Astragalin-induced cell death is caspase-dependent and enhances the susceptibility of lung cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor by inhibiting the NF-кB pathway

Characterization of Bioactive Metabolites and Antioxidant Activities in Solid and Liquid Fractions of Fresh Duckweed (Wolffia globosa) Subjected to Different Cell Wall Rupture Methods

Fresh Wolffia globosa, the smallest flowering plant well-known for its favorable nutrient composition and rich content of bioactive compounds, was subjected to boiling, freeze-thawing, and mechanical crushing to reduce its excessive (95-96%) moisture level and consequent drying time. The resultant three wolffia matrixes were filtered through a plankton net to fractionate into the residue and the filtrate. The proximate composition, bioactive metabolites, antioxidant activity, and characterization of bioactive metabolites by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were made from oven-dried residues and filtrates. Among residues, crude protein (29.84%), crude lipid (5.77%), total carotenoids (TCC; 722.8 μg/g), and vitamin C (70.02 mg/100 g) were the highest (p < 0.05) for freeze-thawing against higher ash (7.99%), total phenolic content (TPC; 191.47 mg GAE g-1 dry weight), total flavonoid content (TFC; 91.54 mg QE g-1 dry weight), DPPH activity (47.46%), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity (570.19 μmol FeSO4 equiv/mg) for the crushed counterpart and Chl-b in residues from boiling. No significant variation was evident in the total tannin content (TTC). Among filtrates, higher total phenolic content (773.29 mg GAE g-1 dry weight), TFC (392.77 mg QE g-1 dry weight), TTC (22.51 mg TAE g-1), and antioxidant activity as DPPH activity (66.46%) and FRAP (891.62 μmol FeSO4 equiv/mg) were evident for boiling, while that from crushing exhibited the highest TCC (1997.38 μg/g DM). LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis identified 72 phenolic compounds with the maximum in residue (33) and filtrate (33) from freeze-thawing, followed by crushing (18 and 19) and boiling (14 and 13) in order, respectively. The results indicated that the predrying cell rupturing method significantly impacted quantitative, as well as qualitative compositions of residues and filtrates from fresh wolffia.

Integrated transcriptomic and WGCNA analyses reveal candidate genes regulating mainly flavonoid biosynthesis in Litsea coreana var. sinensis

Litsea coreana Levl. var. sinensis (Allen) Yang et P. H. Huang is a popular ethnic herb and beverage plant known for its high flavonoid content, which has been linked to a variety of pharmacological benefits and crucial health-promoting impacts in humans. The progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of flavonoid accumulation in this plant has been hindered due to the deficiency of genomic and transcriptomic resources. We utilized a combination of Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) sequencing to generate a de novo hybrid transcriptome assembly. In total, 126,977 unigenes were characterized, out of which 107,977 were successfully annotated in seven public databases. Within the annotated unigenes, 3,781 were categorized into 58 transcription factor families. Furthermore, we investigated the presence of four valuable flavonoids-quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-galactoside, and kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside in 98 samples, using high-performance liquid chromatography. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified two co-expression modules, MEpink and MEturquoise, that showed strong positive correlation with flavonoid content. Within these modules, four transcription factor genes (R2R3-MYB, NAC, WD40, and ARF) and four key enzyme-encoding genes (CHI, F3H, PAL, and C4H) emerged as potential hub genes. Among them, the R2R3-MYB (LcsMYB123) as a homologous gene to AtMYB123/TT2, was speculated to play a significant role in flavonol biosynthesis based on phylogenetic analysis. Our findings provided a theoretical foundation for further research into the molecular mechanisms of flavonoid biosynthesis. Additionally, The hybrid transcriptome sequences will serve as a valuable molecular resource for the transcriptional annotation of L. coreana var. sinensis, which will contribute to the improvement of high-flavonoid materials.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Therapeutics via Triggering Unfolded Protein Response and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by 2-Arylbenzofuran

Gastrointestinal cancers are a major global health challenge, with high mortality rates. This study investigated the anti-cancer activities of 30 monomers extracted from Morus alba L. (mulberry) against gastrointestinal cancers. Toxicological assessments revealed that most of the compounds, particularly immunotoxicity, exhibit some level of toxicity, but it is generally not life-threatening under normal conditions. Among these components, Sanggenol L, Sanggenon C, Kuwanon H, 3'-Geranyl-3-prenyl-5,7,2',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone, Morusinol, Mulberrin, Moracin P, Kuwanon E, and Kuwanon A demonstrate significant anti-cancer properties against various gastrointestinal cancers, including colon, pancreatic, and gastric cancers. The anti-cancer mechanism of these chemical components was explored in gastric cancer cells, revealing that they inhibit cell cycle and DNA replication-related gene expression, leading to the effective suppression of tumor cell growth. Additionally, they induced unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, potentially resulting in DNA damage, autophagy, and cell death. Moracin P, an active monomer characterized as a 2-arylbenzofuran, was found to induce ER stress and promote apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, confirming its potential to inhibit tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Morus alba L. monomers in gastrointestinal cancers, especially focusing on Moracin P as a potent inducer of ER stress and apoptosis.

