Formulation, characterization, and cellular toxicity assessment of tamoxifen-loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles in breast cancer

Advancements in silk fibroin and silk sericin-based biomaterial applications for cancer therapy and wound dressing formulation: A comprehensive review

Silks are a class of proteins generated naturally by different arthropods, including silkworms, spiders, scorpions, mites, wasps, and bees. This review discusses the silk fibroin and silk sericin fabricated by Bombyx mori silkworm as versatile fibers. This silk fiber is predominantly composed of hydrophobic silk fibroin and hydrophilic silk sericin. Fibroin is defined as a structural protein that bestows silk with strength, while sericin is characterized as a gum-like protein, tying the two fibrous proteins together and endowing silk proteins with elasticity. Due to their versatile structures, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, they could be tailored into intricate structures to warrant particular demands. The intrinsic functional groups of both proteins enable their functionalization and cross-linking with various biomaterials to endow the matrix with favorable antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Depending on the target applications, they can be integrated with other materials to formulate nanofibrous, hydrogels, films, and micro-nanoparticles. Given the outstanding biological and controllable physicochemical features of fibroin and sericin, they could be exploited in pharmaceutical applications involving tissue engineering, wound repair, drug delivery, and cancer therapy. This review comprehensively discusses the advancements in the implementation of different formulations of silk fibroin and sericin in wound healing and drug delivery systems, particularly for cancer treatment.

Tackling myelin deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders using drug delivery systems

Interest in myelin and its roles in almost all brain functions has been greatly increasing in recent years, leading to countless new studies on myelination, as a dominant process in the development of cognitive functions. Here, we explore the unique role myelin plays in the central nervous system and specifically discuss the results of altered myelination in neurodevelopmental disorders. We present parallel developmental trajectories involving myelination that correlate with the onset of cognitive impairment in neurodevelopmental disorders and discuss the key challenges in the treatment of these chronic disorders. Recent developments in drug repurposing and nano/micro particle-based therapies are reviewed as a possible pathway to circumvent some of the main hurdles associated with early intervention, including patient's adherence and compliance, side effects, relapse, and faster route to possible treatment of these disorders. The strategy of drug encapsulation overcomes drug solubility and metabolism, with the possibility of drug targeting to a specific compartment, reducing side effects upon systemic administration.

A common molecular and cellular pathway in developing Alzheimer and cancer

Globally cancer and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are two major diseases and still, there is no clearly defined molecular mechanism. There is an opposite relation between cancer and AD which are the proportion of emerging cancer was importantly slower in AD patients, whereas slow emerging AD in patients with cancer. In cancer, regulation of cell mechanisms is interrupted by an increase in cell survival and proliferation, while on the contrary, AD is related to augmented neuronal death, that may be either produced by or associated with amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau deposition. Stated that the probability that disruption of mechanisms takes part in the regulation of cell survival/death and might be implicated in both diseases. The mechanism of actions such as DNA-methylation, genetic polymorphisms, or another mechanism of actions that induce alteration in the action of drugs with significant roles in resolving the finding to repair and live or die might take part in the pathogenesis of these two ailments. The functions of miRNA, p53, Pin1, the Wnt signaling pathway, PI3 KINASE/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway GRK2 signaling pathway, and the pathophysiological role of oxidative stress are presented in this review as potential candidates which hypothetically describe inverse relations between cancer and AD. Innovative materials almost mutual mechanisms in the aetiology of cancer and AD advocates novel treatment approaches. Among these treatment strategies, the most promising use treatment such as tyrosine kinase inhibitor, nilotinib, protein kinase C, and bexarotene.

Facile preparation of biomimetic mineralized COFs based on magnetic silk fibroin and its effective extraction of sulforaphane from cruciferous vegetables

A novel biomimetic mineralized covalent organic framework (BM-COF) was prepared based on magnetic silk fibroin and a new sulforaphane pretreatment technology was constructed. First, metal coordination was performed on the surface of silk fibroin, and nanoparticles were deposited by in-situ mineralization after co-precipitation. Then, biomineralized COFs were prepared by in-situ self-assembly of a COF layer on Fe3O4@silk fibroin surface guided by interfacial directional growth technology. The BM-COFs had a multilayer structure, large specific surface area and pore volume, and superparamagnetic properties, which make them an ideal adsorbent. The adsorption of sulforaphane by BM-COFs is mainly multi-molecular layer adsorption and chemisorption, there might be electrostatic action, π-stacking and hydrogen bonding in the adsorption process. The composite material was successfully used for the pretreatment of sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables. An extraction time of 30 min gave extraction efficiencies as high as 92%, and the recovery could reach more than 73%.

Dual stimuli-responsive polymeric nanoparticles combining soluplus and chitosan for enhanced breast cancer targeting

A dual stimuli-responsive nanocarrier was developed from smart biocompatible chitosan and soluplus graft copolymers. The copolymerization was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The optimized chitosan-soluplus nanoparticles (CS-SP NPs) were further used for the encapsulation of a poorly water-soluble anticancer drug. Tamoxifen citrate (TC) was used as the model drug and it was loaded in CS-SP NPs. TC CS-SP NPs were characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and physical stability. The nanoparticles showed homogenous spherical features with a size around 94 nm, a slightly positive zeta potential, and an encapsulation efficiency around 96.66%. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity confirmed that the created nano-system is smart and exhibits pH and temperature-responsive behavior. In vitro cellular uptake was evaluated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The nanoparticles revealed a triggered increase in size upon reaching the lower critical solution temperature of SP, with 70% of drug release at acidic pH and 40 °C within the first hour and a 3.5-fold increase in cytotoxicity against MCF7 cells incubated at 40 °C. The cellular uptake study manifested that the prepared nanoparticles succeeded in delivering drug molecules to MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In summary, the distinctive characteristics provided by these novel CS-SP NPs result in a promising nano-platform for effective drug delivery in cancer treatment.

