Galangin Inhibits Gastric Cancer Growth Through Enhancing STAT3 Mediated ROS Production

Bioelectric pharmacology of cancer: A systematic review of ion channel drugs affecting the cancer phenotype

Cancer is a pernicious and pressing medical problem; moreover, it is a failure of multicellular morphogenesis that sheds much light on evolutionary developmental biology. Numerous classes of pharmacological agents have been considered as cancer therapeutics and evaluated as potential carcinogenic agents; however, these are spread throughout the primary literature. Here, we briefly review recent work on ion channel drugs as promising anti-cancer treatments and present a systematic review of the known cancer-relevant effects of 109 drugs targeting ion channels. The roles of ion channels in cancer are consistent with the importance of bioelectrical parameters in cell regulation and with the functions of bioelectric signaling in morphogenetic signals that act as cancer suppressors. We find that compounds that are well-known for having targets in the nervous system, such as voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, proton pumps, and gap junctions are especially relevant to cancer. Our review suggests further opportunities for the repurposing of numerous promising candidates in the field of cancer electroceuticals.

Dihydrotanshinone I inhibits gallbladder cancer growth by targeting the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and Nrf2 phosphorylation

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) poses a significant risk to human health. Its development is influenced by numerous factors, particularly the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells. This homeostasis is crucial for tumor cell survival, and abnormal regulation of ROS is associated with the occurrence and progression of many cancers. Dihydrotanshinone I (DHT I), a biologically effective ingredient isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has exhibited cytotoxic properties against various tumor cells by inducing apoptosis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which dht I exerts its cytotoxic effects remain unclear.

PURPOSE

To explore the anti-tumor impact of dht I on GBC and elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

The proliferation of GBC cells, NOZ and SGC-996, was assessed using various assays, including CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and EdU staining. We also examined cell apoptosis, cell cycle progression, ROS levels, and alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential to delve into the intricate molecular mechanism. Quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting were performed to evaluate target gene expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. The correlation between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) were examined using co-immunoprecipitation. Finally, the in vivo effect of dht I was investigated using a xenograft model of gallbladder cancer in mice.

RESULTS

Our research findings indicated that dht I exerted cytotoxic effects on GBC cells, including inhibiting proliferation, disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential, inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Our in vivo studies substantiated the inhibition of dht I on tumor growth in xenograft nude mice. Mechanistically, dht I primarily targeted Nrf2 by promoting Keap1 mediated Nrf2 degradation and inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) induced Nrf2 phosphorylation. This leads to the suppression of Nrf2 nuclear translocation and reduction of its target gene expression. Moreover, Nrf2 overexpression effectively counteracted the anti-tumor effects of dht I, while Nrf2 knockdown significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of dht I on GBC. Meanwhile, PKC inhibitors and nuclear import inhibitors increased the sensitivity of GBC cells to dht I treatment. Conversely, Nrf2 activators, proteasome inhibitors, antioxidants and PKC activators all antagonized dht I induced apoptosis and ROS generation in NOZ and SGC-996 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that dht I inhibited the growth of GBC cells by regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and Nrf2 phosphorylation. These insights provide a strong rationale for further investigation of dht I as a potential therapeutic agent for GBC treatment.

Natural product nanozymes of herbal extract galangin in managing hepatocellular carcinoma

Numerous local herbal extract species have been investigated as potential medicinal ingredients due to their promising anti-cancer properties. However, the primary constraint of the class of plant flavonoids lies in their low solubility and limited membrane permeability, leading to chemical instability and restricted bioavailability that impede biomedical applications. In this study, we have developed an ideal nanozyme-Galazyme, comprising galangin-loaded copper Nanozyme coated by DSPE-PEG, which amplifies oxidative stress to induce apoptosis via the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Galazyme exhibited significant peroxidase mimetic activity, demonstrating its potential to generate ROS and elevate oxidative stress. Upon uptake by HepG-2 cells, Galazyme efficiently converts excess hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into highly reactive •OH radicals and upregulates MAPK expression, leading to the activation of Bax and Caspase 3, thereby promoting irreversible tumor cell apoptosis. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that Galazyme inhibits tumor cell growth and induces apoptosis by generating ample ROS and activating the MAPK pathway. Our study offers novel evidence supporting the enhancement of Galazyme-induced apoptosis through the upregulation of Bax and Caspase 3, along with the elucidation of the interaction between MAPK and apoptosis.

Integrating network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental validation to unveil the molecular targets and mechanisms of galangin for treating hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Galangin, a flavonoid compound, is derived from Alpinia officinarum Hance. Previous studies have shown that galangin can inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its mechanism is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of galangin on HCC through network pharmacology, bioinformatics, molecular docking, and experimental in vitro validation.

