Antioxidant Therapy in Cancer: Rationale and Progress

Rationale design of novel substituted 1,3,5-triazine candidates as dual IDH1(R132H)/ IDH2(R140Q) inhibitors with high selectivity against acute myeloid leukemia: In vitro and in vivo preclinical investigations

In this study, novel substituted 1,3,5-triazine candidates (4a-d, 5a-j, and 6a-d) were designed as second-generation small molecules to act as dual IDH1 and IDH2 inhibitors according to the pharmacophoric features of both vorasidenib and enasidenib. Compounds 6a and 6b for leukemia cell lines showed from low to sub-micromolar GI50. Moreover, compounds 4c, 5f, and 6b described the frontier antitumor activity against THP1 and Kasumi Leukemia cancer cells with IC50 values of (10 and 12), (10.5 and 7), and (6.2 and 5.9) µg/mL, which were superior to those of cisplatin (25 and 28) µg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, compounds 4c, 6b, and 6d represented the best dual IDH1(R132H)/IDH2(R140Q) inhibitory potentials with IC50 values of (0.72 and 1.22), (0.12 and 0.93), and (0.50 and 1.28) µg/mL, respectively, compared to vorasidenib (0.02 and 0.08) µg/mL and enasidenib (0.33 and 1.80) µg/mL. Furthermore, the most active candidate (6b) has very promising inhibitory potentials towards HIF-1α, VEGF, and SDH, besides, a marked increase of ROS was observed as well. Besides, compound 6b induced the upregulation of P53, BAX, Caspases 3, 6, 8, and 9 proteins by 3.70, 1.99, 2.06, 1.73, 1.75, and 1.85-fold changes, respectively, and the downregulation for the BCL-2 protein by 0.55-fold change compared to the control. Besides, the in vivo behavior of compound 6b as an antitumor agent was evaluated in female mice bearing solid Ehrlich carcinoma tumors. Notably, compound 6b administration resulted in a prominent decrease in the weight and volume of the tumors, accompanied by improvements in biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters.

Dioclea violacea lectin inhibits tumorigenesis and tumor angiogenesis in vivo

Dioclea violacea seed mannose-binding lectin (DvL) has attracted considerable attention because of its interesting biological activities, including antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated the cytotoxic effect of DvL on tumor and normal cells using the mitochondrial activity reduction (MTT) assay, the carcinogenic and anti-carcinogenic activity by the epithelial tumor test (ETT) in Drosophila melanogaster, and the anti-angiogenic effect by the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Data demonstrated that DvL promoted strong selective cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines, especially A549 and S180 cells, whereas normal cell lines were weakly affected. Furthermore, DvL did not promote carcinogenesis in D. melanogaster at any concentration tested, but modulated DXR-induced carcinogenesis at the highest concentrations tested. In the CAM and immunohistochemical assays, DvL inhibited sarcoma 180-induced angiogenesis and promoted the reduction of VEGF and TGF-β levels at all concentrations tested. Therefore, our results demonstrated that DvL is a potent anticancer, anti-angiogenic, and selective cytotoxic agent for tumor cells, suggesting its potential application as a prototype molecule for the development of new drugs with chemoprotective and/or antitumor effects.

Optimization of media components for enhanced carotenoid production by Paracoccus marcusii RSPO1 and assessment of their cytotoxicity against A549 and vero cells

In this study, we tried to explore the influence of various tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates on carotenoid production and with a focus on enhancing pigment biosynthesis, we conducted two statistical analysis. In case of TCA intermediates influence on pigment production by Paracoccus marcusii RSPO1; fumaric acid, and malic acid were observed as potent enhancers of pigment biosynthesis. Further, to optimize key media components for enhanced carotenoid production, the Plackett-Burman design was employed encompassing carbon, nitrogen sources, TCA cycle intermediates, and metal salts. The selected factors after Plackett Burman were fine-tuned through Response Surface Methodology and the optimal concentrations that have remarkably elevated carotenoid production were starch-2.24 g/l, MgSO4-0.416 g/l, ZnSO4-0.0157 g/l, and fumaric Acid-16 mM. Further, evaluation of pigment cytotoxicity against normal (Vero) and Non-Small Cell Carcinoma (A549) cells was performed. The resultant IC50 values were quantified as 161.3 µg/ml and 7.623 µg/ml for Vero and A549 cells, respectively. Moreover, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) determination study in A549 cells was done which have shown a noteworthy threefold ROS production in A549 cells through fluorescence spectroscopic observation. This implies that the bacterial carotenoids can act as potent pro-oxidants against cancerous cells while being nontoxic toward normal cells.

Ovarian microenvironment: challenges and opportunities in protecting against chemotherapy-associated ovarian damage

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-associated ovarian damage (CAOD) is one of the most feared short- and long-term side effects of anticancer treatment in premenopausal women. Accumulating detailed data show that different chemotherapy regimens can lead to disturbance of ovarian hormone levels, reduced or lost fertility, and an increased risk of early menopause. Previous studies have often focused on the direct effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on ovarian follicles, such as direct DNA damage-mediated apoptotic death and primordial follicle burnout. Emerging evidence has revealed an imbalance in the ovarian microenvironment during chemotherapy. The ovarian microenvironment provides nutritional support and transportation of signals that stimulate the growth and development of follicles, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation. The close interaction between the ovarian microenvironment and follicles can determine ovarian function. Therefore, designing novel and precise strategies to manipulate the ovarian microenvironment may be a new strategy to protect ovarian function during chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This review details the changes that occur in the ovarian microenvironment during chemotherapy and emphasizes the importance of developing new therapeutics that protect ovarian function by targeting the ovarian microenvironment during chemotherapy.

SEARCH METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed by searching PubMed up to April 2024. Search terms included 'ovarian microenvironment' (ovarian extracellular matrix, ovarian stromal cells, ovarian interstitial, ovarian blood vessels, ovarian lymphatic vessels, ovarian macrophages, ovarian lymphocytes, ovarian immune cytokines, ovarian oxidative stress, ovarian reactive oxygen species, ovarian senescence cells, ovarian senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, ovarian oogonial stem cells, ovarian stem cells), terms related to ovarian function (reproductive health, fertility, infertility, fecundity, ovarian reserve, ovarian function, menopause, decreased ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency/failure), and terms related to chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, lfosfamide, chlormethine, chlorambucil, busulfan, melphalan, procarbazine, cisplatin, doxorubicin, carboplatin, taxane, paclitaxel, docetaxel, 5-fluorouraci, vincristine, methotrexate, dactinomycin, bleomycin, mercaptopurine).

OUTCOMES

The ovarian microenvironment shows great changes during chemotherapy, inducing extracellular matrix deposition and stromal fibrosis, angiogenesis disorders, immune microenvironment disturbance, oxidative stress imbalances, ovarian stem cell exhaustion, and cell senescence, thereby lowering the quantity and quality of ovarian follicles. Several methods targeting the ovarian microenvironment have been adopted to prevent and treat CAOD, such as stem cell therapy and the use of free radical scavengers, senolytherapies, immunomodulators, and proangiogenic factors.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Ovarian function is determined by its 'seeds' (follicles) and 'soil' (ovarian microenvironment). The ovarian microenvironment has been reported to play a vital role in CAOD and targeting the ovarian microenvironment may present potential therapeutic approaches for CAOD. However, the relation between the ovarian microenvironment, its regulatory networks, and CAOD needs to be further studied. A better understanding of these issues could be helpful in explaining the pathogenesis of CAOD and creating innovative strategies for counteracting the effects exerted on ovarian function. Our aim is that this narrative review of CAOD will stimulate more research in this important field.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable.

