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Gonçalves J, Cascalheira JF, Valentão P, Luís Â, Gallardo E, Duarte AP. The role of ayahuasca in cell viability and oxidative stress in gastric adenocarcinoma cell line. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-5. [PMID: 38962992 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2375315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage native to the Amazon, originally derived from Banisteriopsis caapi stem scrapings and Psychotria viridis leaves, exhibits hallucinogenic properties due to N,N-dimethyltryptamine. When combined with β-carbolines, it enters the bloodstream and central nervous system, inhibiting monoamine oxidase-A. Over time, therapeutic effects have been associated to ayahuasca consumption. This study assessed the impact of extracts from three plant decoctions used in ayahuasca preparation on the gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). MTT reduction assays selected B. caapi, Mimosa hostilis, and Peganum harmala samples as most effective. Lactate dehydrogenase activity evaluated membrane integrity loss, while oxidative stress induction was measured using dihydroethidium and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probes. Results revealed apoptosis induction in AGS cells, with all three samples significantly reducing oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Francisco Cascalheira
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Valentão
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ângelo Luís
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- Centro Académico Clínico das Beiras (CACB) - Grupo de Problemas Relacionados com Toxicofilias, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Gonçalves J, Feijó M, Socorro S, Luís Â, Gallardo E, Duarte AP. The Role of Ayahuasca in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Survival, Proliferation and Oxidative Stress. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:719. [PMID: 38931386 PMCID: PMC11207024 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The psychedelic beverage ayahuasca is originally obtained by Banisteriopsis caapi (B. caapi) (BC) and Psychotria viridis (P. viridis) (PV). However, sometimes these plant species are replaced by others that mimic the original effects, such as Mimosa hostilis (M. hostilis) (MH) and Peganum harmala (P. harmala) (PH). Its worldwide consumption and the number of studies on its potential therapeutic effects has increased. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer properties of ayahuasca in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Thus, the maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of decoctions of MH, PH, and a mixture of these (MHPH) was determined. The activities of caspases 3 and 9 were evaluated, and the cell proliferation index was determined through immunocytochemical analysis (Ki-67). Two fluorescent probes were used to evaluate the production of oxidative stress and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was also evaluated. It was demonstrated that exposure to the extracts significantly induced apoptosis in Caco-2 cells, while decreasing cell proliferation. MH and MHPH samples significantly reduced oxidative stress and significantly increased glutathione peroxidase activity. No significant differences were found in SOD activity. Overall, it was demonstrated that the decoctions have a potential anticancer activity in Caco-2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (A.P.D.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, University of Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mariana Feijó
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (A.P.D.)
| | - Sílvia Socorro
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (A.P.D.)
| | - Ângelo Luís
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (A.P.D.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, University of Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (A.P.D.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, University of Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (M.F.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (A.P.D.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, University of Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
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Saeed RA, Khan MI, Butt MS, Faisal MN. Phytochemical screening of Prunus avium for its antioxidative and anti-mutagenic potential against DMBA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1132356. [PMID: 37266135 PMCID: PMC10231329 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1132356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Scope Prunus avium fruit is the richer source of phenolics known to exert anticancer and anti-invasive activities. The study aimed at elucidating antiproliferative and chemo-preventive potential of sweet cherries (P. avium) against the in vivo hepatocarcinoma model. Methods and results The quantification of ultrasound-assisted extract (UAE) of P. avium depicted anthocyanins, ferulic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, syringic acid and p- and m-coumaric acids as major phytochemicals. The hepatocarcinoma (HCC) was induced in rats through intraperitoneal administration of DMBA (20 mg/kg B.W) once a week for the period of eight weeks. The intragastric administration of P. avium UAE, as cotreatment (500 mg/Kg B.W) to treatment group, significantly (p < 0.01) attenuated the raised serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as total oxidative stress (TOS) and enhanced total antioxidant capacity TAOC in contrast to diseased rats. Moreover, microscopic examination of hepatic tissues confirmed the pleomorphism, nests of neoplastic hepatocytes and necrosis in HCC-bearing rats as compared to extract-fed rats, where these necrotic changes were suppressed. Besides, qRT-PCR analysis of hepatic tissues demonstrated the higher mRNA expression of CHEK1, CHEK2 and P21/CDKN1α genes, while downexpression of ATM gene in extract fed rats, further denoting the anti-mutagenic potential. Conclusion Consequently, the polyphenol-rich sweet cherries UAE exhibited antiproliferative and chemo-preventive potential by reducing tumor biomarkers, serum transaminases and oxidative stress, as well as enhancing antioxidant status. It further upregulated the downstream targets of ATM signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raakia Anam Saeed
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Issa Khan
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Masood Sadiq Butt
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naeem Faisal
- Institute of Pharmacy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Gaobotse G, Venkataraman S, Brown PD, Masisi K, Kwape TE, Nkwe DO, Rantong G, Makhzoum A. The use of African medicinal plants in cancer management. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1122388. [PMID: 36865913 PMCID: PMC9971233 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1122388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the third leading cause of premature death in sub-Saharan Africa. Cervical cancer has the highest number of incidences in sub-Saharan Africa due to high HIV prevalence (70% of global cases) in African countries which is linked to increasing the risk of developing cervical cancer, and the continuous high risk of being infected with Human papillomavirus In 2020, the risk of dying from cancer amongst women was higher in Eastern Africa (11%) than it was in Northern America (7.4%). Plants continue to provide unlimited pharmacological bioactive compounds that are used to manage various illnesses, including cancer. By reviewing the literature, we provide an inventory of African plants with reported anticancer activity and evidence supporting their use in cancer management. In this review, we report 23 plants that have been used for cancer management in Africa, where the anticancer extracts are usually prepared from barks, fruits, leaves, roots, and stems of these plants. Extensive information is reported about the bioactive compounds present in these plants as well as their potential activities against various forms of cancer. However, information on the anticancer properties of other African medicinal plants is insufficient. Therefore, there is a need to isolate and evaluate the anticancer potential of bioactive compounds from other African medicinal plants. Further studies on these plants will allow the elucidation of their anticancer mechanisms of action and allow the identification of phytochemicals that are responsible for their anticancer properties. Overall, this review provides consolidated and extensive information not only on diverse medicinal plants of Africa but on the different types of cancer that these plants are used to manage and the diverse mechanisms and pathways that are involved during cancer alleviation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goabaone Gaobotse
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana,*Correspondence: Goabaone Gaobotse, ; Kabo Masisi, ; Abdullah Makhzoum,
| | - Srividhya Venkataraman
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Phenyo D. Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - Kabo Masisi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana,*Correspondence: Goabaone Gaobotse, ; Kabo Masisi, ; Abdullah Makhzoum,
| | - Tebogo E. Kwape
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - David O. Nkwe
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - Gaolathe Rantong
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - Abdullah Makhzoum
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana,*Correspondence: Goabaone Gaobotse, ; Kabo Masisi, ; Abdullah Makhzoum,
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Behind the Scenes of Anthocyanins-From the Health Benefits to Potential Applications in Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Fields. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235133. [PMID: 36501163 PMCID: PMC9738495 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthocyanins are widespread and biologically active water-soluble phenolic pigments responsible for a wide range of vivid colours, from red (acidic conditions) to purplish blue (basic conditions), present in fruits, vegetables, and coloured grains. The pigments' stability and colours are influenced mainly by pH but also by structure, temperature, and light. The colour-stabilizing mechanisms of plants are determined by inter- and intramolecular co-pigmentation and metal complexation, driven by van der Waals, π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and metal-ligand interactions. This group of flavonoids is well-known to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which explains the biological effects associated with them. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the role of anthocyanins as natural colorants, showing they are less harmful than conventional colorants, with several technological potential applications in different industrial fields, namely in the textile and food industries, as well as in the development of photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells, as new photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy, pharmaceuticals, and in the cosmetic industry, mainly on the formulation of skin care formulations, sunscreen filters, nail colorants, skin & hair cleansing products, amongst others. In addition, we will unveil some of the latest studies about the health benefits of anthocyanins, mainly focusing on the protection against the most prevalent human diseases mediated by oxidative stress, namely cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and diabetes. The contribution of anthocyanins to visual health is also very relevant and will be briefly explored.
