Sulforaphane Potentiates Gemcitabine-Mediated Anti-Cancer Effects against Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma by Inhibiting HDAC Activity

The Effectiveness of Time in Treatment with Vitamin C and Broccoli Extract on Cadmium Poisoning in Mice: Histological Changes of Testicular Tissue and Cell Apoptotic Index

The growth rate of reproductive system disorders caused by heavy metals is undeniable. The effect of time and interfering compounds are also of paramount importance. The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of broccoli extract and vitamin C in the context of cadmium poisoning on various reproductive parameters in mice, with a specific focus on the influence of time. A total of one hundred and forty-four male mice were randomly assigned to six groups. The control (C) group received only water and a standard diet without any interventions. The Cd group received a single intraperitoneal dose of cadmium chloride at 1.5 mg/kg. The cadmium intervention groups were administered broccoli extract at dosages of 100 mg/kg (Cd + B100), 200 mg/kg (Cd + B200), and 300 mg/kg (Cd + B300), respectively. Additionally, the Cd + VC group was treated with cadmium and vitamin C at 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally for a duration of 28 days. At the end of each week (four stages), five animals were randomly chosen from each group. Epididymal sperm were subjected to analysis for sperm parameters, while testicular tissue sections were examined for histological studies, apoptosis index, and markers of oxidative stress. The influence of time on body and testis weight gain was notably significant in the Cd + B300 and Cd + VC groups (p = 0.001). In all groups, except for Cd + B100, there were marked increases in spermatogenic cell lines and the Johnson coefficient compared to the Cd group (p = 0.001). These changes were particularly pronounced in the Cd + VC and Cd + B300 groups with respect to time (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a discernible positive impact of time on sperm count in the high-dose broccoli and vitamin C groups, although this effect did not reach significance in terms of sperm motility and vitality. Over time, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes increased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in the Cd + VC, Cd + B200, and Cd + B300 groups (p = 0.001). The apoptosis index in testicular tissue reached its highest level in the Cd group and its lowest level in the Cd + B300 and Cd + VC groups during the fourth week (p < 0.05). Linolenic acid, indole, and sulforaphane were identified as the most potent compounds in broccoli during this intervention. Consequently, vitamin C and broccoli extract at a dosage of 300 mg/kg demonstrated significant enhancements in reproductive performance in cases of cadmium poisoning. Overall, the influence of time significantly amplified the process of spermatogenesis and sperm production, with no observable changes in sperm viability and motility.

Dietary isothiocyanates and anticancer agents: exploring synergism for improved cancer management

Human studies have shown the anticancer effects of dietary isothiocyanates (ITCs), but there are some inconsistencies, and more evidence supports that such anticancer effect is from higher doses of ITCs. The inconsistencies found in epidemiological studies may be due to many factors, including the biphasic dose-response (so called hormetic effect) of ITCs, which was found to be more profound under hypoxia conditions. In this comprehensive review, we aim to shed light on the intriguing synergistic interactions between dietary ITCs, focusing on sulforaphane (SFN) and various anticancer drugs. Our exploration is motivated by the potential of these combinations to enhance cancer management strategies. While the anticancer properties of ITCs have been recognized, our review delves deeper into understanding the mechanisms and emphasizing the significance of the hormetic effect of ITCs, characterized by lower doses stimulating both normal cells and cancer cells, whereas higher doses are toxic to cancer cells and inhibit their growth. We have examined a spectrum of studies unraveling the multifaceted interaction and combinational effects of ITCs with anticancer agents. Our analysis reveals the potential of these synergies to augment therapeutic efficacy, mitigate chemoresistance, and minimize toxic effects, thereby opening avenues for therapeutic innovation. The review will provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of action, for example, by spotlighting the pivotal role of Nrf2 and antioxidant enzymes in prevention. Finally, we glimpse ongoing research endeavors and contemplate future directions in this dynamic field. We believe that our work contributes valuable perspectives on nutrition and cancer and holds promise for developing novel and optimized therapeutic strategies.