Characterization of Polysaccharide Extracts of Four Edible Mushrooms and Determination of In Vitro Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibition and Anticancer Activities

Mushroom polysaccharides are important bioactive compounds derived from mushrooms with various beneficial properties. In this study, the chemical characterization and bioactivities of polysaccharide extracts from four different edible mushrooms, Clavariadelphus truncatus Donk, Craterellus tubaeformis (Fr.) Quél., Hygrophorus pudorinus (Fr.) Fr., and Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer were studied. Glucose (13.24-56.02%), galactose (14.18-64.05%), mannose (2.18-18.13%), fucose (1.21-5.78%), and arabinose (0.04-5.43%) were identified in all polysaccharide extracts by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) confirmed the presence of characteristic carbohydrate patterns. 1H NMR suggested that all polysaccharide extracts had α- and β-d-mannopyranose, d-glucopyranose, d-galactopyranose, α-l-arabinofuranose, and α-l-fucopyranose residues. Approximate molecular weights of polysaccharide extracts were determined by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). The best antioxidant activity was found in M. procera polysaccharide extract in DPPH• (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging (39.03% at 800 μg/mL), CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) (A0.50: 387.50 μg/mL), and PRAP (phosphomolybdenum reducing antioxidant power) (A0.50: 384.08 μg/mL) assays. C. truncatus polysaccharide extract showed the highest antioxidant activity in ABTS•+ scavenging (IC50: 734.09 μg/mL), β-carotene-linoleic acid (IC50: 472.16 μg/mL), and iron chelating (IC50: 180.35 μg/mL) assays. Significant anticancer activity was found in C. truncatus polysaccharide extract on HT-29 (IC50: 46.49 μg/mL) and HepG2 (IC50: 48.50 μg/mL) cell lines and H. pudorinus polysaccharide extract on the HeLa cell line (IC50: 51.64 μg/mL). Also, H. pudorinus polysaccharide extract possessed prominent AChE (acetylcholinesterase) inhibition activity (49.14% at 200 μg/mL).

Mechanism of Action of Isoflavone Derived from Soy-Based Tempeh as an Antioxidant and Breast Cancer Inhibitor via Potential Upregulation of miR-7-5p: A Multimodal Analysis Integrating Pharmacoinformatics and Cellular Studies

Breast cancer presents a significant global health challenge with rising incidence rates worldwide. Despite current efforts, it remains inadequately controlled. Functional foods, notably tempeh, have emerged as promising candidates for breast cancer prevention and treatment due to bioactive peptides and isoflavones exhibiting potential anticancer properties by serving as antioxidants, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. This study integrates pharmacoinformatics and cellular investigations (i.e., a multifaceted approach) to elucidate the antioxidative and anti-breast cancer properties of tempeh-derived isoflavones. Methodologies encompass metabolomic profiling, in silico analysis, antioxidant assays, and in vitro experiments. Daidzein and genistein exhibited potential therapeutic options for breast cancer treatment and as antioxidant agents. In vitro studies also supported their efficacy against breast cancer and their ability to scavenge radicals, particularly in soy-based tempeh powder (SBT-P) and its isoflavone derivatives. Results have demonstrated a significant downregulation of breast cancer signaling proteins and increased expression of miR-7-5p, a microRNA with tumor-suppressive properties. Notably, the LD50 values of SBT-P and its derivatives on normal breast cell lines indicate their potential safety, with minimal cytotoxic effects on MCF-10A cells compared to control groups. The study underscores the favorable potential of SBT-P as a safe therapeutic option for breast cancer treatment, warranting further clinical exploration.

The involvement of ROS-regulated programmed cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma

Reactive oxidative species (ROS) is a crucial factor in the regulation of cellular biological activity and function, and aberrant levels of ROS can contribute to the development of a variety of diseases, particularly cancer. Numerous discoveries have affirmed that this process is strongly associated with "programmed cell death (PCD)," which refers to the suicide protection mechanism initiated by cells in response to external stimuli, such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, etc. Research has demonstrated that ROS-induced PCD is crucial for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These activities serve a dual function in both facilitating and inhibiting cancer, suggesting the existence of a delicate balance within healthy cells that can be disrupted by the abnormal generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby influencing the eventual advancement or regression of a tumor. In this review, we summarize how ROS regulates PCD to influence the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. Studying how ROS-induced PCD affects the progression of HCC at a molecular level can help develop better prevention and treatment methods and facilitate the design of more effective preventative and therapeutic strategies.

Coumarin-azasugar-benzyl conjugates as non-neurotoxic dual inhibitors of butyrylcholinesterase and cancer cell growth

We have applied the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction to prepare a library of ten coumarin-azasugar-benzyl conjugates and two phthalimide-azasugar-benzyl conjugates with potential anti-Alzheimer and anti-cancer properties. The compounds were evaluated as cholinesterase inhibitors, demonstrating a general preference, of up to 676-fold, for the inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) over acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Nine of the compounds behaved as stronger BuChE inhibitors than galantamine, one of the few drugs in clinical use against Alzheimer's disease. The most potent BuChE inhibitor (IC50 = 74 nM) was found to exhibit dual activities, as it also showed high activity (GI50 = 5.6 ± 1.1 μM) for inhibiting the growth of WiDr (colon cancer cells). In vitro studies on this dual-activity compound on Cerebellar Granule Neurons (CGNs) demonstrated that it displays no neurotoxicity.

Co-Delivery of an Innovative Organoselenium Compound and Paclitaxel by pH-Responsive PCL Nanoparticles to Synergistically Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Cancer

In this study, we designed the association of the organoselenium compound 5'-Seleno-(phenyl)-3'-(ferulic-amido)-thymidine (AFAT-Se), a promising innovative nucleoside analogue, with the antitumor drug paclitaxel, in poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based nanoparticles (NPs). The nanoprecipitation method was used, adding the lysine-based surfactant, 77KS, as a pH-responsive adjuvant. The physicochemical properties presented by the proposed NPs were consistent with expectations. The co-nanoencapsulation of the bioactive compounds maintained the antioxidant activity of the association and evidenced greater antiproliferative activity in the resistant/MDR tumor cell line NCI/ADR-RES, both in the monolayer/two-dimensional (2D) and in the spheroid/three-dimensional (3D) assays. Hemocompatibility studies indicated the safety of the nanoformulation, corroborating the ability to spare non-tumor 3T3 cells and human mononuclear cells of peripheral blood (PBMCs) from cytotoxic effects, indicating its selectivity for the cancerous cells. Furthermore, the synergistic antiproliferative effect was found for both the association of free compounds and the co-encapsulated formulation. These findings highlight the antitumor potential of combining these bioactives, and the proposed nanoformulation as a potentially safe and effective strategy to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer therapy.

Mechanism of Action of Melatonin as a Potential Adjuvant Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a continuum of chronic inflammatory diseases, is tightly associated with immune system dysregulation and dysbiosis, leading to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and multiple extraintestinal manifestations. The pathogenesis of IBD is not completely elucidated. However, it is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), which is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies. In both IBD and CRC, a complex interplay occurs between the immune system and gut microbiota (GM), leading to the alteration in GM composition. Melatonin, a neuroendocrine hormone, was found to be involved with this interplay, especially since it is present in high amounts in the gut, leading to some protective effects. Actually, melatonin enhances the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, regulates the immune response, alleviates inflammation, and attenuates oxidative stress. Thereby, the authors summarize the multifactorial interaction of melatonin with IBD and with CRC, focusing on new findings related to the mechanisms of action of this hormone, in addition to its documented positive outcomes on the treatment of these two pathologies and possible future perspectives to use melatonin as an adjuvant therapy.