Total Flavonoids in Artemisia absinthium L. and Evaluation of Its Anticancer Activity

To overcome the shortcomings of traditional extraction methods, such as long extraction time and low efficiency, and considering the low content and high complexity of total flavonoids in Artemisia absinthium L., in this experiment, we adopted ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis to improve the yield of total flavonoids, and combined this with molecular docking and network pharmacology to predict its core constituent targets, so as to evaluate its antitumor activity. The content of total flavonoids in Artemisia absinthium L. reached 3.80 ± 0.13%, and the main components included Astragalin, Cynaroside, Ononin, Rutin, Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, Diosmetin, Isorhamnetin, and Luteolin. Cynaroside and Astragalin exert their cervical cancer inhibitory functions by regulating several signaling proteins (e.g., EGFR, STAT3, CCND1, IGFIR, ESR1). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that the anticancer activity of both compounds was associated with the ErbB signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway. MTT results showed that total flavonoids of Artemisia absinthium L. and its active components (Cynaroside and Astragalin) significantly inhibited the growth of HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 of 396.0 ± 54.2 μg/mL and 449.0 ± 54.8 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, its active components can mediate apoptosis by inducing the accumulation of ROS.

Astragalin: a food-origin flavonoid with therapeutic effect for multiple diseases

Naturally occurring flavonoids have long been utilized as essential templates for the development of novel drugs and as critical ingredients for functional foods. Astragalin (AG) is a natural flavonoid that can be isolated from a variety of familiar edible plants, such as the seeds of green tea, Morus alba L., and Cuscuta chinensis. It is noteworthy that AG has a wide range of pharmacological activities and possesses therapeutic effects against a variety of diseases, covering cancers, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, ulcerative colitis, mastitis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, diabetic complications, ischemia/reperfusion injury, neuropathy, respiratory diseases, and reproductive system diseases. This article reviewed the natural source and pharmacokinetics of AG and systematically summarized the pharmacological activities and potential mechanisms of AG in treating diverse diseases in order to promote the development of AG as a functional food, in doing so providing references for its clinical application in disease therapy.

Beneficial role of kaempferol and its derivatives from different plant sources on respiratory diseases in experimental models

Respiratory illnesses impose a significant health burden and cause deaths worldwide. Despite many advanced strategies to improve patient outcomes, they are often less effective. There is still considerable room for improvement in the treatment of various respiratory diseases. In recent years, alternative medicinal agents derived from food plants have shown better beneficial effects against a wide variety of disease models, including cancer. In this regard, kaempferol (KMF) and its derivatives are the most commonly found dietary flavonols. They have been found to exhibit protective effects on multiple chronic diseases like diabetes, fibrosis, and so on. A few recent articles have reviewed the pharmacological actions of KMF in cancer, central nervous system diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, there is no comprehensive review that exists regarding the beneficial effects of KMF and its derivatives on both malignant- and non-malignant respiratory diseases. Many experimental studies reveal that KMF and its derivatives are helpful in managing a wide range of respiratory diseases, including acute lung injury, fibrosis, asthma, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and their underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, we also discussed the chemistry and sources, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties, methods to enhance bioavailability, as well as our perspective on future research with KMF and its derivatives.

Effects of Flavonoids on Cancer, Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Role of NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Flavonoids are polyphenolic phytochemical compounds found in many plants, fruits, vegetables, and leaves. They have a multitude of medicinal applications due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic properties. Furthermore, they also have neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects. Their biological properties depend on the chemical structure of flavonoids, their mechanism of action, and their bioavailability. The beneficial effects of flavonoids have been proven for a variety of diseases. In the last few years, it is demonstrated that the effects of flavonoids are mediated by inhibiting the NF-κB (Nuclear Factor-κB) pathway. In this review, we have summarized the effects of some flavonoids on the most common diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular, and human neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we collected all recent studies describing the protective and prevention role of flavonoids derived from plants by specifically focusing their action on the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Phenolic Profile and Comparison of the Antioxidant, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Inflammatory, and Protective Activities of Borago officinalis Extracts on Skin Cells

In this study, methanol and water-methanol extracts of borage (Borago officinalis) herb dried using various methods were analysed for their phenolic profile and biological activity. Twelve compounds, including flavonoids (astragalin, kaempferol 4-glucoside, rutoside, and vitexin) and phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic, ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, rosmarinic, and syringic), were determined qualitatively and quantitatively in B. officinalis extracts by the HPLC-DAD method. The highest total flavonoid content was confirmed for the methanol extract from the hot-air-dried herb, while the methanol extract from the air-dried herb was most abundant in phenolic acids. The results of in vitro tests on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (BJ) showed that the extracts were able to reduce the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species in skin cells. Tests performed to assess inhibition of protein denaturation, lipoxygenase activity, and proteinase activity demonstrated that borage extracts have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the methanol extract of the herb dried in a convection oven showed the strongest inhibition of both collagenase and elastase activity, which is indicative of anti-ageing properties. The results show that the borage extracts are a source of valuable bioactive compounds with beneficial properties in the context of skin cell protection.

