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Ghosh S, Das SK, Sinha K, Ghosh B, Sen K, Ghosh N, Sil PC. The Emerging Role of Natural Products in Cancer Treatment. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2353-2391. [PMID: 38795134 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03786-3] [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] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
The exploration of natural products as potential agents for cancer treatment has garnered significant attention in recent years. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the diverse array of natural compounds, including alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, lignans, polyketides, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, highlighting their emerging roles in cancer therapy. These compounds, derived from various botanical sources, exhibit a wide range of mechanisms of action, targeting critical pathways involved in cancer progression such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Through a meticulous examination of preclinical and clinical studies, we provide insights into the therapeutic potential of these natural products across different cancer types. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and challenges associated with their use in cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and delivery methods. Overall, this review underscores the importance of natural products in advancing cancer therapeutics and paves the way for future investigations into their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, Belur Math, Howrah, 711202, India
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Sanjib Kumar Das
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India
| | - Krishnendu Sinha
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India.
| | - Biswatosh Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Bidhannagar College, Kolkata, 700064, India
| | - Koushik Sen
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India
| | - Nabanita Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata, 700013, India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, 700054, India.
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Su CW, Kao SH, Chen YT, Hsieh YH, Yang WE, Tsai MY, Lin CW, Yang SF. Curcumin Analog L48H37 Induces Apoptosis in Human Oral Cancer Cells by Activating Caspase Cascades and Downregulating the Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins through JNK/p38 Signaling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2024; 52:565-581. [PMID: 38480502 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x24500241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
L48H37 is a synthetic curcumin analog that has anticancer potentials. Here, we further explored the anticancer effect of L48H37 on oral cancer cells and its mechanistic acts. Cell cycle distribution was assessed using flow cytometric analysis. Apoptosis was elucidated by staining with PI/Annexin V and activation of the caspase cascade. Cellular signaling was explored using apoptotic protein profiling, Western blotting, and specific inhibitors. Our findings showed that L48H37 significantly reduced the cell viability of SCC-9 and HSC-3 cells, resulting in sub-G1 phase accumulation and increased apoptotic cells. Apoptotic protein profiling revealed that L48H37 increased cleaved caspase-3, and downregulated cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (cIAP1) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in SCC-9 cells, and the downregulated cIAP1 and XIAP in both oral cancer cells were also demonstrated by Western blotting. Meanwhile, L48H37 triggered the activation of caspases and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The involvement of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK (p38) in the L48H37-triggered apoptotic cascade in oral cancer cells was also elucidated by specific inhibitors. Collectively, these findings indicate that L48H37 has potent anticancer activity against oral cancer cells, which may be attributed to JNK/p38-mediated caspase activation and the resulting apoptosis. This suggests a potential benefit for L48H37 for the treatment of oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wen Su
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hsuan Kao
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tzu Chen
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-En Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ying Tsai
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Wen Lin
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Kaushik M, Tiku AB. Molecular pathways modulated by phytochemicals in head and neck cancer. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:469-483. [PMID: 36454443 PMCID: PMC10409696 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00711-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, natural dietary phytochemicals have shown immense potential in the suppression and incidence of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC). From various in-vitro, animal, and epidemiological studies it is now clear that intake of foods rich in dietary phytochemicals lower the risk of HNC. These phytochemicals have been reported to target different stages of Head and Neck cancer (initiation to promotion) by modulating many cellular signaling pathways. A single phytochemical may target different pathways simultaneously or a single pathway may be targeted by a diversity of phytochemicals. This review highlights the molecular pathways modulated by a large number of phytochemicals relevant to HNC with an intent to identify specific signaling pathways that could be therapeutically targeted. Therefore, relevant literature was screened and scrutinized for molecular details. We have focused on the complexity of the molecular mechanisms that are modulated by various phytochemicals and the role they can play in better clinical efficacy and management of head and neck cancer. In-depth knowledge of these molecular mechanisms can lead to innovative therapeutic strategies using phytochemicals alone or along with available treatments for various cancers including HNC. Molecular pathways modulated by Phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Kaushik
- Radiation and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Ashu Bhan Tiku
- Radiation and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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Tulbah AS. In vitro bio-characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles of favipiravir in A549 human lung epithelial cancer cells. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2023; 18:1076-1086. [PMID: 36994222 PMCID: PMC10040896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. In lung cancer treatment, nebulized solid lipid nanoparticles may be a viable drug delivery method, helping the drug reach sites of action, and improving its inhalation efficiency and pulmonary deposition. This research focused on evaluating the effectiveness of solid lipid nanoparticles of favipiravir (Fav-SLNps) in facilitating drug delivery to sites of action in lung cancer treatment. Methods The hot-evaporation method was used to formulate Fav-SLNps. The in vitro cell viability, anti-cancer effects, and cellular uptake activity were evaluated in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells treated with the Fav-SLNp formulation. Results The Fav-SLNps were formulated successfully. Importantly, Fav-SLNps at a concentration of 322.6 μg/ml were found to be safe and non-toxic toward A549 cells in vitro. The formulation had potential anti-proliferative properties via increasing the proportions of cells in G2/M and G0/G1 phases to 1.20 and 1.13 times those in untreated cells. Additionally, Fav-SLNp treatment significantly induced necrosis in A549 cells. Furthermore, the use of SLNps in the Fav formulation resulted in a macrophage drug uptake 1.23 times that of the free drug. Conclusion Our results confirmed the internalization and anti-cancer activity of the Fav-SLNp formulation in the A549 lung cancer cell line. Our findings suggest that Fav-SLNps could potentially be used as lung cancer treatment to facilitate drug delivery to sites of action in the lungs.
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Mai A, Ye S, Tu J, Gao J, Kang Z, Yao Q, Ting W. Thymoquinone induces apoptosis in temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma cells via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:90-100. [PMID: 36176197 PMCID: PMC10087852 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Temozolomide (TMZ) can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver methyl groups to the purine (guanine) bases of DNA, leading to mispairing during DNA replication and subsequent cell death. However, increased expression of the repair enzyme methyl guanine methyltransferase (MGMT), which removes methyl groups from purine bases, counteracts methylation by TMZ. We evaluated the anticancer potential of thymoquinone (TQ), a hydrophobic flavonoid that inhibits resistance and induces apoptosis in various cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments showed that compared with the Hs683 and M059J cell lines, U251 cells were more sensitive to TMZ. Compared to U251 cells, U251R cells, a TMZ drug-resistant strain established in this study, are characterized by increased expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and MGMT. TQ treatments induced apoptosis in all cell lines. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathway was mainly activated in U251 and U251R cells; however, p-ERK and MGMT upregulation could not suppress TQ effects. Furthermore, si-p38 pretreatment of U251R cells in TQ treatments inhibited cell apoptosis. We speculate that TQ contributed to the phosphorylation and activation of p38, but not of ERK-induced apoptosis (irrespective of TMZ resistance). In vivo, U251R-derived tumors subcutaneously inoculated in nude mice exhibited significant tumor volume reduction after TQ or TQ + TMZ cotreatments. High-performance liquid chromatography assay confirmed the presence of TQ in murine brain tissues. Our findings demonstrate that TQ can effectively cross the BBB and function alone or in combination with TMZ to treat glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Mai
- Biomedicine Research CentreThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shu‐Wen Ye
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jia‐Yu Tu
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jun Gao
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhan‐Fang Kang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qian‐Ming Yao
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of NeurosurgeryAffiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wei‐Jen Ting
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Alam M, Hasan GM, Ansari MM, Sharma R, Yadav DK, Hassan MI. Therapeutic implications and clinical manifestations of thymoquinone. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2022; 200:113213. [PMID: 35472482 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural phytochemical predominantly found in Nigella sativa, has been investigated for its numerous health benefits. TQ showed anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, validated in various disease models. The anti-cancer potential of TQ is goverened by anti-proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, ROS production, anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis, inhibition of cell migration and invasion action. Additionally, TQ exhibited antitumor activity via the modulation of multiple pathways and molecular targets, including Akt, ERK1/2, STAT3, and NF-κB. The present review highlighted the anticancer potential of TQ . We summarize the anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of TQ, focusing on its molecular targets and its promising action in cancer therapy. We further described the molecular mechanisms by which TQ prevents signaling pathways that mediate cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzar Alam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Meraj Ansari
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| | - Rishi Sharma
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Hambakmoeiro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon City, 21924, South Korea.
