Antiproliferative Activity ofLarrea Divaricata Cav.on Lymphoma Cell Line: Participation of Hydrogen Peroxide in Its Action

Larrea divaricata: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of on macrophages and low density lipoproteins

Background

The oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress through the activation of macrophages under hyperglycemia contributing to the development of diabetes mellitus and to atherosclerosis. Plants are a source of effective and innocuous antioxidants. Larrea divaricata Cav. (Zygophyllaceae) is used in Argentina folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

The aim of this work was to study the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract (AE) of L. divaricata on macrophages under glucose stimulation and on human LDL and HDL particles under free radical generators.

Results

AE reduced the lipid peroxidation (17%), nitric oxide (NO) (47-50%), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (32%) and free radicals (50%) induced by glucose on macrophages. Also prevented HDL nitration (28%), thus preserving its function and structure and inhibited LDL oxidation. The effect on the nitrosative stress was mainly driven by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA).

Conclusions

These results suggest a potential usefulness of AE as an adjuvant phytotherapy in patients with diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03547-8.

Antiproliferative activity of aqueous and polyphenol-rich extracts of Larrea divaricata Cav. on a melanoma cell line

Most of the deaths from skin cancer are caused by melanoma, a malignancy in which STAT3 plays a crucial role. The inhibition of STAT3 is considered a potential target to induce cell death, tumor regression and metastasis inhibition. The objective of this work was to evaluate the activity of the aqueous extract of Larrea divaricata (Aq), a fraction rich in polyphenols (EA),and the isolated compound quercetin-3-methyl ether (Q3ME) on B16F10 melanoma cells. The effects of Aq, EA and Q3ME were assessed on B16F10 cells by determining the proliferation, viability, apoptosis induction and the expression and phosphorylation of STAT3. The phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Aq, EA and Q3ME presented antiproliferative activity on B6F10 cells through p-STAT3 inhibition and early and late apoptosis induction (EC₅₀ EA= ≤0.1 µg/ml; Aq= 316 ± 30 µg/ml; Q3ME= <0.1 µg/ml). L. divaricata could be considered for the development of adjuvant phytotherapies in melanoma treatment.

Potential use of medicinal plants from Argentinean highland as agent anti-photoaging

BACKGROUND

The overexposure to sun ultraviolet (UV) radiation produce photoaging by effect of free radicals on lipid, protein, and nucleic acid or by direct activation of responsible enzymes of cleavage of extracellular matrix components (EMC).

AIMS

To develop new anti-photoaging agents, the anti-aging activity of four "jarillas" standardized extracts from Argentina (Zuccagnia punctata Cav.,Larrea divaricata Cav.,Larrea cuneifolia Cav., and Larrea nitida Cav.) were examined.

METHODS

The effect on the activity and expression of enzymes related to photoaging (collagenase, hyaluronidase, elastase, tyrosinase) and the antioxidant capacity of four "jarillas" extracts were examined.

RESULTS

The results suggest that "jarillas" extracts could protect EMC by inhibition of skin aging-related enzymes and suppression of the expression of metalloproteinases (MMP-1) in human skin fibroblasts from photoinduced damage. Modulation of MMP-1 expression induced by UV radiation in human skin cells could be associated, at least in part, with the ROS scavenging capacity of "jarilla" extracts. The extract of Z punctata was more active than Larrea species extracts in all the trials. The activity of Z punctata and Larrea extracts could be ascribed to chalcones and lignans, major constituents of "jarillas," respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained would indicate the potential of these adapted species to live in arid zones of Argentina, exposed to high ultraviolet radiation in production of cosmetic products and justify the promotion of their sustainable use and the development of crops.

Larrea divaricata Cav. aqueous extract and nordihydroguariaretic acid modulate oxidative stress in submandibular glands of diabetic rats: a buccal protective in diabetes

Background

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and endogenous antioxidants. The aetiology and pathogenesis of several oral diseases are attributed to this process. The antioxidant enzymes secreted in the saliva by submandibular glands maintain oral health through the scavenging of ROS. The objective of this work was to study the capacity of an aqueous extract of L. divaricata (AE), and its majority compound, nordihydroguariaretic acid (NDGA), to modulate the pro-oxidant/antioxidant status in submandibular glands in a model of oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in rats.