Bioactive PI3-kinase/Akt/mTOR Inhibitors in Targeted Lung Cancer Therapy

One of the central signaling pathways with a regulatory effect on cell proliferation and survival is Akt/mTOR. In many human cancer types, for instance, lung cancer, the overexpression of Akt/mTOR has been reported. For this reason, either targeting cancer cells by synthetic or natural products affecting the Akt/mTOR pathway down-regulation is a useful strategy in cancer therapy. Direct inhibition of the signaling pathway or modulation of each related molecule could have significant feedback on the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. A variety of secondary metabolites has been identified to directly inhibit the AKT/mTOR signaling, which is important in the field of drug discovery. Naturally occurring nitrogenous and phenolic compounds can emerge as two pivotal classes of natural products possessing anticancer abilities. Herein, we have summarized the alkaloids and flavonoids for lung cancer treatment together with all the possible mechanisms of action relying on the Akt/mTOR pathway down-regulation. This review suggested that in search of new drugs, phytochemicals could be considered as promising scaffolds to be developed into efficient drugs for the treatment of cancer. In this review, the terms "Akt/mTOR", "Alkaloid", "flavonoid", and "lung cancer" were searched without any limitation in search criteria in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google scholar engines.

p-Coumaric acid, Kaempferol, Astragalin and Tiliroside Influence the Expression of Glycoforms in AGS Gastric Cancer Cells

Abnormal glycosylation of cancer cells is considered a key factor of carcinogenesis related to growth, proliferation, migration and invasion of tumor cells. Many plant-based polyphenolic compounds reveal potential anti-cancer properties effecting cellular signaling systems. Herein, we assessed the effects of phenolic acid, p-coumaric acid and flavonoids such as kaempferol, astragalin or tiliroside on expression of selected cancer-related glycoforms and enzymes involved in their formation in AGS gastric cancer cells. The cells were treated with 80 and 160 µM of the compounds. RT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA tests were performed to determine the influence of polyphenolics on analyzed factors. All the examined compounds inhibited the expression of MUC1, ST6GalNAcT2 and FUT4 mRNAs. C1GalT1, St3Gal-IV and FUT4 proteins as well as MUC1 domain, Tn and sialyl T antigen detected in cell lysates were also lowered. Both concentrations of kaempferol, astragalin and tiliroside also suppressed ppGalNAcT2 and C1GalT1 mRNAs. MUC1 cytoplasmic domain, sialyl Tn, T antigens in cell lysates and sialyl T in culture medium were inhibited only by kaempferol and tiliroside. Nuclear factor NF-κB mRNA expression decreased after treatment with both concentrations of kaempferol, astragalin and tiliroside. NF-κB protein expression was inhibited by kaempferol and tiliroside. The results indicate the rationality of application of examined polyphenolics as potential preventive agents against gastric cancer development.

Medicinal Plants in Cancer Treatment: Contribution of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-kB) Inhibitors

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is one of the principal inducible proteins that is a predominant transcription factor known to control the gene expression in mammals and plays a pivotal role in regulating cell signalling in the body under certain physiological and pathological conditions. In cancer cells, such as colon, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, melanoma, and lymphoma, the NF-κB pathway has been reported to be active. In cellular proliferation, promoting angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis of tumour cells and blocking apoptosis, the constitutive activity of NF-κB signalling has been reported. Therefore, immense attention has been given to developing drugs targeting NF-κB signalling pathways to treat many types of tumours. They are a desirable therapeutic target for drugs, and many studies concentrated on recognizing compounds. They may be able to reverse or standstill the growth and spread of tumours that selectively interfere with this pathway. Recently, numerous substances derived from plants have been evaluated as possible inhibitors of the NF-κB pathway. These include various compounds, such as flavonoids, lignans, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, polyphenols, etc. A study supported by folk medicine demonstrated that plant-derived compounds could suppress NF-κB signalling. Taking this into account, the present review revealed the anticancer potential of naturally occurring compounds which have been verified both by inhibiting the NF-κB signalling and suppressing growth and spread of cancer and highlighting their mechanism of NF-κB inhibition.

Modulation of TLR/NF-κB/NLRP Signaling by Bioactive Phytocompounds: A Promising Strategy to Augment Cancer Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Background

Tumors often progress to a more aggressive phenotype to resist drugs. Multiple dysregulated pathways are behind this tumor behavior which is known as cancer chemoresistance. Thus, there is an emerging need to discover pivotal signaling pathways involved in the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and cancer immunotherapy. Reports indicate the critical role of the toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) pathway in cancer initiation, progression, and development. Therefore, targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling is a promising strategy to augment cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy and to combat chemoresistance. Considering the potential of phytochemicals in the regulation of multiple dysregulated pathways during cancer initiation, promotion, and progression, such compounds could be suitable candidates against cancer chemoresistance.

