Phytochemicals and Gastrointestinal Cancer: Cellular Mechanisms and Effects to Change Cancer Progression

Allicin attenuates the oxidative damage induced by Aflatoxin B1 in dairy cow hepatocytes via the Nrf2 signalling pathway

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known to inhibit growth, and inflict hepatic damage by interfering with protein synthesis. Allicin, has been acknowledged as an efficacious antioxidant capable of shielding the liver from oxidative harm. This study aimed to examine the damage caused by AFB1 on bovine hepatic cells and the protective role of allicin against AFB1-induced cytotoxicity. In this study, cells were pretreated with allicin before the addition of AFB1 for co-cultivation. Our findings indicate that AFB1 compromises cellular integrity, suppresses the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). In addition, allicin attenuates oxidative damage to bovine hepatic cells caused by AFB1 by promoting the expression of the Nrf2 pathway and reducing cell apoptosis. In conclusion, the results of this study will help advance clinical research and applications, providing new options and directions for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

The effect of ellagic acid on sex hormones and miRNA-21 expression in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome

PURPOSE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. The syndrome's etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and environmental factors. Given its diverse effects, managing PCOS requires a comprehensive approach.

METHODS

This study employed a Sprague-Dawley rat model to investigate the effects of ellagic acid on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Forty adult female rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group, a healthy group receiving ellagic acid (200 mg/kg), a PCOS group, and an ellagic acid + PCOS group. PCOS was induced in the relevant groups through subcutaneous injection of estradiol valerate (2 mg/kg), and ellagic acid was administered via subcutaneous injections for 14 days. Blood samples were collected for hormone analysis using the ELISA method, and ovarian tissues were processed for histological examination.

RESULT

Ellagic acid treatment showed reduced LH levels and restoration of follicular development, particularly primordial and graafian follicles, along with modulation of miRNA-21 expression. Moreover, ellagic acid exhibited positive effects on ovarian morphology, including decreased theca layer thickness, increased oocyte diameter, and improvements in antral and preovulatory follicles. This suggests ellagic acid's potential in addressing follicular development and oocyte quality in PCOS.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest ellagic acid as a potential complementary approach in PCOS management. While the study is promising, further research, including clinical trials, is required to elucidate ellagic acid's mechanisms and clinical efficacy in human PCOS subjects.

Efficacy and Safety of Asparagusic Acid against Echinococcus multilocularis In Vitro and in a Murine Infection Model

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) stands as a perilous zoonotic affliction caused by the larvae of Echinococcus multilocularis. There is an imperative need to explore novel therapeutic agents or lead compounds for the treatment of AE. Asparagusic acid, characterized by its low toxicity and possessing antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-parasitic attributes, emerges as a promising candidate. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo and in vitro efficacy of asparagusic acid against E. multilocularis. Morphological observations, scanning electron microscopy, ROS assays, mitochondrial membrane potential assays, and Western blot were used to evaluate the in vitro effects of asparagusic acid on protoscoleces. The effects of asparagusic acid on vesicles were assessed via PGI release, γ-GGT release, and transmission electron microscopy observations. CellTiter-Glo assays, Caspase3 activity assays, flow cytometry, and Western blot were used for an evaluation of the effect of asparaginic acid on the proliferation and apoptosis of germinal cells. The in vivo efficacy of asparagusic acid was evaluated in a murine AE model. Asparagusic acid exhibited a pronounced killing effect on the protoscoleces post-treatment. Following an intervention with asparagusic acid, there was an increase in ROS levels and a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential in the protoscolex. Moreover, asparagusic acid treatment resulted in the upregulation of PGI and γ-GGT release in metacestode vesicles, concomitant with the inhibition of germinal cell viability. Furthermore, asparagusic acid led to an enhanced relative expression of Caspase3 in the culture supernatant of both the protoscoleces and germinal cells, accompanied by an increase in the proportion of apoptotic germinal cells. Notably, asparagusic acid induced an augmentation in Bax and Caspase3 protein expression while reducing Bcl2 protein expression in both the protoscoleces and germinal cells. In vitro cytotoxicity assessments demonstrated the low toxicity of asparagusic acid towards normal human hepatocytes and HFF cells. Additionally, in vivo experiments revealed that asparagusic acid administration at doses of 10 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg significantly reduced metacestode wet weight. A histopathological analysis displayed the disruption of the germinal layer structure within lesions post-asparagusic acid treatment, alongside the preservation of laminated layer structures. Transmission electron microscopy further revealed mitochondrial swelling and heightened cell necrosis subsequent to the asparagusic acid treatment. Furthermore, asparagusic acid promoted Caspase3 and Bax protein expression while decreasing Bcl2 protein expression in perilesional tissues. Subsequently, it inhibited the expression of Ki67, MMP2, and MMP9 proteins in the perilesional tissues and curbed the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway within the lesion-host microenvironmental tissues. Asparagusic acid demonstrated a pronounced killing effect on E. multilocularis, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for the management of AE.

The Role of Phytonutrient Kaempferol in the Prevention of Gastrointestinal Cancers: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives

In recent years, kaempferol, a natural flavonoid present in various fruits and vegetables, has received significant attention in gastrointestinal cancer research due to its varied therapeutic effects. Kaempferol has been proven to alter several molecular mechanisms and pathways, such as the PI3/Akt, mTOR, and Erk/MAPK pathway involved in cancer progression, showing its inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and migration. Kaempferol is processed in the liver and small intestine, but limited bioavailability has been a major concern in the clinical implications of kaempferol. Nano formulations have been proven to enhance kaempferol's efficacy in cancer prevention. The synergy of nanotechnology and kaempferol has shown promising results in in vitro studies, highlighting the importance for more in vivo research and clinical trials to determine safety and efficacy. This review aims to focus on the role of kaempferol in various types of gastrointestinal cancer and how the combination of kaempferol with nanotechnology helps in improving therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment.

Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of Gastrointestinal Tumors

Gastrointestinal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide [...].

Human patient derived organoids: an emerging precision medicine model for gastrointestinal cancer research

Gastrointestinal cancers account for approximately one-third of the total global cancer incidence and mortality with a poor prognosis. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Most of these diseases lack effective treatment, occurring as a result of inappropriate models to develop safe and potent therapies. As a novel preclinical model, tumor patient-derived organoids (PDOs), can be established from patients' tumor tissue and cultured in the laboratory in 3D architectures. This 3D model can not only highly simulate and preserve key biological characteristics of the source tumor tissue in vitro but also reproduce the in vivo tumor microenvironment through co-culture. Our review provided an overview of the different in vitro models in current tumor research, the derivation of cells in PDO models, and the application of PDO model technology in gastrointestinal cancers, particularly the applications in combination with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, tumor microenvironment simulation, drug screening, drug development, and personalized medicine. It also elucidates the ethical status quo of organoid research and the current challenges encountered in clinical research, and offers a forward-looking assessment of the potential paths for clinical organoid research advancement.

