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Abd El-Mawgoud HK, AboulMagd AM, Nemr MTM, Hemdan MM, Hassaballah AI, Farag PS. Design, synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of new thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine analogues as VEGFR-2/AKT dual inhibitors, apoptosis and autophagy inducers. Bioorg Chem 2024; 150:107622. [PMID: 38996545 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107622] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Novel thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine analogues were designed, synthesized and evaluated for anti-proliferative activity against HepG-2, PC-3 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. In addition, WI-38 normal cell line was used to explore the safety of all the tested compounds. Compounds 2 (IC50 = 4.29 µM HePG-2, 10.84 µM MCF-7), 6 (IC50 = 14.86 μM HePG-2, 8.04 μM PC-3 and 12.90 μM MCF-7) and 17 (IC50 = 9.98 μM HePG-2, 33.66 μM PC-3 and 14.62 μM MCF-7) were the most promising candidates on the tested cancer cells with high selective toxicity-sparing normal cells. A further mechanistic evaluation revealed promising kinase inhibitory activity, where compound 2 inhibited VEGFR-2 and AKT at IC50 = 0.161 and 1.06 μM, respectively, Furthermore, derivative 6 inhibited VEGFR-2 and AKT at IC50 = 0.487 and 0.364 μM, respectively, while compound 17 showed IC50 = 0.164 and 0.452 μM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 2, 6 resulted in G1 phase cell cycle arrest while candidate 17 arrest cell cycle at G2/M phase. Similar to the apoptosis results, compound 17 showed the highest autophagic induction among the evaluated derivatives. Finally, docking studies were conducted to assess the binding patterns of these active derivatives. The results showed that the binding patterns inside the active sites of both the VEGFR-2 and AKT-1 (allosteric pocket) crystal structures were identical to the reference ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba K Abd El-Mawgoud
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Heliopolis, 11767 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Asmaa M AboulMagd
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University (NUB), Beni-Suef, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed T M Nemr
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Eini Street 11562, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Magdy M Hemdan
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbasia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya I Hassaballah
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbasia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Paula S Farag
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbasia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
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Behnagh AK, Eghbali M, Abdolmaleki F, Ghadikolaei OA, Asl PR, Afsharpad M, Cheraghi S, Honardoost M. An Overview on Prevalence and Detection Approaches of BRAF V600E Mutation in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 53:1496-1507. [PMID: 39086414 PMCID: PMC11287593 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i7.16044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Background BRAF V600E mutation is proved critical in the progression and invasion of thyroid cancer, and as a prognostic biomarker. As anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer, this study was conducted to provide a view on prevalence of BRAF V600E as well as the best molecular diagnostic method in ATC patients. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed from their inception to Oct 2022 in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science (WoS). The data of the prevalence of ATC were extracted. Moreover, the diagnostic feature of the available diagnostic tools was extracted to measure the sensitivity and specificity. To pool the prevalence data, we used meta-proportion analysis and diagnostic meta-analysis was conducted to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the immunohistochemistry method in detecting BRAF V600E mutation among patients with ATC. Results Overall, 34 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The incidence of BRAF V600E was shown 33% in the 978 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of IHC in detecting BRAF V600E were detected 78.9% (95%CI: 60.1-97.2), and 69.7% (95%CI: 41.2-98.1), respectively. Conclusion IHC had an acceptable prognostic profile for detecting BRAF V600E in ATC patients. The diagnosis of BRAF mutation is critical in clinical trials and may be helpful for choosing proper-targeted therapy strategies in ATC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Karimi Behnagh
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Eghbali
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Abdolmaleki
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omolbanin Asadi Ghadikolaei
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Rezazadeh Asl
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mandana Afsharpad
- Cancer Control Research Center, Cancer Control Foundation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Cheraghi
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Honardoost
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abutayeh RF, Altah M, Mehdawi A, Al-Ataby I, Ardakani A. Chemopreventive Agents from Nature: A Review of Apigenin, Rosmarinic Acid, and Thymoquinone. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6600-6619. [PMID: 39057035 PMCID: PMC11276303 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070393] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a major challenge to global health and healthcare systems, requires the study of alternative and supportive treatments due to the limitations of conventional therapies. This review examines the chemopreventive potential of three natural compounds: rosmarinic acid, apigenin, and thymoquinone. Derived from various plants, these compounds have demonstrated promising chemopreventive properties in in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. Specifically, they have been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth, induce apoptosis, and modulate key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research on these phytochemicals, elucidating their mechanisms of action, therapeutic efficacy, and potential as adjuncts to traditional cancer therapies. This information serves as a valuable resource for researchers and healthcare providers interested in expanding their knowledge within the field of alternative cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Fawaz Abutayeh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11937, Jordan;
| | - Maram Altah
- School of Pharmacy, Al-Qadisiyah College, Amman 11118, Jordan;
| | - Amani Mehdawi
- School of Pharmacy, Al-Qadisiyah College, Amman 11118, Jordan;
| | - Israa Al-Ataby
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11937, Jordan;
| | - Adel Ardakani
- College of Pharmacy, Amman Arab University, Amman 11953, Jordan;
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Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Faraji F, Kooshki L, Webber K, Bishayee A. Modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis by natural compounds: a comprehensive and critical review. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:501-574. [PMID: 37792223 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells employ multiple signaling mediators to escape the hypoxic condition and trigger angiogenesis and metastasis. As a critical orchestrate of tumorigenic conditions, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is responsible for stimulating several target genes and dysregulated pathways in tumor invasion and migration. Therefore, targeting HIF-1 pathway and cross-talked mediators seems to be a novel strategy in cancer prevention and treatment. In recent decades, tremendous efforts have been made to develop multi-targeted therapies to modulate several dysregulated pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. In this line, natural compounds have shown a bright future in combating angiogenic and metastatic conditions. Among the natural secondary metabolites, we have evaluated the critical potential of phenolic compounds, terpenes/terpenoids, alkaloids, sulfur compounds, marine- and microbe-derived agents in the attenuation of HIF-1, and interconnected pathways in fighting tumor-associated angiogenesis and invasion. This is the first comprehensive review on natural constituents as potential regulators of HIF-1 and interconnected pathways against cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. This review aims to reshape the previous strategies in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Faraji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Leila Kooshki
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6714415153, Iran
| | - Kassidy Webber
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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Ray PP, Islam MA, Islam MS, Han A, Geng P, Aziz MA, Mamun AA. A comprehensive evaluation of the therapeutic potential of silibinin: a ray of hope in cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1349745. [PMID: 38487172 PMCID: PMC10937417 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1349745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural compounds hold promise in the search for cancer therapies due to their unique chemical structures and combinations that may effectively combat cancer while minimizing toxicity and side effects compared to conventional treatments. Silibinin, a natural lignan, has been found to possess strong anti-cancer activity against several types of human cancers based on emerging research. This study aims to provide an overview of the therapeutic potential of silibinin in the treatment and prevention of cancers. A comprehensive search was conducted using various internet databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect to identify relevant research papers. Silibinin has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity against several types of cancers, including liver, lungs, breast, prostate, colorectal, skin, and bladder cancers. Its multifaceted mechanisms of action contribute to its therapeutic effects. Silibinin exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic activities, making it a promising candidate for cancer therapy. One of the key mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of silibinin is its ability to modulate multiple signaling pathways involved in cancer development and progression. It can inhibit the activation of various oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK pathways, thereby suppressing cancer cell proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest, and promoting apoptosis. Silibinin possesses great potential as an effective treatment agent for cancer. The multifaceted mechanisms of action, favorable safety profile, and potential synergistic effects of silibinin with conventional therapies make it an attractive candidate for further investigation and development as a cancer treatment. However, more extensive clinical studies are necessary to fully establish the efficacy, optimal dosage, and long-term effects of silibinin in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantha Prodip Ray
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mohammad Safiqul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Aixia Han
- Key Laboratory of Joint Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Cancer of Lishui of The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui People’s Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Peiwu Geng
- Key Laboratory of Joint Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Cancer of Lishui of The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui People’s Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Md. Abdul Aziz
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Key Laboratory of Joint Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Cancer of Lishui of The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui People’s Hospital, Lishui, China
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Mathur A, Meena A, Luqman S. Monoterpenoids: An upcoming class of therapeutic agents for modulating cancer metastasis. Phytother Res 2024; 38:939-969. [PMID: 38102850 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Monoterpenoids, a sub-class of terpenoids, are secondary metabolites frequently extracted from the essential oils of aromatic plants. Their antitumor properties including antiproliferative, apoptotic, antiangiogenic, and antimetastatic effects along with other biological activities have been the subject of extensive study due to their diverse characteristics. In recent years, numerous investigations have been conducted to understand its potential anticancer impacts, specifically focusing on antiproliferative and apoptotic mechanisms. Metastasis, a malignancy hallmark, can exert either protective or destructive influences on tumor cells. Despite this, the potential antimetastatic and antiangiogenic attributes of monoterpenoids need further exploration. This review focuses on specific monoterpenoids, examining their effects on metastasis and relevant signaling pathways. The monoterpenoids exhibit a high level of complexity as natural products that regulate metastatic proteins through various signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/jun N-terminal kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epithelial mesenchymal transition process. Additionally, this review delves into the biosynthesis and classification of monoterpenoids, their potential antitumor impacts on cell lines, the plant sources of monoterpenoids, and the current status of limited clinical trials investigating their efficacy against cancer. Moreover, monoterpenoids depict promising potential in preventing cancer metastasis, however, inadequate clinical trials limit their drug usage. State-of-the-art techniques and technologies are being employed to overcome the challenges of utilizing monoterpenoids as an anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Mathur