METHODS

In this study, network pharmacology was used to investigate the targets and mechanisms of galangin in the treatment of HCC. AutoDockTools software was used to simulate and calculate the binding of galangin to its core targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted in the DAVID database to explore the main biological functions and signaling pathways impacted by galangin intervention. In addition, bioinformatics was applied to examine the correlation between the differential expressions of the anti-HCC core targets of galangin and the survival of patients with HCC. Finally, the findings obtained from network pharmacology and bioinformatics were verified in cell experiments.

RESULTS

A total of 67 overlapping target genes of galangin and HCC were identified. Through the analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, 10 hub genes with the highest degree of freedom were identified, including SRC, ESR1, MMP9, CDK4, CCNB1, MMP2, CDK2, CDK1, CHK1, and PLK1. These genes were found to be closely related to the degradation of the extracellular matrix, signal transduction, and the cell cycle. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that galangin exerts an anti-HCC role by affecting various signaling pathways, including the cell cycle, pathways in cancer, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking indicated a significant interaction between galangin and CCNB1, CDK4, CDK1, and PLK1. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that CCNB1, CDK4, CDK1, and PLK1 were upregulated in the liver of patients with HCC at both the mRNA and protein levels. Flow cytometry analysis showed that galangin induced G0/G1 phase arrest and cell apoptosis in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Additionally, galangin suppressed the expression of key proteins and mRNAs involved in the cell cycle pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that galangin inhibits the growth of HCC cells by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase.

An Overview of the Spices Used for the Prevention and Potential Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in terms of cancer-related deaths and is the fifth most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. Its risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, Epstein-Barr virus infection, the consumption of broiled and charbroiled animal meats, salt-preserved and smoke-enhanced foods, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, exposure to ionizing radiation, and positive family history. The limited effectiveness of conventional therapies and the widespread risk factors of GC encourage the search for new methods of treatment and prevention. In the quest for cheap and commonly available medications, numerous studies focus on herbal medicine, traditional brews, and spices. In this review, we outline the potential use of spices, including turmeric, ginger, garlic, black cumin, chili pepper, saffron, black pepper, rosemary, galangal, coriander, wasabi, cinnamon, oregano, cardamom, fenugreek, caraway, clove, dill, thyme, Piper sarmentosum, basil, as well as the compounds they contain, in the prevention and treatment of GC. We present the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the effectivity of a given seasoning substance and their impact on GC cells. We discuss their potential effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. For most of the spices discussed, we also outline the unavailability and side effects of their use.

Selected Flavonols Targeting Cell Death Pathways in Cancer Therapy: The Latest Achievements in Research on Apoptosis, Autophagy, Necroptosis, Pyroptosis, Ferroptosis, and Cuproptosis

The complex and multi-stage processes of carcinogenesis are accompanied by a number of phenomena related to the potential involvement of various chemopreventive factors, which include, among others, compounds of natural origin such as flavonols. The use of flavonols is not only promising but also a recognized strategy for cancer treatment. The chemopreventive impact of flavonols on cancer arises from their ability to act as antioxidants, impede proliferation, promote cell death, inhibit angiogenesis, and regulate the immune system through involvement in diverse forms of cellular death. So far, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis occurring with the participation of flavonols have remained incompletely elucidated, and the results of the studies carried out so far are ambiguous. For this reason, one of the therapeutic goals is to initiate the death of altered cells through the use of quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, isorhamnetin, galangin, fisetin, and morin. This article offers an extensive overview of recent research on these compounds, focusing particularly on their role in combating cancer and elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis. Assessment of the mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of compounds in therapy targeting various types of cell death pathways may prove useful in developing new therapeutic regimens and counteracting resistance to previously used treatments.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of galangin: a potential pathway to inhibit transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor activation

Background

Galangin, commonly employed in traditional Chinese medicine for its diverse medicinal properties, exhibits potential in treating inflammatory pain. Nevertheless, its mechanism of action remains unclear.

Methods

Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups for 7 days: a normal control group, a galangin-treated (25 and 50 mg/kg), and a positive control celecoxib (20 mg/kg). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using a hot plate test, acetic acid-induced writhing test, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability test, formalininduced paw licking test, and carrageenan-induced paw swelling test. The interplay between galangin, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), NF-κB, COX-2, and TNF-α proteins was evaluated via molecular docking. COX- 2, PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in serum were measured using ELISA after capsaicin administration (200 nmol/L). TRPV1 expression in the dorsal root ganglion was analyzed by Western blot. The quantities of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were assessed using qPCR.

Results

Galangin reduced hot plate-induced licking latency, acetic acid-induced contortions, carrageenantriggered foot inflammation, and capillary permeability in mice. It exhibited favorable affinity towards TRPV1, NF- κB, COX-2, and TNF-α, resulting in decreased levels of COX-2, PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum following capsaicin stimulation. Galangin effectively suppressed the upregulation of TRPV1 protein and associated receptor neuropeptides CGRP and SP mRNA, while concurrently inhibiting the expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, COX-2, and PGE2 mRNA.