Objectives

This is the first comprehensive and systematic review regarding the role of phytochemicals in the mitigation of chemoresistance by regulating the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway in chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Methods

A comprehensive and systematic review was designed based on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane electronic databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to include papers on TLR/NF-κB/NLRP and chemotherapy/immunotherapy/chemoresistance by phytochemicals.

Results

Phytochemicals are promising multi-targeting candidates against the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway and interconnected mediators. Employing phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, and sulfur compounds could be a promising strategy for managing cancer chemoresistance through the modulation of the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway. Novel delivery systems of phytochemicals in cancer chemotherapy/immunotherapy are also highlighted.

Conclusion

Targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling with bioactive phytocompounds reverses chemoresistance and improves the outcome for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in both preclinical and clinical stages.

Overview of the Biological Activity of Anthraquinons and Flavanoids of the Plant Rumex Species

Rumex confertus belongs to the genus Rumex and is classified as an invasive parasitic plant in agriculture. Despite other Rumex species being widely used in herbal medicine due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects, there are almost no information about the potential of Rumex confertus for the treatment of various diseases. In this review we analyzed scientific articles revealing properties of Rumex plant’s substances against cancer, diabetes, pathogenic bacterial invasions, viruses, inflammation, and oxidative stress for the past 20 years. Compounds dominating in each composition of solvents for extraction were discussed, and common thin layer chromatography(TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) methods for efficient separation of the plant’s extract are included. Physico-chemical properties such as solubility, hydrophobicity (Log P), pKa of flavonoids, anthraquinones, and other derivatives are very important for modeling of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics. An overview of clinical studies for abounded selected substances of Rumex species is presented.

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibition as a therapeutic target for plant nutraceuticals in mitigating inflammatory lung diseases

Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements that are used to improve health, postpone aging, prevent illnesses, and maintain the human body's correct functioning. Nutraceuticals are now garnering a lot of interest because of their nutritional and therapeutic benefits. The research indicating the relevance of nutraceuticals as a possible therapeutic candidate against inflammatory lung disease was covered in this review. Nowadays, inflammatory lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, becoming highly dreadful because of their associated fatality. Inflammation is one of the cores and common factors of these diseases which is mainly associated with nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation, NF-κB p65 and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) phosphorylation, and initiation of the signaling pathway of the NF-κB. The secondary metabolites from natural sources are the active component that attenuates NF-κB and the associated pathway that inhibits inflammation in lung diseases. Nutraceuticals belonging to the chemical category polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins have the potential to combat the NF-κB pathway. Accordingly, this review discusses the medical value of nutraceuticals briefly and their ability to mitigate various inflammatory lung diseases through targeting inhibition of NF-κB.

LC/MS-MS Analyses and in vitro anticancer activity of Tourneuxia variifolia extracts

Several Saharan plants, despite their abundance of natural compounds, have received little attention. In this study, the chemical composition of polar extracts of Tourneuxia variifolia Coss. (Asteraceae), an endemic species to Algerian Sahara, was investigated and their anticancer activity was evaluated in vitro. The phytoconstituents of both ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) extracts were screened using LC/MS-MS technique. The anticancer activity of the above extracts was measured against human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cell line. The LC/MS-MS analyses results revealed that twenty-seven phytochemicals in EtOAc extract and twenty-three in n-BuOH extract were identified and quantified from which isoquercetin and astragalin were the most present. Moreover; the EtOAc extract was found to have a strong anticancer activity (IC₅₀: 46.797 ± 0.060 µg/mL). These findings identified T. variifolia as a potential plant exhibiting anticancer properties.

The flavonoid Astragalin shows anti-tumor activity and inhibits PI3K/AKT signaling in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is a common malignant cancer, which is one of the most affected cancers by PI3K/AKT signaling. Here, we investigated the anti-tumor role of Astragalin, a natural flavonoid compound, in gastric cancer and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. Three well-established gastric cancer cell lines and xenograft mouse model were used to examine the anti-tumor effect of Astragalin by using CCK-8, transwell assays, and Western blot. Tumor burden of xenograft mice with Astragalin administration was monitored and determined during and at end of the experiments. Astragalin could effectively inhibit cell viability of gastric cancer cells and possessed good anti-tumor activity in xenograft mice. In addition, astragalin induced the expression of apoptotic signaling proteins, suppressed the migration and invasion cancer cells, and inhibited the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway significantly. In contrast, epidermal growth factor stimulation was able to block the anti-tumor activity of Astragalin. In conclusion, astragalin exerts its anticancer activities through inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling, which highlights its potential for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Astragalin Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Human Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells by Regulating the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Astragalin is a flavonoid found in a variety of natural plants. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant effects and has inhibited effects against several malignant tumor cell types. However, its effects on colon cancer and the molecular mechanisms have remained to be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of astragalin on proliferation and migration of human colon cancer HCT116 cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we elucidated the mechanism of these effects. The results showed that astragalin significantly inhibited the proliferation and diffusion of HCT116 cells by induced apoptosis (by modulation of Bax, Bcl-2, P53, caspase-3, caspase 6, caspase 7, caspase 8, caspase 9 protein express) and cell cycle arrest (by modulation of Cyclin D1, Cyclin E, P21, P27, CDK2, CDK4 protein express). Moreover, astragalin suppressed HCT116 cell migration by inhibiting the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9). In addition, astragalin significantly downregulated the expression of key proteins in the NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibited the transcriptional activity of NF-κB P65 stimulated with inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, thereby inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells in vitro. Our further investigations unveiled astragalin gavage significantly reduced the proliferation of colon cancer xenograft in nude mice, in vivo experiments showed that tumor growth was related to decreased expression of apoptotic proteins in tumor tissues and decreased activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In summary, our results indicated that astragalin inhibits the proliferation and growth of colon cancer cells in vivo and in vitro via the NF-κB pathway. Therefore, astragalin maybe become a potential plant-derived antitumor drug for colon cancer.

