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Gamboa J, Lourenço P, Cruz C, Gallardo E. Aptamers for the Delivery of Plant-Based Compounds: A Review. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:541. [PMID: 38675202 PMCID: PMC11053555 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural compounds have a high potential for the treatment of various conditions, including infections, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. However, they usually present poor pharmacokinetics, low specificity, and even toxicity, which limits their use. Therefore, targeted drug delivery systems, typically composed of a carrier and a targeting ligand, can enhance natural product selectivity and effectiveness. Notably, aptamers-short RNA or single-stranded DNA molecules-have gained attention as promising ligands in targeted drug delivery since they are simple to synthesize and modify, and they present high tissue permeability, stability, and a wide array of available targets. The combination of natural products, namely plant-based compounds, with a drug delivery system utilizing aptamers as targeting agents represents an emerging strategy that has the potential to broaden its applications. This review discusses the potential of aptamers as targeting agents in the delivery of natural compounds, as well as new trends and developments in their utilization in the field of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gamboa
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Pedro Lourenço
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Carla Cruz
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (P.L.)
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (P.L.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
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Huang Y, Yang Z, Zhang L. Polyphenol Supplementation Enhances the Efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors Against Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies. Nutr Cancer 2023; 76:17-30. [PMID: 37930032 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2023.2277477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the combined effects of polyphenols and anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. METHODS Relevant studies were collected from electronic databases. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) or hazard ratio (HR) was calculated by Stata 15.0 software. RESULTS Sixteen preclinical studies were included. The overall meta-analysis showed that, compared to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 alone, polyphenol combined therapy significantly reduced the tumor volume (SMD = -3.28), weight (SMD = -2.18), number (SMD = -2.17), and prolonged the survival (HR = 0.45) of mice (all P < 0.001). Pooled analysis of mechanism studies indicated polyphenol combined therapy could increase the number of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (SMD = 3.88; P < 0.001), IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells (SMD = 2.38; P < 0.001), decrease the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (SMD = -2.52; P = 0.044) and Treg cells (SMD = -4.00; P = 0.004) and suppress PD-L1 expression in tumors (SMD = -13.41; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated curcuminoids, flavonoids, and stilbene changed the tumor volume, the percentage of CD8+ T cells, IFN-γ+CD8+ T cells, and PD-L1 expression. CONCLUSION Polyphenol supplementation may be a promising combined strategy for patients with poor response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhenhua Yang
- School Health Department, West Coast New Area Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Mia MAR, Dey D, Sakib MR, Biswas MY, Prottay AAS, Paul N, Rimti FH, Abdullah Y, Biswas P, Iftehimul M, Paul P, Sarkar C, El-Nashar HAS, El-Shazly M, Islam MT. The efficacy of natural bioactive compounds against prostate cancer: Molecular targets and synergistic activities. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5724-5754. [PMID: 37786304 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Globally, prostate cancer (PCa) is regarded as a challenging health issue, and the number of PCa patients continues to rise despite the availability of effective treatments in recent decades. The current therapy with chemotherapeutic drugs has been largely ineffective due to multidrug resistance and the conventional treatment has restricted drug accessibility to malignant tissues, necessitating a higher dosage resulting in increased cytotoxicity. Plant-derived bioactive compounds have recently attracted a great deal of attention in the field of PCa treatment due to their potent effects on several molecular targets and synergistic effects with anti-PCa drugs. This review emphasizes the molecular mechanism of phytochemicals on PCa cells, the synergistic effects of compound-drug interactions, and stem cell targeting for PCa treatment. Some potential compounds, such as curcumin, phenethyl-isothiocyanate, fisetin, baicalein, berberine, lutein, and many others, exert an anti-PCa effect via inhibiting proliferation, metastasis, cell cycle progression, and normal apoptosis pathways. In addition, multiple studies have demonstrated that the isolated natural compounds: d-limonene, paeonol, lanreotide, artesunate, and bicalutamide have potential synergistic effects. Further, a significant number of natural compounds effectively target PCa stem cells. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals against PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abdur Rashid Mia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Dipta Dey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalgonj, Bangladesh
| | - Musfiqur Rahman Sakib
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalgonj, Bangladesh
| | - Md Yeaman Biswas
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Shamsh Prottay
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalgonj, Bangladesh
| | - Niloy Paul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalgonj, Bangladesh
| | - Fahmida Hoque Rimti
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, Chittagong Medical College, Chawkbazar, Bangladesh
| | - Yusuf Abdullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalgonj, Bangladesh
| | - Partha Biswas