Conclusions

Galangin exerts its anti-inflammatory pain effects by inhibiting TRPV1 activation and regulating COX-2, NF-κB/TNF-α expression, providing evidence for the use of galangin in the management of inflammatory pain.

Novel drimane-type sesquiterpenoids and nucleosides from the Helicoma septoconstrictum suppress the growth of ovarian cancer cells

Four new drimane-type sesquiterpenoids and two new nucleoside derivatives (1-6), were isolated from the fungus Helicoma septoconstrictum. Their structures were determined based on the combination of the analysis of their HR-ESI-MS, NMR, ECD calculations data and acid hydrolysis. All the isolated compounds were detected for their bio-activities against MDA-MB-231, A549/DDP, A2780 and HepG2 cell lines. Helicoside C (4) exhibited superior cytotoxicity against the A2780 cell line with IC50 7.5 ± 1.5 µM. The analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) revealed that Helicoside C induced an increase in intracellular ROS. Furthermore, the flow cytometry and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) analyses unveiled that Helicoside C mediated mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in A2780 cells. The western blotting test showed that Helicoside C could suppress the STAT3's phosphorylation. These findings offered crucial support for development of H. septoconstrictum and highlighted the potential application of drimane-type sesquiterpenoids in pharmaceuticals.

New Derivatives of 1-(3-Methyl-1-Benzofuran-2-yl)Ethan-1-one: Synthesis and Preliminary Studies of Biological Activity

A set of nine derivatives, including five brominated compounds, was synthesized and the structures of these novel compounds were confirmed using 1H and 13C NMR as well as ESI MS spectra. These compounds were tested on four different cancer cell lines, chronic myelogenous leukemia (K562), prostate cancer (PC3), colon cancer (SW620), human kidney cancer (Caki 1), and on healthy human keratocytes (HaCaT). MTT results reveal that two newly developed derivatives (6 and 8) exhibit selective action towards K562 cells and no toxic effect in HaCat cells. The biological activity of these two most promising compounds was evaluated by trypan blue assay, reactive oxygen species generation, and IL-6 secretion. To investigate the proapoptotic activity of selected compounds, the two following types of tests were performed: Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit I and Caspase-Glo 3/7 assay. The studies of the mechanism showed that both compounds have pro-oxidative effects and increase reactive oxygen species in cancer cells, especially at 12 h incubation. Through the Caspase-Glo 3/7 assay, the proapoptotic properties of both compounds were confirmed. The Annexin V-FITC test revealed that compounds 6 and 8 induce apoptosis in K562 cells. Both compounds inhibit the release of proinflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6) in K562 cells. Additionally, all compounds were screened for their antibacterial activities using standard and clinical strains. Within the studied group, compound 7 showed moderate activity towards Gram-positive strains in antimicrobial studies, with MIC values ranging from 16 to 64 µg/mL.

Near-infrared-responsive GE11-CuS@Gal nanoparticles as an intelligent drug release system for targeting therapy against oral squamous cell carcinoma

Galangin (Gal) is a natural plant flavonoid. More and more evidence shows that Gal can achieve anti-tumor effects by regulating various mechanisms. However, its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and insufficient lesion targeting limit its clinical application. To overcome these shortcomings, we designed and developed a mesoporous nanosystem (GE11-CuS) that actively located the target area and photo-controlled drug release, which promoted the rapid accumulation of drugs in tumor tissues under NIR irradiation, thus achieving positive effects against cancer. In this study, we explored the application of the Gal-loaded nanometer system (GE11-CuS@Gal) in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) both in vitro and in vivo. The results exhibited that GE11-CuS@Gal had excellent targeting ability and could accumulate efficiently in tumor cells (HSC-3). Meanwhile, the temperature of GE11-CuS@Gal increasing rapidly under NIR illumination damaged the integrity of the carrier and allowed Gal molecules to escape from the pores of the nanoparticles. When the accumulation of Gal in the nidus reached a certain level, the intracellular ROS level could be significantly increased and the antioxidative stress pathway mediated by Nrf2/OH-1 was effectively blocked, to inhibit the growth and migration of tumors. In conclusion, the GE11-CuS improved the antitumor activity of Gal in the body, which laid a foundation for the treatment of OSCC with traditional Chinese medicine ingredients.

Role of bio-flavonols and their derivatives in improving mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with pancreatic tumorigenesis

