Andrographolide induces DNA damage in prostate cancer cells

HPTLC Stability Indicating Analytical Method of Andrographolide and 5-fluorouracil with Network Pharmacology Analysis against Cancer

BACKGROUND

Herbal drugs when used in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs can reduce the side effects and increase the efficacy by acting on multiple targets. Andrographolide (AG), a diterpene lactone isolated from Andrographis paniculata Nees, is a bioactive compound with anticancer potential, and 5-fluorouracil (FU), a pyrimidine analogue, is used in the treatment of cancer. Both drugs are used to formulate combination nanoformulation to increase absorption, thereby increasing their oral bioavailability.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to develop and validate stability indicating simultaneous HPTLC method for quantification of FU and AG in combination nanoformulation along with in silico docking and network pharmacology analysis to understand the interaction between the drugs and cancer targets.

METHODS

Chromatographic separation was performed using mobile phase chloroform: methanol: formic acid (9: 0.5: 0.5, v/v/v) on HPTLC silica plates 60 F254 as a stationary phase using UV-Vis detector and HPTLC scanner at 254 nm. Further, in silico docking analysis was performed to predict the binding affinity of AG and FU with different proteins and network pharmacology to find out the exact biomolecular relationship of AG and FU in alleviating cancer.

RESULTS

The data from the calibration curve showed a good linear regression relationship with r² = 0.9981 (FU) and r² = 0.9977 (AG) in the concentration range of 0.1-2.0 μg/mL. The developed method was validated according to the ICH guidelines. Stability studies showed changes in peak patterns and areas. Bioinformatic and network pharmacology analyses of AG and FU with target proteins and genes associated with cancer play a multimechanistic role in alleviating cancer.

CONCLUSION

The developed method has been concluded to be robust, simple, precise, reproducible, accurate, and stability indicating for simultaneous quantification of AG and FU, and the molecular interaction studies have further indicated that the combination nanoformulation of AG and FU could be effective against cancer.

TSPYL5 inhibits the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer cells in vivo by triggering DNA damage

Context

Testis-specific protein Y-encoded-like 5 (TSPYL5) suppresses several cancers in vivo, including colorectal cancer (CRC); however, its mechanism and role in CRC cell tumorigenesis in vivo remain unknown.

Aims

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer and find new therapeutic targets to improve CRC patient outcomes.

Settings and Design

Male mice (4 weeks old, 16-22 g) were housed in sterile cages in a temperature-controlled room (20-25°C) with a 12 h light/dark cycle and ad libitum food and water.

Methods and Materials

TSPYL5 overexpressing or non-overexpressing HCT116 cells were used to create a nude mouse tumor model. Tumor tissue was evaluated histologically after hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining. TUNEL staining assessed tumor cell apoptosis. Ki67 expression in excised tumor tissue was measured by immunohistochemistry. Western blotting examined double-stranded break (DBS)-associated protein expression in vivo.

Statistical Analysis Used

IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 was used for all analyses (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). At least three independent experiments yield a mean value ± standard deviation. Unpaired Student's t-tests compared groups. One-way analysis of variance and Dunnett's test were used to compare groups with a P value < 0.5.

Results

TSPYL5 overexpression inhibited CRC cell tumorigenicity and damaged tumor cells in vivo. TSPYL5 overexpression also significantly increased Bax and p-H2AX (early double-stranded break indicators) and decreased Ki67, Bcl-2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor expression.

Conclusions

Collectively, TSPYL5 overexpression inhibited the tumorigenicity of CRC cells in vivo by inducing DNA damage.

