Inhibitory effects of isoflavones on tumor growth and cachexia in newly established cachectic mouse models carrying human stomach cancers

Genistein: Therapeutic and Preventive Effects, Mechanisms, and Clinical Application in Digestive Tract Tumor

Genistein is one of the numerous recognized isoflavones that may be found in a variety of soybeans and soy products, including tofu and tofu products. The chemical name for genistein is 4', 5, 7-trihydroxyisoflavone, and it is found in plants. In recent years, the scientific world has become more interested in genistein because of its possible therapeutic effects on many forms of cancer. It has been widely investigated for its anticancer properties. The discovery of genistein's mechanism of action indicates its potential for apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in gastrointestinal cancer, especially gastric and colorectal cancer. Genistein's pharmacological activities as determined by the experimental studies presented in this review lend support to its use in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer; however, additional research is needed in the future to determine its efficacy, safety, and the potential for using nanotechnology to increase bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

The Preparation of Gen-NH2-MCM-41@SA Nanoparticles and Their Anti-Rotavirus Effects

Genistein (Gen), a kind of natural isoflavone drug monomer with poor water solubility and low oral absorption, was incorporated into oral nanoparticles with a new mesoporous carrier material, NH₂-MCM-41, which was synthesized by copolycondensation. When the ratio of Gen to NH₂-MCM-41 was 1:0.5, the maximum adsorption capacity of Gen was 13.15%, the maximum drug loading was 12.65%, and the particle size of the whole core–shell structure was in the range of 370 nm–390 nm. The particles were characterized by a Malvern particle size scanning machine, XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption and desorption. Finally, Gen-NH₂-MCM-41 was encapsulated by sodium alginate (SA), and the chimerism of this material, denoted as GEN-NH₂-MCM-41@SA, was investigated. In vitro release experiments showed that, after 5 h in artificial colon fluid (pH = 8.0), the cumulative release reached 99.56%. In addition, its anti-rotavirus (RV) effect showed that the maximum inhibition rate was 62.24% at a concentration of 30 μM in RV-infected Caco-2 cells, and it significantly reduced the diarrhea rate and diarrhea index in an RV-infected-neonatal mice model at a dose of 0.3 mg/g, which was better than the results of Gen. Ultimately, Gen-NH₂-MCM-41@SA was successfully prepared, which solves the problems of low solubility and poor absorption and provides an experimental basis for the application of Gen in the clinical treatment of RV infection.

The Steroidal Alkaloid Tomatidine and Tomatidine-Rich Tomato Leaf Extract Suppress the Human Gastric Cancer-Derived 85As2 Cells In Vitro and In Vivo via Modulation of Interferon-Stimulated Genes

The steroidal alkaloid tomatidine is an aglycone of α-tomatine, which is abundant in tomato leaves and has several biological activities. Tomatidine has been reported to inhibit the growth of cultured cancer cells in vitro, but its anti-cancer activity in vivo and inhibitory effect against gastric cancer cells remain unknown. We investigated the efficacy of tomatidine using human gastric cancer-derived 85As2 cells and its tumor-bearing mouse model and evaluated the effect of tomatidine-rich tomato leaf extract (TRTLE) obtained from tomato leaves. In the tumor-bearing mouse model, tumor growth was significantly inhibited by feeding a diet containing tomatidine and TRTLE for 3 weeks. Tomatidine and TRTLE also inhibited the proliferation of cultured 85As2 cells. Microarray data of gene expression analysis in mouse tumors revealed that the expression levels of mRNAs belonging to the type I interferon signaling pathway were altered in the mice fed the diet containing tomatidine and TRTLE. Moreover, the knockdown of one of the type I interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), interferon α-inducible protein 27 (IFI27), inhibited the proliferation of cultured 85As2 cells. This study demonstrates that tomatidine and TRTLE inhibit the tumor growth in vivo and the proliferation of human gastric cancer-derived 85As2 cells in vitro, which could be due to the downregulation of ISG expression.