Role of reactive oxygen species in myelodysplastic syndromes

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve as typical metabolic byproducts of aerobic life and play a pivotal role in redox reactions and signal transduction pathways. Contingent upon their concentration, ROS production not only initiates or stimulates tumorigenesis but also causes oxidative stress (OS) and triggers cellular apoptosis. Mounting literature supports the view that ROS are closely interwoven with the pathogenesis of a cluster of diseases, particularly those involving cell proliferation and differentiation, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic/acute myeloid leukemia (CML/AML). OS caused by excessive ROS at physiological levels is likely to affect the functions of hematopoietic stem cells, such as cell growth and self-renewal, which may contribute to defective hematopoiesis. We review herein the eminent role of ROS in the hematological niche and their profound influence on the progress of MDS. We also highlight that targeting ROS is a practical and reliable tactic for MDS therapy.

7-O-tyrosyl Silybin Derivatives as a Novel Set of Anti-Prostate Cancer Compounds

Silybin is a natural compound extensively studied for its hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer properties. Envisioning the enhancement of silybin potential by suitable modifications in its chemical structure, here, a series of new 7-O-alkyl silybins derivatives were synthesized by the Mitsunobu reaction starting from the silybins and tyrosol-based phenols, such as tyrosol (TYR, 3), 3-methoxytyrosol (MTYR, 4), and 3-hydroxytyrosol (HTYR, 5). This research sought to explore the antioxidant and anticancer properties of eighteen new derivatives and their mechanisms. In particular, the antioxidant properties of new derivatives outlined by the DPPH assay showed a very pronounced activity depending on the tyrosyl moiety (HTYR > MTYR >> TYR). A significant contribution of the HTYR moiety was observed for silybins and 2,3-dehydro-silybin-based derivatives. According to the very potent antioxidant activity, 2,3-dehydro-silybin derivatives 15ab, 15a, and 15b exerted the most potent anticancer activity in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis for cell cycle and apoptosis revealed that 15ab, 15a, and 15b induce strong G1 phase arrest and increase late apoptotic population in PC-3 cells. Additionally, Western blotting for apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3 confirmed apoptosis induction by these silybin derivatives in PC-3 cells. These findings hold significant importance in the investigation of anticancer properties of silybin derivatives and strongly encourage swift investigation in pre-clinical models and clinical trials.

Constructing a Novel Amino Acid Metabolism Signature: A New Perspective on Pheochromocytoma Diagnosis, Immune Landscape, and Immunotherapy

Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PGPG) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor. Amino acid metabolism is crucial for energy production, redox balance, and metabolic pathways in tumor cell proliferation. This study aimed to build a risk model using amino acid metabolism-related genes, enhancing PGPG diagnosis and treatment decisions. We analyzed RNA-sequencing data from the PCPG cohort in the GEO dataset as our training set and validated our findings using the TCGA dataset and an additional clinical cohort. WGCNA and LASSO were utilized to identify hub genes and develop risk prediction models. The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, MCPCOUNTER, and ESTIMATE algorithm calculated the relationship between amino acid metabolism and immune cell infiltration in PCPG. The TIDE algorithm predicted the immunotherapy efficacy for PCPG patients. The analysis identified 292 genes with differential expression, which are involved in amino acid metabolism and immune pathways. Six genes (DDC, SYT11, GCLM, PSMB7, TYRO3, AGMAT) were identified as crucial for the risk prediction model. Patients with a high-risk profile demonstrated reduced immune infiltration but potentially higher benefits from immunotherapy. Notably, DDC and SYT11 showed strong diagnostic and prognostic potential. Validation through quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction and immunohistochemistry confirmed their differential expression, underscoring their significance in PCPG diagnosis and in predicting immunotherapy response. This study's integration of amino acid metabolism-related genes into a risk prediction model offers critical clinical insights for PCPG risk stratification, potential immunotherapy responses, drug development, and treatment planning, marking a significant step forward in the management of this complex condition.

Bioactive Components of Areca Nut: An Overview of Their Positive Impacts Targeting Different Organs

Areca catechu L. is a widely cultivated tropical crop in Southeast Asia, and its fruit, areca nut, has been consumed as a traditional Chinese medicinal material for more than 10,000 years, although it has recently attracted widespread attention due to potential hazards. Areca nut holds a significant position in traditional medicine in many areas and ranks first among the four southern medicines in China. Numerous bioactive compounds have been identified in areca nuts, including alkaloids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, which exhibit diverse bioactive functions, such as anti-bacterial, deworming, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, they also display beneficial impacts targeting the nervous, digestive, and endocrine systems. This review summarizes the pharmacological functions and underlying mechanisms of the bioactive ingredients in areca nut. This helps to ascertain the beneficial components of areca nut, discover its medicinal potential, and guide the utilization of the areca nut.

The 2023 Report on the Proteome from the HUPO Human Proteome Project

Since 2010, the Human Proteome Project (HPP), the flagship initiative of the Human Proteome Organization (HUPO), has pursued two goals: (1) to credibly identify the protein parts list and (2) to make proteomics an integral part of multiomics studies of human health and disease. The HPP relies on international collaboration, data sharing, standardized reanalysis of MS data sets by PeptideAtlas and MassIVE-KB using HPP Guidelines for quality assurance, integration and curation of MS and non-MS protein data by neXtProt, plus extensive use of antibody profiling carried out by the Human Protein Atlas. According to the neXtProt release 2023-04-18, protein expression has now been credibly detected (PE1) for 18,397 of the 19,778 neXtProt predicted proteins coded in the human genome (93%). Of these PE1 proteins, 17,453 were detected with mass spectrometry (MS) in accordance with HPP Guidelines and 944 by a variety of non-MS methods. The number of neXtProt PE2, PE3, and PE4 missing proteins now stands at 1381. Achieving the unambiguous identification of 93% of predicted proteins encoded from across all chromosomes represents remarkable experimental progress on the Human Proteome parts list. Meanwhile, there are several categories of predicted proteins that have proved resistant to detection regardless of protein-based methods used. Additionally there are some PE1-4 proteins that probably should be reclassified to PE5, specifically 21 LINC entries and ∼30 HERV entries; these are being addressed in the present year. Applying proteomics in a wide array of biological and clinical studies ensures integration with other omics platforms as reported by the Biology and Disease-driven HPP teams and the antibody and pathology resource pillars. Current progress has positioned the HPP to transition to its Grand Challenge Project focused on determining the primary function(s) of every protein itself and in networks and pathways within the context of human health and disease.

Chitosan-loaded piperlongumine nanoparticles and kaempferol enhance the anti-cancer action of doxorubicin in targeting of Ehrlich solid adenocarcinoma: in vivo and in silico modeling study

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic drug that generates free radical-induced toxicities. Natural agents are used to potentiate or ameliorate the toxicity of chemotherapy. None of the studies investigating whether antioxidants or prooxidants should be used with chemotherapy have addressed their efficacy in the same study. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential synergy between doxorubicin and two natural rarely in vivo studied anticancer agents; the antioxidant "Kaempferol" and prooxidant "Piperlongumine" in Ehrlich tumor mice model. 77 albino mice were divided into 11 groups; Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells were injected intramuscularly to develop solid tumors. After 14 days, intratumoral injections of single or combinations of free or Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin, Piperlongumine, and Kaempferol were performed. Tumor Characterization of nanoparticles was measured, tumors were histopathologically examined and evaluation of expression for cancer-related genes by real-time PCR. In silico molecular docking was performed to uncover potential novel targets for Piperlongumine and Kaempferol. Despite receiving half of the overall dose compared to the free drugs, the combined doxorubicin/ piperlongumine-chitosan nanoparticles treatment was the most efficient in reducing tumor volume; down-regulating Cyclin D1, and BCL2; as well as the Beclin-1, and Cyclophilin A genes modulating growth, apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis, respectively; up-regulating the Glutathione peroxidase expression as a defense mechanism protecting from oxidative damage. When combined with doxorubicin, Kaempferol and Piperlongumine were effective against Ehrlich solid tumors. However, the combination with the Piperlongumine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles significantly enhanced its anticancer effect compared to the Kaempferol or the same free compounds.

