Cell Cycle Modulation of CHO-K1 Cells Under Genistein Treatment Correlates with Cells Senescence, Apoptosis and ROS Level but in a Dose-Dependent Manner

Soy-derived isoflavones as chemo-preventive agents targeting multiple signalling pathways for cancer prevention and therapy

The chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties of soy and soy-derived compounds, especially isoflavones, have been extensively studied in recent years. However, in contrast to their anticancer effects, such as cell growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, isoflavones have also been found to promote the growth of cancer cells. Therefore, the aim of this comprehensive review article is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms by which soy-derived isoflavones target multiple cellular signalling pathways in cancer cells. Our findings indicate that soy-derived isoflavones act as, among other things, potent modulators of HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR)/SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily B member 1 (SMARCB1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12)/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), 17-β-oestradiol (E2)/oestrogen receptor-α (ERα)/neuroglobin (NGB) and sonic hedgehog signalling pathways, epigenetic modulatory agents (i.a. miR-155, miR-34a and miR-10a-5p) and cancer stem cells and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition inhibitors. The paper also discusses the latest epidemiological studies and clinical trials and provides an insight into recent extensive research on the chemo-preventive and therapeutic potential of soy-derived isoflavones.

Evidence-based identification of breast cancer and associated ovarian and uterus cancer risk components in source waters from high incidence area in the Pearl River Basin, China

Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterus cancer are among the most common female cancers. They are suspected to associate with exposures to specific environmental pollutants, which remain unidentified in source waters. In this work, we focused on the Pearl River Basin region in China, which experienced a high incidence of breast, ovarian, and uterus cancers. Combining cancer patient data, mammalian cell cytotoxicity analyses, and exhaustive historical and current chemical assessments, we for the first time identified source water components that promoted proliferation of mammalian cells, and confirmed their association with these female cancers via the estrogen receptor mediated pathway. Therefore, the components that have previously been found to enhance the proliferation of estrogen receptor-containing cells through endocrine disruption could be the crucial factor. Based on this, components that matched with this toxicological characteristic (i.e., estrogen-like effect) were further identified in source waters, including (1) organic components: phthalates, bisphenol A, nonylphenols, and per-/polyfluoroalkyls; (2) inorganic components: Sb, Co, As, and nitrate. Moreover, these identified water components were present at levels comparable to other regions with high female cancer prevalence, suggesting that the potential risk of these components may not be exclusive to the study region. Together, multiple levels of evidence suggested that long-term co-exposures to source water estrogenic components may be important to the development of breast, ovarian, and uterus cancers.

Combination Curcuma longa and Phyllanthus niruri Extract Potentiate Antiproliferative in Triple Negative Breast Cancer MDAMB-231 Cells

BACKGROUND

Triple negative breast cancer cells (TNBC) are a small part of cancer-inducing cells in breast cancer, which are characterized by high metastatic and self-renewal. Self-renewal has the ability to renew itself and loses control of proliferation. Curcuma longa extract (CL) and Phyllanthus niruri extract (PN) known to have anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells. However, the effects of combination CL and PN on TNBC proliferation still unclear.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of the combination CL and PN on TNBC MDAMB-231 and attempted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa and the herbs of Phyllanthus niruri were macerated with ethanol for 72 h.The antiproliferative and synergistic effects of combination CL and PN were investigated using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Combination index values were calculated using CompuSyn (ComboSyn, Inc, Paramus, NJ). The cell cycle and apoptosis assay were determined by propidium iodide (PI) and PI-AnnexinV assay under flow cytometer, respectively. The intracellular ROS levels were evaluated using 2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) assay. The mRNA expressions of proliferation-related genes in the cells were determined using bioinformatic assay.

RESULTS

The CL and PN single treatment caused a potent and dose-dependent decrease in the percentage of viable cells with IC50 value of 13 μg/mL and 45 μg/mL for 24 h, respectively. The combination index values of the different combinations ranged from 0.08 - 0.90, indicating slightly strong to very strong synergistic effects. The combination of CL and PN also remarkably induced the S- and G2/M-phases cell cycle arrest that leading to apoptosis induction. Furthermore, the combination of CL and PN treatment induced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Mechanistically, the AKT1, EP300, STAT3 and EGFR signaling as potential targets of combination CL and PN in antiproliferation and antimetastatic of TNBC.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of CL and PN exerted promising antiproliferative effects in TNBC. Therefore, CL and PN may be considered a potential source for the development of potent anticancer drugs for breast cancer treatment.

