC-bearing mice life span. They normalized troponin, creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase, and urea levels, reversed liver enzyme activities towards normal, and increased antioxidant levels while reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Compared to each other, the new synthetic derivative "C" showed stronger antineoplastic effects than the natural parent "Q" may via the anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the newly synthesized chromene derivative is more promising as a future antitumor candidate than the natural parent molecule "Quercetin." Finally, our results encourage researchers to pay more attention to developing more novel natural-based derivatives that would be more beneficial as future therapeutics than their natural parents.

Schiff base 4-ethyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl) thiosemicarbazide up-regulates the antioxidant status and inhibits the progression of Ehrlich solid tumor in mice

Cisplatin is an approved cancer therapeutic drug used to treat many solid tumors but its accumulation in the kidney, which causes nephrotoxicity, limits its clinical use. Therefore, investigators seek new alternatives to cisplatin that may be more effective and/or safer. Thiosemicarbazides are of great significance due to their expected biological activity including anticancer activities. The aim of this work is the study of the antitumor effect of Schiff base 4-ethyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl) thiosemicarbazide (HEPTS) on Ehrlich solid tumor-bearing mice in comparison to cancer therapeutic drug cisplatin. The experiment was run using sixty adult female Swiss albino mice. Mice were allocated into six groups (n = 10 mice). Healthy control, EAC control (untreated tumor), EAC + cisplatin, EAC + HEPTS, Healthy + HEPTS, and Healthy + solvent. After scarification, blood samples, liver organs, and solid tumors were collected. Tumor weights and volumes were registered. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), SOD, catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), uric acid, creatinine, and urea were assessed. Median survival time (MST) and the percentage increase in lifespan (%ILS) were also calculated. Treatment of tumorized mice with HEPTS significantly reduced both tumor volume and weight while it significantly increased the MST, antioxidant marks and prolonged the %ILS. It also, significantly reduced MAD, creatinine, urea, uric acid, and NO levels. Compared to cisplatin, HEPTS effects were better. Our results recommend HEPTS as one of the probable cisplatin-alternatives for tumor treatment after more validation.

In vivo biological evaluation of sodium salt of ethyl (E)-2-cyano-3-(7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-1(2H)-yl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acrylate as anticancer agent

Nowadays, quinoline scaffold is among the most vital construction compounds for the development of new drugs. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of sodium salt of ethyl (E)-2-cyano-3-(7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-1(2H)-yl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acrylate against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells residing in female mice's peritoneal cavity. The docking study exhibited a favourable interaction between the compound and the receptors 1MOY and 3KJF of osteopontin and caspase 3, respectively. The compound's sodium salt showed potential antioxidant and anti-cancer effects against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in vivo. Herein, the results elucidated that treatment with the compound's sodium salt exerted significant chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects, which reduced both EAC cell volume and count. Our results revealed that treatment with the sodium salt of the compound demonstrated a remarkable in vivo apoptotic effect through elevation of the expression of caspase 3 and reduction of osteopontin levels. Histopathological examination confirmed that the compound's sodium salt improved liver and kidney tissues without any apparent adverse effects.

In Vivo Biological Evaluation of Ethyl 4-(7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxoquinolin-1- ylamino)-coumarin-3-carboxylate as an Antitumor Agent

BACKGROUND

Hybridization of coumarin moiety with additional antitumor pharmacophores is an auspicious stratagem to afford precious therapeutic interference for the medication of cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to evaluate the antitumor activity of ethyl 4-(7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2- oxoquinolin-1-ylamino)-coumarin-3-carboxylate against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells in the peritoneal cavity of female mice.

METHODOLOGY

Molecular docking was used to predict the binding between the test compound and the receptor of breast cancer mutant 3HB5-oxidoreductase, as well as the viability of tumor cells and life span prolongation. The total anti-oxidant capacity was evaluated in the liver and kidneys. Serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, albumin, total protein, creatinine, and urea were estimated. The concentrations of Bcl-2 and Bax were measured in the liver and kidney tissues. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney tissues was also carried out.