Garlic-derived compounds: Epigenetic modulators and their antitumor effects

Cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease that poses a serious threat to human health worldwide. Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the prognosis and survival rate of cancer remain poor due to late diagnosis, drug resistance, and adverse reactions. Therefore, it is very necessary to study the development mechanism of cancer and formulate effective therapeutic interventions. As widely available bioactive substances, natural products have shown obvious anticancer potential, especially by targeting abnormal epigenetic changes. The main active part of garlic is organic sulfur compounds, of which diallyl trisulfide (DATS) content is the highest, accounting for more than 40% of the total composition. The garlic-derived compounds have been recognized as an antioxidant for cancer prevention and treatment. However, the molecular mechanism of the antitumor effect of garlic-derived compounds remains unclear. Recent studies have identified garlic-derived compound DATS that plays critical roles in enhancing CpG demethylation or promoting histone acetylation as an epigenetic inhibitor. Here, we review the therapeutic progress of garlic-derived compounds against cancer through epigenetic pathways.

Biomarker discovery and validation for gastrointestinal tumors: A comprehensive review of colorectal, gastric, and liver cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, encompassing gastric, hepatic, colonic, and rectal cancers, are prevalent forms of cancer globally and contribute substantially to cancer-related mortality. Although there have been improvements in methods for diagnosing and treating GI cancers, the chances of survival for these types of cancers are still extremely low. According to the World Cancer Research International Fund's most recent figures, stomach cancer was responsible for roughly one million deaths worldwide in 2020. This emphasizes the importance of developing more effective tools for detecting, diagnosing, and predicting the outcome of these cancers at an early stage. Biomarkers, quantitative indications of biological processes or disease states, have emerged as promising techniques for enhancing the diagnosis and prognosis of GI malignancies. Recently, there has been a considerable endeavor to discover and authenticate biomarkers for various GI cancers by the utilization of diverse methodologies, including genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. This review provides a thorough examination of the current state of biomarker research in the field of gastrointestinal malignancies, with a specific emphasis on colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers. A thorough literature search was performed on prominent databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to find pertinent papers published until November, 2023 for the purpose of compiling this review. The diverse categories of biomarkers, encompassing genetic, epigenetic, and protein-based biomarkers, and their potential utility in the fields of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection, are explored. Recent progress in identifying and confirming biomarkers, as well as the obstacles that persist in employing biomarkers in clinical settings are emphasized. The utilization of biomarkers in GI cancers has significant potential in enhancing patient outcomes. Ongoing research is expected to uncover more efficient biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of these cancers.

Pectolinarigenin regulates the tumor-associated proteins in AGS-xenograft BALB/c nude mice

BACKGROUND

Pectolinarigenin (PEC) is a flavone extracted from Cirsium, and because it has anti-inflammatory properties, anti-cancer research is also being conducted. The objective of this work was to find out if PEC is involved in tumor control and which pathways it regulates in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

AGS cell lines were xenografted into BALB/c nude mice to create tumors, and PEC was administered intraperitoneally to see if it was involved in tumor control. Once animal testing was completed, tumor proteins were isolated and identified using LC-MS analysis, and gene ontology of the found proteins was performed.

RESULTS

Body weight and hematological measurements on the xenograft mice model demonstrated that PEC was not harmful to non-cancerous cells. We found 582 proteins in tumor tissue linked to biological reactions such as carcinogenesis and cell death signaling. PEC regulated 6 out of 582 proteins in vivo and in vitro in the same way.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that PEC therapy may inhibit tumor development in gastric cancer (GC), and proteomic research gives fundamental information about proteins that may have great promise as new therapeutic targets in GC.

Phytochemicals in regulating PD-1/PD-L1 and immune checkpoint blockade therapy

Clinical treatment and preclinical studies have highlighted the role of immune checkpoint blockade in cancer treatment. Research has been devoted to developing immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with other drugs to achieve better efficacy or reduce adverse effects. Phytochemicals sourced from vegetables and fruits have demonstrated antiproliferative, proapoptotic, anti-migratory, and antiangiogenic effects against several cancers. Phytochemicals also modulate the tumor microenvironment such as T cells, regulatory T cells, and cytokines. Recently, several phytochemicals have been reported to modulate immune checkpoint proteins in in vivo or in vitro models. Phytochemicals decreased programmed cell death ligand-1 expression and synergized programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody to suppress tumor growth. Combined administration of phytochemicals and PD-1 monoclonal antibody enhanced the tumor growth inhibition as well as CD4+ /CD8+ T-cell infiltration. In this review, we discuss immune checkpoint molecules as potential therapeutic targets of cancers. We further assess the impact of phytochemicals including carotenoids, polyphenols, saponins, and organosulfur compounds on cancer PD-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 immune checkpoint molecules and document their combination effects with immune checkpoint inhibitors on various malignancies.

Metabolic Patterns of High-Invasive and Low-Invasive Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Using Quantitative Metabolomics and 13C-Glucose Tracing

Most current metabolomics studies of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are mainly focused on identifying potential biomarkers for early screening and diagnosis, while few studies have investigated the metabolic profiles promoting metastasis. In this study, we aimed to explore the altered metabolic pathways associated with metastasis of OSCC. Here, we identified four OSCC cell models (CAL27, HN6, HSC-3, SAS) that possess different invasive heterogeneity via the transwell invasion assay and divided them into high-invasive (HN6, SAS) and low-invasive (CAL27, HSC-3) cells. Quantitative analysis and stable isotope tracing using [U-13C6] glucose were performed to detect the altered metabolites in high-invasive OSCC cells, low-invasive OSCC cells and normal human oral keratinocytes (HOK). The metabolic changes in the high-invasive and low-invasive cells included elevated glycolysis, increased fatty acid metabolism and an impaired TCA cycle compared with HOK. Moreover, pathway analysis demonstrated significant differences in fatty acid biosynthesis; arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism; and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism between the high-invasive and low-invasive cells. Furthermore, the high-invasive cells displayed a significant increase in the percentages of 13C-glycine, 13C-palmitate, 13C-stearic acid, 13C-oleic acid, 13C-AA and estimated FADS1/2 activities compared with the low-invasive cells. Overall, this exploratory study suggested that the metabolic differences related to the metastatic phenotypes of OSCC cells were concentrated in glycine metabolism, de novo fatty acid synthesis and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism, providing a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic alterations and a basis for studying related molecular mechanisms in metastatic OSCC cells.

Effect of physical activity on incidence and mortality in patients with gastric cancer: evidence from real-world studies

PURPOSE

Physical activity (PA) has been suggested to reduce the risk of cancer. However, previous studies have been inconsistent regarding the relationship between PA and the risk of developing gastric cancer (GC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of PA on the incidence and mortality risk of GC through a meta-analysis, as well as investigate potential dose-response relationships.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in 10 electronic databases and 4 registries. The combined relative risks (RRs) were calculated using a random-effects model with 95% confidence interval (CIs) to assess the effect of PA on the risk of GC. Relevant subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The results showed that PA correlated with lower incidence of GC (RR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77-0.90), decreased risk of GC mortality (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.66-0.89). The results of the subgroup analysis showed that PA was associated with reduced incidence of GC across gender, different regions, study designs, different sites of GC and different types of PA. A linear relationship was found for frequency of PA.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis found that PA was associated with a reduced risk of GC incidence and mortality. The correlation between PA and GC occurrence was in a dose-response relationship.

Phytochemical-Based Nanomedicine for Targeting Tumor Microenvironment and Inhibiting Cancer Chemoresistance: Recent Advances and Pharmacological Insights

Cancer remains the leading cause of death and rapidly evolving disease worldwide. The understanding of disease pathophysiology has improved through advanced research investigation, and several therapeutic strategies are being used for better cancer treatment. However, the increase in cancer relapse and metastatic-related deaths indicate that available therapies and clinically approved chemotherapy drugs are not sufficient to combat cancer. Further, the constant crosstalk between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for the development, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic response to tumors. In this regard, phytochemicals with multimodal targeting abilities can be used as an alternative to current cancer therapy by inhibiting cancer survival pathways or modulating TME. However, due to their poor pharmacokinetics and low bioavailability, the success of phytochemicals in clinical trials is limited. Therefore, developing phytochemical-based nanomedicine or phytonanomedicine can improve the pharmacokinetic profile of these phytochemicals. Herein, the molecular characteristics and pharmacological insights of the proposed phytonanomedicine in cancer therapy targeting tumor tissue and altering the characteristics of cancer stem cells, chemoresistance, TME, and cancer immunity are well discussed. Further, we have highlighted the clinical perspective and challenges of phytonanomedicine in filling the gap in potential cancer therapeutics using various nanoplatforms. Overall, we have discussed how clinical success and pharmacological insights could make it more beneficial to boost the concept of nanomedicine in the academic and pharmaceutical fields to counter cancer metastases and drug resistance.

Review of Phytochemical Potency as a Natural Anti-Helicobacter pylori and Neuroprotective Agent

Phytochemicals are plant secondary metabolites that show health benefits for humans due to their bioactivity. There is a huge variety of phytochemicals that have already been identified, and these compounds can act as antimicrobial and neuroprotection agents. Due to their anti-microbial activity and neuroprotection, several phytochemicals might have the potency to be used as natural therapeutic agents, especially for Helicobacter pylori infection and neurodegenerative disease, which have become a global health concern nowadays. According to previous research, there are some connections between H. pylori infection and neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease. Hence, this comprehensive review examines different kinds of phytochemicals from natural sources as potential therapeutic agents to reduce H. pylori infection and improve neurodegenerative disease. An additional large-scale study is needed to establish the connection between H. pylori infection and neurodegenerative disease and how phytochemicals could improve this condition.

Mechanistic inhibition of gastric cancer-associated bacteria Helicobacter pylori by selected phytocompounds: A new cutting-edge computational approach

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a persistent bacterial inhabitant in the stomachs of approximately half the global populace. This bacterium is directly linked to chronic gastritis, leading to a heightened risk of duodenal and gastric ulcer diseases, and is the predominant risk factor for gastric cancer - the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance necessitates the exploration of innovative treatment alternatives to mitigate the H. pylori menace.

Methods

Initiating our study, we curated a list of thirty phytochemicals based on previous literature and subjected them to molecular docking studies. Subsequently, eight phytocompounds-Glabridin, Isoliquiritin, Sanguinarine, Liquiritin, Glycyrrhetic acid, Beta-carotin, Diosgenin, and Sarsasapogenin-were meticulously chosen based on superior binding scores. These were further subjected to an extensive computational analysis encompassing ADMET profiling, drug-likeness evaluation, principal component analysis (PCA), and molecular dynamic simulations (MDs) in comparison with the conventional drug, Mitomycin.

Results

The natural compounds investigated demonstrated superior docking affinities to H. pylori targets compared to the standard Mitomycin. Notably, the phytocompounds Diosgenin and Sarsasapogenin stood out due to their exceptional binding affinities and pharmacokinetic properties, including favorable ADMET profiles.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive and technologically-advanced approach showcases the potential of identified phytocompounds as pioneering therapeutic agents against H. pylori-induced gastric malignancies. In light of our promising in silico results, we recommend these natural compounds as potential candidates for advancing H. pylori-targeted drug development. Given their potential, we strongly advocate for subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies to validate their therapeutic efficacy against this formidable gastrointestinal bacterium.

Sweeteners and the Gut Microbiome: Effects on Gastrointestinal Cancers

Worldwide, the demand for natural and synthetic sweeteners in the food industry as an alternative to refined sugar is increasing. This has prompted more research to be conducted to estimate its safety and effects on health. The gut microbiome is critical in metabolizing selected sweeteners which might affect overall health. Recently, more studies have evaluated the relationship between sweeteners and the gut microbiome. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the role played by the gut microbiome in metabolizing selected sweeteners. It also addresses the influence of the five selected sweeteners and their metabolites on GI cancer-related pathways. Overall, the observed positive effects of sweetener consumption on GI cancer pathways, such as apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, require further investigation in order to understand the underlying mechanism.

Natural products target glycolysis in liver disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in the occurrence and development of different liver diseases. Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) dysfunction and production of reactive oxygen species are closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction, forcing glycolysis to become the main source of energy metabolism of liver cells. Moreover, glycolysis is also enhanced to varying degrees in different liver diseases, especially in liver cancer. Therefore, targeting the glycolytic signaling pathway provides a new strategy for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis associated with liver cancer. Natural products regulate many steps of glycolysis, and targeting glycolysis with natural products is a promising cancer treatment. In this review, we have mainly illustrated the relationship between glycolysis and liver disease, natural products can work by targeting key enzymes in glycolysis and their associated proteins, so understanding how natural products regulate glycolysis can help clarify the therapeutic mechanisms these drugs use to inhibit liver disease.

Herniarin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: promising molecular mechanism and therapeutic potential against pancreatic cancer line

BACKGROUND

The notion of cancer therapy is intrinsically subjected to multiple challenges due to the drug resistance and drug toxicity for normal tissues. Herniarin (7-methoxycoumarin) belongs to the naturally occurring aromatic phytochemicals and coumarins. Considering the boosting effect of nanocarriers in drug delivery, we investigated the proapoptotic, anti-metastatic properties, and molecular mechanism of herniarin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles on human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), human pancreatic carcinoma (Panc-1), and normal human skin fibroblast (HFF) cell lines.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The cytotoxicity of synthesized nanoparticle have been tested using MTT assay. The obtained results manifested that concentration of herniarin that exerts 50% cell growth inhibition (IC50) against HT-29, AGS, and Panc-1 was calculated 138.34, 123.46, and 83.744 µL, respectively. Given that nanoparticles showed lowest IC50 values on Panc-1 cell line, these cells were selected for further analysis. The apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest were examined performing real-time PCR, flow cytometry, and DAPI/acridine orange-propidium iodide staining. The expression of apoptosis-related genes, including BCL-2, was decreased, while the expression of CASP9, CASP8, and CASP3 was increased in response to the treatment. Moreover, the expression of metastasis-related gene (MMP2) was significantly suppressed under Her-SLN-NPs treatment. According to the flow cytometry findings, we observed no cell cycle arrest at any stage.

CONCLUSION

Our funding manifested herniarin encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles has potent therapeutic target against Panc-1 cell line.

Biological and pharmacological aspects of tannins and potential biotechnological applications

Secondary metabolites are divided into three classes: phenolic, terpenoid, and nitrogenous compounds. Phenolic compounds are also known as polyphenols and include tannins, classified as hydrolysable or condensed. Herein, we explored tannins for their ROS reduction characteristics and role in homeostasis. These activities are associated with the numbers and degree of polymerisation of reactive hydroxyl groups present in the phenolic rings of tannins. These characteristics are associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-proliferative health benefits. Tannins can reduce the risk of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's, respectively. These biomolecules may be used as nutraceuticals to maintain good gut microbiota. Industrial applications include providing durability to leather, anti-corrosive properties to metals, and substrates for 3D printing and in bio-based foam manufacture. This review updates regarding tannin-based research and highlights its biological and pharmacological relevance and potential applications.

The Protective Role of Cranberries and Blueberries in Oral Cancer

BACKGROUND

Oral cancer has a high prevalence worldwide, and this disease is caused by genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. The main risk factors associated with oral cancer are smoking and alcohol.

RESULTS

There are various strategies to reduce risk factors, including prevention programs as well as the consumption of an adequate diet that includes phytochemical compounds derived from cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon A.) and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.); these compounds exhibit antitumor properties.

RESULTS

The main outcome of this review is as follows: the properties of phytochemicals derived from cranberries were evaluated for protection against risk factors associated with oral cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The secondary metabolites of cranberries promote biological effects that provide protection against smoking and alcoholism. An alternative for the prevention of oral cancer can be the consumption of these cranberries and blueberries.

Chemopreventive Effect of Cooked Chickpea on Colon Carcinogenesis Evolution in AOM/DSS-Induced Balb/c Mice

Chickpeas are one of the most widely consumed legumes worldwide and they might prevent diseases such as cancer. Therefore, this study evaluates the chemopreventive effect of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) on the evolution of colon carcinogenesis induced with azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in a mice model at 1, 7, and 14 weeks after induction. Accordingly, the expression of biomarkers-such as argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNOR), cell proliferation nuclear antigen (PCNA), β-catenin, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-was assessed in the colon of BALB/c mice fed diets supplemented with 10 and 20% cooked chickpea (CC). The results showed that a 20% CC diet significantly reduced tumors and biomarkers of proliferation and inflammation in AOM/DSS-induced colon cancer mice. Moreover, body weight loss decreased and the disease activity index (DAI) was lower than the positive control. Lastly, tumor reduction was more evident at week 7 in the groups fed a 20% CC diet. In conclusion, both diets (10% and 20% CC) exert a chemopreventive effect.

Novel Effect of p-Coumaric Acid on Hepatic Lipolysis: Inhibition of Hepatic Lipid-Droplets

p-coumaric acid (p-CA), a common plant phenolic acid with multiple bioactivities, has a lipid-lowering effect. As a dietary polyphenol, its low toxicity, with the advantages of prophylactic and long-term administration, makes it a potential drug for prophylaxis and the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanism by which it regulates lipid metabolism is still unclear. In this study, we studied the effect of p-CA on the down-regulation of accumulated lipids in vivo and in vitro. p-CA increased a number of lipase expressions, including hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) and hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL), as well as the expression of genes related to fatty acid oxidation, including long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1), by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, and γ (PPARα and γ). Furthermore, p-CA promoted adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and enhanced the expression of the mammalian suppressor of Sec4 (MSS4), a critical protein that can inhibit lipid droplet growth. Thus, p-CA can decrease lipid accumulation and inhibit lipid droplet fusion, which are correlated with the enhancement of liver lipases and genes related to fatty acid oxidation as an activator of PPARs. Therefore, p-CA is capable of regulating lipid metabolism and is a potential therapeutic drug or health care product for hyperlipidemia and fatty liver.

Mechanisms of Action of Fruit and Vegetable Phytochemicals in Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and its incidence is expected to increase by almost 80% by 2030. CRC apparition is related to poor diet, mainly due to low consumption of phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables. Hence, this paper reviews the most promising phytochemicals in the literature, presenting scientific evidence regarding potential CRC chemopreventive effects. Moreover, this paper reveals the structure and action of CRC mechanisms that these phytochemicals are involved in. The review reveals that vegetables rich in phytochemicals such as carrots and green leafy vegetables, as well as some fruits such as pineapple, citrus fruits, papaya, mango, and Cape gooseberry, that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties can promote a healthy colonic environment. Fruits and vegetables in the daily diet promote antitumor mechanisms by regulating cell signaling and/or proliferation pathways. Hence, daily consumption of these plant products is recommended to reduce the risk of CRC.

The Influence of Gut Microbial Species on Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with an alarming incidence rate and a considerable burden on the patient's life and health care providers. An increase in blood glucose level and insulin resistance characterizes it. Internal and external factors such as urbanization, obesity, and genetic mutations could increase the risk of DM. Microbes in the gut influence overall health through immunity and nutrition. Recently, more studies have been conducted to evaluate and estimate the role of the gut microbiome in diabetes development, progression, and management. This review summarizes the current knowledge addressing three main bacterial species: Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus and their influence on diabetes and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Most studies illustrate that using those bacterial species positively reduces blood glucose levels and activates inflammatory markers. Additionally, we reported the relationship between those bacterial species and metformin, one of the commonly used antidiabetic drugs. Overall, more research is needed to understand the influence of the gut microbiome on the development of diabetes. Furthermore, more efforts are required to standardize the model used, concentration ranges, and interpretation tools to advance the field further.

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins: An Updated Review of Their Natural Sources, Synthesis, and Potentials

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs), as a class of compounds widely found in plants, are particularly abundant in grapes and blueberries. It is a polymer comprising many different monomers, such as catechins and epicatechins. The monomers are usually linked to each other by two types of links, A-linkages (C-O-C) and B-linkages (C-C), to form the polymers. Numerous studies have shown that compared to high polymeric procyanidins, OPCs exhibit antioxidant properties due to the presence of multiple hydroxyl groups. This review describes the molecular structure and natural source of OPCs, their general synthesis pathway in plants, their antioxidant capacity, and potential applications, especially the anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, cardiovascular disease prevention, and antineoplastic functions. Currently, OPCs have attracted much attention, being non-toxic and natural antioxidants of plant origin that scavenge free radicals from the human body. This review would provide some references for further research on the biological functions of OPCs and their application in various fields.

Natural products in digestive tract tumors metabolism: Functional and application prospects

Digestive tract diseases are presently the hotspot of clinical diagnosis and treatment, and the incidence of digestive tract tumor is increasing annually. Surgery remains the main therapeutic schedule for digestive tract tumor. Though benefits were brought by neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a part of patients lose the chance of surgery because of late detection or inappropriate intervention. Therefore, the treatment of inoperable patients has become an urgent need. At the same time, tumor metabolism is an extremely complex and diverse process. Natural products are confirmed effective to inhibit the development of tumors in vitro and in vitro. There are many kinds of natural products and their functions remain not clear. However, some natural products such as polyphenols have been proven to have definite anti-cancer effects, and some terpenoids have definite anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-tumor, and other effects. Therefore, the anti-tumor characteristics of natural products should arouse our high attention. Although there are many obstacles to study the activities of natural products in tumor, including the difficulty in detection or distinguishing each component due to their low levels in tumor tissue, etc., the emergence of highly sensitive and locatable spatial metabolomics make the research and application of natural products a big step forward. In this review, natural products such as phenols, terpenoids and biotinoids were summarized to further discuss the development and therapeutic properties of natural metabolites on digestive tract tumors.

Interaction of polyelectrolyte-shell cubosomes with serum albumin for triggering drug release in gastrointestinal cancer

Nano-structured and functionalized materials for encapsulation, transport, targeting and controlled release of drugs are of high interest to overcome low bioavailability in oral administration. We develop lipid-based cubosomes, which are surface-functionalized with biocompatible chitosan-N-arginine and alginate, displaying internal liquid crystalline structures. Polyelectrolyte-shell (PS) cubosomes have pH-responsive characteristics profitable for oral delivery. The obtained PScubosomes can strongly interact with serum albumin, a protein which is released in the stomach under gastric cancer conditions. An effective thermodynamic PScubosome-protein interaction was characterized at pH 2.0 and 7.4 by isothermal titration calorimetry at 37 °C. A high increment of the albumin conformation transition temperature was evidenced by differential scanning calorimetry upon incubation with PScubosomes. The performed structural studies by synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) revealed essential alterations in the internal liquid crystalline topology of the nanocarriers including an Im3m to Pn3m transition and a reduction of the cubic lattice parameters. The PScubosome nanoparticle interaction with serum albumin, leading to inner structural changes in a range of temperatures, promoted the release of water from the cubosomal nanochannels. Altogether, the results revealed effective interactions of the PScubosomes with albumin under simulated gastrointestinal pH conditions and suggested promising nanocarrier characteristics for triggered oral drug release.

In Vitro Antitumor and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Allium-Derived Compounds Propyl Propane Thiosulfonate (PTSO) and Propyl Propane Thiosulfinate (PTS)

Increasing rates of cancer incidence and the side-effects of current chemotherapeutic treatments have led to the research on novel anticancer products based on dietary compounds. The use of Allium metabolites and extracts has been proposed to reduce the proliferation of tumor cells by several mechanisms. In this study, we have shown the in vitro anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effect of two onion-derived metabolites propyl propane thiosulfinate (PTS) and propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) on several human tumor lines (MCF-7, T-84, A-549, HT-29, Panc-1, Jurkat, PC-3, SW-837, and T1-73). We observed that this effect was related to their ability to induce apoptosis regulated by oxidative stress. In addition, both compounds were also able to reduce the levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-8, IL-6, and IL-17. Therefore, PTS and PTSO may have a promising role in cancer prevention and/or treatment.

PEGylated Lecithin-Chitosan-Folic Acid Nanoparticles as Nanocarriers of Allicin for In Vitro Controlled Release and Anticancer Effects

In this study, chitosan-lecithin nanoparticles modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and folic acid (FA) were used to deliver allicin (AC) to colon cancer cells. AC-loaded polyethylene glycol (PEG) and folic acid (FA)-modified chitosan-lecithin nanoparticles (AC-PLCF-NPs) were fabricated via self-assembling procedure. HPLC for AC encapsulation and FA binding, MTT for viability assay, ABTS and DPPH for antioxidant capacity, disc diffusion, MIC and MBC for antibacterial assay, qPCR and AO/PI staining for apoptotic, and CAM assay for angiogenesis effects of AC-PLCF-NPs were used. AC-PLCF-NPs (113.55 nm) were synthesized as single dispersed (PDI: 0.28) and stable (ZP: + 33.18 mV) with 81% AC encapsulation and 48% FA binding. The antioxidant power of AC-PLCF-NPs was confirmed by inhibiting free radicals ABTS (74.25 µg/mL) and DPPH (366.214 µg/mL) and its antibacterial capacity with very high inhibitory effects against gram-negative bacterial strains. MTT results showed higher toxicity of AC-PLCF-NPs (68.06 µg/mL) compared to AC (171.45 µg/mL). Increased expression of caspase 3 and 9 genes showed activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in treated cells, and on the other hand, reduction of vascular and embryonic growth factors in CAM model confirmed the anti-angiogenesis effects of AC-PLCF-NPs. AC-PLCF-NPs can be suggested as a promising therapeutic agent for studies in the field of colon cancer treatment.

Potential of plant extracts in targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease: an in vitro and in silico study

The deaths caused by the covid-19 pandemic have recently decreased due to a worldwide effort in vaccination campaigns. However, even vaccinated people can develop a severe form of the disease that requires ICU admission. As a result, the search for antiviral drugs to treat these severe cases has become a necessity. In this context, natural products are an interesting alternative to synthetic medicines used in drug repositioning, as they have been consumed for a long time through traditional medicine. Many natural compounds found in plant extracts have already been shown to be effective in treating viral and bacterial diseases, making them possible hits to exploit against covid-19. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antiviral activity of different plant extracts available in the library of natural products of the Universidade Estadual de Maringá, by inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), and by preventing viral infection in a cellular model. As a result, the extract of Cytinus hypocistis, obtained by ultrasound, showed a Mpro inhibition capacity greater than 90%. In the infection model assays using Vero cells, an inhibition of 99.6% was observed, with a selectivity index of 42.7. The in silico molecular docking simulations using the extract compounds against Mpro, suggested Tellimagrandin II as the component of C. hypocistis extract most likely to inhibit the viral enzyme. These results demonstrate the potential of C. hypocistis extract as a promising source of natural compounds with antiviral activity against covid-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Anticancer applications of phytochemicals in gastric cancer: Effects and molecular mechanism

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common malignant cancer and is a life-threatening disease worldwide. Phytochemicals have been shown to be a rational, safe, non-toxic, and very promising approach to the prevention and treatment of cancer. It has been found that phytochemicals have protective effects against GC through inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, suppressing cell invasion and migration, anti-angiogenesis, inhibit Helicobacter pylori infection, regulating the microenvironment. In recent years, the role of phytochemicals in the occurrence, development, drug resistance and prognosis of GC has attracted more and more attention. In order to better understand the relationship between phytochemicals and gastric cancer, we briefly summarize the roles and functions of phytochemicals in GC tumorigenesis, development and prognosis. This review will probably help guide the public to prevent the occurrence and development of GC through phytochemicals, and develop functional foods or drugs for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.

The mechanisms and roles of melatonin in gastrointestinal cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a global health problem with wide lesions and numerous cases. The increased morbidity and mortality of GI cancer is a socio-economic challenge for decades to come. Melatonin, a nature indolamine, exerts a crucial role in molecular interactions involved in multiple functional and physiological processes. Increasing evidence indicates that melatonin can modulate GI tract, decrease the occurrence of GI cancer, and enhance the sensitivity to chemoradiotherapy. However, little is known about the exact role of melatonin in anti-carcinogenesis. In this review, we discuss the action of the beneficial effects of melatonin in GI carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we compile the understanding of the role of melatonin in GI cancer, including esophageal cancer (EC), gastric cancer (GC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and pancreatic cancer (PC). In addition, the potential therapeutic application and clinical evaluation of melatonin in GI cancer are also discussed.

Flavonoids' Dual Benefits in Gastrointestinal Cancer and Diabetes: A Potential Treatment on the Horizon?

Diabetes and gastrointestinal cancers (GI) are global health conditions with a massive burden on patients' lives worldwide. The development of both conditions is influenced by several factors, such as diet, genetics, environment, and infection, which shows a potential link between them. Flavonoids are naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in fruits and vegetables. Once ingested, unabsorbed flavonoids reaching the colon undergo enzymatic modification by the gut microbiome to facilitate absorption and produce ring fission products. The metabolized flavonoids exert antidiabetic and anti-GI cancer properties, targeting major impaired pathways such as apoptosis and cellular proliferation in both conditions, suggesting the potentially dual effects of flavonoids on diabetes and GI cancers. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the impact of flavonoids on diabetes and GI cancers in four significant pathways. It also addresses the synergistic effects of selected flavonoids on both conditions. While this is an intriguing approach, more studies are required to better understand the mechanism of how flavonoids can influence the same impaired pathways with different outcomes depending on the disease.

Ellagic acid: insight into its protective effects in age-associated disorders

The disparity in the free radical generation and the production of antioxidants to counteract its effect is known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes damage to the macromolecules such as lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and DNA and RNA. The oxidative damage to the cellular components leads to a process of aging and various age-associated disorders. The literature survey for this review was done using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The papers showing the studies related to aging and age-associated disorders have been selected for reviewing this paper. Ellagic acid has been used as the keyword, and more emphasis has been put on papers from the last 10 years. However, some papers with significant studies prior to 10 years have also been considered. Almost 250 papers have been studied for reviewing this paper, and about 135 papers have been cited. Ellagic acid (EA) is present in high quantities in pomegranate and various types of berries. It is known to possess the antioxidant potential and protects from the harmful effects of free radicals. Various studies have shown its effect to protect cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, cancer, and diabetes. The present review focuses on the protective effect of ellagic acid in age-associated disorders. The effect of EA has been studied in various chronic disorders but the scope of this review is limited to cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. All the disease aspects have not been addressed in this particular review.

CLEFMA Induces the Apoptosis of Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells through the Regulation of the P38/HO-1 Signalling Pathway

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact and the underlying molecular mechanism of CLEFMA-induced cell death in human OSCC. The anti-tumour properties of CLEFMA in oral cancer were explored using colony formation, flow cytometry, human apoptosis array, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays. The in vivo anti-tumour effect of CLEFMA administered by oral gavage was evaluated using SCC-9-derived xenograft-bearing nude mouse models. CLEFMA significantly suppressed colony formation and elicited cellular apoptosis in oral cancer cells. CLEFMA treatment remarkably increased phosphorylated p38 and HO-1 along with cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase and activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3 in HSC-3 and SCC-9 cells. Administration of HO-1 small interfering RNA significantly protected the cells from CLEFMA-induced caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation. Attenuation of p38 activity by the pharmacologic inhibitor SB203580 dramatically reduced CLEFMA-induced caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation and HO-1 expression in OSCC. The subcutaneous murine xenograft models showed that CLEFMA in vivo suppressed tumour growth in implanted SCC-9 cells. All of these findings indicated that CLEFMA induced apoptosis through the p38-dependent rise in HO-1 signal transduction cascades in OSCC.

Effects of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) on factors related to metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to explore whether the supplement of sea buckthorn affects the factors related to metabolic syndrome. The related RCTs from five databases were systematically searched and comprehensively random effects model was used to calculate SMD and 95% CI. The Cochrane deviation risk tool was used to evaluate the deviation risk. Fifteen studies were involved in the meta-analysis. First, sea buckthorn supplementation reduced triglycerides [-0.722 (-1.129, -0.316); p < .001], total cholesterol [-0.345 (-0.639, -0.051); p = .021], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [-0.396 (-0.755, -0.037); p = .031], and increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol [0.370 (0.056, 0.684); p = .021] in overall subjects. Second, subgroup analysis showed that sea buckthorn supplementation reduced lipids only in people with abnormal lipid metabolism. Third, sea buckthorn had no effect on blood sugar, blood pressure, and BMI of the overall subjects. Sea buckthorn may affect the lipid metabolism in circulation, but it cannot affect blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI. These indicators are closely associated with metabolic syndrome. This study may contribute to the development and utilization of sea buckthorn, and may provide a new and safer way for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. The limitation of this study is high heterogeneity, even if subgroup analysis is used. However, more clinical studies are needed to determine the real effect of sea buckthorn on metabolic syndrome.

Cruciferous vegetables as a treasure of functional foods bioactive compounds: Targeting p53 family in gastrointestinal tract and associated cancers

In the past few years, phytochemicals from natural products have gotten the boundless praise in treating cancer. The promising role of cruciferous vegetables and active components contained in these vegetables, such as isothiocyanates, indole-3-carbinol, and isothiocyanates, has been widely researched in experimental in vitro and in vivo carcinogenesis models. The chemopreventive agents produced from the cruciferous vegetables were recurrently proven to affect carcinogenesis throughout the onset and developmental phases of cancer formation. Likewise, findings from clinical investigations and epidemiological research supported this statement. The anticancer activities of these functional foods bioactive compounds are closely related to their ability to upregulate p53 and its related target genes, e.g., p21. As the “guardian of the genome,” the p53 family (p53, p63, and p73) plays a pivotal role in preventing the cancer progression associated with DNA damage. This review discusses the functional foods bioactive compounds derived from several cruciferous vegetables and their use in altering the tumor-suppressive effect of p53 proteins. The association between the mutation of p53 and the incidence of gastrointestinal malignancies (gastric, small intestine, colon, liver, and pancreatic cancers) is also discussed. This review contains crucial information about the use of cruciferous vegetables in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract malignancies.

Carotenoids in Palliative Care—Is There Any Benefit from Carotenoid Supplementation in the Adjuvant Treatment of Cancer-Related Symptoms?

Carotenoids are organic, liposoluble pigments found in nature, which are responsible for the characteristic colors of ripe tomatoes, carrots, peppers, and crustaceans, among others. Palliative care provided to patients with an incurable disease is aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life through appropriate treatment of symptoms accompanying the disease. Palliative care patients with burdensome symptoms related to advanced-stage cancers are especially interested in the use of natural dietary supplements and herbal remedies to reduce symptoms’ intensity and ameliorate the quality of life. Carotenoids seem to be a group of natural compounds with particularly promising properties in relieving symptoms, mainly due to their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Moreover, carotenoids have been used in folk medicine to treat various diseases and alleviate the accompanying symptoms. In this narrative review, the authors decided to determine whether there is any scientific evidence supporting the rationale for carotenoid supplementation in advanced-stage cancer patients, with particular emphasis on the adjuvant treatment of cancer-related symptoms, such as neuropathic pain and cancer-related cachexia.

Effect of aqueous extract of seed of broccoli on inflammatory cytokines and Helicobacter pylori infection: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in patients without atrophic gastritis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of an aqueous extract of seed of broccoli (AESB) in Helicobacter pylori (HP)-infected patients without atrophic gastritis. This was a double-centre, randomized, double-blind, controlled study. A total of 110 HP-infected subjects were randomized to receive either AESB or placebo for 2 months. Inflammatory cytokine (IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, CRP, IL-17A, IL-1β, IL-18), pepsinogen I, II (PG I, PG II), and gastrin-17 (G-17) measurements and ¹³C-urea breath tests were performed at baseline and at 60 days. At 60 days, there was no significant difference in any of the inflammatory cytokines, pepsinogen or gastrin between the two groups. However, IL-8, IFN-γ, PG I, PG I/PG II ratio (PGR), and G-17 were reduced by 9.02 pg/mL, 5.08 pg/mL, 24.56 ng/mL, 1.75 and 0.3 pmol/L, respectively, in the AESB group compared with baseline (all P < 0.05). The HP eradication rates in the AESB group and placebo group were 11.11 and 3.70% at 60 days, respectively (P > 0.05). No treatment-related adverse events were reported. Thus, AESB may reduce the risk of gastric mucosal lesions and decrease the risk of gastric cancer by relieving inflammatory cytokines. The safety profile of AESB was satisfactory. This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (Registration No. ChiCTR2100054249).

Characterization of Inhibitory Capability on Hyperpolarization-Activated Cation Current Caused by Lutein (β,ε-Carotene-3,3′-Diol), a Dietary Xanthophyll Carotenoid

Lutein (β,ε-carotene-3,3′-diol), a xanthophyll carotenoid, is found in high concentrations in the macula of the human retina. It has been recognized to exert potential effectiveness in antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether and how its modifications on varying types of plasmalemmal ionic currents occur in electrically excitable cells remain incompletely answered. The current hypothesis is that lutein produces any direct adjustments on ionic currents (e.g., hyperpolarization-activated cation current, I_h [or funny current, I_f]). In the present study, GH₃-cell exposure to lutein resulted in a time-, state- and concentration-dependent reduction in I_h amplitude with an IC₅₀ value of 4.1 μM. There was a hyperpolarizing shift along the voltage axis in the steady-state activation curve of I_h in the presence of this compound, despite being void of changes in the gating charge of the curve. Under continued exposure to lutein (3 μM), further addition of oxaliplatin (10 μM) or ivabradine (3 μM) could be effective at either reversing or further decreasing lutein-induced suppression of hyperpolarization-evoked I_h, respectively. The voltage-dependent anti-clockwise hysteresis of I_h responding to long-lasting inverted isosceles-triangular ramp concentration-dependently became diminished by adding this compound. However, the addition of 10 μM lutein caused a mild but significant suppression in the amplitude of erg-mediated or A-type K⁺ currents. Under current-clamp potential recordings, the sag potential evoked by long-lasting hyperpolarizing current stimulus was reduced under cell exposure to lutein. Altogether, findings from the current observations enabled us to reflect that during cell exposure to lutein used at pharmacologically achievable concentrations, lutein-perturbed inhibition of I_h would be an ionic mechanism underlying its changes in membrane excitability.

Flavonoids from Selaginella doederleinii Hieron and Their Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities

Selaginella doederleinii Hieron. (S. doederleinii) is a traditional herb that is widely used in China to treat several ailments, but mainly cancer. Studies have been carried out to determine the phytochemicals ascribed to its pharmacological activity. However, both phytochemical and pharmacological profiles have not been fully explored as few compounds have been reported. This study evaluated the flavonoid content of the ethanol extract and its four fractions (petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) together with their antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays). Further, the antiproliferative activity was evaluated. Two new secondary metabolites (1 and 3) were isolated from S. doederleinii, which comprised of an apigenin skeleton with a phenyl attached at C-8 of ring A and an acetyl group. Additionally, other known metabolites 2 and 4–16 were isolated, whereby compounds 2, 4, 5, 8, 12, 15, and 16 were reported for the first time in this species. These compounds were evaluated for their antioxidative potentials by both DPPH and FRAP assays, and for their antiproliferative activities by the MTT assay on three human cancer cell lines: colon cancer (HT-29), cervical cancer (HeLa), and lung cancer (A549). Compound 7 exhibited the best activity on the three cancer cell lines (HT-29, HeLa, A549) by inhibiting the rate of growth of the cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values of 27.97, 35.47, and 20.71 µM, respectively. The structure–activity relationship of the pure compounds was highlighted in this study. Hence, the study enriched both the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of S. doederleinii.

Cruciferous Vegetable Intake and Bulky DNA Damage within Non-Smokers and Former Smokers in the Gen-Air Study (EPIC Cohort)

Epidemiologic studies have indicated that cruciferous vegetables can influence the cancer risk; therefore, we examined with a cross-sectional approach the correlation between the frequent consumption of the total cruciferous vegetables and the formation of bulky DNA damage, a biomarker of carcinogen exposure and cancer risk, in the Gen-Air study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. DNA damage measurements were performed in the peripheral blood of 696 of those apparently healthy without cancer controls, including 379 never-smokers and 317 former smokers from seven European countries by the 32P-postlabeling assay. In the Gen-Air controls, the median intake of cruciferous vegetables was 6.16 (IQR 1.16−13.66) g/day, ranging from 0.37 (IQR 0−6.00) g/day in Spain to 11.34 (IQR 6.02−16.07) g/day in the UK. Based on this information, participants were grouped into: (a) high consumers (>20 g/day), (b) medium consumers (3−20 g/day) and (c) low consumers (<3.0 g/day). Overall, low cruciferous vegetable intake was correlated with a greater frequency of bulky DNA lesions, including benzo(a)pyrene, lactone and quinone-adducts and bulky oxidative lesions, in the adjusted models. Conversely, a high versus low intake of cruciferous vegetables was associated with a reduction in DNA damage (up to a 23% change, p = 0.032); this was particularly evident in former smokers (up to a 40% change, p = 0.008). The Generalized Linear Regression models indicated an overall Mean Ratio between the high and the low consumers of 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.64−0.97). The current study suggests that a higher intake of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a lower level of bulky DNA adducts and supports the potential for cancer prevention strategies through dietary habit changes aimed at increasing the consumption of cruciferous vegetables.

Tissue-Protective Mechanisms of Bioactive Phytochemicals in Flap Surgery

Despite careful preoperative planning, surgical flaps are prone to ischemic tissue damage and ischemia–reperfusion injury. The resulting wound breakdown and flap necrosis increase both treatment costs and patient morbidity. Hence, there is a need for strategies to promote flap survival and prevent ischemia-induced tissue damage. Phytochemicals, defined as non-essential, bioactive, and plant-derived molecules, are attractive candidates for perioperative treatment as they have little to no side effects and are well tolerated by most patients. Furthermore, they have been shown to exert beneficial combinations of pro-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. This review provides an overview of bioactive phytochemicals that have been used to increase flap survival in preclinical animal models and discusses the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms.

Immunomodulation by Gut Microbiome on Gastrointestinal Cancers: Focusing on Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

A symbiotic relationship with the host gut microbiome influences the immune system’s development, functions, and activities. In the mucosa, the gut microbiome mediates several immune activities such as the induction of naïve T-cells differentiation, production of cytokines, and myeloid cells activation. The gut-immune interaction and GI cancer development were investigated more recently. Understanding the interaction’s underlying mechanism provides insight to use them as potential anti-cancer targets. Even though multiple reports support the role of gut-immune interactions in targeting cancer-related pathways such as inflammation, apoptosis, and cellular proliferation, efforts are required to assess their interaction and impact on current treatment options.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal cancer (GI) is a global health disease with a huge burden on a patient’s physical and psychological aspects of life and on health care providers. It is associated with multiple disease related challenges which can alter the patient’s quality of life and well-being. GI cancer development is influenced by multiple factors such as diet, infection, environment, and genetics. Although activating immune pathways and components during cancer is critical for the host’s survival, cancerous cells can target those pathways to escape and survive. As the gut microbiome influences the development and function of the immune system, research is conducted to investigate the gut microbiome–immune interactions, the underlying mechanisms, and how they reduce the risk of GI cancer. This review addresses and summarizes the current knowledge on the major immune cells and gut microbiome interactions. Additionally, it highlights the underlying mechanisms of immune dysregulation caused by gut microbiota on four major cancerous pathways, inflammation, cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Overall, gut-immune interactions might be a key to understanding GI cancer development, but further research is needed for more detailed clarification.

Luteolin Synergistically Enhances Antitumor Activity of Oxaliplatin in Colorectal Carcinoma via AMPK Inhibition

Luteolin is a naturally-occurring polyphenolic compound that is known to have antioxidative and antitumor activities in vitro. This study aimed to examine the in vivo anticancer efficacy of luteolin in conjunction with oxaliplatin treatment using a colorectal carcinoma xenograft mouse model. HCT116 human colorectal carcinoma cells were subcutaneously implanted into BALB/c nude mice, followed by the intraperitoneal administration of luteolin at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day with or without oxaliplatin at a dose of 10 mg/kg BW/day three times per week for a total of 3 weeks. The combined luteolin and oxaliplatin treatment resulted in the synergistic suppression of the growth of HCT116 xenograft tumors when compared to treatment with luteolin or oxaliplatin alone. In addition, the combined treatment significantly increased the expression of cleaved PARP and p53 in the xenograft tumors compared with the vehicle control, but only marginally affected the level of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). These results indicated that luteolin treatment retarded oxaliplatin-induced tumor growth by facilitating apoptotic cell death and inhibiting HO-1-mediated cytoprotection. Therefore, these findings suggest the synergistic potential of dietary luteolin in conjunction with conventional chemotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

A Comprehensive View on the Quercetin Impact on Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third type of cancer in incidence and second in mortality worldwide, with the newly diagnosed case number on the rise. Among the diagnosed patients, approximately 70% have no hereditary germ-line mutations or family history of pathology, thus being termed sporadic CRC. Diet and environmental factors are to date considered solely responsible for the development of sporadic CRC; therefore; attention should be directed towards the discovery of preventative actions to combat the CRC initiation, promotion, and progression. Quercetin is a polyphenolic flavonoid plant secondary metabolite with a well-characterized antioxidant activity. It has been extensively reported as an anti-carcinogenic agent in the scientific literature, and the modulated targets of quercetin have been also characterized in the context of CRC, mainly in original research publications. In this fairly comprehensive review, we summarize the molecular targets of quercetin reported to date in in vivo and in vitro CRC models, while also giving background information about the signal transduction pathways that it up- and downregulates. Among the most relevant modulated pathways, the Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, MAPK/Erk, JNK, or p38, p53, and NF-κB have been described. With this work, we hope to encourage further quests in the elucidation of quercetin anti-carcinogenic activity as single agent, as dietary component, or as pharmaconutrient delivered in the form of plant extracts.

Dietary Carotenoids in Head and Neck Cancer-Molecular and Clinical Implications

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers in the world according to GLOBCAN. In 2018, it was reported that HNC accounts for approximately 3% of all human cancers (51,540 new cases) and is the cause of nearly 1.5% of all cancer deaths (10,030 deaths). Despite great advances in treatment, HNC is indicated as a leading cause of death worldwide. In addition to having a positive impact on general health, a diet rich in carotenoids can regulate stages in the course of carcinogenesis; indeed, strong epidemiological associations exist between dietary carotenoids and HNS, and it is presumed that diets with carotenoids can even reduce cancer risk. They have also been proposed as potential chemotherapeutic agents and substances used in chemoprevention of HNC. The present review discusses the links between dietary carotenoids and HNC. It examines the prospective anticancer effect of dietary carotenoids against intracellular cell signalling and mechanisms, oxidative stress regulation, as well as their impact on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoprevention; it also provides an overview of the limited preclinical and clinical research published in this arena. Recent epidemiological, key opinion-forming systematic reviews, cross-sectional, longitudinal, prospective, and interventional studies based on in vitro and animal models of HNC also indicate that high carotenoid content obtained from daily supplementation has positive effects on the initiation, promotion, and progression of HNC. This article presents these results according to their increasing clinical credibility.

Anti-Cancer Pectins and Their Role in Colorectal Cancer Treatment

A class of plant polysaccharides, pectin is known to display several medicinal properties including in cancer. There is some evidence that pectin from some fruits can reduce the severity of colorectal cancer (CRC) due to its antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic and pro-apoptotic properties. Pectin fermentation in the colon induces antiproliferative activity via butyrate. Research also showed that pectin acts as a potent inducer of programmed cell death and cell-cycle arrest, thereby selectively targeting cancer cells. Pectin can limit oxidative stress to maintain cellular homeostasis while increasing reactive oxygen species damage to activate cancer cell death. Pectin regulates various signaling cascades, e.g., signal transduction and transcriptional activator and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, that contribute to its anticancer activity. By curbing inflammation-activated signaling and bolstering immune-protective mechanisms pectin can eradicate CRC. Due to its chemical structure, pectin can also inhibit galectin-3 and suppress tumor growth and metastasis. Prior reports also suggested that pectin is beneficial to use alongside the CRC standard care. Pectin can increase sensitivity to conventional CRC drugs, alleviate unwanted side effects and reduce drug resistance. Although some preclinical studies are promising, early clinical trials are showing some evidence for pectin's efficacy in tumor growth inhibition and preventing metastasis in some cancers; however, the clinical use of pectin in CRC therapy is not yet well established. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of pectin treatment as a valid clinical therapy for CRC in humans.

Dietary Intake of Soy Products, Vegetables, and Dairy Products and Gastric Cancer Survival according to Histological Subtype: a Long-term Prospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Owing to differences in the general characteristics of gastric cancer (GC) according to histological type, the association of GC risk factors, such as diet, may also differ depending on the histological type. We investigated the associations between individual and combined intake of soy products, vegetables, and dairy products and GC mortality by following up cases of death among Korean GC cases and whether these associations differ according to the histological type.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 508 GC cases were enrolled from two hospitals between 2002 and 2006. Their survival or death was prospectively followed up until December 31, 2016, through a review of medical records and telephonic surveys. Finally, 300 GC cases classified as intestinal- or diffuse-type GC cases were included. The median follow-up period was 7.1 years.

RESULTS

In the fully adjusted model, a high intake of soy products (hazard ratio [HR], 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19-0.96) and the combination of soy products and vegetables (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.12-0.96) or soy products and dairy products (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.14-0.98) decreased the mortality from intestinal-type GC. In particular, patients consuming various potentially protective foods (HR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06-0.83) showed a highly significant association with a lower mortality from intestinal-type GC. However, no significant association was found with diffuse-type GC.

CONCLUSIONS

High intake of potentially protective foods, including soy products, vegetables, and dairy products, may help increase survival in intestinal-type GC.

Treating Cancers Using Nature's Medicine: Significance and Challenges

There was a time when plant-derived natural formulations were the cornerstone of ancient therapeutic approaches for treating many illnesses [...].