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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Tabassum S, Thakur V, Rosli N, Ichwan SJA, Mishra P, Suriyah WH. Therapeutic implications of thymoquinone and its molecular and functional mechanisms against oral and lung cancer. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Role of Plant-Derived Active Constituents in Cancer Treatment and Their Mechanisms of Action. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081326. [PMID: 35456005 PMCID: PMC9031068 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant technological advancements in conventional therapies, cancer remains one of the main causes of death worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in the control and treatment of cancer, several limitations still exist, and there is scope for further advancements. Several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy that hinder cancer treatment and lead to other critical disorders. Since ancient times, plant-based medicines have been employed in clinical practice and have yielded good results with few side effects. The modern research system and advanced screening techniques for plants’ bioactive constituents have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of challenging diseases such as cancer. Phytochemicals such as vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, curcumin, colchicine, and lycopene have shown promising anticancer effects. Discovery of more plant-derived bioactive compounds should be encouraged via the exploitation of advanced and innovative research techniques, to prevent and treat advanced-stage cancers without causing significant adverse effects. This review highlights numerous plant-derived bioactive molecules that have shown potential as anticancer agents and their probable mechanisms of action and provides an overview of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies on anticancer phytochemicals.
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Ahmadzadeh H, Ahmadi M, Golchin A, Malakoti F, Maleki M, Alemi F, Bazavar M, Yousefi B. The Effect of TQ and Cis in OS. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2022; 72:171-176. [PMID: 35255515 DOI: 10.1055/a-1700-4258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone sarcoma with a high recurrence rate and poorer prognosis. The application of natural agents in combinational therapies can increase the efficacy of treatment and decrease the side effects. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Thymoquinone (TQ) combined with Cisplatin on apoptosis and its underlying mechanisms in the Saos-2 cells. METHODS The effects of TQ and Cisplatin on Saos-2 cell viability were measured using an MTT assay. Western blotting was applied for the measurement of γH2AX protein expression. The expression levels of 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). DCFH-DA fluorescence dye was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. For evaluation of apoptosis, flow cytometry was employed. RESULTS TQ dramatically promotes the cytotoxic effects of Cisplatin. TQ considerably enhanced the expression levels of 8-oxo-dG and γ-H2AX in Saos-2 cells. After TQ treatment, ROS levels were increased; furthermore, TQ treatment resulted in the potentiation of Cisplatin-induced apoptosis in Saos-2 cells compared to either TQ or Cisplatin treated cells. CONCLUSION In general, TQ plus Cisplatin resulted in potentiated cellular cytotoxicity by increasing ROS level and inducing oxidative DNA damage, leading to the potent induction of apoptosis in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Ahmadzadeh
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehran Ahmadi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asal Golchin
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Faezeh Malakoti
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masomeh Maleki
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Forough Alemi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Bazavar
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Therapeutic Potential of Certain Terpenoids as Anticancer Agents: A Scoping Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051100. [PMID: 35267408 PMCID: PMC8909202 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a life-threatening disease and is considered to be among the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemoresistance, severe toxicity, relapse and metastasis are the major obstacles in cancer therapy. Therefore, introducing new therapeutic agents for cancer remains a priority to increase the range of effective treatments. Terpenoids, a large group of secondary metabolites, are derived from plant sources and are composed of several isoprene units. The high diversity of terpenoids has drawn attention to their potential anticancer and pharmacological activities. Some terpenoids exhibit an anticancer effect by triggering various stages of cancer progression, for example, suppressing the early stage of tumorigenesis via induction of cell cycle arrest, inhibiting cancer cell differentiation and activating apoptosis. At the late stage of cancer development, certain terpenoids are able to inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis via modulation of different intracellular signaling pathways. Significant progress in the identification of the mechanism of action and signaling pathways through which terpenoids exert their anticancer effects has been highlighted. Hence, in this review, the anticancer activities of twenty-five terpenoids are discussed in detail. In addition, this review provides insights on the current clinical trials and future directions towards the development of certain terpenoids as potential anticancer agents.
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PI3K-AKT Pathway Modulation by Thymoquinone Limits Tumor Growth and Glycolytic Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042305. [PMID: 35216429 PMCID: PMC8880628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of death in men and the fourth in women worldwide and is characterized by deranged cellular energetics. Thymoquinone, an active component from Nigella sativa, has been extensively studied against cancer, however, its role in affecting deregulated cancer metabolism is largely unknown. Further, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is one of the most activated pathways in cancer and its activation is central to most deregulated metabolic pathways for supporting the anabolic needs of growing cancer cells. Herein, we provide evidence that thymoquinone inhibits glycolytic metabolism (Warburg effect) in colorectal cancer cell lines. Further, we show that such an abrogation of deranged cell metabolism was due, at least in part, to the inhibition of the rate-limiting glycolytic enzyme, Hexokinase 2 (HK2), via modulating the PI3/AKT axis. While overexpression of HK2 showed that it is essential for fueling glycolytic metabolism as well as sustaining tumorigenicity, its pharmacologic and/or genetic inhibition led to a reduction in the observed effects. The results decipher HK2 mediated inhibitory effects of thymoquinone in modulating its glycolytic metabolism and antitumor effects. In conclusion, we provide evidence of metabolic perturbation by thymoquinone in CRC cells, highlighting its potential to be used/repurposed as an antimetabolite drug, though the latter needs further validation utilizing other suitable cell and/or preclinical animal models.
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Design and Characterization of Atorvastatin Dry Powder Formulation as a potential Lung Cancer Treatment. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 29:1449-1457. [PMID: 35002383 PMCID: PMC8720807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Many studies have shown the beneficial effects of Atorvastatin in decreasing the mortality risk and improving survival among patients with lung cancer. This research paper focuses on improving AVT cytotoxic activity and cellular uptake by developing mannitol microcarriers as a promising drug delivery system for lung cancer treatment and, studying the impact of improving inhalation deposition on the delivery and Dry Powder formulations efficiency. The AVT loaded mannitol (AM) microparticles (AVT-AM) formulation was prepared by spray drying and characterized for its physicochemical properties and aerodynamic deposition. The results revealed that the AVT-AM formulation has good flow properties and aerosol deposition with a particle size of 3418 nm ± 26.86. The formulation was also assessed in vitro for cytotoxicity effects (proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression) on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma. Compared with free AVT, the AVT-AM formulation has significantly higher cellular uptake and anti-cancer properties by disrupting cell cycle progression via either apoptosis or cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. This study shows that AVT loaded mannitol microcarriers may provide a potentially effective and sustained pulmonary drug delivery for lung cancer treatment.
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de Klerk DJ, de Keijzer MJ, Dias LM, Heemskerk J, de Haan LR, Kleijn TG, Franchi LP, Heger M. Strategies for Improving Photodynamic Therapy Through Pharmacological Modulation of the Immediate Early Stress Response. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2451:405-480. [PMID: 35505025 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2099-1_20] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally to noninvasive treatment modality that has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional cancer treatments. PDT induces hyperoxidative stress and disrupts cellular homeostasis in photosensitized cancer cells, resulting in cell death and ultimately removal of the tumor. However, various survival pathways can be activated in sublethally afflicted cancer cells following PDT. The acute stress response is one of the known survival pathways in PDT, which is activated by reactive oxygen species and signals via ASK-1 (directly) or via TNFR (indirectly). The acute stress response can activate various other survival pathways that may entail antioxidant, pro-inflammatory, angiogenic, and proteotoxic stress responses that culminate in the cancer cell's ability to cope with redox stress and oxidative damage. This review provides an overview of the immediate early stress response in the context of PDT, mechanisms of activation by PDT, and molecular intervention strategies aimed at inhibiting survival signaling and improving PDT outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J de Klerk
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark J de Keijzer
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lionel M Dias
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde (FCS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jordi Heemskerk
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianne R de Haan
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tony G Kleijn
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonardo P Franchi
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB) 2, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
- Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Chemistry, Center of Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering-Photobiology and Photomedicine Research Group, Sciences, and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michal Heger
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Farooq J, Sultana R, Taj T, Asdaq SMB, Alsalman AJ, Mohaini MA, Al Hawaj MA, Kamal M, Alghamdi S, Imran M, Shahin H, Tabassum R. Insights into the Protective Effects of Thymoquinone against Toxicities Induced by Chemotherapeutic Agents. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010226. [PMID: 35011457 PMCID: PMC8746502 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The drugs used to treat cancer not only kill fast-growing cancer cells, but also kill or slow the growth of healthy cells, causing systemic toxicities that lead to altered functioning of normal cells. Most chemotherapeutic agents have serious toxicities associated with their use, necessitating extreme caution and attention. There is a growing interest in herbal remedies because of their pharmacological activities, minimal side effects, and low cost. Thymoquinone, a major component of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa Linn, also known as black cumin or black seeds, is commonly used in Middle Eastern countries as a condiment. It is also utilized for medicinal purposes and possesses antidiabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. This review attempts to compile the published literature demonstrating thymoquinone's protective effect against chemotherapeutic drug-induced toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juveriya Farooq
- Department of Pharmacology, Yenepoya Pharmacy College and Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India; (J.F.); (T.T.); (H.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Rokeya Sultana
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Yenepoya Pharmacy College and Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
- Correspondence: or (R.S.); or (S.M.B.A.)
| | - Tahreen Taj
- Department of Pharmacology, Yenepoya Pharmacy College and Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India; (J.F.); (T.T.); (H.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin Asdaq
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: or (R.S.); or (S.M.B.A.)
| | - Abdulkhaliq J. Alsalman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Arar 91911, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammed Al Mohaini
- Basic Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 31982, Saudi Arabia;
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Thuwal 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maitham A. Al Hawaj
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Saad Alghamdi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohd. Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Arar 91911, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Haleema Shahin
- Department of Pharmacology, Yenepoya Pharmacy College and Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India; (J.F.); (T.T.); (H.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Ruheena Tabassum
- Department of Pharmacology, Yenepoya Pharmacy College and Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India; (J.F.); (T.T.); (H.S.); (R.T.)
