Brosimone I, an isoprenoid-substituted flavonoid, induces cell cycle G1 phase arrest and apoptosis through ROS-dependent endoplasmic reticulum stress in HCT116 human colon cancer cells

Targeting the Metabolic Paradigms in Cancer and Diabetes

Dysregulated metabolic dynamics are evident in both cancer and diabetes, with metabolic alterations representing a facet of the myriad changes observed in these conditions. This review delves into the commonalities in metabolism between cancer and type 2 diabetes (T2D), focusing specifically on the contrasting roles of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis as primary energy-generating pathways within cells. Building on earlier research, we explore how a shift towards one pathway over the other serves as a foundational aspect in the development of cancer and T2D. Unlike previous reviews, we posit that this shift may occur in seemingly opposing yet complementary directions, akin to the Yin and Yang concept. These metabolic fluctuations reveal an intricate network of underlying defective signaling pathways, orchestrating the pathogenesis and progression of each disease. The Warburg phenomenon, characterized by the prevalence of aerobic glycolysis over minimal to no OXPHOS, emerges as the predominant metabolic phenotype in cancer. Conversely, in T2D, the prevailing metabolic paradigm has traditionally been perceived in terms of discrete irregularities rather than an OXPHOS-to-glycolysis shift. Throughout T2D pathogenesis, OXPHOS remains consistently heightened due to chronic hyperglycemia or hyperinsulinemia. In advanced insulin resistance and T2D, the metabolic landscape becomes more complex, featuring differential tissue-specific alterations that affect OXPHOS. Recent findings suggest that addressing the metabolic imbalance in both cancer and diabetes could offer an effective treatment strategy. Numerous pharmaceutical and nutritional modalities exhibiting therapeutic effects in both conditions ultimately modulate the OXPHOS-glycolysis axis. Noteworthy nutritional adjuncts, such as alpha-lipoic acid, flavonoids, and glutamine, demonstrate the ability to reprogram metabolism, exerting anti-tumor and anti-diabetic effects. Similarly, pharmacological agents like metformin exhibit therapeutic efficacy in both T2D and cancer. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying these metabolic shifts and explores promising therapeutic strategies aimed at reversing the metabolic imbalance in both disease scenarios.

Compound 275# Induces Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis and Autophagy Initiation in Colorectal Cancer Cells through an Accumulation of Intracellular ROS

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common intestinal malignancy, and nearly 70% of patients with this cancer develop metastatic disease. In the present study, we synthesized a novel compound, termed N-(3-(5,7-dimethylbenzo [d]oxazol-2-yl)phenyl)-5-nitrofuran-2-carboxamide (compound 275#), and found that it exhibits antiproliferative capability in suppressing the proliferation and growth of CRC cell lines. Furthermore, compound 275# triggered caspase 3-mediated intrinsic apoptosis of mitochondria and autophagy initiation. An investigation of the molecular mechanisms demonstrated that compound 275# induced intrinsic apoptosis, and autophagy initiation was largely mediated by increasing the levels of the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in CRC cells. Taken together, these data suggest that ROS accumulation after treatment with compound 275# leads to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and autophagy activation, highlighting the potential of compound 275# as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of CRC.

Targeting regulated cell death with plant natural compounds for cancer therapy: A revisited review of apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, and necroptosis

Regulated cell death (RCD) refers to programmed cell death regulated by various protein molecules, such as apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, and necroptosis. Accumulating evidence has recently revealed that RCD subroutines have several links to many types of human cancer; therefore, targeting RCD with pharmacological small-molecule compounds would be a promising therapeutic strategy. Moreover, plant natural compounds, small-molecule compounds synthesized from plant sources, and their derivatives have been widely reported to regulate different RCD subroutines to improve potential cancer therapy. Thus, in this review, we focus on updating the intricate mechanisms of apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, and necroptosis in cancer. Moreover, we further discuss several representative plant natural compounds and their derivatives that regulate the above-mentioned three subroutines of RCD, and their potential as candidate small-molecule drugs for the future cancer treatment.

Apigenin and its octoic acid diester attenuated glycidol-induced autophagic-dependent apoptosis via inhibiting the ERK/JNK/p38 signaling pathways in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)

Glycidol is a well-known food contaminant mainly formed in refined edible oils and various thermally processed foods. Here, we studied the toxicity effects and related mechanism of glycidol on Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Glycidol was found to induce Gap period 2 (G2)/Mitosis (M) phase cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy in HUVECs. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) attenuated glycidol-induced cell death, suggesting that glycidol-induced apoptosis was autophagy-dependent. Moreover, glycidol treatment induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), and p38. Inhibition of ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation by the inhibitors U0126, SP600125, and SB203580 attenuated glycidol-induced autophagy and prevented glycidol-mediated reduction in cell viability, demonstrating that glycidol inhibited HUVECs growth by inducing autophagic-dependent apoptosis through activation of the ERK, JNK and p38 signaling pathways. In addition, apigenin (API) and its octoic acid diester apigenin-7 (API-C8), 4'-O-dioctanoate were found to significantly attenuate glycidol-induced cell growth inhibition by inhibiting the above signaling pathways. Collectively, glycidol induces autophagic-dependent apoptosis via activating the ERK/JNK/p38 signaling pathways in HUVECs and API-C8 could attenuate the toxicity effects.