Combination of Formononetin and Sulforaphane Natural Drug Repress the Proliferation of Cervical Cancer Cells via Impeding PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

Natural substances have been demonstrated to be an unrivalled source of anticancer drugs in the present era of pharmacological development. Plant-based substances, together with their derivatives through analogues, play a significant character in the treatment of cancer by altering the tumor microenvironment and several signaling pathways. In this study, it was investigated whether the natural drugs, formononetin (FN) and sulforaphane (SFN), when combined, assess the efficacy of inhibiting cervical cancer cell proliferation by impeding the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in HeLa cells. The cells were treated with the combination of FN and SFN (FN + SFN) in various concentrations (0-50 µM) for 24 h and then analyzed for various experiments. The combination of FN + SFN-mediated cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay. DCFH-DA staining was used to assess the ROS measurement, and apoptotic changes were studied by dual (AO/EtBr) staining assays. Protein expressions of cell survival, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis protein were evaluated by flow cytometry and western blotting. Results showed that the cytotoxicity of FN and SFN was determined to be around 23.7 µM and 26.92 µM, respectively. Combining FN and SFN causes considerable cytotoxicity in HeLa cells, with an IC50 of 21.6 µM after 24-h incubation. Additionally, HeLa cells treated with FN and SFN together showed increased apoptotic signals and considerable ROS generation. Consequently, by preventing the production of PI3K, AKT, and mToR-mediated regulation of proliferation and cell cycle-regulating proteins, the combined use of FN + SFN has been regarded as a chemotherapeutic medication. Further research will need to be done shortly to determine how effectively the co-treatment promotes apoptosis to employ them economically.

Sulforaphane Inhibits Adhesion and Migration of Cisplatin- and Gemcitabine-Resistant Bladder Cancer Cells In Vitro

Only 20% of patients with muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma respond to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Since the natural phytochemical sulforaphane (SFN) exhibits antitumor properties, its influence on the adhesive and migratory properties of cisplatin- and gemcitabine-sensitive and cisplatin- and gemcitabine-resistant RT4, RT112, T24, and TCCSUP bladder cancer cells was evaluated. Mechanisms behind the SFN influence were explored by assessing levels of the integrin adhesion receptors β1 (total and activated) and β4 and their functional relevance. To evaluate cell differentiation processes, E- and N-cadherin, vimentin and cytokeratin (CK) 8/18 expression were examined. SFN down-regulated bladder cancer cell adhesion with cell line and resistance-specific differences. Different responses to SFN were reflected in integrin expression that depended on the cell line and presence of resistance. Chemotactic movement of RT112, T24, and TCCSUP (RT4 did not migrate) was markedly blocked by SFN in both chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant cells. Integrin-blocking studies indicated β1 and β4 as chemotaxis regulators. N-cadherin was diminished by SFN, particularly in sensitive and resistant T24 and RT112 cells, whereas E-cadherin was increased in RT112 cells (not detectable in RT4 and TCCSup cells). Alterations in vimentin and CK8/18 were also apparent, though not the same in all cell lines. SFN exposure resulted in translocation of E-cadherin (RT112), N-cadherin (RT112, T24), and vimentin (T24). SFN down-regulated adhesion and migration in chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant bladder cancer cells by acting on integrin β1 and β4 expression and inducing the mesenchymal-epithelial translocation of cadherins and vimentin. SFN does, therefore, possess potential to improve bladder cancer therapy.

Harnessing Sulforaphane Potential as a Chemosensitizing Agent: A Comprehensive Review

Recent advances in oncological research have highlighted the potential of naturally derived compounds in cancer prevention and treatment. Notably, sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables including broccoli and cabbage, has exhibited potent chemosensitizing capabilities across diverse cancer types of bone, brain, breast, lung, skin, etc. Chemosensitization refers to the enhancement of cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy agents, counteracting the chemoresistance often developed by tumor cells. Mechanistically, SFN orchestrates this sensitization by modulating an array of cellular signaling pathways (e.g., Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin), and regulating the expression and activity of pivotal genes, proteins, and enzymes (e.g., p53, p21, survivin, Bcl-2, caspases). When combined with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, SFN synergistically inhibits cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis while potentiating drug-induced apoptosis. This positions SFN as a potential adjunct in cancer therapy to augment the efficacy of standard treatments. Ongoing preclinical and clinical investigations aim to further delineate the therapeutic potential of SFN in oncology. This review illuminates the multifaceted role of this phytochemical, emphasizing its potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anti-cancer agents, suggesting its prospective contributions to cancer chemosensitization and management.

