Therapeutic Effects of Punicalagin Against Ovarian Carcinoma Cells in Association With β-Catenin Signaling Inhibition

Determination of In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Taxifolin and Epirubicin on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Mouse Breast Cancer Cells

Background: One of the most significant characteristics of cancer is epithelial-mesenchymal transition and research on the relationship between phenolic compounds and anticancer medications and epithelial-mesenchymal transition is widespread. Methods: In order to investigate the potential effects of Taxifolin on enhancing the effectiveness of Epirubicin in treating breast cancer, specifically in 4T1 cells and an allograft BALB/c model, the effects of Taxifolin and Epirubicin, both individually and in combination, were examined. Cell viability assays and cytotoxicity assays in 4T1 cells were performed. In addition, 4T1 cells were implanted into female BALB/c mice to conduct in vivo studies and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Taxifolin and Epirubicin alone or in combination. Tumor volumes and histological analysis were also assessed in mice. To further understand the mechanisms involved, we examined the messenger RNA and protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related genes, as well as active Caspase-3/7 levels, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Results: In vitro results demonstrated that the coadministration of Taxifolin and Epirubicin reduced cell viability and cytotoxicity in 4T1 cell lines. In vivo, coadministration of Taxifolin and Epirubicin suppressed tumor growth in BALB/c mice with 4T1 breast cancer cells. Additionally, this combination treatment significantly increased the levels of active caspase-3/7 and downregulated the messenger RNA and protein levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin, snail, and slug, but upregulated the E-cadherin gene. It significantly decreased the messenger RNA levels of the Zeb1 and Zeb2 genes. Conclusion: The in vitro and in vivo results of our study indicate that the concurrent use of Epirubicin with Taxifolin has supportive effects on breast cancer treatment.

Prognostic significance of natural products against multidrug tumor resistance

Cancer is a pervasive, constantly evolving, and significant public health concern. The number of new cancer cases has risen dramatically in the last decades, making it one of the top causes of poor health and mortality worldwide. Although various treatment strategies, including surgery, radiation, and pharmaceutical therapies, have evolved into more sophisticated, precise methods, there is not much improvement in the cancer-related death toll. Consequently, natural product-based therapeutic discoveries have recently been considered an alternative approach. According to an estimate, one-third of the top twenty medications in today's market have a natural plant-product-based origin. Accordingly, primary prevention is an essential component of worldwide cancer control. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms of action of bioactive ingredients in natural dietary products that may contribute to the prevention and management of multiple malignancies.

Punicalagin is cytotoxic to human colon cancer cells by modulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the anticancer effect of punicalagin, an abundant bioactive tannin compound isolated from Punica granatum L., on three colon cancer cell lines, namely, HCT 116, HT-29, and LoVo.Research Design: Normal and colon cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of punicalagin for different periods. Data Collection and Analysis: Cell viability was measured with a CCK-8 assay. Programmed cell death and invasion were analyzed using an annexin V and cell death kit and a cell invasion analysis kit. The expression of active caspase-3, MMP-2, MMP-9, Snail, and Slug were measured by Western blot.Results: The results of the cell viability analysis showed that punicalagin was cytotoxic to colon cancer cells, but it was not to normal cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, punicalagin induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells (shown by the cumulative percentage of colorectal cancer cells in early and late apoptosis). It was found that caspase-3 activity increased following punicalagin treatment. Western blot results also showed that punicalagin increased the expression of activated caspase-3. In contrast, punicalagin inhibited the invasion of colon cancer cells. Further, treatment of colon cancer cells with punicalagin suppressed the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, Snail, and Slug. Conclusions: These results showed that the activation of caspase-3 and the inhibition of MMP-2, MMP-9, Snail and Slug were involved in the effects of punicalagin on colon cancer cells.

