Investigation of anti-cancer and migrastatic properties of novel curcumin derivatives on breast and ovarian cancer cell lines

Disarib, a Specific BCL2 Inhibitor, Induces Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells and Impedes Tumour Progression in Xenografts by Altering Mitochondria-Associated Processes

Targeted cancer therapy aims to disrupt the functions of proteins that regulate cancer progression, mainly by using small molecule inhibitors (SMIs). SMIs exert their effect by modulating signalling pathways, organelle integrity, chromatin components, and several biosynthetic processes essential for cell division and survival. Antiapoptotic protein BCL2 is highly upregulated in many cancers compared with normal cells, making it an ideal target for cancer therapy. Around 75% of primary breast cancers overexpress BCL2, providing an opportunity to explore BCL2 inhibitors as a therapeutic option. Disarib is an SMI that has been developed as a selective BCL2 inhibitor. Disarib works by disrupting BCL2-BAK interaction and activating intrinsic apoptotic pathways in leukemic cells while sparing normal cells. We investigated the effects of Disarib, a BCL2 specific inhibitor, on breast cancer cells and xenografts. Cytotoxicity and fluorometric assays revealed that Disarib induced cell death by increasing reactive oxygen species and activating intrinsic apoptotic pathways in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468). Disarib also affected the colony-forming properties of these cells. MDA-MB-231- and MDA-MB-468-derived xenografts showed a significant reduction in tumours upon Disarib treatment. Through the transcriptomics approach, we also explored the influence of BCL2 inhibitors on energy metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mitochondrial dynamics and glucose metabolism mainly regulate energy metabolism. The change in energetics regulates tumour growth through epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis revealed that BCL2 inhibitors ABT-199 and Disarib maintain Oxphos levels in MDA-MB-231. However, key glycolytic genes were significantly downregulated. Mitochondrial fission genes were seen to be downregulated both in RNAseq data and semi quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR) in Disarib-treated TNBC cells and xenografts. Lastly, Disarib inhibited wound healing and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This study showed that Disarib disrupts mitochondrial function, activates the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in breast cancer, and inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition both in vitro and in vivo. These findings highlight Disarib's potential as a multifaceted therapeutic strategy for patients with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Multitarget Mechanisms of Monocarbonyl Curcuminoid Analogues against HL-60 Cancer Cells: In Vitro and Network Pharmacology-Based Approach

This study addressed the cytotoxic potential of four compounds: monocarbonyl curcuminoid, ethyl (2E)-2-benzylidene-3-oxobutanoate 1, 1,2-dimethoxy-12-methyl-13H- [1,3] benzodioxolo[5,6-c] phenanthridine 2, 3,5-dibenzyloxybenzyl bromide 3, and (E)-4-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-1-(4-nitrophenyl)hexan-3-one 4. In vitro cytotoxic assays were carried out in HL-60 and BJ cells using the MTT assay along with analysis of apoptosis with the annexin V detection kit. Additional network pharmacology and docking analyses were carried out. In the in vitro assays, compounds 2 and 4 displayed significant antiproliferative effects in HL-60 cells, exhibiting IC50 values of 5.02 and 9.50 μM, respectively. Compound 1 showed no activity, and compound 3 displayed toxicity in BJ cells. In addition, both compounds 2 and 4 induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells. Network pharmacology and docking analyses indicated that compounds 2 and 4 had synergistic effects targeting the CASP3 and PARP1 proteins. Notably, these proteins play pivotal roles in cancer-related pathways. Thus, by modulating these proteins, monocarbonyl curcuminoid has the potential to influence various cancer-related pathways. In summary, our novel findings provide valuable insights into the potential of these compounds to serve as novel anticancer therapeutic agents, warranting further mechanistic studies and clinical exploration.

Mitocurcumin utilizes oxidative stress to upregulate JNK/p38 signaling and overcomes Cytarabine resistance in acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal myeloid cells. The goal of AML treatment is to eliminate the leukemic blasts, which is accomplished through intensive chemotherapy. Cytarabine is a key component of the standard induction chemotherapy regimen for AML. However, despite a high remission rate, 70-80% of AML patients relapse and develop resistance to Cytarabine, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Mitocurcumin (MitoC), a derivative of curcumin that enters mitochondria, leading to a drop in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitophagy induction. Further, it activates oxidative stress-mediated JNK/p38 signaling to induce apoptosis. MitoC demonstrated a preferential ability to kill leukemic cells from AML cell lines and patient-derived leukemic blasts. RNA sequencing data suggests perturbation of DNA damage response and cell proliferation pathways in MitoC-treated AML. Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MitoC-treated AML cells resulted in significant DNA damage and cell cycle arrest. Further, MitoC treatment resulted in ROS-mediated enhanced levels of p21, which leads to suppression of CHK1, RAD51, Cyclin-D and c-Myc oncoproteins, potentially contributing to Cytarabine resistance. Combinatorial treatment of MitoC and Cytarabine has shown synergism, increased apoptosis, and enhanced DNA damage. Using AML xenografts, a significant reduction of hCD45+ cells was observed in AML mice bone marrow treated with MitoC (mean 0.6%; range0.04%-3.56%) compared to control (mean 38.2%; range10.1%-78%), p = 0.03. The data suggest that MitoC exploits stress-induced leukemic oxidative environment to up-regulate JNK/p38 signaling to lead to apoptosis and can potentially overcome Cytarabine resistance via ROS/p21/CHK1 axis.

