Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. Decreases Oxidative Stress in Blood Cells and Prevents Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

A DFT approach for finding therapeutic potential of graphyne as a nanocarrier in the doxorubicin drug delivery to treat cancer

In the present work, the drug-loading efficacy of graphyne (GYN) for doxorubicin (DOX) drug is investigated for the first time by using density functional theory (DFT). Doxorubicin drug is effective in the cure of numerous types of cancer including bone cancer, gastric, thyroid, bladder, ovarian, breast, and soft tissue cancer. Doxorubicin drug prevents the cell division process by intercalating in the double-helix of DNA and stopping its replication. The optimized, geometrical, energetic, and excited-state characteristics of graphyne (GYN), doxorubicin drug (DOX), and doxorubicin-graphyne complex (DOX@GYN complex) are calculated to see how effective it is as a carrier. The DOX drug interacted with GYN with an adsorption-energy of -1.57 eV (gas-phase). The interaction of GYN with DOX drug is investigated using NCI (non-covalent interaction) analysis. The findings of this analysis showed that the DOX@GYN complex has weak forces of interaction. Charge transfer from doxorubicin drug to GYN during DOX@GYN complex formation is described by charge-decomposition analysis and HOMO-LUMO analysis. The increased dipole-moment (8.41 D) of the DOX@GYN in contrast with therapeutic agent DOX and GYN indicated that the drug will move easily in the biochemical system. Furthermore, the photo-induced electron-transfer process is explored for excited states, and it reveals that upon interaction, fluorescence-quenching will occur in the complex DOX@GYN. In addition, the influence of the positive and negative charge states on the GYN and DOX@GYN is also considered. Overall, the findings indicated that the GYN could be exploited as an effective drug-transporter for the delivery of doxorubicin drug. Investigators will be inspired to look at another 2D nanomaterials for drug transport applications as a result of this theoretical work.

Acrocomia aculeata associated with doxorubicin: cardioprotection and anticancer activity

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used in the clinic, whose side effects include cardiotoxicity, associated with decreased antioxidant defenses and increased oxidative stress. The association of Dox with natural antioxidants can extend its use if not interfering with its pharmacological potential. In this study, we aimed to understand the effects and mechanisms of the aqueous extract of Acrocomia aculeata leaves (EA-Aa) in cancer cells and the co-treatment with Dox, in in vitro and in vivo models. It was found that EA-Aa showed a relevant decrease in the viability of cancer cells (K562 and MCF-7) and increased apoptosis and death. The Dox cytotoxic effect in co-treatment with EA-Aa was increased in cancer cells. The therapeutic association also promoted a change in cell death, leading to a higher rate of apoptosis compared to the Dox group, which induced necrosis. In addition, in non-cancer cells, EA-Aa enhanced red blood cell (RBC) redox state with lower hemolysis and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and had no in vitro nor in vivo toxicity. Furthermore, EA-Aa showed antioxidant protection against Dox-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells (cardiomyoblast), partially mediated by the NRF2 pathway. In vivo, EA-Aa treatment showed a relevant decrease in MDA levels in the heart, kidney, and brain, evaluated in C57Bl/6 mice induced to cardiotoxicity by Dox. Together, our results proved the effectiveness of EA-Aa in potentiating Dox anticancer effects, with antioxidant and cardioprotective activity, suggesting EA-Aa as a potential Dox pharmacological adjuvant.