Mitochondria, a cellular metabolic center, efficiently fulfill cellular energy needs and regulate crucial metabolic processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and generation of reactive oxygen species. Alteration in the mitochondrial functions leads to metabolic imbalances and altered extracellular matrix dynamics in the host, utilized by solid tumors like pancreatic cancer (PC) to get energy benefits for fast-growing cancer cells. PC is highly heterogeneous and remains unidentified for a longer time because of its complex pathophysiology, retroperitoneal position, and lack of efficient diagnostic approaches, which is the foremost reason for accounting for the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. PC cells often respond poorly to current therapeutics because of dense stromal barriers in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, which limit the drug delivery and distribution of antitumor immune cell populations. As an alternative approach, various natural compounds like flavonoids are reported to possess potent antioxidant and anticancerous properties and are less toxic than current chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, we aim to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the pharmacological properties of flavonols in PC in this review from the perspective of mitigating mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with cancer cells. Our literature survey indicates that flavonols efficiently regulate cellular metabolism by scavenging reactive oxygen species, mitigating inflammation, and arresting the cell cycle to promote apoptosis in tumor cells via intrinsic mitochondrial pathways. In particular, flavonols proficiently inhibit the cancer-associated proliferation and inflammatory pathways such as EGFR/MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and nuclear factor κB in PC. Overall, this review provides in-depth evidence about the therapeutic potential of flavonols for future anticancer strategies against PC; still, more multidisciplinary human interventional studies are required to dissect their pharmacological effect accurately.

Galangin: A food-derived flavonoid with therapeutic potential against a wide spectrum of diseases

Galangin is an important flavonoid with natural activity, that is abundant in galangal and propolis. Currently, various biological activities of galangin have been disclosed, including anti-inflammation, antibacterial effect, anti-oxidative stress and aging, anti-fibrosis, and antihypertensive effect. Based on the above bioactivities, more and more attention has been paid to the role of galangin in neurodegenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, skin diseases, and cancer. In this paper, the natural sources, pharmacokinetics, bioactivities, and therapeutic potential of galangin against various diseases were systematically reviewed by collecting and summarizing relevant literature. In addition, the molecular mechanism and new preparation of galangin in the treatment of related diseases are also discussed, to broaden the application prospect and provide reference for its clinical application. Furthermore, it should be noted that current toxicity and clinical studies of galangin are insufficient, and more evidence is needed to support its possibility as a functional food.

Isoliquiritigenin inhibits gastric cancer growth through suppressing GLUT4 mediated glucose uptake and inducing PDHK1/PGC-1α mediated energy metabolic collapse

BACKGROUND

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a natural flavonoid, has anti-tumor activity. But, the understanding of the impact and molecular mechanism of ISL on the growth of gastric cancer (GC) remains limited.

PURPOSE

The study was to explore the tumor suppressive effect of ISL on GC growth both in vitro and in vivo, meanwhile, clarify its molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Apoptotic cells in vitro were monitored by Hoechst 33,342 solution. Protein expression was assessed by Western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was evaluated by utilizing 2',7'- dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA). Lactic acid level was detected with L-lactate assay kit. Glucose uptake was monitored with fluorescently tagged glucose 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diaxol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG). Glycolytic proton efflux rate (GlycoPER) was evaluated by glycolytic rate assay kit. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was conducted by mito stress test kit. A nude mouse model of gastric cancer cell xenograft was established by subcutaneous injection with MGC803 cells. Pathological changes were evaluated by using H&E staining. Cell apoptosis in vivo was evaluated by terminal deoxy-nucleotide transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

RESULTS

ISL remarkably suppressed GC growth and increased cell apoptosis. It regulated apoptosis-related and metabolism-related protein expression both in vitro and in vivo. ISL blocked glucose uptake and suppressed production and secretion of lactic acid, which was accompanied with suppressed mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis but increased ROS accumulation. Overexpression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), cellular-myelocytomatosis viral oncogene (c-Myc), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) or pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDHK1), could abolish ISL-induced inhibition of cell viability in GC cells.

CONCLUSION

These findings implicated that ISL inhibits GC growth by decreasing GLUT4 mediated glucose uptake and inducing PDHK1/PGC-1α-mediated energy metabolic collapse through depressing protein expression of c-Myc and HIF-1α in GC, suggesting its potential application for GC treatment.

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

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

The signaling pathways and targets of natural products from traditional Chinese medicine treating gastric cancer provide new candidate therapeutic strategies

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the severe malignancies with high incidence and mortality, especially in Eastern Asian countries. Significant advancements have been made in diagnosing and treating GC over the past few decades, resulting in tremendous improvements in patient survival. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered considerable attention as an alternative therapeutic approach for GC due to its multicomponent and multitarget characteristics. Consequently, natural products found in TCM have attracted researchers' attention, as growing evidence suggests that these natural products can impede GC progression by regulating various biological processes. Nevertheless, their molecular mechanisms are not systematically uncovered. Here, we review the major signaling pathways involved in GC development. Additionally, clinical GC samples were analyzed. Moreover, the anti-GC effects of natural products, their underlying mechanisms and potential targets were summarized. These summaries are intended to facilitate further relevant research, and accelerate the clinical applications of natural products in GC treatment.

Pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential of galangin, a promising natural flavone, in age-related diseases

BACKGROUND

The extension of average life expectancy and the aggravation of population aging have become the inevitable trend of human development. In an aging society, various problems related to medical care for the elderly have become increasingly prominent. However, most of the age-related diseases have the characteristics of multiple diseases at the same time, prone to complications, and atypical clinical manifestations, which bring great difficulties to its treatment. Galangin (3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a natural active compound extracted from the root of Alpinia officinarum Hance (Zingiberaceae). Recently, many studies have shown that galangin has potential advantages in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, which are common in the elderly. In addition, it also showed that galangin had prospective activities in the treatment of tumor, diabetes, liver injury, asthma and arthritis.