Antioxidant curcumin induces oxidative stress to kill tumor cells (Review)

Curcumin is a plant polyphenol in turmeric root and a potent antioxidant. It binds to antioxidant response elements for gene regulation by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, thereby suppressing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and other pharmacological effects. Of note, curcumin induces oxidative stress in tumors. It binds to several enzymes in tumors, such as carbonyl reductases, glutathione S-transferase P1 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate to induce mitochondrial damage, increase ROS production and ultimately induce tumor cell death. However, the instability and poor pharmacokinetic profile of curcumin in vivo limit its clinical application. Therefore, the effects of curcumin in vivo may be enhanced through its combination with drugs, derivative development and nanocarriers. In the present review, the mechanisms of curcumin that induce tumor cell death through oxidative stress are discussed. In addition, the methods used to enhance the antitumor activity of curcumin are described. Finally, the existing knowledge on the functions of curcumin in tumors, particularly in terms of oxidative stress, are summarized to facilitate future curcumin research.

Dimeric 3,5-Bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidones: Tumor-Selective Cytotoxicity and Structure-Activity Relationships

Background: The objective of this study is to find novel antineoplastic agents that display greater toxicity to malignant cells than to neoplasms. In addition, the mechanisms of action of representative compounds are sought. This report describes the cytotoxicity of a number of dimers of 3,5-bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidones against human malignant cells (promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 and squamous cell carcinoma HSC-2, HSC-3, and HSC-4). Methods: Tumor specificity was evaluated by the selectivity index (SI), that is the ratio of the mean CC50 for human non-malignant oral cells (gingival fibroblasts, pulp cells, periodontal ligament fibroblasts) to that for malignant cells. Results: The compounds were highly toxic to human malignant cells. On the other hand, these molecules were less toxic to human non-malignant cells. In particular, a potent lead molecule, 3b, was identified. A QSAR study revealed that the placement of electron-releasing and hydrophilic substituents into the aryl rings led to increases in cytotoxic potencies. The modes of action of a lead compound discovered in this study designated 3b were the activation of caspases-3 and -7, as well as causing PARP1 cleavage and G2 arrest, followed by sub-G1 accumulation in the cell cycle. This compound also depolarized the mitochondrial membrane and generated reactive oxygen species in human colon carcinoma HCT116 cells. In conclusion, this study has revealed that, in general, the compounds described in this report are tumor-selective cytotoxins.

Hsa_circ_0136666 mediates the antitumor effect of curcumin in colorectal carcinoma by regulating CXCL1 via miR-1301-3p

BACKGROUND

This study investigate the anti-tumor effect of curcumin and whether its mediated by hsa_circ_0136666 through miR-1301-3p/CXCL1 in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Through multiple experiments, we have drawn the conclusion that curcumin inhibited CRC development through the hsa_circ_0136666/miR-1301-3p/CXCL1 axis, hinting at a novel treatment option for curcumin to prevent CRC development.

AIM

To determine whether hsa_circ_0136666 involvement in curcumin-triggered CRC progression was mediated by sponging miR-1301-3p.

METHODS

Cell counting kit-8, colony-forming cell, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, and flow cytometry assays were carried out to determine cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction quantified hsa_circ_0136666, miR-1301-3p, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), and western blot analysis determined CXCL1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax) protein levels. CircBank or starbase software was first used for the prediction of miR-1301-3p binding with hsa_circ_0136666 and CXCL1, followed by RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assay validation. In vivo experiments were implemented in a murine xenograft model.

RESULTS

Curcumin blocked CRC cell proliferation but boosted apoptosis. Moreover, elevated hsa_circ_0136666 Levels were observed in CRC cells, which were reduced by curcumin. In vitro, hsa_circ_0136666 overexpression abolished the antitumor activity of CRC cells. Mechanical analysis revealed the ability of hsa_circ_0136666 to sponge miR-1301-3p to modulate CXCL1 levels.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin inhibited CRC development through the hsa_circ_0136666/miR-1301-3p/CXCL1 axis, hinting at a novel treatment option for curcumin to prevent CRC development.

Mechanism insights of curcumin and its analogues in cancer: An update

Cancer is the world's second leading cause of mortality and one of the major public health problems. Cancer incidence and mortality rates remain high despite the great advancements in existing therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventive approaches. Therefore, a quest for less toxic and more efficient anti-cancer strategies is still at the forefront of the current research. Traditionally important, curcumin commonly known as a wonder molecule has received considerable attention as an anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant candidate. However, limited water solubility and low bioavailability restrict its extensive utility in different pathological states. The investigators are making consistent efforts to develop newer strategies to overcome its limitations by designing different analogues with better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The present review highlights the recent updates on curcumin and its analogues with special emphasis on various mechanistic pathways involved in anti-cancer activity. In addition, the structure-activity relationship of curcumin analogues has also been precisely discussed. This article will also provide key information for the design and development of newer curcumin analogues with desired pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and will provide in depth understanding of molecular pathways involved in the anti-cancer activities.

Curcumin in cancer therapy: Exploring molecular mechanisms and overcoming clinical challenges

Cancer poses a significant global health burden, necessitating the widespread use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy as conventional frontline interventions. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have shown remarkable advancements, the challenges of resistance development and severe side effects persist in cancer treatment. Consequently, researchers have actively sought more effective alternatives with improved safety profiles. In recent years, curcumin, a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin, has garnered considerable attention due to its broad spectrum of biological effects. This concise review provides valuable insights into the role of curcumin in cancer therapy, with a focus on elucidating its molecular mechanisms in inducing programmed cell death of tumor cells and suppressing tumor cell metastasis potential. Additionally, we discuss the challenges associated with the clinical application of curcumin and explore current endeavors aimed at overcoming these limitations. By shedding light on the promising potential of curcumin, this review contributes to the advancement of cancer treatment strategies.

