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Hamed A, Ghareeb D, Mohamed TM, Hamed M, Nofal MS, Gaber M. Caffeine-folic acid-loaded-chitosan nanoparticles combined with methotrexate as a novel HepG2 immunotherapy targeting adenosine A2A receptor downstream cascade. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:384. [PMID: 37891562 PMCID: PMC10604858 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04212-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methotrexate (MTX) is a common chemotherapeutic drug that inhibits DNA synthesis and induces apoptosis. Treatment with MTX increased CD73 expression, which leads to higher levels of extracellular adenosine. Adenosine levels are also high in the tumor microenvironment through Cancer cells metabolism. That promotes the survival of cancer cells and contributes to tumor immune evasion through the Adenosine 2a Receptor. A2A receptor antagonists are an emerging class of agents that treat cancers by enhancing immunotherapy, both as monotherapy and in combination with other therapeutic agents. Caffeine is an adenosine receptor antagonist. Herein, we demonstrate the ability of a novel well prepared and characterized nano formula CAF-FA-CS-NPs (D4) for A2aR blockade when combination with MTX to improve its antitumor efficacy by enhancing the immune system and eliminating immune suppression. METHODS CAF-FA-CS-NPs (D4) were prepared and characterized for particle size, loading efficiency, and release profile. Molecular docking was used to validate the binding affinity of caffeine and folic acid to A2A receptor. The effects of the nano formula were evaluated on human liver cancer cells (HepG2), breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and MDA-MB-231, as well as normal human cells (WI-38). Different combination ratios of MTX and D4 were studied to identify the optimal combination for further genetic studies. RESULTS Molecular docking results validated that caffeine and folic acid have binding affinity to A2A receptor. The CS-NPs were successfully prepared using ionic gelation method, with caffeine and folic acid being loaded and conjugated to the nanoparticles through electrostatic interactions. The CAF loading capacity in D4 was 77.9 ± 4.37% with an encapsulation efficiency of 98.5 ± 0.37. The particle size was optimized through ratio variations. The resulting nanoparticles were fully characterized. The results showed that (D4) had antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against different cancer cells. The combination of D4 with MTX (IC50 D4 + 0.5 IC50 MTX) resulted in the downregulation of Bcl-2, FOXP3, CD39, and CD73 gene expression levels and upregulation of Bax and A2AR gene expression levels in HepG2 cells. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that CAF-FA-CS-NPs (D4) in combination with MTX may be a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy, by inhibiting A2aR signaling and leading to improved immune activation and anti-tumor activity of MTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Hamed
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
| | - Doaa Ghareeb
- Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tarek M Mohamed
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Hamed
- Pharmaceutical Services Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Nofal
- Center of Excellency for Drug Preclinical Studies (CE-DPS), Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Centre, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - M Gaber
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
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Saraiva SM, Jacinto TA, Gonçalves AC, Gaspar D, Silva LR. Overview of Caffeine Effects on Human Health and Emerging Delivery Strategies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1067. [PMID: 37630983 PMCID: PMC10459237 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in various plants. It acts as a stimulant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even an aid in pain management, and is found in several over-the-counter medications. This naturally derived bioactive compound is the best-known ingredient in coffee and other beverages, such as tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks, and is widely consumed worldwide. Therefore, it is extremely important to research the effects of this substance on the human body. With this in mind, caffeine and its derivatives have been extensively studied to evaluate its ability to prevent diseases and exert anti-aging and neuroprotective effects. This review is intended to provide an overview of caffeine's effects on cancer and cardiovascular, immunological, inflammatory, and neurological diseases, among others. The heavily researched area of caffeine in sports will also be discussed. Finally, recent advances in the development of novel nanocarrier-based formulations, to enhance the bioavailability of caffeine and its beneficial effects will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M. Saraiva
- CPIRN-UDI/IPG, Center of Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Research Unit for Inland Development (UDI), Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal; (S.M.S.); (T.A.J.)
| | - Telma A. Jacinto
- CPIRN-UDI/IPG, Center of Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Research Unit for Inland Development (UDI), Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal; (S.M.S.); (T.A.J.)
| | - Ana C. Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Dário Gaspar
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Luís R. Silva
- CPIRN-UDI/IPG, Center of Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Research Unit for Inland Development (UDI), Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal; (S.M.S.); (T.A.J.)