PURPOSE

This review aims to systematically summarize and discuss the effects and the underlying mechanism of galangin in the treatment of age-related diseases.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, SciFinder, Web of Science and CNKI literature database resources, combined with the keywords "galangin", "neurodegenerative disease", "tumor", "diabetes", "pharmacological activity", "drug combination", "pharmacokinetics", "drug delivery system" and "safety", and comprehensively reviewed the pharmacological activities and mechanism of galangin in treating age-related diseases.

RESULTS

According to the previous studies on galangin, the anti-neurodegenerative activity, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective activity, anti-tumor activity, anti-diabetes activity, anti-arthritis activity, hepatoprotective activity and antiasthmatic activity of galangin were discussed, and the related mechanisms were classified and summarized in detail. In addition, the drug combination, pharmacokinetics, drug delivery system and safety of galangin were furtherly discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

This review will provide reference for galangin in the treatment of age-related diseases. Meanwhile, further experimental research and long-term clinical trials are needed to determine the therapeutic safety and efficacy of galangin.

Galangin Attenuates Myocardial Ischemic Reperfusion-Induced Ferroptosis by Targeting Nrf2/Gpx4 Signaling Pathway

Purpose

Myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a crucial clinical problem globally. The molecular mechanisms of MIRI need to be fully explored to develop new therapeutic methods. Galangin (Gal), which is a natural flavonoid extracted from Alpinia Officinarum Hance and Propolis, possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities, but its effects on MIRI remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the pharmacological effects of Gal on MIRI.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice underwent reperfusion for 3 h after 45 min of ischemia, and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCs) subjected to hypoxia and reoxygenation (HR) were cultured as in vivo and in vitro models. Echocardiography and TTC-Evans Blue staining were performed to evaluate the myocardial injury. Transmission electron microscope and JC-1 staining were used to validate the mitochondrial function. Additionally, Western blot detected ferroptosis markers, including Gpx4, FTH, and xCT.

Results

Gal treatment alleviated cardiac myofibril damage, reduced infarction size, improved cardiac function, and prevented mitochondrial injury in mice with MIRI. Gal significantly alleviated HR-induced cell death and mitigated mitochondrial membrane potential reduction in NRCs. Furthermore, Gal significantly inhibited ferroptosis by preventing iron overload and lipid peroxidation, as well as regulating Gpx4, FTH, and xCT expression levels. Moreover, Gal up-regulated nuclear transcriptive factor Nrf2 in HR-treated NRCs. Nrf2 inhibition by Brusatol abolished the protective effect of Gal against ferroptosis.

Conclusion

This study revealed that Gal alleviates myocardial ischemic reperfusion-induced ferroptosis by targeting Nrf2/Gpx4 signaling pathway.

Selected Flavonols in Breast and Gynecological Cancer: A Systematic Review

The consumption of foods that are rich in phenolic compounds has chemopreventive effects on many cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. A wide spectrum of their health-promoting properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, has been demonstrated. This paper analyzes the mechanisms of the anticancer action of selected common flavonols, including kemferol, myricetin, quercetin, fisetin, galangin, isorhamnetin, and morin, in preclinical studies, with particular emphasis on in vitro studies in gynecological cancers and breast cancer. In the future, these compounds may find applications in the prevention and treatment of gynecological cancers and breast cancer, but this requires further, more advanced research.

A hybrid nanopharmaceutical for specific-amplifying oxidative stress to initiate a cascade of catalytic therapy for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress (OS) induced by an imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants is an important aspect in anticancer therapy, however, as an adaptive response, excessive glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) acts as an antioxidant against high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and prevents OS damage to maintain redox homoeostasis, suppressing the clinical efficacy of OS-induced anticancer therapies.

RESULTS

A naturally occurring ROS-activating drug, galangin (GAL), is introduced into a Fenton-like catalyst (SiO₂@MnO₂) to form a TME stimulus-responsive hybrid nanopharmaceutical (SiO₂-GAL@MnO₂, denoted SG@M) for enhancing oxidative stress. Once exposed to TME, as MnO₂ responds and consumes GSH, the released Mn²⁺ converts endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which together with the subsequent release of GAL from SiO₂ increases ROS. The "overwhelming" ROS cause OS-mediated mitochondrial malfunction with a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), which releases cytochrome c from mitochondria, activates the Caspase 9/Caspase 3 apoptotic cascade pathway. Downregulation of JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation levels blocks the JAK2/STAT3 cell proliferation pathway, whereas downregulation of Cyclin B1 protein levels arrest the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. During 18 days of in vivo treatment observation, tumor growth inhibition was found to be 62.7%, inhibiting the progression of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, the O₂ and Mn²⁺ released during this cascade catalytic effect improve ultrasound imaging (USI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This hybrid nanopharmaceutical based on oxidative stress amplification provides a strategy for multifunctional integrated therapy of malignant tumors and image-visualized pharmaceutical delivery.