A Coumarin-Imidazothiadiazole Derivative, SP11 Abrogates Tumor Growth by Targeting HSP90 and Its Client Proteins

Despite several treatment options for blood cancer, mortality remains high due to relapse and the disease's aggressive nature. Elevated levels of HSP90, a molecular chaperone essential for protein folding, are associated with poor prognosis in leukemia and lymphoma. HSP90 as a target for chemotherapy has been met with limited success due to toxicity and induction of heat shock. This study tested the activity of an HSP90 inhibitor, SP11, against leukemic cells, mouse lymphoma allograft, and xenograft models. SP11 induced cytotoxicity in vitro in leukemic cell lines and induced cell death via apoptosis, with minimal effect on normal cells. SP11 induced cell death by altering the status of HSP90 client proteins both in vitro and in vivo. SP11 reduced the tumor burden in allograft and xenograft mouse models without apparent toxicity. The half-life of SP11 in the plasma was approximately 2 h. SP11 binding was observed at both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of HSP90. C-terminal binding was more potent than N-terminal binding of HSP90 in silico and in vitro using isothermal calorimetry. SP11 bioavailability and minimal toxicity in vivo make it a potential candidate to be developed as a novel anticancer agent.

Antimicrobial peptide moricin induces ROS mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in human triple-negative breast cancer via suppression of notch pathway

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the world's most prevalent cancer among women. Microorganisms have been the richest source of antibiotics as well as anticancer drugs. Moricin peptides have shown antibacterial properties; however, the anticancer potential and mechanistic insights into moricin peptide-induced cancer cell death have not yet been explored.

METHODS

An investigation through in silico analysis, analytical methods (Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC), mass spectroscopy (MS), circular dichroism (CD), and in vitro studies, has been carried out to delineate the mechanism(s) of moricin-induced cancer cell death. An in-silico analysis was performed to predict the anticancer potential of moricin in cancer cells using Anti CP and ACP servers based on a support vector machine (SVM). Molecular docking was performed to predict the binding interaction between moricin and peptide-related cancer signaling pathway(s) through the HawkDOCK web server. Further, in vitro anticancer activity of moricin was performed against MDA-MB-231 cells.

RESULTS

In silico observation revealed that moricin is a potential anticancer peptide, and protein-protein docking showed a strong binding interaction between moricin and signaling proteins. CD showed a predominant helical structure of moricin, and the MS result determined the observed molecular weight of moricin is 4544 Da. An in vitro study showed that moricin exposure to MDA-MB-231 cells caused dose dependent inhibition of cell viability with a high generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Molecular study revealed that moricin exposure caused downregulation in the expression of Notch-1, NF-ƙB and Bcl2 proteins while upregulating p53, Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9, which results in caspase-dependent cell death in MDA-MB-231 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this study reveals the anticancer potential and underlying mechanism of moricin peptide-induced cell death in triple negative cancer cells, which could be used in the development of an anticancer drug.

Targeting apoptotic anticancer response with natural glucosinolates from cell suspension culture of Lepidium sativum

BACKGROUND

Finding natural products with anticancer activity is an effective strategy to fight this disease. In this respect, Lepidium sativum or garden cress (family Brassicaceae) has been widely used worldwide for its wide therapeutic application, including anticancer and chemoprotective agents. Plant tissue culture techniques hold great promise for natural product enhancement without any climatic boundaries. In this study, glucosinolates and petroleum ether fractions were isolated from in vitro cell cultures and used against different carcinoma cell lines to investigate their anticancer potential.

METHODS

In this study, callus cultures from leaf and root explants were initiated, cell suspension cultures were established, and cell growth and viability profiles were characterized. Different amino acids were added as precursors to the cell suspension cultures to enhance glucosinolates accumulation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis (GC-MS) of glucosinolates and petroleum ether fractions was performed, and all fractions were tested against different carcinoma cell lines.

RESULTS

The findings clarified that the maximum callus initiation percentage was obtained in the medium containing 1.0 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) + 1.0 mg/l kinetin (Kin) (C1). The viable cell number of cell suspension cultures from leaves and roots increased until it reached the maximum values on day 15. Adding tyrosine and methionine to the cell suspension cultures was the most influential and recorded high glucosinolate percentages. 1H-Cyclopenta (b) pyridine-3-carbonitrile-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2-methylthio-4-spirocyclohexane was the main glucosinolate compound found in tyrosine-treated leaf suspension (GLT). Fifteen compounds were detected in the petroleum ether fraction in both cell suspensions initiated from the leaf and root (OL and OR). The major compounds were benzene-1,3,5-trimethyl (12.99%) in root cell suspension (OR), and benzene-2-ethyl-1,4-dimethyl (10.66%) in leaf cell suspension (OL). All glucosinolate extracts demonstrated significant anticancer activity against the prostate (PC3), lung (A-549), colorectal (caco2), and liver (HepG2) cell lines. Glucosinolates extracted from leaf cell suspension (GL) were the most active on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) among all remaining glucosinolate extracts. Treated hepatocellular carcinoma with an IC₅₀ of GL extract (47.5 ug/ml) upregulates pro-apoptotic BAX and downregulates anti-apoptotic BCL2, which disrupts the BAX/BCL2 ratio, leading to activation of caspase 3 inside treated HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The anticancer action of the GL extract was validated by the cell cycle study of its glucosinolates, which successfully promoted apoptosis and reduced hepatocellular growth by causing S-phase arrest.

Curcumin: a natural organic component that plays a multi-faceted role in ovarian cancer

Curcumin, a natural organic component obtained from Curcuma longa's rhizomes, shows abundant anti-tumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pharmacological activities, among others. Notably the anti-tumor activity has aroused widespread attention from scholars worldwide. Numerous studies have reported that curcumin can delay ovarian cancer (OC), increase its sensitivity to chemotherapy, and reduce chemotherapy drugs' side effects. It has been shown considerable anticancer potential by promoting cell apoptosis, suppressing cell cycle progression, inducing autophagy, inhibiting tumor metastasis, and regulating enzyme activity. With an in-depth study of curcumin's anti-OC mechanism, its clinical application will have broader prospects. This review summarizes the latest studies on curcumin's anti-OC activities, and discusses the specific mechanism, hoping to provide references for further research and applications.