Apigenin and apigenin-7, 4'-O-dioctanoate protect against acrolein-aggravated inflammation via inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and HMGB1/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)

Exposure to acrolein, one environmental and dietary pollutant, has been shown to cause inflammation. Here, we reported for the first time that acrolein aggravated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as evidenced by the further increased mRNA expression of three pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Acrolein also further increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in LPS-pretreated HUVEC. Moreover, acrolein treatment further increased the nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC) expression, caspase-1 cleavage, and downstream matures interleukin 18 (IL-18) and IL-1β level in LPS-pretreated HUVEC. Acrolein treatment also further increased the expressions of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and phospho-NF-κB P65 (P-P65) in the LPS pre-treated HUVEC. Thus, acrolein aggravated LPS-induced HUVEC inflammation through induction of oxidative stress, and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and HMGB1/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, apigenin and apigenin-7, 4'-O-dioctanoate attenuated acrolein-aggravated inflammation by targeting the above signaling pathways. Our findings could help to develop potential therapeutic strategies against acrolein-enhanced inflammation.

FIP-fve Stimulates Cell Proliferation and Enhances IL-2 Release by Activating MAP2K3/p38α (MAPK14) Signaling Pathway in Jurkat E6-1 Cells

FIP-fve, a fungal fruiting body protein from Flammulina velutipes, has potential immunomodulatory properties. Here, we investigated the immunomodulation mechanism of FIP-fve in Jurkat E6-1 cells by conducting a cell viability assay and IL-2 release assay. Kinase inhibitors experiment and proteomics analysis were also involved in the mechanism study. It was found that FIP-fve stimulated cell proliferation and enhanced IL-2 secretion in a dose-dependent manner in Jurkat E6-1 cells. Unbiased high-throughput proteomics analysis showed that 4 T cell immune activation markers, including ZAP-70, CD69, CD82, and KIF23, were upregulated in response to FIP-fve treatment. Further pathway analysis indicated that MAP2K3/p38 pathway-related proteins, including MAP2K, p38, ELK, AATF, FOS, and JUN-B, were unregulated. In addition, losmapimod (p38 inhibitor) and gossypetin (MAP2K3 inhibitor) inhibited FIP-fve enhanced cell proliferation and IL-2 release in Jurkat E6-1 cells. Our results demonstrate that FIP-fve stimulates cell proliferation and enhances IL-2 secretion through MAP2K3/p38α activation.

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) in health and disease: a critical review

Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Family Moraceae), is a tropical tree, native to India and common in Asia, Africa, and several regions in South America. The fruit is commonly known as jackfruit which is one of the largest edible fruits in the world. Jackfruits comprises a wide range of nutrients, including minerals, carbohydrates, volatile compounds, proteins, and vitamins. The fruit, bark, leaves, and roots are endowed with therapeutic attributes and are utilized in the many traditional medicinal systems for the management of various ailments. Fruit and seeds are commonly used to prepare various food items, including sauce, ice creams, jams, jellies, and marmalades. Due to unique texture, jackfruit is becoming a popular meat substitute. Based on preclinical studies, jackfruit exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-melanin, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, anthelmintic, wound-healing, and antineoplastic activities. Clinical studies reveal that the leaves possess antidiabetic action in healthy and insulin-independent diabetic individuals. Despite numerous health benefits, regrettably, jackfruit has not been properly utilized in a marketable scale in areas where it is produced. This review delivers an updated, comprehensive, and critical evaluation on the nutritional value, phytochemical profiling, pharmacological attributes and underlying mechanisms of action to explore the full potential of jackfruit in health and disease.

Dihydromyricetin resists inflammation-induced muscle atrophy via ryanodine receptor-CaMKK-AMPK signal pathway

Skeletal muscle plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of physical and metabolic health. Skeletal muscle atrophy usually results in physical disability, inferior quality of life and higher health care costs. The higher incidence of muscle atrophy in obese and ageing groups is due to increased levels of inflammatory factors during obesity and ageing. Dihydromyricetin, as a bioactive polyphenol, has been used for anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumour and improving insulin sensitivity. However, there are no published reports demonstrated the dihydromyricetin effect on inflammation‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy. In this study, we first confirmed the role of dihydromyricetin in inflammation‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy in vivo and in vitro. Then, we demonstrated that dihydromyricetin resisted inflammation‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy by activating Ca²⁺‐CaMKK‐AMPK through signal pathway blockers, Ca²⁺ probes and immunofluorescence. Finally, we clarified that dihydromyricetin activated Ca²⁺‐CaMKK‐AMPK signalling pathway through interaction with the ryanodine receptor, its target protein, by drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS). Our results not only demonstrated that dihydromyricetin resisted inflammation‐induced muscle atrophy via the ryanodine receptor‐CaMKK‐AMPK signal pathway but also discovered that the target protein of dihydromyricetin is the ryanodine receptor. Our results provided experimental data for the development of dihydromyricetin as a functional food and new therapeutic strategies for treating or preventing skeletal muscle atrophy.