Natural products targeting signaling pathways associated with regulated cell death in gastric cancer: Recent advances and perspectives

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most serious gastrointestinal malignancies with high morbidity and mortality. The complexity of GC process lies in the multi-phenotypic linkage regulation, in which regulatory cell death (RCD) is the core link, which largely dominates the fate of GC cells and becomes a key determinant of GC development and prognosis. In recent years, increasing evidence has been reported that natural products can prevent and inhibit the development of GC by regulating RCDs, showing great therapeutic potential. In order to further clarify its key regulatory characteristics, this review focused on specific expressions of RCDs, combined with a variety of signaling pathways and their crosstalk characteristics, sorted out the key targets and action rules of natural products targeting RCD. It is highlighted that a variety of core biological pathways and core targets are involved in the decision of GC cell fate, including the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, MAPK-related signaling pathways, p53 signaling pathway, ER stress, Caspase-8, gasdermin D (GSDMD), and so on. Moreover, natural products target the crosstalk of different RCDs by modulating above signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings suggest that targeting various RCDs in GC with natural products is a promising strategy, providing a reference for further clarifying the molecular mechanism of natural products treating GC, which warrants further investigations in this area.

Galangin as an inflammatory response modulator: An updated overview and therapeutic potential

Numerous chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders, all have an inflammation-based etiology. In cellular and animal models of inflammation, flavonols were used to show potent anti-inflammatory activity. The flavonols enhanced the synthesis of the anti-inflammatory cytokines transforming growth factor and interleukin-10 (IL-10) and reduced the synthesis of the prostaglandins IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), IL-1. Galangin (GAL), a natural flavonol, has a strong ability to control apoptosis and inflammation. GAL was discovered to suppress extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)p65 phosphorylation, which results in anti-inflammatory actions. Arthritis, inflammatory bronchitis, stroke, and cognitive dysfunction have all been treated with GAL. The current review aimed to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory properties of GAL and their protective effects in treating various chronic illnesses, including those of the heart, brain, skin, lungs, liver, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Bazedoxifene-induced ROS promote mitochondrial dysfunction and enhance osimertinib sensitivity by inhibiting the p-STAT3/SOCS3 and KEAP1/NRF2 pathways in non-small cell lung cancer

Although the advent of osimertinib has brought revolutionary changes to the treatment landscape of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, acquired resistance remains a major obstacle limiting long-term survival benefits for the treatment of cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanisms involved in the ability of bazedoxifene to synergistically enhance osimertinib sensitivity, which will aid in delaying and overcoming osimertinib resistance to improve patient outcomes. Here, we found that osimertinib increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoted mitochondrial fission, diminished mitochondrial membrane potential, and activated cell apoptosis. Moreover, the p-STAT3/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathways were activated to scavenge ROS and promote osimertinib resistance. Mechanistically, SOCS3 can directly bind to KEAP1 to prevent the degradation of NRF2, resulting in the activation of an NRF2-dependent transcriptional program. Furthermore, the osimertinib-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis were enhanced by bazedoxifene, thereby delaying and overcoming osimertinib resistance by inhibiting these pathways in vitro and in vivo. These findings identified a new critical link in the p-STAT3/SOCS3 pathway, KEAP1/NRF2 pathway, mitochondrial dysfunction, and osimertinib resistance. The present study demonstrated that bazedoxifene can be used for delaying or overcoming osimertinib resistance in NSCLC.

Regulation of microglia related neuroinflammation contributes to the protective effect of Gelsevirine on ischemic stroke

Stroke, especially ischemic stroke, is an important cause of neurological morbidity and mortality worldwide. Growing evidence suggests that the immune system plays an intricate function in the pathophysiology of stroke. Gelsevirine (Gs), an alkaloid from Gelsemium elegans, has been proven to decrease inflammation and neuralgia in osteoarthritis previously, but its role in stroke is unknown. In this study, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice model was used to evaluate the protective effect of Gs on stroke, and the administration of Gs significantly improved infarct volume, Bederson score, neurobiological function, apoptosis of neurons, and inflammation state in vivo. According to the data in vivo and the conditioned medium (CM) stimulated model in vitro, the beneficial effect of Gs came from the downregulation of the over-activity of microglia, such as the generation of inflammatory factors, dysfunction of mitochondria, production of ROS and so on. By RNA-seq analysis and Western-blot analysis, the JAK-STAT signal pathway plays a critical role in the anti-inflammatory effect of Gs. According to the results of molecular docking, inhibition assay, and thermal shift assay, the binding of Gs on JAK2 inhibited the activity of JAK2 which inhibited the over-activity of JAK2 and downregulated the phosphorylation of STAT3. Over-expression of a gain-of-function STAT3 mutation (K392R) abolished the beneficial effects of Gs. So, the downregulation of JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway by Gs contributed to its anti-inflammatory effect on microglia in stroke. Our study revealed that Gs was benefit to stroke treatment by decreasing neuroinflammation in stroke as a potential drug candidate regulating the JAK2-STAT3 signal pathway.