Design, synthesis, and applications of ring-functionalized histidines in peptide-based medicinal chemistry and drug discovery

Modified and synthetic α-amino acids are known to show diverse applications. Histidine, which possesses numerous applications when subjected to synthetic modifications, is one such amino acid. The utility of modified histidines varies widely from remarkable biological activities to catalysis, and from nanotechnology to polymer chemistry. This renders histidine residue an important place in scientific research. Histidine is a well-studied scaffold and constitutes the active site of various enzymes catalyzing important reactions in the biological systems. A rational modification in histidine structure with a distinctly developed protocol extensively changes its physical and chemical properties. The utilization of modified histidines in search of potent, target selective and proteostable scaffolds is vital in the development of bioactive peptides with enhanced drug-likeliness. This review is a compilation and analysis of reported side-chain ring modifications at histidine followed by applications of ring-modified histidines in the synthesis of various categories of bioactive peptides and peptidomimetics.

Genome-wide differential DNA methylation analysis of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells treated with curcumin derivatives, ST08 and ST09

ST08 and ST09 are potent curcumin derivatives with antiproliferative, apoptotic, and migrastatic properties. Both ST08 and ST09 exhibit in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties. As reported earlier, these derivatives were highly cytotoxic towards MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells with IC50 values in the nanomolar (40-80nM) range.In this study,we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing(WGBS) of untreated (control), ST08 and ST09 (treated) triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 to unravel epigenetic changes induced by the drug. We identified differentially methylated sites (DMSs) enriched in promoter regions across the genome. Analysis of the CpG island promoter methylation identified 12 genes common to both drugs, and 50% of them are known to be methylated in patient samples that were hypomethylated by drugs belonging to the homeobox family transcription factors.Methylation analysis of the gene body revealed 910 and 952 genes to be hypermethylatedin ST08 and ST09 treated MDA-MB-231 cells respectively. Correlation of the gene body hypermethylation with expression revealed CACNAH1 to be upregulated in ST08 treatment and CDH23 upregulation in ST09.Further, integrated analysis of the WGBS with RNA-seq identified uniquely altered pathways - ST08 altered ECM pathway, and ST09 cell cycle, indicating drug-specific signatures.

Curcumin alters distinct molecular pathways in breast cancer subtypes revealed by integrated miRNA/mRNA expression analysis

BACKGROUND

Curcumin is well known for its anticancer properties. Its cytotoxic activity has been documented in several cancer cell lines, including breast cancer. The pleiotropic activity of curcumin as an antioxidant, an antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and pro-apoptotic, is due to its diverse targets, such as signaling pathways, protein/enzyme, or noncoding gene.

AIM

This study aimed to identify key miRNAs and mRNAs induced by curcumin in breast cancer cells MCF7, T47D (hormone positive), versus MDA-MB231 (hormone negative) using comparative analysis of global gene expression profiles.

METHODS

RNA was isolated and subjected to mRNA and miRNA library sequencing to study the global gene expression profile of curcumin-treated breast cancer cells. The differential expression of gene and miRNA was performed using the DESeq R package. The enriched pathways were studied using cluster profileR, and integrated miRNA-mRNA analysis was carried out using miRtarvis and miRmapper tools.

RESULTS

Curcumin treatment led to upregulation of 59% TSGs in MCF7, 21% in MDA-MB-231 cells, and 36% TSGs in T47D, and downregulation of 57% oncogenes in MCF7, 76% in MDA-MB-231, and 91% in T47D. Similarly, curcumin treatment led to upregulation of 32% TSmiRs in MCF7, 37.5% in MDA-MB231, and 62.5% in T47D, and downregulation of 77% oncomiRs in MCF7, 50% in MDA-MB231 and 28.6% in T47D. Integrated analysis of miRNA-mRNA led to the identification of a common NFKB pathway altered by curcumin in all three cell lines. Analysis of uniquely enriched pathway revealed non-integrin membrane-ECM interactions and laminin interactions in MCF7; extracellular matrix organization and degradation in MDA-MB-231 and cell cycle arrest and G2/M transition in T47D.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin regulates miRNA and mRNA in a cell type-specific manner. The integrative analysis led to the detection of miRNAs and mRNAs pairs, which can be used as biomarkers associated with carcinogenesis, diagnostic, and treatment response in breast cancer.

Recent advances of curcumin derivatives in breast cancer

Curcumin is a potential plant-derived drug for the treatment of breast cancer. Poor solubility and bioavailability are the main factors that limit its clinical application. Various structural modification strategies have been developed to improve the anti-breast cancer activity of curcumin. This review focuses on the difference of modification sites and heterocyclic/non-heterocyclic modifications to systematically summarize curcumin derivatives with better anti-breast cancer activity.

