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Zeinali N, Mahmoudzadeh V, Anarjani A, Ebrahimnejad M, Yousefi B, Valizadeh A. Thymoquinone Increases the Sensitivity of SW-480 Colon Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 2024:6231095. [PMID: 39015603 PMCID: PMC11251801 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6231095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Background: Studies have concentrated on the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone (TQ), a natural polyphenol, in diverse malignancies, such as colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of TQ-mediated anticancer properties are not yet fully elucidated. Objective: The present study has been designed to scrutinize the impact of TQ on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-mediated apoptosis in SW-480 cells. Materials and Methods: SW-480 cells were treated with TQ, 5-FU, and a combination of TQ + 5-FU. MTT assay was employed to assess cell viability. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to evaluate apoptotic markers comprising Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-9 expression levels. The γ-H2AX protein expression was assessed by western blotting, and Annexin V flow cytometry was implemented to determine the apoptosis rate. Results: 5-FU significantly reversed the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent circumstance. The concurrent administration of TQ and 5-FU led to a substantial inhibition of cell growth in comparison to single treatments (p < 0.05). TQ also facilitated apoptosis via upregulating Bax and caspase-9 proapoptotic markers and suppressing antiapoptotic mediators, like Bcl-2. In addition, TQ augmented 5-FU-induced apoptosis in SW-480 cells. 5-FU, combined with TQ, increased the protein expression of γ-H2AX in SW-480 cells compared with groups treated with TQ and 5-FU alone. Conclusion: The present study's findings unveil the significance of TQ as a potential therapeutic substance in colorectal cancer, particularly through enhancing 5-FU-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Zeinali
- Molecular Medicine Research CenterTabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Mahmoudzadeh
- Molecular Medicine Research CenterTabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Anarjani
- Molecular Medicine Research CenterTabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ebrahimnejad
- Molecular Medicine Research CenterTabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory MedicineFaculty of MedicineTabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Valizadeh
- Student Research CommitteeTabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Kurowska N, Madej M, Strzalka-Mrozik B. Thymoquinone: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 46:121-139. [PMID: 38248312 PMCID: PMC10814900 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and is responsible for approximately one million deaths each year. The current standard of care is surgical resection of the lesion and chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). However, of concern is the increasing incidence in an increasingly younger patient population and the ability of CRC cells to develop resistance to 5-FU. In this review, we discuss the effects of thymoquinone (TQ), one of the main bioactive components of Nigella sativa seeds, on CRC, with a particular focus on the use of TQ in combination therapy with other chemotherapeutic agents. TQ exhibits anti-CRC activity by inducing a proapoptotic effect and inhibiting proliferation, primarily through its effect on the regulation of signaling pathways crucial for tumor progression and oxidative stress. TQ can be used synergistically with chemotherapeutic agents to enhance their anticancer effects and to influence the expression of signaling pathways and other genes important in cancer development. These data appear to be most relevant for co-treatment with 5-FU. We believe that TQ is a suitable candidate for consideration in the chemoprevention and adjuvant therapy for CRC, but further studies, including clinical trials, are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kurowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (N.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcel Madej
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (N.K.); (M.M.)
- Silesia LabMed, Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Barbara Strzalka-Mrozik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (N.K.); (M.M.)
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3
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Madani F, Kazemi S, Shirafkan F, Lotfi M, Hosseini SM, Moghadamnia AA. Thymoquinone protects against 5-Fluorouracil-induced mucositis by NF-κβ and HIF-1 mechanisms in mice. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23405. [PMID: 37338137 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Mucositis is among the most common side effects of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and other cancer therapeutic drugs. Thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive constituent extracted from Nigella sativa, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can modify acute gastrointestinal injury. To investigate the effects of TQ on mucositis induced by 5-FU, studied animals were divided into four groups: control, 5-FU unit dose (300 mg/kg) to cause oral and intestinal mucositis (OM and IM), TQ (2.5 mg/kg) and TQ (2.5 mg/kg) plus 5-FU. Due to The molecular mechanisms, it was confirmed that the expression of NF-κβ and HIF-1 increases in OM. The serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as pathological parameters, were assessed. Based on our results, the nuclear factor-kappa β gene expression in the tongue was downregulated significantly in the 5-FU + TQ compared to the 5-FU. TQ treatment can diminish MDA, and a reduction in oxidative stress was shown. TQ could also reduce the severity of tissue destruction and damaging effects induced by 5-FU on the tongue and intestine. We also observed lower villus length and width in the intestine of the 5-FU group compared to the control group. According to our research's pathological, biochemical, and molecular results, treatment with TQ as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound may be the potential to improve and treat 5-FU-induced OM and IM, and TQ could be used against cancer treatment drugs and exhibit fewer adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Madani
- Student Research Committee, Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Sohrab Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Shirafkan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mandana Lotfi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Seyed M Hosseini
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Babol-Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran
| | - Ali A Moghadamnia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Grazul M, Kwiatkowski P, Hartman K, Kilanowicz A, Sienkiewicz M. How to Naturally Support the Immune System in Inflammation-Essential Oils as Immune Boosters. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2381. [PMID: 37760822 PMCID: PMC10525302 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient functionality of the immune system is needed to fight against the development of infectious diseases, including, among others, serious recurrent chronic infections. Research has shown that many modern common diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and cardiovascular diseases, e.g., thromboembolism, cancer, obesity, or depression, are connected with inflammatory processes. Therefore, new, good stimulators of the immune system's response are sought. They include synthetic compounds as well as biological preparations such as lipopolysaccharides, enzymes, bacterial metabolites, and secondary metabolites of plants, demonstrating a multidirectional effect. Essential oils are characterized by many invaluable activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating. Essential oils may stimulate the immune system via the utilization of their constituents, such as antibodies, cytokines, and dendritic cells. Some essential oils may stimulate the proliferation of immune-competent cells, including polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and B and T lymphocytes. This review is focused on the ability of essential oils to affect the immune system. It is also possible that essential oil components positively interact with recommended anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs. Thus, there is a need to explore possible synergies between essential oils and their active ingredients for medical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Grazul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostic, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
| | - Paweł Kwiatkowski
- Department of Diagnostic Immunology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstancow Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Kacper Hartman
- Department of Diagnostic Immunology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstancow Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Kilanowicz
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
| | - Monika Sienkiewicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostic, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
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Kwan K, Han AY, Mukdad L, Barragan F, Selim O, Alhiyari Y, St. John M. Anticancer effects of thymoquinone in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A scoping review. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2023; 8:876-885. [PMID: 37731860 PMCID: PMC10508265 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Thymoquinone (TQ), the active constituent of Nigella sativa, has been shown to have anticancer effects in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This review aims to outline the properties of TQ, the known drivers in HNSCC formation, and summarize the anticancer effects of TQ in SCC. Data Sources Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar) were queried for the key words "thymoquinone squamous cell carcinoma." Review Methods Publications that were not original research and publications that did not have full-text available for review were excluded. Results Sixteen research articles met the inclusion criteria. Our review demonstrates that TQ-induced cytotoxicity is associated with increased expression and activity of the tumor suppressor p53, proapoptotic proteins Bax and caspases, as well as decreased expression and activity of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Mdm2. Additionally, TQ modulates cell-survival pathways such as the PI3k/Akt pathway. TQ synergizes with therapeutics including cisplatin and radiation. Early TQ administration may prevent carcinogenesis via upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, and TQ administration in the presence of cancer can result in disease mitigation via induction of oxidative stress. Conclusion TQ acts as an upregulator of proapoptotic pathways and downregulator of antiapoptotic pathways, modulates the oxidative stress balance in tumor development, and works synergistically alongside other chemotherapeutics to increase cytotoxicity. TQ has the potential to prevent carcinogenesis in patients who are at high-risk for SCC and adjuvant treatment for SCC patients undergoing conventional treatments. Future studies should aim to identify specific populations in which TQ's effects would be the most beneficial. Level of Evidence Not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kera Kwan
- UCLA Department of SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
| | - Albert Y. Han
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Laith Mukdad
- UCLA Head and Neck Cancer SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
| | - Frida Barragan
- UCLA Head and Neck Cancer SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
| | - Omar Selim
- UCLA Head and Neck Cancer SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
| | - Yazeed Alhiyari
- UCLA Head and Neck Cancer SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
| | - Maie St. John
- UCLA Head and Neck Cancer SurgeryUniversity of California Los AngelesCaliforniaLos AngelesUSA
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Farrash WF, Aslam A, Almaimani R, Minshawi F, Almasmoum H, Alsaegh A, Iqbal MS, Tabassum A, Elzubier ME, El-Readi MZ, Mahbub AA, Idris S, Refaat B. Metformin and thymoquinone co-treatment enhance 5-fluorouracil cytotoxicity by suppressing the PI3K/mTOR/HIF1α pathway and increasing oxidative stress in colon cancer cells. Biofactors 2023; 49:831-848. [PMID: 36929658 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the chemotherapeutic effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), metformin (Met), and/or thymoquinone (TQ) single/dual/triple therapies in the HT29, SW480 and SW620 colon cancer (CRC) cell lines. Cell cycle/apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. The gene and protein expression of apoptosis (PCNA/survivin/BAX/Cytochrome-C/Caspase-3) and cell cycle (CCND1/CCND3/p21/p27) molecules, the PI3K/mTOR/HIF1α oncogenic pathway, and glycolysis regulatory enzymes were measured by quantitative-PCR and Western blot. Markers of oxidative stress were also measured by colorimetric assays. Although all treatments induced anti-cancer effects related to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, the triple therapy showed the highest pro-apoptotic actions that coincided with the lowest expression of CCND1/CCND3/PCNA/survivin and the maximal increases in p21/p27/BAX/Cytochrome-C/Caspase-3 in all cell lines. The triple therapy also revealed the best suppression of the PI3K/mTOR/HIF1α pathway by increasing its endogenous inhibitors (PTEN/AMPKα) in all cell lines. Moreover, the lowest expression of lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-1 with the highest expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase were seen with the triple therapy, which also showed the highest increases in oxidative stress markers (ROS/RNS/MDA/protein carbonyl groups) alongside the lowest antioxidant levels (GSH/CAT) in all cell lines. In conclusion, this is the first study to reveal enhanced anti-cancer effects for metformin/thymoquinone in CRC that were superior to all monotherapies and the other dual therapies. However, the triple therapy approach showed the best tumoricidal actions related to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in all cell lines, possibly by enhancing oxidative glycolysis and augmenting oxidative stress through stronger modulation of the PI3K/mTOR/HIF1α oncogenic network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesam F Farrash
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akhmed Aslam
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riyad Almaimani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Minshawi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussain Almasmoum
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aiman Alsaegh