Boesenbergia rotunda displayed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic efficacy in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

This study evaluated the cardioprotective properties of Boesenbergia rotunda extract (BrE) against doxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiotoxicity. Rats received oral gavage of BrE for 28 days and DOX (5 mg/kg/week for 3 weeks). Thereafter the animals were sacrificed, blood and cardiac samples were collected for biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical analyses. The results indicated that BrE attenuated DOX triggered body and cardiac weight loss and prevented against cardiac injury by mitigating histopathological alterations in cardiac tissues as well as serum cardiac function enzymes. BrE significantly reduced serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), troponin T (TnT) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) in DOX-treated rats. Furthermore, BrE alleviated cardiotoxicity by reducing DOX instigated oxidative stress and potentiating the level of glutathione, as well as the activities superoxide dismutase and catalase in cardiac tissues. In addition, BrE significantly decreased the characteristic indices of DOX-induced cardiac inflammation and apoptosis. Immuno-histochemical analysis revealed that BrE decreased the stain intensity of p53 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) proteins compared to the DXB alone group. In conclusion, our results indicated that BrE modulated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis to attenuate DOX-induced cardiac damage.

Nephroprotective plant species used in traditional Mayan Medicine for renal-associated diseases

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The prevalence of kidney disease has increased rapidly in recent years and has emerged as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Natural products have been suggested as valuable nephroprotective agents due to their multi-target and synergistic effects on modulating important proteins involved in kidney injury. There is a large number of plant species that have been used traditionally for kidney-related conditions in Mesoamerican medicine by different cultural groups that could provide a valuable source of nephroprotective therapeutic candidates and could lead to potential drug discovery.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review aims to provide an overview of the currently known efficacy of plant species used traditionally in Mesoamerica by Mayan groups to treat kidney-related conditions and to analyze the phytochemical, pharmacological, molecular, toxicological, and clinical evidence to contribute to public health efforts and for directing future research.

METHODS

Primary sources of plant use reports for traditional kidney-related disorders in Mesoamerica were searched systematically from library catalogs, theses, and scientific databases (PubMed, Google Scholar; and Science Direct), and were filtered according to usage frequency in Mayan groups and plant endemism. The database of traditional plants was further analyzed based on associations with published reports of the phytochemical, pharmacological, molecular, toxicological, and clinical evidence.

RESULTS

The most reported kidney-related conditions used traditionally in Mayan medicine involve reducing renal damage (a cultural interpretation that considers an inflammatory or infectious condition), cleaning or purifying the blood and kidney, reducing kidney pain, and eliminating kidney stones. A total of 208 plants used for kidney-related problems by 10 Mayan groups were found, representing 143 native species, where only 42 have reported pharmacological activity against kidney damage, mainly approached by in vitro and in vivo models of chemical- or drug-induced nephrotoxicity, diabetes nephropathy, and renal injury produced by hypertension. Nephroprotective effects are mainly mediated by reducing oxidative stress, inflammatory response, fibrosis mechanisms, and apoptosis in the kidney. The most common nephroprotective compounds associated with traditional Mayan medicine were flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. The most widely studied traditional plants in terms of pharmacological evidence, bioactive compounds, and mechanisms of action, are Annona muricata L., Carica papaya L., Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., Lantana camara L., Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw., Tagetes erecta L., and Zea mays L. Most of the plant species with reported pharmacological activity against kidney damage were considered safe in toxicological studies.

CONCLUSION

Available pharmacological reports suggest that several herbs used in traditional Mayan medicine for renal-associated diseases may have nephroprotective effects and consistent pharmacological evidence, nephroprotective compounds, and mechanisms of action in different models of kidney injury. However, more research is required to fully understand the potential of traditional Mayan medicine in drug discovery given the limited ethnobotanical studies and data available for most species with regards to identification on bioactive components, pharmacological mechanisms, and the scarce number of clinical studies.