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Abha Meena
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Suaib Luqman
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Kumar V, Haldar S, Ghosh S, Saini S, Dhankhar P, Roy P. Pterostilbene-Isothiocyanate Inhibits Proliferation of Human MG-63 Osteosarcoma Cells via Abrogating β-Catenin/TCF-4 Interaction-A Mechanistic Insight. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:43474-43489. [PMID: 38027335 PMCID: PMC10666272 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma, a highly metastasizing bone neoplasm, is a leading cause of death and disability in children and adolescents worldwide. Osteosarcoma is only suboptimally responsive to surgery and radio- and chemotherapy, that too with adverse side effects. Hence, there is a necessary need for safer alternative therapeutic approaches. This study evaluated the anticancer effects of the semi-synthetic compound, pterostilbene-isothiocyanate (PTER-ITC), on human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells through cytotoxicity, wound-healing, and transwell-migration assays. Results showed that PTER-ITC specifically inhibited the survival, proliferation, and migration of osteosarcoma cells. PTER-ITC induced apoptosis in MG-63 cells by disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential, as evident from the outcomes of different cytological staining. The antimetastatic potential of PTER-ITC was evaluated through immunostaining, RT-qPCR, and immunoblotting. In silico (molecular docking and dynamic simulation) and, subsequently, biochemical [co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and luciferase reporter] assays deciphered the underlying mode-of-action of this compound. PTER-ITC increased E-cadherin and reduced N-cadherin levels, thereby facilitating the reversal of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). It also modulated the expressions of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), caspase-3, poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase (PARP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMPs-2/9) at transcriptional and translational levels. PTER-ITC interfered with the β-catenin/transcription factor-4 (TCF-4) interaction in silico by occupying the β-catenin binding site on TCF-4, confirmed by their reduced physical interactions (Co-IP assay). This inhibited transcriptional activation of TCF-4 by β-catenin (as shown by luciferase reporter assay). In conclusion, PTER-ITC exhibited potent anticancer effects in vitro against human osteosarcoma cells by abrogating the β-catenin/TCF-4 interaction. Altogether, this study suggests that PTER-ITC may be regarded as a new approach for osteosarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viney Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667,India
| | - Swati Haldar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667,India
- Centre of Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Souvik Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667,India
- Centre of Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Saakshi Saini
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667,India
| | - Poonam Dhankhar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667,India
| | - Partha Roy
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667,India
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Salah A, Sleem R, Abd-Elaziz A, Khalil H. Regulation of NF-κB Expression by Thymoquinone; A Role in Regulating Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Programmed Cell Death in Hepatic Cancer Cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:3739-3748. [PMID: 38019231 PMCID: PMC10772774 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.11.3739] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The miracle herb Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is a member of the Ranunculaceae family that possesses many properties, such as antioxidant, anticancer, analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the primary ingredient that makes up N. sativa, which is responsible for its many properties. So, our research focused on the biological role of TQ and its anticancer activities. METHODS A wide range of TQ concentrations (50µg/µl, 25µg/ µl, and 12.5µg µl) was prepared and evaluated for their potential regulatory role in cell lines of hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2 cell line) compared with normal hepatocytes cells, untreated and DMSO-treated cells. RESULTS The more significant level of LDH obtained after TQ treatment compared to untreated cells provides evidence of the cytotoxic effects of TQ on HepG2 cells. Notably, the normal hepatocyte cells subjected to the same concentrations of TQ showed neglected influence in cell viability rate, indicating the selective regulatory role of TQ in cancer cell proliferation. Interestingly, as a critical mediator of malignancy transformation, the nuclear factor-kappa B expression level (NF-κB) significantly decreased in a time and dose-dependent manner of TQ treatment. Furthermore, we investigated whether TQ regulates the expression of deleted liver cancer 1 (DLC1) and Caspase 3 (Casp3). Notably, the treatment with TQ showed increased expression levels of DLC1 and Casp3 upon treatment. TQ extract sufficiently mediated the secretion of the released pro-inflammatory cytokines from treated cells. This regulation of released cytokines by TQ may affect the activation of NF-κB in treated cells. CONCLUSION These results indicate that TQ mediates the activation of Casp3, DLC1, and NF-κB, providing a new function of TQ in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Zhao S, Li Y, Li G, Ye J, Wang R, Zhang X, Li F, Gao C, Li J, Jiang J, Mi Y. PI3K/mTOR inhibitor VS-5584 combined with PLK1 inhibitor exhibits synergistic anti-cancer effects on non-small cell lung cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:176004. [PMID: 37625683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Small molecule drugs are of significant importance in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we explored biological effects of the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor VS-5584 on NSCLC. Our findings indicated that VS-5584 administration resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of NSCLC cell proliferation, as well as the induction of apoptosis and cycle arrest. Additionally, we observed a significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels following VS-5584 treatment. The use of the ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) effectively reduced ROS levels and decreased the proportion of apoptotic cells. Treatment with VS-5584 led to an upregulation of genes associated with apoptosis and cell cycle, such as c-caspase 3 and P21. Conversely, a downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) expression was observed. Next, transcriptome analyses revealed that VS-5584 treatment altered the abundance of 1520 genes/transcripts in PC-9 cells, one of which was polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). These differentially expressed genes were primarily enriched in biological processes such as cell cycle regulation and cell apoptosis, which are closely linked to the P53 and apoptosis pathways. Co-treatment with VS-5584 and PLK1 inhibitor NMS-P937 resulted in enhanced cancer cell death, exhibiting synergistic inhibitory activity. Notably, VS-5584 inhibited the growth of NSCLC in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model without observable abnormalities in major organs. Overall, VS-5584 effectively suppressed the growth of NSCLC cells both in vitro and in vivo. VS-5584 combined with NMS-P937 exhibited a synergistic effect in inhibiting NSCLC cell growth. These findings suggest that VS-5584 has potential as a therapeutic strategy for treating NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senxia Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Yibin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Juanping Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Thoracic Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute of Lung Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Chang Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Junbiao Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Thoracic Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute of Lung Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, PR China.
| | - Yanjun Mi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Clinical Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian Province, PR China.
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Hashemi M, Taheriazam A, Daneii P, Hassanpour A, Kakavand A, Rezaei S, Hejazi ES, Aboutalebi M, Gholamrezaie H, Saebfar H, Salimimoghadam S, Mirzaei S, Entezari M, Samarghandian S. Targeting PI3K/Akt signaling in prostate cancer therapy. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:423-443. [PMID: 36367667 PMCID: PMC10409967 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00702-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urological cancers have obtained much attention in recent years due to their mortality and morbidity. The most common and malignant tumor of urological cancers is prostate cancer that imposes high socioeconomic costs on public life and androgen-deprivation therapy, surgery, and combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy are employed in its treatment. PI3K/Akt signaling is an oncogenic pathway responsible for migration, proliferation and drug resistance in various cancers. In the present review, the role of PI3K/Akt signaling in prostate cancer progression is highlighted. The activation of PI3K/Akt signaling occurs in prostate cancer, while PTEN as inhibitor of PI3K/Akt shows down-regulation. Stimulation of PI3K/Akt signaling promotes survival of prostate tumor cells and prevents apoptosis. The cell cycle progression and proliferation rate of prostate tumor cells increase by PI3K/Akt signaling induction. PI3K/Akt signaling stimulates EMT and enhances metastasis of prostate tumor cells. Silencing PI3K/Akt signaling impairs growth and metastasis of prostate tumor cells. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling mediates drug resistance and reduces radio-sensitivity of prostate tumor cells. Anti-tumor compounds suppress PI3K/Akt signaling in impairing prostate tumor progression. Furthermore, upstream regulators such as miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs regulate PI3K/Akt signaling and it has clinical implications for prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Daneii
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aria Hassanpour
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirabbas Kakavand
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shamin Rezaei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Sadat Hejazi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Aboutalebi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Gholamrezaie
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Saebfar
- League of European Research Universities, European University Association, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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11
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Shabani H, Karami MH, Kolour J, Sayyahi Z, Parvin MA, Soghala S, Baghini SS, Mardasi M, Chopani A, Moulavi P, Farkhondeh T, Darroudi M, Kabiri M, Samarghandian S. Anticancer activity of thymoquinone against breast cancer cells: Mechanisms of action and delivery approaches. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:114972. [PMID: 37481931 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising incidence of breast cancer has been a significant source of concern in the medical community. Regarding the adverse effects and consequences of current treatments, cancers' health, and socio-economical aspects have become more complicated, leaving research aimed at improved or new treatments on top priority. Medicinal herbs contain multitarget compounds that can control cancer development and advancement. Owing to Nigella Sativa's elements, it can treat many disorders. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural chemical derived from the black seeds of Nigella sativa Linn proved to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. TQ interferes in a broad spectrum of tumorigenic procedures and inhibits carcinogenesis, malignant development, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis owing to its multitargeting ability. It effectively facilitates miR-34a up-regulation, regulates the p53-dependent pathway, and suppresses Rac1 expression. TQ promotes apoptosis and controls the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes. It has also been shown to diminish the phosphorylation of NF-B and IKK and decrease the metastasis and ERK1/2 and PI3K activity. We discuss TQ's cytotoxic effects for breast cancer treatment with a deep look at the relevant stimulatory or inhibitory signaling pathways. This review discusses the various forms of polymeric and non-polymeric nanocarriers (NC) and the encapsulation of TQ for increasing oral bioavailability and enhanced in vitro and in vivo efficacy of TQ-combined treatment with different chemotherapeutic agents against various breast cancer cell lines. This study can be useful to a broad scientific community, comprising pharmaceutical and biological scientists, as well as clinical investigators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Shabani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr Branch, Iran
| | | | - Jalili Kolour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology master student, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Zeinab Sayyahi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amir Parvin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, school of Biology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrad Soghala
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Shojaei Baghini
