Hesperetin induces an apoptosis-triggered extrinsic pathway and a p53- independent pathway in human lung cancer H522 cells

Network pharmacology study to explore the multiple molecular mechanism of SH003 in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of human death worldwide. Herbal prescription SH003 has been developed to treat several cancers including NSCLC. Due to the multi-component nature of SH003 with multiple targets and pathways, a network pharmacology study was conducted to analyze its active compounds, potential targets, and pathways for the treatment of NSCLC.

METHODS

We systematically identified oral active compounds within SH003, employing ADME criteria-based screening from TM-MC, OASIS, and TCMSP databases. Concurrently, SH003-related and NSCLC-associated targets were amalgamated from various databases. Overlapping targets were deemed anti-NSCLC entities of SH003. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database, allowing the identification of pivotal proteins through node centrality measures. Empirical validation was pursued through LC-MS analysis of active compounds. Additionally, in vitro experiments, such as MTT cell viability assays and western blot analyses, were conducted to corroborate network pharmacology findings.

RESULTS

We discerned 20 oral active compounds within SH003 and identified 239 core targets shared between SH003 and NSCLC-related genes. Network analyses spotlighted 79 hub genes, including TP53, JUN, AKT1, STAT3, and MAPK3, crucial in NSCLC treatment. GO and KEGG analyses underscored SH003's multifaceted anti-NSCLC effects from a genetic perspective. Experimental validations verified SH003's impact on NSCLC cell viability and the downregulation of hub genes. LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of four active compounds, namely hispidulin, luteolin, baicalein, and chrysoeriol, among the eight compounds with a median of > 10 degrees in the herb-compounds-targets network in SH003. Previously unidentified targets like CASP9, MAPK9, and MCL1 were unveiled, supported by existing NSCLC literature, enhancing the pivotal role of empirical validation in network pharmacology.

CONCLUSION

Our study pioneers the harmonization of theoretical predictions with practical validations. Empirical validation illuminates specific SH003 compounds within NSCLC, simultaneously uncovering novel targets for NSCLC treatment. This integrated strategy, accentuating empirical validation, establishes a paradigm for in-depth herbal medicine exploration. Furthermore, our network pharmacology study unveils fresh insights into SH003's multifaceted molecular mechanisms combating NSCLC. Through this approach, we delineate active compounds of SH003 and target pathways, reshaping our understanding of its therapeutic mechanisms in NSCLC treatment.

Hesperetin promotes bladder cancer cells death via the PI3K/AKT pathway by network pharmacology and molecular docking

Patients with bladder cancer (BLCA) still show high recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy. Hesperetin (HE), as a natural compound, has attracted researchers' attention due to its low toxicity and easy access. However, the inhibitory effect of HE on BLCA remains unknown. The hub genes and enrichment pathways regulated by HE in the treatment of BLCA were predicted by network pharmacology. The molecular docking of HE and hub proteins was visualized. Colony and CCK8 assays were used to test cell proliferation, and BLCA migration was confirmed by transwell and wound healing assays. In addition, the occurrence of apoptosis and ferroptosis was demonstrated by Hoechst staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ROS (reactive oxygen species) assay. Western Blotting was performed to validate the hub proteins, target functions and pathways. SRC, PIK3R1 and MAPK1 were identified as hub targets for HE in BLCA, involving the PI3k/AKT pathway. Furthermore, HE inhibited the proliferation and migration of BLCA cells. The MMP2/MMP9 proteins were significantly inhibited by HE. The increased expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 indicated that HE could promote BLCA cell apoptosis. In addition, Hoechst staining revealed concentrated and illuminated apoptotic nuclei. The activation of ROS and the decline of GPX4 expression suggested that HE might induce ferroptosis as an anti-BLCA process. Shrunk mitochondria and apoptotic bodies were observed in BLCA cells treated with HE, with reduced or absent mitochondrial cristae. We propose for the first time that HE could inhibit the proliferation and migration of BLCA cells and promote apoptosis and ferroptosis. HE may act by targeting proteins such as SRC, PIK3R1 and MAPK1 and the PI3K/AKT pathway.

A review on the impact of TRAIL on cancer signaling and targeting via phytochemicals for possible cancer therapy

Anticancer therapies have been the continual pursuit of this age. Cancer has been ravaging all across the globe breathing not just threats but demonstrating them. Remedies for cancer have been frantically sought after. Few have worked out, yet till date, the available cancer therapies have not delivered a holistic solution. In a world where the search for therapies is levitating towards natural remedies, solutions based on phytochemicals are highly prospective attractions. A lot has been achieved with inputs from plant resources, providing numerous natural remedies. In the current review, we intensely survey the progress achieved in the treatment of cancer through phytochemicals-based programmed cell death of cancer cells. More specifically, we have further reviewed and discussed the role of phytochemicals in activating apoptosis via Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL), which is a cell protein that can attach to certain molecules in cancer cells, killing cancer cells. The objective of this review is to enlist the various phytochemicals that are available for specifically contributing towards triggering the TRAIL cell protein-mediated cancer therapy and to point out the research gaps that require future research motivation. This is the first review of this kind in this research direction.