Antineoplastic activity of plant-derived compounds mediated through inhibition of histone deacetylase: a review

In the combat of treating cancer recent therapeutic approaches are focused towards enzymatic targets as they occupy a pivotal participation in the cascade of oncogenesis and malignancy. There are several enzymes that modulate the epigenetic pathways and chromatin structure related to cancer mutation. Among several epigenetic mechanisms such as methylation, phosphorylation, and sumoylation, acetylation status of histones is crucial and is governed by counteracting enzymes like histone acetyl transferase (HAT) and histone deacetylases (HDAC) which have contradictory effects on the histone acetylation. HDAC inhibition induces chromatin relaxation which forms euchromatin and thereby initiates the expression of certain transcription factors attributed with apoptosis, which are mostly correlated with the expression of the p21 gene and acetylation of H3 and H4 histones. Most of the synthetic and natural HDAC inhibitors elicit antineoplastic effect through activation of various apoptotic pathways and promoting cell cycle arrest at various phases. Due to their promising chemo preventive action and low cytotoxicity against normal host cells, bioactive substances like flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenolic compounds from plants have recently gained importance. Even though all bioactive compounds mentioned have an HDAC inhibitory action, some of them have a direct effect and others enhance the effects of the standard well known HDAC inhibitors. In this review, the action of plant derived compounds against histone deacetylases in a variety of in vitro cancer cell lines and in vivo animal models are articulated.

The roles of epigenetic regulation in cholangiocarcinogenesis

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a heterogeneous malignancy of bile duct epithelial cells, is characterized by aggressiveness, difficult diagnosis, and poor prognosis due to limited understanding and lack of effective therapeutic strategies. Genetic and epigenetic alterations accumulated in CCA cells can cause the aberrant regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Epigenetic alterations with histone modification, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA modulation are associated with the carcinogenesis of CCA. Mutation or silencing of genes by various mechanisms can be a frequent event during CCA development. Alterations in histone acetylation/deacetylation at the posttranslational level, DNA methylation at promoters, and noncoding RNA regulation contribute to the heterogeneity of CCA and drive tumor development. In this review article, we mainly focus on the roles of epigenetic regulation in cholangiocarcinogenesis. Alterations in epigenetic modification can be potential targets for the therapeutic management of CCA, and epigenetic targets may become diagnostic biomarkers of CCA.

An Organofluorine Isoselenocyanate Analogue of Sulforaphane Affects Antimetabolite 5-Fluorouracil's Anticancer Activity: A Perspective for New Combinatory Therapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Antimetabolites, especially 5-fluorouracil, are commonly used clinically to treat breast, colon, and other cancers. However, their side effects and inefficiency in monotherapy have prompted further searches for new combinations. Thus, the anticancer effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and the sulforaphane analogue, 4-isoselenocyanato-1-butyl 4'-fluorobenzyl sulfoxide (ISC), were tested in in vitro and in vivo models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) as a new option for this treatment-resistant and aggressive type of breast cancer. A synergic interaction between 5-FU and ISC was observed in the TNBC in vitro model MDA-MB-231 cell line, which led to enhanced antiproliferative effects. The results of in vitro studies were confirmed by in vivo tests, which demonstrated stronger tumor growth inhibition and additive interactions between 5-FU and ISC in the murine TNBC model. Moreover, the results of the body mass and blood analysis showed the safety of the tested combination. The mechanistic study revealed that the combined treatment triggered apoptosis and necrosis, as well as inhibited cell migration.

Advances in Plants-Derived Bioactives for Cancer Treatment

Cancer, while a multifactorial chronic disease with an increasing prevalence, has been the subject of intense investigation, not only because of the growing need to find the main triggers that motivate its onset but essentially because of the need to discover increasingly safer and effective therapeutic options that have fewer adverse effects and associated toxicity [...].