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad S Iqbal
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha Tabassum
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed E Elzubier
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Z El-Readi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Amani A Mahbub
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakir Idris
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Eid EEM, Almaiman AA, Alshehade SA, Alsalemi W, Kamran S, Suliman FO, Alshawsh MA. Characterization of Thymoquinone-Sulfobutylether-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex for Anticancer Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104096. [PMID: 37241838 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is a quinone derived from the black seed Nigella sativa and has been extensively studied in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical research due to its therapeutic potential and pharmacological properties. Although the chemopreventive and potential anticancer effects of TQ have been reported, its limited solubility and poor delivery remain the major limitations. In this study, we aimed to characterize the inclusion complexes of TQ with Sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) at four different temperatures (293-318 K). Additionally, we compared the antiproliferative activity of TQ alone to TQ complexed with SBE-β-CD on six different cancer cell lines, including colon, breast, and liver cancer cells (HCT-116, HT-29, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, SK-BR-3, and HepG2), using an MTT assay. We calculated the thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG) using the van't Holf equation. The inclusion complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), and molecular dynamics using the PM6 model. Our findings revealed that the solubility of TQ was improved by ≥60 folds, allowing TQ to penetrate completely into the cavity of SBE-β-CD. The IC50 values of TQ/SBE-β-CD ranged from 0.1 ± 0.01 µg/mL against SK-BR-3 human breast cancer cells to 1.2 ± 0.16 µg/mL against HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells, depending on the cell line. In comparison, the IC50 values of TQ alone ranged from 0.2 ± 0.01 µg/mL to 4.7 ± 0.21 µg/mL. Overall, our results suggest that SBE-β-CD can enhance the anticancer effect of TQ by increasing its solubility and bioavailability and cellular uptake. However, further studies are necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and potential side effects of using SBE-β-CD as a drug delivery system for TQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eltayeb E M Eid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer A Almaiman
- Unit of Scientific Research, Applied College, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Wardah Alsalemi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Sareh Kamran
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - FakhrEldin O Suliman
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 36, Muscat 123, Oman
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Neto Í, Rocha J, Gaspar MM, Reis CP. Experimental Murine Models for Colorectal Cancer Research. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092570. [PMID: 37174036 PMCID: PMC10177088 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent malignancy worldwide and in both sexes. Numerous animal models for CRC have been established to study its biology, namely carcinogen-induced models (CIMs) and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). CIMs are valuable for assessing colitis-related carcinogenesis and studying chemoprevention. On the other hand, CRC GEMMs have proven to be useful for evaluating the tumor microenvironment and systemic immune responses, which have contributed to the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches. Although metastatic disease can be induced by orthotopic injection of CRC cell lines, the resulting models are not representative of the full genetic diversity of the disease due to the limited number of cell lines suitable for this purpose. On the other hand, patient-derived xenografts (PDX) are the most reliable for preclinical drug development due to their ability to retain pathological and molecular characteristics. In this review, the authors discuss the various murine CRC models with a focus on their clinical relevance, benefits, and drawbacks. From all models discussed, murine CRC models will continue to be an important tool in advancing our understanding and treatment of this disease, but additional research is required to find a model that can correctly reflect the pathophysiology of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íris Neto
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Rocha
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina P Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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Du YX, Mamun AA, Lyu AP, Zhang HJ. Natural Compounds Targeting the Autophagy Pathway in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087310. [PMID: 37108476 PMCID: PMC10138367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved intracellular degradation pathway by which misfolded proteins or damaged organelles are delivered in a double-membrane vacuolar vesicle and finally degraded by lysosomes. The risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is high, and there is growing evidence that autophagy plays a critical role in regulating the initiation and metastasis of CRC; however, whether autophagy promotes or suppresses tumor progression is still controversial. Many natural compounds have been reported to exert anticancer effects or enhance current clinical therapies by modulating autophagy. Here, we discuss recent advancements in the molecular mechanisms of autophagy in regulating CRC. We also highlight the research on natural compounds that are particularly promising autophagy modulators for CRC treatment with clinical evidence. Overall, this review illustrates the importance of autophagy in CRC and provides perspectives for these natural autophagy regulators as new therapeutic candidates for CRC drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Xiao Du
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ai-Ping Lyu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hong-Jie Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Hemmati Bushehri R, Navabi P, Saeedifar AM, Keshavarzian N, Hosseini Rouzbahani N, Mosayebi G, Ghazavi A, Ghorban K, Ganji A. Integration of phytotherapy and chemotherapy: Recent advances in anticancer molecular pathways. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:987-1000. [PMID: 37605725 PMCID: PMC10440131 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.69979.15222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells, leading to invasion and metastasis to other tissues. Chemotherapy drugs are some of the primary treatments for cancer, which could detrimentally affect the cancer cells by various molecular mechanisms like apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. These treatment lines have always aligned with side effects and drug resistance. Due to their anticancer effects, medicinal herbs and their active derivative compounds are being profoundly used as complementary treatments for cancer. Many studies have shown that herbal ingredients exert antitumor activities and immune-modulation effects and have fewer side effects. On the other hand, combining phytotherapy and chemotherapy, with their synergistic effects, has gained much attention across the medical community. This review article discussed the therapeutic effects of essential herbal active ingredients combined with chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer therapy. To write this article, PubMed and Scopus database were searched with the keywords "Cancer," "Combination," "Herbal," "Traditional," and "Natural." After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 110 articles were considered. The study shows the anticancer effects of the active herbal ingredients by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells, especially with a chemotherapeutic agent. This study also indicates that herbal compounds can reduce side effects and dosage, potentiate anticancer responses, and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parnian Navabi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | | | - Nafiseh Keshavarzian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | | | - Ghasem Mosayebi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Ali Ghazavi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center (TCMRC), Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Khodayar Ghorban
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ganji
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
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11
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Nithya G, Santhanasabapathy R, Vanitha MK, Anandakumar P, Sakthisekaran D. Antioxidant, antiproliferative, and apoptotic activity of thymoquinone against benzo(a)pyrene-induced experimental lung cancer. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23230. [PMID: 36193556 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have suggested that increased consumption of phytochemicals is a comparatively easy and practical strategy to significantly decrease the incidence of cancer. In the present study, we have reported the protective effect of a natural compound, thymoquinone (TQ) against benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P)-induced lung carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice. B(a)P (50 mg/kg body weight) was administered twice weekly for four successive weeks and left until 20 weeks to induce lung cancer in mice. TQ (20 mg/kg body weight) was given orally as a pretreatment and posttreatment drug to determine its chemopreventive and therapeutic effects. B(a)P-induced lung cancer-bearing animals displayed cachexia-like symptoms along with an abnormal increase in lung weight and the activities of marker enzymes adenosine deaminase, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, 5'-nucleotidase and lactate dehydrogenase; tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen levels. Furthermore, B(a)P-induced animals showed elevated levels of lipid peroxides with subsequent depletion in the antioxidant status and histological aberrations. These anomalies were accompanied by increased expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1 in the lung sections derived from B(a)P-induced animals. On TQ treatment, all the above alterations were returned to near normalcy. Furthermore, TQ administration in B(a)P-induced animals downregulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway and induced apoptosis as evidenced by a decrease in cytochrome c, proapoptotic Bax, caspase-3, and p53 with a parallel increase in antiapoptotic Bcl-2. Our present results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of TQ as an antioxidant, antiproliferative, and apoptotic agent against B(a)P-induced experimental lung tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gajendran Nithya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM PGIBMS, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Manickam Kalappan Vanitha
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM PGIBMS, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Dhanapalan Sakthisekaran
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM PGIBMS, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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12
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Khyavi PA, Valizadeh A, Shanehbandi D, Yousefi B, Soleimanpour J. Thymoquinone Potentiates Methotrexate Mediated-Apoptosis in Saos-2 Osteosarcoma Cell Line. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2022; 72:390-395. [PMID: 35760336 DOI: 10.1055/a-1842-7545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recently, various studies have concentrated on the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone (TQ), a natural polyphenol, in various human malignancies, including osteosarcoma. However, the underlying mechanisms in TQ-mediated anti-cancer effects are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of TQ on methotrexate (MTX)-induced apoptosis in Saos-2 cells. METHODS Saos-2 cells were treated with MTX, TQ, and a combination of both, and cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. mRNA expression of apoptotic markers, including Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS MTX resulted in significant inhibition of cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of TQ and MTX inhibited proliferation compared to single treatments (P<0.05). TQ also induced apoptosis by regulating pro-apoptotic markers including Bax and caspase-3 and reducing anti-apoptotic mediators including Bcl-2. In addition, TQ increased MTX-induced apoptosis in Saos-2 cells. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study highlight new insights into understanding the role of TQ as a potential therapeutic agent in osteosarcoma by increasing MTX-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Ali Khyavi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Valizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jafar Soleimanpour
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine and Shohada Educational Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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13
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Anticancer and Anti-Metastatic Role of Thymoquinone: Regulation of Oncogenic Signaling Cascades by Thymoquinone. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116311. [PMID: 35682990 PMCID: PMC9181073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a life-threatening and multifaceted disease. Pioneering research works in the past three decades have mechanistically disentangled intertwined signaling networks which play contributory roles in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Phenomenal strides have been made in leveraging our scientific knowledge altogether to a new level of maturity. Rapidly accumulating wealth of information has underlined a myriad of transduction cascades which can be pharmaceutically exploited for cancer prevention/inhibition. Natural products serve as a treasure trove and compel interdisciplinary researchers to study the cancer chemopreventive roles of wide-ranging natural products in cell culture and preclinical studies. Experimental research related to thymoquinone has gradually gained momentum because of the extra-ordinary cancer chemopreventive multifunctionalities of thymoquinone. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of different cell signaling cascades reported to be regulated by thymoquinone for cancer chemoprevention. Essentially, thymoquinone efficacy has also been notably studied in animal models, which advocates for a rationale-based transition of thymoquinone from the pre-clinical pipeline to clinical trials.