Evaluation of a Novel Synthetic Peptide Derived from Cytolytic Mycotoxin Candidalysin

The importance of neuroinflammation in neurology is becoming increasingly apparent. In addition to neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, the role of neuroinflammation has been identified in many non-inflammatory neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, and cancer. The immune response within the brain involves the presence of CNS resident cells; mainly glial cells, such as microglia, the CNS resident macrophages. We evaluated the peptide Ca-MAP1 bioinspired on the C. albicans immature cytolytic toxin candidalysin to develop a less hemolytic peptide with anti-neuroinflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. In silico and in vitro studies were performed at various concentrations. Ca-MAP1 exhibits low hemolytic activity at lower concentrations and was not cytotoxic to MRC-5 and BV-2 cells. Ca-MAP1 showed activity against Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli ATCC, E. coli KPC, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC. Furthermore, Ca-MAP1 exhibits anti-neuroinflammatory activity in the BV-2 microglia model, with 93.78% inhibition of nitrate production at 18.1 µM. Ca-MAP1 presents cytotoxic activity against tumor cell line NCI-H292 at 36.3 μM, with an IC₅₀ of 38.4 µM. Ca-MAP1 demonstrates results that qualify it to be evaluated in the next steps to promote the control of infections and provide an alternative antitumor therapy.

First generation of multifunctional peptides derived from latarcin-3a from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin

The need for discovering new compounds that can act selectively on pathogens is becoming increasingly evident, given the number of deaths worldwide due to bacterial infections or tumor cells. New multifunctional biotechnological tools are being sought, including compounds present in spider venoms, which have high biotechnological potential. The present work aims to perform the rational design and functional evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from Lachesana tarabaevi spider toxin, known as latarcin-3a. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 4 and 128 μg.ml−1. Anti-biofilm tests were then performed to obtain MICs, where the peptides demonstrated activity from 4 to 128 μg.ml−1. In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were carried out from tumor cell lines, lineages C1498, Kasumi-1, K-562, Jurkat, MOLT4, and Raji. Erythrocyte integrity was evaluated in the presence of synthetic peptides analog, which did not promote hemolysis at 128 μg.ml−1. The peptide that showed the best antibacterial activity was Lt-MAP3 and the best antitumor was Lt-MAP2. In conclusion, rational design of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides may be promising alternative tools in the treatment of emerging diseases such as bacterial infections and tumor cells.

Evaluation of the Effect of Crocin on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Despite newer advances in cancer treatment, chemotherapy is still one of the most widely used treatment strategies in this field. However, this treatment strategy faces major challenges. Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent used to treat various cancers. However, several studies have shown that the use of Dox in therapeutic concentrations is associated with serious side effects, such as cardiac toxicity. The use of natural products in combination with chemotherapeutic agents to reduce side effects is a novel approach, and several studies have shown promising results. In this regard, we examined the effect of Crocin on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rat and H9c2 cell line. The in vitro model on H9C2 cells and the in vivo models on rats were treated with doxorubicin. Cell viability, DNA damage, and apoptosis were measured in H9C2 cell line in the presence and absence of Crocin. Oxidative stress and various inflammatory parameters, as well as cardiac function tests, also were assessed in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity animal model in the presence and absence of Crocin. Our results showed that Crocin can significantly decrease apoptosis in H9C2 cell line through a reduction in ROS production and DNA damages. Moreover, evaluation of the effect of Crocin on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity animal model showed that Crocin also can significantly reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in the serum of the animals. Assessment of cardiac function revealed that Crocin has a significant protective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in the animal model. Our data indicate that Crocin significantly attenuated doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Hence, Crocin could be potentially used as an adjuvant treatment in combination with Dox to reduce cardiotoxicity.

Substrates based on swine wastewater in the production of seedlings of Guazuma ulmifolia (Malvaceae)

Abstract Swine wastewater (sw) can boost seedling growth and development in several species as this residue is rich in nutrients required by plants. This study tested the hypothesis that seedlings of Guazuma ulmifolia grown in a substrate based on swine wastewater showed better physiological and morphological performance. The seedlings were cultivated in seven substrates: T1 - rice husk and vermiculite; T2 - 20% sw; T3 - 40% sw; T4 - 60% sw; T5 - 80% sw; T6 - 100% sw; and T7 - 100% Bioplant®. Were evaluated the height (H), diameter (D), number of leaves (NF), as well as the H to D ratio, chlorophyll indices, gas exchange, biomass, allometric ratios, Dickson Quality Index (DQI), and mortality percentage of the seedlings. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance, and the means were compared by Tukey’s test. The substrates with the highest percentage of swine sludge promoted the highest H, D, NF, chlorophyll indices, gas exchange, stem biomass and IQD. The highest mortality was obtained in commercial substrate (85%) and carbonized rice husk and vermiculite (37.5%). Can be concluded that the substrates with high swine wastewater content were better for seedling G. ulmifolia.

