Pro-Oxidant Role of Silibinin in DMBA/TPA Induced Skin Cancer: 1H NMR Metabolomic and Biochemical Study

NMR-based metabolomic analysis for the effects of moxibustion on imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Moxibustion is a traditional medical intervention of traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the direct or indirect application of ignited moxa wool made of mugwort leaves to acupuncture points or other specific parts of the body for either treating or preventing diseases. Moxibustion has been proven to be effective in treating skin lesions of psoriasis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was performed to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of moxibustion treatment on imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic mice (Model) and assessed the effects of moxibustion (Moxi) treatment on skin lesions of psoriatic mice by the PASI scores and expressions of inflammation-related factors relative to normal control mice (NC). We then performed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic analysis on the skin tissues of the NC, Model and Moxi-treated mice to address metabolic differences among the three groups.

RESULTS

Moxi mice showed reduced PASI scores and decreased expressions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8, IL-17A and IL-23 relative to Model mice. Compared with the Model group, the NC and Moxi groups shared 9 characteristic metabolites and 4 significantly altered metabolic pathways except for taurine and hypotaurine metabolism uniquely identified in the NC group. To a certain extent, moxibustion treatment improved metabolic disorders of skin lesions of psoriatic mice by decreasing glucose, valine, asparagine, aspartate and alanine-mediated cell proliferation and synthesis of scaffold proteins, alleviating histidine-mediated hyperproliferation of blood vessels, and promoting triacylglycerol decomposition.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of moxibustion treatment on the skin lesions of psoriasis, potentially improving the clinical efficacy of moxibustion.

Chemopreventive Effects of Oral Pterostilbene in Multistage Carcinogenesis of Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma Mouse Model Induced by DMBA/TPA

Skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer. Pterostilbene is a natural compound proven to exhibit various pharmacological properties, including chemo-preventive effects. This study aimed to explore the chemo-preventive effect of oral pterostilbene during initiation, promotion or continuous on multistage skin SCC mouse models induced by 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The experimental design consists of five groups of female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice, with two control groups of vehicle and cancer. Three oral pterostilbene groups consisted of orally administered pterostilbene during initiation, promotion, or continuously. Oral pterostilbene significantly reduced the number and volume of tumours. Oral pterostilbene demonstrated less severe skin histology changes compared to the cancer control group, with less pleomorphic in the cells and nuclei, and the basement membrane remained intact. Our results showed fewer invasive tumours in oral PT-treated groups than in cancer groups that displayed mitotic bodies, highly pleomorphic cells and nuclei, and basement membrane invasion. The cell proliferation marker (Ki-67) was reduced in oral pterostilbene-treated groups. Overall, oral pterostilbene is a promising chemo-preventive intervention due to its anti-initiation and anti-promotion on skin carcinogenesis. Thus, the potential molecular mechanisms of oral pterostilbene chemo-prevention agent should be explored.

Role of Plant-Derived Active Constituents in Cancer Treatment and Their Mechanisms of Action

Despite significant technological advancements in conventional therapies, cancer remains one of the main causes of death worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in the control and treatment of cancer, several limitations still exist, and there is scope for further advancements. Several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy that hinder cancer treatment and lead to other critical disorders. Since ancient times, plant-based medicines have been employed in clinical practice and have yielded good results with few side effects. The modern research system and advanced screening techniques for plants’ bioactive constituents have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of challenging diseases such as cancer. Phytochemicals such as vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, curcumin, colchicine, and lycopene have shown promising anticancer effects. Discovery of more plant-derived bioactive compounds should be encouraged via the exploitation of advanced and innovative research techniques, to prevent and treat advanced-stage cancers without causing significant adverse effects. This review highlights numerous plant-derived bioactive molecules that have shown potential as anticancer agents and their probable mechanisms of action and provides an overview of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies on anticancer phytochemicals.