Punica granatum as Anticandidal and Anti-HIV Agent: An HIV Oral Cavity Potential Drug

The oral cavity is crucial from diagnosis to adherence to HAART therapy in the HIV/AIDS population; consequently, drugs that can maintain healthy conditions in the oral cavity are necessary for patients with HIV/AIDS. Punica granatum (pomegranate) is a tree that has been employed extensively for centuries in the traditional medicine of ancient cultures for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including oral and dental diseases. In recent decades, its potent anticandidal properties have been shown, especially on Candida albicans, the cause of the most common clinical manifestation in HIV patients. The present work contributes to the review of the anti-HIV and anticandidal properties of the plant species P. granatum as involved with the oral cavity. The literature reviewed revealed that crude extracts of pomegranate and its main isolated compounds possess inhibitory activity on different HIV targets, including binding viral proteins and the three replicative HIV enzymes. In addition, in the literature reviewed, pomegranate exhibited anticandidal effects on 10 different species. Thus, pomegranate appears to be an excellent candidate to explore and incorporate into the treatment of the oral cavity of HIV/AIDS patients, in that, in addition to its pharmacological effects such as antiviral and anticandidal, pomegranate represents an easily available, inexpensive, and safe natural source.

Punicalagin Targets Atherosclerosis: Gene Expression Profiling of THP-1 Macrophages Treated with Punicalagin and Molecular Docking

Atherosclerosis is an important cause of cardiovascular disorders worldwide. Natural botanical drugs have attracted attention due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic properties in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Punicalagin is the major bioactive component of pomegranate peel, and has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti proliferation, and anticancer properties. To explore its antiatherogenic properties at a molecular level, we investigated the genome-wide expression changes that occur in differentiated THP1 cells following treatment with a non-toxic dose of punicalagin. We also conducted a molecular docking simulation study to identify the molecular targets of punicalagin.

Punicalagin promotes autophagic degradation of human papillomavirus E6 and E7 proteins in cervical cancer through the ROS-JNK-BCL2 pathway

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This study provides a novel insight into the mechanism of degradation of E6 and E7 caused by punicalagin-induced autophagy. Therefore, our results will offer new strategy for treatment of HPV-infected cervical cancer.

Punicalagin, which is derived from pomegranate peel, is reported to exert growth-inhibitory effects against various cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a major oncovirus, utilizes the host autophagic machinery to support its replication. Here, punicalagin markedly downregulated the levels of the major HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 in cervical cancer cells through the autophagy-lysosome system. Additionally, punicalagin activated the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-JNK pathway and promoted the phosphorylation of BCL2, which led to the dissociation of BCL2 from BECN1 and the induction of autophagy. Treatment with autophagy and JNK inhibitors or ROS scavengers mitigated the punicalagin-induced degradation of E6 and E7. Moreover, the knockout of ATG5 using the clustered regularly interspaced palindrome repeat/Cas 9 system mitigated the punicalagin-induced downregulation of E6/E7. This indicated that punicalagin-induced degradation of E6 and E7 was dependent on autophagy. The results of in vivo studies demonstrated that punicalagin efficiently inhibits cervical cancer growth. In conclusion, this study elucidated a mechanism of punicalagin-induced autophagic degradation of E6 and E7. It will enable the future applications of punicalagin as a therapeutic for HPV-induced cervical cancer.

Oral Supplement Containing Hydroxytyrosol and Punicalagin Improves Dyslipidemia in an Adult Population without Co-Adjuvant Treatment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled and Crossover Trial

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) and punicalagin (PC) exert cardioprotective and antiatherosclerotic effects. This study evaluated the effect of an oral supplement containing HT and PC (SAx) on dyslipidemia in an adult population. A randomized, double-blind, controlled, crossover trial was conducted over a 20-week period. SAx significantly reduced the plasma levels of triglycerides (TG) in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (≥150 mg/dL) (from 200.67 ± 51.38 to 155.33 ± 42.44 mg/dL; p < 0.05), while no such effects were observed in these subjects after the placebo. SAx also significantly decreased the plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in subjects with high plasma levels of LDL-C (≥160 mg/dL) (from 179.13 ± 16.18 to 162.93 ± 27.05 mg/dL; p < 0.01), while no such positive effect was observed with the placebo. In addition, the placebo significantly reduced the plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the total population (from 64.49 ± 12.65 to 62.55 ± 11.57 mg/dL; p < 0.05), while SAx significantly increased the plasma levels of HDL-C in subjects with low plasma levels of HDL-C (<50 mg/dL) (from 44.25 ± 3.99 to 48.00 ± 7.27 mg/dL; p < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplement containing HT and PC exerted antiatherosclerotic and cardio-protective effects by considerably improving dyslipidemia in an adult population, without co-adjuvant treatment or adverse effects.