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14
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Jehan S, Huang J, Farooq U, Basheer I, Zhou W. Combinatorial effect of thymoquinone with chemo agents for tumor therapy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 98:153936. [PMID: 35114449 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most chemotherapeutics used in cancer therapies exhibit considerable side effects to the patients. Thus, developing new chemo agents to treat cancer patients with minimal toxic and side effects is urgently needed. Recently, the combination of different chemotherapeutics has become a promising strategy to treat malignancies. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a primary bioactive compound derived from the folk medicinal plant Nigella sativa, which has been found an antitumor, chemopreventive and chemopotentiating agent against human neoplastic diseases. PURPOSE We briefly summarize the current research of the biomolecular mechanisms of TQ and evaluate the existing literature on TQ adjuvant therapies against various cancers. METHOD The data in this review were gathered by several search engines including, Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect. We highlighted and classified the outcomes of both in vitro and in vivo experiments of TQ adjuvant therapies against human cancers and their chemopreventive activities on vital organs. RESULTS Several studies have shown that TQ synergistically potentiated the antitumor activity of numerous chemo agents against human neoplastic disease, including lung, breast, liver, colorectal, skin, prostate, stomach, bone and blood cancers. TQ also acted as a chemopreventive agent and reduced the toxicity of many chemo agents to vital organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. CONCLUSION In summary, we highly recommend an advanced evaluation of TQ adjuvant therapies at the level of preclinical and clinical trials, which could lead to a novel combinatorial therapy for cancer treatment with low or tolerable adverse effects on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Jehan
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiaxin Huang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Umar Farooq
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Irum Basheer
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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15
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Idris S, Refaat B, Almaimani RA, Ahmed HG, Ahmad J, Alhadrami M, El-Readi MZ, Elzubier ME, Alaufi HAA, Al-Amin B, Alghamdi AA, Bahwerth F, Minshawi F, Kabrah SM, Aslam A. Enhanced in vitro tumoricidal effects of 5-Fluorouracil, thymoquinone, and active vitamin D 3 triple therapy against colon cancer cells by attenuating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Life Sci 2022; 296:120442. [PMID: 35245520 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study measured the effects of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), calcitriol (VD3), and/or thymoquinone (TQ) single/dual/triple therapies on cell cycle progression, apoptosis, inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and oxidative stress against colorectal cancer (CRC). MAIN METHODS The HT29, SW480 and SW620 cell lines were treated with 5-FU (50 μM), VD3 (25 μM), and TQ (75 μM), alone or combined for 12 h, prior to cell cycle/apoptosis analyses. KEY FINDINGS TQ monotherapy had greater anticancer effects to active VD3 or 5-FU, revealing higher expression of p21/p27/PTEN/BAX/Cyto-C/Casp-3 and increased levels of total glutathione, with inhibitions in CCND1/CCND3/BCL-2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR molecules, alongside higher rates of apoptosis in HT29, SW480 and SW620 cells (P < 0.005 for all markers). Additionally, all combination protocols revealed enhanced modulations of the PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathway, higher expression of p21/p27/PTEN/BAX/Cyto-C/Casp-3, and better anti-oxidant effects, than the monotherapies. Although TQ/5-FU and TQ/VD3 co-therapies were better relative to the VD3/5-FU regimen, the best tumoricidal effects were observed with triple therapy in the HT29 and SW480 cell lines, possibly by boosted attenuations of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR oncogenic pathway. In contrast, TQ single treatment was more effective than the triple therapy regimen in metastatic SW620 cells, suggesting that this protocol would be more useful therapeutically in late-stage CRC. SIGNIFICANCE In conclusion, this study is the first to demonstrated enhanced anti-tumorigenic effects for VD3, TQ, and 5-FU triple therapy against CRC cells and could represent the best strategy for treating early stages of malignancy, whereas TQ monotherapy could be a better approach for treating metastatic forms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakir Idris
- Department of Histopathology and Cytology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan; Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riyad A Almaimani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussain G Ahmed
- Department of Histopathology and Cytology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Jawwad Ahmad
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Alhadrami
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Zaki El-Readi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Mohamed E Elzubier
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haneen A A Alaufi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Anatomic Medicine, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Hospital, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badriah Al-Amin
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad A Alghamdi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fayez Bahwerth
- Laboratory and Blood Bank Department, King Faisal Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Minshawi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed M Kabrah
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akhmed Aslam
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
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16
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Eftekhar SP, Kazemi S, Moghadamnia AA. Effect of thymoquinone on pharmacokinetics of 5-fluorouracil in rats and its effect on human cell line in vitro. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271221145422. [PMID: 36510676 DOI: 10.1177/09603271221145422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the components extracted from Nigella sativa seeds and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. We evaluated the effect of TQ on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) pharmacokinetics (PK) in vivo and in vitro on human colorectal cancer cell line. Ten Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to two groups. TQ treated group received intraperitoneal TQ once daily for 14 consecutive days (5 mg/kg). Both groups received intraperitoneal 5-FU (50 mg/kg) on day 15 and blood samples were collected from retro-orbital plexus. The pharmacokinetics parameters were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, various concentrations of 5-FU, TQ, and combination of 5-FU and TQ were added to the HT-29 cell line and cell viability was measured using 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay. The maximum serum concentration (Cmax), area under the curve (AUC), and time of maximum concentration (Tmax) of 5-FU in TQ treated group were significantly increased approximately by 61, 60, and 24% compared to the control group, respectively. The combination of 5-FU with TQ (0.284 mM) showed a greater inhibitory effect on HT-29 cell growth compared to the alone 5-FU (0.027 and 0.055 mM) administration. TQ increases the AUC, Cmax, and Tmax of 5-FU and has a synergistic effect on the PK of 5-FU. Moreover, low concentration of TQ enhances the inhibitory effects of 5-FU on cell growth in colorectal cancer cell line. This synergistic effect might enhance the anticancer effects of low concentration of 5-FU, leading to drug dose reduction and reduced systemic toxicity of this chemotherapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Parsa Eftekhar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, 114456Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Sohrab Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, 114456Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Moghadamnia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, 114456Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Phua CYH, Teoh ZL, Goh BH, Yap WH, Tang YQ. Triangulating the pharmacological properties of thymoquinone in regulating reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and cancer: Therapeutic applications and mechanistic pathways. Life Sci 2021; 287:120120. [PMID: 34762903 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease with high morbidity and mortality rate involving changes in redox balance and deregulation of redox signalling. For decades, studies have involved developing an effective cancer treatment to combat treatment resistance. As natural products such as thymoquinone have numerous health benefits, studies are also focusing on using them as a viable method for cancer treatment, as they have minimal toxic effects compared with standard cancer treatments. Thymoquinone studies have shown numerous mechanisms of action, such as regulation of reactive species interfering with DNA structure, modulating various potential targets and their signalling pathways as well as immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Thymoquinone's anti-cancer effect is mainly due to the induction of apoptotic mechanisms, such as activation of caspases, downregulation of precancerous genes, inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), anti-tumour cell proliferation, ROS regulation, hypoxia and anti-metastasis. Insight into thymoquinone's potential as an alternative treatment for chemoprevention and inflammation can be accomplished via compiling these studies, to provide a better understanding on how and why it works, as well as its interactions with common chemotherapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Yuin Hueii Phua
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Zhi Ling Teoh
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Bey-Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Wei Hsum Yap
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Yin-Quan Tang
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
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Lv X, Xu G. Regulatory role of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway in the drug resistance of gastrointestinal cancers. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1648-1667. [PMID: 34853641 PMCID: PMC8603464 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i11.1648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, including esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer, is one of the most prevalent types of malignant carcinoma and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite significant advances in therapeutic strategies for GI cancers in recent decades, drug resistance with various mechanisms remains the prevailing cause of therapy failure in GI cancers. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway has crucial, complex roles in many cellular functions related to drug resistance. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the role of the TGF-β signaling pathway in the resistance of GI cancers to conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and traditional medicine. Various processes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell development, tumor microenvironment alteration, and microRNA biogenesis, are proposed as the main mechanisms of TGF-β-mediated drug resistance in GI cancers. Several studies have already indicated the benefit of combining antitumor drugs with agents that suppress the TGF-β signaling pathway, but this approach needs to be verified in additional clinical studies. Moreover, the identification of potential biological markers that can be used to predict the response to TGF-β signaling pathway inhibitors during anticancer treatments will have important clinical implications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqun Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Guoxiong Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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19
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Fatfat Z, Fatfat M, Gali-Muhtasib H. Therapeutic potential of thymoquinone in combination therapy against cancer and cancer stem cells. World J Clin Oncol 2021; 12:522-543. [PMID: 34367926 PMCID: PMC8317652 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i7.522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The long-term success of standard anticancer monotherapeutic strategies has been hampered by intolerable side effects, resistance to treatment and cancer relapse. These monotherapeutic strategies shrink the tumor bulk but do not effectively eliminate the population of self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are normally present within the tumor. These surviving CSCs develop mechanisms of resistance to treatment and refuel the tumor, thus causing cancer relapse. To ensure durable tumor control, research has moved away from adopting the monotreatment paradigm towards developing and using combination therapy. Combining different therapeutic modalities has demonstrated significant therapeutic outcomes by strengthening the anti-tumor potential of monotreatment against cancer and cancer stem cells, mitigating their toxic adverse effects, and ultimately overcoming resistance. Recently, there has been growing interest in combining natural products from different sources or with clinically used chemotherapeutics to further improve treatment efficacy and tolerability. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa, has gained great attention in combination therapy research after demonstrating its low toxicity to normal cells and remarkable anticancer efficacy in extensive preclinical studies in addition to its ability to target chemoresistant CSCs. Here, we provide an overview of the therapeutic responses resulting from combining TQ with conventional therapeutic agents such as alkylating agents, antimetabolites and antimicrotubules as well as with topoisomerase inhibitors and non-coding RNA. We also review data on anticancer effects of TQ when combined with ionizing radiation and several natural products such as vitamin D3, melatonin and other compounds derived from Chinese medicinal plants. The focus of this review is on two outcomes of TQ combination therapy, namely eradicating CSCs and treating various types of cancers. In conclusion, the ability of TQ to potentiate the anticancer activity of many chemotherapeutic agents and sensitize cancer cells to radiotherapy makes it a promising molecule that could be used in combination therapy to overcome resistance to standard chemotherapeutic agents and reduce their associated toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaynab Fatfat
