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Khan M, Hearn K, Parry C, Rashid M, Brim H, Ashktorab H, Kwabi-Addo B. Mechanism of Antitumor Effects of Saffron in Human Prostate Cancer Cells. Nutrients 2023; 16:114. [PMID: 38201944 PMCID: PMC10780623 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the USA. Several studies have demonstrated the antitumor properties of saffron in different types of cancers, including prostate cancer. The oral administration of saffron extract has been reported to have antitumor effects on aggressive prostate-cancer-cell-line-derived xenografts in nude male mice. The objective of this study was to carry out in vitro studies of saffron-treated prostate cancer cells to ascertain the effects of saffron on key intermediates in prostate carcinogenesis. Our studies demonstrated the significant inhibition of cell proliferation for androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cell lines via apoptotic pathways. We also demonstrate the statistically significant down-regulation of DNA methyltransferases (COMT, MGMT, EHMT2, and SIRT1 deacetylase) in saffron-treated prostate cancer cells. In addition, saffron-treated prostate cancer cells displayed a statistically significant dysregulation of DNA repair intermediates (WRN, p53, RECQ5, MST1R, and WDR70) in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, Western blot analysis demonstrated that saffron treatment induced changes in the expression of other key genes (DNMT1, DNMT3b, MBD2, CD44, HDAC3, c-Myc, NF-kB, TNFα, AR, N-RAS, and PTEN) in prostate cancer cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the important mechanisms by which saffron mediates anti-tumor properties in prostate cancer. These findings suggest that the use of saffron supplements alongside standard treatment protocols may yield beneficial effects for individuals with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Kaitlyn Hearn
- Department of Life Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA;
| | - Christian Parry
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Mudasir Rashid
- Cancer Center, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (M.R.); (H.A.)
| | - Hassan Brim
- Department of Pathology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Cancer Center, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (M.R.); (H.A.)
| | - Bernard Kwabi-Addo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
- Cancer Center, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (M.R.); (H.A.)
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Mokhtari Z, Seyedhashemi E, Eftekhari M, Ghasemi S, Sabouri A, Abbaszadeh-Goudarzi K, Abuali M, Azimi H, Kesharwani P, Pourghadamyari H, Sahebkar A. Enhancement of cisplatin-induced apoptosis by saffron in human lung cancer cells. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 79:127229. [PMID: 37315393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cisplatin is a prevalent chemotherapeutic agent, and it has been used extensively to treat lung cancer. However, its clinical efficacy is hampered by its safety profile and dose-limiting toxicity. Saffron is a natural product that has shown significant anticancer effects. The combination treatment of saffron with chemotherapeutic agents has been considered a new strategy. METHODS Herein, saffron extract as a natural anticancer substance was combined with cisplatin to assess their combined efficacy against tumor development in vitro. In A549 and QU-DB cell lines, the combined effect of the saffron extract with cisplatin led to a significant reduction in cell viability as compared to cisplatin alone. RESULTS After 48 h incubation a considerable reduction in ROS levels in the QU-DB cell line upon treatment with cisplatin in the presence of saffron extract in comparison with cells treated with cisplatin alone. Furthermore, apoptosis increased significantly when in cells treated with cisplatin in combination with saffron extract compared to cisplatin alone. CONCLUSION Our data establish that the combination of saffron extract as a natural anticancer substance with cisplatin leads to improved cell toxicity of cisplatin as an anticancer agent. Therefore, the saffron extract could be potentially used as an additive to enable a reduction in cisplatin dosages and its side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Mokhtari
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Effat Seyedhashemi
- Department of Genetic, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Eftekhari
- Department of Genetic, Hormozgan University of Medical Science, Hormozegan, Iran
| | - Shiva Ghasemi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Sabouri
- Department of Microbiology, East Branch of Payamnoor University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Abuali
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanie Azimi
- School of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Islamic Azad University of Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, India
| | - Hossein Pourghadamyari
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical hysiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Wani AK, Akhtar N, Sharma A, El-Zahaby SA. Fighting Carcinogenesis with Plant Metabolites by Weakening Proliferative Signaling and Disabling Replicative Immortality Networks of Rapidly Dividing and Invading Cancerous Cells. Curr Drug Deliv 2023; 20:371-386. [PMID: 35422214 DOI: 10.2174/1567201819666220414085606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer, an uncontrolled multistage disease causing swift division of cells, is a leading disease with the highest mortality rate. Cellular heterogeneity, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, and replicative immortality drive the tumor progression by resisting the therapeutic action of existing anticancer drugs through a series of intrinsic and extrinsic cellular interactions. The innate cellular mechanisms also regulate the replication process as a fence against