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Zhang B, Ting W, Gao J, Kang Z, Huang C, Weng Y. Erk phosphorylation reduces the thymoquinone toxicity in human hepatocarcinoma. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:1990-1998. [PMID: 34173702 PMCID: PMC8456969 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Although enormous achievements have been made in targeted molecular therapies against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the treatments can only prolong the life of patients with extrahepatic metastases. We evaluated thymoquinone (TQ), a compound from Nigella sativa Linn., for its anti-cancer effect on SK-Hep1 cells and HCC-xenograft nude mice. TQ effectively triggered cell death and activated p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk) pathways up to 24 h after treatment in cells. TQ-induced cell death was reversed by p38 inhibitor; however, it was enhanced by si-Erk. The caspase3 activation and TUNEL assay revealed a stronger toxic effect upon co-treatment with TQ and si-Erk. Our study suggested that phosphorylation of p38 in SK-Hep1 cells constituted the major factor leading to cell apoptosis, whereas phosphorylation of Erk led to drug resistance. Furthermore, TQ therapeutic effect was improved upon Erk inhibition in HCC-xenograft nude mice. TQ could present excellent anti-HCC potential under suitable p-Erk inhibiting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's HospitalQingyuanChina
| | - Wei‐Jen Ting
- Basic Medical Science LaboratoryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's HospitalQingyuanChina
| | - Jun Gao
- Basic Medical Science LaboratoryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's HospitalQingyuanChina
| | - Zhan‐Fang Kang
- Basic Medical Science LaboratoryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's HospitalQingyuanChina
| | - Chih‐Yang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical ScienceChina Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research CenterHualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical FoundationHualienTaiwan
- Department of Medical ResearchChina Medical University Hospital, China Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Center of General EducationBuddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and TechnologyHualienTaiwan
| | - Yi‐Jiun Weng
- Basic Medical Science LaboratoryThe Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's HospitalQingyuanChina
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Abstract
In this study, the potential of Nigella sativa was evaluated in the management of oral cancer through assays designed to mimic conditions expected when chewing the whole seeds or use of a seed extract. For this purpose, a water-based extract of N. sativa seeds was prepared, mimicking the chewing process. This extract demonstrated significant cytotoxic effect on oral cancer and pre-cancerous leukoplakia cells in vitro at a much lower concentration than the predicted oral concentration that could be achieved upon seed chewing. When the active constituent(s) in this water-based N. sativa seed extract, was explored significant quantities of the compound α-hederin was detected but only modest quantities of thymoquinone suggesting that thymoquinone is not fully released into the aqueous medium during the chewing process. While the N. sativa seed extract induced a different effect on the cells than that of pure thymoquinone, α-hederin alone induced a very similar effect on the cells to that of the extract. These results suggest that α-hederin and not thymoquinone, is the major component of the seed that is responsible for the inhibitory effect observed in vitro. Therefore, chewing N. sativa whole seeds or applying a concentrated extract on the oral lesions may be an inexpensive, widely available, and effective option for patients at risk of developing oral cancer who are receiving no other preventive treatment.
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Zheng M, Mei Z, Junaid M, Tania M, Fu J, Chen HC, Khan MA. Synergistic Role of Thymoquinone on Anticancer Activity of 5-fluorouracil in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:1111-1118. [PMID: 34170813 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210624111613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered the most deadly subtype of breast cancer because of heterogeneity, fewer treatment options, and resistance to chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE We investigated the combined therapy of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and thymoquinone (TQ) against TNBC cell lines BT-549 and MDA-MB-231 in this study to find out efficient chemotherapeutic options. METHODS We tested 5-FU and TQ alone and in combination (5-FU + TQ) to observe the cellular growth, cell cycle, and apoptosis status of BT-549 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Also, we have measured the mRNA level expression of genes related to the cell cycle and apoptosis. RESULTS Experimental results suggest that both 5-FU and TQ are effective in controlling cell growth, cell cycle, and inducing apoptosis, but their combination is much more effective. 5-FU was found more effective in controlling cell growth, while TQ was found more effective in inducing apoptosis, but in both cases, their combination was most effective. TQ was found to be more effective in increasing and BAX/BCL-2 ratio), while 5-FU was more effective in inhibiting thymidylate synthase. They had shown significant increasing effects on caspases and P53 and decreasing effects on CDK-2, where their combination was found most effective. CONCLUSIONS Thus, TQ and 5-FU probably showed a synergistic effect on both of cell cycle and apoptosis of tested TNBC cell lines. Our study reveals that TQ can synergise 5-FU action and increase its anticancer efficiency against TNBC cells, which might be a good choice in drug development for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Mei
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Md Junaid
- Advanced Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, and Data Science Laboratory, Bangladesh, Chattogram, China
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Research Division, Nature Study Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka. Bangladesh
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Han-Chun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Sarkar C, Jamaddar S, Islam T, Mondal M, Islam MT, Mubarak MS. Therapeutic perspectives of the black cumin component thymoquinone: A review. Food Funct 2021; 12:6167-6213. [PMID: 34085672 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo00401h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The dietary phytochemical thymoquinone (TQ), belonging to the family of quinones, mainly obtained from the black and angular seeds of Nigella sativa, is one of the promising monoterpenoid hydrocarbons, which has been receiving massive attention for its therapeutic potential and pharmacological properties. It plays an important role as a chemopreventive and therapeutic agent in the treatment of various diseases and illnesses. The aim of this review is to present a summary of the most recent literature pertaining to the use of TQ for the prevention and treatment of various diseases along with possible mechanisms of action, and the potential use of this natural product as a complementary or alternative medicine. Research findings indicated that TQ exhibits numerous pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anticancer, among others. Conclusions of this review on the therapeutic aspects of TQ highlight the medicinal and folk values of this compound against various diseases and ailments. In short, TQ could be a novel drug in clinical trials, as we hope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Sarkar
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj-8100, Bangladesh.
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Ansary J, Giampieri F, Forbes-Hernandez TY, Regolo L, Quinzi D, Gracia Villar S, Garcia Villena E, Tutusaus Pifarre K, Alvarez-Suarez JM, Battino M, Cianciosi D. Nutritional Value and Preventive Role of Nigella sativa L. and Its Main Component Thymoquinone in Cancer: An Evidenced-Based Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082108. [PMID: 33916916 PMCID: PMC8067617 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent times, scientific attention has been paid to different foods and their bioactive components for the ability to inhibit the onset and progress of different types of cancer. Nigella sativa extract, powder and seed oil and its main components, thymoquinone and α-hederin, have showed potent anticancer and chemosensitizing effects against various types of cancer, such as liver, colon, breast, renal, cervical, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and skin tumors, through the modulation of various molecular signaling pathways. Herein, the purpose of this review was to highlight the anticancer activity of Nigella sativa and it constitutes, focusing on different in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies and projects, in order to underline their antiproliferative, proapoptotic, cytotoxic and antimetastatic effects. Particular attention has been also given to the synergistic effect of Nigella sativa and it constitutes with chemotherapeutic drugs, and to the synthesized analogs of thymoquinone that seem to enhance the chemo-sensitizing potential. This review could be a useful step towards new research on N. sativa and cancer, to include this plant in the dietary treatments in support to conventional therapies, for the best achievement of therapeutic goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johura Ansary
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
| | - Francesca Giampieri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
- Nutrition and Food Science Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, CITACA, CACTI, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Lucia Regolo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
| | - Denise Quinzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
| | - Santos Gracia Villar
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011 Santander, Spain; (S.G.V.); (E.G.V.); (K.T.P.)