Total astragalosides promote oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and enhance remyelination in cuprizone-induced mice through suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Radix Astragali is a traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological effects. Total astragalosides (TA), the main effective ingredients in Radix Astragali, exert properties including anti-oxidative stress, anti-neuroinflammation, and neuroprotection. We previously found that TA alleviated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) progression, a widely used animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). As a chronic demyelination disease, MS generally manifests myelin loss and fails to myelin regeneration. Regulation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) differentiation and remyelination is the fundamental strategy for MS treatment. However, whether TA could directly promote OPCs differentiation and remyelination is still unknown.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This study was aimed to investigate pro-differentiation and myelin regeneration effects of TA on OPCs and Cuprizone (CPZ)-induced demyelination mice, an animal model of MS, and to explore mechanism underlying from regulation of OPCs differentiation and maturation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were orally given CPZ (400 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks to induce myelin loss, and then treated with TA (25 and 50 mg/kg) daily for 1 week. Cell proliferation assay, Western blot, RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry were performed to explore the mechanisms. The role of TA in oligodendrocyte differentiation and maturation was evaluated using MO3.13, a human oligodendrocytic hybrid cell line.

RESULTS

TA was shown to mitigate behavioral impairment in CPZ-induced mice. It markedly ameliorated myelin loss and enhanced remyelination in the corpus callosum of mice, evidenced by increased expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and the number of CC1⁺ newly generated oligodendrocytes (OLs). TA also enhanced the expression of MBP at both mRNA and protein levels in MO3.13 cells. In CPZ-induced mice and MO3.13 cells, TA remarkably promoted the activation of GSK3β, repressed the phosphorylation of β-catenin, reduced the expression of transcription factor 4 and inhibitor of DNA binding 2. The agonist of β-catenin, SKL2001, partially abolished the pro-differentiation effect of TA in MO3.13 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, we clarified that TA could effectively enhance the differentiation and maturation of OPCs and accelerate remyelination in CPZ-induced mice through inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study provides new insight into the beneficial effect of TA in the treatment of MS.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Propolis and Its Polyphenolic Compounds against Cancer

In recent years, interest in natural products such as alternative sources of pharmaceuticals for numerous chronic diseases, including tumors, has been renewed. Propolis, a natural product collected by honeybees, and polyphenolic/flavonoid propolis-related components modulate all steps of the cancer progression process. Anticancer activity of propolis and its compounds relies on various mechanisms: cell-cycle arrest and attenuation of cancer cells proliferation, reduction in the number of cancer stem cells, induction of apoptosis, modulation of oncogene signaling pathways, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, prevention of metastasis, anti-angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory effects accompanied by the modulation of the tumor microenvironment (by modifying macrophage activation and polarization), epigenetic regulation, antiviral and bactericidal activities, modulation of gut microbiota, and attenuation of chemotherapy-induced deleterious side effects. Ingredients from propolis also "sensitize" cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents, likely by blocking the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge related to the the effects of flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds from propolis on tumor growth and metastasizing ability, and discuss possible molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the modulation of inflammatory pathways and cellular processes that affect survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis of the tumor.

Curcumin against gastrointestinal cancer: A review of the pharmacological mechanisms underlying its antitumor activity

Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) poses a serious threat to human health globally. Curcumin (CUR), a hydrophobic polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has shown reliable anticancer function and low toxicity, thereby offering broad research prospects. Numerous studies have demonstrated the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of CUR against GIC, including the induction of apoptosis and autophagy, arrest of the cell cycle, inhibition of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes, inhibition of cell invasion and migration, regulation of multiple signaling pathways, sensitization to chemotherapy and reversal of resistance to such treatments, and regulation of the tumor survival environment. It has been confirmed that CUR exerts its antitumor effects on GIC through these mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, treatment with CUR is safe and tolerable. Newly discovered types of regulated cell death (RCD), such as pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis, may provide a new direction for research on the efficacy of CUR against GIC. In this review, we discuss the recently found pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effects of CUR against GIC (gastric and colorectal cancers). The objective is to provide a reference for further research on treatments against GIC.