Anticancer potentials of metformin loaded coconut oil nanoemulsion on MCF-7, HepG2 and HCT-116 cell lines

In order to load metformin in a nano formula and evaluate the produced nano form towards cancer cells, metformin was loaded on natural carrier coconut oil. The formed metformin-loaded coconut oil nanoemulsion was characterized by Zeta potential, particle size, drug content, drug release, and drug stability. The formed nanoemulsion was evaluated towards MCF-7, HepG2, and HCT-116 cell lines. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis mechanism were studied. The nanoemulsion was created using deionized water, 1.5% Span 20, 1.5% Tween 80, 1.5% coconut oil, and 0.5% Metformin in an ultrasonicator to produce a homogenous solution. The anticancer activities of the metformin-loaded coconut nanoemulsion were highly improved compared to non-formulated metformin with IC50s of 8.3 ± 0.1 µg/ml, 12 ± 1.5 µg/ml, 2.685 ± 0.3 µg/ml for MCF-7, HepG2, and HCT-116 cell lines, respectively. There was a 76.5 ± 2.3 and 78.3 ± 3.2% increase in the number of apoptotic cells of MCF-7 and HepG2 cells after nanoemulsion treatment. This formula may be considered a new anticancer medication.

Box-Behnken Design-Aided Validation and Optimization of a Stability-Indicating Reverse Phase-HPLC Method for the Estimation of Tamoxifen Citrate in Lipidic Nano-Vesicles

Stability indicating a reverse-phase HPLC analytical method for the quantification of tamoxifen citrate (TMX) in the bulk and lipidic nano-vesicles (LNVs) was developed. The optimized method was validated according to the ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines by following a three-factor interaction Box-Behnken design using Design-Expert® software. The responses measured at 236 nm were retention time (Rt), peak area, tailing factor (TF) and the number of theoretical plates. TMX was eluted best using the Luna® C18 LC Column along with a mobile phase of methanol (MeOH) and ammonium acetate buffer (AAB pH 4.5) 80:20 v/v mixture at 25 ± 2°C temperature. The currently developed method was linear in 100-5,000 ng/mL range with a detection limit of 4.55 ng/mL and a quantification limit of 13.78 ng/mL. The optimized method was utilized to evaluate the stability of TMX in different stress conditions by performing forced degradation studies. The results from the degradation study stipulated that on exposure to various stressors namely acid, alkali, oxidative, thermal and UV light, the TMX did not show considerable degradation except for UV light exposure. Further, the method was successfully used for the quantification of TMX in LNVs.

Formulation optimization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of niosomal nanocarriers for enhanced topical delivery of cetirizine

Cetirizine hydrochloride (CTZ), a second-generation anti-histaminic drug, has been recently explored for its effectiveness in the treatment of alopecia. Niosomes are surfactant-based nanovesicular systems that have promising applications in both topical and transdermal drug delivery. The aim of this study was to design topical CTZ niosomes for management of alopecia. Thin film hydration technique was implemented for the fabrication of CTZ niosomes. The niosomes were examined for vesicle size, surface charge, and entrapment efficiency. The optimized niosomal formulation was incorporated into a hydrogel base (HPMC) and explored for physical characteristics, ex vivo permeation, and in vivo dermato-kinetic study. The optimized CTZ-loaded niosomal formulation showed an average size of 403.4 ± 15.6 nm, zeta potential of - 12.9 ± 1.7 mV, and entrapment efficiency percentage of 52.8 ± 1.9%. Compared to plain drug solution, entrapment of CTZ within niosomes significantly prolonged in vitro drug release up to 12 h. Most importantly, ex-vivo skin deposition studies and in vivo dermato-kinetic studies verified superior skin deposition/retention of CTZ from CTZ-loaded niosomal gels, compared to plain CTZ gel. CTZ-loaded niosomal gel permitted higher drug deposition percentage (19.2 ± 1.9%) and skin retention (AUC0-10h 1124.5 ± 87.9 μg/mL.h) of CTZ, compared to 7.52 ± 0.7% and 646.2 ± 44.6 μg/mL.h for plain CTZ gel, respectively. Collectively, niosomes might represent a promising carrier for the cutaneous delivery of cetirizine for the topical management of alopecia.

A review on chitosan and alginate-based microcapsules: Mechanism and applications in drug delivery systems

Natural polymers, like chitosan and alginate have potential of appearance, as well as the changes and handling necessary to make it acceptable vehicle for the controlled release of medicines and biomolecules. Microcapsules are characterized as micrometer-sized particulate that can be employed to store chemicals within them. In the present review, we have discussed various advantages, components of microcapsules, release mechanisms, preparation methods, and their applications in drug delivery systems. The preparation methods exhibited strong encapsulation effectiveness and may be used in a wide range of pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The major advantages of using the microencapsulation technique are, sustained and controlled delivery of drugs, drug targeting, improvement of shelf life, stabilization, immobilization of enzymes and microorganisms. As new biomaterials are developed for the body, they are better suited to the development of pharmaceutical systems than traditional pharmaceuticals because they are more reliable, biocompatible, biodegradable, and nontoxic. Furthermore, the designed microcapsules had been capable of shielding the essential components from hostile environments. More advanced techniques could be developed in the future to facilitate the formulation and applications of microcapsules and working with the pharmaceutical and medical industries.