Prenylated flavonoids from Ficus hirta induces HeLa cells apoptosis via MAPK and AKT signaling pathways

A pair of undescribed enantiomers, (±) ficusflavonid A (1a/1b), along with five known analogues, were isolated from the roots of Ficus hirta. Their structures were determined by the analysis of extensive spectroscopic data (including UV, IR, HRESIMS and NMR). Two enantiomers (1a and 1b) were successfully separated by chiral chromatographic column and their absolute configurations were assigned by the comparison of experimental and calculated ECD data. The cytotoxicity of all the isolates against HeLa, MCF-7, HepG2 and H460 cell lines were evaluated by MTT assay. Among them, 4 suppressed the proliferation of HeLa cells with the IC₅₀ value of 28.88 μM. Furthermore, the apoptotic effect of 4 on HeLa cells and the level of several crucial proteins in AKT/MAPKs signaling pathways were analyzed by flow cytometer and western blot assay. As a result, 4 induced HeLa cell apoptosis in a dose dependent manner and significantly increased the protein levels of p-JNK and p-p38, whereas distinctly reduced the expression of p-AKT, and p-ERK. Thus, compound 4 might induce HeLa cells apoptosis via MAPK and AKT signaling pathways, which could be considered as a potential leading compound for the development of anticancer drugs.

Metabolic Strategies for Inhibiting Cancer Development

The tumor microenvironment is a complex mix of cancerous and noncancerous cells (especially immune cells and fibroblasts) with distinct metabolisms. These cells interact with each other and are influenced by the metabolic disorders of the host. In this review, we discuss how metabolic pathways that sustain biosynthesis in cancer cells could be targeted to increase the effectiveness of cancer therapies by limiting the nutrient uptake of the cell, inactivating metabolic enzymes (key regulatory ones or those linked to cell cycle progression), and inhibiting ATP production to induce cell death. Furthermore, we describe how the microenvironment could be targeted to activate the immune response by redirecting nutrients toward cytotoxic immune cells or inhibiting the release of waste products by cancer cells that stimulate immunosuppressive cells. We also examine metabolic disorders in the host that could be targeted to inhibit cancer development. To create future personalized therapies for targeting each cancer tumor, novel techniques must be developed, such as new tracers for positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan and immunohistochemical markers to characterize the metabolic phenotype of cancer cells and their microenvironment. Pending personalized strategies that specifically target all metabolic components of cancer development in a patient, simple metabolic interventions could be tested in clinical trials in combination with standard cancer therapies, such as short cycles of fasting or the administration of sodium citrate or weakly toxic compounds (such as curcumin, metformin, lipoic acid) that target autophagy and biosynthetic or signaling pathways.

Astragalin attenuates oxidative stress and acute inflammatory responses in carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice

Astragalin is a flavonoid existed in several edible and medicinal plants and was recorded to have multiple biological and pharmacological significances. This work aimed to assess the possible protective effect of astragalin administration against oxidative tension, acute inflammation and histopathological deformations in a mouse paw edema model induced following intra sub-plantar injection of carrageenan. Thirty-six male Swiss mice were divided into four groups: control, carrageenan, astragalin (75 mg/kg) + carrageenan, and indomethacin (10 mg/kg) + carrageenan. Astragalin administration for five consecutive days to carrageenan injected mice showed a significant reduction in the development of paw in a time dependent effect, inhibited lipoperoxidation by-product, malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Astragalin was found also to suppress the inflammatory signaling in the inflamed tissue as exhibited by the decreased myeloperoxidase activity along with the decreased protein and transcriptional level of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6. Moreover, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expressions and their products (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2) were downregulated. Additionally, astragalin decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and nuclear factor kappa B expression in the inflamed paw tissue. The recorded findings provide evidences for the potential application of astragalin as a plant-derived remedy for the treatment of acute inflammation due to its promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities along with its ameliorative impact against the histopathological changes in the paw tissue.