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Md Iftehimul
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalgonj, Bangladesh
| | - Priyanka Paul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalgonj, Bangladesh
| | - Chandan Sarkar
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalgonj, Bangladesh
| | - Heba A S El-Nashar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Shazly
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Torequl Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalgonj, Bangladesh
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Sa P, Mohapatra P, Swain SS, Khuntia A, Sahoo SK. Phytochemical-Based Nanomedicine for Targeting Tumor Microenvironment and Inhibiting Cancer Chemoresistance: Recent Advances and Pharmacological Insights. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:5254-5277. [PMID: 37596986 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of death and rapidly evolving disease worldwide. The understanding of disease pathophysiology has improved through advanced research investigation, and several therapeutic strategies are being used for better cancer treatment. However, the increase in cancer relapse and metastatic-related deaths indicate that available therapies and clinically approved chemotherapy drugs are not sufficient to combat cancer. Further, the constant crosstalk between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for the development, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic response to tumors. In this regard, phytochemicals with multimodal targeting abilities can be used as an alternative to current cancer therapy by inhibiting cancer survival pathways or modulating TME. However, due to their poor pharmacokinetics and low bioavailability, the success of phytochemicals in clinical trials is limited. Therefore, developing phytochemical-based nanomedicine or phytonanomedicine can improve the pharmacokinetic profile of these phytochemicals. Herein, the molecular characteristics and pharmacological insights of the proposed phytonanomedicine in cancer therapy targeting tumor tissue and altering the characteristics of cancer stem cells, chemoresistance, TME, and cancer immunity are well discussed. Further, we have highlighted the clinical perspective and challenges of phytonanomedicine in filling the gap in potential cancer therapeutics using various nanoplatforms. Overall, we have discussed how clinical success and pharmacological insights could make it more beneficial to boost the concept of nanomedicine in the academic and pharmaceutical fields to counter cancer metastases and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratikshya Sa
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana 121001, NCR Delhi, India
| | - Priyanka Mohapatra
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana 121001, NCR Delhi, India
| | | | - Auromira Khuntia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana 121001, NCR Delhi, India
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Si Y, Xu J, Meng L, Wu Y, Qi J. Role of STAT3 in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its significance in anticancer therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1021179. [PMID: 36313702 PMCID: PMC9615247 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1021179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of head and neck tumor with noticeable regional and ethnic differences. It is associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection and has a tendency for local and distant metastasis. NPC is also highly sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Over 70% of patients present with locoregionally advanced disease, and distant metastasis is the primary reason for treatment failure. A signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) promotes NPC oncogenesis through mechanisms within cancerous cells and their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, which is critical in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of NPC. Further, p-STAT3 is strongly associated with advanced NPC. Recent research on STAT3 has focused on its expression at the center of various oncogenic pathways. Here, we discuss the role of STAT3 in NPC and its potential therapeutic inhibitors and analogs for the treatment and control of NPC.
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Talib WH, Daoud S, Mahmod AI, Hamed RA, Awajan D, Abuarab SF, Odeh LH, Khater S, Al Kury LT. Plants as a Source of Anticancer Agents: From Bench to Bedside. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27154818. [PMID: 35956766 PMCID: PMC9369847 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Conventional anticancer therapies are associated with lack of selectivity and serious side effects. Cancer hallmarks are biological capabilities acquired by cancer cells during neoplastic transformation. Targeting multiple cancer hallmarks is a promising strategy to treat cancer. The diversity in chemical structure and the relatively low toxicity make plant-derived natural products a promising source for the development of new and more effective anticancer therapies that have the capacity to target multiple hallmarks in cancer. In this review, we discussed the anticancer activities of ten natural products extracted from plants. The majority of these products inhibit cancer by targeting multiple cancer hallmarks, and many of these chemicals have reached clinical applications. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers and physicians to design more effective combination anticancer therapies using plant-derived natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wamidh H. Talib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Safa Daoud
- Department Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan;
| | - Asma Ismail Mahmod
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Reem Ali Hamed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Dima Awajan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Sara Feras Abuarab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Lena Hisham Odeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Samar Khater
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutic, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan; (A.I.M.); (R.A.H.); (D.A.); (S.F.A.); (L.H.O.); (S.K.)