[Cardio-oncology - elucidation of the mechanism of cardiac dysfunction caused by cancer therapy and cancer cachexia]

Cardiovascular disorders in cancer patients with cachexia have recently become a great concern. However, the relationship between cancer cachexia and cardiac dysfunction remains unclear, due to lack of suitable models. We established a novel murine model of cancer cachexia by implantation of 85As2 cells, a cell line derived from human gastric cancer cells, presenting anorexia, weight loss and low fat-free mass similar to those observed in patients. Moreover, cardiac dysfunction is expected in this model, which has not been yet examined. In the present study, we firstly evaluated cardiac functions with the model. Secondly, we investigated effects of voluntary wheel running (VWR) on cachexia-induced cardiac dysfunction using this model, as the exercise is considered to be one of therapies for chronic heart failure. 85As2 cells were transplanted subcutaneously into mice, which observed a symptomatic cachexia; decrease in body, skeletal muscle weight, and food intake. In addition, this cachexia mouse developed severe cardiac atrophy and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) also markedly reduced with cachexia progression. Moreover, VWR suppressed the decrease in food intake and skeletal muscle weight loss in this model, and improved LVEF with suppression of heart weight loss. These results imply that our 85As2-cachexia mice models show cardiac dysfunction and VWR may improve not only cachexia symptoms but also cardiac dysfunction. As exercise therapy is generally introduced for the purpose of improving heart failure symptoms, this study suggests a possible therapeutic effect of exercise on cardiac dysfunction induced by cancer cachexia.

Associations of Japanese food intake with survival of stomach and colorectal cancer: A prospective patient cohort study

Dietary factors may affect the prognosis of digestive tract cancer, but evidence has been sparse. We investigated the association between pretreatment intake of 6 Japanese foods (including soy food, miso [soybean paste] soup and seaweed) and the risk of death among patients with histologically confirmed major digestive tract cancers (stomach, 1931; colon, 793; rectum, 510) diagnosed during 1997‐2013 at a single institution in Japan. Pretreatment dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and the patients were followed until December 2016. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among the patients with stomach cancer, frequent intake of soy food was inversely associated with the risk of all‐cause (P_trend for four frequency groups = 0.01; HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.50‐1.04 for highest vs lowest group) and stomach cancer (P_trend = 0.03; HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40‐0.99) death. A similar inverse association was also found for intake of miso soup. In contrast, frequent seaweed intake was inversely associated with the risk of all‐cause death among the patients with colon cancer (P_trend = 0.03). Rectal cancer patients who had frequently consumed seaweed tended to have a lower risk of rectal cancer death (P_trend = 0.02). These findings indicate that pretreatment intake of Japanese foods such as soybean products and seaweed may have favorable effects on patient survival of stomach and colorectal cancer, although this needs to be confirmed by further research.

Promising models for cancer-induced cachexia drug discovery

Introduction: Cachexia is a frequent, multifactorial syndrome associated with cancer afflicting patients' quality of life, their ability to tolerate anti-neoplastic therapies and the therapies efficacy, as well as survival. Currently, there are no approved cancer cachexia treatments other than those for the treatment of the underlying cancer. Cancer cachexia (CC) is poorly understood and hence makes clinical trial design difficult at best. This underlines the importance of well-characterized animal models to further elucidate the pathophysiology of CC and drug discovery/development.Areas covered: This review gives an overview of the available animal models and their value and limitations in translational studies.Expert opinion: Using more than one CC model to test research questions or novel compounds/treatment strategies is strongly advisable. The main reason is that models have unique signaling modalities driving cachexia that may only relate to subgroups of cancer patients. Human xenograph CC models require the use of mice with a compromised immune system, limiting their value for translational experiments. It may prove beneficial to include standard care chemotherapy in the experimental design, as many chemotherapeutic agents can induce cachexia themselves and alter the metabolic and signaling derangements of CC and thus the response to new therapeutic strategies.

Fat Wasting Is Damaging: Role of Adipose Tissue in Cancer-Associated Cachexia

Loss of body weight, especially loss of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle weight, characterizes cancer-associated cachexia (CAC). Clinically, therapeutic options for CAC are limited due to the complicated signaling between cancer and other organs. Recent research advances show that adipose tissues play a critical role during thermogenesis, glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism. Understanding the adipocyte lipolysis, the formation of beige adipocytes, and the activation of brown adipocytes is vital for novel therapies for metabolic syndromes like CAC. The system-level crosstalk between adipose tissue and other organs involves adipocyte lipolysis, white adipose tissue browning, and secreted factors and metabolites. Novel CAC animal models and accumulating molecular signaling knowledge have provided mechanisms that may ultimately be translated into future therapeutic possibilities that benefit CAC patients. This mini review discusses the role of adipose tissue in CAC development, mechanism, and therapy.

