Therapeutic effects of medicinal plants and their constituents on lung cancer, in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence

Carbon Dot Micelles Synthesized from Leek Seeds in Applications for Cobalt (II) Sensing, Metal Ion Removal, and Cancer Therapy

Popular photoluminescent (PL) nanomaterials, such as carbon dots, have attracted substantial attention from scientists due to their photophysical properties, biocompatibility, low cost, and diverse applicability. Carbon dots have been used in sensors, cell imaging, and cancer therapy. Leek seeds with anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant functions serve as traditional Chinese medicine. However, leek seeds have not been studied as a precursor of carbon dots. In this study, leek seeds underwent a supercritical fluid extraction process. Leek seed extract was obtained and then carbonized using a dry heating method, followed by hydrolysis to form carbon dot micelles (CD-micelles). CD-micelles exhibited analyte-induced PL quenching against Co2+ through the static quenching mechanism, with the formation of self-assembled Co2+-CD-micelle sphere particles. In addition, CD-micelles extracted metal ion through liquid-liquid extraction, with removal efficiencies of >90% for Pb2+, Al3+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Pd2+, and Au3+. Moreover, CD-micelles exhibited ABTS•+ radical scavenging ability and cytotoxicity for cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cells. CD-micelles killed cisplatin-resistant small-cell lung cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner with a cancer cell survival rate down to 12.8 ± 4.2%, with a similar treatment function to that of cisplatin. Consequently, CD-micelles functionalized as novel antioxidants show great potential as anticancer nanodrugs in cancer treatment.

The brain and systemic oxidative stress and memory changes induced by inhaled paraquat in rat improved by Crocus sativus

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Crocus sativus (Cs) on paraquat (PQ)-induced learning and memory deficits as well as brain and lung oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress in rats. Rats were exposed to saline (Ctrl) or PQ (PQ groups) aerosols. PQ groups were treated with 0.03 mg/kg/day dexamethasone (Dexa), 20 and 80 mg/kg/day Cs-L and Cs-H, 5 mg/kg/day pioglitazone (Pio), and Cs-L+Pio for 16 days during PQ exposure period. Learning and memory abilities were assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance tests. PQ group showed increased numbers of total and differential WBCs in blood, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA), in the serum, brain, and lung but reduced thiol, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels compared to the control group (for all, p < 0.001). The escape latency and traveled distance were increased in the PQ group. However, the time spent in the target quadrant in the MWM test and the latency to enter the dark room were reduced after receiving an electrical shock (p < 0.05 to P<0.001). In all treated groups, measured values were improved compared to PQ group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The combination of Cs-L+Pio showed more pronounced effects compared to either treatment alone (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). These findings suggest that Cs has neuroprotective properties and may be beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases induced by noxious agents such as PQ.

Glycolytic pathway analysis and gene expression profiles of combination of aloe vera and paclitaxel on non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer

The purpose of this study is to enhance the effectiveness of known anticancer medications using natural compounds. The study investigated the impact of combining AVE with PAX on non-small cell lung cancer (A549) and breast cancer (MCF7). In this study, A549 and MCF7 cells were treated with PAX (5 μM), AVE (24 μg/mL), and a combination of PAX and AVE (5 μM + 24 μg/mL). The glucose consumption rates of the cells were determined by extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) thanks to the SeaHorse XFe24 instrument. In addition, gene expression profiles were determined by performing Total RNA sequencing with the Novaseq 6000 instrument. Finally, the expressions of GAPDH, BAX, and BCL-2 genes involved in the apoptotic pathway were detected by RT-qPCR. The combined application of PAX and AVE reduced the ECAR value in both cell lines. According to the RT-qPCR results, the expression level of the apoptotic gene BAX increased in both cell lines (p < 0.05). Total RNA sequencing revealed that the combination effects of PAX and AVE play a role in the ribosome mechanism, thereby affecting the protein translation system in MCF7 while apoptosis and cell cycle have come to the forefront in A549.

Advancements in NSCLC: From Pathophysiological Insights to Targeted Treatments

With the global incidence of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on the rise, the development of innovative treatment strategies is increasingly vital. This review underscores the pivotal role of precision medicine in transforming NSCLC management, particularly through the integration of genomic and epigenomic insights to enhance treatment outcomes for patients. We focus on the identification of key gene mutations and examine the evolution and impact of targeted therapies. These therapies have shown encouraging results in improving survival rates and quality of life. Despite numerous gene mutations being identified in association with NSCLC, targeted treatments are available for only a select few. This paper offers an exhaustive analysis of the pathogenesis of NSCLC and reviews the latest advancements in targeted therapeutic approaches. It emphasizes the ongoing necessity for research and development in this domain. In addition, we discuss the current challenges faced in the clinical application of these therapies and the potential directions for future research, including the identification of novel targets and the development of new treatment modalities.

