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Imam SS, Alshammari SO, Alshehri S, Mahdi WA, Al-Agamy MH. Formulation of silymarin surface modified vesicles: In vitro characterization to cell viability assessment. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102072. [PMID: 38726227 PMCID: PMC11079526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Silymarin (SLR) is a poorly water-soluble bioactive compound with a wide range of therapeutic activities. Nanosized silymarin vesicles (F1-F6) were prepared by the solvent evaporation rehydration method. The silymarin vesicles were evaluated for vesicle size, surface charge, entrapment efficiency, and drug release studies. The optimized SLR lipid vesicle (F3) was further modified with the addition of the cationic polymer chitosan. After that, the modified vesicle (F3C1) was assessed for permeation flux, antimicrobial activity, cell viability, and molecular docking studies. The silymarin vesicles showed nanometric size (<250 nm), low polydispersibility index (<0.05), negative surface charge, and high SLR entrapment (85-95 %). The drug release study result demonstrated a maximum drug release of 91.2 ± 2.8 %. After adding chitosan to the surface, there was a significant change in the size, polydispersibility index, surface charge (positive), and encapsulation efficiency. The drug release was found to be prolonged, and the permeation flux was also increased in comparison to free SLR. A comparative antimicrobial result was observed in comparison to the free SLR and standard drug. The cell viability assay also demonstrated a low IC50 value for F3C1 against the cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Sarim Imam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Owaid Alshammari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael A. Mahdi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed H. Al-Agamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Alhudaithi SS, Abul Kalam M, Binobaid L, Ali R, Almutairi MM, Qamar W, Bin Hithlayn H, Almutairi A, Alshememry AK. Sorafenib and Piperine co-loaded PLGA nanoparticles: Development, characterization, and anti-cancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102064. [PMID: 38633710 PMCID: PMC11022100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits high mortality rates in the advanced stage (>90 %). Sorafenib (SORA) is a targeted therapy approved for the treatment of advanced HCC; however, the reported response rate to such a therapeutic is suboptimal (<3%). Piperine (PIP) is an alkaloid demonstrated to exert a direct tumoricidal activity in HCC and improve the pharmacokinetic profiles of anticancer drugs including SORA. In this study, we developed a strategy to improve efficacy outcomes in HCC using PIP as an add-on treatment to support the first-line therapy SORA using biodegradable Poly (D, L-Lactide-co-glycolide, PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). SORA and PIP (both exhibit low aqueous solubility) were co-loaded into PLGA NPs (PNPs) and stabilized with various concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The SORA and PIP-loaded PNPs (SP-PNPs) were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Release of these drugs from SP-PNPs was investigated in vitro at both physiological and acidic pH, and kinetic models were employed to assess the mechanism of drug release. The in vitro efficacy of SP-PNPs against HCC cells (HepG2) was also evaluated. FTIR and XRD analyses revealed that the drugs encapsulated in PNPs were in an amorphous state, with no observed chemical interactions among the drugs or excipients. Assessment of drug release in vitro at pH 5 and 7.4 showed that SORA and PIP loaded in PNPs with 0.5 % PVA were released in a sustained manner, unlike pure drugs, which exhibited relatively fast release. SP-PNPs with 0.5 % PVA were spherical, had an average size of 224 nm, and had a high encapsulation efficiency (SORA ∼ 82 %, PIP ∼ 79 %), as well as superior cytotoxicity compared to SORA monotherapy in vitro. These results suggest that combining PIP with SORA using PNPs may be an effective strategy for the treatment of HCC and may set the stage for a comprehensive in vivo study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this novel formulation using a murine HCC model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman S. Alhudaithi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Abul Kalam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lama Binobaid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raisuddin Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wajhul Qamar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hessa Bin Hithlayn
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atheer Almutairi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah K. Alshememry
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Elmetwalli A, Abdel-Monem MO, El-Far AH, Ghaith GS, Albalawi NAN, Hassan J, Ismail NF, El-Sewedy T, Alnamshan MM, ALaqeel NK, Al-Dhuayan IS, Hassan MG. Probiotic-derived silver nanoparticles target mTOR/MMP-9/BCL-2/dependent AMPK activation for hepatic cancer treatment. Med Oncol 2024; 41:106. [PMID: 38575697 PMCID: PMC10995097 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02330-8] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in nanotechnology have offered novel ways to combat cancer. By utilizing the reducing capabilities of Lactobacillus acidophilus, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized. The anti-cancer properties of AgNPs have been demonstrated in previous studies against several cancer cell lines; it has been hypothesized that these compounds might inhibit AMPK/mTOR signalling and BCL-2 expression. Consequently, the current research used both in vitro and in silico approaches to study whether Lactobacillus acidophilus AgNPs could inhibit cell proliferation autophagy and promote apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The isolated strain was identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus strain RBIM based on 16 s rRNA gene analysis. Based on our research findings, it has been observed that this particular strain can generate increased quantities of AgNPs when subjected to optimal growing conditions. The presence of silanols, carboxylates, phosphonates, and siloxanes on the surface of AgNPs was confirmed using FTIR analysis. AgNPs were configured using UV-visible spectroscopy at 425 nm. In contrast, it was observed that apoptotic cells exhibited orange-coloured bodies due to cellular shrinkage and blebbing initiated by AgNP treatment, compared to non-apoptotic cells. It is worth mentioning that AgNPs exhibited remarkable selectivity in inducing cell death, specifically in HepG2 cells, unlike normal WI-38 cells. The half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for HepG2 and WI-38 cells were 4.217 µg/ml and 154.1 µg/ml, respectively. AgNPs induce an upregulation in the synthesis of inflammation-associated cytokines, including (TNF-α and IL-33), within HepG2 cells. AgNPs co-treatment led to higher glutathione levels and activating pro-autophagic genes such as AMPK.Additionally, it resulted in the suppression of mTOR, MMP-9, BCL-2, and α-SMA gene expression. The docking experiments suggest that the binding of AgNPs to the active site of the AMPK enzyme leads to inhibiting its activity. The inhibition of AMPK ultimately results in the suppression of the mechanistic mTOR and triggers apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, the results of our study indicate that the utilization of AgNPs may represent a viable strategy for the eradication of liver cancerous cells through the activation of apoptosis and the enhancement of immune system reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Elmetwalli