- Plant Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology(NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Mardasi
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G. C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Chopani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pooria Moulavi
- Department of Biology, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Majid Darroudi
- Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur 9318614139, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Kabiri
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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12
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Eid EEM, Almaiman AA, Alshehade SA, Alsalemi W, Kamran S, Suliman FO, Alshawsh MA. Characterization of Thymoquinone-Sulfobutylether-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex for Anticancer Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104096. [PMID: 37241838 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a quinone derived from the black seed Nigella sativa and has been extensively studied in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical research due to its therapeutic potential and pharmacological properties. Although the chemopreventive and potential anticancer effects of TQ have been reported, its limited solubility and poor delivery remain the major limitations. In this study, we aimed to characterize the inclusion complexes of TQ with Sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) at four different temperatures (293-318 K). Additionally, we compared the antiproliferative activity of TQ alone to TQ complexed with SBE-β-CD on six different cancer cell lines, including colon, breast, and liver cancer cells (HCT-116, HT-29, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, SK-BR-3, and HepG2), using an MTT assay. We calculated the thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG) using the van't Holf equation. The inclusion complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), and molecular dynamics using the PM6 model. Our findings revealed that the solubility of TQ was improved by ≥60 folds, allowing TQ to penetrate completely into the cavity of SBE-β-CD. The IC50 values of TQ/SBE-β-CD ranged from 0.1 ± 0.01 µg/mL against SK-BR-3 human breast cancer cells to 1.2 ± 0.16 µg/mL against HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells, depending on the cell line. In comparison, the IC50 values of TQ alone ranged from 0.2 ± 0.01 µg/mL to 4.7 ± 0.21 µg/mL. Overall, our results suggest that SBE-β-CD can enhance the anticancer effect of TQ by increasing its solubility and bioavailability and cellular uptake. However, further studies are necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and potential side effects of using SBE-β-CD as a drug delivery system for TQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eltayeb E M Eid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer A Almaiman
- Unit of Scientific Research, Applied College, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Wardah Alsalemi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Sareh Kamran
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - FakhrEldin O Suliman
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 36, Muscat 123, Oman
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13
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Alsaffar N, Fang Y, Walters E. Thymoquinone effect on the Dictyostelium discoideum model correlates with functional roles for glutathione S-transferases in eukaryotic proliferation, chemotaxis, and development. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282399. [PMID: 36857392 PMCID: PMC9977050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing body of literature demonstrates the therapeutic relevance of polyphenols in eukaryotic cell and animal model studies. The phase II glutathione S-transferases (GST) show differential responses to thymoquinone, a major bioactive polyphenol constituent of the black seed, Nigella sativa. Beyond antioxidant defense, GSTs may act in non-enzymatic capacities to effect cell cycle, motility, and differentiation. Here, we report the impact of thymoquinone on the life cycle of the eukaryotic model Dictyostelium discoideum and accompanying profiles of its GST-alpha (DdGSTA) enzyme activity and isozyme expression. In silico molecular modeling revealed strong interaction(s) between thymoquinone and DdGSTA2 and DdGSTA3 isozymes that correlated with in vivo, dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation of amoebae at 24, 48, and 72hr. Similarly, cytosolic DdGST enzyme activity (CDNB activity) was also responsive to different thymoquinone concentrations. Thymoquinone generally reduced expression of DdGSTA2 and DdGSTA3 isozymes in proliferating cells, however differential expression of the isozymes occurred during starvation. Thymoquinone effectively reduced early-stage aggregation of starved amoeba, accompanied by increased reactive oxygen species and altered expression of tubulin and contact site A (gp80), which resulted in reduced morphogenesis and fruiting body formation. These observations reveal that thymoquinone can impact signaling mechanisms that regulate proliferation and development in D. discoideum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Alsaffar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Yayin Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Eric Walters
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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14
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Thymoquinone Suppresses Angiogenesis in DEN-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting miR-1-3p. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415904. [PMID: 36555545 PMCID: PMC9781440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by its high vascularity and metastasis. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bio-active constituent of Nigella sativa, has shown anticancer and hepatoprotective effects. TQ's anticancer effect is mediated through miRNA regulation. miR-1-3p plays a significant role in various cancers but its role in HCC invasiveness remains poorly understood. Bio-informatics analysis predicted that the 3'-UTR of TIMP3 is a target for miR-1-3p; Rats were equally divided into four groups: Group 1, the negative control; Group 2 received TQ; Group 3 received DEN; and Group 4 received DEN after pretreatment with TQ. The expression of TIMP3, MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF in rats' liver was determined immunohistochemically. RT-qPCR was used to measure the miR-1-3p level in rats' liver, and TIMP3, MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF in the HepG2 cells after being transfected with miR-1-3p mimic or inhibitor; In rats pretreated with TQ, a decreased expression of MMP2, MMP9 and VEGF, and increased expression levels of TIMP3 and miR-1-3p were detected. Treating the HepG2 cells with miR-1-3p mimic led to the upregulation of TIMP3 and downregulation of MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF, and showed a significant delay in wound healing; These results suggested that the anti-angiogenic effect of TQ in HCC may be mediated through the regulation of miR-1-3p.
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15
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Aliev AM, Radzhabov GK. The Dependence of the Component Composition of the Extract of Satureja hortensis L. on the Pressure of the Process of Supercritical CO2 Extraction. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990793122080036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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16
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Abdualmjid RJ, Sergi CM. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Induction of Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Lines by Thymoquinone. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314669. [PMID: 36498999 PMCID: PMC9737800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), a plant-based bioactive constituent derived from the volatile oil of Nigella sativa, has been shown to possess some anti-neoplastic activities. The present study aimed to investigate the mitochondria and apoptosis observed when TQ is applied against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and cholangiocarcinoma (HuCCT1) cells, two of the most common primary tumors of the liver. All cell lines were treated with increasing concentrations of TQ for varying durations. The anti-proliferative effect of TQ was measured using the methoxyphenyl-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay and resulted in dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition in both cell lines. Cell cycle, apoptosis, and assessment of mitochondria viability by morphology assessment and evaluation of the mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated. The present study confirms that TQ caused cell cycle arrest at different phases and induced apoptosis in both cell lines. A systematic review of rodent animal models was also carried out. Overall, our data seem to represent the most robust results, suggesting that TQ possesses promising therapeutic potential as an anti-tumor agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem J. Abdualmjid
- Department of Lab. Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Consolato M. Sergi
- Department of Lab. Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
- Anatomic Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-737-7600 (ext. 2427); Fax: +1-613-738-4837
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17
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Mohamed A, Azmi AS, Asa SL, Tirumani SH, Mahipal A, Cjakrabarti S, Bajor D, Selfridge JE, Kaseb AO. Thymoquinone Plus Immunotherapy in Extra-Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: Case Series for a Novel Combination. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:9018-9030. [PMID: 36421360 PMCID: PMC9689659 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29110707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of cancers that had a significant increase in annual incidence in the last decade. They can be divided into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Poorly differentiated NECs are aggressive forms of cancers with limited therapeutic options. The first line treatment of metastatic poorly differentiated NECs is similar to small cell lung cancer, with cytotoxic chemotherapy (etoposide plus platinum). Patients who progress have limited therapeutic options and poor overall survival, calling for other novel agents to combat this deadly disease. Therefore, in this article, we summarized the effects of a novel component, Thymoquinone (TQ, C10H12O2), which is the main bioactive component of the black seed (Nigella sativa, Ranunculaceae family), plus immunotherapy in case series of patients with refractory metastatic extra-pulmonary NEC (EP-NEC) and one case of mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN). METHODS We report the effect of TQ plus dual immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab plus ipilimumab) in four patients with poorly differentiated gastrointestinal Ep-NEC and MiNEN who progressed on cytotoxic chemotherapy. RESULTS This is the first case series to report the clinical activity of TQ plus dual immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab plus ipilimumab) in patients with refractory metastatic EP-NEC. The four patients showed benefits with the combined regimen TQ plus dual ICPIs with durable response and exceeded the two years of progression-free survival. None of the four patients experienced significant toxicity, and all of them showed improvement in quality of life. CONCLUSION The reported clinical courses suggest that combined TQ plus ICPIs is a potential promising regimen for refractory EP-NEC and MiNEN that deserves further prospective investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Mohamed
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals, Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-216-844-1257; Fax: +1-508-844-5234
| | - Asfar S. Azmi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Sylvia L. Asa
- Seidman Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Sree Harsha Tirumani
- Seidman Cancer Center, Department of Radiology, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Amit Mahipal
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals, Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Sakti Cjakrabarti
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals, Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - David Bajor
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals, Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - J. Eva Selfridge
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals, Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ahmed O. Kaseb
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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18
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Potential Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibitors in Management of Cancer: Therapeutic Opportunities from Herbal Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113334. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a multifunctional protein involved in cellular communication, integrating and transducing extracellular signals from cell-surface membrane receptors. It plays a central role intracellularly and extracellularly within the tumor microenvironment. Perturbations in FAK signaling promote tumor occurrence and development, and studies have revealed its biological behavior in tumor cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion. Herein we provide an overview of the complex biology of the FAK family members and their context-dependent nature. Next, with a focus on cancer, we highlight the activities of FAK signaling in different types of cancer and how knowledge of them is being used for screening natural compounds used in herbal medicine to fight tumor development.