Punicalagin, a pomegranate compound, induces apoptosis and autophagy in acute leukemia

Background

Punicalagin is the major phenolic compound found in pomegranate peels. It has several reported medical benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The present study investigated the anti-leukemic effects and the molecular mechanism of punicalagin on NB4 and MOLT-4 leukemic cell lines.

Methods

Leukemic cells were treated with punicalagin and cell viability was determined using MTS assay. Apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI and anti-LC3/FITC antibodies staining, respectively. Apoptotic and autophagic mRNA expression were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. STITCH bioinformatics tools were used to predict the interaction between punicalagin and its proposed target proteins.

Results

Results indicated that punicalagin decreased NB4 and MOLT-4 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Punicalagin, in combination with daunorubicin, exhibited synergistic cytotoxic effects. Punicalagin induced apoptosis through the upregulation of caspase-3/-8/-9, Bax and the downregulation of Bcl-2 expression. Punicalagin also promoted autophagy via the downregulation of mTOR and the upregulation of ULK1 expression. Cyclooxygenase-2 and toll-like receptor 4 were found to be involved in punicalagin-induced cell death in punicalagin-targeted protein interactions.

Conclusions

These results suggest that punicalagin exerts cytotoxic activities by suppressing proliferation and promoting apoptosis and autophagy by activating the caspase cascade, altering Bax and Bcl-2, and regulating autophagy via mTOR/ULK1 signaling.

Punicalagin in Cancer Prevention-Via Signaling Pathways Targeting

The extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum) has been applied in medicine since ancient times due to its broad-spectrum health-beneficial properties. It is a rich source of hydrolyzable tannins and anthocyanins, exhibiting strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. Anticancer activities of pomegranate with reference to modulated signaling pathways in various cancer diseases have been recently reviewed. However, less is known about punicalagin (Pug), a prevailing compound in pomegranate, seemingly responsible for its most beneficial properties. In this review, the newest data derived from recent scientific reports addressing Pug impact on neoplastic cells are summarized and discussed. Its attenuating effect on signaling circuits promoting cancer growth and invasion is depicted. The Pug-induced redirection of signal-transduction pathways from survival and proliferation into cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy (thus compromising neoplastic progression) is delineated. Considerations presented in this review are based mainly on data obtained from in vitro cell line models and concern the influence of Pug on human cervical, ovarian, breast, lung, thyroid, colorectal, central nervous system, bone, as well as other cancer types.

Punicalagin Inhibited Inflammation and Migration of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes Through NF-κB Pathway in the Experimental Study of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background

The aggressive phenotype of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) is essential in the synovitis and bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Punicalagin is a natural polyphenol extracted in pomegranate juice, which possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties suggesting it may be a potent drug for RA therapy. However, there is paucity of information on its effect in RA.

Objective

To investigate the effects of punicalagin on synovial inflammation and bone destruction in RA.

Methods

FLSs were isolated from synovial tissue of RA patients. The mRNA levels were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Western blot was used for protein level measurements. The secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinases (MMPs) was detected by ELISA assays. Edu staining assays were carried out to investigate the proliferation of FLSs. Cell migration was assessed by Boyden chambers, wound scratch assays and F-actin staining in vitro. The intracellular translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was investigated using immunofluorescence. The effects of punicalagin in vivo were measured by using collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice.

Results

Punicalagin treatments significantly reduced the TNF-α induced expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17A) and MMPs (MMP-1 and MMP-13) of RA FLSs. Punicalagin also suppressed the proliferation and migration of RA FLSs. Moreover, punicalagin (50mg/kg/d) alleviated arthritis severity and bone destruction, and decreased serum IL-6 and TNF-α in CIA mice. Further mechanism studies indicated that punicalagin blocked NF-κB activation via suppressing phosphorylation of IKK and IkBα, and preventing the translocation of 65.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that punicalagin might be one of natural therapeutic compounds for relieving RA progress via suppressing FLSs inflammation and migration through modulating NF-κB pathways.