Calcium Fructoborate Prevents Skin Cancer Development in Balb-c Mice: Next Part, Reverse Inflammation, and Metabolic Alteration

Metabolic alterations and inflammation are regarded as hallmarks of cancer. Glycolytic flux and intermediate accumulation lead to the production of building blocks and NADPH which is important in protecting the cell from oxidative damage. Inflammation causes the release of mediators responsible for regulating molecular mechanism affecting metabolic pathways. CaFB due to its cis-diol-rich feature may have the potential to interact with molecules taking part in cancer development. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of CaFB on metabolic alterations and inflammation in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced skin cancer. For this purpose, 92 Balb-c mice were distributed into 6 groups as control, CaFB, DMBA/TPA (D-T), treatment 1 (T1), 2 (T2), and 3(T3). Apart from control and CaFB in other groups, tumors initiated with 97.5-nmol DMBA and 6.5-nmol TPA. Treatment groups received 3 mg/kg/day CaFB with DMBA (T1), with TPA (T2), and after tumor formation (T3). In the D-T group, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) activity, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD), glutathione (GSH), interleukin 6 (IL-6), (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels increased (p < 0.001) while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased (p < 0.001) compared with that in control. CaFB application ameliorated DMBA-TPA effect according to the distribution time. It is noteworthy to consider CaFB as a potential preventive agent in skin cancer development.

Metabolomics study of fibroblasts damaged by UVB and BaP

We have recently shown that both UVB and BaP can induce the production of ROS, apoptosis and even cancer. However, the differences in the metabolic profiles of skin damaged by UVB, BaP or UVB combined with BaP have not been studied. Therefore, we examined the metabolic changes in the human foreskin fibroblast injured by UVB or BaP or the combination of the two, using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (qTOF-MS). 24 metabolites were altered in the UVB damage group, 25 in the BaP damage group, and 33 in the UVB combined with BaP group. These alterations indicated that the metabolic mechanisms of HFF-1 cells treated with UVB or BaP are related to multiple main metabolites including glycerophosphocholine (PC), lactosylceramide (LacCer), guanidinosuccinic acid (GSA), glutathione(GSH), and lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) and the main mechanisms involved glycerophospholipid and glutathione metabolism. Thus, our report provided useful insight into the underlying mechanisms of UVB and BaP damage to skin cells.

Altered presence of extra cellular matrix components in murine skin cancer: Modulation by Azadirachta indica leaf extract

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although, the anticancer potential of Aqueous Azadirachta indica leaf extract (AAILE) has been robustly established against cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in mice, however, its ability in modulating tumor associated extra cellular matrix (ECM) is largely unknown. Therefore, the present study was conceived to explore changes in ECM during murine skin cancer and its chemoprevention by AAILE.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Skin tumors were induced using a two-stage model of carcinogenesis employing topical application of 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) as carcinogen and promoter respectively. AAILE was administered orally to the animals. Male Laca mice were divided into four groups: control, AAILE, DMBA/TPA and AAILE + DMBA/TPA.

RESULTS

The tumors obtained in DMBA/TPA and AAILE + DMBA/TPA groups were histologically identified as SCC. Tumor induction in these groups was accompanied by raised serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels when compared to control counterparts. Assessment of hydroxyproline levels and histochemical staining with sirius red and trichrome stain revealed an increase in collagen in tumors of DMBA/TPA group. An increase in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) levels was also observed in DMBA/TPA group as made evident by biochemical studies and histochemical staining using mucicarmine and alcian blue-periodic acid schiff's stain. Administration of AAILE to DMBA/TPA treated animals caused a decrease in collagen and GAG levels along with a decrease in serum CEA levels.

CONCLUSION

Skin tumors exhibited altered presence of ECM components which is indicative of a modified ECM. AAILE administration antagonised tumor associated ECM alterations which may be contributing to its chemopreventive activity as reported previously.