Flavonoids as promising molecules in the cancer therapy: An insight

Cancer continues to increase global morbidity and mortality rates. Despite substantial progress in the development of various chemically synthesized anti-cancer drugs, the poor prognosis of the disease still remains a big challenge. The most common drawback of conventional cancer therapies is the emergence of drug resistance eventually leading to the discontinuation of chemotherapy. Moreover, advanced target-specific therapies including immunotherapy and stem cell therapy are expensive enough and are unaffordable for most patients in poorer nations. Therefore, alternative and cheaper therapeutic strategies are needed to complement the current cancer treatment approaches. Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds produced naturally by plants and have great potential in human health and disease. These compounds possess antiproliferative, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Among the phytochemicals, flavonoids are very effective in treating a wide range of diseases from cardiovascular diseases and immunological disorders to cancer. They scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit cancer metastasis, modulate the immune system and induce apoptotic or autophagic cell death in cancers. This review will discuss the potential of various phytochemicals particularly flavonoids in attempts to target various cancers.

Anticancer Potential of Flavonoids: An Overview with an Emphasis on Tangeretin

Natural compounds with pharmacological activity, flavonoids have been the subject of an exponential increase in studies in the field of scientific research focused on therapeutic purposes due to their bioactive properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antibacterial, antiviral, neuroprotective, radioprotective, and antitumor activities. The biological potential of flavonoids, added to their bioavailability, cost-effectiveness, and minimal side effects, direct them as promising cytotoxic anticancer compounds in the optimization of therapies and the search for new drugs in the treatment of cancer, since some extensively antineoplastic therapeutic approaches have become less effective due to tumor resistance to drugs commonly used in chemotherapy. In this review, we emphasize the antitumor properties of tangeretin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits that has shown activity against some hallmarks of cancer in several types of cancerous cell lines, such as antiproliferative, apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, regulatory expression of tumor-suppressor genes, and epigenetic modulation.

Hesperetin and Capecitabine Abate 1,2 Dimethylhydrazine-Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Wistar Rats via Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Enhancing Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Apoptotic Actions

Colon cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, with significantly increasing rates of incidence worldwide. The current study was designed to evaluate the anti-carcinogenic effects of hesperetin (HES) alone and in combination with capecitabine (CAP) on 1,2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis in Wistar rats. The rats were given DMH at 20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/week for 12 weeks and were orally treated with HES (25 mg/kg b.w.) and/or CAP (200 mg/kg b.w.) every other day for 8 weeks. The DMH-administered rats exhibited colon-mucosal hyperplastic polyps, the formation of new glandular units and cancerous epithelial cells. These histological changes were associated with the significant upregulation of colon Ki67 expression and the elevation of the tumor marker, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), in the sera. The treatment of the DMH-administered rats with HES and/or CAP prevented these histological cancerous changes concomitantly with the decrease in colon-Ki67 expression and serum-CEA levels. The results also indicated that the treatments with HES and/or CAP showed a significant reduction in the serum levels of lipid peroxides, an elevation in the serum levels of reduced glutathione, and the enhancement of the activities of colon-tissue superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase. Additionally, the results showed an increase in the mRNA expressions of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-4, as well as the proapoptotic protein, p53, in the colon tissues of the DMH-administered rats treated with HES and/or CAP. The TGF-β1 decreased significantly in the DMH-administered rats and this effect was counteracted by the treatments with HES and/or CAP. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that both HES and CAP, singly or in combination, have the potential to exert chemopreventive effects against DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis via the suppression of oxidative stress, the stimulation of the antioxidant defense system, the attenuation of inflammatory effects, the reduction in cell proliferation and the enhancement of apoptosis.

Hesperetin Induces Autophagy and Delayed Apoptosis by Modulating the AMPK/Akt/mTOR Pathway in Human Leukemia Cells In Vitro

BACKGROUND

Hesperetin has been reported to have anticancer properties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its action on leukemia cells remain unclear. This in vitro study evaluated the possible mechanisms of hesperetin in leukemia cells (HL-60 and U937).

METHODS

Cell viability was evaluated using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Apoptosis and autophagy assays were conducted through annexin V/PI staining and acidic vesicular organelle (AVO) staining. Cell cycle analysis was conducted through propidium iodide (PI) and flow cytometry. The expression of proteins related to apoptosis and autophagy, including cleaved-PARP-1, Bcl-2, Bax, LC3-I/II, Beclin-1, Atg5, p62, phospho-AMPK, AMPK, phospho-mTOR, mTOR, phospho-Akt, and Akt, in human leukemia cells were evaluated using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Hesperetin dose-dependently inhibited leukemia cell viability. However, we found a low degree of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induced by hesperetin in U937 cells. These findings imply the presence of additional mechanisms modulating hesperetin-induced cell death. Next, we evaluated autophagy, the possible mechanism modulating cell death or survival, to clarify the underlying mechanism of hesperetin-induced cell death. Hesperetin also dose-dependently increased the ratio of LC3II/I, Atg5, and Beclin 1 and decreased p62. Moreover, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1) inhibited hesperetin-induced autophagy. We suggest that hesperetin can protect cancer cells during the transient period and may extend survival. Furthermore, a decrease in p-mTOR and p-Akt expression and an increase in p-AMPK expression were observed. Collectively, these findings suggest that hesperetin induces autophagy by modulating the AMPK/Akt/mTOR pathway.

