Indole-3-Carbinol Induces Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma MG-63 and U2OS Cells

Role of Phytochemicals in Treatment of Aging and Cancer: Focus on Mechanism of FOXO3 Activation

There have been many studies reporting that the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced risks of cancer and age-related chronic diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that reducing reactive oxygen species and inflammation by phytochemicals derived from natural sources can extend lifespans in a range of model organisms. Phytochemicals derived from fruits and vegetables have been known to display both preventative and suppressive activities against various types of cancer via in vitro and in vivo research by interfering with cellular processes critical for tumor development. The current challenge lies in creating tailored supplements containing specific phytochemicals for individual needs. Achieving this goal requires a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which phytochemicals affect human health. In this review, we examine recently (from 2010 to 2024) reported plant extracts and phytochemicals with established anti-aging and anti-cancer effects via the activation of FOXO3 transcriptional factor. Additionally, we provide an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these molecules exert their anti-aging and anti-cancer effects in specific model systems. Lastly, we discuss the limitations of the current research approach and outline for potential future directions in this field.

Synergic Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Breast Cancer Chemoprevention and Combination Therapies

Breast cancer is the most common tumor in women. Chemotherapy is the gold standard for cancer treatment; however, severe side effects and tumor resistance are the major obstacles to chemotherapy success. Numerous dietary components and phytochemicals have been found to inhibit the molecular and signaling pathways associated with different stages of breast cancer development. In particular, this review is focused on the antitumor effects of PUFAs, dietary enzymes, and glucosinolates against breast cancer. The major databases were consulted to search in vitro and preclinical studies; only those with solid scientific evidence and reporting protective effects on breast cancer treatment were included. A consistent number of studies highlighted that dietary components and phytochemicals can have remarkable therapeutic effects as single agents or in combination with other anticancer agents, administered at different concentrations and via different routes of administration. These provide a natural strategy for chemoprevention, reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, impair cell proliferation and viability, and induce apoptosis. Some of these bioactive compounds of dietary origin, however, show poor solubility and low bioavailability; hence, encapsulation in nanoformulations are promising tools able to increase clinical efficiency.

Mitochondrial enzyme FAHD1 reduces ROS in osteosarcoma

This study investigated the impact of overexpressing the mitochondrial enzyme Fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase domain-containing protein 1 (FAHD1) in human osteosarcoma epithelial cells (U2OS) in vitro. While the downregulation or knockdown of FAHD1 has been extensively researched in various cell types, this study aimed to pioneer the exploration of how increased catalytic activity of human FAHD1 isoform 1 (hFAHD1.1) affects human cell metabolism. Our hypothesis posited that elevation in FAHD1 activity would lead to depletion of mitochondrial oxaloacetate levels. This depletion could potentially result in a decrease in the flux of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, thereby accompanied by reduced ROS production. In addition to hFAHD1.1 overexpression, stable U2OS cell lines were established overexpressing a catalytically enhanced variant (T192S) and a loss-of-function variant (K123A) of hFAHD1. It is noteworthy that homologs of the T192S variant are present in animals exhibiting increased resistance to oxidative stress and cancer. Our findings demonstrate that heightened activity of the mitochondrial enzyme FAHD1 decreases cellular ROS levels in U2OS cells. However, these results also prompt a series of intriguing questions regarding the potential role of FAHD1 in mitochondrial metabolism and cellular development.

Identification of TNFRSF21 as an inhibitory factor of osteosarcoma based on a necroptosis-related prognostic gene signature and molecular experiments

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common malignant bone tumors with bad prognosis. Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell death. Recent studies showed that targeting necroptosis was a new promising approach for tumor therapy. This study aimed to establish a necroptosis-related gene signature to evaluated prognosis and explore the relationship between necroptosis and osteosarcoma.