A Novel N-Sulfonylamidine-Based Derivative Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells by Suppressing Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Wnt signaling has been implicated in the development and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as poorer outcomes. Thus, targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is expected to be a promising treatment option for the therapy of advanced metastatic CRC. A new N-sulfonylamidine derivative (26ag) has been confirmed to suppress the growth of tumor cells by inhibiting C-met, showing strong anti-cancer activity. In this paper, we test the effectiveness of 26ag in suppressing CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. In this regard, 26ag decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of important hallmarks associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, we provide evidence that β-catenin-dependent signaling is involved in 26ag-induced Wnt/β-catenin pathway effects in CRC, using in vitro cell culture and computer docking models. Our study indicates that inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin by a novel compound, 26ag, demonstrates possibility for drug development in the therapy of CRC.

Novel diphenyl urea derivative serves as an inhibitor on human lung cancer cell migration by disrupting EMT via Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt signaling

Targeted anti-tumor small molecules are considered to be promising candidates for cancer treatment. The novel diphenyl urea derivative (DUD) was synthesized by the molecular docking based on the structure optimization of Taspine (a natural product). In this study, we explored the anti-metastatic potential of DUD for NSCLC in vitro. DUD significantly suppressed A549 cell migration by reversing EMT. The inhibition was reflected on upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin, vimentin, Snail and HIF-1α. Meanwhile, DUD inhibited the β-catenin nuclear translocation by upregulating Axin and downregulating the expression of APC, CK1 and phosphorylation of GSK3β, and simultaneously decreasing MMP9 and MMP13 expression. Moreover, it was associated with the downregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. Furthermore, we used XAV939, an β-catenin inhibitor, to verify the mechanism of DUD. These results suggested that DUD inhibited A549 cells migration by reversing EMT via Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt signaling. DUD might be a potential therapeutic drug candidate for NSCLC treatment.

Terminalia bentzoë, a Mascarene Endemic Plant, Inhibits Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Growth In Vitro via G0/G1 Phase Cell Cycle Arrest

Tropical forests constitute a prolific sanctuary of unique floral diversity and potential medicinal sources, however, many of them remain unexplored. The scarcity of rigorous scientific data on the surviving Mascarene endemic taxa renders bioprospecting of this untapped resource of utmost importance. Thus, in view of valorizing the native resource, this study has as its objective to investigate the bioactivities of endemic leaf extracts. Herein, seven Mascarene endemic plants leaves were extracted and evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant properties and antiproliferative effects on a panel of cancer cell lines, using methyl thiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and clonogenic cell survival assays. Flow cytometry and comet assay were used to investigate the cell cycle and DNA damaging effects, respectively. Bioassay guided-fractionation coupled with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (MS), gas chromatography-MS, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis were used to identify the bioactive compounds. Among the seven plants tested, Terminaliabentzoë was comparatively the most potent antioxidant extract, with significantly (p < 0.05) higher cytotoxic activities. T. bentzoë extract further selectively suppressed the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and significantly halted the cell cycle progression in the G0/G1 phase, decreased the cells' replicative potential and induced significant DNA damage. In total, 10 phenolic compounds, including punicalagin and ellagic acid, were identified and likely contributed to the extract's potent antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. These results established a promising basis for further in-depth investigations into the potential use of T. bentzoë as a supportive therapy in cancer management.