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Maamoun Fatfat
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Hala Gali-Muhtasib
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
- Center for Drug Discovery, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
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20
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Zheng M, Mei Z, Junaid M, Tania M, Fu J, Chen HC, Khan MA. Synergistic Role of Thymoquinone on Anticancer Activity of 5-fluorouracil in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:1111-1118. [PMID: 34170813 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210624111613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered the most deadly subtype of breast cancer because of heterogeneity, fewer treatment options, and resistance to chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE We investigated the combined therapy of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and thymoquinone (TQ) against TNBC cell lines BT-549 and MDA-MB-231 in this study to find out efficient chemotherapeutic options. METHODS We tested 5-FU and TQ alone and in combination (5-FU + TQ) to observe the cellular growth, cell cycle, and apoptosis status of BT-549 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Also, we have measured the mRNA level expression of genes related to the cell cycle and apoptosis. RESULTS Experimental results suggest that both 5-FU and TQ are effective in controlling cell growth, cell cycle, and inducing apoptosis, but their combination is much more effective. 5-FU was found more effective in controlling cell growth, while TQ was found more effective in inducing apoptosis, but in both cases, their combination was most effective. TQ was found to be more effective in increasing and BAX/BCL-2 ratio), while 5-FU was more effective in inhibiting thymidylate synthase. They had shown significant increasing effects on caspases and P53 and decreasing effects on CDK-2, where their combination was found most effective. CONCLUSIONS Thus, TQ and 5-FU probably showed a synergistic effect on both of cell cycle and apoptosis of tested TNBC cell lines. Our study reveals that TQ can synergise 5-FU action and increase its anticancer efficiency against TNBC cells, which might be a good choice in drug development for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Mei
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Md Junaid
- Advanced Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, and Data Science Laboratory, Bangladesh, Chattogram, China
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Research Division, Nature Study Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka. Bangladesh
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Han-Chun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Thabet NA, El-Khouly D, Sayed-Ahmed MM, Omran MM. Thymoquinone chemosensitizes human colorectal cancer cells to imatinib via uptake/efflux genes modulation. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:911-920. [PMID: 33783002 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Imatinib (IM) is a pharmaceutical drug that inhibits tyrosine kinase enzymes that are responsible for the activation of many proteins by signal transduction cascades as c-Abl, c-Kit and the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active constituent of Nigella sativa seeds. Thymoquinone benefits are attributed to its medicinal uses as antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial agent. This study aimed to investigate the impact of using TQ with IM in the HCT116 human colorectal cancer cell line model. The HCT116 cells were treated with IM or/and TQ in non-constant ratios, in which the fixed concentrations of TQ (5, 10 or 20 µmol/L) were co-treated with various concentrations of IM (7.5-120 µmol/L) for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Imatinib-TQ interaction was analysed using CompuSyn software. The IC50 values for IM were 105, 72 μmol/L after 48 and 72 hours, respectively, and were significantly reduced to 7.3, 7 and 5.5 μmol/L after combination with TQ (10 μmol/L) and to 5.8, 5.6 and 4.6 μmol/L after combination with TQ (20 μmol/L) to 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. The combination index (CI) and dose reduction index (DRI) values indicate a significant synergism in HCT-116 cells at different treatment time points. Thymoquinone significantly enhances the cellular uptake of IM in HCT116 cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner. A significant downregulation in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), ABC subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) and human organic cation transporter 1 (hOCT1) genes was observed in the cells exposed to IM+TQ combination as compared to IM alone, which resulted in a substantial elevation in uptake/efflux ratio in combination group. In conclusion, TQ potentiates IM efficacy on HCT116 cells via uptake/efflux genes modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia A Thabet
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dalia El-Khouly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Sayed-Ahmed
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mervat M Omran
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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22
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Hannan MA, Rahman MA, Sohag AAM, Uddin MJ, Dash R, Sikder MH, Rahman MS, Timalsina B, Munni YA, Sarker PP, Alam M, Mohibbullah M, Haque MN, Jahan I, Hossain MT, Afrin T, Rahman MM, Tahjib-Ul-Arif M, Mitra S, Oktaviani DF, Khan MK, Choi HJ, Moon IS, Kim B. Black Cumin ( Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety. Nutrients 2021; 13:1784. [PMID: 34073784 PMCID: PMC8225153 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence support the potential benefits of functional foods or nutraceuticals for human health and diseases. Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), a highly valued nutraceutical herb with a wide array of health benefits, has attracted growing interest from health-conscious individuals, the scientific community, and pharmaceutical industries. The pleiotropic pharmacological effects of black cumin, and its main bioactive component thymoquinone (TQ), have been manifested by their ability to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation, and to promote immunity, cell survival, and energy metabolism, which underlie diverse health benefits, including protection against metabolic, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, renal, respiratory, reproductive, and neurological disorders, cancer, and so on. Furthermore, black cumin acts as an antidote, mitigating various toxicities and drug-induced side effects. Despite significant advances in pharmacological benefits, this miracle herb and its active components are still far from their clinical application. This review begins with highlighting the research trends in black cumin and revisiting phytochemical profiles. Subsequently, pharmacological attributes and health benefits of black cumin and TQ are critically reviewed. We overview molecular pharmacology to gain insight into the underlying mechanism of health benefits. Issues related to pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions, drug delivery, and safety are also addressed. Identifying knowledge gaps, our current effort will direct future research to advance potential applications of black cumin and TQ in health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Abdul Hannan
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea; (M.A.H.); (R.D.); (B.T.); (Y.A.M.); (M.A.); (S.M.); (D.F.O.); (H.J.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh; (A.A.M.S.); (M.T.H.); (M.T.-U.-A.)
| | - Md. Ataur Rahman
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun Sohag
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh; (A.A.M.S.); (M.T.H.); (M.T.-U.-A.)
| | - Md. Jamal Uddin
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh; (M.J.U.); (P.P.S.)
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Raju Dash
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea; (M.A.H.); (R.D.); (B.T.); (Y.A.M.); (M.A.); (S.M.); (D.F.O.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Mahmudul Hasan Sikder
- Department of Pharmacology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh;
| | - Md. Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Gyeonggi-do, Anseong 17546, Korea;
| | - Binod Timalsina
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea; (M.A.H.); (R.D.); (B.T.); (Y.A.M.); (M.A.); (S.M.); (D.F.O.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Yeasmin Akter Munni
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea; (M.A.H.); (R.D.); (B.T.); (Y.A.M.); (M.A.); (S.M.); (D.F.O.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Partha Protim Sarker
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh; (M.J.U.); (P.P.S.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Mahboob Alam
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea; (M.A.H.); (R.D.); (B.T.); (Y.A.M.); (M.A.); (S.M.); (D.F.O.); (H.J.C.)
- Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 780-714, Korea
| | - Md. Mohibbullah
- Department of Fishing and Post Harvest Technology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
| | - Md. Nazmul Haque
- Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh;
| | - Israt Jahan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life and Earth Sciences, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh;
| | - Md. Tahmeed Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh; (A.A.M.S.); (M.T.H.); (M.T.-U.-A.)
| | - Tania Afrin
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Food Security, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh;
| | - Md. Mahbubur Rahman
- Research and Development Center, KNOTUS Co., Ltd., Yeounsu-gu, Incheon 22014, Korea;
| | - Md. Tahjib-Ul-Arif
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh; (A.A.M.S.); (M.T.H.); (M.T.-U.-A.)
| | - Sarmistha Mitra
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea; (M.A.H.); (R.D.); (B.T.); (Y.A.M.); (M.A.); (S.M.); (D.F.O.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Diyah Fatimah Oktaviani
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea; (M.A.H.); (R.D.); (B.T.); (Y.A.M.); (M.A.); (S.M.); (D.F.O.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Md Kawsar Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh;
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ho Jin Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea; (M.A.H.); (R.D.); (B.T.); (Y.A.M.); (M.A.); (S.M.); (D.F.O.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Il Soo Moon
- Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea; (M.A.H.); (R.D.); (B.T.); (Y.A.M.); (M.A.); (S.M.); (D.F.O.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
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23
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Ansary J, Giampieri F, Forbes-Hernandez TY, Regolo L, Quinzi D, Gracia Villar S, Garcia Villena E, Tutusaus Pifarre K, Alvarez-Suarez JM, Battino M, Cianciosi D. Nutritional Value and Preventive Role of Nigella sativa L. and Its Main Component Thymoquinone in Cancer: An Evidenced-Based Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082108. [PMID: 33916916 PMCID: PMC8067617 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent times, scientific attention has been paid to different foods and their bioactive components for the ability to inhibit the onset and progress of different types of cancer. Nigella sativa extract, powder and seed oil and its main components, thymoquinone and α-hederin, have showed potent anticancer and chemosensitizing effects against various types of cancer, such as liver, colon, breast, renal, cervical, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and skin tumors, through the modulation of various molecular signaling pathways. Herein, the purpose of this review was to highlight the anticancer activity of Nigella sativa and it constitutes, focusing on different in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies and projects, in order to underline their antiproliferative, proapoptotic, cytotoxic and antimetastatic effects. Particular attention has been also given to the synergistic effect of Nigella sativa and it constitutes with chemotherapeutic drugs, and to the synthesized analogs of thymoquinone that seem to enhance the chemo-sensitizing potential. This review could be a useful step towards new research on N. sativa and cancer, to include this plant in the dietary treatments in support to conventional therapies, for the best achievement of therapeutic goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johura Ansary
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
| | - Francesca Giampieri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
- Nutrition and Food Science Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, CITACA, CACTI, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Lucia Regolo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
| | - Denise Quinzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
| | - Santos Gracia Villar
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011 Santander, Spain; (S.G.V.); (E.G.V.); (K.T.P.)