- Department of Clinical Trial Research Unit and Drug Discovery, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
- Microbiology Division, Higher Technological Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed O Abdel-Monem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ali H El-Far
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
| | - Gehad S Ghaith
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | | | - Jihan Hassan
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nadia F Ismail
- Health Information Management Program, Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Science Technology, Borg El Arab Technological University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tarek El-Sewedy
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mashael Mashal Alnamshan
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf K ALaqeel
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibtesam S Al-Dhuayan
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mervat G Hassan
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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Elmetwalli A, Kamosh NH, El Safty R, Youssef AI, Salama MM, Abd El-Razek KM, El-Sewedy T. Novel phloretin-based combinations targeting glucose metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma through GLUT2/PEPCK axis of action: in silico molecular modelling and in vivo studies. Med Oncol 2023; 41:12. [PMID: 38078989 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02236-x] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is commonly associated with disturbances in glucose metabolism and enhanced glycolysis. However, a controversial role for gluconeogenesis was reported to be tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive. We investigated novel anti-HCC treatments through either the simultaneous inhibition of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis by "phloretin" and "sodium meta-arsenite", respectively (Combination 1); or the concurrent inhibition of glycolysis and induction of gluconeogenesis by phloretin and dexamethasone, respectively, (combination 2). A total of 110 Swiss albino mice were divided into eleven groups, HCC was induced by N, N-dimethyl-4-aminoazobenzene. We have measured the expression of the glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases (PEPCK), Caspase-3, Beclin 1, Cyclin D1, and cytokeratin 18 genes; blood glucose and ATP levels; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. Furthermore, in silico molecular docking was performed to investigate the potential drug-receptor interactions. Histologically, the phloretin-based combinations resulted in a significant regression of malignant tissue compared to various treatments. GLUT2 and PEPCK mRNA analysis indicated successful off/on modulation of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Docking confirmed the potent binding between phloretin, sodium meta-arsenite, and dexamethasone with GLUT2, PEPCK, and Retinoid X Receptor Alpha, respectively. Molecularly, Combination 2 resulted in the highest reduction in cyclin D1, cytokeratin 18, and Beclin 1 expression contemporaneously with the upregulation in Caspase-3 levels. Biochemically, both combinations caused a significant reduction in ATP levels, ALT, and AST activity compared to the other groups. In conclusion, we propose two novel phloretin-based combinations that can be used in treating HCC through the regulation of glucose metabolism and ATP production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Elmetwalli
- Department of Clinical Trial Research Unit and Drug Discovery, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
- Microbiology Division, Higher Technological Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Amany I Youssef
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohammed M Salama
- Department of Histochemistry and Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Khaled M Abd El-Razek
- Experimental Animal Unit, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tarek El-Sewedy
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Elmetwalli A, Hashish SM, Hassan MG, El-Magd MA, El-Naggar SA, Tolba AM, Salama AF. Modulation of the oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis-related genes by dicinnamoyl-L-tartaric acid in liver cancer. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3087-3099. [PMID: 37160480 PMCID: PMC10567854 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02511-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells can become resistant to existing treatments over time, so it is important to develop new treatments that target different pathways to stay ahead of this resistance. Many cancer treatments have severe side effects that can be debilitating and even life-threatening. Developing drugs that can effectively treat cancer while minimizing the risks of these side effects is essential for improving the quality of life of cancer patients. The study was designed to explore whether the combination of dicinnamoyl-L-tartaric (CLT) and sorafenib ((SOR), an anti-cancer drug)) could be used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the animal model and to assess whether this combination would lead to changes in certain biomarkers associated with the tumour. In this study, 120 male mice were divided into 8 groups of 15 mice each. A number of biochemical parameters were measured, including liver functions, oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, (MDA); nitric oxide (NO)), and antioxidative activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)). Furthermore, the hepatic expressions of Bax, Beclin1, TNF-α, IL1β, and BCl-2 genes were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The combination of SOR and CLT was found to reduce the levels of liver enzymes, such as AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT, and reduce the pathological changes caused by DAB and PB. The upregulation of TNF-α, IL1β, and Bcl-2 genes suggests that the CLT was able to initiate an inflammatory response to combat the tumor, while the downregulation of the Bax and Beclin1 genes indicates that the CLT was able to reduce the risk of apoptosis in the liver. Furthermore, the combination therapy led to increased expression of cytokines, resulting in an enhanced anti-tumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Elmetwalli