Advances in Molecular Regulation of Prostate Cancer Cells by Top Natural Products of Malaysia

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains both a global health burden and a scientific challenge. We present a review of the molecular targets driving current drug discovery to fight this disease. Moreover, the preventable nature of most PCa cases represents an opportunity for phytochemicals as chemopreventive when adequately integrated into nutritional interventions. With a renovated interest in natural remedies as a commodity and their essential role in cancer drug discovery, Malaysia is looking towards capitalizing on its mega biodiversity, which includes the oldest rainforest in the world and an estimated 1200 medicinal plants. We here explore whether the list of top Malay plants prioritized by the Malaysian government may fulfill the potential of becoming newer, sustainable sources of prostate cancer chemotherapy. These include Andrographis paniculate, Centella asiatica, Clinacanthus nutans, Eurycoma longifolia, Ficus deltoidea, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Marantodes pumilum (syn. Labisia pumila), Morinda citrifolia, Orthosiphon aristatus, and Phyllanthus niruri. Our review highlights the importance of resistance factors such as Smac/DIABLO in cancer progression, the role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in cancer metastasis, and the regulation of PCa cells by some promising terpenes (andrographolide, Asiatic acid, rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (isovitexin, gossypin, sinensetin), and alkylresorcinols (labisiaquinones) among others.

Natural Products as Anticancer Agents: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Natural products have been an invaluable and useful source of anticancer agents over the years. Several compounds have been synthesized from natural products by modifying their structures or by using naturally occurring compounds as building blocks in the synthesis of these compounds for various purposes in different fields, such as biology, medicine, and engineering. Multiple modern and costly treatments have been applied to combat cancer and limit its lethality, but the results are not significantly refreshing. Natural products, which are a significant source of new therapeutic drugs, are currently being investigated as potential cytotoxic agents and have shown a positive trend in preclinical research and have prompted numerous innovative strategies in order to combat cancer and expedite the clinical research. Natural products are becoming increasingly important for drug discovery due to their high molecular diversity and novel biofunctionality. Furthermore, natural products can provide superior efficacy and safety due to their unique molecular properties. The objective of the current review is to provide an overview of the emergence of natural products for the treatment and prevention of cancer, such as chemosensitizers, immunotherapeutics, combinatorial therapies with other anticancer drugs, novel formulations of natural products, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their anticancer properties.

Andrographolide Induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma DBTRG-05MG Cell Line via ERK1/2 /c-Myc/p53 Signaling Pathway

Human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most malignant brain tumors, with a high mortality rate worldwide. Conventional GBM treatment is now challenged by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), drug resistance, and post-treatment adverse effects. Hence, developing bioactive compounds isolated from plant species and identifying molecular pathways in facilitating effective treatment has become crucial in GBM. Based on pharmacodynamic studies, andrographolide has sparked the interest of cancer researchers, who believe it may alleviate difficulties in GBM therapy; however, it still requires further study. Andrographolide is a bicyclic diterpene lactone derived from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wallich ex Nees that has anticancer properties in various cancer cell lines. The present study aimed to evaluate andrographolide's anticancer effectiveness and potential molecular pathways using a DBTRG-05MG cell line. The antiproliferative activity of andrographolide was determined using the WST-1 assay, while scratch assay and clonogenic assay were used to evaluate andrographolide's effectiveness against the cancer cell line by examining cell migration and colony formation. Flowcytometry was also used to examine the apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induced by andrographolide. The mRNA and protein expression level involved in the ERK1/2/c-Myc/p53 signaling pathway was then assessed using qRT-PCR and Western blot. The protein-protein interaction between c-Myc and p53 was determined by a reciprocal experiment of the co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) using DBTRG-05MG total cell lysate. Andrographolide significantly reduced the viability of DBTRG-05MG cell lines in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In addition, scratch and clonogenic assays confirmed the effectiveness of andrographolide in reducing cell migration and colony formation of DBTRG-05MG, respectively. Andrographolide also promoted cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, followed by apoptosis in the DBTRG-05MG cell line, by inducing ERK1/2, c-Myc, and p53 expression at the mRNA level. Western blot results demonstrated that c-Myc overexpression also increased the production of the anti-apoptotic protein p53. Our findings revealed that c-Myc and p53 positively interact in triggering the apoptotic signaling pathway. This study successfully discovered the involvement of ERK1/2/c-Myc/p53 in the suppression of the DBTRG-05MG cell line via cell cycle arrest followed by the apoptosis signaling pathway following andrographolide treatment.