Biomedical Implications of Plant-Based Principles as Antidepressants: Prospects for Novel Drug Development

BACKGROUND

Depression is a most common mental disorder. The symptoms of depression include loss of energy, changes in appetite, more or less sleep, anxiety, low concentration, uncertainty, restlessness, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or despair, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. In order to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective medication, the plants based principles in isolation or in combination with traditional antidepressants are attracting increasing attention for depression therapy.

METHOD

The information regarding the present review and its contents such as collected from published literature materials in different international journals. We have used different search engines such as PubMed, Medline, ResearchGate Google Semantic Scholar and ScienceDirect. For this purpose, the data obtained were properly organized and suitably analyzed to include in this article.

RESULTS

Most of the phytomolecules isolated from the medicinal plants display antidepressant effect through the synaptic regulation of levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline in different parts of the brain. The mechanism of action of phytomolecules also involves negative regulation of the activities of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and prevention of hyperactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In addition, the strong antioxidative and antiinflamatory potential of these phytochemicals offer synergy to their antidepressant as well as antipsychosomatic functions.

CONCLUSION

The application of phytochemicals has proved it to be a safe, cost effective and efficient therapeutic agent to treat the patients suffering from mild to severe state of depression and other psychiatric disorders. The potential phytochemicals may be further optimized using in silico tools to develop better antidepressants and antisychotic agents in future.

Date Palm Pollen Extract Avert Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy Fibrosis and Associated Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress, Inflammatory Cascade, and Apoptosis-Targeting Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 Signaling Pathways

Simple Summary

The use of date palm pollen ethanolic extract (DPPE) is a conventional approach in improving the side-effects induced by Doxorubicin (DOX).DPPE mitigated DOX-induced body and heart weight changes and ameliorated DOX-induced elevated cardiac injury markers. In addition, serum cardiac troponin I concentrations (cTnI), troponin T (cTnT), and N-terminal NBP and cytosolic (Ca⁺²) were amplified by alleviating the inflammatory and oxidative injury markers and decreasing histopathological lesions severity. DPPE decreased DOX-induced heart injuries by mitigating inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis through its antioxidant effect. To reduce DOX-induced oxidative stress injuries and other detrimental effects, a combined treatment of DPPE is advocated.

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX) has a potent antineoplastic efficacy and is considered a cornerstone of chemotherapy. However, it causes several dose-dependent cardiotoxic results, which has substantially restricted its clinical application. This study was intended to explore the potential ameliorative effect of date palm pollen ethanolic extract (DPPE) against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and the mechanisms underlying it. Forty male Wistar albino rats were equally allocated into Control (CTR), DPPE (500 mg/kg bw for 4 weeks), DOX (2.5 mg/kg bw, intraperitoneally six times over 2 weeks), and DPPE + DOX-treated groups. Pre-coadministration of DPPE with DOX partially ameliorated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity as DPPE improved DOX-induced body and heart weight changes and mitigated the elevated cardiac injury markers activities of serum aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-cardiac type isoenzyme. Additionally, the concentration of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), troponin T (cTnT), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), and cytosolic calcium (Ca⁺²) were amplified. DPPE also alleviated nitrosative status (nitric oxide) in DOX-treated animals, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant molecules as glutathione content, and glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and inflammatory markers levels; NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. As well, it ameliorated the severity of histopathological lesions, histomorphometric alteration and improved the immune-staining of the pro-fibrotic (TGF-β1), pro-apoptotic (caspase-3 and Bax), and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) proteins in cardiac tissues. Collectively, pre-coadministration of DPPE partially mitigated DOX-induced cardiac injuries via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-apoptotic potential.