METHODS

Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas was used for developing the signature and the derived necroptosis score (NS). Data from Gene Expression Omnibus served as validation. Principal component analysis (PCA), Cox regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to assess the performance of signature. The association between the NS and osteosarcoma was analyzed via gene set enrichment analysis, gene set variation analysis and Pearson test. Single-cell data was used for further exploration. Among the genes that constituted the signature, the role of TNFRSF21 in osteosarcoma was unclear. Molecular experiments were used to explore TNFRSF21 function.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that lower NS indicated more active necroptosis in osteosarcoma. Patients with lower NS had a better prognosis. PCA and ROC curves demonstrated NS was effective to predict prognosis. NS was negatively associated with immune infiltration levels and tumor microenvironment scores and positively associated with tumor purity and stemness index. Single-cell data showed necroptosis heterogeneity in osteosarcoma. The cell communication pattern of malignant cells with high NS was positively correlated with tumor progression. The expression of TNFRSF21 was down-regulated in osteosarcoma cell lines. Overexpression of TNFRSF21 inhibited proliferation and motility of osteosarcoma cells. Mechanically, TNFRSF21 upregulated the phosphorylation levels of RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL to promote necroptosis in osteosarcoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The necroptosis prognostic signature and NS established in this study could be used as an independent prognostic factor, TNFRSF21 may be a necroptosis target in osteosarcoma therapy.

Functional effect of indole-3 carbinol in the viability and invasive properties of cultured cancer cells

Cancer treatment typically involves multiple strategies, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, to remove tumors. However, chemotherapy often causes side effects, and there is a constant search for new drugs to alleviate them. Natural compounds are a promising alternative to this problem. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a natural antioxidant agent that has been studied as a potential cancer treatment. I3C is an agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor that plays a role in the expression of genes related to development, immunity, circadian rhythm, and cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of I3C on cell viability, migration, invasion properties, as well as mitochondrial integrity in hepatoma, breast, and cervical cancer cell lines. We found that all tested cell lines showed impaired carcinogenic properties and alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential after treatment with I3C. These results support the potential use of I3C as a supplementary treatment for various types of cancer.

Special Issue "Osteosarcomas: Treatment Strategies"

This Special Issue, titled "Osteosarcomas: Treatment Strategies", aims to overview the recent and future research trends related to the treatment of osteosarcoma [...].

A new insight into the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/cytochrome 450 signaling pathway in MG63, HOS, SAOS2, and U2OS cell lines

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of bone, with rapid progressive growth, early distant metastases, and frequent recurrence after surgical treatment. Osteosarcoma is characterized by changes in the ratio and expression of different cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms that can affect the effectiveness of anticancer therapies. The inducible expression of CYP1 genes depends on the ligand-dependent functionality of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). In this study, we examined the AHR/CYP1 signaling pathway in four osteosarcoma cell lines (MG63, HOS, SAOS2, and U2OS) induced by the known AHR ligands: indirubin, indole-3-carbinol, and beta-naphthoflavone. Using qPCR and Western blot analysis, we explored the effects of these ligands on the expression of the CYP1 genes and studied the correlation between these responses and the changes in the mRNA and protein levels of AHR and the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) in these osteosarcoma cell lines. The results show that the AHR/CYP1 signaling pathway retains its function only in MG63 and HOS cells, and is impaired in SAOS2 and U2OS cells. Our data should be taken into account when recommending new strategies for the treatment of osteosarcoma and when evaluating new drugs against osteosarcoma in vitro.

The Role of Natural Products and Their Multitargeted Approach to Treat Solid Cancer

Natural products play a critical role in the discovery and development of numerous drugs for the treatment of various types of cancer. These phytochemicals have demonstrated anti-carcinogenic properties by interfering with the initiation, development, and progression of cancer through altering various mechanisms such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Treating multifactorial diseases, such as cancer with agents targeting a single target, might lead to limited success and, in many cases, unsatisfactory outcomes. Various epidemiological studies have shown that the steady consumption of fruits and vegetables is intensely associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Since ancient period, plants, herbs, and other natural products have been used as healing agents. Likewise, most of the medicinal ingredients accessible today are originated from the natural resources. Regardless of achievements, developing bioactive compounds and drugs from natural products has remained challenging, in part because of the problem associated with large-scale sequestration and mechanistic understanding. With significant progress in the landscape of cancer therapy and the rising use of cutting-edge technologies, we may have come to a crossroads to review approaches to identify the potential natural products and investigate their therapeutic efficacy. In the present review, we summarize the recent developments in natural products-based cancer research and its application in generating novel systemic strategies with a focus on underlying molecular mechanisms in solid cancer.