Bioassay-Guided extraction of andrographis paniculata for intervention of in-vitro prostate cancer progression in metabolic syndrome environment

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Thus, this life-threatening disease demands a proactive treatment strategy. Andrographis paniculata (AP) is a promising candidate with various medicinal properties. However, the bioactivity of AP is influenced by its processing conditions especially the extraction solvent.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, bioassay-guided screening technique was employed to identify the best AP extract in the management of MetS, PCa, and MetS-PCa co-disease in vitro.

METHODS

Five AP extracts by different solvent systems; APE1 (aqueous), APE2 (absolute methanol), APE3 (absolute ethanol), APE4 (40% methanol), and APE5 (60% ethanol) were screened through their phytochemical profile, in-vitro anti-cancer, anti-obese, and anti-hyperglycemic properties. The best extract was further tested for its potential in MetS-induced PCa progression.

RESULTS

APE2 contained the highest andrographolide (1.34 ± 0.05 mg/mL) and total phenolic content (8.85 ± 0.63 GAE/gDW). However, APE3 has the highest flavonoid content (11.52 ± 0.80 RE/gDW). APE2 was also a good scavenger of DPPH radicals (EC50 = 397.0 µg/mL). In cell-based assays, among all extracts, APE2 exhibited the highest antiproliferative activity (IC50 = 57.5 ± 11.8 µg/mL) on DU145 cancer cell line as well as on its migration activity. In in-vitro anti-obese study, all extracts significantly reduced lipid formation in 3T3-L1 cells. The highest insulin-sensitizing and -mimicking actions were exerted by both APE2 and APE3. Taken together, APE2 showed collectively good activity in the inhibition of PCa progression and MetS manifestation in vitro, compared to other extracts. Therefore, APE2 was further investigated for its potential to intervene DU145 progression induced with leptin (10-100 ng/mL) and adipocyte conditioned media (CM) (10% v/v). Interestingly, APE2 significantly diminished the progression of the cancer cell that has been pre-treated with leptin and CM through cell cycle arrest at S phase and induction of cell death.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, AP extracts rich with andrographolide has the potential to be used as an alternative to ameliorate PCa progression induced by factors highly expressed in MetS.

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.

Targeting transforming growth factor-β signalling for cancer prevention and intervention: Recent advances in developing small molecules of natural origin

BACKGROUND

Cancer is the world's second leading cause of death, but a significant advancement in cancer treatment has been achieved within the last few decades. However, major adverse effects and drug resistance associated with standard chemotherapy have led towards targeted treatment options.

OBJECTIVES

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation, morphogenesis, regeneration, and tissue homeostasis. The prime objective of this review is to decipher the role of TGF-β in oncogenesis and to evaluate the potential of various natural and synthetic agents to target this dysregulated pathway to confer cancer preventive and anticancer therapeutic effects.

METHODS

Various authentic and scholarly databases were explored to search and obtain primary literature for this study. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) criteria was followed for the review.

RESULTS

Here we provide a comprehensive and critical review of recent advances on our understanding of the effect of various bioactive natural molecules on the TGF-β signaling pathway to evaluate their full potential for cancer prevention and therapy.

CONCLUSION

Based on emerging evidence as presented in this work, TGF-β-targeting bioactive compounds from natural sources can serve as potential therapeutic agents for prevention and treatment of various human malignancies.

An insight into the pharmacological and analytical potential of Andrographolide

Andrographis paniculata is an annual medicinal herb from the family Acanthaceae. Andrographolide is generally considered an essential bioactive component of plant A. paniculata. Since ancient times, it has been widely recognized for its therapeutic qualities and has attracted the scientific and medical communities' attention. This review summarizes the molecular, clinical, and in vitro research of compound andrographolide and its mechanism of action. Andrographolide, when combined with other enhancing agents, offers a wide variety of health benefits. The therapeutic potential of andrographolide has been exemplified and exhibited by directly regulating genes and indirectly interacting with small molecules and different enzymes. This review compiles and consolidates the pharmacological action of andrographolide and its analogs and deciphers the gaps that have hindered its use in medicinal research.