Curcumin-Based Nanoformulations: A Promising Adjuvant towards Cancer Treatment

Throughout the United States, cancer remains the second leading cause of death. Traditional treatments induce significant medical toxic effects and unpleasant adverse reactions, making them inappropriate for long-term use. Consequently, anticancer-drug resistance and relapse are frequent in certain situations. Thus, there is an urgent necessity to find effective antitumor medications that are specific and have few adverse consequences. Curcumin is a polyphenol derivative found in the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa L.), and provides chemopreventive, antitumor, chemo-, and radio-sensitizing properties. In this paper, we summarize the new nano-based formulations of polyphenolic curcumin because of the growing interest in its application against cancers and tumors. According to recent studies, the use of nanoparticles can overcome the hydrophobic nature of curcumin, as well as improving its stability and cellular bioavailability in vitro and in vivo. Several strategies for nanocurcumin production have been developed, each with its own set of advantages and unique features. Because the majority of the curcumin-based nanoformulation evidence is still in the conceptual stage, there are still numerous issues impeding the provision of nanocurcumin as a possible therapeutic option. To support the science, further work is necessary to develop curcumin as a viable anti-cancer adjuvant. In this review, we cover the various curcumin nanoformulations and nanocurcumin implications for therapeutic uses for cancer, as well as the current state of clinical studies and patents. We further address the knowledge gaps and future research orientations required to develop curcumin as a feasible treatment candidate.

An In Vitro and In Silico Study of Antioxidant Properties of Curcuminoid N-alkylpyridinium Salts: Initial Assessment of Their Antitumoral Properties

In this work, we report the synthesis of curcuminoids with ionic liquid characteristics, obtained by incorporating alkyl-substituted pyridinium moiety rather than one phenyl group through a two-step process. The antioxidant capacity of the obtained compounds was evaluated in vitro by 1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, showing that some derivatives are more potent than curcumin. Pyridine curcuminoids (group 4) and curcuminoid N-alkylpyridinium salts with two methoxyl groups in the phenyl ring (group 7), presented the best antioxidant capacity. The experimental results were rationalized by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) for O–H in each compound. The computational calculations allowed for insight into the structural–antioxidant properties relationship in these series of compounds. BDEs, obtained in the gas phase and water, showed a notable impact of water solvation on the stabilization of some radicals. The lower values of BDEs in the water solution correspond to the structurally related compounds curcuminoid-pyridine 4c and curcuminoid pyridinium salt 7a, which is consistent with the experimental results. Additionally, an assessment of cell viability and cell migration assays was performed for human colon cancer (HT29), human breast cancer (MCF7) cells, in addition to NIH3T3 murine fibroblast, as a model of non-cancer cell type. These compounds mainly cause inhibition of the cell migration observed in MCF7 cancer cells without affecting the non-tumoral NIH3T3 cell line: Neither in viability nor in migration.

Design and various in silico studies of the novel curcumin derivatives as potential candidates against COVID-19 -associated main enzymes

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, leading severe acute respiratory syndrome in patients. Although various antiviral drugs and their combinations have been tried so far against SARS-CoV-2 and they have shown some effectiveness, there is still a need for safe and cost-effective binding inhibitors in the fight against COVID-19. Therefore, phytochemicals in nature can be a quick solution due to their wide therapeutic spectrum and strong antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In this context, the low toxicity, and high pharmacokinetic properties of curcumin, which is a natural phytochemical, as well as the easy synthesizing of its derivatives reveal the need for investigation of its various derivatives as inhibitors against coronaviruses. The present study focused on curcumin derivatives with reliable ADME profile and high molecular binding potency to different SARS-CoV-2 target enzymes (3CLPro, PLpro, NSP7/8/12, NSP7/8/12 +RNA, NSP15, NSP16, Spike, Spike+ACE). In the molecular docking studies, the best binding scores for the 22 proposed curcumin derivatives were obtained for the PLpro protein. Furthermore, MD simulations were performed for high-affinity ligand-PLpro protein complexes and subsequently, Lys157, Glu161, Asp164, Arg166, Glu167, Met208, Pro247, Pro248, Tyr264, Tyr273 and Asp302 residues of PLpro was determined to play key role for ligand binding by Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) analysis. The results of the study promise that the proposed curcumin derivatives can be potent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and be converted into pharmaceutical drugs. It is also expected that the findings may provide guiding insights to future design studies for synthesizing different antiviral derivatives of phytochemicals.

ST08 Altered NF-κB Pathway in Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro as Revealed by miRNA-mRNA Analysis and Enhanced the Effect of Cisplatin on Tumour Reduction in EAC Mouse Model

ST08 is a novel curcumin derivative that exhibited apoptotic and anti-migratory activity in MDA-MB-231, triple-negative breast cancer cells reported earlier. In this study, we further explored the anticancer properties of ST08. ST08 reduced tumor burden in vivo and induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway both in vitro and in vivo. ST08 potentiated the effect of cisplatin in vitro and in vivo in mouse EAC breast cancer models with minimal toxicity. ST08 induced alterations in the gene expression were studied by parallel analysis of miRNA and mRNA. 74 differentially expressed miRNA regulated 114 mRNA in triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells. Pathway related to the ECM was altered in mesenchymal MDA-MB-231 cells. We constructed a unique miRNA-mRNA interaction network, and one of the pathways regulated by miRNA was NF-κB. Targets of NF-κB like MMP1, PTX3, and MMP2 were downregulated in MDA-MB-231 in response to ST08 treatment. PMA induced cell proliferation was abrogated by ST08 treatment, and no additional cell cytotoxicity was observed when used in combination with IKK-16 indicating ST08 regulation of NF-κB pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Cytotoxic Effect of the Paku Atai Merah (Angiopteris ferox Copel) Fraction on MCF-7 and HeLa Cells and its Compound Profile by GC-MS

Cancer is a condition of abnormal cell proliferation of tissue cells in the body that becomes malignant. It can attack other parts of the body and affect the normal function of the body organs. The sample used in this study was tubers of paku atai merah (Angiopteris ferox Copel), then extracted using 96% ethanol eluent to obtain a thick extract. The ethanolic extract of A. ferox was fractionated using column chromatography to get the active fraction to characterize the compound using thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and tested its cytotoxic effectiveness on MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cells. The results of this study were obtained from fractionation using the column chromatography method to get sub-fraction C and the results of compound characterization using GC-MS and obtained variations in the class of compounds contained in the sample: amino acids, glucosinolates, alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Based on the cytotoxic effect test of sub-fraction C on MCF-7 cells, the results obtained moderate cytotoxic effects with an IC50 value of 61.027 µg/mL, and HeLa cells had an IC50 value of 521.03 µg/mL, which was categorized as having a weak cytotoxic effect. Based on the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that sub-fraction C of A. ferox tubers has a cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells to be used as a reference for tracing pure compounds from A. ferox tuber.