Red Beetroot and Betalains as Cancer Chemopreventative Agents

Carcinogenesis is the process whereby a normal cell is transformed into a neoplastic cell. This action involves several steps starting with initiation and followed by promotion and progression. Driving these stages are oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn encompasses a myriad of aberrant gene expressions, both within the transforming cell population and the cells within the surrounding lesion. Chemoprevention of cancer with bioreactive foods or their extracted/purified components occurs via normalizing these inappropriate gene activities. Various foods/agents have been shown to affect different gene expressions. In this review, we discuss whereby the chemoprevention activities of the red beetroot itself may disrupt carcinogenesis and the activities of the water-soluble betalains extracted from the plant.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 increases radioresistance of lung cancer cells by enhancing the DNA damage response

Radiotherapy is a frequent mode of cancer treatment, although the development of radioresistance limits its effectiveness. Extensive investigations indicate the diversity of the mechanisms underlying radioresistance. Here, we aimed to explore the effects of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) on lung cancer radioresistance and the associated mechanisms. Our data showed that ERK5 is activated during solid lung cancer development, and ectopic expression of ERK5 promoted cell proliferation and G2/M cell cycle transition. In addition, we found that ERK5 is a potential regulator of radiosensitivity in lung cancer cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed that ERK5 could trigger IR-induced activation of Chk1, which has been implicated in DNA repair and cell cycle arrest in response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Subsequently, ERK5 knockdown or pharmacological inhibition selectively inhibited colony formation of lung cancer cells and enhanced IR-induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis. In vivo, ERK5 knockdown strongly radiosensitized A549 and LLC tumor xenografts to inhibition, with a higher apoptotic response and reduced tumor neovascularization. Taken together, our data indicate that ERK5 is a novel potential target for the treatment of lung cancer, and its expression might be used as a biomarker to predict radiosensitivity in NSCLC patients.

Resistance to radiotherapy in patients with lung cancer may be countered by targeting a protein involved in promoting DNA repair. Radiotherapy causes DNA double-stranded breaks in lung cancer cells in order to kill them. However, cancer cells can show improved DNA repair and responses to damage, resulting in resistance to treatment. Zi-Chun Hua, Hongqin Zhuang at Nanjing University in China and co-workers examined the activity of the extracellular signal-related kinase 5 (ERK5) protein in response to the stress of ionizing radiation. They found that after radiation exposure ERK5 increased expression of another protein involved in DNA repair, facilitating cancer cell recovery. Knocking out ERK5 suppressed this resistance to radiotherapy. ERK5 could be a valuable target for treating lung cancer, and ERK5 expression level could be used as a biomarker for patient sensitivity to radiotherapy.

Astragalin Promotes Osteoblastic Differentiation in MC3T3-E1 Cells and Bone Formation in vivo

Astragalin (AG) is a biologically active flavonoid compound that can be extracted from a number of medicinal plants. However, the effects of AG on osteoblastic differentiation in mouse MC3T3-E1 cells and on bone formation in vivo have not been studied fully. In this study, we found that the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and mineralized nodules in MC3T3-E1 cells were both significantly increased after treatment with AG (5, 10, and 20 μM). Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein levels of osteoblastic marker genes in MC3T3-E1 cells after AG treatment were markedly increased compared with a control group. In addition, the levels of BMP-2, p-Smad1/5/9, and Runx2 were significantly elevated in AG-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, we found that the protein levels of Erk1/2, p-Erk1/2, p38, p-p38, and p-JNK were also significantly increased in AG-treated MC3T3-E1 cells compared to those in the control group. Finally, in vivo experiments demonstrated that AG significantly promoted bone formation in an ovariectomized (OVX)-induced osteoporotic mouse model. This was evidenced by significant increases in the values of osteoblast-related parameters (BFR/BS, MAR, Ob.S/BS, and Ob.N/B.Pm) and bone histomorphometric parameters (BMD, BV/TV, Tb.Th, and Tb.N.) in OVX mice after AG treatment (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg). Collectively, these results demonstrated that AG may promote osteoblastic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells via the activation of the BMP and MAPK pathways and promote bone formation in vivo. These novel findings indicated that AG may be a useful bone anabolic agent for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Bioactive compounds from Cudrania tricuspidata: A natural anticancer source

The tumor is becoming a critical threat to our lives in these years. Searching for antitumor substances from natural products is a great interest of scientists. Cudrania tricuspidata (C. tricuspidata) is a regional plant containing 158 flavonoids and 99 xanthones, and others ingredients with favorable bioactivity. This review comprehensively analyzes the antitumor compounds from C. tricuspidata against different tumors, and 78 flavonoids plus xanthones are considered as underlying antineoplastic. Importantly, the structure of preylation groups is the primary source of antitumor activity among 45 flavonoids plus xanthones, which could be a direction of structural modification for a better antitumor ability. Additionally, the fruits are also preferable sources of antitumor compounds compared to the roots and barks due to the abundant isoflavones and sustainability. However, many studies only focused on the cells viability inhibition of the compounds, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and the intracellular targets remain ambiguous. In conclusion, C. tricuspidata has a great potential for anti-tumor prevention or therapy, but more attention should be paid to deeper research in vitro and in vivo models.