Antioxidant properties of bee propolis and an important component, galangin, described by X-ray crystal structure, DFT-D and hydrodynamic voltammetry

Propolis is produced by honeybees and used to seal their hives for defensive purposes and has been used in ethnopharmacology since ancient times. It is a lipophilic material containing a large collection of naturally produced plant organic molecules, including flavonoids. The flavonoid galangin is consistently found in propolis, independent of the hive geographical location and its X-ray crystal and molecular structure is reported. The antioxidant scavenging of superoxide by galangin and propolis is here presented. Using a cyclic voltammetry technique developed in our lab, we show that galangin is an excellent scavenger of the superoxide radical, perhaps even better than quercetin. Our results show that galangin displays a Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) function. This is described experimentally and theoretically (DFT). Two modes of scavenging superoxide are seen for galangin: (1) superoxide radical extraction of H atom from the hydroxyl moieties located in position 3 and 5 of galangin, which are also associated with proton incorporation defining the SOD action; (2) π-π interaction among several superoxide radicals and the galangin polyphenol ring that evolve towards release of O₂ and H₂O₂. We describe these two actions separately as their relative sequence, and/or combination, cannot be defined; all these processes are thermodynamically spontaneous, or subjected to mild barriers.

Galangin: A metabolite that suppresses anti-neoplastic activities through modulation of oncogenic targets

With the dramatic increase in cancer incidence all over the world in the last decades, studies on identifying novel efficient anti-cancer agents have been intensified. Historically, natural products have represented one of the most important sources of new lead compounds with a wide range of biological activities. In this article, the multifaceted anti-cancer action of propolis-derived flavonoid, galangin, is presented, discussing its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic effects in various cancer cells. In addition, co-effects with standard chemotherapeutic drugs as well as other natural compounds are also under discussion, besides highlighting modern nanotechnological advancements for overcoming the low bioavailability issue characteristic of galangin. Although further studies are needed for confirming the anti-cancer potential of galangin in vivo malignant systems, exploring this natural compound might open new perspectives in molecular oncology.

Bcl-2 Modulation in p53 Signaling Pathway by Flavonoids: A Potential Strategy towards the Treatment of Cancer

Cancer is a major cause of death, affecting human life in both developed and developing countries. Numerous antitumor agents exist but their toxicity and low efficacy limits their utility. Furthermore, the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of cancer, serious side effects and poor prognosis restrict the administration of available cancer therapies. Thus, developing novel therapeutic agents are required towards a simultaneous targeting of major dysregulated signaling mediators in cancer etiology, while possessing lower side effects. In this line, the plant kingdom is introduced as a rich source of active phytochemicals. The secondary metabolites produced by plants could potentially regulate several dysregulated pathways in cancer. Among the secondary metabolites, flavonoids are hopeful phytochemicals with established biological activities and minimal side effects. Flavonoids inhibit B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) via the p53 signaling pathway, which is a significant apoptotic target in many cancer types, hence suppressing a major dysregulated pathway in cancer. To date, there have been no studies reported which extensively highlight the role of flavonoids and especially the different classes of flavonoids in the modulation of Bcl-2 in the P53 signaling pathway. Herein, we discuss the modulation of Bcl-2 in the p53 signaling pathway by different classes of flavonoids and highlight different mechanisms through which this modulation can occur. This study will provide a rationale for the use of flavonoids against different cancers paving a new mechanistic-based approach to cancer therapy.

Antitumor activity of flavonoids from Alpinia officinarum hance on gastric cancer

Introduction: To investigate antitumor activity and mechanism of flavonoids from Alpinia officinarum Hance against gastric cancer. Methods: Transplanted mouse fore-stomach carcinoma (MFC) tumor mice were divided into six groups: control group, model group, low dose (20 mg/kg), middle dose (40 mg/kg), and high dose (80 mg/kg) groups of TFAO and 5-Fu group. Mice were treated with TFAO or 5-Fu for 14 days, except those of control and model group. Tumor inhibitory rate, spleen, and thymus index were calculated. Contents of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factor, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 in serum were detected. Effect of galangin on BGC-823 cell growth was detected. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were measured. Enzyme activity of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 was detected. Western blot was used to detect STAT3, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, CyclinB1, and CyclinD1 protein expression in BGC-823 cell. Results: Compared with model group, tumor weight of mice decreased significantly ( p < .01) in 5-Fu group, low dose, middle dose, and high dose group of TFAO; thymus index of mice decreased significantly ( p < .05) in 5-Fu group; and spleen index decreased significantly ( p < .05) in low dose and middle dose groups of TFAO. Compared with model group, levels of PCNA, MMP-9, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum of mice decreased obviously ( p < .01) in all administration groups; levels of VEGF in serum of mice decreased obviously ( p < .01) in low dose and high dose group of TFAO and 5-Fu group; and levels of IL-17 in serum of mice decreased significantly ( p < .01) in low-dose and middle-dose groups of TFAO and 5-Fu group. Galangin could inhibit BGC-823 cell growth; accelerate apoptosis; block cell cycle; increase cell Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 enzyme activity; upregulate expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Bax; and downregulate expression of STAT3, CyclinB1, CyclinD1, and Bcl-2 protein. Conclusion: Flavonoids from A. officinarum showed antitumor activity in gastric cancer. Mechanisms may be associated with inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, tumor cell proliferation, and cancer-associated inflammation.