Curcumin derivative 1, 2-bis [(3E, 5E)-3, 5-bis [(2-chlorophenyl) methylene]-4-oxo-1-piperidyl] ethane-1, 2-dione (ST03) induces mitochondria mediated apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells and inhibits tumor progression in EAC mouse model

Curcumin is known for its anticancer properties, but its clinical application is limited due to its poor bioavailability and chemical stability. In this study we report the curcumin derivative, ST03 (1,2-bis[(3E,5E)-3,5-bis[(2-chlorophenyl)methylene]-4-oxo-1-piperidyl]ethane-1,2-dione) exhibits ∼ 14 fold better bioavailability compared to curcumin and is detectable in plasma up to 12 h. ST03 induces ROS, activates the intrinsic apoptotic pathway as evident by disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, and induction of proapoptotic proteins in ovarian cancer lines PA1 and A2780. ST03 also blocked the migration of ovarian cancer cells. ST03 exerted its antitumor effect in-vivo in the EAC mouse model by activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Our findings demonstrate ST03, a curcumin derivative, with better bioavailability and stability with no discernable toxicity in vivo to be a promising drug candidate for anticancer therapies.

The Potential of Natural Products in the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks receptors for targeted therapy. Consequently, chemotherapy is currently the mainstay of systemic treatment options. However, the enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSC, a subpopulation with stem-cell characteristics and tumor-initiating propensity) promotes chemo-resistance and tumorigenesis, resulting in cancer recurrence and relapse. Furthermore, toxic side effects of chemotherapeutics reduce patient wellbeing. Natural products, specifically compounds derived from plants, have the potential to treat TNBC and target CSCs by inhibiting CSC signaling pathways. Literature evidence from six promising compounds were reviewed, including sulforaphane, curcumin, genistein, resveratrol, lycopene, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate. These compounds have been shown to promote cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in TNBC cells. They also could inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that plays an important role in metastasis. In addition, those natural compounds have been found to inhibit pathways important for CSCs, such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Notch 1, Wnt/β-catenin, and YAP. Clinicals trials conducted on these compounds have shown varying degrees of effectiveness. Epidemiological case-control studies for the compounds commonly consumed in certain human populations have also been summarized. While in vivo and in vitro data are promising, further basic and clinical investigations are required. Likely, natural products in combination with other drugs may hold great potential to improve TNBC treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Curcumin derivative ST09 modulates the miR-199a-5p/DDR1 axis and regulates proliferation and migration in ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancers are among the fatal malignancies affecting women globally, mainly due to their metastatic and chemoresistant nature. In this study, we report a potent curcumin derivative ST09 effective against ovarian cancers. Prior in-vitro studies with ST09 drug showed cytotoxicity in tumorigenic cells compared to normal cells and in-vivo, significant tumor reduction was observed with least systemic toxicity. ST09 induced cytotoxicity in the ovarian cancer cells triggering mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Delving deeper to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in ovarian cancer pathogenesis, we identified an inverse correlation of miR-199a-5p with DDR1, a collagen receptor with receptor tyrosine kinase activity. The ST09 treatment in ovarian cancer cell lines resulted in the deregulation of the miR-199a-5p/DDR1 axis, conferring tumor-suppressive functions. We established DDR1 to be a direct target of miR-199a-5p and that ST09-induced DDR1 loss in these ovarian cancer cells resulted in the inactivation of its downstream MMP activation, migration, EMT, and prosurvival NF-κB pathway. Overall this study demonstrates ST09, a potent drug candidate for ovarian cancer treatment which exhibits anti-invasive and migrastatic properties.

Pardaxin Activates Excessive Mitophagy and Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis in Human Ovarian Cancer by Inducing Reactive Oxygen Species

Most ovarian cancer (OC) patients are diagnosed with stage III or higher disease, resulting in a poor prognosis. Currently, paclitaxel combined with carboplatin shows the best treatment outcome for OC. However, no effective drug is available for patients that do not respond to treatment; thus, new drugs for OC are needed. We evaluated the antimicrobial peptide, pardaxin, in PA-1 and SKOV3 cells. Pardaxin induced apoptosis as determined by MTT and TUNEL assays, as well as activation of caspases-9/3, Bid, t-Bid, and Bax, whereas Bcl-2 was downregulated. The IC₅₀ values for pardaxin were 4.6-3.0 μM at 24 and 48 h. Mitochondrial and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were overproduced and associated with disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential and respiratory capacity. Additionally, the mitochondrial network was fragmented with downregulated fusogenic proteins, MFN1/2 and L-/S-OPA1, and upregulated fission-related proteins, DRP1 and FIS1. Autophagy was also activated as evidenced by increased expression of autophagosome formation-related proteins, Beclin, p62, and LC3. Enhanced mitochondrial fragmentation and autophagy indicate that mitophagy was activated. ROS-induced cytotoxicity was reversed by the addition of N-acetylcysteine, confirming ROS overproduction as a contributor. Taken together, pardaxin demonstrated promising anticancer activity in OC cells, which warrants further preclinical development of this compound.