Effects of Isolated Isoflavones Intake on Health

BACKGROUND

Isoflavones are naturally occurring flavonoids, commonly found in the food consumed for centuries in the East-Asian population, characterized by a structure able to exert nonsteroidal estrogen-like activity on human cells. They have attracted researcher interest all around the word, following the results obtained in epidemiological and clinical studies. The involvement of isoflavones and their metabolites in various biological processes suggests that they can influence several metabolic pathways and can influence the gene expression at epigenetic level, involving effects that probably are due to early life exposure. They show positive health effects on several diseases, especially in the prevention of coronary heart and neurological diseases, hormone-related cancers, osteoporosis, and postmenopausal symptoms.

METHODS

We have performed a critical evaluation of available literature trough a structured search of bibliographic databases about isoflavones health promoting properties, risk assessment and mechanisms of action. In addition, we supplied useful information on their biochemical properties, sources and bioavailability.

RESULTS

Although these molecules have been the subjects of numerous researches, their role for the wellness of the human organism remains controversial. Moreover, there are substantial inconsistencies between the results obtained by epidemiologic studies conducted on Eastern population, which found high health promoting properties, and Western clinical trials, which found much less positive effects.

CONCLUSION

Further epidemiologic studies and well-designed prospective human studies are to determine the beneficial effects of isoflavones exposure, as well as establishing its safe therapeutic.

A novel strategy for treatment of cancer cachexia targeting xanthine oxidase in the brain

Cancer cachexia is a systemic wasting syndrome characterized by anorexia and loss of body weight. The xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor febuxostat is one of the promising candidates for cancer cachexia treatment. However, cachexic symptoms were not alleviated by oral administration of febuxostat in our cancer cachexia model. Metabolomic analysis with brains of our cachexic model showed that purine metabolism was activated and XO activity was increased, and thus suggested that febuxostat would not reach the brain. Accordingly, targeting XO in the brain, which controls appetite, may be an effective strategy for treatment of cancer cachexia.

Development and characterization of a cancer cachexia model employing a rare human duodenal neuroendocrine carcinoma-originating cell line

Cancer cachexia interferes with therapy and worsens patients’ quality of life. Therefore, for a better understanding of cachexia, we aimed to establish a reliable cell line to develop a cachexia model. We recently established and characterized the TCC-NECT-2 cell line, derived from a Japanese patient with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the duodenum (D-NEC). Subcutaneous xenograft of TCC-NECT-2 cells in mice resulted in tumor formation, angiogenesis, and 20% incidence of body weight (BW)-loss. Subsequently, we isolated a potent cachexia-inducing subline using stepwise selection and designated as AkuNEC. Orthotopic and s.c. implantation of AkuNEC cells into mice led to diminished BW, anorexia, skeletal muscle atrophy, adipose tissue loss, and decreased locomotor activity at 100% incidence. Additionally, orthotopic implantation of AkuNEC cells resulted in metastasis and angiogenesis. Serum IL-8 overproduction was observed, and levels were positively correlated with BW-loss and reduced adipose tissue and muscle volumes in tumor-bearing mice. However, shRNA knockdown of the IL-8 gene did not suppress tumor growth and cachexia in the AkuNEC model, indicating that IL-8 is not directly involved in cachexia induction. In conclusion, AkuNEC cells may serve as a useful model to study cachexia and D-NEC.

Metabolic Profiling of Tumors, Sera, and Skeletal Muscles from an Orthotopic Murine Model of Gastric Cancer Associated-Cachexia

Cachexia is a complex metabolic derangement syndrome that affects approximately 50-80% of cancer patients. So far, few works have been reported to provide a global overview of gastric cancer cachexia (GCC)-related metabolic changes. We established a GCC murine model by orthotopicly implanting BGC823 cell line and conducted NMR-based metabolomic analysis of gastric tissues, sera, and gastrocnemius. The model with typical cachexia symptoms, confirmed by significant weight loss and muscle atrophy, showed distinctly distinguished metabolic profiles of tumors, sera, and gastrocnemius from sham mice. We identified 20 differential metabolites in tumors, 13 in sera, and 14 in gastrocnemius. Tumor extracts displayed increased pyruvate and lactate, and decreased hypoxanthine, inosine, and inosinate, indicating significantly altered glucose and nucleic acid metabolisms. Cachectic mice exhibited up-regulated serum lactate and glycerol, and down-regulated glucose, which were closely related to hyperlipidemia and hypoglycemia. Furthermore, gastrocnemius transcriptomic and metabolomic data revealed that GCC induced perturbed pathways mainly concentrated on carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Specifically, cachectic gastrocnemius exhibited increased α-ketoglutarate and decreased glucose. In vitro study indicated that α-ketoglutarate could prompt myoblasts proliferation and reduce glucose deficiency-induced myotubes atrophy. Overall, this work provides a global metabolic overview to understand the metabolic alterations associated with GCC-induced muscle atrophy.