Reactive Oxygen Species/Caspase 3 Promotes Autophagy of Nigral Dopaminergic Neuron in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized as bradykinesia and sleep disorder, troubling numerous people. In the present study, we aimed to explore whether reactive oxygen species (ROS)/caspase 3 promotes PD to provide a basis for novel treatments of PD. Firstly, we applied 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) to stimulate PC12 cell lines to establish a PD cell model. Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses detected protein and mRNA expression of caspase 3, IL-1β, Bax, and BCL2. Finally, ROS detection kit determined ROS content. Compared with the controls, MPP+-treated PC12 exhibited significantly elevated caspase 3, caspase 3, and IL-1β at the protein level (p < 0.001). In addition, MMP + treatment increased Bax protein level in vitro, while decreased Bcl-2 protein expression (p <0.001). Moreover, MPP + induced oxidative stress which contributes to autophagy. The ROS in MPP + group was increased significantly (p < 0.001). ROS and caspase 3 participate in the pathogenesis of PD and enhances autophagy of nigral dopaminergic neuron.

Method to Improve Azo-Compound (AAPH)-Induced Hemolysis of Erythrocytes for Assessing Antioxidant Activity of Lipophilic Compounds

We examined the method of oxidative hemolysis for assessment of antioxidant activity of various compounds, especially lipophilic compounds. 2,2'-Azobis(amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was used as the source of free radicals for the oxidative hemolysis of horse erythrocytes. We found that absorbance at 540 nm is not appropriate for monitoring AAPH-induced hemolysis. Instead, we should use absorbance at 523 nm (an isosbestic point), because AAPH oxidizes the oxygenated hemoglobin to methemoglobin and absorbance at 540 nm does not correctly reflect the amount of released hemoglobin by AAPH-induced hemolysis. The corrected method of AAPH-induced hemolysis was applicable to assess the antioxidant activity of various hydrophilic compounds such as ascorbic acid, (-)-epicatechin, and edaravone. For the assessment of antioxidant activity of lipophilic compounds, we need appropriate dispersing agents for these lipophilic compounds. Among several agents tested, 1,2-dimiristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) liposome at a concentration of 0.34 mM was found to be useful. Exogenous α-tocopherol incorporated using DMPC liposome as a dispersing agent was shown to protect erythrocytes from AAPH-induced hemolysis in a concentration-dependent manner.

Molecular engineering of the last-generation CNTs in smart cancer therapy by grafting PEG-PLGA-riboflavin

In this work, the effect of environment and additives on the self-assembly and delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) have been studied. A microfluidic system with better control over molecular interactions and high surface to volume ratio has superior performance in comparison to the bulk system. Moreover, carbon nanotube (CNT) and CNT-doped structures have a high surface area to incorporate the DOX molecules into a polymer and the presence of functional groups can influence the polymer-drug interactions. In this work, the interactions of DOX with both the polymeric complex and the nanotube structure have been investigated. For quantification of the interactions, H-bonding, gyration radius, root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), Gibbs free energy, radial distribution function (RDF), energy, and Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA) analyses have been performed. The most stable micelle-DOX interaction is attributed to the presence of BCN in the microfluidic system according to the gyration radius and RMSD. Meanwhile, for DOX-doped CNT interaction the phosphorus-doped CNT in the microfluidic system is more stable. The highest electrostatic interaction can be seen between polymeric micelles and DOX in the presence of BCN. For nanotube-drug interaction, phosphorus-doped carbon nanotubes in the microfluidic system have the largest electrostatic interaction with the DOX. RDF results show that in the microfluidic system, nanotube-DOX affinity is larger than that of nanotube-micelle.