Protective effects of Astragalin on spermatogenesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male mice by improving antioxidant activity and inhibiting inflammation

Spermatogenic dysfunction is a common complication in men with diabetes and is the most important manifestation of diabetes-related male reproduction damage. Astragalin (AG) is one of the main flavonoids from Cuscuta chinensis, which has rich pharmacological activities. This study aimed to establish whether AG may contribute to the recovery from spermatogenic dysfunction. AG (3.3, 10 and 30 mg/kg) and Clomiphene (5 mg/kg) were orally administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic male mice for 8 weeks. After the experiments performed, reproductive organs, sperm parameters and histomorphological changes were analysed. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity were estimated in testicular tissues. The results revealed that AG significantly improved the reproductive organs, sperm parameters and testicular morphology to different degrees in diabetic mice. Nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly reduced, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), markedly increased in the testicular tissue after AG was administered. Interestingly, AG also downregulated the protein expressions of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in testes. In conclusion, AG is a potential beneficial agent to protect diabetic-induced spermatogenic dysfunction in male mice by increasing antioxidant enzymes activities and inhibiting inflammation.

Prodigiosin-Emerged PI3K/Beclin-1-Independent Pathway Elicits Autophagic Cell Death in Doxorubicin-Sensitive and -Resistant Lung Cancer

Prodigiosin (PG) belongs to a family of prodiginines isolated from gram-negative bacteria. It is a water insoluble red pigment and a potent proapoptotic compound. This study elucidates the anti-tumor activity and underlying mechanism of PG in doxorubicin-sensitive (Dox-S) and doxorubicin-resistant (Dox-R) lung cancer cells. The cytotoxicity and cell death characteristics of PG in two cells were measured by MTT assay, cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis/autophagic marker analysis. Then, the potential mechanism of PG-induced cell death was evaluated through the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase-p85/Protein kinase B /mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K-p85/Akt/mTOR) and Beclin-1/phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase-Class III (Beclin-1/PI3K-Class III) signaling. Finally, in vivo efficacy was examined by intratracheal inoculation and treatment. There was similar cytotoxicity with PG in both Dox-S and Dox-R cells, where the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) were all in 10 μM. Based on a non-significant increase in the sub-G₁ phase with an increase of microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (LC3-II), the cell death of both cells was categorized to achieve autophagy. Interestingly, an increase in cleaved-poly ADP ribose polymerase (cleaved-PARP) also showed the existence of an apoptosis-sensitive subpopulation. In both Dox-S and Dox-R cells, PI3K-p85/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways were reduced, which inhibited autophagy initiation. However, Beclin-1/PI3K-Class III downregulation implicated non-canonical autophagy pathways were involved in PG-induced autophagy. At completion of the PG regimen, tumors accumulated in the mice trachea and were attenuated by PG treatment, which indicated the efficacy of PG for both Dox-S and Dox-R lung cancer. All the above results concluded that PG is a potential chemotherapeutic agent for lung cancer regimens regardless of doxorubicin resistance.

Sinapic acid ameliorates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis is a multifaceted disease with high mortality and morbidity, and it is commonly nonresponsive to conventional therapy.

PURPOSE

We explore the possible discourse of sinapic acid (SA) against the prevention of bleomycin (BLM)-instigated lung fibrosis in rats through modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

DESIGN/METHODS

Lung fibrosis was persuaded in Sprague-Dawley rats by a single intratracheal BLM (6.5 U/kg) injection. Then, these rats were treated with SA (10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. The normal control rats provided saline as a substitute of BLM. The lung function and biochemical, histopathological, and molecular alterations were studied in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the lungs tissues.

RESULTS

SA treatment significantly restored BLM-induced alterations in body weight index and serum biomarkers [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)]. SA (10 and 20 mg/kg) treatment appeared to show a pneumoprotective effect through upregulation of antioxidant status, downregulation of inflammatory cytokines and MMP-7 expression, and reduction of collagen accumulation (hydroxyproline). Nrf2, HO-1, and TGF-β expression was downregulated in BLM-induced fibrosis model, while the reduced expression levels were significantly and dose-dependently upregulated by SA (10 and 20 mg/kg) treatment. We demonstrated that SA ameliorates BLM-induced lung injuries through inhibition of apoptosis and induction of Nrf2/HO-1-mediated antioxidant enzymes via NF-κB inhibition. The histopathological findings also revealed that SA treatment (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated BLM-induced lung injury.

CONCLUSION

The present results showed the ability of SA to restore the antioxidant system and to inhibit oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, extracellular matrix, and TGF-β. This is first report demonstrating that SA amoleriates BLM induced lung injuries through inhibition of apoptosis and induction of Nrf2 and HO-1 mediated antioxidant enzyme via NF-κB inhibition. The histopathological finding reveals that SA treatment (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly ameliorates BLM induced lung injuries.