| | - Lina T. Al Kury
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 144534, United Arab Emirates;
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Yang J, Liu Y, Lu S, Sun X, Yin Y, Wang K, Liu S. Coix seed oil regulates mitochondrial functional damage to induce apoptosis of human pancreatic cancer cells via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:5897-5909. [PMID: 35543827 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07371-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coix seed oil (CSO) has a wide range of anticancer effects. However, the mechanism of action against pancreatic cancer (PC) and regulation of mitochondria in vitro is still unclear. MATERIALS AND RESULTS This research investigated the possible mechanism of CSO induction of PC cell apoptosis and regulating mitochondrial functional damage. Proliferation of PC cells, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), qualitative and quantitative analysis of PC cell apoptosis, openness of mitochondrial permeability transition pore, related protein expression, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and gene expression were determined by cell counting kit-8, JC-1 staining, acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining, flow cytometry, calcein-AM/cobalt staining, western blotting, dichlorofluorescein diacetate probe, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. We confirmed that PTEN protein was involved in CSO-induced PANC-1 cell apoptosis and mitochondrial functional damage. CSO induced depolarization of MMP, increased opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, increased ROS production, and further increased mitochondrial damage. Additionally, CSO downregulated expression of p-AKT and p-PI3K proteins; upregulated protein expression of cleaved caspase-9, Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cytochrome c; and downregulated expression of Bcl-2 by upregulating the PTEN gene. The corresponding protein expression was consistent with the gene expression level. Furthermore, the loss of function of PTEN protein reduces the ability of CSO to induce apoptosis of PANC-1 cells and damage to mitochondrial function. CONCLUSIONS CSO induces apoptosis of PANC-1 PC cells by modulating mitochondrial functional impairment and related apoptotic molecules via PTEN, which may be closely related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiamusi University, 154003, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Qiqihar Medical University, 161099, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Shengnan Lu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Qiqihar Medical University, 161099, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xuejia Sun
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Qiqihar Medical University, 161099, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yue Yin
- Department of Science and Education, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Qiqihar Medical University, 161099, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Kaifeng Wang
- Department of Vascular surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiamusi University, 154003, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Shi Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Qiqihar Medical University, 27 Taishun Street, Tiefeng District, 161099, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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Micale N, Molonia MS, Citarella A, Cimino F, Saija A, Cristani M, Speciale A. Natural Product-Based Hybrids as Potential Candidates for the Treatment of Cancer: Focus on Curcumin and Resveratrol. Molecules 2021; 26:4665. [PMID: 34361819 PMCID: PMC8348089 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the main current strategies for cancer treatment is represented by combination chemotherapy. More recently, this strategy shifted to the "hybrid strategy", namely the designing of a new molecular entity containing two or more biologically active molecules and having superior features compared with the individual components. Moreover, the term "hybrid" has further extended to innovative drug delivery systems based on biocompatible nanomaterials and able to deliver one or more drugs to specific tissues or cells. At the same time, there is an increased interest in plant-derived polyphenols used as antitumoral drugs. The present review reports the most recent and intriguing research advances in the development of hybrids based on the polyphenols curcumin and resveratrol, which are known to act as multifunctional agents. We focused on two issues that are particularly interesting for the innovative chemical strategy involved in their development. On one hand, the pharmacophoric groups of these compounds have been used for the synthesis of new hybrid molecules. On the other hand, these polyphenols have been introduced into hybrid nanomaterials based on gold nanoparticles, which have many potential applications for both drug delivery and theranostics in chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Antonina Saija
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, I-98166 Messina, Italy; (N.M.); (M.S.M.); (A.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (A.S.)
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