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Garcia Villena
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011 Santander, Spain; (S.G.V.); (E.G.V.); (K.T.P.)
| | - Kilian Tutusaus Pifarre
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011 Santander, Spain; (S.G.V.); (E.G.V.); (K.T.P.)
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico
| | - José M. Alvarez-Suarez
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Alimentos, Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170157, Ecuador
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.-S.); (M.B.); (D.C.); Tel.: +593-2-297-1700 (J.M.A.-S.); +339-071-220-4646 (M.B.); +339-071-220-4136 (D.C.)
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.-S.); (M.B.); (D.C.); Tel.: +593-2-297-1700 (J.M.A.-S.); +339-071-220-4646 (M.B.); +339-071-220-4136 (D.C.)
| | - Danila Cianciosi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.-S.); (M.B.); (D.C.); Tel.: +593-2-297-1700 (J.M.A.-S.); +339-071-220-4646 (M.B.); +339-071-220-4136 (D.C.)
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Korff JM, Menke K, Schwermer M, Falke K, Schramm A, Längler A, Zuzak TJ. Antitumoral Effects of Curcumin (Curcuma longa L.) and Thymoquinone (Nigella sativa L.) on Neuroblastoma Cell Lines. Complement Med Res 2020; 28:164-168. [PMID: 33075785 DOI: 10.1159/000509765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Overall survival of high-risk neuroblastoma patients is still poor, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic options. There is evidence for anti-cancer properties of the herbal substances thymoquinone and curcumin. These substances are isolated from Nigella sativa L. and Curcuma longa L., respectively, which are used in traditional medicine. OBJECTIVE We investigated cytotoxic effects of thymoquinone and curcumin on neuroblastoma cell lines NLF, NB69, and SK-N-BE(2), in vitro. METHODS Cytotoxicity of compounds was investigated by MTT cell viability assays. For analyzing effects on cell proliferation BrdU assays were employed and induction of apoptosis was detected by Cell Death ELISA assays. RESULTS Both substances showed cytotoxic effects in all three neuroblastoma cell lines, whereby primary human fibroblast cells reacted less sensitively. Overall, lower IC50 values could be calculated for curcumin (3.75-7.42 µM) than for thymoquinone (5.16-16.3 µM). Decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis rates were observed under treatment. CONCLUSIONS Both substances showed anti-tumoral properties on neuroblastoma cell lines and should be further investigated as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Maria Korff
- Department of Pediatrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Katrin Menke
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Melanie Schwermer
- Department of Pediatrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany, .,Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital, Essen, Germany,
| | - Katharina Falke
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Alfred Längler
- Department of Pediatrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany.,Integrative Pediatrics Institute for Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke, Germany
| | - Tycho Jan Zuzak
- Department of Pediatrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
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Roche O, Fernández-Aroca DM, Arconada-Luque E, García-Flores N, Mellor LF, Ruiz-Hidalgo MJ, Sánchez-Prieto R. p38β and Cancer: The Beginning of the Road. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207524. [PMID: 33053909 PMCID: PMC7589630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is implicated in cancer biology and has been widely studied over the past two decades as a potential therapeutic target. Most of the biological and pathological implications of p38MAPK signaling are often associated with p38α (MAPK14). Recently, several members of the p38 family, including p38γ and p38δ, have been shown to play a crucial role in several pathologies including cancer. However, the specific role of p38β (MAPK11) in cancer is still elusive, and further investigation is needed. Here, we summarize what is currently known about the role of p38β in different types of tumors and its putative implication in cancer therapy. All evidence suggests that p38β might be a key player in cancer development, and could be an important therapeutic target in several pathologies, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Roche
- Laboratorio de Oncología, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad Asociada al CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (O.R.); (D.M.F.-A.); (E.A.-L.); (N.G.-F.); (L.F.M.); (M.J.R.-H.)
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Diego M. Fernández-Aroca
- Laboratorio de Oncología, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad Asociada al CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (O.R.); (D.M.F.-A.); (E.A.-L.); (N.G.-F.); (L.F.M.); (M.J.R.-H.)
| | - Elena Arconada-Luque
- Laboratorio de Oncología, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad Asociada al CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (O.R.); (D.M.F.-A.); (E.A.-L.); (N.G.-F.); (L.F.M.); (M.J.R.-H.)
| | - Natalia García-Flores
- Laboratorio de Oncología, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad Asociada al CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (O.R.); (D.M.F.-A.); (E.A.-L.); (N.G.-F.); (L.F.M.); (M.J.R.-H.)
| | - Liliana F. Mellor
- Laboratorio de Oncología, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad Asociada al CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (O.R.); (D.M.F.-A.); (E.A.-L.); (N.G.-F.); (L.F.M.); (M.J.R.-H.)
| | - María José Ruiz-Hidalgo
- Laboratorio de Oncología, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad Asociada al CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (O.R.); (D.M.F.-A.); (E.A.-L.); (N.G.-F.); (L.F.M.); (M.J.R.-H.)
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Orgánica y Bioquímica, Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Ricardo Sánchez-Prieto
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Departamento de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad Asociada al CSIC, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-915-854-420
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Almatroodi SA, Almatroudi A, Alsahli MA, Khan AA, Rahmani AH. Thymoquinone, an Active Compound of Nigella sativa: Role in Prevention and Treatment of Cancer. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:1028-1041. [DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200416092743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and the current mode of cancer
treatment causes side effects on normal cells and are still the key challenges in its’ treatment. However,
natural products or active compounds of medicinal plants have shown to be safe, affordable, and
effective in diseases cure.
Methods:
In this context, scientific studies evidence the health-promoting effects of natural products,
which work through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity. Thymoquinone (TM),
a predominant active compound of Nigella sativa, has confirmed anti-neoplastic activity through its
ability to regulate various genetic pathways. In addition, thymoquinone has established anti-cancerous
effects through killing of various cancerous cells,and inhibiting the initiation, migration, invasion, and
progression of the cancer. The anti-cancer effects of TM are chiefly mediated via regulating various
cell signaling pathways such as VEGF, bcl2/bax ratio, p53, NF-kB, and oncogenes.
Results:
The anti-cancer drugs have limitations in efficacy and also causes adverse side effects on
normal cells. The combination of anti-cancer drugs and thymoquinone improves the efficacy of drugs
which is evident by decrease resistance to drugs and regulation of various cell signaling pathways.
Moreover, combination of anti-cancer drugs as well as thymoquinone shows synergistic effect on killing
of cancer cells and cells viability. Thus, TM, in combination with anti-cancer drugs, can be a good
strategy in the management of various types of cancer.