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Torres-Vargas JA, Cheng-Sánchez I, Martínez-Poveda B, Medina MÁ, Sarabia F, García-Caballero M, Quesada AR. Characterization of the activity and the mechanism of action of a new toluquinol derivative with improved potential as an antiangiogenic drug. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113759. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Elyasi R, Majdi M, Krause ST, Kücükay N, Azizi A, Degenhardt J. Identification and functional characterization of a γ-terpinene synthase in Nigella sativa L (black cumin). PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2022; 202:113290. [PMID: 35803303 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nigella sativa (Black cumin) has many applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. Thymoquinone has been considered as a main effective compound in N. sativa seeds and attracted researchers' attention mainly due to its medicinal potential. In this study, the essential oil components of leaves, flowers and seed developmental stages including half black seeds, soft black seeds and hard black seeds were analyzed in N. sativa. Whereas no terpenes were detected in flowers and leaves, seeds showed an essential oil composition that increased in its thymoquinone content during seed maturation. To study the proposed first step of thymoquinone biosynthesis, the formation of γ-terpinene from geranyl diphosphate (GDP), we identified and functionally characterized a γ-terpinene synthase (NsTPS1) in N. sativa. This monoterpene synthase was identified in RNA sequence data derived from seeds. After heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, partially purified NsTPS1 converted GDP to γ-terpinene. NsTPS1 is the first functionally characterized terpene synthase from N. sativa and displays a higher similarity to other terpene synthases from Ranunculaceae than known γ-terpinene synthases from more distant plant species. Characterization of NsTPS1 elucidates the first dedicated step in the biosynthesis of thymoquinone in N. sativa and paves the way towards metabolic engineering for high-level thymoquinone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizan Elyasi
- Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Majdi
- Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Sandra T Krause
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Nagihan Kücükay
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Abdolbaset Azizi
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Jörg Degenhardt
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle, Germany.
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Hao Q, Wu Y, Vadgama JV, Wang P. Phytochemicals in Inhibition of Prostate Cancer: Evidence from Molecular Mechanisms Studies. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1306. [PMID: 36139145 PMCID: PMC9496067 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death for men worldwide. The development of resistance, toxicity, and side effects of conventional therapies have made prostate cancer treatment become more intensive and aggressive. Many phytochemicals isolated from plants have shown to be tumor cytotoxic. In vitro laboratory studies have revealed that natural compounds can affect cancer cell proliferation by modulating many crucial cellular signaling pathways frequently dysregulated in prostate cancer. A multitude of natural compounds have been found to induce cell cycle arrest, promote apoptosis, inhibit cancer cell growth, and suppress angiogenesis. In addition, combinatorial use of natural compounds with hormone and/or chemotherapeutic drugs seems to be a promising strategy to enhance the therapeutic effect in a less toxic manner, as suggested by pre-clinical studies. In this context, we systematically reviewed the currently available literature of naturally occurring compounds isolated from vegetables, fruits, teas, and herbs, with their relevant mechanisms of action in prostate cancer. As there is increasing data on how phytochemicals interfere with diverse molecular pathways in prostate cancer, this review discusses and emphasizes the implicated molecular pathways of cell proliferation, cell cycle control, apoptosis, and autophagy as important processes that control tumor angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. In conclusion, the elucidation of the natural compounds' chemical structure-based anti-cancer mechanisms will facilitate drug development and the optimization of drug combinations. Phytochemicals, as anti-cancer agents in the treatment of prostate cancer, can have significant health benefits for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongyu Hao
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Yanyuan Wu
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jaydutt V. Vadgama
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Piwen Wang
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
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22
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A Narrative Review on Various Oil Extraction Methods, Encapsulation Processes, Fatty Acid Profiles, Oxidative Stability, and Medicinal Properties of Black Seed (Nigella sativa). Foods 2022; 11:foods11182826. [PMID: 36140949 PMCID: PMC9498113 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The current review investigates the effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) on human health, which is also used to encapsulate and oxidative stable in different food products. In recent decades, many extraction methods, such as cold pressing, supercritical fluid extraction, Soxhlet extraction, hydro distillation (HD) method, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction, steam distillation, and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) have been used to extract the oils from black seeds under optimal conditions. Black seed oil contains essential fatty acids, in which the major fatty acids are linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids. The oxidative stability of black seed oil is very low, due to various environmental conditions or factors (temperature and light) affecting the stability. The oxidative stability of black seed oil has been increased by using encapsulation methods, including nanoprecipitation, ultra-sonication, spray-drying, nanoprecipitation, electrohydrodynamic, atomization, freeze-drying, a electrospray technique, and coaxial electrospraying. Black seed, oil, microcapsules, and their components have been used in various food processing, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetics industries as functional ingredients for multiple purposes. Black seed and oil contain thymoquinone as a major component, which has anti-oxidant, -diabetic, -inflammatory, -cancer, -viral, and -microbial properties, due to its phenolic compounds. Many clinical and experimental studies have indicated that the black seed and their by-products can be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, chronic cancer, diabetes, oxidative stress, polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic disorders, hypertension, asthma, and skin disorders. In this review, we are focusing on black seed oil composition and increasing the stability using different encapsulation methods. It is used in various food products to increase the human nutrition and health properties.
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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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Anticancer and Anti-Metastatic Role of Thymoquinone: Regulation of Oncogenic Signaling Cascades by Thymoquinone. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116311. [PMID: 35682990 PMCID: PMC9181073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a life-threatening and multifaceted disease. Pioneering research works in the past three decades have mechanistically disentangled intertwined signaling networks which play contributory roles in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Phenomenal strides have been made in leveraging our scientific knowledge altogether to a new level of maturity. Rapidly accumulating wealth of information has underlined a myriad of transduction cascades which can be pharmaceutically exploited for cancer prevention/inhibition. Natural products serve as a treasure trove and compel interdisciplinary researchers to study the cancer chemopreventive roles of wide-ranging natural products in cell culture and preclinical studies. Experimental research related to thymoquinone has gradually gained momentum because of the extra-ordinary cancer chemopreventive multifunctionalities of thymoquinone. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of different cell signaling cascades reported to be regulated by thymoquinone for cancer chemoprevention. Essentially, thymoquinone efficacy has also been notably studied in animal models, which advocates for a rationale-based transition of thymoquinone from the pre-clinical pipeline to clinical trials.
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Abdelnaby RM, El-Malah AA, FakhrEldeen RR, Saeed MM, Nadeem RI, Younis NS, Abdel-Rahman HM, El-Dydamony NM. In Vitro Anticancer Activity Screening of Novel Fused Thiophene Derivatives as VEGFR-2/AKT Dual Inhibitors and Apoptosis Inducers. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060700. [PMID: 35745619 PMCID: PMC9229165 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases are seen as promising targets in controlling cell proliferation and survival in treating cancer where fused thiophene synthon was utilized in many kinase inhibitors approved by the FDA. Accordingly, this work focused on adopting fused thienopyrrole and pyrrolothienopyrimidine scaffolds in preparing new inhibitors, which were evaluated as antiproliferative agents in the HepG2 and PC-3 cell lines. The compounds 3b (IC50 = 3.105 and 2.15 μM) and 4c (IC50 = 3.023 and 3.12 μM) were the most promising candidates on both cells with good selective toxicity-sparing normal cells. A further mechanistic evaluation revealed promising kinase inhibitory activity, where 4c inhibited VEGFR-2 and AKT at IC50 = 0.075 and 4.60 μM, respectively, while 3b showed IC50 = 0.126 and 6.96 μM, respectively. Moreover, they resulted in S phase cell cycle arrest with subsequent caspase-3-induced apoptosis. Lastly, docking studies evaluated the binding patterns of these active derivatives and demonstrated a similar fitting pattern to the reference ligands inside the active sites of both VEGFR-2 and AKT (allosteric pocket) crystal structures. To conclude, these thiophene derivatives represent promising antiproliferative leads inhibiting both VEGFR-2 and AKT and inducing apoptosis in liver cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana M. Abdelnaby
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
- Correspondence: (R.M.A.); (N.M.E.-D.); Tel.: +20-01001797688 or +2-01270551779 (R.M.A.)
| | - Afaf A. El-Malah
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Rasha R. FakhrEldeen
- Biochemistry Department, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of October City 12585, Egypt;
| | - Marwa M. Saeed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Lecturer, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt;
| | - Rania I. Nadeem
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt;
| | - Nancy S. Younis
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Al-Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hanaa M. Abdel-Rahman
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Cairo 11829, Egypt;
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Nehad M. El-Dydamony
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of October City 12585, Egypt
- Correspondence: (R.M.A.); (N.M.E.-D.); Tel.: +20-01001797688 or +2-01270551779 (R.M.A.)