The amount of antioxidants in honey has a strong relationship with the plants selected by honey bees

As one of the main sources of natural antioxidants, flowering plants play a role in the prevention and treatment of many diseases directly and indirectly. Honey is considered as an important nutrient in the supply of natural antioxidants, the amount of which is directly dependent on the plant origin and geographical location of the bee feeding place. The existence of valuable communities of native and endemic plant species has turned Alborz, Zagros and Azerbaijan into the most important hubs of honey production in Iran. In this study, we collected samples of honey from more than 90 regions in Alborz, Zagros and Azerbaijan during the years 2020 to 2021. We evaluated the samples using melissopalynology method and measuring the amount of antioxidant activity. The rise of antioxidant activity in honey is dependent on the abundance of some plant families as well botanical origins. The abundance of plant families Rosaceae, Amaranthaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae showed a higher influence on the amount of antioxidants in honey than other plant families. Also, the abundance of plant families Rosaceae and Fabaceae increased with increasing altitude. In general, the amount of antioxidant activity of honey samples shows a different percentage under the influence of ecological and geographical changes.

Vikil 20 Suppresses the Proliferation of Prostate Cancer (PC-3) Cells and Quenches Free Radicals In Vitro

Vikil 20 is an herbal formula produced in Ghana and is widely marketed as a product to boost immunity as well as for general well-being. However, the pharmacological effect of this herbal preparation has not been proven scientifically. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the antioxidative as well as the anti-prostate cancer effects of the product. To assess the antioxidative effect of Vikil 20, the DPPH and ABTS activities were investigated. The total phenolic content was investigated using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The cytotoxic effect of Vikil 20 against prostate cancer (PC-3) cells as well as normal (RAW 264.7) cells was investigated using the MTT assay whereas its anti-metastatic effect was analyzed using the cell migration assay. The effect of Vikil 20 on cell adhesion was analyzed via the cell adhesion assay whereas its effect on TNF-α secretion was investigated using a TNF-α detection kit. Vikil 20 demonstrated significant antioxidant effects by suppressing 57.61% and 92.88% respectively of DPPH and ABTS radicals at 1000 µg/mL with total phenolic contents of 140.45 mg GAE/g. Vikil 20 suppressed the proliferation of PC-3 cells by reducing the number of viable cells to 49.5% while sparing the RAW, 264.7 cells. Further, Vikil 20 significantly suppressed both cellular migration and adhesion of prostate cancer cells. Finally, suppression of cellular migration and adhesion is associated with a reduction in TNF-α secretion by PC-3 cells. Taken together, Vikil 20 was found to possess significant antioxidant and anti-prostate cancer effects in vitro.

Bioactive substances of cyanobacteria and microalgae: Sources, metabolism, and anticancer mechanism insights

Cyanobacteria and microalgae contain various phytochemicals, including bioactive components in the form of secondary metabolites, namely flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and tannins, with remarkable anticancer effects. This review highlights the recent advances in bioactive compounds, with potential anticancer activity, produced by cyanobacteria and microalgae. Previous in vitro investigations showed that many of these bioactive compounds exhibit potent effects against different human cancer types, such as leukemia and breast cancers. Multiple mechanisms implicated in the antitumor effect of these compounds were elucidated, including their ability to target cellular, subcellular, and molecular checkpoints linked to cancer development and promotion. Recent findings have highlighted various mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds produced by cyanobacteria and microalgae, including induction of autophagy and apoptosis, inhibition of telomerase and protein kinases, as well as modulation of epigenetic modifications. In vivo investigations have demonstrated a potent anti-angiogenesis effect on solid tumors, as well as a reduction in tumor volume. Some of these compounds were examined in clinical investigations for certain types of cancers, making them potent candidates/scaffolds for antitumor drug development.

Predominant factors influencing reactive oxygen species in cancer stem cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its related signaling pathways and regulating molecules play a major role in the growth and development of cancer stem cells. The concept of ROS and cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been gaining much attention since the past decade and the evidence show that these CSCs possess robust self-renewal and tumorigenic potential and are resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy and believed to be responsible for tumor progression, metastasis, and recurrence. It seems reasonable to say that cancer can be cured only if the CSCs are eradicated. ROS are Janus-faced molecules that can regulate cellular physiology as well as induce cytotoxicity, depending on the magnitude, duration, and site of generation. Unlike normal cancer cells, CSCs expel ROS efficiently by upregulating ROS scavengers. This unique redox regulation in CSCs protects them from ROS-mediated cell death and nullifies the effect of radiation, leading to chemoresistance and radioresistance. However, how these CSCs control ROS production by scavenging free radicals and how they maintain low levels of ROS is a challenging to understand and these attributes make CSCs as prime therapeutic targets. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of redox regulation in CSCs, with a focus on therapy resistance, its various pathways and microRNAs regulation, and the potential therapeutic implications of manipulating the ROS levels to eradicate CSCs. A better understanding of these molecules, their interactions in the CSCs may help us to adopt proper control and treatment measures.

Dual role of PRDX1 in redox-regulation and tumorigenesis: Past and future

Tumour cells often display an active metabolic profile, leading to the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species. As a member of the peroxidase family, peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) functions generally in protecting against cell damage caused by H2O2. Additionally, PRDX1 plays a role as a molecular chaperone in various malignant tumours, exhibiting either tumour-promoting or tumour-suppressing effects. Currently, PRDX1-targeting drugs have demonstrated in vitro anticancer effects, indicating the potential of PRDX1 as a molecular target. Here we discussed the diverse functions of PRDX1 in tumour biology and provided a comprehensive analysis of the therapeutic potential of targeting PRDX1 signalling across various types of cancer.

Bioactive Properties of Tagetes erecta Edible Flowers: Polyphenol and Antioxidant Characterization and Therapeutic Activity against Ovarian Tumoral Cells and Caenorhabditis elegans Tauopathy

Tagetes erecta is an edible flower deeply rooted in traditional Mexican culture. It holds a central role in the most popular and iconic Mexican celebration, "the Day of the Dead". Furthermore, it is currently receiving interest as a potential therapeutic agent, motivated mainly by its polyphenol content. The present study aims to evaluate the biological activity of an extract synthesized from the petals of the edible flower T. erecta. This extract showed significant antioxidant scores measured by the most common in vitro methodologies (FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH), with values of 1475.3 μM trolox/g extr, 1950.3 μM trolox/g extr, and 977.7 μM trolox/g extr, respectively. In addition, up to 36 individual polyphenols were identified by chromatography. Regarding the biomedical aspects of the petal extract, it exhibited antitumoral activity against ovarian carcinoma cells evaluated by the MTS assay, revealing a lower value of IC50 compared to other flower extracts. For example, the extract from T. erecta reported an IC50 value half as low as an extract from Rosa × hybrida and six times lower than another extract from Tulbaghia violacea. This antitumoral effect of T. erecta arises from the induction of the apoptotic process; thus, incubating ovarian carcinoma cells with the petal extract increased the rate of apoptotic cells measured by flow cytometry. Moreover, the extract also demonstrated efficacy as a therapeutic agent against tauopathy, a feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the Caenorhabditis elegans experimental model. Treating worms with the experimental extract prevented disfunction in several motility parameters such as wavelength and swimming speed. Furthermore, the T. erecta petal extract prevented the release of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are associated with the progression of AD. Thus, treatment with the extract resulted in an approximate 20% reduction in ROS production. These findings suggest that these petals could serve as a suitable source of polyphenols for biomedical applications.