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By-products of dates, cherries, plums and artichokes: A source of valuable bioactive compounds. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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7
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The Promising Therapeutic and Preventive Properties of Anthocyanidins/Anthocyanins on Prostate Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071070. [PMID: 35406634 PMCID: PMC8997497 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As water-soluble flavonoid derivatives, anthocyanidins and anthocyanins are the plants pigments mostly rich in berries, pomegranate, grapes, and dark color fruits. Many bioactivity properties of these advantageous phytochemicals have been reported; among them, their significant abilities in the suppression of tumor cells are of the promising therapeutic features, which have recently attracted great attention. The prostate malignancy, is considered the 2nd fatal and the most distributed cancer type in men worldwide. The present study was designated to gather the preclinical and clinical studies evaluating potencies of anthocyanidins/anthocyanins for the treatment and prevention of this cancer type for the first time. In general, findings confirm that the anthocyanins (especifically cyanidin-3-O-glucoside) indicated higher activity against prostatic neoplasms compared to their correlated anthocyanidins (e.g., delphinidin); in which potent anti-inflammatory, apoptosis, and anti-proliferative activities were analyzed. Complementary anti-prostate cancer assessment of diverse naturally occurred anthocyanidins/anthocyanins and their synthetically optimized derivatives through preclinical experiments and eventually confirmed by clinical trials can promisingly lead to discover natural-based chemotherapeutic drug options.
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Valorisation of Prunus avium L. By-Products: Phenolic Composition and Effect on Caco-2 Cells Viability. Foods 2021; 10:foods10061185. [PMID: 34070252 PMCID: PMC8225088 DOI: 10.3390/foods10061185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prunus avium L. by-products, such as stems, leaves, and flowers, are used in folk medicine to prevent and treat some diseases. However, their phenolic composition and in vitro bioactivities against tumor cells are poorly known. In this work, we compared the phenolic profile and the biological potential of aqueous infusions and hydroethanolic extracts of P. avium leaves, stems, and flowers from Saco cultivar, collected from the Fundão region (Portugal). Among the fifty-two phenolic compounds tentatively identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn, the hydroxycinnamic acids were the most abundant. Both extracts of stems revealed a higher activity against DPPH•. Meanwhile, hydroethanolic extracts from stems and flowers and aqueous infusions of flowers were the most effective in inhibiting the growth of the human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells at concentrations above 200 μg/mL. More detailed knowledge about the phenolic composition and health-promoting properties of Portuguese P. avium by-products allows for increasing the biological and commercial value of these bio-wastes, which may have a positive impact on food and pharmaceutical industries, as on the valorization of the local economy.
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9
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Fonseca LRS, Silva GR, Luís Â, Cardoso HJ, Correia S, Vaz CV, Duarte AP, Socorro S. Sweet Cherries as Anti-Cancer Agents: From Bioactive Compounds to Function. Molecules 2021; 26:2941. [PMID: 34063349 PMCID: PMC8156356 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are among the most appreciated fruits worldwide because of their organoleptic properties and nutritional value. The accurate phytochemical composition and nutritional value of sweet cherries depends on the climatic region, cultivar, and bioaccessibility and bioavailability of specific compounds. Nevertheless, sweet cherry extracts are highly enriched in several phenolic compounds with relevant bioactivity. Over the years, technological advances in chemical analysis and fields as varied as proteomics, genomics and bioinformatics, have allowed the detailed characterization of the sweet cherry bioactive phytonutrients and their biological function. In this context, the effect of sweet cherries on suppressing important events in the carcinogenic process, such as oxidative stress and inflammation, was widely documented. Interestingly, results from our research group and others have widened the action of sweet cherries to many hallmarks of cancer, namely metabolic reprogramming. The present review discusses the anticarcinogenic potential of sweet cherries by addressing their phytochemical composition, the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of specific bioactive compounds, and the existing knowledge concerning the effects against oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, deregulated cell proliferation and apoptosis, invasion and metastization, and metabolic alterations. Globally, this review highlights the prospective use of sweet cherries as a dietary supplement or in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara R. S. Fonseca
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-501 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.R.S.F.); (Â.L.); (H.J.C.); (S.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Gonçalo R. Silva
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK;
| | - Ângelo Luís
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-501 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.R.S.F.); (Â.L.); (H.J.C.); (S.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Henrique J. Cardoso
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-501 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.R.S.F.); (Â.L.); (H.J.C.); (S.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Sara Correia
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-501 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.R.S.F.); (Â.L.); (H.J.C.); (S.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Cátia V. Vaz
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-501 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.R.S.F.); (Â.L.); (H.J.C.); (S.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Ana P. Duarte
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-501 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.R.S.F.); (Â.L.); (H.J.C.); (S.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Sílvia Socorro
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-501 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.R.S.F.); (Â.L.); (H.J.C.); (S.C.); (C.V.V.)