Tanshinol suppresses osteosarcoma by specifically inducing apoptosis of U2-OS cells through p53-mediated mechanism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae (also called Danshen in traditional Chinese medicine) is a famous herbal medicine, which has been frequently used to treat blood stasis syndrome including osteosarcoma (OS) in traditional Chinese medicine. Main components of Danshen have been assumed to exhibit anti-OS capacity. Nevertheless, tanshinol (TS, main component of Danshen)'s efficacy and mechanism in OS hasn't been clearly described ever since. This drew our attention, since OS is the most frequent primary bone carcinomas in children and adolescents, with a high incidence and fatality rate. Unfortunately, chemotherapy for OS has faced many clinical challenges due to the increasing chemoresistance and recurrence. This study was then designed to deeply explore TS's role in OS therapy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the anti-OS efficacy and mechanism of TS, we conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments by using a zebrafish xenograft model and U2-OS cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CCK-8 assay, DAPI and γ-H2A.X immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry (apoptosis verification) were employed to determine the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of TS. qPCR and Western blot were used to examine TS's molecular actions and mechanism on apoptosis of U2-OS cells.

RESULTS

The in vivo data showed that TS significantly inhibited U2-OS tumor growth in larval zebrafish from 2 to 20 ng/mL. In vitro data indicated that TS exerted significant anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on U2-OS cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, TS has no inhibitory effect on bMSCs, suggesting its safety on normal bone-forming cells. Molecular data illustrated that TS obviously activated the p53 signaling-related proteins (p-p53, Bax, CASP3, CASP9) and its upstream JNK (p-JNK, p-c-JUN) and ATM (p-ATM) signaling molecules through phosphorylation and cleavage, followed by up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic genes, NOXA, PUMA, TP53, BAX, and BIM, and down-regulation of Bcl-2 protein.

CONCLUSION

In sum, TS specifically induced apoptosis of U2-OS cells by activating p53 signaling pathways, indicating TS as a promising candidate for OS treatment.

Indole-3-Carbinol, a Phytochemical Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Ligand, Induces the mRNA Overexpression of UBE2L3 and Cell Proliferation Arrest

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common cancers in women, and is linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The virus oncoprotein E6 binds to p53, resulting in its degradation and allowing uncontrolled cell proliferation. Meanwhile, the HPV E7 protein maintains host cell differentiation by targeting retinoblastoma tumor suppressor. The host cell can ubiquitinate E6 and E7 through UBE2L3, whose expression depends on the interaction between the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) with Xenobiotic Responsive Elements (XREs) located in the UBE2L3 gene promoter. In this study, we used cell culture to determine the effect of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) over cellular viability, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and mRNA levels of UBE2L3 and CYP1A1. In addition, patients’ samples were used to determine the mRNA levels of UBE2L3 and CYP1A1 genes. We found that I3C promotes the activation of AhR and decreases cell proliferation, possibly through UBE2L3 mRNA induction, which would result in the ubiquitination of HPV E7. Since there is a strong requirement for selective and cost-effective cancer treatments, natural AhR ligands such as I3C could represent a novel strategy for cancer treatment.

Synthesis and biological impacts of pollen shells/Fe3O4 nanoparticles composites on human MG-63 osteosarcoma cells

INTRODUCTION

Cell-adhesive surfaces play a pivotal role in biomedical engineering, as most biological reactions take place on surfaces. Pollen shell (PSh) ofPistacia vera L., as a new medical device, has previously been reported to cause cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MG-63 bone cancer cells.