Oxidative Stress and Redox-Dependent Pathways in Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary liver tumor that accounts for 2% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide yearly. It can arise from cholangiocytes of biliary tracts, peribiliary glands, and possibly from progenitor cells or even hepatocytes. CCA is characterized by high chemoresistance, aggressiveness, and poor prognosis. Potentially curative surgical therapy is restricted to a small number of patients with early-stage disease (up to 35%). Accumulating evidence indicates that CCA is an oxidative stress-driven carcinoma resulting from chronic inflammation. Oxidative stress, due to enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and/or decreased antioxidants, has been recently suggested as a key factor in cholangiocyte oncogenesis through gene expression alterations and molecular damage. However, due to different experimental models and conditions, contradictory results regarding oxidative stress in cholangiocarcinoma have been reported. The role of ROS and antioxidants in cancer is controversial due to their context-dependent ability to stimulate tumorigenesis and support cancer cell proliferation or promote cell death. On these bases, the present narrative review is focused on illustrating the role of oxidative stress in cholangiocarcinoma and the main ROS-driven intracellular pathways. Heterogeneous data about antioxidant effects on cancer development are also discussed.

Exploring the redox potential induced by low-intensity focused ultrasound on tumor masses

Cancer is still a major health problem worldwide despite huge efforts being spent on its biomedical research. Beyond the mainstream therapeutic interventions (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy), further significant progresses in anticancer therapy could rely on the development of novel treatment paradigms. To this end, one emerging approach consists in the use of non-thermal low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) for conditioning cancer molecules and/or cancer-targeted compounds, thereby leading to cancer cell death with least side-effects. Cellular redox homeostasis manifested as the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during energy metabolism as well as the antioxidant capacity is interwoven to the composition, size and anatomical location of the tumor masses. The higher content of "oxide free radicals" in cancers makes them vulnerable to disruption of redox homeostasis than in the healthy cells and therefore, one of the best options for preferentially eradicating them is increasing their oxidative stress, excessively. A little is known about the modulation of cellular redox homeostasis by LIFU, and so it will be of great interest and utility to understand the effects of LIFU on the energy metabolism of cancer cells. This review is intended to improve our knowledge on the effect of LIFU on cancer cells with particular reference to its redox metabolism for ultrasound-based therapies. Thereby, it could pave the way for exploring novel methodologies and designing combined anti-cancer therapies, especially, for faster and safer eradication of drug resistant and metastasizing solid tumors.

Manganese-Based Redox Homeostasis Disruptor for Inducing Intense Ferroptosis/Apoptosis Through xCT Inhibition And Oxidative Stress Injury

Intracellular redox homeostasis plays an important role in promoting tumor progression, development and even treatment resistance. To this end, redox balance impairment may become a prospective therapeutic target of cancer. Herein, a manganese-based homeostasis modulator (MHS) is developed for inducing severe reactive oxygen species accumulation and glutathione (GSH) deprivation, where such redox dyshomeostasis brings about dramatic ferroptosis/apoptosis. Tumor-specific degradation of manganese oxide nanocarriers contributes to hypoxia alleviation and loaded cargo release, resulting in apoptosis by augmented sonodynamic therapy and chemodynamic therapy. On the other hand, regional oxygenation significantly downregulates the expression of activating transcription factor 4, which can synergize with the released sulfasalazine to inhibit the downstream cystine antiporter xCT. Biosynthesis of GSH is sufficiently interrupted by the xCT suppression, leading to the reduction of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) level. The resultant excessive lipid peroxides promote intense ferroptosis to motivate cell death. On this basis, splendid treatment outcome by MHS is substantiated both in vitro and in vivo, thanks to the synergy of antitumor immunity elicitation. Taken together, this paradigm provides an insightful strategy to evoke drastic ferroptosis/apoptosis toward therapeutics and may also expand the eligibility of manganese-derived nanoagents for medical applications.

Wild-Grown Romanian Helleborus purpurascens Approach to Novel Chitosan Phyto-Nanocarriers-Metabolite Profile and Antioxidant Properties

The current nanomedicinal approach combines medicinal plants and nanotechnology to create new scaffolds with enhanced bioavailability, biodistribution and controlled release. In an innovative approach to herb encapsulation in nanosized chitosan matrices, wild-grown Romanian Helleborus purpurascens was used to prepare two new chitosan nanocarriers. The first carrier preparation involved the nanoencapsulation of hellebore in chitosan. The second carrier emerged from two distinct stages: hellebore-AgNPs phyto-carrier system succeeded by nanoencapsulation in chitosan. The morphostructural characteristics and thermal behavior of these newly prepared nanocarriers were examined using FT-IR, XRD, DLS, SEM, EDS and thermogravimetric analyses. In addition, the encapsulation yield, encapsulation efficiency and encapsulation contents were investigated. The antioxidant activity was estimated using four in vitro, noncompetitive methods: total phenolic assay; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay; phosphomolybdate (i.e., total antioxidant capacity); and iron(III)-phenanthroline antioxidant assay. Moreover, this study reports the first low-molecular-weight metabolite profile of wild-grown Romanian Helleborus purpurascens Waldst. & Kit. A total of one hundred and five secondary metabolites were identified in the mass spectra (MS)-positive mode from fourteen secondary metabolite categories (alkaloids, butenolides, bufadienolides, phytoecdysteroids, amino acids and peptides, terpenoids, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sterols, glycosides, carbohydrates, nucleosides and miscellaneous). The collective results suggest the potential application is a promising new antioxidant vehicle candidate in tumor therapeutic strategy.

Reactive oxygen species, toxicity, oxidative stress, and antioxidants: chronic diseases and aging

A physiological level of oxygen/nitrogen free radicals and non-radical reactive species (collectively known as ROS/RNS) is termed oxidative eustress or "good stress" and is characterized by low to mild levels of oxidants involved in the regulation of various biochemical transformations such as carboxylation, hydroxylation, peroxidation, or modulation of signal transduction pathways such as Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, phosphoinositide-3-kinase, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and other processes. Increased levels of ROS/RNS, generated from both endogenous (mitochondria, NADPH oxidases) and/or exogenous sources (radiation, certain drugs, foods, cigarette smoking, pollution) result in a harmful condition termed oxidative stress ("bad stress"). Although it is widely accepted, that many chronic diseases are multifactorial in origin, they share oxidative stress as a common denominator. Here we review the importance of oxidative stress and the mechanisms through which oxidative stress contributes to the pathological states of an organism. Attention is focused on the chemistry of ROS and RNS (e.g. superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, peroxyl radicals, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite), and their role in oxidative damage of DNA, proteins, and membrane lipids. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of oxidative stress biomarkers is also discussed. Oxidative stress contributes to the pathology of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurological disorders (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, Down syndrome), psychiatric diseases (depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), renal disease, lung disease (chronic pulmonary obstruction, lung cancer), and aging. The concerted action of antioxidants to ameliorate the harmful effect of oxidative stress is achieved by antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutases-SODs, catalase, glutathione peroxidase-GPx), and small molecular weight antioxidants (vitamins C and E, flavonoids, carotenoids, melatonin, ergothioneine, and others). Perhaps one of the most effective low molecular weight antioxidants is vitamin E, the first line of defense against the peroxidation of lipids. A promising approach appears to be the use of certain antioxidants (e.g. flavonoids), showing weak prooxidant properties that may boost cellular antioxidant systems and thus act as preventive anticancer agents. Redox metal-based enzyme mimetic compounds as potential pharmaceutical interventions and sirtuins as promising therapeutic targets for age-related diseases and anti-aging strategies are discussed.