Role of the Lactide:Glycolide Ratio in PLGA Nanoparticle Stability and Release under Lysosomal Conditions for Enzyme Replacement Therapy of Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Prior studies demonstrated that encapsulation in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) enhanced the delivery of enzymes used for replacement therapy (ERT) of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). This study examined how the copolymer lactide:glycolide ratio impacts encapsulation, physicochemical characteristics, stability, and release under lysosomal conditions. Hyaluronidase, deficient in mucopolysaccharidosis IX, was encapsulated in NPs synthesized using 50:50, 60:40, or 75:25 lactide:glycolide copolymers. All NPs had diameters compatible with cellular transport (≤168 nm) and polydispersity indexes (≤0.16) and ζ-potentials (≤-35 mV) compatible with colloidal stability. Yet, their encapsulation efficiency varied, with 75:25 NPs and 60:40 NPs having the lowest and highest EE, respectively (15% vs. 28%). Under lysosomal conditions, the 50:50 copolymer degraded fastest (41% in 1 week), as expected, and the presence of a targeting antibody coat did not alter this result. Additionally, 60:40 NPs destabilized fastest (<1 week) because of their smaller diameter, and 75:25 NPs did not destabilize in 4 weeks. All formulations presented burst release under lysosomal conditions (56-78% of the original load within 30 min), with 50:50 and 60:40 NPs releasing an additional small fraction after week 1. This provided 4 weeks of sustained catalytic activity, sufficient to fully degrade a substrate. Altogether, the 60:40 NP formulation is preferred given its higher EE, and 50:50 NPs represent a valid alternative, while the highest stability of 75:25 NPs may impair lysosomes. These results can guide future studies aiming to translate PLGA NP-based ERT for this and other LSDs.

Dual targeting multiwalled carbon nanotubes for improved neratinib delivery in breast cancer

The aim of this study was to develop biotinylated chitosan (Bio-Chi) decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for breast cancer therapy with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, neratinib (NT). For achieving such a purpose, carboxylic acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (c-MWCNTs) were initially decorated non-covalently with biotin-chitosan (Bio-Chi) coating for achieving a dual targeting mode; pH-dependent release with chitosan and biotin-receptor mediated active targeting with biotin. Afterwards, Bio-Chi decorated c-MWCNTs were loaded with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, neratinib (NT). The formulation was then characterized by dynamic light scattering, FTIR and EDX. The drug loading efficiency was estimated to be 95.6 ± 1.2%. In vitro drug release studies revealed a pH-dependent release of NT from Bio-Chi decorated c-MWCNTs, with a higher drug release under acidic pH conditions. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) cytotoxicity assay of different NT formulations disclosed dose-dependent cytotoxicities against SkBr3 cell line, with a superior cytotoxicity observed with NT-loaded Bio-Chi-coated c-MWCNTs, compared to either free NT or NT-loaded naked c-MWCNTs. The IC50 values for free NT, NT-loaded c-MWCNTs and NT-loaded Bio-Chi-coated c-MWCNTs were 548.43 ± 23.1 μg mL-1, 319.55 ± 17.9 μg mL-1, and 257.75 ± 24.5 μg mL-1, respectively. Interestingly, competitive cellular uptake studies revealed that surface decoration of drug-loaded c-MWCNTs with Bio-Chi permitted an enhanced uptake of c-MWCNTs by breast cancer cells, presumably, via biotin receptors-mediated endocytosis. To sum up, Bio-Chi-decorated c-MWCNTs might be a promising delivery vehicle for mediating cell-specific drug delivery to breast cancer cells.

Ocular Delivery of Bimatoprost-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Effective Management of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by a rise in the intraocular pressure (IOP) leading to optic nerve damage. Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue used to reduce the elevated IOP in patients with glaucoma. The currently available dosage forms for Bimatoprost suffer from relatively low ocular bioavailability. The objective of this study was to fabricate and optimize solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing Bimatoprost for ocular administration for the management of glaucoma. Bimatoprost-loaded SLNs were fabricated by solvent evaporation/ultrasonication technique. Glyceryl Monostearate (GMS) was adopted as solid lipid and poloxamer 407 as surfactant. Optimization of SLNs was conducted by central composite design. The optimized formulation was assessed for average particle size, entrapment efficiency (%), zeta potential, surface morphology, drug release study, sterility test, isotonicity test, Hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) test and histopathology studies. The optimized Bimatoprost-loaded SLNs formulation had an average size of 183.3 ± 13.3 nm, zeta potential of -9.96 ± 1.2 mV, and encapsulation efficiency percentage of 71.8 ± 1.1%. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study revealed the nearly smooth surface of formulated particles with a nano-scale size range. In addition, SLNs significantly sustained Bimatoprost release for up to 12 h, compared to free drug (p < 005). Most importantly, HET-CAM test nullified the irritancy of the formulation was verified its tolerability upon ocular use, as manifested by a significant reduction in mean irritation score, compared to positive control (1% sodium dodecyl sulfate; p < 0.001). Histopathology study inferred the absence of any signs of cornea tissue damage upon treatment with Bimatoprost optimized formulation. Collectively, it was concluded that SLNs might represent a viable vehicle for enhancing the corneal permeation and ocular bioavailability of Bimatoprost for the management of glaucoma.

Cucurbitacin-B instigates intrinsic apoptosis and modulates Notch signaling in androgen-dependent prostate cancer LNCaP cells

Introduction: Among numerous triterpenoids of the Cucurbitaceae family, Cucurbitacin-B (Cur-B) is being explored for its pharmacological attributes. Reports from previous studies have explicitly shown that Cur-B possesses substantial anticancer effects. The present report focuses on exploring the anticancer attributes of Cur-B against androgen-dependent PCa LNCaP cells. Methods: LNCaP cells were exposed to commercially available purified Cur-B at varying concentrations that were selected as 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 µM for some time of 24 h to perform various experimental studies. Results: Cytotoxicity evaluation revealed that Cur-B impeded the LNCaP cell's viability at 5 µM (p <0.05) which increased considerably at a concentration of 25 µM (p <0.001). Cur-B was also efficacious in inducing the changes within nu-clear morphology followed by a concomitant increase in the activities of key caspases including caspase-3, -8, and -9 intriguingly in a dose-dependent trend. Cur-B treatment not only resulted in the augmentation of intracellular ROS levels within LNCaP cells at 5 µM (p <0.05) but also in-creased significantly at 25 µM concentration (p <0.001). Elevation in the ROS levels was also found to be correlated with dissipated mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) which culminated in the onset of significant apoptosis at 25 µM concentration (p <0.001). Cur-B exposure also resulted in the downregulation of cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) followed by amplified levels of p21Cip1 mRNA. Importantly, exposure of Cur-B competently reduced the expression of the Notch signaling cascade which may be the plausible cause behind Cur-B-instigated apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest in LNCaP cells. Discussion: These observations thus, explicitly indicated that Cur-B could be plausibly further explored as potent therapeutics against androgen-dependent PCa.