Development and Biological Analysis of a Novel Orthotopic Peritoneal Dissemination Mouse Model Generated Using a Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Line

OBJECTIVES

Peritoneal dissemination (PD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We sought to develop and characterized a novel PD mouse model by using a previously established PDAC cell line TCC-Pan2.

METHODS

TCC-Pan2 cell line was characterized for growth rate, tumor markers, histology, and somatic mutations. TCC-Pan2 cells were implanted orthotopically to produce PD. TCC-Pan2 cells from these metastatic foci were expanded in vitro and then implanted orthotopically in mice. This PD model was used for comparing the antitumor effect of paclitaxel and NK105.

RESULTS

Orthotopically implanted TCC-Pan2 cells caused tumor formation and PD with high frequency in mice. A potent metastatic subline-Pan2M-was obtained. NK105 exerted a stronger antitumor effect than paclitaxel against Pan2M cells harboring a luciferase gene (Pan2MmLuc). Notably, the survival rate on day 80 in the Pan2MmLuc mouse model was 100% for the NK105 group and 0% for the paclitaxel group.

CONCLUSION

TCC-Pan2 cell line and Pan2MmLuc PD model can serve as useful tools for monitoring the responses to antineoplastic agents and for studying PDAC biology.

Establishment of a novel cell line from a rare human duodenal poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma

Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the duodenum (D-NEC) is a rare cancer with poor prognosis. However, a D-NEC cell line has not yet been established to study the disease. We established a cell line, TCC-NECT-2, from the ascites tumor of a 59-year-old male Japanese patient with D-NEC. TCC-NECT-2 was positive for neuroendocrine markers, chromogranin A (CGA), cluster of differentiation 56 (CD56/NCAM), synaptophysin (SYN/p38), and neuron specific enolase (NSE). Cells exhibited retinoblastoma (RB) protein loss. Orthotopic implantation of TCC-NECT-2 cells into nu/nu mice resulted in tumor formation (incidence = 83.3%) with neuroendocrine characteristics, metastasis, and weight loss. BRAF^V600E and TP53 mutations and C-MYC gene amplification were also observed in TCC-NECT-2. BRAF^V600E-expressing TCC-NECT-2 cells were sensitive to BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib, and especially dabrafenib, in vitro, and were strongly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Dabrafenib treatment (30 mg/kg) in a xenograft model for 14 days significantly suppressed tumor growth (percent tumor growth inhibition, TGI% = 48.04). An enhanced therapeutic effect (TGI% = 95.81) was observed on combined treatment of dabrafenib and irinotecan (40 mg/kg). Therefore, TCC-NECT-2, the first reported cell line derived from D-NEC, might serve as a useful model to study the basic biology of D-NEC and translational applications for treatment.

Upregulation of KIF20A correlates with poor prognosis in gastric cancer

Background

KIF20A is well known as one of the key proteins in mitosis. Recently, a number of studies illustrated that KIF20A might function as an oncogene in some carcinomas. However, its expression levels and clinical value remained unclear in gastric cancer (GC).

Patients and methods

In this study, we investigated the expression of KIF20A in samples from GC patients and cell lines by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. The function of KIF20A in cell proliferation of GC cell lines was examined via cell viability and colony formation assays. Immunohistochemistry assay based on a tissue microarray consisting of 146 cases was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of KIF20A. The overall survival rate of 122 GC patients based on KIF20A expression was analyzed as well. Finally, using KIF20A inhibitor, genistein, and combining it with cisplatin or fluorouracil, the antitumor effects were studied.

Results

Most GC samples (56.76%) showed higher KIF20A expression level compared to their corresponding normal specimens, which demonstrated the potential oncogenic role of KIF20A in GC. The functional studies elucidated the essential role of KIF20A in GC cell proliferation. Besides, tissue microarray result showed that the expression level of KIF20A was significantly related to the histological grades (P=0.036). Furthermore, we found the expression of KIF20A was related to poor overall survival rate, which is coincident with the results from Kaplan–Meier plotter database. In addition, we found that a KIF20A inhibitor, genistein, could enhance the antitumor activity of cisplatin and fluorouracil, which might be considered as a chemosensitive agent in GC.

Conclusion

KIF20A can promote cell proliferation in GC, which might be used as an independent prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target.