RESULTS

EAC-bearing mice injected with the test compound showed a highly significant decrease in tumor cell viability by 100%, compared to the EAC control. Also, it exhibited significant anti-oxidant and apoptotic agents through the results of total anti-oxidant capacity and apoptosis assays. Confirmed by histological examination, the results of the liver and kidney function tests revealed that the test compound had no harmful effect on either of the organs. The docking investigation disclosed an auspicious interaction between the test compound and the receptor (3HB5). To confirm these results, correlations between different parameters were carried out. It was found that there were significant positive and negative correlations between the parameters.

CONCLUSION

Hybrid molecules containing coumarin and quinolinone exhibited a potential antitumor effect against EAC cells by the induction of apoptosis and anti-oxidant activities. Results of liver and kidney function tests and the histopathological study revealed that the administration of the test compound nullified most of the pathological alterations induced by EAC cells in mice. Based on these findings, the test compound can be developed as an effective chemotherapeutic agent.

Enhancing the in vitro and in vivo activity of itraconazole against breast cancer using miltefosine-modified lipid nanocapsules

Itraconazole (ITC), a well-tolerated antifungal drug, exerts multiple anticancer effects which justified its preclinical and clinical investigation as potential anti-cancer agent with reduced side effects. Enhancement of ITC anti-cancer efficacy would bring valuable benefits to patients. We propose herein lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) modified with a subtherapeutic dose of miltefosine (MFS) as a membrane bioactive amphiphilic additive (M-ITC-LNC) for the development of an ITC nanoformulation with enhanced anticancer activity compared with ITC solution (ITC-sol) and unmodified ITC-LNC. Both LNC formulations showed a relatively small size (43-46 nm) and high entrapment efficiency (>97%), though ITC release was more sustained by M-ITC-LNC. Cytotoxicity studies revealed significantly greater anticancer activity and selectivity of M-ITC-LNC for MCF-7 breast cancer cells compared with ITC-sol and ITC-LNC. This trend was substantiated by in vivo findings following a 14 day-treatment of murine mammary pad Ehrlich tumors. M-ITC-LNC showed the greatest enhancement of the ITC-induced tumor growth inhibition, proliferation, and necrosis. At the molecular level, the tumor content of Gli 1, caspase-3, and vascular endothelial growth factor verified superiority of M-ITC-LNC in enhancing the ITC antiangiogenic, apoptotic, and Hedgehog pathway inhibitory effects. Finally, histopathological and biochemical analysis indicated greater reduction of ITC systemic toxicity by M-ITC-LNC. Superior performance of M-ITC-LNC was attributed to the effect of MFS on the structural and release properties of LNC coupled with its distinct bioactivities. In conclusion, MFS-modified LNC provides a simple nanoplatform integrating the potentials of LNC and MFS for enhancing the chemotherapeutic efficacy of ITC and possibly other oncology drugs.

Anticancer activity of milk fat rich in conjugated linoleic acid against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in female Swiss albino mice

Background and Aim:

The major conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have anticancer effect, especially breast cancer cells, inhibits cell growth and induces cell death. Also, CLA has several health benefits in vivo, including antiatherogenesis, antiobesity, and modulation of immune function. The present study aimed to assess the safety and anticancer effects of milk fat CLA against in vivo Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in female Swiss albino mice. This was based on acute toxicity study, detection of the tumor growth, life span of EAC bearing hosts, and simultaneous alterations in the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological profiles.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and fifty adult female mice were equally divided into five groups. Groups (1-2) were normal controls, and Groups (3-5) were tumor transplanted mice (TTM) inoculated intraperitoneally with EAC cells (2×10⁶/0.2 mL). Group (3) was (TTM positive control). Group (4) TTM fed orally on balanced diet supplemented with milk fat CLA (40 mg CLA/kg body weight). Group (5) TTM fed orally on balanced diet supplemented with the same level of CLA 28 days before tumor cells inoculation. Blood samples and specimens from liver and kidney were collected from each group. The effect of milk fat CLA on the growth of tumor, life span of TTM, and simultaneous alterations in the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological profiles were examined.