Characterization of the effect of pomegranate crude extract, and its post-harvesting preservation procedures, on redox tone, cellular growth and metabolic profile of MDA-MB-231 cell line

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate is known for its beneficial properties due to its high content in antioxidants and might constitute a natural option for preventing and treatment of different pathologies including cancer. Since mitochondria are involved in tumorigenesis through ROS production and modulation of oxidative metabolism, we investigated the biological effects of pomegranate on cellular redox state, proliferation and metabolism in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 (MDA).

METHODS

MDA were treated for 24 h with graded concentration of filtered Pomegranate juice (PJ) and tested for metabolic Flux Analysis with XFe96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer, for proliferation using the xCELLigence System Real-Time Cell Analyzer and for intracellular ROS content by Confocal Microscopy Imaging.

RESULTS

Cells-treatment with freshly prepared pomegranate juice (PJ) resulted in a significant reduction of the intracellular ROS content already at the lower concentration of PJ tested. Additionally, it enhanced mitochondria respiration, and decreased glycolysis at high concentrations, inhibiting at the same time cell proliferation. As pomegranate is a seasonal fruit, assessment of optimum storage conditions preserving its bio-active properties was investigated. Our results indicated that storage conditions under controlled atmosphere for 30 days was able to enhance mitochondrial respiration at the same extent than freshly extracted PJ. Conversely, freezing procedure, though retaining the antioxidant and cell-growth inhibitory property, elicited an opposite effect on the metabolic profile as compared with fresh extract.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results of our study, on the one hand, confirms the preventive/therapeutic potential of PJ, as well as of its post-harvested processing, for cancer management. On the other hand, it highlights the intrinsic difficulties in attaining mechanistic insights when a multiplicity of effects is elicited by a crude mixture of bio-active compounds.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Effects of Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. Flower Extracts

Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. flowers (OF-F) have been traditionally consumed as a functional food and utilized as folk medicine. This study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of OF-F extracts on prostate cancer cells (DU-145) and determined possible protein-ligand interactions of its compounds in silico. The crude OF-F extracts-water (W) and ethanol (E) were tested for phytochemical screening, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer. Network and molecular docking analyses of chemical markers were executed to establish their application for anticancer drug development. OF-F-E possessed higher total polyphenols (233.360 ± 3.613 g/kg) and tannin (93.350 ± 1.003 g/kg) contents than OF-F-W. In addition, OF-F-E extract demonstrated effective DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.173 ± 0.004 kg/L) and contained a high FRAP value (830.620 ± 6.843 g Trolox/kg). In cell culture experiments, OF-F-E significantly reduced NO levels and inhibited cell proliferation of RAW-264.7 and DU-145 cell lines, respectively. Network analysis revealed O. fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. metabolites could affect thirteen molecular functions and thirteen biological processes in four cellular components. These metabolites inhibited key proteins of DU-145 prostate cancer using molecular docking with rutin owning the highest binding affinity with PIKR31 and AR. Hence, this study offered a new rationale for O. fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. metabolites as a medicinal herb for anticancer drug development.

In vitro antioxidant and anticancer activities of Smilax corbularia extract combined with Phellinus linteus extract against breast cancer cell lines

Treatment with extracts from whole herbs has been reported to synergistically enhance the anticancer activities of therapeutic agents in recent studies. The present study evaluated the antioxidant and anticancer activities of Smilax corbularia Kunth (S. corbularia) and Phellinus linteus (P. linteus) crude extracts individually and in combination. S. corbularia was extracted using ethanol, whereas P. linteus was extracted using hot water. Both crude extracts underwent physiochemical characterization. Subsequently, the possible antioxidant activities of both crude extracts, individually and in combination, were evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Their effects on breast cancer cell cytotoxicity, proliferation and apoptosis were then assessed. The crude S. corbularia extract obtained was found to have a high level of total phenolic content, whilst the crude P. linteus extract had high levels of total polysaccharide content. The total phenolic content and total polysaccharide content results of the combinations depended on the respective ratios of the individual extracts. S. corbularia alone and combination 3 (which contained 75% S. corbularia: 25% P. linteus) demonstrated the greatest radical scavenging activity, followed by combination 1 (50% S. corbularia: 50% P. linteus), combination 2 (25% S. corbularia: 75% P. linteus) and P. linteus. The toxicity results of the extract samples on the cancer cells corresponded with their antioxidant activity. In particular, certain combinations demonstrated clearer inhibitory effects on cell proliferation against three types of breast cancer cells compared with those exerted by the two individual extracts. However, induction of apoptosis was limited, with the degree of apoptosis observed to be #x003C;5%. These findings suggested that treatment with combinations of these two extracts could confer enhanced antioxidant and antiproliferative effects on breast cancer cells. Therefore, the potential of these two extracts in combination as anticancer agents warrants further investigation.

Innovative Delivery and Release Systems for Antioxidants and Other Active Substances in the Treatment of Cancer

Cancer is one of the major diseases leading to death worldwide, and the fight against the disease is still challenging. Cancer diseases are usually associated with increased oxidative stress and the accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as a result of metabolic alterations or signaling aberrations. While numerous antioxidants exhibit potential therapeutic properties, their clinical efficiency against cancer is limited and even unproven. Conventional anticancer antioxidants and drugs have, among others, the great disadvantage of low bioavailability, poor targeting efficiency, and serious side effects, constraining their use in the fight against diseases. Here, we review the rationale for and recent advances in potential delivery systems that could eventually be employed in clinical research on antioxidant therapy in cancer. We also review some of the various strategies aimed at enhancing the solubility of poorly water-soluble active drugs, including engineered delivery systems such as lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic formulations. The use of cyclodextrins, micro- and nanoemulsions, and thermosensitive smart liposomes as useful systems for the delivery and release of poorly aqueous-soluble drugs, improving their bioactivity and stability, is also addressed. We also provide some details on their formulation processes and their use in a variety of medical applications. Finally, we briefly cover a case study specifically focused on the use of delivery systems to minimize oral cancer and associated dental problems.

Chitosan-Based Nano Systems for Natural Antioxidants in Breast Cancer Therapy

Breast cancer is a major cause of death globally, accounting for around 13% of all deaths. Chemotherapy, the common treatment for cancer, can have side effects that lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increase in oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants are important for maintaining the health of cells and helping the immune system function properly. They play a crucial role in balancing the body's internal environment. Using natural antioxidants is an alternative to mitigate the harmful effects of oxidative stress. However, around 80% of natural antioxidants have limited effectiveness when taken orally because they do not dissolve well in water or other solvents. This poor solubility affects their ability to be absorbed by the body and limits their bioavailability. One strategy that has been considered is to increase their water solubility to increase their oral bioavailability. Chitosan-based nanoparticle (CSNP) systems have been extensively explored due to their reliability and simpler synthesis routes. This review focuses on the various methods of chitosan-based nanoformulation for developing effective oral dosage forms for natural antioxidants based on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties. Chitosan (CS) could be a model, because of its wide use in polymeric NPs research, thus providing a better understanding of the role of vehicles that carry natural antioxidants in maintaining the stability and enhancing the performance of cancer drugs.