Punicalagin inhibited proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis of osteosarcoma through suppression of NF‑κB signaling

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor among children and young people and is associated with poor prognosis. Punicalagin is an antioxidant ellagitannin found in pomegranate juice with known antiproliferation and anti‑angiogenesis properties. However, the antitumor effect of punicalagin on osteosarcoma requires further investigation. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of punicalagin on proliferation and invasion was evaluated in one human osteoblast cell line (hFOB1.19) and three human osteosarcoma cell lines (U2OS, MG63 and SaOS2). The cancer cell apoptosis ratio was determined using flow cytometry. NF‑κB signaling in these cells was also evaluated using western blotting analysis. A subcutaneous tumor xenograft model was initiated to study the efficacy of punicalagin on osteosarcoma development and angiogenesis in vivo. Punicalagin treatment significantly decreased osteosarcoma cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. In addition, the invasion potential of these cells in a transwell assay was also dramatically suppressed in osteosarcoma cells. Punicalagin not only induced the degradation of IκBα but also the nuclear translocation of p65, suggesting the attenuation of NF‑κB signaling pathway following treatment. Moreover, punicalagin markedly downregulated interleukin (IL)‑6 and IL‑8 levels, which was consistent with the inhibition of NF‑κB signaling. An NF‑κB activator could reverse these effects. Using a tumor xenograft mouse model, it was demonstrated that punicalagin exposure inhibited osteosarcoma growth and angiogenesis in vivo. These observations confirmed the suppressive effect of punicalagin against osteosarcoma malignancies. The underlying molecular mechanisms may include inhibition of the NF‑κB signaling pathway.

Punicalagin inhibits the viability, migration, invasion, and EMT by regulating GOLPH3 in breast cancer cells

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Punicalagin (PN), which is a type of polyphenol, has been reported to act as a tumor suppressor. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PN on cellular process in BC and its molecular mechanism. The effects of various doses of PN on cell viability, migration, and invasion capacities of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were detected by CCK-8, wound-healing, and Transwell assays. Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) was then transfected into the cells with or without PN treatment, and GPLPH3 expression level was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, and expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), E-Cadherin, and N-Cadherin were measured by Western blot. High dose of PN treatment (50 μM or higher) significantly inhibited viability, migration, and invasion of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, while overexpressed GOLPH3 promoted cell viability, migration, and invasion, and partially reversed the effects of PN treatment on the BC cells. PN inhibited the expressions of GOLPH3, MMP-2, MMP-9, and N-Cadherin, and promoted E-Cadherin expression, while overexpression of GOLPH3 partly reversed above effects attributing to PN. Thus, PN suppresses cell viability and metastasis via regulating GOLPH3 in BC, which provides a possible therapeutic direction to the treatment of BC.

Alpinetin inhibits proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells via suppression of STAT3 signaling

Natural bioactive components are increasingly being applied in cancer research. Alpinetin is a type of natural flavonoid primarily derived from Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, which exhibits anti‑bacterial and anti‑inflammatory properties. Therefore, it may possess anticancer potential and be employed therapeutically for different diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticancer effects of alpinetin on the SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell line. The effect of alpinetin treatment on SKOV3 cell proliferation, apoptosis, spheroid and colony formation were measured using Cell Counting kit‑8, cell apoptosis, 3D spheroid and colony formation assays, respectively. Analysis of the cell cycle was performed using flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of B‑cell lymphoma (Bcl)‑2, Bcl‑2‑associated X protein, cleaved caspase‑3, cleaved poly (ADP‑ribose) polymerase (PARP), cyclin D1, cyclin‑dependent kinase (CDK) 4, CDK6, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, phosphorylated (p)‑STAT3, c‑myc, survivin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‑1, TIMP‑2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2 and MMP‑9. In addition, a wound healing assay was used to determine cancer cell migration. The results revealed alpinetin suppressed cell viability and induced apoptosis of SKOV3 cells in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner, and cells were arrested in the G1 phase. Alpinetin treatment upregulated protein expression levels of Bax, cleaved caspase‑3 and PARP, and downregulated protein expression levels of Bcl‑2, cyclin D1, CDK4 and CDK6. Alpinetin also inhibited cell migration, through increased protein expression levels of TIMP‑1 and TIMP‑2, and decreased protein expression levels of MMP‑2 and MMP‑9. Alpinetin also significantly suppressed colony and spheroid formation by SKOV3 cells. In addition, the STAT3 pathway was suppressed as demonstrated by downregulation of p‑STAT3 and reduced expression of downstream factors, including c‑myc and survivin. Overall, these results indicated that alpinetin may have anticancer effects on human ovarian cancer by inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway.