Curcumin inhibited the growth and invasion of human monocytic leukaemia SHI-1 cells in vivo by altering MAPK and MMP signalling

Curcuma Longa: Nutraceutical Use and Association With Nanotechnology

Curcumin is a natural product found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa (L.) and other Curcuma spp. As a lipophilic molecule, it has greater affinity for polar, non-polar, alkaline, or extremely acidic organic solvents. Several studies indicate that curcumin has several benefits for human health, for example, against degenerative diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases. To obtain a quality product with nutraceutical properties, it is necessary to know its physicochemical characteristics and preserve it from cultivation until ingestion by the human. However, its low solubility leads to low absorption; in this context, nanotechnological systems can contribute to increase curcumin bioavailability. This review aims to highlight important issues in all stages that curcumin goes through: from aspects related to its extraction to its association with nanotechnology. Although curcumin extraction process is already well established, it is possible to observe more and more research focused on increasing yield and being more environmentally friendly. Further, curcumin's low absorption is notable due to its physicochemical characteristics, mainly due to its low aqueous solubility. However, its association with nanotechnology shows to be promising and an increasingly growing trend because the use of this "Indian solid gold" is the hope of many patients.

CXCR7 promotes pulmonary vascular remodeling via targeting p38/MMP2 pathway in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Background

A hallmark feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the excessive proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in the pulmonary arteries. The exact role of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12)/chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7) in the PASMCs remains unknown. This study was conducted to investigate CXCR7's role in p38/MMP2 pathway and its effect on PASMCs.

Methods

In this study, we examined the expression profile of CXCL12/CXCR7 in both hypoxic rats and PASMCs. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) was used to measure the level of proliferation in PASMCs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blotting assays were applied to investigate the protein expression of the related molecules.

Results

We found that a high level of CXCR7 was correlated with remodeled pulmonary arterioles in hypoxic rats. Moreover, CXCR7 protein levels were significantly increased by the induction of CXCL12, indicating that the CXCL12-CXCR7 axis participates in PAH. During hypoxia-PAH, CXCR7 inhibition reduces right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), the Fulton index, and pulmonary arteriosclerosis remodeling. Further study indicated inhibition CXCR7 reduced PASMCs by downregulating MMP2, via p38 MAPK pathway. It was additionally found that CXCL12/CXCR7 stimulated the phosphorylation of the p38 MAPK pathway, which was a contributing factor to the decrease in MMP2 expression following preconditioning with SB203580, which inhibited p38 MAPK.

Conclusions

In summary, these findings suggest that CXCL12/CXCR7 plays a critical role in PAH, the therapy of which can be developed further by targeting its potential targets.

Curcumin and analogues against head and neck cancer: From drug delivery to molecular mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most life-threatening diseases which also causes economic burden worldwide. To overcome the limitations of traditional therapies, investigation into alternative adjuvant treatments is crucial.

PURPOSE

Curcumin, a turmeric-derived compound, demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in diverse diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, research focuses on curcumin analogues and novel drug delivery systems, offering approaches for improved efficacy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of curcumin's current findings, emphasizing its mechanisms of anti-HNSCC effects and potential for clinical application.

METHOD

An electronic search of Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Embase was conducted to identify literature about the application of curcumin or analogues in HNSCC. Titles and abstracts were screened to identify potentially eligible studies. Full-text articles will be obtained and independently evaluated by two authors to make the decision of inclusion in the review.

RESULTS

Curcumin's clinical application is hindered by poor bioavailability, prompting the exploration of methods to enhance it, such as curcumin analogues and novel drug delivery systems. Curcumin could exhibit anti-cancer effects by targeting cancer cells and modulating the tumor microenvironment in HNSCC. Mechanisms of action include cell cycle arrest, apoptosis promotion, reactive oxygen species induction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, attenuation of extracellular matrix degradation, and modulation of tumor metabolism in HNSCC cells. Curcumin also targets various components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated fibroblasts, innate and adaptive immunity, and lymphovascular niches. Furthermore, curcumin enhances the anti-cancer effects of other drugs as adjunctive therapy. Two clinical trials report its potential clinical applications in treating HNSCC.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin has demonstrated therapeutic potential in HNSCC through in vitro and in vivo studies. Its effectiveness is attributed to its ability to modulate cancer cells and interact with the intricate tumor microenvironment. The development of curcumin analogues and novel drug delivery systems has shown promise in improving its bioavailability, thereby expanding its clinical applications. Further research and exploration in this area hold great potential for harnessing the full therapeutic benefits of curcumin in HNSCC treatment.

Curcumin in cancer therapy: Exploring molecular mechanisms and overcoming clinical challenges

Cancer poses a significant global health burden, necessitating the widespread use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy as conventional frontline interventions. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have shown remarkable advancements, the challenges of resistance development and severe side effects persist in cancer treatment. Consequently, researchers have actively sought more effective alternatives with improved safety profiles. In recent years, curcumin, a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin, has garnered considerable attention due to its broad spectrum of biological effects. This concise review provides valuable insights into the role of curcumin in cancer therapy, with a focus on elucidating its molecular mechanisms in inducing programmed cell death of tumor cells and suppressing tumor cell metastasis potential. Additionally, we discuss the challenges associated with the clinical application of curcumin and explore current endeavors aimed at overcoming these limitations. By shedding light on the promising potential of curcumin, this review contributes to the advancement of cancer treatment strategies.

Curcumin inhibits human cancer cell growth and migration through downregulation of SVCT2

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol that is extracted from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family. It has been used for centuries in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor effects. SVCT2 (Solute Carrier Family 23 Member 2, also known as SLC23A2) is a protein that plays a role in the transport of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) into cells. SVCT2 plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis, however, the molecular mechanisms of curcumin on SVCT2 have not been studied to date. Curcumin treatment inhibited proliferation and migration of cancer cells in a dose dependent manner. We found that curcumin reduced the expression of SVCT2 in cancer cells with a wild type p53, but not in those with a mutant type of p53. SVCT2 downregulation also reduced the MMP2 activity. Taken together, our results indicate that curcumin inhibited human cancer cell growth and migration by regulating SVCT2 through a downregulating p53. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of curcumin's anticancer effects and potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of metastatic migration.

Bioactive Phytoconstituents and Their Therapeutic Potentials in the Treatment of Haematological Cancers: A Review

Haematological (blood) cancers are the cancers of the blood and lymphoid forming tissues which represents approximately 10% of all cancers. It has been reported that approximately 60% of all blood cancers are incurable. Despite substantial improvement in access to detection/diagnosis, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, there is still high recurrence and unpredictable but clearly defined relapses indicating that effective therapies are still lacking. Over the past two decades, medicinal plants and their biologically active compounds are being used as potential remedies and alternative therapies for the treatment of cancer. This is due to their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-angiogenic, anti-cancer activities and negligible side effects. These bioactive compounds have the capacity to reduce proliferation of haematological cancers via various mechanisms such as promoting apoptosis, transcription regulation, inhibition of signalling pathways, downregulating receptors and blocking cell cycle. This review study highlights the mechanistic and beneficial effects of nine bioactive compounds (quercetin, ursolic acid, fisetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, curcumin, gambogic acid, butein and celastrol) as potential remedies for chemoprevention of haematological cancers. The study provides useful insights on the effectiveness of the use of bioactive compounds from plants for chemoprevention of haematological cancers.

Curcuminoids as Anticancer Drugs: Pleiotropic Effects, Potential for Metabolic Reprogramming and Prospects for the Future

The number of published studies on curcuminoids in cancer research, including its lead molecule curcumin and synthetic analogs, has been increasing substantially during the past two decades. Insights on the diversity of inhibitory effects they have produced on a multitude of pathways involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression have been provided. As this wealth of data was obtained in settings of various experimental and clinical data, this review first aimed at presenting a chronology of discoveries and an update on their complex in vivo effects. Secondly, there are many interesting questions linked to their pleiotropic effects. One of them, a growing research topic, relates to their ability to modulate metabolic reprogramming. This review will also cover the use of curcuminoids as chemosensitizing molecules that can be combined with several anticancer drugs to reverse the phenomenon of multidrug resistance. Finally, current investigations in these three complementary research fields raise several important questions that will be put among the prospects for the future research related to the importance of these molecules in cancer research.

Therapeutic potential and limitations of curcumin as antimetastatic agent

Treatment of metastatic cancer is one of the biggest challenges in anticancer therapy. Curcumin is interesting nature polyphenolic compound with unique biological and medicinal effects, including repression of metastases. High impact studies imply that curcumin can modulate the immune system, independently target various metastatic signalling pathways, and repress migration and invasiveness of cancer cells. This review discusses the potential of curcumin as an antimetastatic agent and describes potential mechanisms of its antimetastatic activity. In addition, possible strategies (curcumin formulation, optimization of the method of administration and modification of its structure motif) to overcome its limitation such as low solubility and bioactivity are also presented. These strategies are discussed in the context of clinical trials and relevant biological studies.

Unraveling the therapeutic potential of natural products in the prevention and treatment of leukemia

Leukemia is a heterogeneous group of hematological malignancies distinguished by differentiation blockage and uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid or lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB). There are various types of leukemia in which intensive chemotherapy regimens or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are now the most common treatments associated with severe side effects and multi-drug resistance in leukemia cells. Therefore, it is crucial to develop novel therapeutic approaches with adequate therapeutic efficacy and selectively eliminate leukemic cells to improve the consequences of leukemia. Medicinal plants have been utilized for ages to treat multiple disorders due to their diverse bioactive compounds. Plant-derived products have been used as therapeutic medication to prevent and treat many types of cancer. Over the last two decades, 50 % of all anticancer drugs approved worldwide are from natural products and their derivatives. Therefore this study aims to review natural products such as polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, nitrogen-containing, and organosulfur compounds as antileukemic agents. Current investigations have identified natural products efficiently destroy leukemia cells through diverse mechanisms of action by inhibiting proliferation, reactive oxygen species production, inducing cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in both in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Current investigations have identified natural products as suitable promising chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agents. It played an essential role in drug development and emerged as a possible source of biologically active metabolites for therapeutic interventions, especially in leukemia. DATA AVAILABILITY: Data will be made available on request.