Methods

To induce oxidative stress with STZ, a group of animals was treated i.p. with 1 X PBS (control group) and other group was injected i.p. once with STZ (60 mg/kg). Ten days after the treatment, blood samples were taken from the tail vain to determine the glucose levels. Animals with glucose values ≥300 mg/ml were selected.

The submandibular glands of control and STZ treated animals were incubated with either the AE (500 μg/ml) or with NDGA (1.5 μg/ml), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl groups, ROS and RNS, and the activity and expression of peroxidase (Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were assayed.

Results

AE decreased the levels of MDA (^##P < 0.01) and protein carbonyl groups (^#P < 0.05), and modulated the levels of ROS such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)(^##P < 0.01), superoxide anion (O₂^.-) (^#P < 0.05) and nitric oxide (NO) (^#P < 0.05) in relation to the modulation of Px and iNOS expression. NDGA was found to be involved in these effects.

Conclusions

The antioxidant activity of the AE in the submandibular glands would allow the maintenance of the antioxidant pool to prevent oral oxidative diseases.

Immunization with Larrea divaricata Cav. proteins elicits opsonic antibodies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and induces phagocytic activity of murine macrophages

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen implicated in nosocomial infections for which no vaccines have been approved. Larrea divaricata Cav. (Jarilla) is a widely spread plant in America and it is used in folk medicine to treat several pathologies. It has also been shown that antibodies elicited against Jarilla proteins of crude extract (JPCE) cross-react with proteins from gram-negative bacteria. In this study we aim to assess the contribution of anti-JPCE antibodies in the opsonophagocytosis of P. aeruginosa by murine macrophages. Levels of reactivity of anti-JPCE IgG and IgA antibodies against cell and membrane proteins suggest that these proteins induce a response that could favor opsonic bacterial recognition, which is important for the elimination of bacteria on mucous membranes, useful in the early stages of infection. Opsonophagocytosis assays also show that these antibodies could favor bacteria intake. These results together with previous observations that indicate that anti-JPCE antibodies are able to neutralize P. aeruginosa enzymes point L. divaricata proteins as candidates for vaccine development.

Argentinean Larrea Dry Extracts with Potential Use in Vaginal Candidiasis

Larrea divaricata (Ld), Larrea cuneifolia (Lc) and Larrea nitida (Ln) are shrubs occurring in Northwestern Argentina used in traditional medicine to treat fungal and bacterial infections and as anti-inflammatory. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of several Larrea species has been reported. However, their potential use in vaginal infections has been so far not assessed. The aim of this work was to determine the botanical difference between Larrea species, the chemical composition and the activity of Larrea dry extracts (DE) on Candida species isolated from vaginal infections and to assess their potential as antioxidant agents because infections are usually associated with oxidative processes. The main botanical difference between Larrea species resides in the morphology and shape of leaf, leaflets and stipules, presence or absence of mucron and rachis, percentage of coalescence of the leaflets. The position and abundance of the sclerenchymatic tissue at the mind vein and petiole transection allows the differentiation of the three species. The profile of phenolic compounds in the Larrea DE was determined. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of DE allowed the identification of 2 flavonoids and 10 lignans. Trihydroxy-6,7′cyclolignan was found only in L. divaricata and dihydroxy-methoxy-epoxylignan in L. cuneifolia and L. nitida, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) was found in the three species. All extracts showed antioxidant capacity. The DE showed to be effective against Candida albicans and non-albicans strains. According to our results, the local vaginal use of Larrea DE in the concentration range of MIC values for Candida species does not affect the Lactobacillus normal vaginal microbiota. This work adds evidence to the potential use of Larrea DE as phytomedicine in vulvovaginal candidiasis with multiple effects, including antifungal and antioxidant activity.