Helenalin Facilitates Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest by Targeting Thioredoxin Reductase-1 in Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Background

Helenalin is a pseudoguaianolide natural product with anti-cancer activities. This study investigated the underlying mechanism of the anti-prostate cancer effects of helenalin in vitro.

Material/Methods

CCK-8 assay was performed to detect the optimal concentrations of helenalin in DU145 and PC-3 cells. After exposure to helenalin and/or reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor, ROS production was assessed by DCFH-DA staining. Thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR1) expression was detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. Moreover, apoptosis and cell cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry. Following TrxR1 knockdown or overexpression, TrxR1 expression, ROS generation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion were examined in cells co-treated with helenalin.

Results

Helenalin distinctly repressed the viability of prostate cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. We chose 8 μM and 4 μM as the optimal concentrations of helenalin for DU145 and PC-3 cells, respectively. Helenalin treatment markedly triggered ROS production and lowered TrxR1 expression, which was ameliorated by ROS inhibitor. Exposure to helenalin facilitated apoptosis as well as G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, which was reversed by ROS inhibitor. Helenalin relieved the inhibitory effect of TrxR1 on ROS production. Furthermore, helenalin ameliorated the decrease in apoptosis rate and the shortening of G0/G1 phase as well as the increase in migration and invasion induced by TrxR1 overexpression.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that helenalin accelerated ROS-mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via targeting TrxR1 in human prostate cancer cells.

Prenylated coumarins from the fruits of Artocarpus heterophyllus with their potential anti-inflammatory and anti-HIV activities

A phytochemical investigation on the fruits of Artocarpus heterophyllus led to the isolation and characterisation of a new prenylated coumarin, artoheteronin (1), together with six known analogues (2-7). The chemical structure of 1 was elucidated using extensive spectral methods and the known compounds (2-7) were identified by comparing their spectral data with those reported in the literature. All known compounds (2-7) were isolated from the genus Artocarpus for the first time. The anti-inflammatory and anti-HIV activities of all isolated prenylated coumarins (1-7) were assessed in vitro. As a result, compounds 1-7 displayed notable inhibitory effects against nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide in mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells in vitro with the IC₅₀ values in range of 0.58 ± 0.06 to 6.29 ± 0.12 μM. Meanwhile, compounds 1-7 exhibited notable anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) activities possessing EC₅₀ values in the range of 0.18 to 9.12 µM.

Isoalantolactone Increases the Sensitivity of Prostate Cancer Cells to Cisplatin Treatment by Inducing Oxidative Stress

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among men worldwide. Platinum (II)-based chemotherapy has been used to treat a number of malignancies including prostate cancer. However, the potential of cisplatin for treating prostate cancer is restricted owing to its limited efficacy and toxic side effects. Combination therapies have been proposed to increase the efficacy and reduce the toxic side effects. In the present study, we investigated how isoalantolactone (IATL), a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from the medicinal plant Inula helenium L., acts synergistically with cisplatin on human prostate cancer cells. We show that IATL significantly increased cisplatin-induced growth suppression and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells. Mechanistically, the combined treatment resulted in an excessive accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to the activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the JNK signaling pathway in human prostate cancer cells. Pretreatment of cells with the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly abrogated the combined treatment-induced ROS accumulation and cell apoptosis. In addition, the activation of ER stress and the JNK signaling pathway prompted by IATL and cisplatin was also reversed by NAC pretreatment. In vivo, we found that IATL combined with cisplatin showed the strongest antitumor effects compared with single agents. These results support the notion that IATL and cisplatin combinational treatment may be more effective for treating prostate cancer than cisplatin alone.

Scoulerine promotes cell viability reduction and apoptosis by activating ROS-dependent endoplasmic reticulum stress in colorectal cancer cells

Scoulerine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Corydalis plants, has been reported to possess potent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic function in cancer cells. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of scoulerine on colorectal cancer (CRC) progression remain elusive. CCK-8 and LDH assays were used to evaluate cell viability. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry analysis, caspase-3/7 activity assay, and Western blot analysis of Bax, Bcl-2 and cytochrome c (Cyt C) expression. Oxidative stress level was examined by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activation was detected by Western blot analysis of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression. Results showed that scoulerine dose-dependently suppressed CRC cell viability. Scoulerine induced apoptosis and increased caspase-3/7 activity in CRC cells. Bax and cytosolic Cyt C expression was enhanced while Bcl-2 and mitochondrial Cyt C expression was reduced in scoulerine-treated CRC cells. Additionally, scoulerine induced oxidative damage in CRC cells by increasing ROS generation and reducing GSH content and SOD activity. Scoulerine activated ER stress, as evidenced by the increased GRP78 and CHOP expression in CRC cells. Interestingly, blocking ROS production by ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) attenuated scoulerine-induced ER stress. Inhibition of ER stress by 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) abolished scoulerine-induced ROS generation in CRC cells. Blockage of ROS and ER stress attenuated scoulerine-induced cell viability reduction and apoptosis in CRC cells. In conclusion, scoulerine promoted cell viability reduction and apoptosis by activating ROS-dependent ER stress in CRC cells.