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Adinew GM, Messeha SS, Taka E, Badisa RB, Antonie LM, Soliman KFA. Thymoquinone Alterations of the Apoptotic Gene Expressions and Cell Cycle Arrest in Genetically Distinct Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Nutrients 2022; 14:2120. [PMID: 35631261 PMCID: PMC9144154 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and it is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women. triple-negative breast Cancer (TNBC), a subtype of BC, is typically associated with the highest pathogenic grade and incidence in premenopausal and young African American (AA) women. Chemotherapy, the most common treatment for TNBC today, can lead to acquired resistance and ineffective treatment. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are needed to combat medication resistance and ineffectiveness in TNBC patients. Thymoquinone (TQ) is shown to have a cytotoxic effect on human cancer cells in vitro. However, TQ's mode of action and precise mechanism in TNBC disease in vitro have not been adequately investigated. Therefore, TQ's effects on the genetically different MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines were assessed. The data obtained show that TQ displayed cytotoxic effects on MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner after 24 h, with IC50 values of 25.37 µM and 27.39 µM, respectively. Moreover, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells in a scratched wound-healing assay displayed poor wound closure, inhibiting invasion and migration via cell cycle blocking after 24 h. TQ arrested the cell cycle phase in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells. The three cell cycle stages in MDA-MB-468 cells were significantly affected at 15 and 20 µM for G0/G1 and S phases, as well as all TQ concentrations for G2/M phases. In MDA-MB-468 cells, there was a significant decrease in G0/G1 phases with a substantial increase in the S phase and G2/M phases. In contrast, MDA-MB-231 showed a significant effect only during the two cell cycle stages (S and G2/M), at concentrations of 15 and 20 µM for S phases and all TQ values for G2/M phases. The TQ effect on the apoptotic gene profiles indicated that TQ upregulated 15 apoptotic genes in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells, including caspases, GADD45A, TP53, DFFA, DIABLO, BNIP3, TRAF2/3, and TNFRSF10A. In MDA-MB-468 cells, 16 apoptotic genes were upregulated, including TNFRSF10A, TNF, TNFRSF11B, FADD TNFRSF10B, CASP2, and TRAF2, all of which are important for the apoptotic pathway andsuppress the expression of one anti-apoptotic gene, BIRC5, in MDA-MB-231 cells. Compared to MDA-MB-231 cells, elevated levels of TNF and their receptor proteins may contribute to their increased sensitivity to TQ-induced apoptosis. It was concluded from this study that TQ targets the MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells differently. Additionally, due to the aggressive nature of TNBC and the lack of specific therapies in chemoresistant TNBC, our findings related to the identified apoptotic gene profile may point to TQ as a potential agent for TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Karam F. A. Soliman
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA; (G.M.A.); (S.S.M.); (E.T.); (R.B.B.); (L.M.A.)
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Gupta DN, Rani R, Kokane AD, Ghosh DK, Tomar S, Sharma AK. Characterization of a cytoplasmic 2-Cys peroxiredoxin from Citrus sinensis and its potential role in protection from oxidative damage and wound healing. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:1088-1099. [PMID: 35452700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In present work, the recombinant cytoplasmic 2-Cys peroxiredoxin from Citrus sinensis (CsPrx) was purified and characterized. The peroxidase activity was examined with different substrates using DTT, a non-physiological electron donor. The conformational studies, in oxidized and reduced states, were performed using circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence measurement. The CD analysis showed higher α-helical content for reduced state of the protein. The thermal stability studies of CsPrx by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed that oxidized state is more stable as compared to the reduced state of CsPrx. In vitro studies showed that the CsPrx provides a protective shield against ROS and free radicals that participate in the degradation of plasmid DNA. The pre-treatment of 10 μM CsPrx provide almost 100% protection against peroxide-mediated cell killing in the Vero cells. CsPrx showed significant cell proliferation and wound healing properties. The superior morphology of viable cells and wound closure was found at 20 μM CsPrx treated for 12 h. The results demonstrated that CsPrx is a multifaceted protein with a significant role in cell proliferation, wound healing and protection against hydrogen peroxide-induced cellular damage. This could be the first report of a plant peroxiredoxin being characterized for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deena Nath Gupta
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247 667, India
| | - Ruchi Rani
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247 667, India
| | - Amol D Kokane
- Plant Virology Laboratory, ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, India
| | - Dilip Kumar Ghosh
- Plant Virology Laboratory, ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, India
| | - Shailly Tomar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247 667, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar Sharma
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247 667, India.
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Glamoclija U, Mahmutovic L, Bilajac E, Soljic V, Vukojevic K, Suljagic M. Metformin and Thymoquinone Synergistically Inhibit Proliferation of Imatinib-Resistant Human Leukemic Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:867133. [PMID: 35496297 PMCID: PMC9043685 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.867133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance is one of the major challenges in cancer treatment, including leukemia. A massive array of research is evaluating combinations of drugs directed against different intracellular signaling molecules to overcome cancer resistance, increase therapy effectiveness, and decrease its adverse effects. Combining chemicals with proven safety profiles, such as drugs already used in therapy and active substances isolated from natural sources, could potentially have superior effects compared to monotherapies. In this study, we evaluated the effects of metformin and thymoquinone (TQ) as monotherapy and combinatorial treatments in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell lines sensitive and resistant to imatinib therapy. The effects were also evaluated in primary monocytic acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. Both compounds induced a dose- and time-dependent decrease of viability and proliferation in tested cells. Metformin had similar IC50 values in imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant cell lines. IC50 values of TQ were significantly higher in imatinib-resistant cells, but with a limited resistance index (2.4). Synergistic effects of combinatorial treatments were observed in all tested cell lines, as well as in primary cells. The strongest synergistic effects were observed in the inhibition of imatinib-resistant cell line proliferation. Metformin and TQ inhibited the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling and induced apoptosis in tested cell lines and primary cells. The enhanced effects of combinatorial treatments on the induction of apoptosis were more dominant in imatinib-resistant compared to imatinib-sensitive CML cells. Primary cells were more sensitive to combinatorial treatments compared to cell lines. A combination of 1.25 mM metformin and 0.625 µM TQ increased the levels of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), decreased the levels of proliferation regulatory proteins, and inhibited protein kinase B (Akt) and NF-κB signaling in primary CLL cells. This study demonstrates that combinatorial treatments of imatinib-resistant malignant clones with metformin and TQ by complementary intracellular multi-targeting represents a promising approach in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Glamoclija
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, University of Sarajevo-Faculty of Pharmacy, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Scientific Research Unit, Bosnalijek JSC, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Lejla Mahmutovic
- Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Esma Bilajac
- Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Violeta Soljic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Katarina Vukojevic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Mirza Suljagic
- 3D BioLabs, FabLab Bosnia and Herzegovina, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- *Correspondence: Mirza Suljagic,
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Baig WA, Alwosaibai K, Al-Jubran KM, Chaudhry TM, Al-Dowish N, Alsaffar F, Alam MA. Synergistic anti-cancer effects of Nigella sativa seed oil and conventional cytotoxic agent against human breast cancer. Drug Metab Pers Ther 2022; 37:315-321. [PMID: 35405048 DOI: 10.1515/dmpt-2021-0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed invasive non-skin malignancy in women worldwide, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in them. Nigella sativa Linn. seed oil has been found to be effective in cancer treatment as well as having anti-cancer properties in some other types of cancers. The study looked into the synergistic cytotoxic effects of N. sativa Linn. seed oil and doxorubicin in the treatment of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). METHODS Nigella sativa Linn. seed oil was used to evaluate its effect on human breast cancer cells, either alone or in conjunction with doxorubicin. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) tests were used to examine cell proliferation and cell viability, while phase-contrast inverted microscopy was used to examine cellular morphology. Furthermore, the role of N. sativa seed oil in decreasing cell tumorigenicity features was highlighted by testing the cancer cell migration using the wound healing assay. RESULTS Results showed that higher concentrations (50 μg/mL) of N. sativa Linn. seed oil changed the breast cancer cell morphology and decreased the cell proliferation and viability. Breast cancer cells treated with black seed oil decreased cell movement after 24 hours compared to the untreated cell in the wound healing assay. Whereas, only the higher concentration of doxorubicin (0.5-2.5 μg/mL) reduced cell proliferation and cell viability. Moreover, the combination treatment of 50 ug/mL of black seed oil with different concentrations of doxorubicin caused a significant cell proliferation reduction and decreased cell viability. The activity was seen optimum at lower concentration (0.1 µg/mL) of doxorubicin. CONCLUSIONS There was decreased cell proliferation and cell viability when N. sativa seed oil was used alone or in conjunction with doxorubicin in Breast cancer cells (MCF-7) revealing potential opportunities in the field of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waheed A Baig
- Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Khalid M Al-Jubran
- Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq M Chaudhry
- Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Md Anzar Alam
- Department of Ilmul Atfal, SUMER, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110062
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Wang B, Li D, Cherkasova V, Gerasymchuk M, Narendran A, Kovalchuk I, Kovalchuk O. Cannabinol Inhibits Cellular Proliferation, Invasion, and Angiogenesis of Neuroblastoma via Novel miR-34a/tRiMetF31/PFKFB3 Axis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081908. [PMID: 35454815 PMCID: PMC9027424 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The prognosis of high-risk neuroblastoma is poor due to its high relapse rate. To date, no effective treatment for this disease has been developed. In this study, we utilized two neuroblastoma cell lines (IMR-5 and SK-N-AS) as a model system to explore the effects of cannabinol (CBN) on neuroblastoma and elucidate the potential mechanisms of action. We reveal an inhibitory role of CBN on neuroblastoma cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis through miR-34a-mediated targeting. We identified 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) as a direct target of a novel 31 nt tRNAiMet fragment tRiMetF31 generated from miR-34a-guided cleavage, highlighting the crucial role of the miR-34a/tRiMetF31/PFKFB3 axis in CBN-mediated suppression in neuroblastoma biology. Abstract High-risk neuroblastoma is an aggressive pediatric tumor. Despite great advances in neuroblastoma therapy and supportive care protocols, no curative treatment is available for most patients with this disease. Here, we uncover that CBN attenuated the cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis of neuroblastoma cell lines in a dose-dependent manner via the inhibition of the AKT pathway and the upregulation of miR-34a that targets E2F1. Both miR-34a and a 31-nt tRNAiMet fragment (tRiMetF31) derived from miR-34a-guided cleavage were downregulated in 4 examined neuroblastoma cell lines inversely correlated with the levels of its direct target, the PFKFB3 protein. Moreover, ectopic tRiMetF31 suppressed proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in the studied neuroblastoma cell lines. Conversely, tRiMetF31 knockdown promoted PFKFB3 expression, resulting in enhanced angiogenesis. Our findings reveal a suppressive role of CBN in neuroblastoma tumorigenesis, highlighting a novel and crucial miR-34a tumor suppressor network in CBN’s antineuroblastoma actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K3M4, Canada; (B.W.); (D.L.); (V.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Dongping Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K3M4, Canada; (B.W.); (D.L.); (V.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Viktoriia Cherkasova
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K3M4, Canada; (B.W.); (D.L.); (V.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Marta Gerasymchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K3M4, Canada; (B.W.); (D.L.); (V.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Aru Narendran
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada;
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K3M4, Canada; (B.W.); (D.L.); (V.C.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (O.K.)