Curcumin inhibits ovarian cancer progression by regulating circ-PLEKHM3/miR-320a/SMG1 axis

BACKGROUND

Curcumin has a potential therapeutic role in ovarian cancer. However, whether curcumin plays anti-cancer role in ovarian cancer by mediating the circular RNA (circRNA)/microRNA (miRNA)/mRNA network is still unclear.

METHODS

The expression of circ-PLEKHM3, miR-320a, and suppressor of morphogenesis in genitalia 1 (SMG1) was detected via qRT-PCR. Cell viability, colony-formation ability and apoptosis were analyzed via cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation analysis, and flow cytometry. Protein expression was measured using western blot. The in vivo experiments were performed using a xenograft model. Target association was evaluated via dual-luciferase reporter analysis and RIP assay.

RESULTS

Curcumin suppressed ovarian cancer cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Circ-PLEKHM3 was downregulated in ovarian cancer, and its expression could be promoted by curcumin treatment. Circ-PLEKHM3 overexpression exacerbated the effect of curcumin on ovarian cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as anti-tumor effect. MiR-320a was targeted by circ-PLEKHM3. The inhibition effect of circ-PLEKHM3 overexpression on cell proliferation and the enhancing effect on cell apoptosis could be reversed by miR-320a mimic. SMG1 was targeted by miR-320a, and its knockdown also reversed the regulation of miR-320a inhibitor on the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. In addition, circ-PLEKHM3 could upregulate SMG1 expression via sponging miR-320a.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin restrained proliferation and facilitated apoptosis in ovarian cancer by regulating the circ-PLEKHM3/miR-320a/SMG1 axis.

Multiple strategies for the treatment of invasive breast carcinoma: A comprehensive prospective

In this review, we emphasize on evolving therapeutic strategies and advances in the treatment of breast cancer (BC). This includes small-molecule inhibitors under preclinical and clinical investigation, phytoconstituents with antiproliferative potential, targeted therapies as antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), vaccines as immunotherapeutic agents and peptides as a novel approach inhibiting the interaction of oncogenic proteins. We provide an update of molecules under different phases of clinical investigation which aid in the identification of loopholes or shortcomings that can be overcomed with future breast cancer research.

A Network Pharmacological Approach to Reveal the Pharmacological Targets and Its Associated Biological Mechanisms of Prunetin-5-O-Glucoside against Gastric Cancer

Simple Summary

Identification of pharmacological targets in cancer provides a major walkthrough toward treatment strategies. The present research adopted a network pharmacology approach utilizing a flavonoid glucoside prunetin-5-O-glucoside (PG) compound against gastric cancer. The correlative targets were analyzed using Swiss target prediction and DiGeNET databases. Functional enrichment and significant pathways enriched were predicted for the targets to associate its biological mechanisms with cancer. Protein interaction network and cluster analysis was performed using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING). Our analysis revealed three core targets among the clustered modules that plays a crucial role in relation with cancer. With this information, the core targets were examined for the binding affinity with PG using molecular docking analysis and validations on the protein targets was performed using western blot analysis and Human Protein Atlas. Our analysis through comprehensive network pharmacology resulted in the prediction of three core targets of PG that can be significant biomarkers against gastric cancer.

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) is an aggressive malignancy with increased mortality rate and low treatment options. Increasing evidence suggests that network pharmacology will be a novel method for identifying the systemic mechanism of therapeutic compounds in diseases like cancer. The current study aimed to use a network pharmacology approach to establish the predictive targets of prunetin-5-O-glucoside (PG) against gastric cancer and elucidate its biological mechanisms. Primarily, genes associated with the pathogenesis of GC was identified from the DiGeNET database and targets of PG was obtained from the Swiss target prediction database. In total, 65 correlative hits were identified as anti-gastric cancer targets of PG. Functional enrichment and pathway analysis revealed significant biological mechanisms of the targets. Interaction of protein network and cluster analysis using STRING resulted in three crucial interacting hub targets namely, HSP90AA1, CDK2, and MMP1. Additionally, the in vitro cytotoxic potential of PG was assessed on three gastric cancer cells (AGS, MKN-28, and SNU-484). Furthermore, the crucial targets were validated using molecular docking, followed by their expressions being evaluated by western blot and Human Protein Atlas. The findings indicate that the pharmacological action of PG against GC might be associated with the regulation of three core targets: HSP90AA1, CDK2, and MMP1. Thus, the network pharmacology undertaken in the current study established the core active targets of PG, which may be extensively applied with further validations for treatment in GC.

Development of a cell-based pathway modulator screening system to screen the targeted cancer therapeutic candidates

To overcome the issues of poor prognosis and to tackle the non-responsiveness to various chemotherapeutics; it is necessary to develop targeted cancer therapeutic agents. Also, it is being necessary to understand the molecular targets of the drug candidates and drugs in the context of cellular signaling pathways, to make progress towards the development of targeted cancer therapeutics. Towards addressing these, we have established a cell-based and pathway-focused drug screening system for the pathways such as MYC, E2F, WNT, ERK, NRF1/2, HIF1α, p53, YY1 and NFκB. These signaling pathways are highly dysregulated in many cancers, including gastric cancer. The developed firefly luciferase assay-based screening system in gastric cancer lineage is suitable for the screening of the massive panel of drugs, drug candidates, small molecule inhibitors, chemicals and alternate drug formulations. The developed stable cell lines have been demonstrated for their pathway activity reporting features using the corresponding pathway-specific modulators. A proof-of-concept medium throughput screening focusing on YY1 signaling pathway also revealed the connection between calcium channel blockers and YY1 signaling. The developed signaling pathway screening assay cells are valuable resource and will serve as the screening platform for screening the drug libraries towards the development of targeted cancer therapeutics.