Leukemia inhibitory factor via the Toll-like receptor 5 signaling pathway involves aggravation of cachexia induced by human gastric cancer-derived 85As2 cells in rats

Cancer cachexia is highly prevalent in gastric cancer patients and characterized by decreased food consumption and body weight. We previously created a rat model of cancer cachexia using MKN45cl85 and 85As2 cells derived from human gastric cancer. The 85As2 cells induced cachexia more potently compared to MKN45cl85 cells. To clarify the mechanism underlying the difference in the cachexia-inducing ability of these cells, we conducted DNA microarray analysis, focusing on cell proliferation and the production of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a cachexia-inducing factor. The plasma human LIF levels of 85As2-induced cachexic rats increased as symptoms worsened, whereas the plasma levels of MKNcl85 were low. 85As2 cells displayed more genetic changes compared to MKN45cl85 cells, which were related to Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/5 signaling. Stimulation of both cells with TLR4 (lipopolysaccharide) or TLR5 (flagellin) agonists did not affect proliferation. However, in 82As2 cells, LIF production was significantly increased by stimulation with TLR5, which was suppressed by an inhibitor of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1/4, which are important factors in the TLR5 signaling pathway. The increase in LIF production resulting from activation of the TLR5 signaling pathway may contribute to the cachexia-inducing ability of 85As2 cells.

Modulation of synaptic inputs in magnocellular neurones in a rat model of cancer cachexia

In cancer cachexia, abnormal metabolism and neuroendocrine dysfunction cause anorexia, tissue damage and atrophy, which can in turn alter body fluid balance. Arginine vasopressin, which regulates fluid homeostasis, is secreted by magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) of the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus. Arginine vasopressin secretion by MNCs is regulated by both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity, alterations in plasma osmolarity and various peptides, including angiotensin II. In the present study, we used whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of brain slices to determine whether hyperosmotic stimulation and/or angiotensin II potentiate excitatory synaptic input in a rat model of cancer cachexia, similar to their effects in normal (control) rats. Hyperosmotic (15 and 60 mmol L^-1   mannitol) stimulation and angiotensin II (0.1 μmol L^-1 ) increased the frequency, but not the amplitude, of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in normal rats; in model rats, both effects were significantly attenuated. These results suggest that cancer cachexia alters supraoptic MNC sensitivity to osmotic and angiotensin II stimulation.

Development of ghrelin resistance in a cancer cachexia rat model using human gastric cancer-derived 85As2 cells and the palliative effects of the Kampo medicine rikkunshito on the model

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a multifactorial disease characterized by decreased food intake and loss of body weight due to reduced musculature with or without loss of fat mass. Patients with gastric cancer have a high incidence of cachexia. We previously established a novel CC rat model induced by human gastric cancer-derived 85As2 cells in order to examine the pathophysiology of CC and identify potential therapeutics. In patients with CC, anorexia is often observed, despite elevation of ghrelin, suggesting that ghrelin resistance may develop in these patients. In this study, we aimed to clarify the occurrence of ghrelin resistance in CC rats accompanied by anorexia and we investigated whether rikkunshito (RKT), a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine that potentiates ghrelin signaling, ameliorated CC-related anorexia through alleviation of ghrelin resistance. 85As2-tumor-bearing rats developed severe CC symptoms, including anorexia and loss of body weight/musculature, with the latter symptoms being greater in cachectic rats than in non-tumor-bearing or pair-fed rats. CC rats showed poor responses to intraperitoneal injection of ghrelin. In CC rats, plasma ghrelin levels were elevated and hypothalamic anorexigenic peptide mRNA levels were decreased, whereas hypothalamic growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) mRNA was not affected. In vitro, RKT directly enhanced ghrelin-induced GHS-R activation. RKT administrated orally for 7 days partly alleviated the poor response to ghrelin and ameliorated anorexia without affecting the elevation of plasma ghrelin levels in CC rats. The expression of hypothalamic orexigenic neuropeptide Y mRNA but not hypothalamic GHS-R mRNA was increased by RKT. Thus, the 85As2 cell-induced CC rat model developed ghrelin resistance, possibly contributing to anorexia and body weight loss. The mechanism through which RKT ameliorated anorexia in the CC rat model may involve alleviation of ghrelin resistance by enhancement of ghrelin signaling. These findings suggest that RKT may be a promising agent for the treatment of CC.