Astragalin: A Bioactive Phytochemical with Potential Therapeutic Activities

Natural products, an infinite treasure of bioactive chemical entities, persist as an inexhaustible resource for discovery of drugs. This review article intends to emphasize on one of the naturally occurring flavonoids, astragalin (kaempferol 3-glucoside), which is a bioactive constituent of various traditional medicinal plants such as Cuscuta chinensis. This multifaceted compound is well known for its diversified pharmacological applications such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antiobesity, antiosteoporotic, anticancer, antiulcer, and antidiabetic properties. It carries out the aforementioned activities by the regulation and modulation of various molecular targets such as transcription factors (NF-κB, TNF-α, and TGF-β1), enzymes (iNOS, COX-2, PGE2, MMP-1, MMP-3, MIP-1α, COX-2, PGE-2, HK2, AChe, SOD, DRP-1, DDH, PLCγ1, and GPX), kinases (JNK, MAPK, Akt, ERK, SAPK, IκBα, PI3K, and PKCβ2), cell adhesion proteins (E-cadherin, vimentin PAR-2, and NCam), apoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins (Beclin-1, Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-xL, cytochrome c, LC3A/B, caspase-3, caspase-9, procaspase-3, procaspase-8, and IgE), and inflammatory cytokines (SOCS-3, SOCS-5, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, MCP-1, CXCL-1, CXCL-2, and IFN-γ). Although researchers have reported multiple pharmacological applications of astragalin in various diseased conditions, further experimental investigations are still mandatory to fully understand its mechanism of action. It is contemplated that astragalin could be subjected to structural optimization to ameliorate its chemical accessibility, to optimize its absorption profiles, and to synthesize its more effective analogues which will ultimately lead towards potent drug candidates.

Gleditsia Saponin C Induces A549 Cell Apoptosis via Caspase-Dependent Cascade and Suppresses Tumor Growth on Xenografts Tumor Animal Model

Saponins are natural compounds and possess the most promising anti-cancer function. Here, a saponin gleditsia saponin C (GSC), extracted from gleditsiae fructus abnormalis, could induce apoptosis of lung tumor cell line A549 via caspase dependent cascade and this effect could be prevented by the caspase inhibitors. In addition, GSC induced cell death companied with an increase ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 and inhibition of ERK and Akt signaling pathways. Meanwhile, GSC suppressed TNFα inducing NF-κB activation and increased the susceptibility of lung cancer cell to TNFα induced apoptosis. Furthermore, on mouse xenograft model, GSC significantly suppressed tumor growth and induced cancer cell apoptosis, which validated the anti-tumor effect of GSC. Based on these results, GSC might be a promising drug candidate of anti-lung cancer for its potential clinical applications.

Apoptotic Effect of Astragalin in Melanoma Skin Cancers via Activation of Caspases and Inhibition of Sry-related HMg-Box Gene 10

Though Astragalin (kaempferol-3-glucoside) contained in Paeonia lactiflora and other plants was known to have anti-oxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti-tumor activity, the anti-tumor mechanism of Astragalin has never been reported in melanomas until now. Thus, in the present study, the underlying apoptotic mechanism of Astragalin isolated from Aceriphyllum rossii was elucidated in A375P and SK-MEL-2 melanoma cells. Astragalin exerted cytotoxicity in A375P and SK-MEL-2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Also, Astragalin significantly increased the number of TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling positive cells and sub-G1 population as a feature of apoptosis in A375P and SK-MEL-2 cells compared with untreated control. Consistently, western blotting revealed that Astragalin activated caspase 9/3 and Bax, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and attenuated the expression of cyclin D1, Mcl-1, and Sry-related HMg-Box gene 10 (SOX10) in A375P and SK-MEL-2 cells. Of note, ectopic expression of SOX10 reduced the apoptotic ability of Astragalin to inhibit proliferation, cleave poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and caspase 3 in A375P and SK-MEL-2 melanoma cells. Overall, our findings provide evidence that Astragalin induces apoptosis in A375P and SK-MEL-2 melanoma cells via activation of caspase9/3 and inhibition of SOX10 signaling. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Astragalin Reduces Hexokinase 2 through Increasing miR-125b to Inhibit the Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells in Vitro and in Vivo

Astragalin (ASG) can be found in a variety of food components. ASG exhibits cytotoxic effects on several different types of malignant cells. However, its effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained to be fully elucidated. Here, we revealed that ASG remarkably suppressed the proliferation of HCC cells. In HCC cells, ASG inhibited glucose glycolysis and promoted oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in a surge of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mechanistically, ASG suppressed the expression of hexokinase 2 (HK2). This event was indispensible for ASG-mediated metabolic reprogramming, ROS accumulation, and subsequent growth arrest. Our further investigations unveiled that ASG repressed HK2 expression via increasing miR-125b. In vivo experiments showed that gavage of ASG decreased the proliferation of Huh-7 HCC xenografts in nude mice and inhibited the growth of transplanted H22 HCC cells in Kunming mice. Declined HCC tumor growth in vivo was associated with boosted miR-125b and reduced expression of HK2 in tumor tissues. Collectively, our results demonstrated that ASG is able to suppress the proliferation of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of HK2 through upregulating miR-125b and subsequent metabolic reprogramming is implicated in the antiproliferative effects of ASG on HCC cells.