Research and therapeutic applications of silk proteins in cancer

Despite the availability of advanced treatments, cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide. This is due to the many challenges prevailing in the research field and cancer therapy. Resistance to therapy and side effects provide major hindrances to recovery from cancer. As a result, in addition to the aim of killing cancer cells, the focus should also be on reducing or preventing side effects of the treatment. To enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment, many researchers are studying drug delivery systems based on silk proteins: fibroin and sericin. These proteins have high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of modification. Consequently, many researchers have developed several formulations of silk proteins such as scaffolds, nanoparticles, and hydrogels by combining them with other materials or drugs. This review summarizes the use of silk proteins in various forms in cancer research and therapy. The use of silk proteins to study cancer cells, to deliver cancer drugs to a target site, in cancer thermal therapy, and as an anti-cancer agent is described here.

Optimization of Potential Nanoemulgels for Boosting Transdermal Glimepiride Delivery and Upgrading Its Anti-Diabetic Activity

Transdermal drug delivery has been widely adopted as a plausible alternative to the oral route of administration, especially for drugs with poor systemic bioavailability. The objective of this study was to design and validate a nanoemulsion (NE) system for transdermal administration of the oral hypoglycemic drug glimepiride (GM). The NEs were prepared using peppermint/bergamot oils as the oil phase and tween 80/transcutol P as the surfactant/co-surfactant mixture (S_mix). The formulations were characterized using various parameters such as globule size, zeta potential, surface morphology, in vitro drug release, drug-excipient compatibility studies, and thermodynamic stability. The optimized NE formulation was then incorporated into different gel bases and examined for gel strength, pH, viscosity, and spreadability. The selected drug-loaded nanoemulgel formulation was then screened for ex vivo permeation, skin irritation, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. Characterization studies revealed the spherical shape of NE droplets with an average size of ~80 nm and a zeta potential of -11.8 mV, which indicated good electrokinetic stability of NE. In vitro release studies revealed enhanced drug release from the NE formulation compared to the plain drug. GM-loaded nanoemulgel showed a 7-fold increment in drug transdermal flux compared to plain drug gel. In addition, the GM-loaded nanoemulgel formulation did not elicit any signs of inflammation and/or irritation on the applied skin, suggesting its safety. Most importantly, the in vivo pharmacokinetic study emphasized the potential of nanoemulgel formulation to potentiate the systemic bioavailability of GM, as manifested by a 10-fold rise in the relative bioavailability compared to control gel. Collectively, transdermal NE-based GM gel might represent a promising alternative to oral therapy in the management of diabetes.

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and In Vivo Antitumor Activity of Lipid Nanocapsules Loaded with Novel Pyridine Derivatives

This study demonstrates high drug-loading of novel pyridine derivatives (S1-S4) in lipid- and polymer-based core-shell nanocapsules (LPNCs) for boosting the anticancer efficiency and alleviating toxicity of these novel pyridine derivatives. The nanocapsules were fabricated using a nanoprecipitation technique and characterized for particle size, surface morphology, and entrapment efficiency. The prepared nanocapsules exhibited a particle size ranging from 185.0 ± 17.4 to 223.0 ± 15.3 nm and a drug entrapment of >90%. The microscopic evaluation demonstrated spherical-shaped nanocapsules with distinct core-shell structures. The in vitro release study depicted a biphasic and sustained release pattern of test compounds from the nanocapsules. In addition, it was obvious from the cytotoxicity studies that the nanocapsules showed superior cytotoxicity against both MCF-7 and A549 cancer cell lines, as manifested by a significant decrease in the IC₅₀ value compared to free test compounds. The in vivo antitumor efficacy of the optimized nanocapsule formulation (S4-loaded LPNCs) was investigated in an Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) solid tumor-bearing mice model. Interestingly, the entrapment of the test compound (S4) within LPNCs remarkably triggered superior tumor growth inhibition when compared with either free S4 or the standard anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil. Such enhanced in vivo antitumor activity was accompanied by a remarkable increase in animal life span. Furthermore, the S4-loaded LPNC formulation was tolerated well by treated animals, as evidenced by the absence of any signs of acute toxicity or alterations in biochemical markers of liver and kidney functions. Collectively, our findings clearly underscore the therapeutic potential of S4-loaded LPNCs over free S4 in conquering EAC solid tumors, presumably via granting efficient delivery of adequate concentrations of the entrapped drug to the target site.

Biodegradable Biopolymeric Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications-Challenges and Future Outlook

Biopolymers are polymers obtained from either renewable or non-renewable sources and are the most suitable candidate for tailor-made nanoparticles owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity and immunogenicity. Biopolymeric nanoparticles (BPn) can be classified as natural (polysaccharide and protein based) and synthetic on the basis of their origin. They have been gaining wide interest in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, imaging and cancer therapy. BPn can be synthesized by various fabrication strategies such as emulsification, ionic gelation, nanoprecipitation, electrospray drying and so on. The main aim of the review is to understand the use of nanoparticles obtained from biodegradable biopolymers for various biomedical applications. There are very few reviews highlighting biopolymeric nanoparticles employed for medical applications; this review is an attempt to explore the possibilities of using these materials for various biomedical applications. This review highlights protein based (albumin, gelatin, collagen, silk fibroin); polysaccharide based (chitosan, starch, alginate, dextran) and synthetic (Poly lactic acid, Poly vinyl alcohol, Poly caprolactone) BPn that has recently been used in many applications. The fabrication strategies of different BPn are also being highlighted. The future perspective and the challenges faced in employing biopolymeric nanoparticles are also reviewed.