CONCLUSION

Hesperetin promoted cell death in the human leukemic cell line U937 by inducing a low degree of slight apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and autophagy. It is therefore a potential adjuvant to antileukemia therapy and may be combined with other chemotherapeutic drugs to reduce chemoresistance and side effects.

M, K M, Dey T, Zargar MI, Singh J. Recent advance of herbal medicines in cancer- a molecular approach

Bioactive compounds are crucial for an extensive range of therapeutic uses, and some exhibit anticancer activity. Scientists advocate that phytochemicals modulate autophagy and apoptosis, involved in the underlying pathobiology of cancer development and regulation. The pharmacological aiming of the autophagy-apoptosis signaling pathway using phytocompounds hence offers an auspicious method that is complementary to conventional cancer chemotherapy. The current review aims to explore the molecular level of the autophagic-apoptotic pathway to know its implication in the pathobiology of cancer and explore the essential cellular process as a druggable anticancer target and therapeutic emergence of naturally derived phytocompound-based anticancer agents. The data in the review were collected from scientific databases such as Google search, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Clinical Trials. With a broad outlook, we investigated their cutting-edge scientifically revealed and/or searched pharmacologic effects, a novel mechanism of action, and molecular signaling pathway of phytochemicals in cancer therapy. In this review, the evidence is focused on molecular pharmacology, specifically caspase, Nrf2, NF-kB, autophagic-apoptotic pathway, and several mechanisms to understand their role in cancer biology.

The Involvement of Natural Polyphenols in Molecular Mechanisms Inducing Apoptosis in Tumor Cells: A Promising Adjuvant in Cancer Therapy

Various literature data show how a diet rich in vegetables could reduce the incidence of several cancers due to the contribution of the natural polyphenols contained in them. Polyphenols are attributed multiple pharmacological actions such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-allergic, cardioprotective and even anti-tumor properties. The multiple mechanisms involved in their anti-tumor action include signaling pathways modulation associated with cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, metastasis and cell death. Since the dysregulation of death processes is involved in cancer etiopathology, the natural compounds able to kill cancer cells could be used as new anticancer agents. Apoptosis, a programmed form of cell death, is the most potent defense against cancer and the main mechanism used by both chemotherapy agents and polyphenols. The aim of this review is to provide an update of literature data on the apoptotic molecular mechanisms induced by some representative polyphenol family members in cancer cells. This aspect is particularly important because it may be useful in the design of new therapeutic strategies against cancer involving the polyphenols as adjuvants.

Recent Progress in the Hesperetin Delivery Regimes: Significance of Pleiotropic Actions and Synergistic Anticancer Efficacy

BACKGROUND

In the plant kingdom, flavonoids are widely distributed with multifunctional immunomodulatory actions. Hesperetin (HST) remains one of the well-studied compounds in this domain, initially perceived in citrus plants as an aglycone derivative of hesperidin (HDN).

OBSERVATIONS

Natural origin, low in vivo toxicity, and pleiotropic functional essence are the foremost fascinations for HST use as an anticancer drug. However, low aqueous solubility accompanied with a prompt degradation by intestinal and hepatocellular enzymes impairs HST physiological absorption.

MOTIVATION

Remedies attempted herein comprise the synthesis of derivatives and nanocarrier (NC)-mediated delivery. As the derivative synthesis aggravates the structural complexity, NC-driven HST delivery has emerged as a sustainable approach for its sustained release. Recent interest in HST has been due to its significant anticancer potential, characterized via inhibited cell division (proliferation), new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), forceful occupation of neighboring cell's space (invasion), migration to erstwhile physiological locations (metastasis) and apoptotic induction. The sensitization of chemotherapeutic drugs (CDs) by HST is driven via stoichiometrically regulated synergistic actions. Purpose and Conclusion: This article sheds light on HST structure-function correlation and pleiotropic anticancer mechanisms, in unaided and NC-administered delivery in singular and with CDs synergy. The discussion could streamline the HST usefulness and long-term anticancer efficacy.