In vitro synergistic effect of hesperidin and doxorubicin downregulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in highly metastatic breast cancer cells

Background

We previously reported that in highly metastatic breast cancer cells, doxorubicin (DOX) at non-toxic concentrations promoted cell migration and invasion. Hesperidin (30, 5, 9-dihydroxy-40-methoxy-7-orutinosyl flavanone) is a flavonoid glycoside isolated from citrus/lemon plant that possesses a cytotoxic effect in several cancer cells. In this study, we investigate whether DOX efficacy is enhanced by hesperidin (Hsd) and the molecular pathway involved in highly metastatic breast cancer, 4T1.

Methods

Combined cytotoxicity of Hsd and DOX was evaluated with MTT assay and was analyzed using Chou-Talalay’s method. To better understand the underlying mechanism, several factors, including apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, antimigration activity was evaluated by scratch wound healing assay, MMP-9 expression by ELISA and gelatin zymography, and Rac-1 protein level using western blot. The data on survival rate and expression level of MMP-9 and Rac-1 were obtained from Gene Expression OMNIBUS (GEO).

Results

Under MTT assay, Hsd showed a cytotoxic effect in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 284 µM on 4T1 cells. Hsd synergistically enhanced the cytotoxic effect of DOX which seemed to correlate with an increase in apoptotic cell death, G2/M cell cycle arrest and blocked the migration of 4T1 cells. At 10 nM, doxorubicin induced lamellipodia formation, and increased the level of Rac-1 and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. Interestingly, combined treatment of DOX and Hsd dramatically downregulated the expression of MMP-9 and Rac-1. These results indicated that Hsd block the cell migration induced by DOX under in vitro studies.

Conclusion

These findings strongly suggest that Hsd possesses a potential synergistic effect that can be developed to enhance the anticancer efficacy of DOX and reduce the risks of chemotherapy use in highly metastatic breast cancer.

Genistein-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and FOXO3a/PUMA expression in non-small lung cancer cells

CONTEXT

Genistein is a multifunctional natural compound.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we demonstrate the activity of genistein on non-small lung cancer A549 and 95D cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A CCK8 assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of genistein (0, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 μM) on A549 and 95D cells for 48 h. AnnexinV-FITC/PI and TUNEL assay were performed to examine the apoptotic cell death induced by genistein (0, 50, 100 and 150 μM, 48 h). Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial activity in A549 and 95D cells, treated with 0, 50, 100 and 150 μM genistein for 48 h was detected by MitoTracker Orange staining. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the expression of the mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins. Meanwhile, the expression level of FOXO3a/PUMA signalling was measured by flow cytometry and Western blot assay.

RESULTS

IC₅₀ value of genistein against 95D cells and A549 cells was 32.96 ± 2.91 and 110.6 ± 2.41 μM, respectively. The percentage of apoptotic death cells was 20.03%, 29.26% and 27.14% in 95D cells, and 41.62%, 55.24% and 43.45% in A549 cells when treated with 50, 100 and 150 μM genistein, respectively. Our observations also revealed that genistein could elevate intracellular ROS generation, decrease mitochondrial membrane potential, decrease mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker Orange staining), and up-regulate the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins. Further examinations revealed that the expression level of FOXO3a and PUMA in NSCLC was significantly increased by genistein.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Our data may provide basic information for further development of genistein as a promising lead compound targeting NSCLC by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis.