Ganetespib with Methotrexate Acts Synergistically to Impede NF-κB/p65 Signaling in Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells

Among the various types of cancer, lung cancer accounts for the highest number of fatalities across the globe. A combination of different cancer chemotherapeutics is regarded as an effective strategy for clinical management of different cancers. Ganetespib (GAN) is a well-established hsp90 inhibitor with enhanced pharmacological properties in comparison with its first-generation counterparts. Previous preclinical studies have shown that GAN exerts significant effects against cancer cells; however, its therapeutic effects against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells, achieved by modulating the expression of the NF-κB/p65 signaling pathway, remains unexplored. In this study, the combinatorial effect of GAN and methotrexate (MTX) against lung carcinomas was investigated through both in silico and in vitro studies. A combinatorial treatment regimen of GAN/MTX exerted more significant cytotoxic effects (p < 0.001) against A549 cells than individual treatments. The GAN/MTX combination also instigated nuclear fragmentation followed by augmentation in intracellular ROS levels (p < 0.001). The elevated ROS in A549 cells upon exposure to GAN/MTX combinatorial regimen was concomitantly accompanied with a remarkable reduction in mitochondrial viability. In addition, it was observed that the GAN/MTX combination succeeded in elevating caspase-3 activity and downregulating the expression levels of anti-apoptotic mediators Bcl2 and survivin in NSCLC A549 cells. Most importantly, the GAN/MTX combinatorial regimen impeded the activation of the NF-kB/p65 signaling pathway via repression of the expression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin, which was confirmed by molecular docking studies. Collectively, these findings demonstrated the synergistic effect of the GAN/MTX combinatorial regimen in suppressing the growth of A549 cells by modulating the NF-κB/p65 signaling pathway.

A convergent fabrication of pH and redox dual-responsive hybrids of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for the treatment of breast cancer

Mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN), sodium hyaluronate (SH), silk fibroin (SS), and oxidized sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (O-CMC) hybrids were used to develop an intelligent drug delivery platform that may be employed for pH and redox-responsive bi-drug administration. The first drug, cytarabine (Cyt), was loaded with amino-functionalized mesoporous silica (MSN-NH₂) encased by the hydrogel of cystamine (Cys) and SH cross-linked by amide bonds. Hydrophobic doxorubicin (DOX) was co-loaded with Cyt/MSN-NH₂/SA in the hydrogel of SS and O-CMC in the Cyt- loaded hydrogel. Dual-responsive drug delivery may be achieved by encapsulating SS and O-CMC in a hydrogel, including Cyt/MSN-NH₂/SA/DOX/SS/O-CMC, which has acyl hydrazone bonds (-HC = N) and disulfide bond (-S-S-) exchange reaction with glutathione (GSH). Compared to hydrogels encapsulating only one drug (Cyt or DOX), cell survival analysis revealed that the newly fabricated hydrogels have significantly greater chemotherapeutic efficacy. The cell proliferation of the fabricated nanoparticles was examined in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, which indicates that the nanoparticles effectively kill the cancer cells without affecting non-cancerous cells. Further, we effectively investigated the morphological changes, and various biochemical staining methods examined nuclear fragmentation/condensation. Furthermore, the biosafety of the nanoparticles was investigated by the in vivo animal model, which reveals that they remarkably enhanced the safety profile in various organs. These outcomes demonstrated that this nanoparticle platform was a promising beneficial agent for improving breast cancer treatment.

Sericultural By-Products: The Potential for Alternative Therapy in Cancer Drug Design

Major progress has been made in cancer research; however, cancer remains one of the most important health-related burdens. Sericulture importance is no longer limited to the textile industry, but its by-products, such as silk fibroin or mulberry, exhibit great impact in the cancer research area. Fibroin, the pivotal compound that is found in silk, owns superior biocompatibility and biodegradability, representing one of the most important biomaterials. Numerous studies have reported its successful use as a drug delivery system, and it is currently used to develop three-dimensional tumor models that lead to a better understanding of cancer biology and play a great role in the development of novel antitumoral strategies. Moreover, sericin's cytotoxic effect on various tumoral cell lines has been reported, but also, it has been used as a nanocarrier for target therapeutic agents. On the other hand, mulberry compounds include various bioactive elements that are well known for their antitumoral activities, such as polyphenols or anthocyanins. In this review, the latest progress of using sericultural by-products in cancer therapy is discussed by highlighting their notable impact in developing novel effective drug strategies.

Anti-Tumor Potential of Gymnema sylvestre Saponin Rich Fraction on In Vitro Breast Cancer Cell Lines and In Vivo Tumor-Bearing Mouse Models

Gymnema sylvestre (GS) is a perennial woody vine native to tropical Asia, China, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and Australia. GS has been used as a medicinal plant with potential anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. This study was conceptualized to evaluate the cytotoxicity potential of Gymnema sylvestre saponin rich fraction (GSSRF) on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468) by SRB assay. The anti-tumor activity of GSSRF was assessed in tumor-bearing Elrich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) mouse models. The anti-oxidant potential of GSSRF was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay. The acute toxicity of GSSRF was carried out according to OECD guideline 425. The yield of GSSRF was around 1.4% and the presence of saponin content in GSSRF was confirmed by qualitative and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of GSSRF on breast cancer cell lines were promising and found to be dose-dependent. An acute toxicity study of GSSRF was found to be safe at 2000 mg/kg body weight. GSSRF treatment has shown a significant increase in the body weight and the life span of EAC-bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the control group. In the solid tumor model, the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight per day have shown about 46.70% and 60.80% reduction in tumor weight and controlled the tumor weight until the 30th day when compared with the control group. The activity of GSSRF in both models was similar to the cisplatin, a standard anticancer agent used in the study. Together, these results open the door for detailed investigations of anti-tumor potentials of GSSRF in specific tumor models, mechanistic studies and clinical trials leading to promising novel therapeutics for cancer therapy.

Research progress of natural silk fibroin and the appplication for drug delivery in chemotherapies

Silk fibroin has been widely used in biological fields due to its biocompatibility, mechanical properties, biodegradability, and safety. Recently, silk fibroin as a drug carrier was developed rapidly and achieved remarkable progress in cancer treatment. The silk fibroin-based delivery system could effectively kill tumor cells without significant side effects and drug resistance. However, few studies have been reported on silk fibroin delivery systems for antitumor therapy. The advancement of silk fibroin-based drug delivery systems research and its applications in cancer therapy are highlighted in this study. The properties, applications, private opinions, and future prospects of silk fibroin carriers are discussed to understand better the development of anti-cancer drug delivery systems, which may also contribute to advancing silk fibroin innovation.

Highly Biocompatible Apigenin-Loaded Silk Fibroin Nanospheres: Preparation, Characterization, and Anti-Breast-Cancer Activity

Breast cancer is among the most common fatal diseases among women. Low-toxicity apigenin (AGN) is of interest due to its good antitumor activity, but its clinical application is severely limited due to its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. An effective strategy to enhance the anti-breast-cancer activity of AGN is to develop it as a nanodelivery system. Silk fibroin (SF) is an ideal drug carrier with good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and a simple extraction process. This paper develops a novel and efficient apigenin-loaded silk fibroin nanodelivery system (SF-AGN) by nanoprecipitation with SF as a carrier. The system was characterized in terms of morphology, zeta potential, particle size, ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), and synchronous thermal analyses (TG-DSC), and the in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo pharmacokinetics were examined. Finally, the chronic toxicity of SF-AGN in mice was studied. The SF-AGN nanodelivery system has good dispersibility, a hydrated particle size of 163.35 nm, a zeta potential of -18.5 mV, an average drug loading of 6.20%, and good thermal stability. MTT studies showed that SF-AGN significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of AGN on 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that SF-AGN can dramatically improve the bioavailability of AGN. The results of toxicity experiments showed that SF-AGN is biocompatible and does not alter normal tissues or organs. In sum, the SF-AGN nanodelivery system is a promising drug-delivery system for the clinical treatment of breast cancer.

Progress in silk and silk fiber-inspired polymeric nanomaterials for drug delivery

The fields of drug and gene delivery have been revolutionized by the discovery and characterization of polymer-based materials. Polymeric nanomaterials have emerged as a strategy for targeted delivery because of features such as their impressive biocompatibility and improved availability. Use of naturally derived polymers in these nanomaterials is advantageous due to their biodegradability and bioresorption. Natural biopolymer-based particles composed of silk fibroins and other silk fiber-inspired proteins have been the focus of research in drug delivery systems due to their simple synthesis, tunable characteristics, and ability to respond to stimuli. Several silk and silk-inspired polymers contain a high proportion of reactive side groups, allowing for functionalization and addition of targeting moieties. In this review, we discuss the main classes of silk and silk-inspired polymers that are being used in the creation of nanomaterials. We also focus on the fabrication techniques used in generating a tunable design space of silk-based polymeric nanomaterials and detail how that translates into use for drug delivery to several distinct microenvironments.

Promising Role of Silk-Based Biomaterials for Ocular-Based Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering

Silk is a wonderful biopolymer that has a long history of medical applications. Surgical cords and medically authorised human analogues made of silk have a long history of use in management. We describe the use of silk in the treatment of eye diseases in this review by looking at the usage of silk fibroin for eye-related drug delivery applications and medication transfer to the eyes. During this ancient art endeavour, a reduced engineering project that employed silk as a platform for medicine delivery or a cell-filled matrix helped reignite interest. With considerable attention, this study explores the present usage of silk in ocular-based drug delivery. This paper also examines emerging developments with the use of silk as a biopolymer for the treatment of eye ailments. As treatment options for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and other retinal diseases and degenerations are developed, the trans-scleral route of drug delivery holds great promise for the selective, sustained-release delivery of these novel therapeutic compounds. We should expect a swarm of silk-inspired materials to enter clinical testing and use on the surface as the secrets of silk are unveiled. This article finishes with a discussion on potential silk power, which adds to better ideas and enhanced ocular medicine delivery.

Silk Fibroin as an Efficient Biomaterial for Drug Delivery, Gene Therapy, and Wound Healing

Silk fibroin (SF), an organic material obtained from the cocoons of a silkworm Bombyx mori, is used in several applications and has a proven track record in biomedicine owing to its superior compatibility with the human body, superb mechanical characteristics, and its controllable propensity to decay. Due to its robust biocompatibility, less immunogenic, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and biodegradable properties, it has been widely used in biological and biomedical fields, including wound healing. The key strategies for building diverse SF-based drug delivery systems are discussed in this review, as well as the most recent ways for developing functionalized SF for controlled or redirected medicines, gene therapy, and wound healing. Understanding the features of SF and the various ways to manipulate its physicochemical and mechanical properties enables the development of more effective drug delivery devices. Drugs are encapsulated in SF-based drug delivery systems to extend their shelf life and control their release, allowing them to travel further across the bloodstream and thus extend their range of operation. Furthermore, due to their tunable properties, SF-based drug delivery systems open up new possibilities for drug delivery, gene therapy, and wound healing.

3-Methoxy Carbazole Impedes the Growth of Human Breast Cancer Cells by Suppressing NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Breast cancer represents the most frequently occurring cancer globally among women. As per the recent report of the World Health Organization (WHO), it was documented that by the end of the year 2020, approximately 7.8 million females were positively diagnosed with breast cancer and in 2020 alone, 685,000 casualties were documented due to breast cancer. The use of standard chemotherapeutics includes the frontline treatment option for patients; however, the concomitant side effects represent a major obstacle for their usage. Carbazole alkaloids are one such group of naturally-occurring bioactive compounds belonging to the Rutaceae family. Among the various carbazole alkaloids, 3-Methoxy carbazole or C13H11NO (MHC) is obtained from Clausena heptaphylla as well as from Clausena indica. In this study, MHC was investigated for its anti-breast cancer activity based on molecular interactions with specific proteins related to breast cancer, where the MHC had predicted binding affinities for NF-κB with −8.3 kcal/mol. Furthermore, to evaluate the biological activity of MHC, we studied its in vitro cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells. This alkaloid showed significant inhibitory effects and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by enhanced caspase activities and the cellular generation of ROS. It was observed that a treatment with MHC inhibited the gene expression of NF-kB in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These results suggest that MHC could be a promising medical plant for breast cancer treatment. Further studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the anticancer action of MHC.

Enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles for cancer treatment using versatile targeted strategies

Poor targeting of therapeutics leading to severe adverse effects on normal tissues is considered one of the obstacles in cancer therapy. To help overcome this, nanoscale drug delivery systems have provided an alternative avenue for improving the therapeutic potential of various agents and bioactive molecules through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Nanosystems with cancer-targeted ligands can achieve effective delivery to the tumor cells utilizing cell surface-specific receptors, the tumor vasculature and antigens with high accuracy and affinity. Additionally, stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms have also been considered as a promising and effective targeting strategy against tumors, as these nanoplatforms maintain their stealth feature under normal conditions, but upon homing in on cancerous lesions or their microenvironment, are responsive and release their cargoes. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the field of active targeting drug delivery systems and a number of stimuli-responsive release studies in the context of emerging nanoplatform development, and also discuss how this knowledge can contribute to further improvements in clinical practice.

Baicalein-loaded silk fibroin peptide nanofibers protect against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury: fabrication, characterization and mechanism

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural polymeric biomaterial widely used in the preparation of drug delivery systems. Herein, silk fibroin peptide (SFP) was self-assembled into nanofibers, encapsulated a poorly water-soluble drug baicalein (SFP/BA NFs), and then used to protect against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Specifically, the SFP/BA NFs significantly enhanced the aqueous dispersity, storage stability, and in vitro antioxidant activity of BA. SFP/BA NFs increased the drug uptake and localization to mitochondria. In vitro results demonstrated that SFP/BA NFs can relieve the cisplatin-induced HK-2 cell damage, and inhibit the cisplatin-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) disruption. Mechanism studies demonstrated that SFP/BA NFs may exert nephroprotective effects by inhibiting both the cisplatin-induced DNA damage and the cGAS/STING pathway activation. In vivo results showed that cisplatin treatment resulted in decreased body weight, increased serum creatinine (SCr), and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, while SFP/BA NFs reversed the above symptoms. Furthermore, SFP/BA NFs reversed the cisplatin-induced abnormal changes of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD and GSH), and inhibited the cisplatin-induced DNA damage as well as the activation of cGAS/TING. Above all, our results revealed the potential of SFP/BA NFs to protect against cisplatin-induced AKI.

Biopolymeric Prodrug Systems as Potential Antineoplastic Therapy

Nowadays, cancer represents a major public health issue, a substantial economic issue, and a burden for society. Limited by numerous disadvantages, conventional chemotherapy is being replaced by new strategies targeting tumor cells. In this context, therapies based on biopolymer prodrug systems represent a promising alternative for improving the pharmacokinetic and pharmacologic properties of drugs and reducing their toxicity. The polymer-directed enzyme prodrug therapy is based on tumor cell targeting and release of the drug using polymer–drug and polymer–enzyme conjugates. In addition, current trends are oriented towards natural sources. They are biocompatible, biodegradable, and represent a valuable and renewable source. Therefore, numerous antitumor molecules have been conjugated with natural polymers. The present manuscript highlights the latest research focused on polymer–drug conjugates containing natural polymers such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid, dextran, pullulan, silk fibroin, heparin, and polysaccharides from Auricularia auricula.

Delafloxacin-Capped Gold Nanoparticles (DFX-AuNPs): An Effective Antibacterial Nano-Formulation of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic

New antibiotics are seen as 'drugs of last resort' against virulent bacteria. However, development of resistance towards new antibiotics with time is a universal fact. Delafloxacin (DFX) is a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic that differs from existing fluoroquinolones by the lack of a protonatable substituent, which gives the molecule a weakly acidic nature, affording it higher antibacterial activity under an acidic environment. Furthermore, antibiotic-functionalized metallic nanoparticles have been recently emerged as a feasible platform for conquering bacterial resistance. In the present study, therefore, we aimed at preparing DFX-gold nano-formulations to increase the antibacterial potential of DFX. To synthesize DFX-capped gold nanoparticles (DFX-AuNPs), DFX was used as a reducing and stabilizing/encapsulating agent. Various analytical techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, FTIR and zeta potential analysis were applied to determine the properties of the synthesized DFX-AuNPs. The synthesized DFX-AuNPs revealed a distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 530 nm and an average size of 16 nm as manifested by TEM analysis. In addition, Zeta potential results (-19 mV) confirmed the stability of the synthesized DFX-AuNPs. Furthermore, FTIR analysis demonstrated that DFX was adsorbed onto the surface of AuNPs via strong interaction between AuNPs and DFX. Most importantly, comparative antibacterial analysis of DFX alone and DFX-AuNPs against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) verified the superior antibacterial activity of DFX-AuNPs against the tested microorganisms. To sum up, DFX gold nano-formulations can offer a promising possible solution, even at a lower antibiotic dose, to combat pathogenic bacteria.

Tamoxifen Citrate Containing Topical Nanoemulgel Prepared by Ultrasonication Technique: Formulation Design and In Vitro Evaluation

The present study aims to design and develop a nanoemulgel formulation of Tamoxifen citrate (TAM), a water-insoluble, potent anticancer drug, using the spontaneous emulsification method to improve topical delivery, achieve high accumulation at the tumour site, and spare the healthy tissues. The oil-based selection was related to the TAM solubility, while the surfactant and co-surfactant were chosen based on the droplets’ thermodynamic stability and size. Afterwards, a pseudo-ternary phase diagram was built for the most promising formulation using two oils, olive and sesame, with a varied mix of Tween 40 as the surfactant and Trascutol HP as the co-surfactant (Smix), by the optimisation of experiments. The nanoemulsion (NE) formulations that were prepared were found to have an average droplet size of 41.77 ± 1.23 nm and 188.37 ± 3.53 nm, with suitable thermodynamic stability and physicochemical properties. Both olive and sesame oils are natural food additives due to their associated antioxidant effects; therefore, they showed no toxicity profile on breast cell lines (MCF-7, ATCC number HTB-22). The TAM-NE preparations revealed a prolonged and doublings superior cumulative percentage of in vitro release of TAM compared to TAM plain gel suspension over 24 h. The release data suggested that the Higuchi model was the best fitting kinetical model for the developed formulations of NE1, NE9, and NE18. The extended release of the drug as well as an acceptable amount of the drug permeated TAM via nanogel preparations suggested that nanoemulgel (NEG) is suitable for the topical delivery of TAM in breast cancer management. Thus, this work suggests that a nanogel of TAM can improve anticancer properties and reduce systemic adverse effects compared to a suspension preparation of TAM when applied in the treatment of breast cancer.