METHODS

Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) were synthesized and their reaction to PShs was gauged at different concentrations, and then characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersion X-ray spectrometer, X-ray diffraction spectra, dynamic light scattering, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Then, the biological impacts of PShs/Fe3O4NPs composites on MG-63 cells were investigated in-vitro using MTT assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Annexin V/propidium iodide, FESEM, and DAPI staining.

RESULTS

Fe3O4NPs with a size range of 24-40 nm and a zeta potential value of -37.4 mV were successfully assembled on the PShs. The viability of MG-63 cells was significantly decreased when cultured on the magnetic PShs as compared to non-magnetic PShs, in Fe3O4 concentration and time-dependent manner. In contrast, magnetic PShs had a positive effect on the viability of normal human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). The analysis of apoptosis-related genes in cancer cells revealed that loading Fe3O4NPs on PShs increased expression of BAX/BCL2 and caspase-3 genes. The increased apoptotic activity of combined PShs/Fe3O4NPs was further confirmed by flow cytometric measurement, morphological analysis, and DAPI staining.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of Fe3O4NPs into PShs could effectively increase anticancer effects on MG-63 cells via the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway, evident by upregulation of BAX/BCL2 ratio and caspase-3.

Neuroprotective effects of indole-3-carbinol on the rotenone rat model of Parkinson's disease: Impact of the SIRT1-AMPK signaling pathway

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Although mounting studies have been conducted, no effective therapy is available to halt its progression. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a naturally occurring compound obtained by β-thioglucosidase-mediated autolysis of glucobrassicin in cruciferous vegetables. Besides its powerful antioxidant activity, I3C has shown neuroprotection against depression and chemically induced neurotoxicity via its anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of I3C against rotenone (ROT)-induced PD in male albino rats. The possible protective mechanisms were also explored. PD was induced by subcutaneous administration of ROT (2 mg/kg) for 28 days. The effects of I3C (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) were assessed by catalepsy test (bar test), spontaneous locomotor activity, rotarod test, weight change, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, α-synuclein (α-Syn) expression, striatal dopamine (DA) content, and histological examination. The highest dose of I3C (100 mg/kg) was the most effective to prevent ROT-mediated motor dysfunctions and amend striatal DA decrease, weight loss, neurodegeneration, TH expression reduction, and α-Syn expression increase in both the midbrain and striatum. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that the neuroprotective effects of I3C are partially attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects and the activation of the sirtuin 1/AMP-activated protein kinase pathway. Altogether, these results suggested that I3C could attenuate biochemical, molecular, and functional changes in a rat PD model with following repeated rotenone exposures.

Alginate based 3D micro-scaffolds mimicking tumor architecture as in vitro cell culture platform

A micron scale alginate based 3D platform embedded with a carbon dot pH sensor, that enables continuous growth monitoring of encapsulated cells in real time is reported. The alginate based 3D micro-scaffold closely mimics a tumor microenvironment by providing a spatial demarcation and making it possible to encapsulate different cells in close proximity. The micro-scaffold contains carbon dot based nanosensors that enable real time monitoring of pH change in the tumor microenvironment avoiding the need for end-point assays for studying cellular growth. The micro-scaffolds have heterogeneous architecture and a hypoxic core region can be observed in as less as 96 h of culture. In this completely synthetic platform, there also exist the flexibility of artificially modifying the porosity of the micro-scaffold as per the requirement of the studies where a denser ECM mimic is required. The micro-scaffolds were conducive for cell growth as suggested by the enhanced functional profile of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and positively influence the genetic expression of the cell specific markers. Additionally, similar to a 3D tumor, non-homogeneous diffusion of molecules is also observed making this an ideal platform for cancer modelling and drug screening.

Microbiota and epigenetics: promising therapeutic approaches?