Modulatory Effect of an Urera Aurantiaca Extract on Immune and Tumoral Cells During Inflammation

There is a well known link between inflammation and cancer during initiation, propagation and metastasis. Urera aurantiaca (UA) Wedd. (Urticaceae) is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory processes with proven in vivo antiinflammatory and antinociceptive effects. The effects of a methanolic extract (UA) and a purified fraction (PF) on the proliferation of normal and tumoral lymphocytes under the effect of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ) and on nitric oxide production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages was evaluated. Both UA and PF stimulated normal lymphocytes but, in presence of PGE_2, a modulatory effect was observed. The normal lymphocyte proliferation induced by PGE₂ was driven by pathways involving both PKC and H₂ O₂ . In macrophages, UA and PF did not modify cell viability and abrogated the synthesis of nitric oxide induced by lipopolysaccharide. In tumoral lymphocytes, the UA exerted a biphasic effect: at low concentrations it increased cell proliferation, while at high concentrations, it displayed an antiproliferative effect. UA and PF were capable of reverting the proliferative action of PGE₂ . The tumoral cell proliferation induced by PGE₂ is related to PKC, ERK 1/2 and MAP Kinase P38 pathways. The observed effects could be attributed to polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins. This work demonstrates the modulatory effects of the UA on different cell types during inflammatory conditions, which reinforces its antiinflammatory action. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Polyphenol-Rich Fraction from Larrea divaricata and its Main Flavonoid Quercetin-3-Methyl Ether Induce Apoptosis in Lymphoma Cells Through Nitrosative Stress

Larrea divaricata is a plant with antiproliferative principles. We have previously identified the flavonoid quercetin-3-methyl ether (Q-3-ME) in an ethyl acetate fraction (EA). Both the extract and Q-3-ME were found to be effective against the EL-4 T lymphoma cell line. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation remains to be elucidated. In this work, we analyzed the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the induction of apoptosis mediated by Q-3-ME and EA. Both treatments were able to induce apoptosis in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. The western blot analysis revealed a sequential activation of caspases-9 and 3, followed by poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase cleavage. EA and Q-3-ME lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential, showing the activation of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Q-3-ME and EA increased NO production and inducible NO synthase expression in tumor cells. The involvement of NO in cell death was confirmed by the nitric oxide synthases inhibitor L-NAME. In addition, EA and Q-3-ME induced a cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. These drugs did not affect normal cell viability. This data suggested that EA and Q-3-ME induce an increase in NO production that would lead to the cell cycle arrest and the activation of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Human Umbilical Cord Wharton's Jelly Stem Cell Conditioned Medium Induces Tumoricidal Effects on Lymphoma Cells Through Hydrogen Peroxide Mediation

Several groups have reported that human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly stem cells (hWJSCs) possess unique tumoricidal properties against many cancers. However, the exact mechanisms as to how hWJSCs inhibit tumor growth are not known. Recent evidence suggests that exposure of cancer cells to high hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) levels from H2 O2 -releasing drugs causes their death. We therefore explored whether the tumoricidal effect of hWJSCs on lymphoma cells was mediated via H2 O2 . We first exposed lymphoma cells to six different molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) concentrates of hWJSC-conditioned medium (hWJSC-CM) (3, 5, 10, 30, 50, 100 kDa) for 48 h. Since, the 3 kDa-MWCO concentrate showed the greatest cell inhibition we then investigated whether the tumoricidal effect of the specific 3 kDa-MWCO concentrate on two different lymphoma cell lines (Ramos and Toledo) was mediated via accumulation of H2 O2 . We used a battery of assays (MTT, propidium iodide, mitochondria membrane potential, apoptosis, cell cycle, oxidative stress enzymes, hydrogen peroxide, mitochondrial superoxide, hydroxyl radical, peroxynitrile anion, and lipid peroxidation) to test this mechanism. The hWJSC-CM-3 kDa MWCO concentrate significantly decreased cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential and increased cell death and apoptosis in both lymphoma cell lines. There were significant increases in superoxide dismutase with concomitant decreases in glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and thioredoxin peroxidase activities. H2 O2 levels, mitochondrial superoxide, hydroxyl radical, peroxynitrile anion, and lipid peroxidation were also significantly increased in both lymphoma cell lines. The results suggested that the hWJSC-CM-3 kDa MWCO concentrate regulates cellular H2 O2 leading to a tumoricidal effect and may thus be a promising anti-lymphoma agent. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2045-2055, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sesquiterpene lactones from Ambrosia spp. are active against a murine lymphoma cell line by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest

Sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) are natural terpenoid compounds. They have been recognized as antitumor agents. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the antiproliferative effects of psilostachyin, psilostachyin C, peruvin and cumanin on the murine lymphoma cell line BW5147. Cells were treated with the STLs at different concentrations. Tritiated thymidine uptake was employed to determine cell proliferation. MTT assay was used to analyze cell viability. Flow cytometry assay with annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide was employed to evaluate cell death. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle analysis were also evaluated by flow cytometry. Antioxidant enzymes activities were determined spectrophotometrically by kinetic assays. Results showed that these STLs inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner by exerting cytotoxicity through apoptosis. Psilostachyin C was the most active and the less toxic compound. This STL induced apoptosis with an impairment in mitochondrial membrane potential. Psilostachyin C was able to induce ROS generation, related to a modulation of the antioxidant enzymes activity. In addition, it induced cell cycle arrest in S phase. In conclusion, psilostachyin C was found to be active against lymphoma cells exerting both cytostatic and cytotoxic effects. These findings may provide a novel approach for lymphoma treatment.

Human Wharton's jelly stem cells, its conditioned medium and cell-free lysate inhibit the growth of human lymphoma cells

Several groups have reported that primitive mesenchymal stem cells from the gelatinous matrix of the Wharton's jelly of the human umbilical cord (hWJSCs) possess tumoricidal properties and inhibit the growth of solid tumours such as human mammary carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma and osteosarcoma. This unique characteristic led to the hypothesis that hWJSCs serve as a natural defence against migrating cancer cells from mother to fetus thus explaining why tumorigenesis in the fetus is rare. However, it is not known whether non-solid malignant hematopoietic cells are also inhibited by hWJSCs and what the exact tumoricidal mechanisms are. We therefore evaluated the influence of hWJSCs and its extracts on Burkitt's lymphoma cells. Cell proliferation (BrdU and Ki67+), viability (MTT) and cell death (Annexin V-Propidium iodide and live/dead) assays showed significant inhibition of lymphoma cell growth after 48 h exposure to hWJSCs or its extracts compared to controls. Increased cell death was observed at sub-G1 and S and decreased proliferation at G2/M phases of the mitotic cycle. Superoxide dismutase and hydrogen peroxide activity were significantly increased and glutathione peroxidase significantly decreased in treated lymphoma cells. Time lapse imaging and confocal z-stack images showed yellow fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) signals of lymphoma cell Y chromosomes within the cytoplasm of female red labelled hWJSCs. We hypothesize that the growth of lymphoma cells is inhibited by the molecules secreted by hWJSCs that use oxidative stress pathways to induce cell death followed by engulfment of the apoptotic remains of the lymphoma cells by the hWJSCs.

Cross reaction between proteins from Larrea divaricata Cav. (jarilla) and cellular and extracellular proteins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Larrea divaricata is widely used in folk medicine to treat different pathologies, but little is known about its immunological properties. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen which causes several intrahospitalary infections. We aimed to assess the immunological relation between proteins from a crude extract of L. divaricata Cav. (JPCE) and cellular and extracellular proteins (EP) of P. aeruginosa, as well as to establish the cross reactivity between proteins of both species using a mouse anti-JPCE serum. Protein profiles of JPCE and P. aeruginosa were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The percentage of similarity of protein bands between these two species was 43-57%. However, JPCE proteins were immunogenic. The reactivity of mouse anti-JPCE antibodies against different fractions was studied by western blot. The anti-JPCE serum detected several antigenic bands on different bacterial proteins. Several common immunoreactive bands were detected (27-100%) when bacterial proteins were incubated with anti-JPCE serum (heterologous reaction) and anti-bacterial proteins serum (homologous reaction). By enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) assays, high titers of anti-JPCE against different types of cellular bacterial fractions were observed (1/1280-1/2080). Our data clearly demonstrate that antibodies elicited with L. divaricata crude extract are able to cross-react with cellular and EP of P.aeruginosa. These findings could be relevant in the development of alternatives therapies for patients suffering intrahospitalary opportunistic infections with P.aeruginosa.