Results:

For CLA treated TTM, significant decrease in tumor weight, ascetic volume, viable Ehrlich cells accompanied with increase in life span were observed. Hematological and biochemical profiles reverted to more or less normal levels and histopathology showed minimal effects.

Conclusion:

The present study proved the safety and anticancer efficiency of milk fat CLA and provides a scientific basis for its medicinal use as anticancer attributable to the additive or synergistic effects of its isomers.

HCl-induced acute lung injury: a study of the curative role of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and cobalt protoporphyrin

Background

This study was designed to investigate bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) and cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) curable effects on HCl-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and its underlying mechanisms hoping this might aid to offer a therapeutic opportunity for ALI.

Results

Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into four groups; normal (normal rats), ALI (rats injected with 2 ml hydrochloric acid (HCl)/kg via trachea), ALI + BM-MSCs (ALI rats intravenously injected twice with 1 × 10⁶ BM-MSCs/rat/week), and ALI + CoPP (ALI rats intraperitoneally injected twice with CoPP (0.5 mg/100 g/week)). White blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), lung histopathology, apoptosis markers (caspase-3 and Bcl2), and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)) were measured. ALI caused increases in WBCs, TNF-α, caspase-3, and MDA, and morphological damage score of lungs with decreases in RBCs, Hb, Bcl2, SOD, and CAT (p < 0.05). BM-MSCs or CoPP treatment reversed these ALI-induced changes (p < 0.05) towards normal.

Conclusions

BM-MSCs and CoPP could attenuate ALI by modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Curative roles of BM-MSCs were more effective than those of CoPP. This highlights BM-MSCs as a potent therapy for HCl-associated ALI.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of antioxidant enzymes SOD2 and GSTP1 genes and SLE risk and severity in an Egyptian pediatric population

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with increased oxidative stress that participates in immune dysregulation, and injury resulting in loss of immune tolerance and increased auto-antibody production. This study was designed to investigate the effects of genetic polymorphisms of the antioxidant enzymes genes that code for SOD2 (rs2758332) and GSTP1 (rs1695) on SLE risk and severity in Egyptian children and adolescents cohort from Delta region.

METHODS

The frequencies of these genes polymorphic variants were compared between 100 SLE children and adolescents and 100 healthy control subjects. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the two antioxidants were determined using TaqMan SNP genotyping assay.

RESULTS

Individuals with the TT and CT genotypes of rs2758332 in the SOD2 gene were of significant risk for SLE patients (OR = 1.831, 95% CI = 1.082-3.101, P = 0.024) and (OR = 1.864, 95% CI = 1.136-3.059, P = 0.014), respectively. Cases who have combined CT + TT genotype were of significant higher risk of SLE (OR = 1.851, 95% CI = 1.156 - 2.962, P = 0.010). While, they did not show any significant association between SOD2 genotypes or alleles with SLE clinical features. In case of the SNP rs1695 in the GSTP1 gene, no significant associations of genotypes or alleles with SLE risk or with SLE clinical features were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

This study among Egyptian children and adolescents showed a strong association of the SOD2 rs2758332 not GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism with the risk of SLE disease.

Bivalent furostene carbamates as antiproliferative and antiinflammatory agents

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women affecting about 12% of world's female population. It is a multifactorial disease, mostly invasive in nature. Diosgenin and related compounds are potent antiproliferative agents. Carbamate derivatives have been synthesized at C26 of furostene ring after opening spiroketal bond (F-ring) of diosgenin. Compound 10 possessed significant antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer cells by arresting the population at G1 phase of cell division cycle and induced apoptosis. Induction of apoptosis was observed through the caspase signalling cascade by activating caspase-3. Moreover, carbamate 10 exhibited moderate antiinflammatory activity by decreasing the expression of cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced inflammation in primary macrophage cells. Furthermore, compound 10 significantly reduced Ehrlich ascites carcinoma significantly in mice. It was well tolerated and safe in acute oral toxicity in Swiss albino mice. The concomitant anticancer and antiinflammatory properties of carbamate 10 are important and thus, can further be optimized for a better anti-breast cancer candidate.