The direct/indirect responsibility of the gut microbiome in disease induction in and outside the digestive tract is well studied. These results are usually from the overpopulation of certain species on the cost of others, interaction with beneficial microflora, interference with normal epigenetic control mechanisms, or suppression of the immune system. Consequently, it is theoretically possible to cure such disorders by rebalancing the microbiome inside our bodies. This can be achieved by changing the lifestyle pattern and diet or by supplementation with beneficial bacteria or their metabolites. Various approaches have been explored to manipulate the normal microbial inhabitants, including nutraceutical, supplementations with prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, and antibiotics, or through microbiome transplantation (fecal, skin, or vaginal microbiome transplantation). In the present review, the interaction between the microbiome and epigenetics and their role in disease induction is discussed. Possible future therapeutic approaches via the reestablishment of equilibrium in our internal micro-ecosystem are also highlighted.

Anticancer Effects of Combination of Indole-3-Carbinol and Hydroxychloroquine on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma via Targeting Autophagy and Apoptosis

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is an active component of cruciferous vegetables which is considered a promising antineoplastic agent. This study aimed to assess I3C antineoplastic activity alone and with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model. Eighty female mice were divided into six groups wherein all groups except groups I and II received EAC cells (10⁶ cells/mouse i.p.). Group I, served as control; group II served as I3C; group III served as EAC; groups IV and V received I3C (250 mg/kg body weight oral), and HCQ (60 mg/kg body weight i.p.) respectively; GVI received both I3C and HCQ. Antitumor response markers, serum, hepatic and renal biochemical parameters, histopathological changes, as well as autophagy and apoptosis markers in EAC cells were analyzed. The combination of I3C and HCQ showed the best antitumor responses with increased survival time and ameliorated biochemical parameters. Moreover, I3C upregulated LC3B and downregulated p62 gene expression in EAC cells. Furthermore, I3C combined with HCQ induced apoptosis by highly upregulating cleaved caspase-3 and Bax while downregulating Bcl-2 proteins expression in EAC cells in comparison with each drug alone. In conclusion, I3C combined with HCQ exhibited better antitumor activities than each drug alone via targeting autophagy and apoptosis.

Indole-3-carbinol inhibits the proliferation of colorectal carcinoma LoVo cells through activation of the apoptotic signaling pathway

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a phytochemical that exhibits growth-inhibitory activity against various cancer cells. However, there are limited studies on the effects of I3C on colon cancer cells. In this study, the growth-inhibitory activity of I3C against the human colorectal carcinoma cell line (LoVo) was examined. The results of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, colony formation, and cell counting assays revealed that I3C suppressed the proliferation of LoVo cells. Microscopy and wound-healing analyses revealed that I3C affected the morphology and inhibited the migration of LoVo cells, respectively. I3C induced apoptosis and DNA fragmentation as evidenced by the results of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated annexin V staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling assay, respectively. Additionally, I3C arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and enhanced the reactive oxygen species levels. Western blotting analysis revealed that treatment with I3C resulted in the activation of apoptotic proteins, such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9, Bax, Bim, and p53 in LoVo cells. These results indicate that I3C induces apoptosis in LoVo cells by upregulating p53, leading to the activation of Bax and caspases. Taken together, I3C exerts cytotoxic effects on LoVo cells by activating apoptosis.

Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles as Anticancer Agents: An Overview

Background:

Cancer is spreading all over the world, and it is becoming the leading cause of major deaths. Today’s most difficult task for every researcher is to invent a new drug that can treat cancer with minimal side effects. Many factors, including pollution, modern lifestyle and food habits, exposure to oncogenic agents or radiations, enhanced industrialization, etc. can cause cancer. Treatment of cancer is done by various methods that include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy in combination or singly along with kinase inhibitors. Most of the anti-cancer drugs use the concept of kinase inhibition.