Advances in ameliorating inflammatory diseases and cancers by andrographolide: Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and perspective

Andrographolide, a well-known natural lactone having a range of pharmacological actions in traditional Chinese medicine. It has long been used to cure a variety of ailments. In this review, we cover the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activity of andrographolide which supports its further clinical application in cancers and inflammatory diseases. Growing evidence shows a good therapeutic effect in inflammatory diseases, including liver diseases, joint diseases, respiratory system diseases, nervous system diseases, heart diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and inflammatory skin diseases. As a result, the effects of andrographolide on immune cells and the processes that underpin them are discussed. The preclinical use of andrographolide to different organs in response to malignancies such as colorectal, liver, gastric, breast, prostate, lung, and oral cancers has also been reviewed. In addition, several clinical trials of andrographolide in inflammatory diseases and cancers have been summarized. This review highlights recent advances in ameliorating inflammatory diseases as well as cancers by andrographolide and its analogs, providing a new perspective for subsequent research of this traditional natural product.

Attenuation of hyperplasia in lung parenchymal and colonic epithelial cells in DMBA-induced cancer by administering Andrographis paniculata Nees extract using animal model

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to evaluate the potential of Andrographis paniculata ethanolic extract to inhibit the increase in proliferation and induction of abnormal cell death.

METHODS

The hyperplasia stage as an early stage of cancer development was induced by oral administration of 20 mg/Kg BW DMBA to SD rats twice a week for 5 weeks. There were five groups in this study include negative control, positive control, and treatment groups of DMBA induction followed by administration of A. paniculata ethanolic extract in doses equivalent to 10, 30 or 100 mg/Kg BW andrographolide once per day for 6 consecutive weeks. On the last day, rats were sacrificed, lung and colon tissues were collected. Histological examination by HE staining and immunohistochemistry using p53, telomerase, and caspase-3 antibodies were aimed at observing hyperplasia state in these tissues.

RESULTS

DMBA induction to SD rats was able to produce hyperplasia in lung parenchymal and colon epithelial tissue. This can be showed by the increasing number of proliferated cells and as indicated by the number of brown-colored nuclei with sharper intensity. As well telomerase appears to be overexpressed strongly, while p53 and caspase-3 show low intensity. The administration of A. paniculata extract for 6 weeks showed a decrease in the number of cells that actively proliferate, a decrease in telomerase activity, and an increase in caspase-3 levels which indicate cellular death activity.

CONCLUSIONS

A. paniculata ethanolic extract can inhibit the development of cancer at the hyperplasia stage by reducing telomerase activity and increasing apoptosis, marked by an increase of caspase-3 expressions.

Andrographis Paniculata and Its Bioactive Diterpenoids Protect Dermal Fibroblasts Against Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) has long been used in ayurvedic medicine through its anti-inflammatory properties. However, its protective effect of skin aging has not been studied in vitro. This study aimed to investigate the anti-aging effects of methanolic extract (ME), andrographolide (ANDRO), neoandrographolide (NEO), 14-deoxyandrographolide (14DAP) and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (14DAP11-12) on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa) under pro-oxidant or pro-inflammatory condition. The in vitro anti-aging capacity of ME, ANDRO, NEO, 14DAP, and 14DAP11-12 (1, 2.5 and 5 µg/mL) was performed in HDFa. Oxidative stress and inflammation were induced by hydrogen peroxide and lipopolysaccharide/TNF-α, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by the fluorescence of DCF-DA probe and cytokines were quantified by ELISA (IL6 and IL8) or RTqPCR (TNF-α). Procollagen type I production was determined by an ELISA. Our results showed a decrease in ROS production with ME and 14DAP at 5 µg/mL and 1 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, IL-6 production and TNF-α expression decreased under ANDRO and ME at 5 µg/mL. Our data indicated that ME and 14DAP protect from oxidative stress. Additionally, ME and ANDRO decreased an inflammation marker, IL-6. This suggests their potential natural treatment against skin damage. Hence, their applications could be of interest in cosmetics for preventing skin ageing.