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K3M4, Canada; (B.W.); (D.L.); (V.C.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (O.K.)
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Jehan S, Huang J, Farooq U, Basheer I, Zhou W. Combinatorial effect of thymoquinone with chemo agents for tumor therapy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 98:153936. [PMID: 35114449 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most chemotherapeutics used in cancer therapies exhibit considerable side effects to the patients. Thus, developing new chemo agents to treat cancer patients with minimal toxic and side effects is urgently needed. Recently, the combination of different chemotherapeutics has become a promising strategy to treat malignancies. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a primary bioactive compound derived from the folk medicinal plant Nigella sativa, which has been found an antitumor, chemopreventive and chemopotentiating agent against human neoplastic diseases. PURPOSE We briefly summarize the current research of the biomolecular mechanisms of TQ and evaluate the existing literature on TQ adjuvant therapies against various cancers. METHOD The data in this review were gathered by several search engines including, Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect. We highlighted and classified the outcomes of both in vitro and in vivo experiments of TQ adjuvant therapies against human cancers and their chemopreventive activities on vital organs. RESULTS Several studies have shown that TQ synergistically potentiated the antitumor activity of numerous chemo agents against human neoplastic disease, including lung, breast, liver, colorectal, skin, prostate, stomach, bone and blood cancers. TQ also acted as a chemopreventive agent and reduced the toxicity of many chemo agents to vital organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. CONCLUSION In summary, we highly recommend an advanced evaluation of TQ adjuvant therapies at the level of preclinical and clinical trials, which could lead to a novel combinatorial therapy for cancer treatment with low or tolerable adverse effects on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jehan
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiaxin Huang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Umar Farooq
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Irum Basheer
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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AZİRAK S, BİLGİÇ S, TAŞTEMİR KORKMAZ D, SEVİMLİ M, ÖZER MK. Timokinon’un sıçanların pankreas dokusunda valproik asidin neden olduğu hasarı iyileştirmeye etkisi. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.1020753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Plants in Anticancer Drug Discovery: From Molecular Mechanism to Chemoprevention. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5425485. [PMID: 35281598 PMCID: PMC8906971 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5425485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the primary causes of mortality globally, and the discovery of new anticancer drugs is the most important need in recent times. Natural products have been recognized as effective in fight against various diseases including cancer for over 50 years. Plants and microbes are the primary and potential sources of natural compounds to fight against cancer. Moreover, researches in the field of plant-based natural compounds have moved towards advanced and molecular level understandings from the last few decades, leading to the development of potent anticancer agents. Also, plants have been accepted as abundant and prosperous sources for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the management and prevention of different cancer types. The high toxicity of some cancer chemotherapy drugs, as well as their unfavorable side effects and drugs resistance, drives up the demand for natural compounds as new anticancer drugs. In this detailed evidence-based mechanistic review, facts and information about various medicinal plants, their bioactive compounds with their potent anticancer activities against different cancers have been gathered, with further approach to represent the molecular mechanism behind the anticancer activity of these plants. This review will be beneficial for investigators/scientists globally involved in the development of natural, safe, effective, and economical therapeutic agents/drugs against various cancers. This might be an important contribution in the field of drug discovery, where drugs can be used alone or in combination to increase the efficacy of newly synthesized drugs.
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Haider M, Elsherbeny A, Pittalà V, Consoli V, Alghamdi MA, Hussain Z, Khoder G, Greish K. Nanomedicine Strategies for Management of Drug Resistance in Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1853. [PMID: 35163777 PMCID: PMC8836587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer occurrence and mortality worldwide. Treatment of patients with advanced and metastatic LC presents a significant challenge, as malignant cells use different mechanisms to resist chemotherapy. Drug resistance (DR) is a complex process that occurs due to a variety of genetic and acquired factors. Identifying the mechanisms underlying DR in LC patients and possible therapeutic alternatives for more efficient therapy is a central goal of LC research. Advances in nanotechnology resulted in the development of targeted and multifunctional nanoscale drug constructs. The possible modulation of the components of nanomedicine, their surface functionalization, and the encapsulation of various active therapeutics provide promising tools to bypass crucial biological barriers. These attributes enhance the delivery of multiple therapeutic agents directly to the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in reversal of LC resistance to anticancer treatment. This review provides a broad framework for understanding the different molecular mechanisms of DR in lung cancer, presents novel nanomedicine therapeutics aimed at improving the efficacy of treatment of various forms of resistant LC; outlines current challenges in using nanotechnology for reversing DR; and discusses the future directions for the clinical application of nanomedicine in the management of LC resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Haider
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (Z.H.); (G.K.)
| | - Amr Elsherbeny
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Valeria Consoli
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Maha Ali Alghamdi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Princess Al-Jawhara Centre for Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain;
| | - Zahid Hussain
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (Z.H.); (G.K.)
| | - Ghalia Khoder
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (Z.H.); (G.K.)
| | - Khaled Greish
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Princess Al-Jawhara Centre for Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain;
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Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Prevention and Progression through the Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010079. [PMID: 35010954 PMCID: PMC8746460 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has gained considerable attention in various areas of cancer research due to its role in driving a loss of immune surveillance and enabling rapid advanced tumor development and progression. The TME plays an integral role in driving advanced aggressive breast cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a pivotal mediator for tumor cells to communicate with the surrounding cells via lymphatic and circulatory systems. Furthermore, the TME plays a significant role in all steps and stages of carcinogenesis by promoting and stimulating uncontrolled cell proliferation and protecting tumor cells from the immune system. Various cellular components of the TME work together to drive cancer processes, some of which include tumor-associated adipocytes, fibroblasts, macrophages, and neutrophils which sustain perpetual amplification and release of pro-inflammatory molecules such as cytokines. Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural chemical component from black cumin seed, is widely used traditionally and now in clinical trials for the treatment/prevention of multiple types of cancer, showing a potential to mitigate components of TME at various stages by various pathways. In this review, we focus on the role of TME in TNBC cancer progression and the effect of TQ on the TME, emphasizing their anticipated role in the prevention and treatment of TNBC. It was concluded from this review that the multiple components of the TME serve as a critical part of TNBC tumor promotion and stimulation of uncontrolled cell proliferation. Meanwhile, TQ could be a crucial compound in the prevention and progression of TNBC therapy through the modulation of the TME.
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Phua CYH, Teoh ZL, Goh BH, Yap WH, Tang YQ. Triangulating the pharmacological properties of thymoquinone in regulating reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and cancer: Therapeutic applications and mechanistic pathways. Life Sci 2021; 287:120120. [PMID: 34762903 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease with high morbidity and mortality rate involving changes in redox balance and deregulation of redox signalling. For decades, studies have involved developing an effective cancer treatment to combat treatment resistance. As natural products such as thymoquinone have numerous health benefits, studies are also focusing on using them as a viable method for cancer treatment, as they have minimal toxic effects compared with standard cancer treatments. Thymoquinone studies have shown numerous mechanisms of action, such as regulation of reactive species interfering with DNA structure, modulating various potential targets and their signalling pathways as well as immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Thymoquinone's anti-cancer effect is mainly due to the induction of apoptotic mechanisms, such as activation of caspases, downregulation of precancerous genes, inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), anti-tumour cell proliferation, ROS regulation, hypoxia and anti-metastasis. Insight into thymoquinone's potential as an alternative treatment for chemoprevention and inflammation can be accomplished via compiling these studies, to provide a better understanding on how and why it works, as well as its interactions with common chemotherapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Yuin Hueii Phua
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Zhi Ling Teoh
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Bey-Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Wei Hsum Yap
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Yin-Quan Tang
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
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Hou XX, Ren YP, Luo ZH, Jiang BL, Lu TT, Huang FP, Qin XY. Two novel chiral tetranucleate copper-based complexes: syntheses, crystal structures, inhibition of angiogenesis and the growth of human breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:14684-14694. [PMID: 34596186 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt02033a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The single crystals of two novel chiral tetranucleate copper(II)-based complexes (TNCu-A and TNCu-B) containing L-methioninol-derived Schiff-bases were obtained. Their single structures were characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction, infrared (IR) rays, elemental analysis, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. TNCu-A can effectively inhibit human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to form a tubular structure and it induces apoptosis of human triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and HUVECs in vitro in a mitochondria dependent manner. Moreover, in vivo TNCu-A can remarkably inhibit the growth of triple-negative breast cancer from which MDA-MB-231 cells were xenografted into severely immunodeficient nude mice by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells by dramatically inhibiting the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and up-regulating the expressions of proapoptotic proteins caspase-9 and Bax, and simultaneously inhibiting tumor angiogenesis by decreasing the density of vascular endothelial cells and suppressing migration and even partially inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xiao Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin, 541004, China.
| | - Ya-Ping Ren
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin, 541004, China.
| | - Zhao-Hui Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin, 541004, China.
| | - Bing-Li Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin, 541004, China.
| | - Tian-Tian Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin, 541004, China.
| | - Fu-Ping Huang
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Xiu-Ying Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin, 541004, China.