Neutralization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa enzymatic activity by antibodies elicited with proteins of Larrea divaricata Cav

Larrea divaricata Cav. (Jarilla) is a bush widely used in folk therapy for the treatment of several pathologies. Partially purified proteins of crude extract (JPCE) cross-react with proteins of Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is an opportunistic pathogen that causes several intrahospitalary infections. This bacterium produces many proteins with enzymatic activity, including hemolysins and proteases that play a major role in acute infection caused by this bacterium. The aim of our work was to investigate if antibodies against with L. divaricata neutralize the hemolytic and proteolytic activity of P. aeruginosa. The hemolytic activity of soluble cellular proteins was inhibited 100% and extracellular proteins (EP) showed an inhibition between 44 and 95% when both bacterial fractions were treated with anti-JPCE serum. Also, in EP the neutralization was directed towards the active site of the hemolysin. When protease activity of extracellular products was tested, bands of 217, 155, 121, 47 and 27 kDa were observed in native zymograms. Neutralization between 55 and 70% of the bands of 217, 155 and 121 kDa was observed when EP were treated with anti-JPCE serum. In conclusion, our data clearly demonstrate that antibodies elicited with L. divaricata' proteins are able to neutralize the hemolytic and proteolytic activity of P. aeruginosa cellular and extracellular proteins. Our study constitutes the first report that associates the immunogenicity of plant proteins and bacterial proteins with enzymatic activity. These findings could be relevant in the development of alternatives therapies for patients suffering intrahospitalary opportunistic infections with P. aeruginosa.

In vivo immunomodulatory effect of Tilia x viridis extracts on normal lymphocyte proliferation: a direct and an indirect action

The flowers of Tilia species have been used in Europe for many years to treat colds, bronchitis, fever, inflammations and influenza. It is well known that lymphocytes play a role in acquired immunity related to pathogens and tumor cells attachment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an aqueous (AE) and a dichloromethane extract (DM) from Tilia x viridis which is widely used and distributed in Argentina, on normal murine lymphocyte proliferation after being administered to mice. Both extracts presented a stimulatory effect on normal murine lymphocyte proliferation. The effect exerted by DM was principally related to macrophage activation, meanwhile AE exerted an important direct effect on lymphocytes related to the rutin presence. The stimulating effect, exerted on normal lymphocytes was due to a protective effect of apoptosis and also to cell IL2 production.

Leukotrienes antagonize the antiproliferative effect of Larrea divaricata Cav. on a lymphoma cell line interfering with cAMP intracellular level and PKC activity

Larrea divaricata exerts a dual effect on the proliferation of BW5147 cells. The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of leukotrienes on the antiproliferative action of the extract in relation to cyclic adenosine monophosphate production and protein kinase C activation. The extracts induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate and inhibited protein kinase C but induced leukotriene B4 production, which exerted contrary effects. These results suggest the finding of an extract free of compounds, which can increase leukotriene B4 level, in order to obtain a more active extract to be used in the treatment of lymphomas, positively modulated by leukotrienes.

"In vivo" murine macrophages activation by a dichloromethane extract of Tilia x viridis

Macrophages are involved in the host defense against infectious pathogens and tumors. Tilia species have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases, previously it was demonstrated that a dichloromethane (DM) extract possess antiproliferative action "in vitro" on a lymphoma cell line. The aim of this work was to study the "in vivo" effect of DM extract upon mice peritoneal macrophages. DM extract-activated macrophages phagocytosis through hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and nitric oxide (NO) production (phagocytosis (%): basal 16.93 +/- 0.18, DM extract 25.93 +/- 2.8; H(2)O(2) (M): basal 0.0022 +/- 0.00016, DM extract 0.0036 +/- 0.0005; NO (mM): basal 0.0052 +/- 0.0007, DM extract 0.0099 +/- 0.0004). These actions were mediated by cell superoxide dismutase activation. On the other hand, DM extract decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha but increased interleukin-10 in serum. These results suggest that the modulation activity exerted by the extract on immune system cells could be an important mechanism to acquire resistance to tumors and infectious diseases.