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal;
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II—Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
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Frachini ECG, Selva JSG, Falcoswki PC, Silva JB, Cornejo DR, Bertotti M, Ulrich H, Petri DFS. Caffeine Release from Magneto-Responsive Hydrogels Controlled by External Magnetic Field and Calcium Ions and Its Effect on the Viability of Neuronal Cells. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15071757. [PMID: 37050372 PMCID: PMC10097041 DOI: 10.3390/polym15071757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Caffeine (CAF) is a psychostimulant present in many beverages and with rapid bioabsorption. For this reason, matrices that effectuate the sustained release of a low amount of CAF would help reduce the intake frequency and side effects caused by high doses of this stimulant. Thus, in this study, CAF was loaded into magnetic gelatin/alginate (Gel/Alg/MNP) hydrogels at 18.5 mg/ghydrogel. The in vitro release of CAF was evaluated in the absence and presence of an external magnetic field (EMF) and Ca2+. In all cases, the presence of Ca2+ (0.002 M) retarded the release of CAF due to favorable interactions between them. Remarkably, the release of CAF from Gel/Alg/MNP in PBS/CaCl2 (0.002 M) at 37 °C under an EMF was more sustained due to synergic effects. In PBS/CaCl2 (0.002 M) and at 37 °C, the amounts of CAF released after 45 min from Gel/Alg and Gel/Alg/MNP/EMF were 8.3 ± 0.2 mg/ghydrogel and 6.1 ± 0.8 mg/ghydrogel, respectively. The concentration of CAF released from Gel/Alg and Gel/Alg/MNP hydrogels amounted to ~0.35 mM, thereby promoting an increase in cell viability for 48 h. Gel/Alg and Gel/Alg/MNP hydrogels can be applied as reservoirs to release CAF at suitable concentrations, thus forestalling possible side effects and improving the viability of SH-SY5Y cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilli C. G. Frachini
- Departament of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Jéssica S. G. Selva
- Departament of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Paula C. Falcoswki
- Departament of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Jean B. Silva
- Departament of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Daniel R. Cornejo
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Mauro Bertotti
- Departament of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Departament of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Denise F. S. Petri
- Departament of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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Co-Encapsulation of Simvastatin and Doxorubicin into pH-Sensitive Liposomes Enhances Antitumoral Activity in Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020369. [PMID: 36839690 PMCID: PMC9960841 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic drug used as the first line in breast cancer treatment; however, cardiotoxicity is the main drawback of the therapy. Preclinical studies evidenced that the association of simvastatin (SIM) with DOX leads to a better prognosis with reduced side effects and deaths. In this work, a novel pH-sensitive liposomal formulation capable of co-encapsulating DOX and SIM at different molar ratios was investigated for its potential in breast tumor treatment. Studies on physicochemical characterization of the liposomal formulations were carried out. The cytotoxic effects of DOX, SIM, and their combinations at different molar ratios (1:1; 1:2 and 2:1), free or co-encapsulated into pH-sensitive liposomes, were evaluated against three human breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and SK-BR-3). Experimental protocols included cell viability, combination index, nuclear morphological changes, and migration capacity. The formulations showed a mean diameter of less than 200 nm, with a polydispersity index lower than 0.3. The encapsulation content was ~100% and ~70% for DOX and SIM, respectively. A more pronounced inhibitory effect on breast cancer cell lines was observed at a DOX:SIM molar ratio of 2:1 in both free and encapsulated drugs. Furthermore, the 2:1 ratio showed synergistic combination rates for all concentrations of cell inhibition analyzed (50, 75, and 90%). The results demonstrated the promising potential of the co-encapsulated liposome for breast tumor treatment.