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Garcia Villena
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011 Santander, Spain; (S.G.V.); (E.G.V.); (K.T.P.)
| | - Kilian Tutusaus Pifarre
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011 Santander, Spain; (S.G.V.); (E.G.V.); (K.T.P.)
- Research Center for Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico
| | - José M. Alvarez-Suarez
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Alimentos, Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170157, Ecuador
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.-S.); (M.B.); (D.C.); Tel.: +593-2-297-1700 (J.M.A.-S.); +339-071-220-4646 (M.B.); +339-071-220-4136 (D.C.)
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.-S.); (M.B.); (D.C.); Tel.: +593-2-297-1700 (J.M.A.-S.); +339-071-220-4646 (M.B.); +339-071-220-4136 (D.C.)
| | - Danila Cianciosi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (J.A.); (F.G.); (L.R.); (D.Q.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.-S.); (M.B.); (D.C.); Tel.: +593-2-297-1700 (J.M.A.-S.); +339-071-220-4646 (M.B.); +339-071-220-4136 (D.C.)
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24
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El-Deek SEM, Abd-Elghaffar SKH, Hna RS, Mohamed HG, El-Deek HEM. Effect of Hesperidin against Induced Colon Cancer in Rats: Impact of Smad4 and Activin A Signaling Pathway. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:697-714. [PMID: 33818196 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1907424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE To evaluate the chemopreventive efficacy of hesperidin (Hsd) in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colorectal cancer (CRC) and demonstrate its role in mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4(Smad4) and activin A signaling pathways. METHODS AND RESULTS A CRC rat model was established by DMH exposure, and the animals were randomly divided into five groups: Control group, Hsd, DMH, DMH + Hsd, and DMH followed by Hsd. The resected colon was subjected to macroscopic, microscopic, molecular, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examination. Activin A, Smad4, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in tissues were also measured. The DMH group exhibited a significant increase in the gene and protein expression of activin A as well as MDA and NO levels in tissues. There was a significant reduction in the gene and protein expression of Smad4 as well as GSH and SOD levels in tissues. Administration of Hsd significantly upregulated Smad4 and activin A gene expressions in both the DMH + Hsd and DMH followed by Hsd groups. Moreover, Hsd improved the antioxidant status of the former two groups. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the chemopreventive effect of Hsd against CRC by modulating Smad4 and activin A signaling in vivo. Further studies are needed to demonstrate its clinical value and explore its possible role in advanced malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar E M El-Deek
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sary K H Abd-Elghaffar
- Pathology and Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Randa S Hna
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Heba G Mohamed
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Heba E M El-Deek
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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25
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Kammath AJ, Nair B, P S, Nath LR. Curry versus cancer: Potential of some selected culinary spices against cancer with in vitro, in vivo, and human trials evidences. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13285. [PMID: 32524639 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Spices are dietary agents with immense potential for cancer chemo-prevention. A wide variety of spices are extensively used as food flavoring agents which possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties due to the presence of certain bio-active compounds in them. In vitro, in vivo studies and clinical trials of selected spices against various types of cancer are being specified in this review. Effect of certain putative dietary spices namely turmeric, clove, garlic, ginger, fennel, black cumin, cinnamon, pepper, saffron, rosemary, and chilli along with its role in cancer are being discussed. Literature search was conducted through PubMed, Google scholar, Science direct, and Scopus using the keywords "spice," "cancer," "natural medicine," "herbal compound," "bioactive compounds." About 4,000 published articles and 127 research papers were considered to grab the brief knowledge on spices and their anticancer potential on a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Historically, spices and herbs are known for its traditional flavor, odor, and medicinal properties. Intensified risk of chronic and pervasive clinical conditions and increased cost of advanced drug treatments have developed a keen interest among researchers to explore the miscellaneous properties of herbal spices. Cancer is one of the deleterious causes of mortality affecting a huge number of populations worldwide. Arrays of cancer treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are used to compromise the disease but effective only when the size of the tumor is small. So, an effective treatment need to be developed that produces less side effects and herbal spices are found to be the promising agents. In this review, we illustrate about different in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies of wide range of culinary spices having antineoplastic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adithya J Kammath
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, India
| | - Sreelekshmi P
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, India
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, India
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26
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Elgohary S, Elkhodiry AA, Amin NS, Stein U, El Tayebi HM. Thymoquinone: A Tie-Breaker in SARS-CoV2-Infected Cancer Patients? Cells 2021; 10:302. [PMID: 33540625 PMCID: PMC7912962 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2(severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2) pandemic, arace to develop a vaccine has been initiated, considering the massive and rather significant economic and healthcare hits that this virus has caused. The pathophysiology occurring following COVID-19(coronavirus disease-2019) infection has givenhints regarding the supportive and symptomatic treatments to establish for patients, as no specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 is available yet. Patient symptoms vary greatly and range from mild symptoms to severe fatal complications. Supportive treatments include antipyretics, antiviral therapies, different combinations of broad-spectrum antibiotics, hydroxychloroquine and plasma transfusion. Unfortunately, cancer patients are at higher risk of viral infection and more likely to develop serious complications due to their immunocompromised state, the fact that they are already administering multiple medications, as well as combined comorbidity compared to the general population. It may seem impossible to find a drug that possesses both potent antiviral and anticancer effects specifically against COVID-19 infection and its complications and the existing malignancy, respectively. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the most pharmacologically active ingredient in Nigella sativa seeds (black seeds); it is reported to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various settings. In this review, we will discuss the multiple effects of TQ specifically against COVID-19, its beneficial effects against COVID-19 pathophysiology and multiple-organ complications, its use as an adjuvant for supportive COVID-19 therapy and cancer therapy, and finally, its anticancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Elgohary
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
| | - Aya A. Elkhodiry
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
| | - Nada S. Amin
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
| | - Ulrike Stein
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hend M. El Tayebi
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (S.E.); (A.A.E.); (N.S.A.)
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27
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Almatroodi SA, Almatroudi A, Alsahli MA, Khan AA, Rahmani AH. Thymoquinone, an Active Compound of Nigella sativa: Role in Prevention and Treatment of Cancer. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:1028-1041. [DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200416092743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and the current mode of cancer
treatment causes side effects on normal cells and are still the key challenges in its’ treatment. However,
natural products or active compounds of medicinal plants have shown to be safe, affordable, and
effective in diseases cure.
Methods:
In this context, scientific studies evidence the health-promoting effects of natural products,
which work through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity. Thymoquinone (TM),
a predominant active compound of Nigella sativa, has confirmed anti-neoplastic activity through its
ability to regulate various genetic pathways. In addition, thymoquinone has established anti-cancerous
effects through killing of various cancerous cells,and inhibiting the initiation, migration, invasion, and
progression of the cancer. The anti-cancer effects of TM are chiefly mediated via regulating various
cell signaling pathways such as VEGF, bcl2/bax ratio, p53, NF-kB, and oncogenes.
Results:
The anti-cancer drugs have limitations in efficacy and also causes adverse side effects on
normal cells. The combination of anti-cancer drugs and thymoquinone improves the efficacy of drugs
which is evident by decrease resistance to drugs and regulation of various cell signaling pathways.
Moreover, combination of anti-cancer drugs as well as thymoquinone shows synergistic effect on killing
of cancer cells and cells viability. Thus, TM, in combination with anti-cancer drugs, can be a good
strategy in the management of various types of cancer.