Conclusion:
In this review article, we deliver an outline of thymoquinone role in cancer inhibition and
prevention of cancer-based on in vivo and in vitro studies. Further studies on thymoquinone based on
clinical trials are highly required to explore the benefits of thymoquinone in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A. Almatroodi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A. Alsahli
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad A. Khan
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshad H. Rahmani
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
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Ahmad R, Khan MA, Srivastava A, Gupta A, Srivastava A, Jafri TR, Siddiqui Z, Chaubey S, Khan T, Srivastava AK. Anticancer Potential of Dietary Natural Products: A Comprehensive Review. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2020; 20:122-236. [DOI: 10.2174/1871520619666191015103712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nature is a rich source of natural drug-like compounds with minimal side effects. Phytochemicals
better known as “Natural Products” are found abundantly in a number of plants. Since time immemorial, spices
have been widely used in Indian cuisine as flavoring and coloring agents. Most of these spices and condiments
are derived from various biodiversity hotspots in India (which contribute 75% of global spice production) and
form the crux of India’s multidiverse and multicultural cuisine. Apart from their aroma, flavor and taste, these
spices and condiments are known to possess several medicinal properties also. Most of these spices are mentioned
in the Ayurveda, the indigenous system of medicine. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative,
antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties of several of these natural products are well documented in
Ayurveda. These phytoconstituemts are known to act as functional immunoboosters, immunomodulators as well
as anti-inflammatory agents. As anticancer agents, their mechanistic action involves cancer cell death via induction
of apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. The present review provides a comprehensive and collective update
on the potential of 66 commonly used spices as well as their bioactive constituents as anticancer agents. The
review also provides an in-depth update of all major in vitro, in vivo, clinical and pharmacological studies done
on these spices with special emphasis on the potential of these spices and their bioactive constituents as potential
functional foods for prevention, treatment and management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumana Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Lucknow-226003, UP, India
| | - Mohsin A. Khan
- Chancellor, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow-226003, UP, India
| | - A.N. Srivastava
- Department of Pathology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Lucknow-226003, UP, India
| | - Anamika Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Lucknow-226003, UP, India
| | - Aditi Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Lucknow-226003, UP, India
| | - Tanvir R. Jafri
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Lucknow-226003, UP, India
| | - Zainab Siddiqui
- Department of Pathology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Lucknow-226003, UP, India
| | - Sunaina Chaubey
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Lucknow-226003, UP, India
| | - Tahmeena Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Integral University, Dasauli, P.O. Bas-ha, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, UP, India
| | - Arvind K. Srivastava
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Lucknow-226003, UP, India
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Wang SH, Wu HC, Badrealam KF, Kuo YH, Chao YP, Hsu HH, Bau DT, Viswanadha VP, Chen YH, Lio PJ, Chiang CJ, Huang CY. Taiwanin E Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Arecoline/4-NQO-Induced Oral Cancer Cells Through Modulation of the ERK Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1309. [PMID: 31921618 PMCID: PMC6928190 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Taiwanin E is a bioactive compound extracted from Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata. In this research endeavor, we studied the anti-cancer effect of Taiwanin E against arecoline and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide-induced oral squamous cancer cells (OSCC), and elucidated the underlying intricacies. OSCC were treated with Taiwanin E and analyzed through MTT assay, Flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, and Western blotting for their efficacy against OSCC. Interestingly, it was found that Taiwanin E significantly attenuated the cell viability of oral cancer cells (T28); however, no significant cytotoxic effects were found for normal oral cells (N28). Further, Flow cytometry analysis showed that Taiwanin E induced G1cell cycle arrest in T28 oral cancer cells and Western blot analysis suggested that Taiwanin E considerably downregulated cell cycle regulatory proteins and activated p53, p21, and p27 proteins. Further, TUNEL and Western blot studies instigated that it induced cellular apoptosis and attenuated the p-PI3K/p-Akt survival mechanism in T28 oral cancer cells seemingly through modulation of the ERK signaling cascade. Collectively, the present study highlights the prospective therapeutic efficacy of Taiwanin E against arecoline and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide-induced oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hao Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.,Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chin Wu
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Khan Farheen Badrealam
- Graduate Institute of Biomedicine, China Medical University and Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsiung Kuo
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Peng Chao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Hsien Hsu
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Mackay Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Da-Tian Bau
- Graduate Institute of Biomedicine, China Medical University and Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Yi-Hui Chen
- Department of M-Commerce and Multimedia Applications, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jei Lio
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Jen Chiang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedicine, China Medical University and Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Cardiovascular and Mitochondria Related Diseases Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.,Center of General Education, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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25
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Imani S, Wu RC, Fu J. MicroRNA-34 family in breast cancer: from research to therapeutic potential. J Cancer 2018; 9:3765-3775. [PMID: 30405848 PMCID: PMC6216011 DOI: 10.7150/jca.25576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA)-34 family (miR-34s), including miR-34a/b/c, is the most well studied non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. The miR-34s mediates the tumor suppressor function of p53 in the pathogenesis of breast cancer by targeting different oncogenes. This review focuses on the anti-oncogenic regulation of the miR-34s, emphasizing the major signaling pathways that are involved in the modulation of miR-34s in breast cancer. Moreover, it highlights how epigenetic modification by the p53/miR-34s axis regulates the proliferation, invasiveness, chemoresistance, and sternness of breast cancer. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of miR-34s will open new opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and define a new approach in identifying potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Imani
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, the Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Ray-Chang Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, the George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, the Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
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26
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Imran M, Rauf A, Khan IA, Shahbaz M, Qaisrani TB, Fatmawati S, Abu-Izneid T, Imran A, Rahman KU, Gondal TA. Thymoquinone: A novel strategy to combat cancer: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:390-402. [PMID: 29966985 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The higher consumption of fruit, herbs, spices, and vegetables is well known and practical strategy to cure human cancers owing to their presence of bioactive compounds. Among these, Nigella sativa is a promising source of bioactive compounds including thymoquinone, monoterpenes, p-cymene and α-piene etc. Thymoquinone has been found effective to inhibit the different cancer stages such as proliferation, migration and invasion. It also acts as anticancer agent against different human cancers such as breast, pancreatic, prostate, blood, oral, bone, head and neck, cervical, liver and lung. It significantly mediated miR-34a up-regulation, enhanced the levels of miR-34a through p53, and down controlled Rac1 expression. Thymoquinone induces apoptosis, regulates the levels of pro- and anti- apoptotic genes. It also has been known to lower the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IKKα/β and reduces the metastasis as well as also lowered the ERK1/2 and PI3K activities. Thymoquinone inhibits the metastasis through activation of JNK and p38. The present review article highlights the anticancer perspectives of thymoquinone in human by various pathways and use of this compound as diet based therapy has proven new pharmacological agent against several types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Imtiaz Ali Khan
- Department ofAgriculture, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahbaz
- Department of Food science and Technology, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Sri Fatmawati
- Department of Chemistry,Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS-Sukolilo, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, P.O.Box 42, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Imran
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Khaliq Ur Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Tanweer Aslam Gondal
- School of Exercise and Nutrition, Centre of Advanced Sensory Science, Deakin University, Australia
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27
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Cytotoxicity of thymoquinone alone or in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) against oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13131. [PMID: 29030590 PMCID: PMC5640598 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13357-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin (CDDP) is potent anticancer agent used for several tumor types. Thymoquinone (TQ) is naturally occurring compound drawing great attention as anticancer and chemomodulator for chemotherapies. Herein, we studied the potential cytotoxicity of thymoquinone, CDDP and their combination against human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell in contrast to normal oral epithelial cells. CDDP similarly killed both head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells (UMSCC-14C) and normal oral epithelial cells (OEC). TQ alone exerted considerable cytotoxicity against UMSCC-14C cells; while it induced weaker killing effect against normal oral epithelial cells (OEC). Equitoxic combination of TQ and CDDP showed additive to synergistic interaction against both UMSCC-14C and OEC cells. TQ alone increased apoptotic cell fraction in UMSCC-14C cells, as early as after 6 hours. In addition, prolonged exposure of UMSCC-14C to TQ alone resulted in 96.7 ± 1.6% total apoptosis which was increased after combination with CDDP to 99.3 ± 1.2% in UMSCC-14C cells. On the other hand, TQ induced marginal increase in the apoptosis in OEC and even decreased the apoptosis induced by CDDP alone. Finally, apoptosis induction results were confirmed by the change in the expression levels of p53, Bcl-2 and Caspase-9 proteins in both UMSCC-14c and OEC cells.