Peptide G-Protein-Coupled Receptors and ErbB Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in Cancer

The ErbB RTKs (EGFR, HER2, HER3, and HER4) have been well-studied in cancer. EGFR, HER2, and HER3 stimulate cancer proliferation, principally by activating the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways, resulting in increased cancer cell survival and proliferation. Cancer cells have high densities of the EGFR, HER2, and HER3 causing phosphorylation of tyrosine amino acids on protein substrates and tyrosine amino acids near the C-terminal of the RTKs. After transforming growth factor (TGF) α binds to the EGFR, homodimers or EGFR heterodimers form. HER2 forms heterodimers with the EGFR, HER3, and HER4. The EGFR, HER2, and HER3 are overexpressed in lung cancer patient tumors, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), such as Herceptin against HER2, are used to treat breast cancer patients. Patients with EGFR mutations are treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as gefitinib or osimertinib. Peptide GPCRs, such as NTSR1, are present in many cancers, and neurotensin (NTS) stimulates the growth of cancer cells. Lung cancer proliferation is impaired by SR48692, an NTSR1 antagonist. SR48692 is synergistic with gefitinib at inhibiting lung cancer growth. Adding NTS to lung cancer cells increases the shedding of TGFα, which activates the EGFR, or neuregulin-1, which activates HER3. The transactivation process is impaired by SRC, matrix metalloprotease, and reactive oxygen species inhibitors. While the transactivation process is complicated, it is fast and occurs within minutes after adding NTS to cancer cells. This review emphasizes the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and SR48692 to impair transactivation and cancer growth.

The Peptide Salamandrin-I Modulates Components Involved in Pyroptosis and Induces Cell Death in Human Leukemia Cell Line HL-60

Amphibian secretions have been extensively investigated for the production of bioactive molecules. Salamandrin-I is an antioxidant peptide, isolated from the skin secretion of the fire salamander, that has induced no toxicity in microglia or erythrocytes. Importantly, the administration of antioxidants may constitute an adequate therapeutic approach to cancer treatment. Here, with the purpose of better characterizing the therapeutic potential of salamandrin-I, we investigated whether this antioxidant peptide also exerts anticancer activity, using the human leukemia cell line HL-60 as a cancer model. Salamandrin-I treatment induced a significant reduction in HL-60 proliferation, which was accompanied by cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the peptide-induced cell death showed a significant increase in the LDH release in HL-60 cells. The cellular toxicity exerted by salamandrin-I is possibly related to pyroptosis, since the HL-60 cells showed loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and hyperexpression of inflammasome components following the peptide treatment. This is the first demonstration of the anticancer potential of the salamandrin-I peptide. Such results are important, as they offer relevant insights into the field of cancer therapy and allow the design of future bioactive molecules using salamandrin-I as a template.

Potential Antitumor Effect of α-Mangostin against Rat Mammary Gland Tumors Induced by LA7 Cells

In this study, the chemotherapeutic effect of α-mangostin (AM) was assessed in rats injected with LA7 cells. Rats received AM orally at 30 and 60 mg/kg twice a week for 4 weeks. Cancer biomarkers such as CEA and CA 15-3 were significantly lower in AM-treated rats. Histopathological evaluations showed that AM protects the rat mammary gland from the carcinogenic effects of LA7 cells. Interestingly, AM decreased lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant enzymes when compared to the control. Immunohistochemistry results of the untreated rats showed abundant PCNA and fewer p53-positive cells than AM-treated rats. Using the TUNEL test, AM-treated animals had higher apoptotic cell numbers than those untreated. This report revealed that that AM lessened oxidative stress, suppressed proliferation, and minimized LA7-induced mammary carcinogenesis. Therefore, the current study suggests that AM has significant potential for breast cancer treatment.

Romanian Wild-Growing Armoracia rusticana L.-Untargeted Low-Molecular Metabolomic Approach to a Potential Antitumoral Phyto-Carrier System Based on Kaolinite

Horseradish is a globally well-known and appreciated medicinal and aromatic plant. The health benefits of this plant have been appreciated in traditional European medicine since ancient times. Various studies have investigated the remarkable phytotherapeutic properties of horseradish and its aromatic profile. However, relatively few studies have been conducted on Romanian horseradish, and they mainly refer to the ethnomedicinal or dietary uses of the plant. This study reports the first complete low-molecular-weight metabolite profile of Romanian wild-grown horseradish. A total of ninety metabolites were identified in mass spectra (MS)-positive mode from nine secondary metabolite categories (glucosilates, fatty acids, isothiocyanates, amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, and miscellaneous). In addition, the biological activity of each class of phytoconstituents was discussed. Furthermore, the development of a simple target phyto-carrier system that collectively exploits the bioactive properties of horseradish and kaolinite is reported. An extensive characterization (FT-IR, XRD, DLS, SEM, EDS, and zeta potential) was performed to investigate the morpho-structural properties of this new phyto-carrier system. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using a combination of three in vitro, non-competitive methods (total phenolic assay, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, and phosphomolybdate (total antioxidant capacity)). The antioxidant assessment indicated the stronger antioxidant properties of the new phyto-carrier system compared with its components (horseradish and kaolinite). The collective results are relevant to the theoretical development of novel antioxidant agent fields with potential applications on antitumoral therapeutic platforms.

Oxidative Stress Inducers in Cancer Therapy: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are metabolic byproducts that regulate various cellular processes. However, at high levels, ROS induce oxidative stress, which in turn can trigger cell death. Cancer cells alter the redox homeostasis to facilitate protumorigenic processes; however, this leaves them vulnerable to further increases in ROS levels. This paradox has been exploited as a cancer therapeutic strategy with the use of pro-oxidative drugs. Many chemotherapeutic drugs presently in clinical use, such as cisplatin and doxorubicin, induce ROS as one of their mechanisms of action. Further, various drugs, including phytochemicals and small molecules, that are presently being investigated in preclinical and clinical studies attribute their anticancer activity to ROS induction. Consistently, this review aims to highlight selected pro-oxidative drugs whose anticancer potential has been characterized with specific focus on phytochemicals, mechanisms of ROS induction, and anticancer effects downstream of ROS induction.

Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) Channel as a Sensor of Oxidative Stress in Cancer Cells

Moderate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), fuel tumor metastasis and invasion in a variety of cancer types. Conversely, excessive ROS levels can impair tumor growth and metastasis by triggering cancer cell death. In order to cope with the oxidative stress imposed by the tumor microenvironment, malignant cells exploit a sophisticated network of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Targeting the antioxidant capacity of cancer cells or enhancing their sensitivity to ROS-dependent cell death represent a promising strategy for alternative anticancer treatments. Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a redox-sensitive non-selective cation channel that mediates extracellular Ca²⁺ entry upon an increase in intracellular ROS levels. The ensuing increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration can in turn engage a non-canonical antioxidant defense program or induce mitochondrial Ca²⁺ dysfunction and apoptotic cell death depending on the cancer type. Herein, we sought to describe the opposing effects of ROS-dependent TRPA1 activation on cancer cell fate and propose the pharmacological manipulation of TRPA1 as an alternative therapeutic strategy to enhance cancer cell sensitivity to oxidative stress.

Role of Antioxidant Vitamins and Other Micronutrients on Regulations of Specific Genes and Signaling Pathways in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer

Cancer is an escalating global issue, with 19.3 million new cases and 9.9 million deaths in 2020. Therefore, effective approaches to prevent cancer are urgently required. Diet plays a significant role in determining cancer risk. Nutrients and food bioactives influence specific signaling pathways in the body. Recently, there have been significant advances in cancer prevention research through nutrigenomics or with the effects of dietary components on the genome. Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases were used to search for peer-reviewed articles between 2017 and 2023. Criteria used were vitamins, minerals, tumors, cancer, genes, inflammation, signaling pathways, and nutrigenomics. Among the total of 1857 articles available, the highest relevant 90 articles that specifically discussed signaling pathways and genes on cancer cell lines and human cancer patients were selected and reviewed. Food sources are rich in antioxidant micronutrients, which are effective in activating or regulating signaling pathways involved in pathogenesis and cancer therapy by activating enzymes such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase C (PKC), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). The micronutrients are involved in the regulation of β-catenin (WNT/β-catenin) including mutations in Kras and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) alongside inhibition of the NF-kB pathway. The most common mechanism of cancer prevention by these micronutrients is their antioxidative, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis effects. This review discusses how nutrigenomics is essential and beneficial for developing cancer prevention and treatment approaches.

Nuclear endonuclease G controls cell proliferation in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is characterized by a high degree of genetic heterogeneity. Platinum-based chemotherapy and some gene-targeted therapies have shown limited treatment efficacy due to toxicity and recurrence, and thus, it is essential to identify additional therapeutic targets based on an understanding of the pathological mechanism. Here, we report that endonuclease G, which exhibits altered expression in ovarian cancer, does not function as a cell death effector that digests chromosomal DNA in ovarian cancer. Endonuclease G is modulated by intracellular reactive oxygen species dynamics and plays a role in cell proliferation in ovarian cancer, suggesting that targeting endonuclease G alone or in combination with other antitumor agents may have the potential for development into a treatment for endonuclease G-overexpressing cancers, including ovarian cancer.

Multifactorial Diseases of the Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, and Liver and Incident Cancer: Epidemiology and Shared Mechanisms

Within the aging population, the frequency of cancer is increasing dramatically. In addition, multiple genetic and environmental factors lead to common multifactorial diseases, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the connection between cancer and multifactorial diseases, as well as how one can affect the other, resulting in a vicious cycle. Although the exact mechanistic explanations behind this remain to be fully explored, some progress has been made in uncovering the common pathologic mechanisms. In this review, we focus on the nature of the link between cancer and common multifactorial conditions, as well as specific shared mechanisms, some of which may represent either preventive or therapeutic targets. Rather than organ-specific interactions, we herein focus on the shared mechanisms among the multifactorial diseases, which may explain the increased cancer risk. More research on this subject will highlight the significance of developing new drugs that target multiple systems rather than just one disease.

Bridging the Chemical Profile and Biological Activities of a New Variety of Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze Extracts and Essential Oil

This study investigated the phytochemical content of alcoholic extracts and essential oil of a new variety of medicinal plants, Agastache foeniculum (Pursh), which Kuntze adapted for cultivation in Romania, namely “Aromat de Buzău”. The essential oil was investigated by GC-MS, while the identification and quantification of various compounds from alcoholic extracts were performed by HPLC-DAD. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were evaluated by using standard phytochemical methods. The antioxidant activities of ethanol, methanol extracts, and essential oil of the plant were also assessed against 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS•+), and by ferric reducing power (FRAP) using spectroscopic methods. Cyclic voltammetry was used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the essential oil. The concentrations of phenolic compounds were higher in methanolic extract compared to ethanolic extract. A significant correlation was found between total phenol and total flavonoid contents (r = 0.9087). Significant high correlations were also found between the total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activities of the extracts (r ≥ 0.8600, p < 0.05). In addition, the extracts and essential oil showed good antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities. Estragole was detected as the major constituent of the essential oil (94.89%). The cytotoxic activity of the essential oil was evaluated by the MTT assay. At lower concentrations (1 µg/mL) high cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells was observed but not on the non-tumoral dermal fibroblasts (HDF) which indicated selectivity for cancer cells and suggests the presence of biologically active components that contribute to the observed high cytotoxic effect. Findings from the present study offer new perspectives on the use of A. foeniculum as a potential source of bioactive compounds and a good candidate for pharmaceutical plant-based products.

GC-MS Analysis and Bioactivities of the Essential Oil of Suaeda aegyptiaca

Suaeda aegyptiaca is a halophytic plant widely growing in northeast Africa and Asia. The current study reports on the GC-MS analysis of S. aegyptiaca essential oil. The essential oil was prepared using three different methods: cold n-hexane extraction (CHE), hot n-hexane extraction (HHE), and hydro-distillation extraction (HDE). The GC-MS analysis detected twenty-eight compounds in both CHE (97.28%) and HHE (97.35%) and twenty compounds in HDE (98.65%). 2-methyloctacosane (48.72%); 11-decyldocosane (29.20%); and 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid diisooctyl ester (57.87%) were the main constituents in CHE, HHE, and HDE, respectively. Free radical scavenging activity testing using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) revealed the notable anti-oxidant potential of HDE (IC50 0.358 mg/mL) compared to ascorbic acid (IC50 0.264 mg/mL). Moreover, in vitro anti-inflammatory activity testing using COX-1 and COX-2 showed the notable activity of HDE (IC50 5.50 µg/mL and 2.59 µg/mL, respectively). The observed anti-inflammatory activity of HDE was further confirmed by the characteristic decrease in TNF-α levels in RAW264.7 to 572.20 Pg/mL compared to the decrease of 442.80 Pg/mL caused by the positive control (Celecoxib®). On the other hand, a cytotoxic activity investigation indicated that CHE was the most potent against the Caco-2 and HCT-116 cell lines (IC50 8.11 and 11.18 µg/mL, respectively), and it was closely followed by HHE (IC50 12.42 µg/mL) against the Caco-2 cell line. Collectively, S. aegyptiaca essential oil prepared by the hydro-distillation method exhibited notable anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, while the same essential oil prepared by solvent extraction methods displayed a characteristic cytotoxic activity against the Caco-2 and HCT-116 cell lines. These results confirmed that different extraction methods greatly influence the biological potential of an essential oil, which, in turn, is attributable to the different constituents in each extract Moreover, S. aegyptiaca was noted as a promising halophytic plant for more phytochemical and biological investigations.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Protects Airway Epithelial Cells during Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection against Mucin Synthesis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Response and Inhibits HSPA6 Expression

Objective. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is an important cause of hospitalization of children worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. RSV infection leads to increasing inflammatory and apoptosis events in the airway epithelium through mechanisms involving ROS generation. The antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) has been shown to inhibit influenza virus replication and to reduce the secretion of inflammatory and apoptotic mediators during virus infection. The study aims to investigate the effects of NAC on human bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B and HSPA6 expression during RSV infection. Methods. CCK-8 assays were performed to evaluate cell survival. The production of proinflammatory factors, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-18, and MUC5AC was examined by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA. Oxidative stress was determined by reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio. Immunoblotting analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its phosphorylation was performed. The antiviral effect of NAC was assessed by determining viral titers using plaque assay. Results. RSV infection reduced cell survival, promoted the release of proinflammatory factors, increased the ROS production and MDA concentration, and diminished the SOD activity and GSH/GSSG ratio, all which were attenuated by NAC treatment. Accordingly, NAC treatment inhibited the activation of EGFR and MUC5AC in BEAS-2B cells with RSV infection. Furthermore, NAC administration resulted in a marked decrease in RSV-induced HSPA6 expression in BEAS-2B cells. Concomitantly, EPB treatment led to an evident inhibition of RSV fusion gene and viral replication in RSV-infected BEAS-2B cells. Conclusion. This work supports the use of NAC to exert antimucin synthesis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects on airway epithelium during RSV infection.