Levosimendan Protects against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Regulating the PTEN/Akt Pathway

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Myocyte apoptosis plays a critical role in the development of doxorubicin- (DOX-) induced cardiotoxicity. In addition to its cardiotonic effect, laboratory evidence indicates that levosimendan can inhibit apoptosis, but its role in DOX-induced cardiac injury remains unclear. Therefore, the present study is aimed at exploring whether levosimendan could attenuate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

METHODS

Levosimendan (1 mg/kg) was administered to mice through oral gavage once daily for 4 weeks, and the mice were also subjected to an intraperitoneal injection of DOX (5 mg/kg) or saline, once a week for 4 weeks, to create a chronic model of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. A morphological examination and biochemical analysis were used to evaluate the effects of levosimendan. H9C2 cells were used to verify the protective role of levosimendan in vitro. And an Akt inhibitor was utilized to verify the cardioprotection of levosimendan.

RESULTS

Levosimendan reduced the cardiac dysfunction and attenuated the myocardial apoptosis induced by DOX in vivo and in vitro. Levosimendan also inhibited the activation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and upregulated P-Akt expression both in vivo and in vitro. And inhibition of Akt abolished the cardioprotection of levosimendan in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Levosimendan may protect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity via modulation of the PTEN/Akt signaling pathway.

pH-sensitive loading/releasing of doxorubicin using single-walled carbon nanotube and multi-walled carbon nanotube: A molecular dynamics study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Doxorubicin is one of the drugs used to treat cancer, and many studies have been conducted to control its release. In this study, carbon nanotubes have been proposed as a doxorubicin carrier, and the effect of carboxyl functional group on the controlled release of doxorubicin has been studied.

METHODS

This study has been done by molecular dynamics simulation and was based on changing the pH as a mechanism controller.

RESULTS

This work is intended to test the efficacy of this drug carrier for the release of doxorubicin. A comparison was also made between single-walled and double-walled carbon nanotubes to answer the question of which one can be a better carrier for doxorubicin. The study of DOXORUBICIN adsorption and release showed that the DOXORUBICIN adsorption on single-walled carbon nanotube and multi-walled carbon nanotube in neutral pH was stronger than it was in acidic pH, which could be due to the electrostatic interactions between the carboxyl group of nanotubes and DOXORUBICIN. Based on this and according to the investigation of hydrogen bonds, diffusion coefficients, and other results it was clear that the drug release in acidic pH was appropriate for body conditions. Since cancer tissues pH is acidic, this shows the suitability of carbon nanotube in drug delivery and DOXORUBICIN release in cancer tissues. In addition, it was shown that the blood pH (pH = 7) is suitable for DOXORUBICIN loading on the carbon nanotube and carbon nanotube-DOXORUBICIN linkage remained stable at this pH; accordingly, the carbon nanotube could deliver DOXORUBICIN in blood quite well and release it in cancerous tissues. This suggests the carbon nanotubes as a promising drug carrier in the cancer therapy which can be also investigated in experiments.

CONCLUSION

It was revealed that the bonds between multi-walled carbon nanotube and DOXORUBICIN was stronger and this complex had a slower release in the cancer tissues compared to the single-walled carbon nanotube; this can be regarded as an advantage over the single-walled carbon nanotube in the DOXORUBICIN delivery and release.

Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart. Leaves Increase SIRT1 Levels and Improve Stress Resistance