Chemoprotective Effect of Boeravinone B against DMBA/Croton Oil Induced Skin Cancer via Reduction of Inflammation

Inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress play a major role in cancer expansion. Boeravinone B (BB) had already proofed their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against various animal models of disease. In this experimental research, the chemoprotective effect of BB against skin cancer caused by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/croton oil was investigated and the possible mechanism was explored. Swiss albino mice were used in the current protocol. 100 µg/100 mL acetone, DMBA was used for induction the skin cancer and, after the 2-week repeated dose of croton oil (1% in acetone) give to the mice till end of the protocol. The mice were received the oral dose of BB (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, body weight). The body weight and tumor incidence were estimated at regular time interval. At the end of the protocol, the antioxidant, phase I, phase II, pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators were scrutinized. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators were estimated. BB treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced tumor incidence, tumor yield, average latency period and tumor burden in a dose-dependent manner. BB treatment considerably (p < 0.001) reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and increased the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) in DMBA/croton-induced skin cancer. BB treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the level of phase I and phase II enzymes. BB treatment considerably reduced the cytokines include tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inflammatory parameters such as transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), nuclear kappa B factor (NF-κB) and cycloxgenase-2 (COX-2) in DMBA/croton-induced skin cancer mice. BB considerably (p < 0.001) reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators. The results of the current investigation suggest that oral administration of boeravinone B significantly reduced skin cancer in mice via reduction of inflammatory reaction.

NMR-based metabolomic analysis for the effects of Huiyang Shengji extract on rat diabetic skin ulcers

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huiyang Shengji formula (HSF) is a compound Chinese herbal medicine prescription, and has long been used for treating chronic non-healing wounds.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to provide new insight into molecular mechanisms of healing effects of the HSF treatments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established a rat diabetic skin ulcer (DSU) model, and assessed healing effects of four HSF treatments on DSUs by calculating wound healing rates and immunohistochemical detection of the expressions of angiogenesis-related factors in the model rats (Mod) relative to normal rats (Nor), including Huiyang extract (HE), Shengji extract (SE), Huiyang Shengji extract (HSE) and HSE associated with acupuncture (Ac-HSE). We then performed NMR-based metabolomic analyses on skin tissues of the Nor, Mod, HSE-treated, Ac-HSE-treated rats to address metabolic mechanisms underlying these effects.

RESULTS

These treatments up-regulated expressions of two angiogenesis-related factors VEGF and CD31, and improved efficacy of healing DSUs, in which HSE and Ac-HSE exhibited the most significant effects. Compared with Mod, HSE and Ac-HSE groups shared four characteristic metabolites (lactate, histidine, succinate and acetate) and four significantly altered metabolic pathways with Nor. Both HSE and Ac-HSE treatments could partly reverse the metabolically disordered pathological state of DSUs to the normal state. They might improve wound healing through promoting glucose metabolism, BCAAs metabolism, and enhancing antioxidant capacity and angiogenesis in DSU tissues. Ac-HSE significantly enhanced wound healing rates compared to HSE, potentially owing to significant capacities of enhancing anti-oxidation and angiogenesis and interfering three more metabolic pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This work provides a mechanistic understanding of the healing effects of the HSE and Ac-HSE treatments on DSUs, is of benefit to improvements of the HSF treatments for clinically healing chronic non-healing wounds.

Lycopene enriched tomato extract suppresses chemically induced skin tumorigenesis in mice

Abstract. The present study revealed the effects of Lycopene enriched tomato extract (LycT) on chemically induced skin cancer in mice. Skin tumors were induced by topical application of 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) [500 nmol/100 ul of acetone, twice a week for two weeks] and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) [1.7 nmol/100 ul of acetone, twice a week for eighteen weeks] and LycT (5 mg/kg b.w.) was administered orally. Male Balb/c mice were divided into four groups (n = 15 per group): control, DMBA/TPA, LycT and LycT + DMBA/TPA. The chemopreventive response of LycT to skin tumorigenesis was evident by inhibition in tumor incidence, number, size, burden and volume in LycT + DMBA/TPA group when compared to DMBA/TPA group. This was associated with inhibition of cell proliferation in LycT + DMBA/TPA group as observed by the decrease in epidermal morphometric parameters and mRNA and protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen when compared to DMBA/TPA group (p ≤ 0.05). LycT decreased (p ≤ 0.05) the mRNA and protein expression of angiogenic genes (vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-2, basic fibroblast growth factor) in LycT + DMBA/TPA group, suggesting its anti-angiogenic effects. The increase (p ≤ 0.05) in protein expression of connexin-32 and 43 in LycT + DMBA/TPA group suggests improved inter cellular communication when compared to DMBA/TPA group. Histochemical studies demonstrated that the components of extracellular matrix (fibrous proteins and mucopolysaccharides) were also modulated during skin carcinogenesis and its chemoprevention by LycT. The decrease in cell proliferation parameters and expression of angiogenesis associated genes, modulation of ECM components and increase in expression of connexins suggest that LycT improved multiple dysregulated processes during chemoprevention of skin cancer.