Phytosomes as a Plausible Nano-Delivery System for Enhanced Oral Bioavailability and Improved Hepatoprotective Activity of Silymarin

Silymarin, a phyto-constituent derived from the plant Silybum marianum, has been widely acknowledged for its hepatoprotective activities. Nevertheless, its clinical utility is adversely hampered by its poor water-solubility and its limited oral bioavailability. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of phospholipid-based phytosomes for enhancing the oral bioavailability of silymarin. The phytosomes were prepared using the solvent evaporation technique and were optimized using a full factorial design. The optimized silymarin phytosomal formulation was then characterized for particle size, surface morphology, aqueous solubility, and in vitro drug release. Furthermore, in vivo antioxidant activity, hepatoprotective activity and oral bioavailability of the optimized formula were investigated in a rat model. The prepared silymarin phytosomes were discrete particles with a porous, nearly smooth surface and were 218.4 ± 2.54 nm in diameter. In addition, the optimized silymarin phytosomal formulation showed a significant improvement in aqueous solubility (~360 µg/mL) compared to pure silymarin and manifested a higher rate and extent of silymarin release from the optimized formula in dissolution studies. The in vivo assessment studies revealed that the optimized silymarin phytosomal formulation efficiently exerted a hepatoprotective effect in a CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity rat model via restoring the normal levels of antioxidant enzymes and ameliorating cellular abnormalities caused by CCl₄-intoxication. Most notably, as compared to pure silymarin, the optimized silymarin phytosomal formulation significantly improved silymarin oral bioavailability, as indicated by a 6-fold increase in the systemic bioavailability. Collectively, phytosomes might represent a plausible phospholipid-based nanocarrier for improving the oral bioavailability of phyto-constituents with poor aqueous solubility.

The Contribution of Silk Fibroin in Biomedical Engineering

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein (biopolymer) extracted from the cocoons of Bombyx mori L. (silkworm). It has many properties of interest in the field of biotechnology, the most important being biodegradability, biocompatibility and robust mechanical strength with high tensile strength. SF is usually dissolved in water-based solvents and can be easily reconstructed into a variety of material formats, including films, mats, hydrogels, and sponges, by various fabrication techniques (spin coating, electrospinning, freeze-drying, and physical or chemical crosslinking). Furthermore, SF is a feasible material used in many biomedical applications, including tissue engineering (3D scaffolds, wounds dressing), cancer therapy (mimicking the tumor microenvironment), controlled drug delivery (SF-based complexes), and bone, eye and skin regeneration. In this review, we describe the structure, composition, general properties, and structure-properties relationship of SF. In addition, the main methods used for ecological extraction and processing of SF that make it a green material are discussed. Lastly, technological advances in the use of SF-based materials are addressed, especially in healthcare applications such as tissue engineering and cancer therapeutics.

Cefotaxime Mediated Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles: Characterization and Antibacterial Activity

Cefotaxime (CTX) is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity against Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. However, like other third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics, its efficacy is declining due to the increased prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Recent advances in nanotechnology have been projected as a practical approach to combat MDR microorganisms. Therefore, in the current study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared using cefotaxime sodium, which acted as a reducing and capping agent, besides having well-established antibacterial activity. The synthesized cefotaxime-loaded gold nanoparticles (C-AuNPs) were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM and DLS. In addition, the in vitro antibacterial activity of C-AuNPs was assessed against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. UV-Visible spectroscopy verified the formation of C-AuNPs, while TEM and DLS verified their nano-size. In addition, CTX loading onto AuNPs was confirmed by FTIR. Furthermore, the colloidal stability of the synthesized C-AuNPs was ascribed to the higher net negative surface charge of C-AuNPs. Most importantly, the synthesized C-AuNPs showed superior antibacterial activity and lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, compared with pure CTX. Collectively, CTX was successfully adopted, as reducing and capping agent, to synthesize stable, nano-sized spherical C-AuNPs. Furthermore, loading CTX onto AuNPs could efficiently restore and/or boost the antibacterial activity of CTX against resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Screening of Apoptosis Pathway-Mediated Anti-Proliferative Activity of the Phytochemical Compound Furanodienone against Human Non-Small Lung Cancer A-549 Cells

Furanodienone (FDN), a major bioactive component of sesquiterpenes produced from Rhizoma Curcumae, has been repeatedly acknowledged for its intrinsic anticancer efficacy against different types of cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxic potential of furanodienone against human lung cancer (NSCLC A549) cells in vitro, as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms in the induction of apoptosis. Herein, we found that FDN significantly inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, treatment with FDN potentially triggered apoptosis in A549 cells via not only disrupting the nuclear morphology, but by activating capsase-9 and caspase-3 with concomitant modulation of the pro- and antiapoptotic gene expression as well. Furthermore, FDN revealed its competence in inducing cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in A549 cells, which was associated with decreased expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), along with increased expression of CDK inhibitor p21Cip1. Intriguingly, FDN treatment efficiently downregulated the Wnt signaling pathway, which was correlated with increased apoptosis, as well as cell cycle arrest, in A549 cells. Collectively, FDN might represent a promising adjuvant therapy for the management of lung cancer.