- Department of Clinical Trial Research Unit and Drug Discovery, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Shimaa Mustafa Hashish
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mervat G Hassan
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, 33516, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Abu El-Magd
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | | | - Amina M Tolba
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Afrah Fatthi Salama
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Darwish SF, Elbadry AMM, Elbokhomy AS, Salama GA, Salama RM. The dual face of microglia (M1/M2) as a potential target in the protective effect of nutraceuticals against neurodegenerative diseases. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1231706. [PMID: 37744008 PMCID: PMC10513083 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1231706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of different neurodegenerative illnesses is significantly influenced by the polarization regulation of microglia and macrophages. Traditional classifications of macrophage phenotypes include the pro-inflammatory M1 and the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes. Numerous studies demonstrated dynamic non-coding RNA modifications, which are catalyzed by microglia-induced neuroinflammation. Different nutraceuticals focus on the polarization of M1/M2 phenotypes of microglia and macrophages, offering a potent defense against neurodegeneration. Caeminaxin A, curcumin, aromatic-turmerone, myricetin, aurantiamide, 3,6'-disinapoylsucrose, and resveratrol reduced M1 microglial inflammatory markers while increased M2 indicators in Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid beta-induced microglial M1 activation was suppressed by andrographolide, sulforaphane, triptolide, xanthoceraside, piperlongumine, and novel plant extracts which also prevented microglia-mediated necroptosis and apoptosis. Asarone, galangin, baicalein, and a-mangostin reduced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in M1-activated microglia in Parkinson's disease. Additionally, myrcene, icariin, and tenuigenin prevented the nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome and microglial neurotoxicity, while a-cyperone, citronellol, nobiletin, and taurine prevented NADPH oxidase 2 and nuclear factor kappa B activation. Furthermore, other nutraceuticals like plantamajoside, swertiamarin, urolithin A, kurarinone, Daphne genkwa flower, and Boswellia serrata extracts showed promising neuroprotection in treating Parkinson's disease. In Huntington's disease, elderberry, curcumin, iresine celosia, Schisandra chinensis, gintonin, and pomiferin showed promising results against microglial activation and improved patient symptoms. Meanwhile, linolenic acid, resveratrol, Huperzia serrata, icariin, and baicalein protected against activated macrophages and microglia in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, emodin, esters of gallic and rosmarinic acids, Agathisflavone, and sinomenine offered promising multiple sclerosis treatments. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of using nutraceuticals to treat neurodegenerative diseases involving microglial-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar F. Darwish
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdullah M. M. Elbadry
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Egypt
- Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC), The British University in Egypt (BUE), El-Sherouk City, Egypt
| | | | - Ghidaa A. Salama
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rania M. Salama
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University, Cairo, Egypt
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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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Ramos INDF, da Silva MF, Lopes JMS, Cruz JN, Alves FS, do Rego JDAR, Costa MLD, Assumpção PPD, Barros Brasil DDS, Khayat AS. Extraction, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Activity of Piperine in Its Isolated form and in Combination with Chemotherapeutics against Gastric Cancer. Molecules 2023; 28:5587. [PMID: 37513459 PMCID: PMC10385350 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most frequent types of neoplasms worldwide, usually presenting as aggressive and difficult-to-manage tumors. The search for new structures with anticancer potential encompasses a vast research field in which natural products arise as promising alternatives. In this scenario, piperine, an alkaloid of the Piper species, has received attention due to its biological activity, including anticancer attributes. The present work proposes three heating-independent, reliable, low-cost, and selective methods for obtaining piperine from Piper nigrum L. (Black pepper). Electronic (SEM) and optical microscopies, X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies (13C and 1H NMR), and optical spectroscopies (UV-Vis, photoluminescence, and FTIR) confirm the obtention of piperine crystals. The MTT assay reveals that the piperine samples exhibit good cytotoxic activity against primary and metastasis models of gastric cancer cell lines from the Brazilian Amazon. The samples showed selective cytotoxicity on the evaluated models, revealing higher effectiveness in cells bearing a higher degree of aggressiveness. Moreover, the investigated piperine crystals demonstrated the ability to act as a good cytotoxicity enhancer when combined with traditional chemotherapeutics (5-FU and GEM), allowing the drugs to achieve the same cytotoxic effect in cells employing lower concentrations. These results establish piperine as a promising molecule for therapy investigations in aggressive gastric cancer, both in its isolated form or as a bioenhancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jordy Neves Cruz
- Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Fabrine Silva Alves
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Innovation, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Davi do Socorro Barros Brasil
- Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Innovation, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Science and Environment, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - André Salim Khayat
- Oncology Research Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
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