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28
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Imani S, Wei C, Cheng J, Khan MA, Fu S, Yang L, Tania M, Zhang X, Xiao X, Zhang X, Fu J. MicroRNA-34a targets epithelial to mesenchymal transition-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs) and inhibits breast cancer cell migration and invasion. Oncotarget 2017; 8:21362-21379. [PMID: 28423483 PMCID: PMC5400590 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) plays an essential role against tumorigenesis and progression of cancer metastasis. Here, we analyzed the expression, targets and functional effects of miR-34a on epithelial to mesenchymal transition-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs), such as TWIST1, SLUG and ZEB1/2, and an EMT-inducing protein NOTCH1 in breast cancer (BC) cell migration and invasion and its correlation with tumorigenesis and clinical outcomes. Expression of miR-34a is downregulated in human metastatic breast cancers (MBC) compared to normal breast tissues and is negatively correlated with clinicopathological features of MBC patients. Ectopic expression of miR-34a in MBC cell-line BT-549 significantly inhibits cell migration and invasion, but exhibits no clear effect on BC cell growth. We found that miR-34a is able to inactivate EMT signaling pathway with mediatory of NOTCH1, TWIST1, and ZEB1 upon 3′-UTR activity in MBC cell lines, but has no inhibitory effects on SLUG and ZEB2. Furthermore, we investigated the synergistic effects of Thymoquinone (TQ) and miR-34a together on the expression of EMT-associated proteins. Results showed that co-delivery of miR-34a and TQ is able to inactivate EMT signaling pathway by directly targeting TWIST1 and ZEB1 in BT-549 cell line, indicating that they might be a promising therapeutic combination against breast cancer metastasis. Epigenetic inactivation of the EMT-TFs/miR-34a pathway can potentially alter the equilibrium of these regulations, facilitating EMT and metastasis in BC. Altogether, our findings suggest that miR-34a alone could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for MBC, and together with TQ, their therapeutic potential is synergistically enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Imani
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah Medical Sciences University (BMSU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Chunli Wei
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Jingliang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Shangyi Fu
- The Honors College, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luquan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, Red-Green Computing Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiuli Xiao
- Pathology Department, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianning Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
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Ghahramanloo KH, Kamalidehghan B, Akbari Javar H, Teguh Widodo R, Majidzadeh K, Noordin MI. Comparative analysis of essential oil composition of Iranian and Indian Nigella sativa L. extracted using supercritical fluid extraction and solvent extraction. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2017; 11:2221-2226. [PMID: 28814830 PMCID: PMC5546729 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s87251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the oil extraction yield and essential oil composition of Indian and Iranian Nigella sativa L. extracted by using Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and solvent extraction methods. In this study, a gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrophotometer detector was employed for qualitative analysis of the essential oil composition of Indian and Iranian N. sativa L. The results indicated that the main fatty acid composition identified in the essential oils extracted by using SFE and solvent extraction were linoleic acid (22.4%–61.85%) and oleic acid (1.64%–18.97%). Thymoquinone (0.72%–21.03%) was found to be the major volatile compound in the extracted N. sativa oil. It was observed that the oil extraction efficiency obtained from SFE was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that achieved by the solvent extraction technique. The present study showed that SFE can be used as a more efficient technique for extraction of N. Sativa L. essential oil, which is composed of higher linoleic acid and thymoquinone contents compared to the essential oil obtained by the solvent extraction technique.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Behnam Kamalidehghan
- Medical Genetics Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB)
| | - Hamid Akbari Javar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)
| | - Riyanto Teguh Widodo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Keivan Majidzadeh
- Breast Cancer Research Center (BCRC) Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran, Iran
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Asaduzzaman Khan M, Tania M, Fu S, Fu J. Thymoquinone, as an anticancer molecule: from basic research to clinical investigation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:51907-51919. [PMID: 28881699 PMCID: PMC5584300 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone is an anticancer phytochemical commonly found in black cumin. In this review, we discuss the potential of thymoquinone as anticancer molecule, its mechanism of action and future usage in clinical applications. Thymoquinone exhibits anticancer activity via numerous mechanisms of action, specifically by showing selective antioxidant and oxidant activity, interfering with DNA structure, affecting carcinogenic signaling molecules/pathways and immunomodulation. In vitro activity of thymoquinone has been further implicated in animal models of cancer; however, no clinical application has been proven yet. This is the optimum time to focus on clinical trials for developing thymoquinone as a future drug in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Computing Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shangyi Fu
- The Honors College, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Hsu HH, Chen MC, Day CH, Lin YM, Li SY, Tu CC, Padma VV, Shih HN, Kuo WW, Huang CY. Thymoquinone suppresses migration of LoVo human colon cancer cells by reducing prostaglandin E2 induced COX-2 activation. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:1171-1179. [PMID: 28275297 PMCID: PMC5323442 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i7.1171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify potential anti-cancer constituents in natural extracts that inhibit cancer cell growth and migration.
METHODS Our experiments used high dose thymoquinone (TQ) as an inhibitor to arrest LoVo (a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line) cancer cell growth, which was detected by cell proliferation assay and immunoblotting assay. Low dose TQ did not significantly reduce LoVo cancer cell growth. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that is involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in humans. PGE2 can promote COX-2 protein expression and tumor cell proliferation and was used as a control.
RESULTS Our results showed that 20 μmol/L TQ significantly reduced human LoVo colon cancer cell proliferation. TQ treatment reduced the levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK3β, and β-catenin and thereby inhibited the downstream COX-2 expression. Results also showed that the reduction in COX-2 expression resulted in a reduction in PGE2 levels and the suppression of EP2 and EP4 activation. Further analysis showed that TG treatment inhibited the nuclear translocation of β-catenin in LoVo cancer cells. The levels of the cofactors LEF-1 and TCF-4 were also decreased in the nucleus following TQ treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with low dose TQ inhibited the COX-2 expression at the transcriptional level and the regulation of COX-2 expression efficiently reduced LoVo cell migration. The results were further verified in vivo by confirming the effects of TQ and/or PGE2 using tumor xenografts in nude mice.
CONCLUSION TQ inhibits LoVo cancer cell growth and migration, and this result highlights the therapeutic advantage of using TQ in combination therapy against colorectal cancer.
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Al-Attass SA, Zahran FM, Turkistany SA. Nigella sativa and its active constituent thymoquinone in oral health. Saudi Med J 2017; 37:235-44. [PMID: 26905343 PMCID: PMC4800885 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2016.3.13006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we summarized published reports that investigated the role of Nigella sativa (NS) and its active constituent, thymoquinone (TQ) in oral health and disease management. The literature studies were preliminary and scanty, but the results revealed that black seed plants have a potential therapeutic effect for oral and dental diseases. Such results are encouraging for the incorporation of these plants in dental therapeutics and hygiene products. However, further detailed preclinical and clinical studies at the cellular and molecular levels are required to investigate the mechanisms of action of NS and its constituents, particularly TQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safia A Al-Attass
- Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail.
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Antiproliferative and Apoptosis-Inducing Activities of Thymoquinone in Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Line. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2016; 33:516-524. [PMID: 29075062 DOI: 10.1007/s12288-016-0758-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is one of the malignant proliferations of lymphoid cells in the early stages of differentiation and accounts for about 80% of all cases of childhood leukemia. Side effects of available treatment are still main concern. Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural compound isolated from Nigella sativa, induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of TQ alone and in combination with doxorubicine on the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction of TQ in a lymphoblastic leukemia cell line. Jurkat cell line was cultured in standard condition and with concentrations of TQ (0-30 μm) and doxorubicine for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cell viability was measured by MTS assay. Apoptosis induction by TQ was assessed by annexin V-FITC/PI and flow cytometry analysis. TQ and DOX decreased cell viability with a time and dose dependent manner. The IC50 values were 19.461 ± 1.141, 17.342 ± 1.949 and 14.123 ± 1.874 μM in 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively for TQ. IC50 values for DOX were. 075 ± .0124, .028 ± .007 and.007 ± .001 μM in 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. The level of cell apoptosis in all used concentrations of TQ (4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 μm) was higher than control group (10.2, 14.1, 36.6, 87.5 and 93.3% respectively after 24 h; 10.7, 13.9, 64.6, 92.2 and 93.1 respectively after 48 h; 2.83, 5.83, 41.4, 71.6 and 86.6% respectively after 72 h) and reached to a significant level at 12, 16 and 20 μm concentration for 24 and 48 h and 16 and 20 μm for 72 h incubation. Combination of doxorubicine and TQ lead to a synergistic cytotoxicity as compared to any of them alone. The study indicated that TQ is effective on proliferation inhibition and is a strong apoptotic inducer in Jurkat lymphoblastic cell line and has synergistic effect in combination with DOX. This combination strategy can be an alternative way for more powerful anticancer effects. Therefore, the study of the mechanism of apoptosis induction of TQ can be a step forward to in target therapy which might be considered in the future studies.