Exploring Synergistic Interactions between Natural Compounds and Conventional Chemotherapeutic Drugs in Preclinical Models of Lung Cancer

In the current work, the synergy between natural compounds and conventional chemotherapeutic drugs is comprehensively reviewed in light of current preclinical research findings. The prognosis for lung cancer patients is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of 18.1%. The use of natural compounds in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs has gained significant attention as a potential novel approach in the treatment of lung cancer. The present work highlights the importance of finding more effective therapies to increase survival rates. Chemotherapy is a primary treatment option for lung cancer but it has limitations such as reduced effectiveness because cancer cells become resistant. Natural compounds isolated from medicinal plants have shown promising anticancer or chemopreventive properties and their synergistic effect has been observed when combined with conventional therapies. The combined use of an anti-cancer drug and a natural compound exhibits synergistic effects, enhancing overall therapeutic actions against cancer cells. In conclusion, this work provides an overview of the latest preclinical research on medicinal plants and plant-derived compounds as alternative or complementary treatment options for lung cancer chemotherapy and discusses the potential of natural compounds in treating lung cancer with minimal side effects.

Etiology of lung carcinoma and treatment through medicinal plants, marine plants and green synthesized nanoparticles: A comprehensive review

Lung cancer, a leading global cause of mortality, poses a significant public health challenge primarily linked to tobacco use. While tobacco contributes to over 90% of cases, factors like dietary choices and radiation exposure also play a role. Despite potential benefits from early detection, cancer patients face hurdles, including drug resistance, chemotherapy side effects, high treatment costs, and limited healthcare access. Traditional medicinal plant knowledge has recently unveiled diverse cancer chemopreventive agents from terrestrial and marine sources. These phytochemicals regulate intricate molecular processes, influencing the immune system, apoptosis, cell cycle, proliferation, carcinogen elimination, and antioxidant levels. In pursuing cutting-edge strategies to combat the diverse forms of cancer, technological advancements have spurred innovative approaches. Researchers have focused on the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant metabolites. This method offers distinct advantages over conventional physical and chemical synthesis techniques, such as cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, and energy efficiency. Metallic nanoparticles, through various pathways such as the generation of reactive oxygen species, modulation of enzyme activity, DNA fragmentation, disruption of signaling pathways, perturbation of cell membranes, and interference with mitochondrial function resulting in DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis, exhibit significant potential for preventive applications. Thus, the amalgamation of phytocompounds and metallic nanoparticles holds promise as a novel approach to lung cancer therapy. However, further refinements and advancements are necessary to enhance the environmentally friendly process of metallic nanoparticle synthesis.

Biosynthesis of Copper Oxide-Silver Nanoparticles from Ephedra Intermedia Extract and Study of Anticancer Effects in HepG2 Cell Line: Apoptosis-Related Genes Analysis and Nitric Oxide Level Investigations

Liver cancer treatment faces significant obstacles such as resistance, recurrence, metastasis, and toxicity to healthy cells. Biometallic nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges. In this study, copper oxide-silver (Ag-doped CuO) NPs were prepared using a reduction method with Ephedra intermedia extract. The physicochemical properties of the NPs were evaluated using various techniques such as Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, this study has evaluated nitric oxide levels (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, Bax, Bcl2, P53, and Caspase3 genes expression, as well as cell viability within 24 hours in liver cancer cell line HepG2. FESEM and TEM imaging confirmed the nanostructural nature of the synthesized particles with sizes ranging from 31.27 to 88.98 nanometers. XRD analysis confirmed the crystal structure of the NPs. Comparative analysis showed that the IC50 values of the Ag-doped CuO NPs were significantly lower than that of the plant extracts. Molecular studies showed significantly increased expression of Bax, Caspase3, and P53 genes, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, and downregulation of Bcl2 as a pro-metastasis gene. Additionally, the presence of Ag-doped CuO NPs significantly increased NO activity enzyme and ROS generation compared to the plant extract. The biosynthesized Ag-doped CuO NPs demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis, increase ROS production, and enhance NO enzyme activity in HepG2 cancer cells, suggesting their potential as a therapeutic agent for liver cancer.

Anticancer Activity of Natural Products and Related Compounds

Nature has always been a precious source of bioactive molecules which are used for the treatment of various diseases [...].