Curcumin-loaded alginate hydrogels for cancer therapy and wound healing applications: A review

Hydrogels have emerged as a versatile platform for a numerous biomedical application due to their ability to absorb a huge quantity of biofluids. In order to design hydrogels, natural polymers are an attractive option owing to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Due to abundance in occurrence, cost effectiveness, and facile crosslinking approaches, alginate has been extensively investigated to fabricate hydrogel matrix. Management of cancer and chronic wounds have always been a challenge for pharmaceutical and healthcare sector. In both cases, curcumin have been shown significant improvement and effectiveness. However, the innate restraints like poor bioavailability, hydrophobicity, and rapid systemic clearance associated with curcumin have restricted its clinical translations. The current review explores the cascade of research around curcumin encapsulated alginate hydrogel matrix for wound healing and cancer therapy. The focus of the review is to emphasize the mechanistic effects of curcumin with its fate inside the cells. Further, the review discusses different approaches to designed curcumin loaded alginate hydrogels along with the parameters that regulates their release behavior. Finally, the review is concluded with emphasize on some key aspect on increasing the efficacy of these hydrogels along with novel strategies to further develop curcumin loaded alginate hydrogel matrix with multifacet applications.

Ursonic acid inhibits migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma cells through the suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinases and matrix metalloproteinases

INTRODUCTION

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common form of bone malignancy. Although contemporary chemotherapy and surgery have improved the prognosis of those with OS, developing new OS therapies has proven difficult for some time. The activation of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways can induce metastasis, which is an obstacle to OS treatment. Ursonic acid (UNA) is a phytochemical with the potential to cure a variety of human ailments, including cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor properties of UNA in MG63 cells. We conducted colony formation assay, wound healing assay, and Boyden chamber assays to investigate the anti-OS effects of UNA. UNA was found to significantly inhibit the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of MG63 cells. This bioactivity of UNA was mediated by the inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 and reduction of MMP-2 transcriptional expression as observed in western blot analysis, gelatin zymography and RT-PCR. Anti-OS activities of UNA were also observed in Saos2 and U2OS cells, indicating that its anti-cancer properties are not specific to cell types.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that UNA has the potential for use in anti-metastatic drugs in the treatment of OS.

Application of thermosensitive-hydrogel combined with dental pulp stem cells on the injured fallopian tube mucosa in an animal model

Objectives: Fallopian tube (FT) injury is an important factor that can lead to tubal infertility. Stem-cell-based therapy shows great potential for the treatment of injured fallopian tube. However, little research has shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used to treat fallopian tube damage by in situ injection. In this study, we in situ transplanted PF127 hydrogel encapsulating dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) into the injured sites to promote the repair and regeneration of fallopian tube injury. Materials and methods: The properties of dental pulp stem cells were evaluated by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence analysis, and multi-differentiation detection. The immunomodulatory and angiogenic characteristics of dental pulp stem cells were analyzed on the basis of the detection of inflammatory factor expression and the formation of capillary-like structures, respectively. The biocompatibility of PF127 hydrogel was evaluated by using Live/Dead and CCK-8 assays. The effects of PF127 hydrogel containing dental pulp stem cells on the repair and regeneration of fallopian tube injury were evaluated by histological analysis [e.g., hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence staining, and immunohistochemistry], Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and RT-PCR detections. Results: Dental pulp stem cells had MSC-like characteristics and great immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties. PF127 hydrogel had a thermosensitive feature and great cytocompatibility with dental pulp stem cells. In addition, our results indicated that PF127 hydrogel containing dental pulp stem cells could promote the repair and regeneration of fallopian tube damage by inhibiting cell apoptosis, stimulating the secretion of angiogenic factors, promoting cell proliferation, modulating the secretion of inflammatory factors, and restoring the secretion of epithelial cells. Conclusion: In this study, our results reported that in situ injection of PF127 hydrogel encapsulating dental pulp stem cells into the injured sites could provide an attractive strategy for the future treatment of fallopian tube injury in clinical settings.

Suchilactone inhibits the growth of acute myeloid leukaemia by inactivating SHP2

CONTEXT

Suchilactone, a lignan compound extracted from Monsonia angustifolia E.Mey. ex A.Rich. (Geraniaceae), has little research on pharmacological activity; whether suchilactone has inhibitory effect on acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antitumor effect of suchilactone and its mechanism in AML.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of suchilactone on cell growth were detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. Network pharmacology was conducted to explore target of suchilactone. Gene expression was detected by western blot and RT-PCR. SHI-1 cells (1 × 106 cell per mouse) were subcutaneously inoculated into the female SCID mice. Suchilactone (15 and 30 mg/kg) was dissolved in PBS with 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium and administered (i.g.) to mice once a day for 19 days, while the control group received PBS with 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium. Tumour tissues were stained with Ki-67 and TUNEL.

RESULTS

Suchilactone exerted an effective inhibition on the growth of SHI-1 cells with IC50 of 17.01 μM. Then, we found that suchilactone binds to the SHP2 protein and inhibits its activation, and suchilactone interacted with SHP2 to inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis via blocking the activation of SHP2. Moreover, Suchilaction inhibited tumour growth of AML xenografts in mice, as the tumour weight decreased from 0.618 g (control) to 0.35 g (15 mg/kg) and 0.258 g (30 mg/kg). Suchilactone inhibited Ki-67 expression and increased TUNEL expression in tumour tissue.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Our study is the first to demonstrate suchilactone inhibits AML growth, suggesting that suchilactone is a candidate drug for the treatment of AML.

Relationship Between the In Vitro Efficacy, Pharmacokinetics and In Vivo Efficacy of Curcumin

Considerable interest continues to be focused on the development of curcumin either as an effective stand-alone therapeutic or as an adjunct therapy to established therapies. Curcumin (1, 7-bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1, 6-heptadiene-3, 5- dione; also called diferuloylmethane) is a polyphenolic phytochemical extracted from the root of curcuma longa, commonly called turmeric. Despite evidence from in vitro (cell culture) and preclinical studies in animals, clinical studies have not provided strong evidence for a therapeutic effect of curcumin. The relevance of curcumin as a drug has been questioned based on its classification as a compound with pan assay interference and invalid metabolic panaceas properties bringing into question the relevance of the therapeutic targets identified for curcumin. To some extent this is due to the lack of a complete understanding of the link between the in vitro (cell culture activity), pharmacokinetics and in vivo activity of curcumin. In this review and using NF-κB as a cellular target for curcumin, we have investigated the relationship between the potency of curcumin as an inhibitor of NF-κB in cell culture, the pharmacokinetics of curcumin and curcumin's anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models of cancer and inflammation. Plausible explanations and rationale are provided to link these activities together and suggest that both curcumin and its more soluble Phase II metabolite curcumin glucuronide may play a key role in the treatment effects of curcumin in vivo mediated at NF-κB.

Anti-inflammation of isoliquiritigenin via the inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK in LPS-stimulated MAC-T cells

Background

The application of plant extracts has received great interest for the treatment of bovine mastitis. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a rich dietary flavonoid that has significant antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. This study was conducted to explore the protective efficacy and related mechanism of ISL against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated oxidation and inflammation in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T) by in vitro experiments.

Results

Real-time PCR and ELISA assays indicated that ISL treatment at 2.5, 5 and 10 μg/mL significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression of the oxidative indicators cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (P < 0.01), and of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (P < 0.05), interleukin-1β (P < 0.01) and tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.01) in LPS-stimulated MAC-T cells. Moreover, Western blotting and immunofluorescence tests indicated that the phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) p65 and the inhibitor of NF-κB were significantly decreased by ISL treatment, thus blocking the nuclear transfer of NF-κB p65. In addition, ISL attenuated the phosphorylation levels of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-jun NH2 terminal kinase.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that ISL downregulated the LPS-induced inflammatory response in MAC-T cells. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity of ISL involves the NF-κB and MAPK cascades.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03414-1.

Galangin alleviates rheumatoid arthritis in rats by downregulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that greatly affect patients’ quality of life. Galangin extract is renowned for its anti-proliferative and anti-oxidative characteristics. However, galangin cytotoxicity studies are presently inadequate. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of galangin on RA by investigating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSs) were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an RA model in vitro. An ELISA assay was used to detect the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by CCK8/EdU and flow cytometry assays. A western blot assay was used to analyze the protein expression levels. An RA rat model was established to evaluate the function of galangin through histopathological examination. Our results found that galangin induced apoptosis, inhibited cell proliferation, and increased cell invasion of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synovial cells (RAFLSs). Galangin inactivated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the inflammatory response. An agonist of PI3K signaling, 740Y‐P, restored the cellular functions of RAFLSs. Moreover, galangin suppressed the development of RA in vivo. Galangin effected its anti-arthritic influence through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Galangin has potential as an alternative treatment for RA.

Curcumin relieved the rheumatoid arthritis progression via modulating the linc00052/miR-126-5p/PIAS2 axis

Curcumin, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties, is widely used in the treatment of bone disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the effects of curcumin on fibroblast-like synoviocytes in RA and its underlying mechanism. mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression levels were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cellular functions were detected using cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, Transwell, and flow cytometric assays. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the cytokine release. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression levels. An in vivo assay was performed to verify the role of linc00052 in RA. Curcumin promoted apoptosis and inhibited the growth, migration, and invasion of RA fibroblast-like synovial (RAFLS) cells. Curcumin treatment suppressed the inflammatory response of RAFLS cells. Moreover, curcumin increased linc00052 levels, and linc00052 knockdown reversed the effects of curcumin. Additionally, linc00052 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA to upregulate the expression of the protein inhibitor of activated STAT 2 (PIAS2) by sponging miR-126-5p. Curcumin inhibited the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. In vivo assays showed that curcumin decreased the arthritis score and improved inflammatory infiltration and synovial cell proliferation. These results reveal that curcumin protects against RA by regulating the inc00052/miR-126-5p/PIAS2 axis through JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

In Silico and In Vitro Screening of 50 Curcumin Compounds as EGFR and NF-κB Inhibitors

The improvement of cancer chemotherapy remains a major challenge, and thus new drugs are urgently required to develop new treatment regimes. Curcumin, a polyphenolic antioxidant derived from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), has undergone extensive preclinical investigations and, thereby, displayed remarkable efficacy in vitro and in vivo against cancer and other disorders. However, pharmacological limitations of curcumin stimulated the synthesis of numerous novel curcumin analogs, which need to be evaluated for their therapeutic potential. In the present study, we calculated the binding affinities of 50 curcumin derivatives to known cancer-related target proteins of curcumin, i.e., epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) by using a molecular docking approach. The binding energies for EGFR were in a range of −12.12 (±0.21) to −7.34 (±0.07) kcal/mol and those for NF-κB ranged from −12.97 (±0.47) to −6.24 (±0.06) kcal/mol, indicating similar binding affinities of the curcumin compounds for both target proteins. The predicted receptor-ligand binding constants for EGFR and curcumin derivatives were in a range of 0.00013 (±0.00006) to 3.45 (±0.10) µM and for NF-κB in a range of 0.0004 (±0.0003) to 10.05 (±4.03) µM, indicating that the receptor-ligand binding was more stable for EGFR than for NF-κB. Twenty out of 50 curcumin compounds showed binding energies to NF-κB smaller than −10 kcal/mol, while curcumin as a lead compound revealed free binding energies of >−10 kcal/mol. Comparable data were obtained for EGFR: 15 out of 50 curcumin compounds were bound to EGFR with free binding energies of <−10 kcal/mol, while the binding affinity of curcumin itself was >−10 kcal/mol. This indicates that the derivatization of curcumin may indeed be a promising strategy to improve targe specificity and to obtain more effective anticancer drug candidates. The in silico results have been exemplarily validated using microscale thermophoresis. The bioactivity has been further investigated by using resazurin cell viability assay, lactate dehydrogenase assay, flow cytometric measurement of reactive oxygen species, and annexin V/propidium iodide assay. In conclusion, molecular docking represents a valuable approach to facilitate and speed up the identification of novel targeted curcumin-based drugs to treat cancer.

Curcumin Suppresses Colon Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo

Objective: To discuss In Vitro and In Vivo the effects of curcumin on colon cancer. Material and Methods: SW620 cell and nude mice with tumor were respectively divided into 3 groups: NC, low, middle, high and 5-Fu groups. Measuring the cell activity by MTT, the cell cycle and cell apoptosis using flow cytometry and relative proteins by WB assay in cell experiment. Evaluating tumor volume and weight, cell apoptosis rate by TUNEL assay and relative proteins by Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Compared with NC group, the SW620 cell activity was significantly depressed with cell apoptosis and G1 phase rates increasing and PI3K, AKT and P53 proteins expression were significantly differences in curcumin treated groups with dose-dependent by WB assay; In Vivo study, the tumor volume and size were significantly suppressed and positive cell number were significantly up-regulation in curcumin treated groups with dose-dependent, and PI3K, AKT and P53 proteins expression were significantly differences in curcumin treated groups with dose-dependent by IHC. Conclusions: Curcumin had anti-tumor effects to colon cancer via regulation PI3K/AKT/P53 pathway In Vivo and vitro study.

Modulation of TLR/NF-κB/NLRP Signaling by Bioactive Phytocompounds: A Promising Strategy to Augment Cancer Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Background

Tumors often progress to a more aggressive phenotype to resist drugs. Multiple dysregulated pathways are behind this tumor behavior which is known as cancer chemoresistance. Thus, there is an emerging need to discover pivotal signaling pathways involved in the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and cancer immunotherapy. Reports indicate the critical role of the toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) pathway in cancer initiation, progression, and development. Therefore, targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling is a promising strategy to augment cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy and to combat chemoresistance. Considering the potential of phytochemicals in the regulation of multiple dysregulated pathways during cancer initiation, promotion, and progression, such compounds could be suitable candidates against cancer chemoresistance.

Objectives

This is the first comprehensive and systematic review regarding the role of phytochemicals in the mitigation of chemoresistance by regulating the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway in chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Methods

A comprehensive and systematic review was designed based on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane electronic databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to include papers on TLR/NF-κB/NLRP and chemotherapy/immunotherapy/chemoresistance by phytochemicals.

Results

Phytochemicals are promising multi-targeting candidates against the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway and interconnected mediators. Employing phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, and sulfur compounds could be a promising strategy for managing cancer chemoresistance through the modulation of the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway. Novel delivery systems of phytochemicals in cancer chemotherapy/immunotherapy are also highlighted.

Conclusion

Targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling with bioactive phytocompounds reverses chemoresistance and improves the outcome for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in both preclinical and clinical stages.

Solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with curcumin: development and in vitro toxicity against CT26 cells

Aim: To develop a new curcumin carrier consisting of murumuru butter nanoparticles (SLN-Cs). Methods: A phase-inversion temperature method was used to produce SLN-Cs. The interaction of SLN-Cs with murine colon adenocarcinoma (CT26) cells in vitro was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Results: Stable SLN-Cs with a high curcumin-loading capacity were obtained. The SLN-Cs were more toxic to CT26 than free curcumin. Fluorescence microscopy images showed the SLN-Cs to be taken up by CT26 cells in vitro. Conclusion: These results indicate that SLN-Cs are suitable carriers of curcumin in aqueous media.

Curcumin Sensitizes Prolactinoma Cells to Bromocriptine by Activating the ERK/EGR1 and Inhibiting the AKT/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo

Although bromocriptine (BRC) as first-line drug is recommended for treating patients with prolactinoma, a minority of patients with prolactinoma are resistance to BRC. Moreover, our previous study showed the difference in drug sensitivity in BRC-treated rat prolactinoma cells, MMQ cells are more resistant to BRC, and GH3 cells are more sensitive to BRC. Curcumin (Cur) has been shown to inhibit proliferation of prolactinoma cell lines. The aim of this study is to further investigate whether Cur could enhance the growth-inhibitory effect of BRC resistance on prolactinoma cell lines and its possible mechanism. CCK-8 kit was used to test cell growth. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis were performed by flow cytometry. Electron microscopy was used to test autophagosome. The mRNA expression profiles were analyzed using the Affymetrix Gene-Chip array. Western blot was used to test protein expression. Our data showed that Cur enhanced the growth-inhibitory effect of BRC on GH3 and MMQ cell proliferation. BRC and Cur both induced cell apoptosis, and Cur could significantly increase the apoptosis of BRC on pituitary adenoma cells through the ERK/EGR1 signaling pathway. Moreover, Cur could enhance the autophagic cell death (ACD) of BRC on tumor cells by inhibiting the AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway. The same results were confirmed invivo study. Taken together, Cur sensitizes rat prolactinoma cells to BRC by activating the ERK/EGR1 and inhibiting the AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway.

Targeting Cancer Stem Cells by Dietary Agents: An Important Therapeutic Strategy against Human Malignancies

As a multifactorial disease, treatment of cancer depends on understanding unique mechanisms involved in its progression. The cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor stemness and by enhancing colony formation, proliferation as well as metastasis, and these cells can also mediate resistance to therapy. Furthermore, the presence of CSCs leads to cancer recurrence and therefore their complete eradication can have immense therapeutic benefits. The present review focuses on targeting CSCs by natural products in cancer therapy. The growth and colony formation capacities of CSCs have been reported can be attenuated by the dietary agents. These compounds can induce apoptosis in CSCs and reduce tumor migration and invasion via EMT inhibition. A variety of molecular pathways including STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, Gli1 and NF-κB undergo down-regulation by dietary agents in suppressing CSC features. Upon exposure to natural agents, a significant decrease occurs in levels of CSC markers including CD44, CD133, ALDH1, Oct4 and Nanog to impair cancer stemness. Furthermore, CSC suppression by dietary agents can enhance sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition to in vitro studies, as well as experiments on the different preclinical models have shown capacity of natural products in suppressing cancer stemness. Furthermore, use of nanostructures for improving therapeutic impact of dietary agents is recommended to rapidly translate preclinical findings for clinical use.

Current insights into epigenetics, noncoding RNA interactome and clinical pharmacokinetics of dietary polyphenols in cancer chemoprevention

Several studies have reported the health-beneficial effects of dietary phytochemicals, namely polyphenols, to prevent various diseases, including cancer. Polyphenols, like (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from green tea, curcumin from turmeric, and ellagic acid from pomegranate are known to act by modulating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and apoptotic signal transduction pathways in the tumor milieu. The evolving literature underscores the role of epigenetic regulation of genes associated with cancer by these polyphenols, primarily via non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNA) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). However, there is little clarity on the exact role(s) played by these ncRNAs and their interactions with other ncRNAs, or with their protein targets, in response to modulation by these dietary polyphenols. Here, we review ncRNA interactions and functional networks of the complex ncRNA interactome with their targets in preclinical studies along with the role of epigenetics as well as key aspects of pharmacokinetics and phytochemistry of dietary polyphenols. We also summarize the current state of clinical trials with these dietary polyphenols. Taken together, this synthetic review provides insights into the molecular aspects underlying the anticancer chemopreventive effects of dietary polyphenols as well as summarizes data on novel biomarkers modulated by these polyphenols for preventive or therapeutic purposes in various types of cancer.

Bioactive compounds and their libraries: An insight into prospective phytotherapeutics approach for oral mucocutaneous cancers

Oral mucocutaneous cancers (OMCs) are cancers that affect both the oral mucosa and perioral cutaneous structures. Common OMCs are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and malignant melanoma (MM). Anatomical similarities and conventions which categorizes these lesions blur the magnitude of OMCs in diverse populations. The burden of OMC is high in the sub-Saharan Africa and Indian subcontinents, and the cost of management is prohibitive in the resource-limited, developing world. Hence, there is a pressing demand for the use of cost-effective in silico approaches to identify diagnostic tools and treatment targets for diseases with high burdens in these regions. Due to their ubiquitousness and accessibility, the use of therapeutic efficacy of plant bioactive compounds in the management of OMC is both appropriate and plausible. Furthermore, screening known mechanistic disease targets with well annotated plant bioactive compound libraries is poised to improve the routine management of OMCs provided that the requisite access to database resources are available and accessible. Using natural products minimizes the side effects and morbidities associated with conventional therapies. The development of innovative treatments approaches would tremendously benefit the African and Indian populace and reduce the mortalities associated with OMCs in the developing world. Hence, we discuss herein, the potential benefits, opportunities and challenges of using bioactive compound libraries in the management of OMCs.

Inhibitors of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) for the management of hematological malignancies

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are collectively known as gelatinases whereas MMP-2 is gelatinase-A and MMP-9 is termed as gelatinase-B. Gelatinases and other matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have long been associated with solid tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. However, there is paucity of data available regarding the role of gelatinases in hematological malignancies. Recent studies have shown that gelatinases activities or functions are correlated with hematological malignancies. Strategies for designing more specific gelatinase inhibitors like catalytic (CAT) domain inhibitors and hemopexin (PEX) domain inhibitors as well as signaling pathway based or gelatinase expression inhibitors had been reported against hematologic malignant cells. Several substrate based non-selective to non-substrate based relatively selective synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) had been developed. Few MMPIs had reached in clinical trials during the period of 1990s-2000s. Unfortunately the anti-tumor and anti-metastatic efficacies of these MMPIs were not justified with patients having several advanced stage solid tumor cancers in any substantial number of clinical trials. Till date not a single MMPI passed phase III clinical trials designed for advanced metastatic cancers due to adverse events as well as lack of ability to show uniformity in disease prolongation. With the best of our knowledge no clinical trial study has been reported with small molecule synthetic inhibitors against hematological malignancies. This review looks at the outcome of clinical trials of MMPIs for advanced stage solid tumors. This can therefore, act as a learning experience for future development of successful gelatinase inhibitors for the management of hematological malignancies.

Curcumin induces apoptosis and inhibits the growth of adrenocortical carcinoma: Identification of potential candidate genes and pathways by transcriptome analysis

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an endocrine tumour with high malignancy, high invasiveness and poor prognosis. Curcumin, a major component in turmeric, has been reported to have good efficacy and biological safety in treating cancer. However, the role and mechanism of curcumin in ACC have not yet been fully investigated and were thus the focus of this study. In vitro, ACC SW-13 and NCI-H295R cells were treated with curcumin and their viability, migration and invasion were assessed by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Apoptosis was detected via flow cytometry and western blotting. High-throughput sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were performed to elucidate the molecular processes underlying curcumin activity. In vivo, SW-13 cells were injected into nude mice, and the tumour volumes and weights were observed after 2 weeks of curcumin treatment. Organelle changes were observed by electron microscopy, and potential candidate genes and pathways were analysed by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The role of the CHOP target gene in curcumin-induced ACC cell apoptosis was verified via lentiviral transfection experiments. Curcumin inhibited the viability, migration and invasion, and induced the apoptosis of ACC cells. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that curcumin treatment markedly changed the gene expression levels. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses showed that the MAPK and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways were the predominant pathways associated with curcumin-induced apoptosis of ACC cells. Subsequent in vivo and in vitro results demonstrated that the JNK, p38 MAPK and ER stress pathways were activated in curcumin-treated ACC cells, and that C/EBP homologous protein induction was responsible for curcumin-induced apoptosis of ACC cells. In summary, curcumin induced ACC cell apoptosis and inhibited tumour growth by activating the JNK, p38 MAPK and ER stress pathways. Thus, curcumin may be a potential therapeutic drug for ACC.

Curcumin Regulates Cancer Progression: Focus on ncRNAs and Molecular Signaling Pathways

Curcumin [(1E,6E) ‑1,7‑bis(4‑hydroxy‑3‑methoxyphenyl) hepta‑1,6‑diene‑3,5‑ dione] is a natural polyphenol derived from the rhizome of the turmeric plant Curcuma longa. Accumulated evidences have presented curcumin’s function in terms of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, and especially anti-tumor activities. Studies demonstrated that curcumin could exert anti-tumor activity via multiple biological signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, p53, NF-ĸB and apoptosis related signaling pathways. Moreover, Curcumin can inhibit tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and metastasis by regulating tumor related non-coding RNA (ncRNA) expression. In this review, we summarized the roles of curcumin in regulating signaling pathways and ncRNAs in different kinds of cancers. We also discussed the regulatory effect of curcumin through inhibiting carcinogenic miRNA and up regulating tumor suppressive miRNA. Furthermore, we aim to illustrate the cross regulatory relationship between ncRNA and signaling pathways, further to get a better understanding of the anti-tumor mechanism of curcumin, thus lay a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of curcumin in the future.

Dietary polyphenols suppress chronic inflammation by modulation of multiple inflammation-associated cell signaling pathways

The high failure rate of the reductionist approach to discover effective and safe drugs to treat chronic inflammatory diseases has led scientists to seek alternative ways. Recently, targeting cell signaling pathways has been utilized as an innovative approach to discover drug leads from natural products. Cell signaling mechanisms have been identified playing key role in diverse diseases by inducing proliferation, cell survival and apoptosis. Phytochemicals are known to be able to modulate the cellular and molecular networks which are associated to chronic diseases including cancer-associated inflammation. In this review, the roles of dietary polyphenols (apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, curcumin, genistein, isoliquiritigenin, resveratrol and gallic acid) in modulating multiple inflammation-associated cell signaling networks are deliberated. Scientific databases on suppressive effects of the polyphenols on chronic inflammation via modulation of the pathways especially in the recent five years are gathered and critically analyzed. The polyphenols are able to modulate several inflammation-associated cell signaling pathways, namely nuclear factor-kappa β, mitogen activated protein kinases, Wnt/β-catenin and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B via selective actions on various components of the networks. The suppressive effects of the polyphenols on the multiple cell signaling pathways reveal their potential use in prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders. Understanding the mechanistic effects involved in modulation of the signaling pathways by the polyphenols is necessary for lead identification and development of future functional foods for prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Molecular Action of Polyphenols in Leukaemia and Their Therapeutic Potential