Cytotoxicity and Synergistic Effect of Biogenically Synthesized Ternary Therapeutic Nano Conjugates Comprising Plant Active Principle, Silver and Anticancer Drug on MDA-MB-453 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Drug delivery through biogenically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in cancer treatment is exerted by smaller size entailing high surface area and synergistic effects of embedded biomolecules. In this study, prepared ternary conjugates of silver with plant active compound and anticancer drug towards reducing the dose through synergy, rendered by Electrostatic Attraction (EA) of functionalized drug on to the surface of biogenically synthesized AgNPs. The biogenic synthesis resulted in particles of nanometer range as well as serving reducing and capping agents. The cytotoxicity and synergistic effect of ternary therapeutic nano conjugates evaluated using MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells were found to be superior than Doxorubicin (Dox). Quantitative HPTLC analysis showed 57.22 % inhibition by Dox-AP-AgNPs at a concentration of 2.5 µg/mL of Andrographolide and 0.95 µg/mL of Dox validating synergistic effect of the ternary conjugate.

Isolation, characterization and in silico analysis of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) gene from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) Nees

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzymeA reductase (HMGR), the first rate-limiting enzyme of Mevalonate (MVA) pathway was isolated from Andrographis paniculata (ApHMGR) and expressed in bacterial cells. Full length ApHMGR (1937 bp) was submitted to NCBI with accession number MG271748.1. The open reading frame (ORF) was flanked by a 31-bp 5'-UTR, 118-bp 3'-UTR and ApHMGR contained a 1787 bp ORF encoding protein of 595 amino acids. ApHMGR protein was approximately 64 kDa, with isoelectric point of 5.75. Isolated ApHMGR was cloned into pET102 vector and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE 3) cells, and characterized by SDS-PAGE. HPLC analysis for andrographolide content in leaf, stem and root of A. paniculata revealed highest in leaf tissue. The expression patterns of ApHMGR in different plant tissues using qRT-PCR revealed high in root tissue correlating with HPLC data. Three dimensional (3D) structural model of ApHMGR displayed 90% of the amino acids in most favored regions of the Ramachandran plot with 93% overall quality factor. ApHMGR was highly conserved with plant specific N-terminal membrane domains and C-terminal catalytic regions. Phylogenetic analysis showed A. paniculata sharing common ancestor with Handroanthus impetiginosus. 3D model of ApHMGR was screened for the interaction with substrates NADPH, HMG CoA and inhibitor using Auto Dock Vina. In silico analysis revealed that full length ApHMGR had extensive similarities to other plant HMGRs. The present communication reports the isolation of full length HMGR from A. paniculata, its heterologous expression in bacterial cells and in silico structural and functional characterization providing valuable genomic information for future molecular interventions.

Precision Nutrition and Cancer Relapse Prevention: A Systematic Literature Review

Cancer mortality rates are undergoing a global downward trend; however, metastasis and relapse after surgery and adjuvant treatments still correlate with poor prognosis and represent the most significant challenges in the treatment of this disease. Advances in genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics are improving our understanding regarding cancer metabolic diversity, resulting in detailed classifications of tumors and raising the effectiveness of precision medicine. Likewise, the growing knowledge of interactions between nutrients and the expression of certain genes could lead to cancer therapies based on precision nutrition strategies. This review aims to identify the recent advances in the knowledge of the mechanistic role of bioactive phytochemicals in foodstuffs in tumor progression, metastasis, and chemo-resistance in order to assess their potential use in precision nutrition therapies targeting relapse in lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancer, and leukemia. A considerable number of bioactive phytochemicals in foodstuffs were identified in the literature with proven effects modulating tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. In addition, the use of foodstuffs in cancer, and specifically in relapse therapies, is being reinforced by the development of different formulations that significantly increase the therapeutic efficiency of these products. This can open the possibility for testing combinations of bioactive phytochemicals with cancer relapse treatments as a potential prevention strategy.