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Lin YM, Kuo WW, Velmurugan BK, Hsien HH, Hsieh YL, Hsu HH, Tu CC, Bau DT, Viswanadha VP, Huang CY. Helioxanthin suppresses the cross talk of COX-2/PGE2 and EGFR/ERK pathway to inhibit Arecoline-induced Oral Cancer Cell (T28) proliferation and blocks tumor growth in xenografted nude mice. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2016; 31:2045-2056. [PMID: 26464283 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Helioxanthin, an active compound from Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata, has been shown to have various biological activities. However, their anticancer effect in oral squamous cell carcinoma has not been well established yet. Helioxanthin inhibited the proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner by inducing G2/M phase arrest. Similarly, helioxanthin inhibited cyclooxygenase-2, (COX-2), phosphorylated EGFR, and extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) protein level and further reduced the nuclear accumulation of phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR) and activator protein-1(AP-1) family protein, c-fos. Moreover, helioxanthin at the dose of 20 and 30 mg kg-1 for 15 days reduced the tumor growth in animal model. This study demonstrated that Helioxanthin exerts its anticancer activity against oral cancer cells by downregulating EGFR/ERK/c-fos signaling pathway to inhibit COX-2 level and by activating cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p27) to further induce G2/M cell cycle arrest. This helioxanthin may serve as a novel candidate for oral cancer prevention. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 2045-2056, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Min Lin
- Department of pathology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Technology, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Kuo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Hau-Hsueh Hsien
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - You-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Hsien Hsu
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Mackay Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Chou Tu
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of internal Medicine, Armed Force Taichung General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Da-Tian Bau
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Zheng J, Zhou Y, Li Y, Xu DP, Li S, Li HB. Spices for Prevention and Treatment of Cancers. Nutrients 2016; 8:E495. [PMID: 27529277 PMCID: PMC4997408 DOI: 10.3390/nu8080495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spices have been widely used as food flavorings and folk medicines for thousands of years. Numerous studies have documented the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of spices, which might be related to prevention and treatment of several cancers, including lung, liver, breast, stomach, colorectum, cervix, and prostate cancers. Several spices are potential sources for prevention and treatment of cancers, such as Curcuma longa (tumeric), Nigella sativa (black cumin), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Allium sativum (garlic), Crocus sativus (saffron), Piper nigrum (black pepper) and Capsicum annum (chili pepper), which contained several important bioactive compounds, such as curcumin, thymoquinone, piperine and capsaicin. The main mechanisms of action include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion of tumors, and sensitizing tumors to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review summarized recent studies on some spices for prevention and treatment of cancers, and special attention was paid to bioactive components and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Yue Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Ya Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Dong-Ping Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Sha Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hua-Bin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
- South China Sea Bioresource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Ju DT, Kuo WW, Ho TJ, Paul CR, Kuo CH, Viswanadha VP, Lin CC, Chen YS, Chang YM, Huang CY. Protocatechuic Acid from Alpinia oxyphylla Induces Schwann Cell Migration via ERK1/2, JNK and p38 Activation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2015; 43:653-65. [PMID: 26119854 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x15500408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Alpinia oxyphylla MIQ (Alpinate Oxyphyllae Fructus, AOF) is an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb whose fruits is widely used to prepare tonics and is used as an aphrodisiac, anti salivary, anti diuretic and nerve-protective agent. Protocatechuic acid (PCA), a simple phenolic compound was isolated from the kernels of AOF. This study investigated the role of PCA in promoting neural regeneration and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Nerve regeneration is a complex physiological response that takes place after injury. Schwann cells play a crucial role in the endogenous repair of peripheral nerves due to their ability to proliferate and migrate. The role of PCA in Schwann cell migration was determined by assessing the induced migration potential of RSC96 Schwann cells. PCA induced changes in the expression of proteins of three MAPK pathways, as determined using Western blot analysis. In order to determine the roles of MAPK (ERK1/2, JNK, and p38) pathways in PCA-induced matrix-degrading proteolytic enzyme (PAs and MMP2/9) production, the expression of several MAPK-associated proteins was analyzed after siRNA-mediated inhibition assays. Treatment with PCA-induced ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation that activated the downstream expression of PAs and MMPs. PCA-stimulated ERK1/2, JNK and p38 phosphorylation was attenuated by individual pretreatment with siRNAs or MAPK inhibitors (U0126, SP600125, and SB203580), resulting in the inhibition of migration and the uPA-related signal pathway. Taken together, our data suggest that PCA extract regulate the MAPK (ERK1/2, JNK, and p38)/PA (uPA, tPA)/MMP (MMP2, MMP9) mediated regeneration and migration signaling pathways in Schwann cells. Therefore, PCA plays a major role in Schwann cell migration and the regeneration of damaged peripheral nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Tong Ju
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Kuo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Jung Ho
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Chinese Medicine Department, China Medical University, Beigang Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Catherine Reena Paul
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Kuo
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, TPEC, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Chien-Chung Lin
- Orthopaedic Department, Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Sheng Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Chih-Yang Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Ahn JH, Yang YI, Lee KT, Choi JH. Dieckol, isolated from the edible brown algae Ecklonia cava, induces apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells and inhibits tumor xenograft growth. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2015; 141:255-68. [PMID: 25216701 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1819-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ecklonia cava is an abundant brown alga and has been reported to possess various bioactive compounds having anti-inflammatory effect. However, the anticancer effects of dieckol, a major active compound in E. cava, are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the anti-tumor activity of dieckol and its molecular mechanism in ovarian cancer cells and in a xenograft mouse model . METHODS MTT assay, PI staining, and PI and Annexin double staining were performed to study cell cytotoxicity, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis. We also investigated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and protein expression using flow cytometry and Western blot analysis, respectively. Anti-tumor effects of dieckol were evaluated in SKOV3 tumor xenograft model. RESULTS We found that the E. cava extract and its phlorotannins have cytotoxic effects on A2780 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. Dieckol induced the apoptosis of SKOV3 cells and suppressed tumor growth without any significant adverse effect in the SKOV3-bearing mouse model. Dieckol triggered the activation of caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3, and pretreatment with caspase inhibitors neutralized the pro-apoptotic activity of dieckol. Furthermore, treatment with dieckol caused mitochondrial dysfunction and suppressed the levels of anti-apoptotic proteins. We further demonstrated that dieckol induced an increase in intracellular ROS, and the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) significantly reversed the caspase activation, cytochrome c release, Bcl-2 downregulation, and apoptosis that were caused by dieckol. Moreover, dieckol inhibited the activity of AKT and p38, and overexpression of AKT and p38, at least in part, reversed dieckol-induced apoptosis in SKOV3 cells. CONCLUSION These data suggest that dieckol suppresses ovarian cancer cell growth by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis via ROS production and the regulation of AKT and p38 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hye Ahn
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Randhawa V, Kumar Singh A, Acharya V. A systematic approach to prioritize drug targets using machine learning, a molecular descriptor-based classification model, and high-throughput screening of plant derived molecules: a case study in oral cancer. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2015; 11:3362-77. [DOI: 10.1039/c5mb00468c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Network-based and cheminformatics approaches identify novel lead molecules forCXCR4, a key gene prioritized in oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Randhawa
- Functional Genomics and Complex Systems Laboratory
- Biotechnology Division
- CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
- Palampur
| | - Anil Kumar Singh
- Biotechnology Division
- CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
- Palampur
- India
| | - Vishal Acharya
- Functional Genomics and Complex Systems Laboratory
- Biotechnology Division
- CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
- Palampur
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Han CK, Kuo WW, Shen CY, Chen TS, Pai P, Tsai CH, Lo FY, Ju DT, Huang CY. Dilong Prevents the High-KCl Cardioplegic Solution Administration-Induced Apoptosis in H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cells Mediated by MEK. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2014; 42:1507-19. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x14500943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Infusion of high-KCl cardioplegic solution (High-KCS) is the most common method used to induce asystole before cardiac surgery. However, our previous study showed the High-KCS can cause the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in patients who were administered High-KCS prior to undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) to treat coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, it is urgent today to find a complementary medicine to reduce this damage. Dilong (earthworm) has been used as a traditional medicine in China for several thousand years, and extract from the Dilong has been empirically used in Asia for the treatment of vascular disorders. In this study, we applied Dilong extract to reduce myocardial cell damage from High-KCS infusion and further investigated the mechanisms. H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells were cultured in serum-free medium for 4 h and then treated with Dilong at 31.25, 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/mL for 24 h, which was then followed by High-KCS treatment for 3 h to detect the protective mechanisms of Dilong behind cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis. Cells were harvested for MTT assay, TUNEL assay, and western blot analysis. We found that High-KCS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, enhanced the protein level of pro-apoptotic Bad, released cytochrome c, and activated caspase-3 in H9c2 cells. The IGF-I/IGF-IR/ERK pathway involved in non-cardiomyocyte proliferation, and the expression/activation of uPA, Sp-1 and CTGF, which are implicated in the development of cardiac fibrosis were up-regulated, but the Akt for cardiomyocyte survival was greatly deactivated in postcardioplegic H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. However, Dilong was highly protective and totally reversed the apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis effects induced by High-KCS. Chemical inhibitors P38 (SB203580), JNK (SP600125), MEK (U0126), IGF-1 (AG1024), and PI3K (LY294002) were applied to investigate which is the mediator for Dilong attenuated High-KCS stimulated caspase 3 activation. MEK (U0126) inhibitor completely blocked Dilong inhibited caspase 3 activation in High-KCS treated H9c2 cells. The MEK siRNA was further applied to knockdown MEK to confirm our finding. We found Dilong worked through MEK to inhibit caspase 3 activity induced by High-KCS in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, we used the pure component of Dilong, Lumbrokinase, to block the High-KCS effect. Using the microscope to observe the cell viability, we found Lumbrokinase could reverse the High-KCS effect. Lumbrokinase could also reduce the protein levels of caspase 8, caspase 9, and caspase 3, and enhance the survival related proteins PI3K/Akt and Bcl2. These results demonstrate that Dilong could be used as a potential agent to block the side effects caused by High-KCS in CABG surgery patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Kuo Han
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Kuo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yao Shen
- Department of Nursing, MeiHo University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Sheng Chen
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Peiying Pai
- Division of Cardiology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Hai Tsai
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yueh Lo
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Da-Tong Ju
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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40
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Chen R, Zhang J, Hu Y, Wang S, Chen M, Wang Y. Potential antineoplastic effects of Aloe-emodin: a comprehensive review. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2014; 42:275-88. [PMID: 24707862 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x14500189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aloe-emodin (AE), a bioactive anthraquinone derived from both Aloe vera and Rheum officinale, has recently been demonstrated to have various pharmacological activities. With the widespread popularity of natural products, such as antineoplastic drugs, AE has attracted much attention due to its remarkable antineoplastic activity on multiple tumor cells involving multi-channel mechanisms, including the disruption of cell cycle, induction of apoptosis, anti-metastasis, antiangiogenic, and strengthening of immune function. Experimental data have revealed AE as a potentially potent anti-cancer candidate. Despite this, the pharmaceutical application of AE is still in a fledging period as most research has concentrated on the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of action of existing treatments, rather than the development of novel formulations. Therefore, the present review summarizes the potential toxicity, molecular mechanism, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and pharmaceutical development of AE as an antineoplastic agent. This is based on its physicochemical properties, in an attempt to encourage further research on AE as a potential anti-cancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, 999078, China
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Antitumor activity of monoterpenes found in essential oils. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:953451. [PMID: 25401162 PMCID: PMC4220615 DOI: 10.1155/2014/953451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex genetic disease that is a major public health problem worldwide, accounting for about 7 million deaths each year. Many anticancer drugs currently used clinically have been isolated from plant species or are based on such substances. Accumulating data has revealed anticancer activity in plant-derived monoterpenes. In this review the antitumor activity of 37 monoterpenes found in essential oils is discussed. Chemical structures, experimental models, and mechanisms of action for bioactive substances are presented.