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi, Guilin, 541004, China
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Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Biomolecules: Molecular Targets Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910774. [PMID: 34639131 PMCID: PMC8509806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This report explores the available curative molecules directed against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Limited efficiency as well as other drawbacks of existing molecules led to the search for promising potential alternatives. Understanding of the cell signaling mechanisms propelling carcinogenesis and driven by cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis can offer valuable information for the investigation of efficient treatment strategies. The complexity of the mechanisms behind carcinogenesis inspires researchers to explore the ability of various biomolecules to target specific pathways. Natural components occurring mainly in food and medicinal plants, are considered an essential resource for discovering new and promising therapeutic molecules. Novel biomolecules normally have an advantage in terms of biosafety. They are also widely diverse and often possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Based on quantitative structure-activity relationship studies, biomolecules can be used as templates for chemical modifications that improve efficiency, safety, and bioavailability. In this review, we focus on anti-HCC biomolecules that have their molecular targets partially or completely characterized as well as having anti-cancer molecular mechanisms that are fairly described.
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Hassan R, Mohi-Ud-Din R, Dar MO, Shah AJ, Mir PA, Shaikh M, Pottoo FH. Bioactive Heterocyclic Compounds as Potential Therapeutics in the Treatment of Gliomas: A Review. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:551-565. [PMID: 34488596 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210901112954] [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: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most alarming diseases, with an estimation of 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Glioma occurs in glial cells surrounding nerve cells. The majority of the patients with gliomas have a terminal prognosis, and the ailment has significant sway on patients and their families, be it physical, psychological, or economic wellbeing. As Glioma exhibits, both intra and inter tumour heterogeneity with multidrug resistance and current therapies are ineffective. So the development of safer anti gliomas agents is the need of hour. Bioactive heterocyclic compounds, eithernatural or synthetic,are of potential interest since they have been active against different targets with a wide range of biological activities, including anticancer activities. In addition, they can cross the biological barriers and thus interfere with various signalling pathways to induce cancer cell death. All these advantages make bioactive natural compounds prospective candidates in the management of glioma. In this review, we assessed various bioactive heterocyclic compounds, such as jaceosidin, hispudlin, luteolin, silibinin, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, didemnin B, thymoquinone, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and cucurbitacins for their potential anti-glioma activity. Also, different kinds of chemical reactions to obtain various heterocyclic derivatives, e.g. indole, indazole, benzimidazole, benzoquinone, quinoline, quinazoline, pyrimidine, and triazine, are listed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyaz Hassan
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar-190006, Kashmir. India
| | - Roohi Mohi-Ud-Din
- Pharmacognosy Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, 190006, Kashmir. India
| | - Mohammad Ovais Dar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab-160062. India
| | - Abdul Jalil Shah
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar-190006, Kashmir. India
| | - Prince Ahad Mir
- Amritsar Pharmacy College, 12 KM stone Amritsar Jalandhar GT Road, Mandwala-143001. India
| | - Majeed Shaikh
- Natural Product Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu-180001. India
| | - Faheem Hyder Pottoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 31441, Dammam. Saudi Arabia
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Chun KS, Raut PK, Kim DH, Surh YJ. Role of chemopreventive phytochemicals in NRF2-mediated redox homeostasis in humans. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 172:699-715. [PMID: 34214633 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
While functioning as a second messenger in the intracellular signaling, ROS can cause oxidative stress when produced in excess or not neutralized/eliminated properly. Excessive ROS production is implicated in multi-stage carcinogenesis. Our body is equipped with a defense system to cope with constant oxidative stress caused by the external insults, including redox-cycling chemicals, radiation, and microbial infection as well as endogenously generated ROS. The transcription factor, nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a master switch in the cellular antioxidant signaling and plays a vital role in adaptive survival response to ROS-induced oxidative stress. Although NRF2 is transiently activated when cellular redox balance is challenged, this can be overwhelmed by massive oxidative stress. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the NRF2-mediated antioxidant defense capacity at an optimal level. This review summarizes the natural NRF2 inducers/activators, especially those present in the plant-based diet, in relation to their cancer chemopreventive potential in humans. The molecular mechanisms underlying their stabilization or activation of NRF2 are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Soo Chun
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 42691, South Korea
| | - Pawan Kumar Raut
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 42691, South Korea
| | - Do-Hee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Convergence and Integrated Science, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16227, South Korea
| | - Young-Joon Surh
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, South Korea.
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Kumar V, Haldar S, Das NS, Ghosh S, Dhankhar P, Sircar D, Roy P. Pterostilbene-isothiocyanate inhibits breast cancer metastasis by selectively blocking IKK-β/NEMO interaction in cancer cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 192:114717. [PMID: 34352281 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114717] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis, the main cause of breast cancer-associated fatalities, relies on many regular pathways involved in normal cell physiology and metabolism, thus, making it challenging to identify disease-specific therapeutic target(s). Chemically synthesized anti-metastatic agents are preferred for their fast and robust actions. However, these agents have adverse side effects, thus, increasingly favouring the identification of phytocompounds as suitable alternatives. Resveratrol and pterostilbene have long been established as potent anti-cancer agents. Earlier studies from our laboratory documented the anti-cancer activities associated with pterostilbene-isothiocyanate (PTER-ITC), a derivative of pterostilbene. The current study focuses on evaluating the anti-metastatic property of PTER-ITC and the underlying mechanism, by employing in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. The significant anti-metastatic activity of PTER-ITC was observed in vitro against breast cancer metastatic cell line (MDA-MB-231) and in vivo in the 4T1 cell-induced metastatic mice model. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a hallmark of metastasis regulated by the transcription factors, Snail1 and Twist, was found to be reverted in vitro by PTER-ITC treatment. PTER-ITC blocked the activation of NF-κB/p65 and its concomitant nuclear translocation, resulting in the transcriptional repression of its target genes, Snail1 and Twist. PTER-ITC prevented the formation of IKK complex, central to NF-κB activation, by binding to the NEMO-binding domain (NBD) of IKK-β and inhibiting its interaction with NEMO (NF-κB essential modulator). According to our observations, PTER-ITC attenuated NF-κB activation selectively in cancerous cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that PTER-ITC is a potent anti-metastatic agent capable of targeting physiologically important pathways in a cancer-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viney Kumar
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Swati Haldar
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Neeladri Singha Das
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Souvik Ghosh
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India; Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Poonam Dhankhar
- Structural and Protein Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Debabrata Sircar
- Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Partha Roy
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India.
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Apoptotic and Non-Apoptotic Modalities of Thymoquinone-Induced Lymphoma Cell Death: Highlight of the Role of Cytosolic Calcium and Necroptosis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143579. [PMID: 34298792 PMCID: PMC8304872 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a high curability rate. However, 40% of patients will relapse or exhibit refractory disease, and compromised apoptotic pathways is among the prognosis-worsening factors. Therefore, drugging non-apoptotic modalities might be therapeutically promising. Thymoquinone (TQ) has been reported to promote apoptosis in cancer cells. Herein, we show that TQ selectively kills DLBCL cells, either cell lines or primary lymphoma cells bearing resistance features to standard treatment. Investigations show that, although TQ induced apoptotic markers, non-apoptotic death was the major mechanism responsible for TQ-induced cellular demise. We demonstrate critical and selective roles of cytosolic calcium and necroptosis in TQ-induced non-apoptotic cell death. Finally, TQ exhibits an improved selectivity profile over conventional chemotherapy. Collectively, this work provides new insights into the mode of action of TQ and points to the therapeutic relevance of non-apoptotic modalities as a fail-safe mechanism for pro-apoptotic DLBCL therapies. Abstract Targeting non-apoptotic modalities might be therapeutically promising in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with compromised apoptotic pathways. Thymoquinone (TQ) has been reported to promote apoptosis in cancer cells, but little is known about its effect on non-apoptotic pathways. This work investigates TQ selectivity against DLBCL cell lines and the cell death mechanisms. TQ reduces cell viability and kills cell lines with minimal toxicity on normal hematological cells. Mechanistically, TQ promotes the mitochondrial caspase pathway and increases genotoxicity. However, insensitivity of most cell lines to caspase inhibition by z-VAD-fmk (benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone) pointed to a critical role of non-apoptotic signaling. In cells dying through non-apoptotic death, TQ increases endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers and substantially increases cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]c) through ER calcium depletion and activation of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). Chelation of [Ca2+]c, but not SOCE inhibitors, reduces TQ-induced non-apoptotic cell death, highlighting the critical role of calcium in a non-apoptotic effect of TQ. Investigations showed that TQ-induced [Ca2+]c signaling is primarily initiated by necroptosis upstream to SOCE, and inhibition necroptosis by necrostatin-1 alone or with z-VAD-fmk blocks the cell death. Finally, TQ exhibits an improved selectivity profile over standard chemotherapy agents, suggesting a therapeutic relevance of the pro-necroptotic effect of TQ as a fail-safe mechanism for DLBCL therapies targeting apoptosis.