Dietary isoflavones and gastric cancer: A brief review of current studies

Background:

Although several in vitro and animal studies have suggested that isoflavones might exert inhibitory effects on gastric carcinogenesis, epidemiologic studies have reported inconclusive results in this field. The aim of this brief review was to investigate whether such an association exists among dietary isoflavones and gastric cancer incidence, prevention, and mortality in epidemiologic studies.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Science direct, and Iranian Scientific Databases including Scientific Information Database and IranMedex Database (up to November 2014) using common keywords for studies that focused on dietary isoflavones and gastric cancer risk.

Results:

A total of nine epidemiologic studies consisting of five case-controls, three prospective cohorts, and one ecologic study were included in this review. An inverse association between dietary isoflavones and gastric cancer was shown in only one case-control and one ecologic study.

Conclusion:

In summary, whether anticarcinogenic properties of isoflavones are established, research found no substantial correlation in this field. There are insufficient studies to draw any firm conclusions about the relationship between isoflavones intake and the risk of gastric cancer. Hence, further evidence from cohort and trial studies are needed.

Experimental cancer cachexia: Evolving strategies for getting closer to the human scenario

Cancer cachexia is a frequent syndrome that dramatically affects patient quality of life, anti-cancer treatment effectiveness, and overall survival. To date, no effective treatment is available and most of the studies are performed in experimental models in order to uncover the underlying mechanisms and to design prospective therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the most relevant information regarding the use of animal models for studying cancer cachexia. Technical limitations and degree of recapitulation of the features of human cachexia are highlighted, in order to help investigators choose the most suitable model according to study-specific endpoints.

Genistein and cancer: current status, challenges, and future directions

Primary prevention through lifestyle interventions is a cost-effective alternative for preventing a large burden of chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer, which is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the past decade, epidemiologic and preclinical evidence suggested that polyphenolic phytochemicals present in many plant foods possess chemopreventive properties against several cancer forms. Thus, there has been increasing interest in the potential cancer chemopreventive agents obtained from natural sources, such as polyphenols, that may represent a new, affordable approach to curb the increasing burden of cancer throughout the world. Several epidemiologic studies showed a relation between a soy-rich diet and cancer prevention, which was attributed to the presence of a phenolic compound, genistein, present in soy-based foods. Genistein acts as a chemotherapeutic agent against different types of cancer, mainly by altering apoptosis, the cell cycle, and angiogenesis and inhibiting metastasis. Targeting caspases, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, kinesin-like protein 20A (KIF20A), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB), Wingless and integration 1 β-catenin (Wnt/β-catenin), and phosphoinositide 3 kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways may act as the molecular mechanisms of the anticancer, therapeutic effects of genistein. Genistein also shows synergistic behavior with well-known anticancer drugs, such as adriamycin, docetaxel, and tamoxifen, suggesting a potential role in combination therapy. This review critically analyzes the available literature on the therapeutic role of genistein on different types of cancer, focusing on its chemical features, plant food sources, bioavailability, and safety.

New cancer cachexia rat model generated by implantation of a peritoneal dissemination-derived human stomach cancer cell line

Cancer cachexia (CC), a syndrome characterized by anorexia and body weight loss due to low fat-free mass levels, including reduced musculature, markedly worsens patient quality of life. Although stomach cancer patients have the highest incidence of cachexia, few experimental models for the study of stomach CC have been established. Herein, we developed stomach CC animal models using nude rats subcutaneously implanted with two novel cell lines, i.e., MKN45c185, established from the human stomach cancer cell line MKN-45, and 85As2, derived from peritoneal dissemination of orthotopically implanted MKN45c185 cells in mice. Both CC models showed marked weight loss, anorexia, reduced musculature and muscle strength, increased inflammatory markers, and low plasma albumin levels; however, CC developed earlier and was more severe in rats implanted with 85As2 than in those implanted with MKN45cl85. Moreover, human leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a known cachectic factor, and hypothalamic orexigenic peptide mRNA levels increased in the models, whereas hypothalamic anorexigenic peptide mRNA levels decreased. Surgical removal of the tumor not only abolished cachexia symptoms but also reduced plasma LIF levels to below detectable limits. Importantly, oral administration of rikkunshito, a traditional Japanese medicine, substantially ameliorated CC-related anorexia and body composition changes. In summary, our novel peritoneal dissemination-derived 85As2 rat model developed severe cachexia, possibly caused by LIF from cancer cells, that was ameliorated by rikkunshito. This model should provide a useful tool for further study into the mechanisms and treatment of stomach CC.