β-Elemene inhibits 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced skin tumorigenesis through suppression of NF-κB-associated signaling events in the mouse skin model

β-Elemene (1-methyl-1-vinyl-2,4-diisopropenyl-cyclohexane), a natural sesquiterpene-derived curcumae radix, exhibits a variety of pharmacologic properties including anticancer. However, the molecular action of β-elemene in chemical-induced skin carcinogenesis remains unclear. Therefore, the present study executes to investigate a possible effect of β-elemene in the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-promoted skin tumor model. The experimental mice were subjected to execute two-stage skin carcinogenesis and it has been initiated by the addition of DMBA on the dorsal portion of the mouse skin. One week after, for chemical carcinogen of mice, topical exposure of DMBA has been induced following with TPA (5 nmol) in acetone (200 μL) given weekly twice for 20 weeks respectively. After completion of the experimental period, we noticed that 100% of tumor incidence, histopathological changes, decreased lipid peroxidation (LPO), and decreased antioxidant levels in DMBA/TPA-promoted skin carcinogenesis. Furthermore, enhanced activity of inflammatory protein markers (nuclear factor [NF]-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and nitric oxide synthase) and cell-proliferative messenger RNA markers (PCNA, cyclin D1), and increased antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2; decreased proapoptotic protein marker events Bax and caspase 3 and 9 expressions were noticed in DMBA/TPA promoted skin tissue. In this study, we noticed that β-elemene noticeably reversed the histopathological changes and antioxidant levels in tumor-bearing mice. Conversely, β-elemene effectively inhibits inflammation, cell proliferation events, and enhances proapoptotic factors, by suppression of NF-κB transcriptional activation in DMBA/TPA animals. Thus, we concluded that β-elemene prevents DMBA/TPA promoted skin carcinogenesis through its antioxidant and abate inflammation markers and cell-proliferative markers also activating proapoptotic molecules.

Nanoencapsulation Improves Scavenging Capacity and Decreases Cytotoxicity of Silibinin and Pomegranate Oil Association

Silibinin (SB) and pomegranate oil (PO) present therapeutic potential due to antioxidant activity, but the biological performance of both bioactives is limited by their low aqueous solubility. To overcome this issue, the aim of the present investigation was to develop nanocapsule suspensions with PO as oil core for SB encapsulation, as well as assess their toxicity in vitro and radical scavenging activity. The nanocapsule suspensions were prepared by interfacial deposition of preformed polymer method. SB-loaded PO-based nanocapsules (SBNC) showed an average diameter of 157 ± 3 nm, homogenous size distribution, zeta potential of -14.1 ± 1.7 mV, pH of 5.6 ± 0.4 and SB content close to 100%. Similar results were obtained for the unloaded formulation (PONC). The nanocapsules controlled SB release at least 10 times as compared with free SB in methanolic solution. The SBNC scavenging capacity in vitro was statistically higher than free SB (p < 0.05). Cell viability in monocytes and lymphocytes was kept around 100% in the treatments with SBNC and PONC, while the SB and the PO caused a decrease around 30% at 50 μM (SB) and 724 μg/mL (PO). Protein carbonyls and DNA damage were minimized by SB and PO nanoencapsulation. Lipid peroxidation occurred in nanocapsule treatments regardless of the SB presence, which may be attributed to PO acting as substrate in reaction. The free compounds also caused lipid peroxidation. The results show that SBNC and PONC presented adequate physicochemical characteristics and low toxicity against human blood cells. Thereby, this novel nanocarrier may be a promising formulation for therapeutic applications.