Conclusion:
In this review article, we deliver an outline of thymoquinone role in cancer inhibition and
prevention of cancer-based on in vivo and in vitro studies. Further studies on thymoquinone based on
clinical trials are highly required to explore the benefits of thymoquinone in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A. Almatroodi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A. Alsahli
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad A. Khan
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshad H. Rahmani
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
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28
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Ballout F, Monzer A, Fatfat M, Ouweini HE, Jaffa MA, Abdel-Samad R, Darwiche N, Abou-Kheir W, Gali-Muhtasib H. Thymoquinone induces apoptosis and DNA damage in 5-Fluorouracil-resistant colorectal cancer stem/progenitor cells. Oncotarget 2020; 11:2959-2972. [PMID: 32821342 PMCID: PMC7415406 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The high recurrence rates of colorectal cancer have been associated with a small population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are resistant to the standard chemotherapeutic drug, 5-fluorouracil (5FU). Thymoquinone (TQ) has shown promising antitumor properties on numerous cancer systems both in vitro and in vivo; however, its effect on colorectal CSCs is poorly established. Here, we investigated TQ's potential to target CSCs in a three-dimensional (3D) sphere-formation assay enriched for a population of colorectal cancer stem/progenitor cells. Our results showed a significant decrease in self-renewal potential of CSC populations enriched from 5FU-sensitive and resistant HCT116 cells at 10-fold lower concentrations when compared to 2D monolayers. TQ decreased the expression levels of colorectal stem cell markers CD44 and Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule EpCAM and proliferation marker Ki67 in colonospheres derived from both cell lines and reduced cellular migration and invasion. Further investigation revealed that TQ treatment led to increased TUNEL positivity and a dramatic increase in the amount of the DNA damage marker gamma H2AX particularly in 5FU-resistant colonospheres, suggesting that the diminished sphere forming ability in TQ-treated colonospheres is due to induction of DNA damage and apoptotic cell death. The intraperitoneal injection of TQ in mice inhibited tumor growth of spheres derived from 5FU-sensitive and 5FU-resistant HCT116 cells. Furthermore, TQ induced apoptosis and inhibited NF-κB and MEK signaling in mouse tumors. Altogether, our findings document TQ's effect on colorectal cancer stem-like cells and provide insights into its underlying mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ballout
- 1Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alissar Monzer
- 1Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maamoun Fatfat
- 1Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala El Ouweini
- 1Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Miran A. Jaffa
- 2Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana Abdel-Samad
- 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nadine Darwiche
- 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- 4Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Wassim Abou-Kheir, email:
| | - Hala Gali-Muhtasib
- 1Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- 4Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Correspondence to: Hala Gali-Muhtasib, email:
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Thymoquinone-chemotherapeutic combinations: new regimen to combat cancer and cancer stem cells. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2020; 393:1581-1598. [PMID: 32458010 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01898-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a worldwide disease that causes millions of cases of mortality and morbidity. The major problem associated with the cancer is its resistance to conventional therapy and a high relapse rate. The use of chemotherapy to treat cancer began at the start of the twentieth century with attempts to control cancer. In time advance, many cancer chemotherapeutic agents have been developed for cancer treatment with different mechanisms of action including the alkylating agents, antimetabolites, antimicrotubule, topoisomerase inhibitors, and cytotoxic antibiotics, all of which have toxic effects toward normal cells in the body. Here, we reviewed chemotherapeutics' anticancer role potentiation and safety by thymoquinone (TQ) alone or in combination with the most common therapeutic drugs. Our search was done through PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, Taylor & Francis Online, Wiley Online Library, Nature publication group, SAGE Journals, and Web of Science databases. We recognized that TQ-chemotherapeutics combination increased chemo-modulation to the anticancer effect of different chemotherapeutics and protected the normal body cells from the toxic injuries that are induced by chemotherapeutics based on its antioxidant power. Moreover, the current study investigates the possible combinatory effect of TQ and chemotherapeutics to control cancer stem cells through molecular docking targeting of wingless/integrated (Wnt) and Hedgehog (Hh). We found that TQ modulates the Wnt and Hh pathways, by binding with tankyrase-2 and smoothened 7TM receptor, respectively, more efficiently than most chemotherapeutics drugs, while methotrexate showed high-binding affinity compared with TQ. Therefore, we encourage researchers to investigate the chemo-modulatory potential and protective effects of TQ in combination with chemotherapeutics for either cancer or cancer stem cell treatment.
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Bars-Cortina D, Martínez-Bardají A, Macià A, Motilva MJ, Piñol-Felis C. Consumption evaluation of one apple flesh a day in the initial phases prior to adenoma/adenocarcinoma in an azoxymethane rat colon carcinogenesis model. J Nutr Biochem 2020; 83:108418. [PMID: 32592950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2020.108418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth cancer with the most new cases reported in 2018 worldwide. Consumption of fruit and vegetables is a protective factor against the risk of CRC. Beyond this, flavonoids could orchestrate these healthy effects. Apart from containing the typical apple flavonoids, red-fleshed apples also contain anthocyanins, mainly cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (Cy3Gal). Through an azoxymethane rat carcinogenesis model, a study was carried out in order to assess the possible protective effects of apple polyphenols, with special attention to anthocyanins. In addition, apart from negative and positive controls, a group with chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) was included to compare their performance against the output collected from the animal treatments with white-fleshed apple (WF), red-fleshed apple (RF) and Cy3Gal (AE). Although the 5FU group presented the best performance towards aberrant crypt foci (ACF) inhibition (70.1%), rats fed with white-fleshed apples ('Golden Smoothee') were able to achieve 41.3% ACF inhibition, while none of the challenged treatments (WF, RF and AE) suffered mucin depletion in their colonocytes. Expression changes of 17 genes related to CRC were assessed. In detail, the ACF inhibition phenotype detected in 5FU and WF groups could be explained through the expression changes detected in the apoptosis-related genes of Aurka, p53 and Cox2. Moreover, in the apple consumption groups (WF and RF), a reduced protein expression of matrix metalloproteinases with gelatinase activity (MMP-2 and 9) was detected. Overall, our study suggests an effect of apple polyphenols and apple anthocyanin Cy3Gal against colon carcinogenesis, retarding/diminishing the appearance of the precancerous markers studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bars-Cortina
- Food Technology Department, XaRTA-TPV, Agrotecnio Center, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Agrària, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain.
| | | | - Alba Macià
- Food Technology Department, XaRTA-TPV, Agrotecnio Center, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Agrària, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - María-Jose Motilva
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (ICVV) (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-CSIC, Universidad de la Rioja, Gobierno de la Rioja), Logroño, La Rioja, Spain.
| | - Carme Piñol-Felis
- Department of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Fundació Dr. Pifarré-IRBLleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain.
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Liu H, Zhang L, Li G, Gao Z. Xanthohumol protects against Azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer in Sprague-Dawley rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2020; 35:136-144. [PMID: 31714664 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health problem and third most common deaths in western world. Dietary interventions together with modified dietary style can prevent the CRC in humans. Xanthohumol (XHA), a polyphenol isolated from Humulus lupulus L. contains many beneficial effects. The aim of the study is to analyze the effect of XHA on Azoxymethane (AOM)-induced experimental CRC in rats. Levels of MDA were increased and enzymic antioxidants levels were decreased in AOM-induced rats. However, these levels were reversed upon XHA treatment. Further, the mRNA expressions of iNOS and COX-2 were also downregulated in XHA treated rats compared to AOM-induced rats. Further, we found that administration of XHA suppressed the wnt/β-catenin signaling together with modulation of apoptotic proteins Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase 3. We conclude that XHA can able to quench the free radicals, inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis, thus it can be a chemopreventive/therapeutic agent against CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Liu
- Endoscopy Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Health Management Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guanghua Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhuanglei Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
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Thymoquinone and pentoxifylline enhance the chemotherapeutic effect of cisplatin by targeting Notch signaling pathway in mice. Life Sci 2020; 244:117299. [PMID: 31953157 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Notch signaling is highly implicated in several cancers and chemoresistance. Therefore, Notch-targeted therapies might be beneficial in enhancing chemotherapeutic effect and cancer regression. This study aimed to investigate implication of Notch in development and progression of solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) and enhancement of anticancer effect of cisplatin (CIS) by addition of thymoquinone (TQ) and pentoxifylline (PTX) through modulation of Notch. MAIN METHODS SEC was induced in mice as model for mammary carcinoma by s.c. injection of 1 × 106 Ehrlich cells into back of the mice. On 12th day, solid tumor was developed and mice were divided into seven groups; tumor control, early CIS (ECIS), ECIS + ETQ, ECIS + ETQ + EPTX, late CIS (LCIS), LCIS + LTQ, and LCIS + LTQ + LPTX. Early treatment was started on 12th day, whereas late treatment was begun on 19th day from tumor inoculation. At the endpoint, samples were collected for detection of Notch1, Hes1, Jagged1, β-catenin, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-2, VEGF, apoptosis, CD4, and CD8. KEY FINDINGS Adding PTX and TQ to CIS significantly reduced Notch1, Hes1, Jagged1, β-catenin, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, and VEGF with increment in IL-2, CD4, CD8, and apoptotic cells. Moreover, early treated groups showed remarkable attenuation in tumor growth and the relevant parameters compared to their counterpart later groups. SIGNIFICANCE Addition of PTX with TQ to CIS showed a synergistic chemotherapeutic action and induced better oncostatic effect mainly through Notch suppression. Consequently, shutting Notch could be of great interest in promoting chemosensetivity and cancer control.
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Thymoquinone (2-Isoprpyl-5-methyl-1, 4-benzoquinone) as a chemopreventive/anticancer agent: Chemistry and biological effects. Saudi Pharm J 2019; 27:1113-1126. [PMID: 31885471 PMCID: PMC6921197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains the topmost disorders of the mankind and number of cases is unceasingly growing at unprecedented rates. Although the synthetic anti-cancer compounds still hold the largest market in the modern treatment of cancer, natural agents have always been tried and tested for potential anti-cancer properties. Thymoquinone (TQ), a monoterpene and main ingredient in the essential oil of Nigella sativa L. has got very eminent rankings in the traditional systems of medicine for its anti-cancer pharmacological properties. In this review we summarized the diverse aspects of TQ including its chemistry, biosynthesis, sources and pharmacological properties with a major concern being attributed to its anti-cancer efficacies. The role of TQ in different aspects involved in the pathogenesis of cancer like inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, proliferation, invasion and migration have been described. The mechanism of action of TQ in different cancer types has been briefly accounted. Other safety and toxicological aspects and some combination therapies involving TQ have also been touched. A detailed literature search was carried out using various online search engines like google scholar and pubmed regarding the available research and review accounts on thymoquinone upto may 2019. All the articles reporting significant addition to the activities of thymoquinone were selected. Additional information was acquired from ethno botanical literature focusing on thymoquinone. The compound has been the centre of attention for a long time period and researched regularly in quite considerable numbers for its various physicochemical, medicinal, biological and pharmacological perspectives. Thymoquinone is studied for various chemical and pharmacological activities and demonstrated promising anti-cancer potential. The reviewed reports confirmed the strong anti-cancer efficacy of thymoquinone. Further in-vitro and in-vivo research is strongly warranted regarding the complete exploration of thymoquinone in ethnopharmacological context.