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Kaleem M, Perwaiz M, Nur SM, Abdulrahman AO, Ahmad W, Al-Abbasi FA, Kumar V, Kamal MA, Anwar F. Epigenetics of Triple-negative breast cancer via natural compounds. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1436-1458. [PMID: 34238140 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210707165530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly resistant, lethal, and metastatic sub-division of breast carcinoma, characterized by the deficiency of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). In women, TNBC shows a higher aggressive behavior with poor patient prognosis and a higher recurrence rate during reproductive age. TNBC is defined by the presence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), which shows a significant role in cancer progression. At the epigenetic level, TNBC is characterized by epigenetic signatures, such as DNA methylation, histone remodeling, and a host of miRNA, MiR-193, LncRNA, HIF-2α, eEF2K, LIN9/NEK2, IMP3, LISCH7/TGF-β1, GD3s and KLK12 mediated regulation. These modifications either are silenced or activate the necessary genes that are prevalent in TNBC. The review is based on epigenetic mediated mechanistic changes in TNBC. Furthermore, Thymoquinone (TQ), Regorafenib, Fangjihuangqi decoction, Saikosaponin A, and Huaier, etc., are potent antitumor natural compounds extensively reported in the literature. Further, the review emphasizes the role of these natural compounds in TNBC and their possible epigenetic targets, which can be utilized as a potential therapeutic strategy in treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Kaleem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam Perwaiz
- Department of Sciences, University of Toronto. Mississauga. Canada
| | - Suza Mohammad Nur
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Kuliyate Tib, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Kottigepalya, Bengaluru, India
| | - Fahad A Al-Abbasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Natural Product Discovery Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shalom Institute of Health and Allied Sciences. SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj, India
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- West China School of Nursing / Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Firoz Anwar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
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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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Hwang JR, Cartron AM, Khachemoune A. A review of Nigella sativa plant-based therapy in dermatology. Int J Dermatol 2021; 60:e493-e499. [PMID: 33899217 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is a widely used medicinal herb with a rich cultural and religious history in Unani, Ayurveda, Chinese, and Arabic medicine. N. sativa contains many natural bioactive agents including alkaloids, saponins, alpha-hederin, and thymoquinone that contribute to its broad range of benefits as a diuretic, bronchodilator, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and analgesic. In addition, N. sativa possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic effects, making it an interesting potential therapy for the treatment of dermatological conditions. This article reviews the current literature surrounding the pharmacological effects of N. sativa for the treatment of acne vulgaris, melanoma, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, plaque psoriasis, and wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amor Khachemoune
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.,SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Haiaty S, Rashidi MR, Akbarzadeh M, Bazmany A, Mostafazadeh M, Nikanfar S, Zibaei Z, Rahbarghazi R, Nouri M. Thymoquinone inhibited vasculogenic capacity and promoted mesenchymal-epithelial transition of human breast cancer stem cells. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:83. [PMID: 33663486 PMCID: PMC7931333 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03246-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is characterized by the formation of tubular structure inside the tumor stroma. It has been shown that a small fraction of cancer cells, namely cancer stem cells (CSCs), could stimulate the development of vascular units in the tumor niche, leading to enhanced metastasis to the remote sites. This study aimed to study the inhibitory effect of phytocompound, Thymoquinone (TQ), on human breast MDA-MB-231 cell line via monitoring Wnt/PI3K signaling pathway. Methods MDA-MB-231 CSCs were incubated with different concentrations of TQ for 48 h. The viability of CSCs was determined using the MTT assay. The combination of TQ and PI3K and Wnt3a inhibitors was examined in CSCs. By using the Matrigel assay, we measured the tubulogenesis capacity. The percent of CD24− CSCs and Rhodamine 123 efflux capacity was studied using flow cytometry analysis. Protein levels of Akt, p-Akt, Wnt3a, vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin), and matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and -9) were detected by western blotting. Results TQ decreased the viability of CSCs in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of TQ with PI3K and Wnt3a inhibitors reduced significantly the survival rate compared to the control group (p < 0.05). TQ could blunt the stimulatory effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on CSCs (p < 0.05). The vasculogenic capacity of CSCs was reduced after being-exposed to TQ (p < 0.05). Western blotting revealed the decrease of CSCs metastasis by suppressing MMP-2 and -9. The protein level of VE-cadherin was also diminished in TQ-treated CSCs as compared to the control cell (p < 0.05), indicating inhibition of mesenchymal-endothelial transition (MendT). TQ could suppress Wnt3a and PI3K, which coincided with the reduction of the p-Akt/Akt ratio. TQ had the potential to decrease the number of CD24− CSCs and Rhodamine 123 efflux capacity after 48 h. Conclusion TQ could alter the vasculogenic capacity and mesenchymal-epithelial transition of human breast CSCs in vitro. Thus TQ together with anti-angiogenic therapies may be a novel therapeutic agent in the suppression of VM in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanya Haiaty
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Rashidi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Akbarzadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ahad Bazmany
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University Of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.,Research Center of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Mostafazadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saba Nikanfar
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zohre Zibaei
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Research Center of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Imam Reza St., Golgasht St, Tabriz, Iran. .,Departmnt of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Imam Reza St., Golgasht St, Tabriz, Iran.
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Dosoky NS, Setzer WN. Maternal Reproductive Toxicity of Some Essential Oils and Their Constituents. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2380. [PMID: 33673548 PMCID: PMC7956842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though several plants can improve the female reproductive function, the use of herbs, herbal preparations, or essential oils during pregnancy is questionable. This review is focused on the effects of some essential oils and their constituents on the female reproductive system during pregnancy and on the development of the fetus. The major concerns include causing abortion, reproductive hormone modulation, maternal toxicity, teratogenicity, and embryo-fetotoxicity. This work summarizes the important studies on the reproductive effects of essential oil constituents anethole, apiole, citral, camphor, thymoquinone, trans-sabinyl acetate, methyl salicylate, thujone, pulegone, β-elemene, β-eudesmol, and costus lactone, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William N. Setzer
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, Lehi, UT 84043, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA;
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Ünal TD, Hamurcu Z, Delibaşı N, Çınar V, Güler A, Gökçe S, Nurdinov N, Ozpolat B. Thymoquinone Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of MDA-MB-231 Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Suppressing Autophagy, Beclin-1 and LC3. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 21:355-364. [PMID: 32767958 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200807221047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and highly heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer associated with poor prognosis. A better understanding of the biology of this complex cancer is needed to develop novel therapeutic strategies for the improvement of patient survival. We have previously demonstrated that Thymoquinone (TQ), the major phenolic compound found in Nigella sativa, induces anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects and inhibits in vivo tumor growth in orthotopic TNBC models in mice. Also, we have previously shown that Beclin-1 and LC3 autophagy genes contributes to TNBC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, suggesting that Beclin-1 and LC3 genes provide proto-oncogenic effects in TNBC. However, the role of Beclin-1 and LC3 in mediating TQ-induced anti-tumor effects in TNBC is not known. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of TQ on the major autophagy mediators, Beclin-1 and LC3 expression, as well as autophagic activity in TNBC cells. METHODS Cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and autophagy activity were evaluated using MTS cell viability, colony formation assay, wound healing and acridine orange staining assays, respectively. Western blotting and RT-PCR assays were used to investigate LC3 and Beclin-1 protein and gene expressions, respectively, in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells in response to TQ treatments. RESULTS TQ treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and autophagic activity of MDA-MB-231 cells and suppressed LC3 and Beclin-1 expressions. Furthermore, TQ treatment led to the inhibition of Integrin-β1, VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in TNBC cells. CONCLUSION TQ inhibits autophagic activity and expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 in TNBC cells and suppresses pathways related to cell migration/invasion and angiogenesis, including Integrin-β1, VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP- 9, suggesting that TQ may be used to control autophagic activity and oncogenic signaling in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba D Ünal
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Zuhal Hamurcu
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nesrin Delibaşı
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Venhar Çınar
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ahsen Güler
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Sevda Gökçe
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nursultan Nurdinov
- Betul-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Departments of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Ma L, Zhang M, Zhao R, Wang D, Ma Y, Li A. Plant Natural Products: Promising Resources for Cancer Chemoprevention. Molecules 2021; 26:933. [PMID: 33578780 PMCID: PMC7916513 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major factor threatening human health and life safety, and there is a lack of safe and effective therapeutic drugs. Intervention and prevention in premalignant process are effective ways to reverse carcinogenesis and prevent cancer from occurring. Plant natural products are rich in sources and are a promising source for cancer chemoprevention. This article reviews the chemopreventive effects of natural products, especially focused on polyphenols, flavonoids, monoterpene and triterpenoids, sulfur compounds, and cellulose. Meanwhile, the main mechanisms include induction of apoptosis, antiproliferation and inhibition of metastasis are briefly summarized. In conclusion, this article provides evidence for natural products remaining a prominent source of cancer chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - MengMeng Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Rong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - YueRong Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ai Li
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
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Ahmad MF, Ahmad FA, Ashraf SA, Saad HH, Wahab S, Khan MI, Ali M, Mohan S, Hakeem KR, Athar MT. An updated knowledge of Black seed ( Nigella sativa Linn.): Review of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties. J Herb Med 2021; 25:100404. [PMID: 32983848 PMCID: PMC7501064 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2020.100404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
N. sativa (N. sativa) has been used since ancient times, when a scientific concept about the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of human illnesses and alleviation of their sufferings was yet to be developed. It has a strong religious significance as it is mentioned in the religious books of Islam and Christianity. In addition to its historical and religious significance, it is also mentioned in ancient medicine. It is widely used in traditional systems of medicine for a number of diseases including asthma, fever, bronchitis, cough, chest congestion, dizziness, paralysis, chronic headache, back pain and inflammation. The importance of this plant led the scientific community to carry out extensive phytochemical and biological investigations on N. sativa. Pharmacological studies on N. sativa have confirmed its antidiabetic, antitussive, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuro-protective, gastroprotective, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and bronchodilator activity. The present review is an effort to explore the reported chemical composition and pharmacological activity of this plant. It will help as a reference for scientists, researchers, and other health professionals who are working with this plant and who need up to date knowledge about it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Faruque Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Al-Hada and Taif Military Hospital, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Amir Ashraf
- Dept. of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hisham H Saad
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadma Wahab
- College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Idreesh Khan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences in Arras, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Ali
- College of pharmacy, Dept. of Pharmacognosy, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syam Mohan
- Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Rehman Hakeem
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Tanwir Athar
- Bioactive Natural Product Laboratory, Hamdard University, India.,Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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