Objective:

The number of drugs being used in chemotherapy has heterocycles as their basic structure in spite of various side effects. Medicinal chemists are focusing on nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds like pyrrole, pyrrolidine, pyridine, imidazole, pyrimidines, pyrazole, indole, quinoline, oxadiazole, azole, benzimidazole, etc. as the key building blocks to develop active biological compounds. The aim of this study is to attempt to compile a dataset of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic anti-cancer drugs.

Methods:

We adopted a structural search on notorious journal publication websites and electronic databases such as Bentham Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, USFDA, etc. for the collection of peer-reviewed research and review articles for the present review. The quality papers were retrieved, studied, categorized into different sections, analyzed and used for article writing.

Conclusion:

As per FDA databases, nitrogen-based heterocycles in the drug design are almost 60% of unique small-molecule drugs. Some of the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic anti-cancer drugs are Axitinib, Bosutinib, Cediranib, Dasatanib (Sprycel®), Erlotinib (Tarceva®), Gefitinib (Iressa®), Imatinib (Gleevec®), Lapatinib (Tykerb ®), Linifanib, Sorafenib (Nexavar®), Sunitinib (Sutent®), Tivozanib, etc. In the present review, we shall focus on the overview of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic active compounds as anti-cancer agents.

Induction of apoptosis in indole-3-carbinol-treated lung cancer H1299 cells via ROS level elevation

This study was focused on investigating the anticancer potential of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) against lung cancer H1299 cells via an increase in ROS levels. To investigate the induction of growth arrest and/or cell death in H1299 cells, a cell cycle arrest assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection assay were performed. Through the TUNEL assay, we detected I3C-induced DNA fragmentation. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed that I3C induced an increase in ROS levels and apoptotic rate in a dose- and time-dependent manner in H1299 cells. Western blotting demonstrated that activated forms of caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were increased in I3C-treated H1299 cells following treatment with I3C. Furthermore, protein expression levels of FOXO3, bim, bax, and phosphorylated ERK and JNK were increased, while those of pAkt, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-2 were decreased by I3C treatment of H1299 cells. To confirm the relationship between cell apoptosis and ROS generation, H1299 cells were treated with I3C simultaneously with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and it was shown that ROS levels decreased and viability increased. Moreover, in western blot analysis, expression of anti-apoptotic proteins (thioredoxin1, peroxiredoxin-1, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL) in I3C-treated cells was evidently downregulated and pro-apoptotic proteins (active ASK1 and cleaved PARP) were upregulated compared to cells co-treated with NAC. The study showed that I3C induced downregulation of ROS regulator proteins and elevation of ROS, thus activating apoptotic signaling cascades in human lung cancer H1299 cells.

Bioactive structural basis of proteoglycans from Sarcandra glabra based on spectrum-effect relationship

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Proteoglycans are one of the active ingredients of great importance in Sarcandra glabra. The biological activities of proteoglycans extracted from Sarcandra glabra including suppressing tumor growth and antioxidant activity were studied. However, raw materials from different regions may cause differences in the activity of natural extracts, especially for bioactive biomacromolecules. Conventional identification of S.glabra cannot accurately reflect the distinguishing relationship between internal components and the pharmacological activity. The identification of biologically active structures was obtained by constructing multiple fingerprint and spectrum-effect relationship.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the bioactive structural basis of proteoglycans from S.glabra based on spectrum-effect relationship and chemometric methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multiple fingerprinting including HPSEC, PMP-HPLC, and FT-IR of proteoglycans was established from 18 batches of samples based on the structural characteristics. Both antitumor activity and antioxidant activity were determined. Mathematical analysis was used to analyze the spectrum-effect relationship.

RESULTS

PCA results showed monosaccharides including Xly, Rha, and GlcA, carboxyl group in acidic sugars, peptide bond in proteins, and methylene groups could be used as markers for distinguishing the samples from different sources. The results of the spectrum-effect relationship analysis indicated that the bioactive markers of inhibitory activity on MG63 and U2OS cells by PLS-DA were related to GlcA, Xyl, Fuc, β-glycosidic bonds, peptide linkage, and methylene groups. Markers composing monosaccharide for antioxidant activity were Xyl, GlcA, and GlcN. Meanwhile, the group markers were pyranose ring, carboxyl group, peptide linkage, and methylene structure.