Loading of some quinoxaline derivatives in poly (l-lactic) acid/Pluronic® F-127 nanofibers enhances their anticancer efficiency and induces a p53 and p21 apoptotic-signaling pathway

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anticancer activity on cancer cell models of a drug delivery system consisting of poly (l-lactic) acid/Pluronic® F-127 (PLLA/PF127) loaded with the new N-butylpyridoquinoxaline 1,4-dioxide (NBPQD) or 2-amino-3-cyano-6-methylquinoxaline 1,4-dioxide (ACMQD) that was synthesized using an electrospinning process compared to free NBPQD and ACMQD. PLLA/PF127-NBPQD and PLLA/PF127-ACMQD nanofibers were prepared, and their shape, size, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, water contact angel (WCA), drug release, anticancer activity against five human cancer cell lines, and flowcytometeric analyses of cell cycle, p21 and p53 activities were investigated. PLLA/PF127 nanofibers with NBPQD or ACMQD were smooth, and no NBPQD or ACMQD clusters were found on nanofibers surface. FTIR analysis indicated that intermolecular hydrogen bonding between NBPQD or ACMQD and the polymer matrix is present. PLLA/PF127 nanofibers with NBPQD or ACMQD showed quite stable thermal stability with degradation at about 400 °C, and showed high WCA values of 68.72 ± 3.83° and 110.59 ± 0.21°, respectively. They showed higher in vitro anticancer activity towards all investigated cell lines compared to free NBPQD or free ACMQD. The lowest IC₅₀ value for PLLA/PF127-NBPQD was 1.7 μg/ml with colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) and was 4.5 μg/ml for PLLA/PF127-ACMQD with hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). PLLA/PF127 nanofibers with NBPQD or ACMQD increased anticancer efficiency via inducing cancer cell apoptosis through activation of a p53 and p21 apoptotic-signaling pathway.

Development of New Potential Anticancer Metal Complexes Derived from 2-Hydrazinobenzothiazole

Background:

Due to the side effects of clinically approved anticancer drugs there is a great need to explore and develop new metal-based anticancer drug molecules of high efficiency with less or no side effects.

Objective:

To synthesize new metal complexes of 2-hydrazinobenzothiazole (hbt) and to investigate their potential anticancer characteristics.

Methods:

New five complexes; [VO(hbt)2SO4].4H2O (1), [Ru(hbt)2Cl3(H2O)] (2), [M(hbt)2Cl2] [M(II) = Pd (3), Pt (4)] and [Ag(hbt)2].NO3 (5) were prepared and their structure was investigated by means of FTIR, 1H NMR, ESI-MS and UV-Vis spectra, elemental and thermal analysis, magnetic and molar conductance measurements. The ligand and its complexes were examined as anticancer agents against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and human cancer cells (hepatocellular carcinoma Hep-G2, mammary gland breast cancer MCF-7 and colorectal carcinoma HCT-116). This feature is further supported by the DNAmetal complexes binding ability. In addition, anti-oxidation activity of the complexes was investigated.

Results:

Complex (5) shows the highest anticancer activity with IC50 of 5.15, 9.9, 13.1 and 17.7 µg/mL for EAC, HePG-2, MCF-7 and HCT-116, respectively. Complexes (2) and (3) show promising cytotoxicity against EAC and HePG-2 cells with IC50 5.49 and 16.2 µg/mL, respectively. While, complexes (1) and (4) show optimistic cytotoxicity against EAC with IC50 of 9.63 and 11.25 µg/mL, respectively. The order of DNA binding ability of the complexes is (5) > (3) > (2) > (1) > (4). Among the five complexes, complex (5) shows the best anti-oxidation activity.

Conclusion:

Complex (5) showed the highest DNA binding ability, anti-oxidation and anticancer activities.