Oxidative stress is a metabolic disorder linked with several chronic diseases, and this condition can be improved by natural antioxidants. The fruit pulp of the palm Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart. is widely used in the treatment of various illnesses, but as far as we know, there are no reports regarding the properties of its leaves. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of A. aculeata leaf extracts obtained with water (EA-Aa), ethanol (EE-Aa), and methanol (EM-Aa) solvents. The extracts were chemically characterized, and their antioxidant activity was assessed through the scavenging of the free radicals DPPH and ABTS. EE-Aa and EM-Aa showed the highest amounts of phenolic compounds and free radical scavenging activity. However, EA-Aa was more efficient to protect human erythrocytes against AAPH-induced hemolysis and lipid peroxidation. Thus, we further show the antioxidant effect of EA-Aa in preventing AAPH-induced protein oxidation, H₂O₂-induced DNA fragmentation, and ROS generation in Cos-7 cells. Increased levels of Sirt1, catalase, and activation of ERK and Nrf2 were observed in Cos-7 treated with EA-Aa. We also verify increased survival in nematodes C. elegans, when induced to the oxidative condition by Juglone. Therefore, our results showed a typical chemical composition of plants for all extracts, but the diversity of compounds presented in EA-Aa is involved in the lower toxicity and antioxidant properties provided to the macromolecules tested, proteins, DNA, and lipids. This protective effect also proven in Cos-7 and in C. elegans was probably due to the activation of the Sirt1/Nrf2 pathway. Altogether, the low toxicity and the antioxidant properties of EA-Aa showed in all the experimental models support its further use in the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases.

Molecular dynamics simulation of Doxorubicin loading with N-isopropyl acrylamide carbon nanotube in a drug delivery system

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Doxorubicin is one of the common drugs used for cancer therapy. Molecular dynamics were applied to investigate the loading of Doxorubicin with thermosensitive N-isopropyl acrylamide Carbon nanotube carrier.

METHODS

The results showed that the smaller polymer chain length has more decrease of gyration radius. A decrease of gyration radius resulted in more concentrated aggregation with stronger bonds. Therefore, the shorter the polymer chain lengths, the more stable polymer interaction and better Doxorubicin delivery. Smaller polymers also form more hydrogen bonds with the drug leading to stronger and more stable carriers.

RESULTS

A lower amount of wall shear stress was found near the inner wall of the artery, distal to the plaque region (stenosis), and in both percentages of stenosis the maximum wall shear stress will accrue in the middle of the stenosis; however it is much more in the higher rate of stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that N-isopropyl acrylamide - Carbon nanotube is suitable for the delivery of Doxorubicin, and five mer N-isopropyl acrylamide is the optimum carrier for Doxorubicin loading.

DiOHF Protects Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity Through ERK1 Signaling Pathway

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer agent. Its clinical use is, however, limited due to its detrimental side effects, especially the cardiotoxicity caused by ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. 3’,4’-dihydroxyflavonol (DiOHF) is a recently developed potent synthetic flavonoid which has been reported to exert anti-oxidative activity in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury and maintain the normal mitochondrial function. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of DiOHF on the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. We established DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in H9C2 cells by incubation with 1 μM DOX and in BALB/c mice by DOX injection. DiOHF effectively prevented and reversed the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, including ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. The DOX-induced cardiotoxicity was accompanied by ERK1/2 activation and abolished by the silence of ERK1, rather than ERK2. Furthermore, DOX treatment in mice induced an increase in serum CK-MB level and myocardial fibrosis with a reduction in left ventricular (LV) function. These detrimental effects were blunted by DiOHF administration. Conclusion: DiOHF suppresses and reverses the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ROS release, stabilizing mitochondrial function and reducing apoptosis through activation of the ERK1 signaling.

Medicinal Plants from Brazilian Cerrado: Antioxidant and Anticancer Potential and Protection against Chemotherapy Toxicity

The use of natural antioxidants in cancer therapy has increased: first, due to the potential of natural antioxidants to kill tumour cells and second, because of their capacity to protect healthy cells from the damage caused by chemotherapy. This review article discusses the antioxidant properties of extracts obtained from medicinal plants from the Brazilian Cerrado and the cell death profile induced by each of these extracts in malignant cells. Next, we describe the capacity of other medicinal plants from the Cerrado to protect against chemotherapy-induced cell toxicity. Finally, we focus on recent insights into the cell death profile induced by extracts from Cerrado plants and perspectives for future therapeutic approaches.