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Nascimento-Gonçalves E, Ferreira R, Oliveira PA, Colaço BJA. An Overview of Current Alternative Models for Use in the Context of Prostate Cancer Research. Altern Lab Anim 2020; 48:58-69. [PMID: 32614643 DOI: 10.1177/0261192920929701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, particularly in elderly populations. To mitigate the expected increase in prostate cancer-related morbidity and mortality as a result of an expanding aged population, safer and more effective therapeutics are required. To this end, plenty of research is focusing on the mechanisms underlying cancer initiation and development, the metastatic process and on the discovery of new therapies. While animal models are used (mainly rats and mice) for the study of prostate cancer, alternative models and methods are increasingly being considered to replace, or at least reduce, the number of animals used in this particular field of research. In this review, we cover some of the alternative models that are currently available for use in the study of prostate cancer, including: mathematical models; 2-D and 3-D cell cultures; microfluidic devices; the chicken egg chorioallantoic membrane-based model; and zebrafish embryo-based models. The main advantages and limitations, as well as some examples of applications, are given for each type of model. According to our analysis, immortalised cell lines are still the most commonly used models in the field of prostate cancer research. However, the use of alternative models for prostate cancer research will likely become more prevalent in the coming years partly because of the increasing societal pressure to reduce the numbers of laboratory animals. In this context, the development and dissemination of effective non-animal alternative models assumes particular relevance and will be instrumental in leveraging their success. Taking these perspectives into account, we believe that technological advances will lead to more effective cell culture systems, namely 3-D cultures or organ-on-a-chip devices, which can be used to replace animal-based models in prostate cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, 386361University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, 56066University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,Organic Chemistry, Natural Products and Foodstuffs (QOPNA/LAQV), Department of Chemistry, 56062University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- Organic Chemistry, Natural Products and Foodstuffs (QOPNA/LAQV), Department of Chemistry, 56062University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, 386361University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, 56066University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Bruno Jorge Antunes Colaço
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, 56066University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,Department of Zootechnics, 56066University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
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Pheophorbide a-mediated sonodynamic, photodynamic and sonophotodynamic therapies against prostate cancer. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2020; 31:101909. [PMID: 32619716 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.101909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Anticancer efficiencies and mechanisms of Pheophorbide-a-mediated photodynamic, sonodynamic and sonophotodynamic therapies were investigated in vitro using androgen-sensitive (LNCaP) and androgen insensitive (PC3) prostate cancer cell lines. The cells were incubated in RPMI-1640 media at various concentrations of Pheophorbide-a. The media was treated with 0.5 W/cm2 ultrasound and/or 0.5 mJ/cm2 light irradiation. Cell proliferation in both cell lines was inhibited most effectively by sonophotodynamic therapy in comparison to that of both monotherapies. LNCaP cells were more sensitive to the applied treatments and the cell survival in LNCaP cell line was observed to be less than that of PC3 cell line. The results of histochemical analysis showed that there were more apoptotic cells in the treatment groups in comparison to control group. Additionally, the treatments induced apoptosis deduced by the overexpressed levels of caspase-3, caspase-8, PARP, and Bax proteins, while the expression levels of caspase-9 and Bcl-2 proteins were observed to be lower than those of control group. Treatments led to an increase in the oxidative stress markers, ROS and MDA, but a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT and GSH. The results of this study revealed that Pheophorbide a-mediated sonophotodynamic therapy more efficiently activates the apoptotic mechanisms in prostate cancer cells and thus may provide a promising approach for treatment.
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Faienza MF, Corbo F, Carocci A, Catalano A, Clodoveo ML, Grano M, Wang DQH, D’Amato G, Muraglia M, Franchini C, Brunetti G, Portincasa P. Novel insights in health-promoting properties of sweet cherries. J Funct Foods 2020; 69:103945. [PMID: 34422115 PMCID: PMC8376227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.103945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is one of the most popular and appreciated temperate fruit not only for its sensory and nutritional properties, but also for its content in bioactive compounds. Consumption of sweet cherries brings beneficial effects on to health, which include prevention and modulatory effects in several chronic diseases such as (diabetes mellitus, cancer, cardiovascular and other inflammatory diseases). The presence of natural polyphenolic compounds with high antioxidant potential might drive and partly explain such beneficial effects, but more translational and clinical studies should address this topic. Here, we review the health-promoting properties of cherries and their bioactive compounds against human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Felicia Faienza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Paediatric Section, University of Bari “A. Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Filomena Corbo
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Lisa Clodoveo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari “A. Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Grano
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - David Q.-H. Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | | | - Marilena Muraglia
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Franchini
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Giacomina Brunetti
- Department of Basic and Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari “A. Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Paediatric Section, University of Bari “A. Moro”, Bari, Italy
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