The inhibitory effect of curcumin via fascin suppression through JAK/STAT3 pathway on metastasis and recurrence of ovary cancer cells

Background

Fascin is an actin-binding protein and highly expressed in ovarian cancer cells. It is associated with metastasis of cancer and may be a useful prognostic factor. Anticancer activity of curcumin is related to its effect on several signaling mechanisms. Although there have been many reports regarding the anticancer properties of curcumin, its inhibitory effects on migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, particularly in the context of fascin expression, have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin on fascin expression in ovarian cancer cells and to propose a possible mechanism for the anticancer activity of curcumin through reduced fascin expression.

Methods

SKOV3, human epithelial ovary cancer cell line, was cultured with curcumin at various dose and duration. The fascin was quantified using cell viability test and Western blot. To determine the effect of curcumin on the upstream pathway of fascin expression, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was analyzed by sandwich-ELISA. Attachment assay, migration assay and invasion assay were analyzed to approve the change of cellular invasiveness of ovary cancer after curcumin. To determine the morphological changes of ovarian cancer cells by curcumin, immunofluorescence was performed.

Results

MTS assays showed that cell viability was different at various concentration of curcumin, and as concentration increased, cell viability tended to decrease. Curcumin appears to suppress fascin expression, even with a minimal concentration and short exposure time. Also, curcumin may suppress fascin expression in ovarian cancer cells through STAT3 downregulation. The attachment assay, migration assay and invasion assay of the ovarian cancer cells exhibited a statistically significant decrease. Immunofluorescence revealed a change of cell shape from a typical form of uninfluenced cells to a more polygonal appearance, with a significant reduction in filopodia formation.

Conclusions

Curcumin reduces fascin expression through JAK/STAT3 pathway inhibition, which interferes with the cellular interactions essential for the metastasis and recurrence of ovarian cancer cells. Higher curcumin concentrations and longer exposure times concomitantly decreased fascin expression.

The regulatory role of dietary factors in skeletal muscle development, regeneration and function

Skeletal muscle plays a crucial role in motor function, respiration, and whole-body energy homeostasis. How to regulate the development and function of skeletal muscle has become a hot research topic for improving lifestyle and extending life span. Numerous transcription factors and nutritional factors have been clarified are closely associated with the regulation of skeletal muscle development, regeneration and function. In this article, the roles of different dietary factors including green tea, quercetin, curcumin (CUR), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and resveratrol (RES) in regulating skeletal muscle development, muscle mass, muscle function, and muscle recovery have been summarized and discussed. We also reviewed the potential regulatory molecular mechanism of these factors. Based on the current findings, dietary factors may be used as a potential therapeutic agent to treat skeletal muscle dysfunction as well as its related diseases.

ST09, A Novel Curcumin Derivative, Blocks Cell Migration by Inhibiting Matrix Metalloproteases in Breast Cancer Cells and Inhibits Tumor Progression in EAC Mouse Tumor Models

Purpose: Curcumin is known for its anticancer and migrastatic activity in various cancers, including breast cancer. Newer curcumin derivatives are being explored to overcome limitations of curcumin like low bioavailability, stability, and side effects due to its higher dose. In this study, the synthesis of ST09, a novel curcumin derivative, and its antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and migrastatic properties have been explored both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: After ST09 synthesis, anticancer activity was studied by performing standard cytotoxicity assays namely, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2–5-diphenyletrazolium bromide (MTT), and trypan blue exclusion assay. Annexin-FITC, cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry, and Western blotting were performed to elucidate cell death mechanisms. The effect on the inhibition of cell migration was studied by transwell migration assay. An EAC (Ehrlich Ascites carcinoma) induced mouse tumor model was used to study the effect of ST09 on tumor regression. Drug toxicity was measured using aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and flow-cytometry based lymphocyte count. Histological analysis was performed for assessment of any tissue injury post ST09 treatment. Results: ST09 shows an approximate 100-fold higher potency than curcumin, its parent compound, on breast tumor cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB231. ST09 arrests the cell cycle in a cell type-specific manner and induces an intrinsic apoptotic pathway both in vitro and in vivo. ST09 inhibits migration by downregulating matrix metalloprotease 1,2 (MMP1,2) and Vimentin. In vivo, ST09 administration led to decreased tumor volume in a mouse allograft model by boosting immunity with no significant drug toxicity. Conclusion: ST09 exhibits antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity at nanomolar concentrations. It induces cell death by activation of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. It also inhibits migration and invasion. This study provides evidence that ST09 can potentially be developed as a novel antitumor drug candidate for highly metastatic and aggressive breast cancer.

Clinical effects of curcumin in enhancing cancer therapy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Curcumin is herbal compound that has been shown to have anti-cancer effects in pre-clinical and clinical studies. The anti-cancer effects of curcumin include inhibiting the carcinogenesis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and inhibiting tumour growth. This study aims to determine the Clinical effects of curcumin in different types of cancers using systematic review approach.

METHODS

A systematic review methodology is adopted for undertaking detailed analysis of the effects of curcumin in cancer therapy. The results presented in this paper is an outcome of extracting the findings of the studies selected from the articles published in international databases including SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science (ISI). These databases were thoroughly searched, and the relevant publications were selected based on the plausible keywords, in accordance with the study aims, as follows: prevalence, curcumin, clinical features, cancer.

RESULTS

The results are derived based on several clinical studies on curcumin consumption with chemotherapy drugs, highlighting that curcumin increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy which results in improving patient's survival time, and increasing the expression of anti-metastatic proteins along with reducing their side effects.

CONCLUSION

The comprehensive systematic review presented in this paper confirms that curcumin reduces the side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, resulting in improving patients' quality of life. A number of studies reported that, curcumin has increased patient survival time and decreased tumor markers' level.