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Key Words
- AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase
- APC, adenomatous polyposis coli
- Anti-cancer therapeutics
- CDDP, cisplatin
- CDKs, cyclin-dependent kinases
- EMT, epithelial to mesenchymal transition
- FGFs, fibroblast growth factors
- FTIR, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
- GBM, glioblastoma multiforme
- HPDE, human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells
- IUPAC, international union of pure and applied chemistry
- LKB1, liver kinase B1
- LPS, lipopolysaccharide
- MC-A, myrtucommulone-A
- NLCs, nanostructured lipid carriers
- NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance
- NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Natural compounds
- OEC, oral epithelial cells
- PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen
- PXRD, powder x-ray diffraction
- Phytopharmaceuticals
- Plant products
- RES, resveratrol
- RNS, reactive nitrogen species
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- SCLC, small cell lung carcinoma
- SLNs, solid lipid nanoparticles
- THQ, thymohydroquinone
- TMZ, temozolomide
- TNBC, triple negative breast cancer
- TNFα, tumor necrosis factor alpha
- TQ, thymoquinone
- Thymoquinone
- UMSCC, university of Michigan squamous cell carcinoma
- USD, United States Dollar
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- WHO, world health organization
- XIAP, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein
- eEF-2K, elongation factor 2 kinase
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Combination of 5-fluorouracil and thymoquinone targets stem cell gene signature in colorectal cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:379. [PMID: 31097715 PMCID: PMC6522523 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) residing in colorectal cancer tissues have tumorigenic capacity and contribute to chemotherapeutic resistance and disease relapse. It is well known that the survival of colorectal CSCs after 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based therapy leads to cancer recurrence. Thus CSCs represent a promising drug target. Here, we designed and synthesized novel hybrid molecules linking 5-FU with the plant-derived compound thymoquinone (TQ) and tested the potential of individual compounds and their combination to eliminate colorectal CSCs. Both, Combi and SARB hybrid showed augmented cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cells, but were non-toxic to organoids prepared from healthy murine small intestine. NanoString analysis revealed a unique signature of deregulated gene expression in response to the combination of TQ and 5-FU (Combi) and SARB treatment. Importantly, two principle stem cell regulatory pathways WNT/ß-Catenin and PI3K/AKT were found to be downregulated after Combi and hybrid treatment. Furthermore, both treatments strikingly eliminated CD133+ CSC population, accompanying the depleted self-renewal capacity by eradicating long-term propagated 3D tumor cell spheres at sub-toxic doses. In vivo xenografts on chicken eggs of SARB-treated HCT116 cells showed a prominent nuclear ß-Catenin and E-cadherin staining. This was in line with the reduced transcriptional activity of ß-Catenin and diminished cell adhesion under SARB exposure. In contrast to 5-FU, both, Combi and SARB treatment effectively reduced the angiogenic capacity of the remaining resistant tumor cells. Taken together, combination or hybridization of single compounds target simultaneously a broader spectrum of oncogenic pathways leading to an effective eradication of colorectal cancer cells.
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Mahmoud YK, Abdelrazek HMA. Cancer: Thymoquinone antioxidant/pro-oxidant effect as potential anticancer remedy. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 115:108783. [PMID: 31060003 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there is growing interest in the natural bioactive components having anticancer activity. Thymoquinone (TQ), the principle active constituent of black seed (Nigella sativa), has promising properties including anticancer and chemosensitizing peculiarities. The anticancer power of TQ is accomplished by several aspects; including promotion of apoptosis, arrest of cell cycle and ROS generation. In addition, it boosts the immune system and lessens the side effects associated with traditional anticancer therapy. TQ also controls angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. This review focuses on the potential aspects and mechanisms by which TQ acquires its actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina K Mahmoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Heba M A Abdelrazek
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
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Bars-Cortina D, Riera-Escamilla A, Gou G, Piñol-Felis C, Motilva MJ. Design, optimization and validation of genes commonly used in expression studies on DMH/AOM rat colon carcinogenesis model. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6372. [PMID: 30713822 PMCID: PMC6357868 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as colon cancer, is the third most common form of cancer worldwide in men and the second in women and is characterized by several genetic alterations, among them the expression of several genes. 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and its metabolite azoxymethane (AOM) are procarcinogens commonly used to induce colon cancer in rats (DMH/AOM rat model). This rat model has been used to study changes in mRNA expression in genes involved in this pathological condition. However, a lack of proper detailed PCR primer design in the literature limits the reproducibility of the published data. The present study aims to design, optimize and validate the qPCR, in accordance with the MIQE (Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments) guidelines, for seventeen genes commonly used in the DMH/AOM rat model of CRC (Apc, Aurka, Bax, Bcl2, β-catenin, Ccnd1, Cdkn1a, Cox2, Gsk3beta, IL-33, iNOs, Nrf2, p53, RelA, Smad4, Tnfα and Vegfa) and two reference genes (Actb or β-actin and B2m). The specificity of all primer pairs was empirically validated on agarose gel, and furthermore, the melting curve inspection was checked as was their efficiency (%) ranging from 90 to 110 with a correlation coefficient of r2 > 0.980. Finally, a pilot study was performed to compare the robustness of two candidate reference genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bars-Cortina
- Food Technology Department, XaRTA-TPV, Agrotecnio Center, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Agrària, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia.,Department of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia
| | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gemma Gou
- Molecular Physiology of the Synapse Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Carme Piñol-Felis
- Department of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia.,Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida Fundació Dr. Pifarré-IRBLLeida, Lleida, Spain
| | - María-José Motilva
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (ICVV) (CSIC Universidad de la Rioja-Gobierno de La Rioja), Logroño, Spain
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Kirsanov KI, Vlasova OA, Fetisov TI, Zenkov RG, Lesovaya EA, Belitsky GA, Gurova K, Yakubovskaya MG. Influence of DNA-binding compounds with cancer preventive activity on the mechanisms of gene expression regulation. ADVANCES IN MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.17650/2313-805x-2018-5-4-41-63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. I. Kirsanov
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia; Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
| | - O. A. Vlasova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - T. I. Fetisov
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - R. G. Zenkov
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - E. A. Lesovaya
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia; I.P. Pavlov Ryazan State Medical University
| | - G. A. Belitsky
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | | | - M. G. Yakubovskaya
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia
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Imran M, Rauf A, Khan IA, Shahbaz M, Qaisrani TB, Fatmawati S, Abu-Izneid T, Imran A, Rahman KU, Gondal TA. Thymoquinone: A novel strategy to combat cancer: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:390-402. [PMID: 29966985 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The higher consumption of fruit, herbs, spices, and vegetables is well known and practical strategy to cure human cancers owing to their presence of bioactive compounds. Among these, Nigella sativa is a promising source of bioactive compounds including thymoquinone, monoterpenes, p-cymene and α-piene etc. Thymoquinone has been found effective to inhibit the different cancer stages such as proliferation, migration and invasion. It also acts as anticancer agent against different human cancers such as breast, pancreatic, prostate, blood, oral, bone, head and neck, cervical, liver and lung. It significantly mediated miR-34a up-regulation, enhanced the levels of miR-34a through p53, and down controlled Rac1 expression. Thymoquinone induces apoptosis, regulates the levels of pro- and anti- apoptotic genes. It also has been known to lower the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IKKα/β and reduces the metastasis as well as also lowered the ERK1/2 and PI3K activities. Thymoquinone inhibits the metastasis through activation of JNK and p38. The present review article highlights the anticancer perspectives of thymoquinone in human by various pathways and use of this compound as diet based therapy has proven new pharmacological agent against several types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Imtiaz Ali Khan
- Department ofAgriculture, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahbaz
- Department of Food science and Technology, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Sri Fatmawati
- Department of Chemistry,Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS-Sukolilo, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, P.O.Box 42, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Imran
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Khaliq Ur Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Tanweer Aslam Gondal
- School of Exercise and Nutrition, Centre of Advanced Sensory Science, Deakin University, Australia
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Son YS, Ullah HMA, Elfadl AK, Ghim SG, Chung MJ, Kim YD, Lee EJ, Kang KK, Jeong KS. Inhibition of Formation of Azoxymethane-induced Colonic Aberrant Crypt Foci in Rats by Edible Green Algae Capsosiphon fulvescens and Brown Algae Hizikia fusiforme. In Vivo 2018; 32:101-108. [PMID: 29275305 PMCID: PMC5892625 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Capsosiphon fulvescens (green seaweed) and Hizikia fusiforme (brown seaweed) are marine algae consumed as food supplements, especially in Japan, China and Korea, and are considered traditional medicinal tonics for certain ailments. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible inhibitory effects of dietary C. fulvescens and H. fusiforme on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colorectal cancer (CRC) in rats. F344 male rats (5 weeks, 150 g) were divided into six groups as follows. Group 1: Injected with normal saline solution and fed control diet (untreated control). Group 2: Injected with AOM and fed control diet (treated control). Group 3: Injected with AOM and fed 1% C. fulvescens diet. Group 4: Injected with AOM and fed 2% C. fulvescens diet. Group 5: Injected with AOM and fed 2% H. fusiforme diet. Group 6: Injected with AOM and fed 6% H. fusiforme diet. Test animals received subcutaneous injections of AOM (15 mg/1 ml/kg body weight) once a week for 2 weeks to induce aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in treated control and experimental groups. We evaluated the effects of dietary C. fulvescens and H. fusiforme at two different dose levels: 1 and 2% C. fulvescens, and 2 and 6% H. fusiforme, on colonic carcinogenesis by AOM in rats. Our results suggest that body weights were not significantly different amongst groups. We found that feeding C. fulvescens and H. fusiforme with a control diet significantly (p<0.05) inhibited the development of ACF in experimental groups. C. fulvescens and H. fusiforme in food also significantly (p<0.05) reduced the proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index in the colonic tissues of experimental groups. These results demonstrate the chemopreventive potential of C. fulvescens and H. fusiforme against CRC in an AOM-induced rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sook Son
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - H M Arif Ullah
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ahmed K Elfadl
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soong-Gu Ghim
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Jin Chung
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Deuk Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Joo Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ku Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Shik Jeong