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Hafiza WAGWN, Latifah SY. Potential implications of GRP58 expression and susceptibility of cervical cancer to cisplatin and thymoquinone-based therapy. Onco Targets Ther 2014; 7:1375-87. [PMID: 25143744 PMCID: PMC4132255 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s62928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A new therapeutic approach of looking at the expression of glucose-regulated protein (GRP) 58 as an indication of cisplatin sensitivity may eradicate fruitless treatment and side effects in patients with cervical cancer. Thymoquinone, the bioactive compound in Nigella sativa, has been reported to have an antiproliferative effect on cervical cancer cells. This study compared the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin, a drug commonly used in the treatment of cervical cancer, and thymoquinone in cervical cancer (HeLa and SiHa) cell lines by 3-(4,5-Dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and measured GRP58 expression in the cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Cisplatin had higher antiproliferative activity towards the cervical cancer cell lines than thymoquinone in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. However, cisplatin was more toxic to normal 3T3 and Vero cell lines than thymoquinone. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin in HeLa and SiHa cells at 72 hours was 13.3±2.52 μM and 19.5±2.12 μM, respectively. Meanwhile, the IC50 of thymoquinone in HeLa and SiHa cells was 29.57±5.81 μM and 23.41±1.51 μM, respectively (P<0.05). A significant correlation was found between the cytotoxicity of cisplatin and expression of GRP58, but this relationship was not significant for thymoquinone. Therefore, the response of cervical cancer cells to cisplatin can be predicted on the basis of GRP58 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Abd Ghani Wan Nor Hafiza
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia ; College of Medical Laboratory Technology, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Saiful Yazan Latifah
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia ; Laboratory of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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Chemopreventive effects of oplopantriol A, a novel compound isolated from Oplopanax horridus, on colorectal cancer. Nutrients 2014; 6:2668-80. [PMID: 25045937 PMCID: PMC4113763 DOI: 10.3390/nu6072668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Oplopanax horridus is a North American botanical that has received limited investigations. We previously isolated over a dozen of the constituents from O. horridus, and among them oplopantriol A (OPT A) is a novel compound. In this study, we firstly evaluated the in vivo chemoprevention activities of OPT A using the xenograft colon cancer mouse model. Our data showed that this compound significantly suppressed tumor growth with dose-related effects (p < 0.01). Next, we characterized the compound's growth inhibitory effects in human colorectal cancer cell lines HCT-116 and SW-480. With OPT A treatment, these malignant cells were significantly inhibited in both a concentration- and time-dependent manner (both p < 0.01). The IC50 was approximately 5 µM for HCT-116 and 7 µM for SW-480 cells. OPT A significantly induced apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. From further mechanism explorations, our data showed that OPT A significantly upregulated the expression of a cluster of genes, especially the tumor necrosis factor receptor family and caspase family, suggesting that the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptotic pathway plays a key role in OPT A induced apoptosis.
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Chen YH, Lin YN, Chen WC, Hsieh WT, Chen HY. Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence by Ginsenoside Rh2. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2014; 42:817-31. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x14500529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common disorder in middle-aged women and the elderly. Although surgical treatment of SUI has progressed, there are no effective pharmacological therapies without a side effect. We studied the effect of ginsenoside Rh2 against SUI. Here, we studied the effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on the contractile force of the urethra and blood vessels in an ex vivo organ bath assay. We further investigated the mechanisms and effects of Rh2 in cell culture and animal models. Ginsenoside Rh2 dose-dependently reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW 264.7 cells. In the vaginal distension (VD)-induced SUI mouse model, ginsenoside Rh2 significantly reversed the VD-induced SUI physical signs and reduced blood pressure. The modulation of several SUI-related proteins, including myosin, survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, α-adrenergic receptor 1a (AdR1a), and superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3), may play some crucial roles in the therapeutic approaches against SUI. In conclusion, the ginsenoside Rh2 may offer therapeutic potential against SUI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Hsiang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Departments of Medical Research, Urology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ning Lin
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Departments of Medical Research, Urology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tsong Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Yi Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Departments of Medical Research, Urology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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Lin CC, Chao PY, Shen CY, Shu JJ, Yen SK, Huang CY, Liu JY. Novel Target Genes Responsive to Apoptotic Activity by Ocimum gratissimum in Human Osteosarcoma Cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2014; 42:743-67. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x14500487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a type of bone cancer. Eighty percent of this tumor will metastasize to the lungs or liver, and as a result, patients generally need chemotherapy to improve survival possibility. Recently, antitumor activity has been reported in Ocimum gratissimum aqueous extract (OGE), which has been the focus of recent extensive studies on therapeutic strategies due to its antioxidant properties. We performed pharmacogenomics analyses for the effect of OGE on human osteosarcoma U2-OS and HOS cell growth. Cell viability, Western blot and flow cytometry analysis were performed before performing pharmacogenomics analyses for the effect of OGE on human osteosarcoma U2-OS and HOS cell growth, including cDNA microarray and RT-PCR assays. Cell viability assays revealed that OGE significantly and dose-dependently decreased the viability of U2-OS and HOS cells. Increases in cell shrinkage, Sub-G1 fragments and the activation of caspase 3 indicated that OGE induced cell apoptosis in U2-OS and HOS cells. There was no change in human osteoblast hFOS cells. cDNA microarray assay demonstrated that the expression of cell cycle regulators, apoptosis-related factors and cell proliferation markers were all modified by OGE treatment. RT-PCR analysis also confirmed the down-regulation of SKA2 and BUB1B, and the up-regulation of PPP1R15A, SQSTM1, HSPA1B, and DDIT4 by OGE treatment. The finding of anticancer activity in OGE and the identification of some potential target genes raise the expectation that OGE may become a useful therapeutic drug for human OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chung Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Orthopaedic Department, Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yu Chao
- Department of Leisure Industry Management, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yao Shen
- Department of Nursing, MeiHo University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Jyuan-Jen Shu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shiow-Kang Yen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Yuh Liu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Kundu J, Chun KS, Aruoma OI, Kundu JK. Mechanistic perspectives on cancer chemoprevention/chemotherapeutic effects of thymoquinone. Mutat Res 2014; 768:22-34. [PMID: 25847385 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The bioactive natural products (plant secondary metabolites) are widely known to possess therapeutic value for the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases including cancer. Thymoquinone (2-methyl-5-isopropyl-1,4-benzoquinone; TQ), a monoterpene present in black cumin seeds, exhibits pleiotropic pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antitumor effects. TQ inhibits experimental carcinogenesis in a wide range of animal models and has been shown to arrest the growth of various cancer cells in culture as well as xenograft tumors in vivo. The mechanistic basis of anticancer effects of TQ includes the inhibition of carcinogen metabolizing enzyme activity and oxidative damage of cellular macromolecules, attenuation of inflammation, induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cells, blockade of tumor angiogenesis, and suppression of migration, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. TQ shows synergistic and/or potentiating anticancer effects when combined with clinically used chemotherapeutic agents. At the molecular level, TQ targets various components of intracellular signaling pathways, particularly a variety of upstream kinases and transcription factors, which are aberrantly activated during the course of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juthika Kundu
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 704 701, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Soo Chun
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 704 701, Republic of Korea
| | - Okezie I Aruoma
- School of Pharmacy, American University of Health Sciences, Signal Hill, CA 90755, USA.
| | - Joydeb Kumar Kundu
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 704 701, Republic of Korea.
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