Selective Targeting and Eradication of Various Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines Using Self-Assembled Aptamer-Decorated Nanoparticles

The leading cause of cancer mortality remains lung cancer (LC), of which non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant type. Chemotherapy achieves only low response rates while inflicting serious untoward toxicity. Herein, we studied the binding and internalization of S15-aptamer (S15-APT)-decorated polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (PEG-PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) by various human NSCLC cell lines. All the NSCLC cell lines were targeted by S15-APT-decorated NPs. Confocal microscopy revealed variable levels of NP binding and uptake amongst these NSCLC cell lines, decreasing in the following order: Adenocarcinoma (AC) A549 cells > H2228 (AC) > H1299 (large cell carcinoma) > H522 (AC) > H1975 (AC). Flow cytometry analysis showed a consistent variation between these NSCLC cell lines in the internalization of S15-APT-decorated quantum dots. We obtained a temperature-dependent NP uptake, characteristic of active internalization. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays with APT-NPs entrapping paclitaxel, revealed that A549 cells had the lowest IC50 value of 0.03 µM PTX (determined previously), whereas H2228, H1299, H522 and H1975 exhibited higher IC50 values of 0.38 µM, 0.92 µM, 2.31 µM and 2.59 µM, respectively (determined herein). Cytotoxicity was correlated with the binding and internalization of APT-NPs in the various NSCLC cells, suggesting variable expression of the putative S15 target receptor. These findings support the development of APT-targeted NPs in precision nanomedicine for individual NSCLC patient treatment.

Anticancer activities of Brachydin C in human prostate tumor cells (DU145) grown in 2D and 3D models: stimulation of cell death and downregulation of metalloproteinases in spheroids

Brachydin C (BrC) has demonstrated in vitro cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects in prostate cancer cells. In the present study, we compare the anticancer effects of BrC in DU145 cells grown in common bidimensional cultures (2D) and multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS), often denominated 3D in vitro models, that can better mimic the microenvironment of tissues. BrC IC₅₀ values obtained in the resazurin assay after 24 h of treatment were 47.31 μM (2D) and 229.8 μM (3D) and these cytotoxic effects were time dependent only in 3D. BrC (5 to 60 μM) interfered with the growth of MCTS and reduced cell viability after 11 days of treatment, a result that is not attributable to oxidative stress evaluated using the CM-H₂ DCFDA probe. BrC (6.0 μM) impaired horizontal (wound healing) and vertical cell migration and invasion (transwell assay) in 2D and BrC (5.0 to 60 μM) in 3D (ECM Gel®). BrC modulated the expression of genes BIRC5, TNF-α, CASP3, NKX3.1, MMP9, MMP11, CDH1, and ITGAM and downregulated proteins CASP7, BAX, and TNF-α in western blotting analysis. In conclusion, BrC stimulated cell death and decreased epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, DU145 MCTS displayed higher resistance to BrC- induced cell death than 2D cultures, a difference that should be considered in future approaches in prostatic cancer studies.

Hesperetin derivative decreases CCl4 -induced hepatic fibrosis by Ptch1-dependent mechanisms

Hepatic fibrosis (HF), a continuous wound-healing response of the liver to repeated injuries, is characterized by abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are considered a major cell type for ECM production. However, recent evidence indicates the lack of effective treatments for HF. Hesperetin, a Traditional Chinese Medicine monomer, has been isolated from the fruit peel of Citrusaurantium L. (Rutaceae). Growing evidence suggests the partial function of hesperetin in HF treatment. A hesperetin derivative (HD) was synthesized in our laboratory to increase the bioavailability and the water solubility of hesperetin. In this study, we detected the functions of HD in a mouse model of CCl₄ -induced HF and transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated HSC-T6 cells, in vivo and in vitro. HD reduced histological damage and CCl₄ -induced HF. Moreover, HD interference was associated with the activation of indicators in HSC-T6 cells, showing that HD is involved in HSCs activation in HF. Mechanistically, the Hedgehog pathway is involved in the HD treatment of HF, and HD may attenuate the aberrant expression of patched1. In conclusion, the studies indicate that HD may function as a potential antifibrotic Traditional Chinese Medicine monomer in HF therapy.

Plant-Derived Natural Products as Lead Agents against Common Respiratory Diseases

Never has the world been more challenged by respiratory diseases (RDs) than it has witnessed in the last few decades. This is evident in the plethora of acute and chronic respiratory conditions, ranging from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, pneumonia, influenza, and more recently, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. Unfortunately, the emergence of drug-resistant strains of pathogens, drug toxicity and side effects are drawbacks to effective chemotherapeutic management of RDs; hence, our focus on natural sources because of their unique chemical diversities and novel therapeutic applications. This review provides a summary on some common RDs, their management strategies, and the prospect of plant-derived natural products in the search for new drugs against common respiratory diseases.

Chemotherapeutic potential of hesperetin for cancer treatment, with mechanistic insights: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Cancer has become a significant concern in the medical sector with increasing disease complexity. Although some available conventional treatments are still a blessing for cancer patients, short-and long-term adverse effects and poor efficiency make it more difficult to treat cancer patients, demonstrating the need for new potent and selective anticancer drugs. In search of potent anticancer agents, naturally occurring compounds have always been admired due to their structural diversity, where Hesperetin (HSP) may be one of the potent candidates.

PURPOSE

We aimed to summarize all sources, pharmacological properties, anticancer activities of HSP against numerous cancers types through targeting multiple pathological processes, mechanism of HSP on sensitizing the current anti-cancer agents and other phytochemicals, overcoming resistance pattern and determining absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME/Tox).

METHODS

Information was retrieved from PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar based on some key points like Hesperetin, cancer name, anticancer resistance, nanoformulation, and ADME/Tox was determined by in silico approaches.

RESULT

HSP is a phytoestrogen present in citrus fruits in a high concentration (several hundred mg/kg) and exhibited anti-cancer activities through interfering at several pathways. HSP can suppress tumor formation by targeting several cellular proteins such as cell cycle regulatory, apoptosis, metastatic, tyrosine kinase, growth factor receptor, estrogen metabolism, and antioxidant-related protein.HSP has shown remarkable synergistic properties in combination therapy and has been reported to overcome multidrug cancer resistance drugs, leading to an improved defensive mechanism. These anticancer activities of HSP may be due to proper structural chemistry.

CONCLUSION

Overall, HSP showed potential anticancer activities against all cancer and possess better pharmacokinetic properties. So this phytochemical alone or combination with other agents can be an effective alternative drug for cancer treatment.

Repurposing Natural Dietary Flavonoids in the Modulation of Cancer Tumorigenesis: Decrypting the Molecular Targets of Naringenin, Hesperetin and Myricetin

In the past few years flavonoids have been gaining more attention regarding their (still un) exploited anticancer properties. Flavonoids are natural compounds present in fruits, vegetables, and seeds, meaning that they are already present in the daily life of every person, with a described broad-spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In the present review we discuss the anticancer activity of three important flavonoids - myricetin (MYR) (flavanol group), hesperetin (HESP) and naringenin (NAR) (flavanone group). Although some mechanisms underlying their activities remain still unclear, they can act as potential inhibitors of key tumorigenic signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, p38 MAPK and NF-κB. Simultaneously, they can reset the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins that belong to the Bcl-2 and caspase family and decrease the intracellular levels of ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Together with their synergetic effect they have the potential to become key elements in the prevention and/or treatment of several types of cancer, with the major improvement to the patient life quality, due to their non-existent toxicity.

Overview of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Selected Plant Compounds and Their Metal Ions Complexes

Numerous plant compounds and their metal-ion complexes exert antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and other beneficial effects. This review highlights the different bioactivities of flavonoids, chromones, and coumarins and their metal-ions complexes due to different structural characteristics. In addition to insight into the most studied antioxidative properties of these compounds, the first part of the review provides a comprehensive overview of exogenous and endogenous sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, oxidative stress-mediated damages of lipids and proteins, and on protective roles of antioxidant defense systems, including plant-derived antioxidants. Additionally, the review covers the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of flavonoids, chromones, coumarins and their metal-ion complexes which support its application in medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetology.

The mechanism and candidate compounds of aged citrus peel (chenpi) preventing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its progression to lung cancer

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important risk factor for developing lung cancer. Aged citrus peel (chenpi) has been used as a dietary supplement for respiratory diseases in China.

Objective

To explore the mechanism and candidate compounds of chenpi preventing COPD and its progression to lung cancer.

Methods

The active components and potential targets of chenpi were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Disease-associated targets of COPD and lung cancer were collected in the Gene Cards and TTD database. The component-target network and PPI network were constructed using the Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. David database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The main active components were verified by using the autodock Vina 1.1.2 software. Mouse lung cancer with COPD was induced by cigarette smoking (CS) combined with urethane injection to confirm preventing the effect of hesperetin (the candidate compound of chenpi) on COPD progression to lung cancer and its underlying mechanisms.

Results

The network analysis revealed that the key active components of chenpi (nobiletin, naringenin, hesperetin) regulate five core targets (AKT1, TP53, IL6, VEGFA, MMP9). In addition, 103 potential pathways of chenpi were identified. Chenpi can prevent COPD and its progression to lung cancer by getting involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. Molecular docking indicated that hesperetin had better binding activity for core targets. In mouse lung cancer with COPD, treatment with hesperetin dose-dependently improved not only lung tissue injury in COPD but also carcinoma lesions in lung cancer. Meanwhile, hesperetin could suppress the protein expression of AKT1, IL6, VEGFA, MMP9 and up-regulate the protein expression of TP53, and thus reduced the risk of COPD progression to lung cancer.

Conclusion

Hesperetin is a candidate compound of chenpi that helps in preventing COPD and its progression to lung cancer by regulating AKT1, IL6, VEGFA, MMP9 and TP53.

Iridin Induces G2/M Phase Cell Cycle Arrest and Extrinsic Apoptotic Cell Death through PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in AGS Gastric Cancer Cells

Iridin is a natural flavonoid found in Belamcanda chinensis documented for its broad spectrum of biological activities like antioxidant, antitumor, and antiproliferative effects. In the present study, we have investigated the antitumor potential of iridin in AGS gastric cancer cells. Iridin treatment decreases AGS cell growth and promotes G2/M phase cell cycle arrest by attenuating the expression of Cdc25C, CDK1, and Cyclin B1 proteins. Iridin-treatment also triggered apoptotic cell death in AGS cells, which was verified by cleaved Caspase-3 (Cl- Caspase-3) and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) protein expression. Further apoptotic cell death was confirmed by increased apoptotic cell death fraction shown in allophycocyanin (APC)/Annexin V and propidium iodide staining. Iridin also increased the expression of extrinsic apoptotic pathway proteins like Fas, FasL, and cleaved Caspase-8 in AGS cells. On the contrary, iridin-treated AGS cells did not show variations in proteins related to an intrinsic apoptotic pathway such as Bax and Bcl-xL. Besides, Iridin showed inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathways by downregulation of (p-PI3K, p-AKT) proteins in AGS cells. In conclusion, these data suggest that iridin has anticancer potential by inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway. It could be a basis for further drug design in gastric cancer treatment.

Phytochemicals as a Complement to Cancer Chemotherapy: Pharmacological Modulation of the Autophagy-Apoptosis Pathway

Bioactive plant derived compounds are important for a wide range of therapeutic applications, and some display promising anticancer properties. Further evidence suggests that phytochemicals modulate autophagy and apoptosis, the two crucial cellular pathways involved in the underlying pathobiology of cancer development and regulation. Pharmacological targeting of autophagy and apoptosis signaling using phytochemicals therefore offers a promising strategy that is complementary to conventional cancer chemotherapy. In this review, we sought to highlight the molecular basis of the autophagic-apoptotic pathway to understand its implication in the pathobiology of cancer, and explore this fundamental cellular process as a druggable anticancer target. We also aimed to present recent advances and address the limitations faced in the therapeutic development of phytochemical-based anticancer drugs.

Therapeutic potential of hesperidin and its aglycone hesperetin: Cell cycle regulation and apoptosis induction in cancer models

BACKGROUND

The ability of cancer cells to divide without restriction and to escape programmed cell death is a feature of the proliferative state. Citrus flavanones are flavonoids with potential multiple anticancer actions, from antioxidant and chemopreventive, to anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, cytostatic and cytotoxic in different cancer models.

PURPOSE

This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the antiproliferative actions of the citrus flavanones hesperidin (HSD) and hesperetin (HST), with emphasis on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

METHODS

Cochrane Library, Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science collection databases were queried for publications reporting antiproliferative effects of HSD and HST in cancer models.

RESULTS

HSD and HST have been proven to delay cell proliferation in several cancer models. Depending on the compound, dose and cell line studied, different effects have been reported. Cell cycle arrest associated with cytostatic effects has been reported in cells with increased levels of p53 and also cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, as well as decreased levels of specific cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases. Moreover, apoptotic effects have been found to be associated with altered ratios of pro-/antiapoptotic proteins, caspase activation, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway activation and caspase-independent pathways.

CONCLUSION

Available scientific literature data indicate complex effects, dependent on cell lines and exposure conditions, suggesting that HSD and HST doses need to be optimized according to the cellular and organismal context. The establishment of the main antiproliferative mechanisms is of utmost importance for a possible therapeutic benefit of citrus flavanones in the context of cancer.

Hesperetin alleviates doxorubicin-induced migration in 4T1 breast cancer cells

Background

Hesperetin (Hst), a citrus flavanone, is widely distributed among citrus fruits, including lemons. Hst has been shown to possess bioactivity as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, hypolipidemic, vasoprotector, and anticancer agent. This study aimed to identify potential combinations of Hst and the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (Dox) as co-chemotherapy agents against 4T1 murine metastatic breast cancer cells.

Results

MTT assay results showed that Hst exhibited cytotoxic effect in 4T1 cells, and its combination with Dox showed a synergistic effect based on the CI value. The combination of Hst and Dox increased G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. The combination of Hst and Dox inhibited migration and decreased MMP-9 expression in 4T1 cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of this study show that Hst has potential as a Dox co-chemotherapy against 4T1 cells by inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. More importantly, Hst reduces Dox-induced migration and decreases MMP-9 expression.

Isoorientin induces the apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of A549 human lung cancer cells via the ROS‑regulated MAPK, STAT3 and NF‑κB signaling pathways

Isoorientin (ISO) is a naturally occurring C‑glycosyl flavone that has various pharmacological properties, such as anti‑bacterial and anti‑inflammatory effects. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms in human lung cancer cells remain unknown. In the present study, the effects of ISO on the induction of apoptosis and relative molecular mechanisms in A549 human lung cancer cells were investigated. The results of Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay (CCK‑8) indicated that ISO exerted significant cytotoxic effects on 3 lung cancer cell lines, but had no obvious side‑effects on normal cells. Moreover, flow cytometry and western blot analysis revealed that ISO induced mitochondrial‑dependent apoptosis by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential. ISO also increased the expression levels of Bax, cleaved‑caspase‑3 (cle‑cas‑3) and poly(ADP‑ribose) polymerase (PARP; cle‑PARP), and decreased the expression levels of Bcl‑2 in A549 cells. Furthermore, ISO induced G2/M cell cycle arrest by decreasing the expression levels of cyclin B1 and CDK1/2, and increasing the expression levels of p21 and p27 in A549 cells. As the duration of ISO treatment increased, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in A549 cells also increased. However, pre‑treatment of the cells with the ROS scavenger, N‑acetylcysteine (NAC), inhibited ISO‑induced apoptosis. In addition, ISO increased the expression levels of p‑p38, p‑JNK and IκB‑α; and decreased the expression levels of p‑extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK), p‑signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3, p‑nuclear factor (NF)‑κB, NF‑κB and p‑IκB; these effects were induced by mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors and blocked by NAC. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that ISO induces the apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells via the ROS‑mediated MAPK/STAT3/NF‑κB signaling pathway, and thus may be a potential drug for use in the treatment of lung cancer.

Flavonoids as Anticancer Agents

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds subdivided into 6 groups: isoflavonoids, flavanones, flavanols, flavonols, flavones and anthocyanidins found in a variety of plants. Fruits, vegetables, plant-derived beverages such as green tea, wine and cocoa-based products are the main dietary sources of flavonoids. Flavonoids have been shown to possess a wide variety of anticancer effects: they modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzyme activities, participate in arresting the cell cycle, induce apoptosis, autophagy, and suppress cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. Flavonoids have dual action regarding ROS homeostasis—they act as antioxidants under normal conditions and are potent pro-oxidants in cancer cells triggering the apoptotic pathways and downregulating pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. This article reviews the biochemical properties and bioavailability of flavonoids, their anticancer activity and its mechanisms of action.

Hesperetin reverses P‑glycoprotein‑mediated cisplatin resistance in DDP‑resistant human lung cancer cells via modulation of the nuclear factor‑κB signaling pathway

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Cisplatin (DDP) is a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of lung cancer; however, the majority of patients develop resistance to DDP. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), also referred to as multidrug resistance (MDR) protein 1, is associated with an MDR phenotype, which results in failure of cancer chemotherapy; thus, identifying effective MDR pump inhibitors may improve the outcomes of patients who develop resistance to treatment. Hesperetin is a derivative of hesperidin, which is extracted from tangerine peel and exhibits multiple antitumor properties. In the present study, human lung adenocarcinoma A549 and A549/DDP cells were treated with different concentrations of hesperetin and DDP, respectively. Furthermore, rhodamine 123 efflux assays, Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, immunofluorescence, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis were used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of hesperetin On A549/DDP cells. Additionally, a xenograft model of lung cancer in nude mice was established to explore the effects of hesperetin on A549/DDP cell growth in vivo. The results demonstrated that hesperetin sensitized A549/DDP cells to DDP. In vivo, hesperetin pretreatment significantly inhibited tumor growth. Mechanistically, hesperetin markedly decreased the expression of P-gp and increased the intracellular accumulation of the P-gp substrate, rhodamine 123, in A549/DDP cells. In addition, pretreatment of A549/DDP cells with hesperetin significantly inhibited nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p65) activity and its nuclear translocation. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that hesperetin reversed P-gp-mediated MDR by decreasing P-gp expression in A549/DDP cells, which was associated with inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings may provide the basis for the use of hesperetin clinically to reverse MDR.

Comprehensive bioinformatics study reveals targets and molecular mechanism of hesperetin in overcoming breast cancer chemoresistance

The effectiveness of chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment can be increased using a combinatorial agent. Hesperetin has been reported to increase the sensitivity of doxorubicin in breast cancer cells; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. This present study was conducted to identify the potential target and molecular mechanism of hesperetin in circumventing breast cancer chemoresistance using a bioinformatics approach. Microarray data obtained after hesperetin treatment in the NCI-60 cell line panel collection were retrieved from the COMPARE public library. These data were then compared with the list of the regulatory genes of breast cancer resistance obtained from PubMed and further analyzed for gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment, as well as protein-protein interaction network. A Venn diagram of COMPARE microarray data and the gene list from PubMed generated 56 genes (potential therapeutic target genes/PTTGs). These PTTGs participate in the biological process of the JAK-STAT cascade and are located in the nucleus, exert a molecular function in protein serine/threonine kinase activity, and regulate the erbB signaling pathway. Drug association analysis demonstrated that both hesperetin and the erbB receptor inhibitors, i.e., monoclonal antibody and tyrosine kinase inhibitor, target the same mRNA expression. Furthermore, results of the molecular docking study revealed that hesperetin is a promising inhibitor that targets ABL1, DNMT3B, and MLH1 due to the similarity of binding properties with its native ligand. In conclusion, the possible pathways and the regulatory genes identified in this study may offer new insights into the mechanism by which hesperetin overcomes breast cancer chemoresistance. A combinatorial therapy with hesperetin targeting ABL1, DNMT3B, and MLH1 may be effective in circumventing chemoresistance in breast cancer.

Progress in Research on the Role of Flavonoids in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Therefore, for the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of lung cancer, efficient preventive strategies and new therapeutic strategies are needed to face these challenges. Natural bioactive compounds and particular flavonoids compounds have been proven to have an important role in lung cancer prevention and of particular interest is the dose used for these studies, to underline the molecular effects and mechanisms at a physiological concentration. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding relevant molecular mechanisms involved in the pharmacological effects, with a special focus on the anti-cancer role, by regulating the coding and non-coding genes. Furthermore, this review focused on the most commonly altered and most clinically relevant oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and microRNAs in lung cancer. Particular attention was given to the biological effect in tandem with conventional therapy, emphasizing the role in the regulation of drug resistance related mechanisms.

Molecular Targets of Genistein and Its Related Flavonoids to Exert Anticancer Effects

Increased health awareness among the public has highlighted the health benefits of dietary supplements including flavonoids. As flavonoids target several critical factors to exert a variety of biological effects, studies to identify their target-specific effects have been conducted. Herein, we discuss the basic structures of flavonoids and their anticancer activities in relation to the specific biological targets acted upon by these flavonoids. Flavonoids target several signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT kinase, and metastasis. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) has been recognized as a valuable target in cancer treatment due to the prognostic implication of PLK1 in cancer patients and its clinical relevance between the overexpression of PLK1 and the reduced survival rates of several carcinoma patients. Recent studies suggest that several flavonoids, including genistein directly inhibit PLK1 inhibitory activity. Later, we focus on the anticancer effects of genistein through inhibition of PLK1.

Flavonoids in Cancer and Apoptosis

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Although, there are many different approaches to cancer treatment, they are often painful due to adverse side effects and are sometimes ineffective due to increasing resistance to classical anti-cancer drugs or radiation therapy. Targeting delayed/inhibited apoptosis is a major approach in cancer treatment and a highly active area of research. Plant derived natural compounds are of major interest due to their high bioavailability, safety, minimal side effects and, most importantly, cost effectiveness. Flavonoids have gained importance as anti-cancer agents and have shown great potential as cytotoxic anti-cancer agents promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. In this review, a summary of flavonoids and their effectiveness in cancer treatment targeting apoptosis has been discussed.

Targeting Cancer with Phytochemicals via Their Fine Tuning of the Cell Survival Signaling Pathways

The role of phytochemicals as potential prodrugs or therapeutic substances against tumors has come in the spotlight in the very recent years, thanks to the huge mass of encouraging and promising results of the in vitro activity of many phenolic compounds from plant raw extracts against many cancer cell lines. Little but important evidence can be retrieved from the clinical and nutritional scientific literature, where flavonoids are investigated as major pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic compounds. However, the actual role of these compounds in cancer is still far to be fully elucidated. Many of these phytochemicals act in a pleiotropic and poorly specific manner, but, more importantly, they are able to tune the reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling to activate a survival or a pro-autophagic and pro-apoptosis mechanism, depending on the oxidative stress-responsive endowment of the targeted cell. This review will try to focus on this issue.

Apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells is induced by arsenic and atorvastatin in Wistar rats with diabetes mellitus type 2

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes Mellitus type 2 (T2D) is a multifactorial disease. However, it is known that there is an important effect in pancreatic β-cells caused by apoptosis of pro-apoptotic proteins, possibly related to arsenic exposure and atorvastatin treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of atorvastatin treatment on apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells in Wistar rats with induced diabetes type 2 exposed to arsenic.

MATERIAL & METHODS

T2D in Wistar rats was induced by administration of Streptozotocin. The plasmatic glucose concentrations were measured using the glucose oxidase method, and the concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in whole blood was determined. Exposure to arsenic was measured from urine using atomic absorption with hydride generation, and pro-apoptotic proteins in pancreatic β-cells were observed using the Western blotting technique.

RESULTS

Caspase-3 was present in rats that were treated with 10 mg/kg of oral atorvastatin and exposed to 0.01 and 0.025 mg/L of arsenic, but no others proteins were present, such as pro Caspase-8, bcl-2, and Fas. The glycemic levels were 129.2 ± 7.0 mg/dL in the control group and 161.8 ± 14.6 mg/dL and 198.3 ± 18.2 mg/dL (p < .05) in the study groups. HbA1c increased from 2.53% to 3.64% (p < .05) in the control and study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Atorvastatin treatment and arsenic exposure alone are capable of generating apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells of Wistar rats with T2D. Together, all of these factors induce apoptosis in pancreatic cells.