CONCLUSIONS

The material basis that affects the pharmacological efficacy could be found according to the spectrum-effect relationship analysis. This study could lay a foundation for further exploring the relationship between structural characteristics and pharmacodynamics of macromolecular glycoconjugates in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

A Comprehensive Gene Inventory for Glucosinolate Biosynthetic Pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are plant secondary metabolites comprising sulfur and nitrogen mainly found in plants from the order of Brassicales, such as broccoli, cabbage, and Arabidopsis thaliana. The activated forms of GSL play important roles in fighting against pathogens and have health benefits to humans. The increasing amount of data on A. thaliana generated from various omics technologies can be investigated more deeply in search of new genes or compounds involved in GSL biosynthesis and metabolism. This review describes a comprehensive inventory of A. thaliana GSLs identified from published literature and databases such as KNApSAcK, KEGG, and AraCyc. A total of 113 GSL genes encoding for 23 transcription components, 85 enzymes, and five protein transporters were experimentally characterized in the past two decades. Continuous efforts are still on going to identify all molecules related to the production of GSLs. A manually curated database known as SuCCombase (http://plant-scc.org) was developed to serve as a comprehensive GSL inventory. Realizing lack of information on the regulation of GSL biosynthesis and degradation mechanisms, this review also includes relevant information and their connections with crosstalk among various factors, such as light, sulfur metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism, not only in A. thaliana but also in other crucifers.

The Power of Phytochemicals Combination in Cancer Chemoprevention

Conventional therapies for cancer treatment have posed many challenges, including toxicity, multidrug resistance and economic expenses. In contrast, complementary alternative medicine (CAM), employing phytochemicals have recently received increased attention owing to their capability to modulate a myriad of molecular mechanisms with a less toxic effect. Increasing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggest that phytochemicals can favorably modulate several signaling pathways involved in cancer development and progression. Combinations of phytochemicals promote cell death, inhibit cell proliferation and invasion, sensitize cancerous cells, and boost the immune system, thus making them striking alternatives in cancer therapy. We previously investigated the effect of six phytochemicals (Indol-3-Carbinol, Resveratrol, C-phycocyanin, Isoflavone, Curcumin and Quercetin), at their bioavailable levels on breast cancer cell lines and were compared to primary cell lines over a period of 6 days. This study showed the compounds had a synergestic effect in inhibiting cell proliferation, reducing cellular migration and invasion, inducing both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Despite the vast number of basic science and preclinical cancer studies involving phytochemicals, the number of CAM clinical trials in cancer treatment still remains nascent. In this review, we summarize findings from preclinical and clinical studies, including our work involving use of phytochemicals, individually as well as in combination and further discuss the potential of these phytochemicals to pave way to integrate CAM in primary health care.

The role of dietary phytochemicals in the carcinogenesis via the modulation of miRNA expression

PURPOSE

Phytochemicals are naturally occurring plant-derived compounds and some of them have the potential to serve as anticancer drugs. Based on recent evidence, aberrantly regulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is closely associated with malignancy. MicroRNAs are characterized as small non-coding RNAs functioning as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. Accordingly, miRNAs regulate various target genes, some of which are involved in the process of carcinogenesis.

RESULTS

This comprehensive review emphasizes the anticancer potential of phytochemicals, either isolated or in combination, mediated by miRNAs. The ability to modulate the expression of miRNAs demonstrates their importance as regulators of tumorigenesis. Phytochemicals as anticancer agents targeting miRNAs are widely studied in preclinical in vitro and in vivo research. Unfortunately, their anticancer efficacy in targeting miRNAs is less investigated in clinical research.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant anticancer properties of phytochemicals as regulators of miRNA expression have been proven, but more studies investigating their clinical relevance are needed.