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Zhong H, Wang Y, Qu FR, Wei MY, Zhang CY, Liu HR, Chen L, Yao MZ, Jin JQ. A novel TcS allele conferring the high-theacrine and low-caffeine traits and having potential use in tea plant breeding. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 9:uhac191. [PMID: 36338849 PMCID: PMC9630966 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Theacrine (1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid) is a natural product with remarkable pharmacological activities such as antidepressant, sedative and hypnotic activities, while caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) has certain side effects to special populations. Hence, breeding tea plants with high theacrine and low caffeine will increase tea health benefits and promote consumption. In this study, we construct an F1 population by crossing 'Zhongcha 302' (theacrine-free) and a tea germplasm 'Ruyuan Kucha' (RY, theacrine-rich) to identify the causal gene for accumulating theacrine. The results showed that the content of theacrine was highly negatively correlated with caffeine (R2 > 0.9). Bulked segregant RNA sequencing analysis, molecular markers and gene expression analysis indicated that the theacrine synthase (TcS) gene was the candidate gene. The TcS was located in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and the theacrine can be detected in stably genetic transformed tobacco by feeding the substrate 1,3,7-trimethyluric acid. Moreover, an in vitro enzyme activity experiment revealed that the 241st amino acid residue was the key residue. Besides, we amplified the promoter region in several tea accessions with varied theacrine levels, and found a 234-bp deletion and a 271-bp insertion in RY. Both GUS histochemical analysis and dual-luciferase assay showed that TcS promoter activity in RY was relatively high. Lastly, we developed a molecular marker that is co-segregate with high-theacrine individuals in RY's offspring. These results demonstrate that the novel TcS allele in RY results in the high-theacrine and low-caffeine traits and the developed functional marker will facilitate the breeding of characteristic tea plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Meng-Yuan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China
| | - Chen-Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China
| | - Hao-Ran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biology, Genetics and Breeding of Special Economic Animals and Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China
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Saimaiti A, Zhou DD, Li J, Xiong RG, Gan RY, Huang SY, Shang A, Zhao CN, Li HY, Li HB. Dietary sources, health benefits, and risks of caffeine. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:9648-9666. [PMID: 35574653 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2074362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dietary intake of caffeine has significantly increased in recent years, and beneficial and harmful effects of caffeine have been extensively studied. This paper reviews antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of caffeine as well as its protective effects on cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cancers, and neurodegenerative and liver diseases. In addition, we summarize the side effects of long-term or excessive caffeine consumption on sleep, migraine, intraocular pressure, pregnant women, children, and adolescents. The health benefits of caffeine depend on the amount of caffeine intake and the physical condition of consumers. Moderate intake of caffeine helps to prevent and modulate several diseases. However, the long-term or over-consumption of caffeine can lead to addiction, insomnia, migraine, and other side effects. In addition, children, adolescents, pregnant women, and people who are sensitive to caffeine should be recommended to restrict/reduce their intake to avoid potential adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adila Saimaiti
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan-Dan Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- School of Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruo-Gu Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ren-You Gan
- Research Center for Plants and Human Health, Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Agricultural Science & Technology Center, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Si-Yu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ao Shang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cai-Ning Zhao
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hang-Yu Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua-Bin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Coffee consumption and breast cancer risk: a narrative review in the general population and in different subtypes of breast cancer. Eur J Nutr 2021; 60:1197-1235. [PMID: 33442757 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-020-02465-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Most of the existing literature reports no association or a slight negative association between coffee consumption and the risk of developing breast cancer. However, the level of risk differs when considering various subgroups, such as menopausal status, hormonal status of the tumor or genetic mutations. The present review based on a literature search sets the point on the potential influence of a common daily drink, coffee, on the risk of developing breast cancer in the general population, in different subgroups of women and the consequences of drinking coffee after breast cancer has been diagnosed and treated. RESULTS This review confirms that in the general population, there is no association between coffee intake and breast cancer risk or a slight protective effect, even at high dosages. Coffee is inversely associated with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women and in women carrying a BRCA1 mutation. Possible risk differences exist between slow and fast caffeine metabolizers and with weight. Coffee consumption after breast cancer diagnosis and surgery, associated with tamoxifen and/or radiotherapy, reduced the occurrence of early events. The effects of coffee intake are less clear in other subgroups, mainly premenopausal women, women carrying a BRCA2 mutation and tumors with variable hormonal status (positive or negative for ER/PR) and would need additional studies.
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