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Stem Cell Therapeutic Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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Shanmugam MK, Arfuso F, Kumar AP, Wang L, Goh BC, Ahn KS, Bishayee A, Sethi G. Modulation of diverse oncogenic transcription factors by thymoquinone, an essential oil compound isolated from the seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. Pharmacol Res 2017; 129:357-364. [PMID: 29162539 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), isolated almost fifty years ago, is the main bioactive constituent of black seed essential oil extracted from the seed of Nigella sativa. TQ has been shown to have promising effects against a variety of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Cancer development is a multistep process where normal cells acquire qualities that enable the cells to proliferate continuously and migrate to distant sites in the human body. Drugs that interfere with this process are considered potential anti-cancer therapeutics, which may ultimately result in their clinical usage. TQ is once such compound which has been reported to modulate several major signaling pathways and key oncogenic molecules that play a prominent role in cancer initiation, progression, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Various studies have reported that TQ can enhance the anti-cancer potential when co-administered with several chemotherapeutic agents while reducing their toxic side effects. In addition, TQ has been shown to inhibit the growth of breast, prostate, pancreatic, colon, lung, and hematological malignancies in different mouse models of cancer. This review focuses on TQ's chemical and pharmacological properties, its diverse molecular targets and also provides clear evidence on its promising potential under preclinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Frank Arfuso
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia; National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, 117600, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, 119228, Singapore
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyungheedae-gil, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 130-701, South Korea, South Korea
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, 18301 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33169, USA
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
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El-Shemi AG, Kensara OA, Alsaegh A, Mukhtar MH. Pharmacotherapy with Thymoquinone Improved Pancreatic β-Cell Integrity and Functional Activity, Enhanced Islets Revascularization, and Alleviated Metabolic and Hepato-Renal Disturbances in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats. Pharmacology 2017; 101:9-21. [DOI: 10.1159/000480018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aims: This study is aimed at evaluating the antidiabetic effects of thymoquinone (TQ) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats, and exploring the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods: Diabetes was induced in adult male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared STZ (65 mg/kg). After disease induction, 42 rats were equally assigned to: controls, STZ-diabetic group, and STZ-diabetic group treated with oral TQ (35 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels were determined weekly, and the animals were euthanized at day 38 post-STZ injection. Blood samples were assessed for glucose-insulin homeostasis parameters (plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and insulin sensitivity index) and lipid profile. Resected pancreases were subjected to histological examination and immunohistochemical or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay assessment to determine the pancreatic expression of insulin sensitizing β-cells, anti-apoptotic protein “survivin,” apoptosis-inducer “caspase-3,” prototypic angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and endothelial cluster of differentiation 31 [CD31]), pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1beta [IL-1β] and interleukin-10 [IL-10], respectively), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The hepato-renal statuses were assessed biochemically and histologically. Results: Therapy with TQ markedly improved the integrity of pancreatic islets, glucose-insulin homeostasis-related parameters, lipid profile parameters, and hepato-renal functional and histomorphological statuses that collectively were severely deteriorated in untreated diabetic group. Mechanistically, TQ therapy efficiently increased insulin producing β-cells, upregulated survivin, VEGF, CD31, IL-10, GSH and SOD, and downregulated caspase-3, IL-1β, and TBARSs in the pancreatic tissues of STZ-diabetic rats. Conclusions: These findings prove the anti-diabetic potential of TQ and its efficacy in regenerating pancreatic β-cells and ameliorating pancreatic inflammation and oxidative stress, and highlight its novelty in repressing apoptosis of β-cells and enhancing islet revascularization in STZ-diabetic rats. Further studies are required to support these findings and realize their possible clinical significance.
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Mostofa AGM, Hossain MK, Basak D, Bin Sayeed MS. Thymoquinone as a Potential Adjuvant Therapy for Cancer Treatment: Evidence from Preclinical Studies. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:295. [PMID: 28659794 PMCID: PMC5466966 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa, has been found to exhibit anticancer effects in numerous preclinical studies. Due to its multitargeting nature, TQ interferes in a wide range of tumorigenic processes and counteracts carcinogenesis, malignant growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. Moreover, TQ can specifically sensitize tumor cells toward conventional cancer treatments (e.g., radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy) and simultaneously minimize therapy-associated toxic effects in normal cells. In this review, we summarized the adjuvant potential of TQ as observed in various in vitro and in vivo animal models and discussed the pharmacological properties of TQ to rationalize its supplementary role in potentiating the efficacy of standard therapeutic modalities namely surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Altogether, we suggest further comprehensive evaluation of TQ in preclinical and clinical levels to delineate its implied utility as a novel complementary adjuvant therapy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G M Mostofa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of DhakaDhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kamal Hossain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of DhakaDhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Debasish Basak
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of DhakaDhaka, Bangladesh
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Asaduzzaman Khan M, Tania M, Fu S, Fu J. Thymoquinone, as an anticancer molecule: from basic research to clinical investigation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:51907-51919. [PMID: 28881699 PMCID: PMC5584300 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymoquinone is an anticancer phytochemical commonly found in black cumin. In this review, we discuss the potential of thymoquinone as anticancer molecule, its mechanism of action and future usage in clinical applications. Thymoquinone exhibits anticancer activity via numerous mechanisms of action, specifically by showing selective antioxidant and oxidant activity, interfering with DNA structure, affecting carcinogenic signaling molecules/pathways and immunomodulation. In vitro activity of thymoquinone has been further implicated in animal models of cancer; however, no clinical application has been proven yet. This is the optimum time to focus on clinical trials for developing thymoquinone as a future drug in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Computing Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shangyi Fu
- The Honors College, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Mohamed AM, Refaat BA, El-Shemi AG, Kensara OA, Ahmad J, Idris S. Thymoquinone potentiates chemoprotective effect of Vitamin D3 against colon cancer: a pre-clinical finding. Am J Transl Res 2017; 9:774-790. [PMID: 28337306 PMCID: PMC5340713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Prevention of colon cancer among high-risk group has been long lasting research goal. Emerging data have evidenced the anticancer activities of Vitamin D3 (Vit.D) and Thymoquinone (TQ). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the synergistic potential of Thymoquinone and Vitamin D3 in the control of colon cancer progression using azoxymethane-induced rat model. Vit.D and TQ were given individually or in combination 4 week prior to induction and continued for a total of 20 week. At the end of the study, all animals were euthanized and their resected colons were examined macroscopically and microscopically for tumor growth. Colonic tissue preparations were used for measuring gene expression and/or protein levels of selected pro and anti-tumor biomarkers using quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Compared with their individual supplementation, combined Vit.D/TQ showed prominent anti-tumor effect manifested by significant reduction (P < 0.05) of the numbers of grown tumors and large aberrant crypts foci. Mechanistically, gene expression and/or protein quantification studies revealed that combined Vit.D/TQ supplementation induced significant reduction (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) of pro-cancerous molecules (Wnt, β-catenin, NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS, VEGF and HSP-90) as well as significant increase (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) of anti-tumorigenesis biomarkers (DKK-1, CDNK-1A, TGF-β1, TGF-β/RII and smad4) as compared to un-supplemented or individually supplemented groups, respectively. In conclusion, TQ augmented the chemopreventive effect of Vit.D during the initiation phase of colon cancer in rat model, with the potential to suppress progression of pre-neoplastic lesions in colon carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr M Mohamed
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura UniversityMakkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut UniversityAssiut, Egypt
| | - Bassem A Refaat
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura UniversityMakkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel G El-Shemi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura UniversityMakkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut UniversityAssiut, Egypt
| | - Osama A Kensara
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura UniversityMakkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawwad Ahmad
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura UniversityMakkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakir Idris
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura UniversityMakkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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The fibrolytic potentials of vitamin D and thymoquinone remedial therapies: insights from liver fibrosis established by CCl4 in rats. J Transl Med 2016; 14:281. [PMID: 27681697 PMCID: PMC5041560 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-1040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vitamin D (VitD) and thymoquinone (TQ) are nutraceutical agents with well-known immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective properties. This study measured whether VitD and TQ, individually or combined, could have direct fibrolytic activities and/or enhanced performance during remedial treatment of liver fibrosis established by CCl4 in rats. Methods Eighty five male Wistar rats were used as 10 negative controls (NC) and the remainders were distributed equally into 5 groups: short (S-PC) and long (L-PC) positive controls, TQ, VitD and VitD/TQ groups. CCl4 was injected for 7 weeks followed by a week of no intervention. TQ and/or VitD were given orally (3 days/week) from week 9 and euthanasia was at week 17 for all groups except the S-PC was at week 9. Following histopathological and digital image analyses, TGF-β1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-22 and MMP-9 were measured by ELISA in liver homogenates while the corresponding cytokine receptors were measured by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expressions of all molecules were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Results Fibrosis was evident in both PC-groups and was significantly more advanced in the L-PC than S-PC, reaching to cirrhosis. The concentrations of TGF-β1, IL-6, IL-22 and their receptors were significantly higher (P < 0.05) simultaneously with significantly lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of MMP-9, IL-10 and IL-10 receptors in the S-PC and L-PC than the NC-group. TQ and VitD monotherapies showed significantly less fibrosis than L-PC but were similar to S-PC. Both remedial monotherapies also resulted in significant decreases of TGF-β1, IL-6, IL-22 and their receptors together with significant increases of MMP-9 and IL-10 system compared with S-PC and L-PC groups. Interestingly, dual therapy resulted in the most significant improvement in fibrosis score and index, yet was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the NC-group, and concurred with the utmost significant restorations of all candidate genes and proteins. Conclusions VitD and TQ exhibited comparable anti-fibrogenic effects and modulated several pro- and anti-fibrotic mediators. Additionally, VitD/TQ dual therapy alleviated the previously established liver fibrosis simultaneously with significantly enhanced actions at the molecular level. More studies are required to explorer the therapeutic value of TQ and VitD against liver fibrosis in human. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-016-1040-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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