Leukaemia is a malignant disease of the blood. Current treatments for leukaemia are associated with serious side-effects. Plant-derived polyphenols have been identified as potent anti-cancer agents and have been shown to work synergistically with standard chemotherapy agents in leukaemia cell lines. Polyphenols have multiple mechanisms of action and have been reported to decrease cell proliferation, arrest cell cycle and induce apoptosis via the activation of caspase (3, 8 and 9); the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c. Polyphenols have been shown to suppress activation of transcription factors, including NF-kB and STAT3. Furthermore, polyphenols have pro-oxidant properties, with increasing evidence that polyphenols inhibit the antioxidant activity of glutathione, causing oxidative DNA damage. Polyphenols also induce autophagy-driven cancer cell death and regulate multidrug resistance proteins, and thus may be able to reverse resistance to chemotherapy agents. This review examines the molecular mechanism of action of polyphenols and discusses their potential therapeutic targets. Here, we discuss the pharmacological properties of polyphenols, including their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-tumour activities, and suggest that polyphenols are potent natural agents that can be useful therapeutically; and discuss why data on bioavailability, toxicity and metabolism are essential to evaluate their clinical use.

Aaptamine attenuates the proliferation and progression of non-small cell lung carcinoma

CONTEXT

Aaptamine is a potent ocean-derived non-traditional drug candidate against human cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms governing aaptamine-mediated repression of lung cancer cells remain largely undefined.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the inhibitory effect of aaptamine on proliferation and progression of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and dissect the potential mechanisms involved in its anticancer functions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro assays of cell proliferation, cell cycle analysis, clonal formation, apoptosis and migration were performed to examine the inhibitory effects of aaptamine (8, 16 and 32 μg/mL) on NSCLC cells. The expression levels of proteins were analysed using western blotting analysis when cells were treated with a single drug or a combination treatment for 48 h.

RESULTS

Aaptamine significantly inhibited A549 and H1299 cells proliferation with IC₅₀ values of 13.91 and 10.47 μg/mL. At the concentrations of 16 and 32 μg/mL, aaptamine significantly reduced capacities in clonogenicity, enhanced cellular apoptosis and decreased the motile and invasive cellular phenotype. In addition, aaptamine arrested cell cycle at G1 phase via selectively abating cell cycle regulation drivers (CDK2/4 and Cyclin D1/E). Western blotting results showed that aaptamine attenuated the protein expression of MMP-7, MMP-9 and upregulated the expression of cleaved-PARP and cleaved-caspase 3. Moreover, aaptamine inhibited PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signalling cascades through specifically degrading the phosphorylated AKT and GSK3β.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Aaptamine retarded the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells by selectively targeting the pathway PI3K/AKT/GSK3β suggesting it as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for repressing tumorigenesis and progression of NSCLC in humans.

Effects of curcumin on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine in rats and its potential mechanism

Context: Hyperlipidaemia and hypertension are often treated together with curcumin and amlodipine. It is necessary to investigate the drug-drug interaction between curcumin and amlodipine.Objective: The interaction between curcumin and amlodipine was investigated in rats and with rat liver microsomes.Methods: The pharmacokinetics of amlodipine (1 mg/kg) was investigated in rats with or without curcumin pre-treatment (2 mg/kg), six rats in each group. The metabolic stability of amlodipine was investigated with rat liver microsomes.Results: Curcumin significantly increased the C_max (26.19 ± 2.21 versus 17.80 ± 1.56 μg/L), AUC_(0-t) (507.27 ± 60.23 versus 238.68 ± 45.59 μg·h/L), and t_1/2 (14.69 ± 1.64 versus 11.43 ± 1.20 h) of amlodipine (p < 0.05). The metabolic stability of amlodipine was significantly increased with the half-life time in rat liver microsomes increased from 34.23 ± 3.33 to 44.15 ± 4.12 min, and the intrinsic rate decreased from 40.49 ± 3.26 to 31.39 ± 2.78 μL/min/mg protein.Discussion and conclusions: These results indicated that drug-drug interaction might appear during the co-administration of curcumin and amlodipine. The potential mechanism may be due to the inhibition of CYP3A4 by curcumin. Thus, this interaction should be given special attention in the clinic and needs further experiments to characterize the effect in humans.

Biocompatibility of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Rat Inner Ear following Trans-Tympanic Administration

Recent advancements in stem cell therapy have led to an increased interest within the auditory community in exploring the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of inner ear disorders. However, the biocompatibility of MSCs with the inner ear, especially when delivered non-surgically and in the immunocompetent cochlea, is not completely understood. In this study, we determined the effect of intratympanic administration of rodent bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) on the inner ear in an immunocompetent rat model. The administration of MSCs did not lead to the generation of any oxidative stress in the rat inner ear. There was no significant production of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-12, due to BM-MSCs administration into the rat cochlea. BM-MSCs do not activate caspase 3 pathway, which plays a central role in sensory cell damage. Additionally, transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining determined that there was no significant cell death associated with the administration of BM-MSCs. The results of the present study suggest that trans-tympanic administration of BM-MSCs does not result in oxidative stress or inflammatory response in the immunocompetent rat cochlea.