The role of isoflavones in augmenting the effects of radiotherapy

Cancer is one of the major health problems and the second cause of death worldwide behind heart disease. The traditional soy diet containing isoflavones, consumed by the Asian population in China and Japan has been identified as a protective factor from hormone-related cancers. Over the years the research focus has shifted from emphasizing the preventive effect of isoflavones from cancer initiation and promotion to their efficacy against established tumors along with chemo- and radiopotentiating effects. Studies performed in mouse models and results of clinical trials emphasize that genistein or a mixture of isoflavones, containing in traditional soy diet, could be utilized to both potentiate the response of cancer cells to radiotherapy and reduce radiation-induced toxicity in normal tissues. Currently ongoing clinical research explores a potential of another significant isoflavone, idronoxil, also known as phenoxodiol, as radiation enhancing agent. In the light of the recent clinical findings, this article reviews the accumulated evidence which support the clinically desirable interactions of soy isoflavones with radiation therapy resulting in improved tumor treatment. This review discusses important aspects of the development of isoflavones as anticancer agents, and mechanisms potentially relevant to their activity in combination with radiation therapy of cancer. It gives a critical overview of studies characterizing isoflavone targets such as topoisomerases, ENOX2/PMET, tyrosine kinases and ER receptor signaling, and cellular effects on the cell cycle, DNA damage, cell death, and immune responses.

Citrus sinensis (L) Peels Extract Inhibits Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells by Targeting the Downregulation Matrix Metalloproteinases-9

Introduction: Long-term use of doxorubicin (DOX) chemotherapy causes several side effects, especially induction of metastasis on breast cancer (BC). There is an urgent need to identify novel agent with low side effect targeting BC metastasis. Citrus sinensis (L.) peels extract (CSP) has long been used for the treatment of several cancer. However, its anti-metastatic potential against BC metastatic remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to explore the role of CSP in combination with DOX in inhibiting the migration of metastatic breast cancer MDAMB-231 cells. Material and Methods: Potential cytotoxic in single and combination was analysed 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay (MTT assay). The anti-metastatic activities of several major compound on CSP including hesperetin, tangeretin, nobiletin, naringenin and hesperidin were screened by molecular docking under PLANTS software. Results: Based on molecular docking we revealed that the selected protein target MMP-9 (PBD ID:2OVX) has lower docking score for hesperetin, tangeretin, nobiletin, naringenin and hesperidin compare to DOX. CSP and DOX individually exhibited strong cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 cells under MTT assay with IC50 value of 344 µg/mL and 85 nM, respectively. Furthermore, CSP in combination with DOX synergistically increased the cytotoxicity of DOX. Here, we showed that CSP can specifically suppress the side effect of DOX-induced metastasis by reduces doses of DOX. However, low doses of DOX in combination with CSP still potential inhibited cancer cells growth. Conclusion: In conclusion, CSP increased the cytotoxicity and inhibited the induction of metastasis by DOX in breast cancer cells. So that, CSP potential to be developed as co-chemotherapeutic agent.

Synergistic Effect of Curcuma longa Extract in Combination with Phyllanthus niruri Extract in Regulating Annexin A2, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, Matrix Metalloproteinases, and Pyruvate Kinase M1/2 Signaling Pathway on Breast Cancer Stem Cell

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of the combination between Curcuma longa extract (CL) and Phyllanthus niruri extract (PN) in inhibiting optimally the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) growth and metastatic by exploring the target and molecular mechanism using integrative bioinformatics approaches and in vitro. METHODS: CL and PN extracts were prepared by maceration method using ethanol 70%. The antiproliferative effect of CL and PN single and combination treatment was examined by 3-[4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. The bioinformatic approach was performed to identify molecular targets, key proteins, and molecular mechanism of curcumin and phyllanthin as CL and PN secondary metabolite, respectively, targeted at stemness and migration pathway of BCSCs. RESULTS: The in vitro study showed that CL and PN possess cytotoxic activity in time- and dose-dependent manner. The combination of CL and PN has a synergistic effect by modulating the sensitivity of cells. Using a bioinformatics approach, the annexin A2 (ANXA2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and pyruvate kinase M1/2 (PKM) as potential targets of curcumin and phyllanthin correlated with metastatic inhibition of BC. In addition, molecular docking showed that curcumin and phyllanthin performed similar or better interaction to stemness differentiation regulator pathway particularly histone deacetylase 1, EGFR, Heat Shock Protein 90 Alpha Family Class B Member 1, Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Subunit Alpha, and MMP9. CONCLUSION: Combination of CL and PN has potential for the treatment of metastatic BCSCs by targeting ANXA2, EGFR, MMPs, and PKM to resolve stemness and inhibit of BCSCs.