proliferative signaling, enabling replicative immortality through telomere dysfunction. AREA COVERED The conventional genotoxic drugs have several off-target and collateral side effects associated with them. Thus, the need for the therapies targeting cyclin-dependent kinases or P13K signaling pathway to expose cancer cells to immune destruction, deactivation of invasion and metastasis, and maintaining cellular energetics is imperative. Compounds with anticancer attributes isolated from plants and rich in alkaloids, terpenes, and polyphenols have proven to be less toxic and highly targetspecific, making them biologically significant. This has opened a gateway for the exploration of more novel plant molecules by signifying their role as anticancer agents in synergy and alone, making them more effective than the existing cytotoxic regimens. EXPERT OPINION In this context, the current review presented recent data on cancer cases around the globe, along with discussing the fundamentals of proliferative signaling and replicative immortality of cancer cells. Recent findings were also highlighted, including antiproliferative and antireplicative action of plant-derived compounds, besides explaining the need for improving drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Khurshid Wani
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab (144411), India
| | - Nahid Akhtar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab (144411), India
| | - Arun Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab (144411), India
| | - Sally A El-Zahaby
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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Dacrema M, Ali A, Ullah H, Khan A, Di Minno A, Xiao J, Martins AMC, Daglia M. Spice-Derived Bioactive Compounds Confer Colorectal Cancer Prevention via Modulation of Gut Microbiota. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225682. [PMID: 36428774 PMCID: PMC9688386 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality among all types of malignancies. Sedentary lifestyles, obesity, smoking, red and processed meat, low-fiber diets, inflammatory bowel disease, and gut dysbiosis are the most important risk factors associated with CRC pathogenesis. Alterations in gut microbiota are positively correlated with colorectal carcinogenesis, as these can dysregulate the immune response, alter the gut's metabolic profile, modify the molecular processes in colonocytes, and initiate mutagenesis. Changes in the daily diet, and the addition of plant-based nutraceuticals, have the ability to modulate the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota, maintaining gut homeostasis and regulating host immune and inflammatory responses. Spices are one of the fundamental components of the human diet that are used for their bioactive properties (i.e., antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects) and these exert beneficial effects on health, improving digestion and showing anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and glucose- and cholesterol-lowering activities, as well as possessing properties that affect cognition and mood. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of spices could be useful in the prevention of various types of cancers that affect the digestive system. This review is designed to summarize the reciprocal interactions between dietary spices and the gut microbiota, and highlight the impact of dietary spices and their bioactive compounds on colorectal carcinogenesis by targeting the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Dacrema
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Arif Ali
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430372, Brazil
| | - Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ayesha Khan
- Department of Medicine, Combined Military Hospital Nowshera, Nowshera 24110, Pakistan
| | - Alessandro Di Minno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Alice Maria Costa Martins
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430372, Brazil
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Correspondence:
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MACC1-Dependent Antitumor Effect of Curcumin in Colorectal Cancer. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224792. [PMID: 36432477 PMCID: PMC9692505 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the main reason for the high mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Despite the whole improvement in the field of cancer medicine, the treatment options for the patient in the late stages are very restricted. Our previous studies have elucidated metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) as a direct link to metastasis formation. Therefore, we have aimed to inhibit its expression by using natural products, which are recently the center of most studies due to their low side effects and good tolerability. In this study, we have investigated the effect of one of the promising natural products, curcumin, on MACC1 expression and MACC1-induced tumor-promoting pathways. Curcumin reduced the MACC1 expression, restricted the MACC1-induced proliferation, and was able to reduce the MACC1-induced cell motility as one of the crucial steps for the distant dissemination of the tumor. We further showed the MACC1-dependent effect of curcumin on clonogenicity and wound healing. This study is, to our knowledge, the first identification of the effect of curcumin on the restriction of cancer motility, proliferation, and colony-forming ability by using MACC1 as a target.
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Saffron, Its Active Components, and Their Association with DNA and Histone Modification: A Narrative Review of Current Knowledge. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163317. [PMID: 36014823 PMCID: PMC9414768 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intensive screening for better and safer medications to treat diseases such as cancer and inflammatory diseases continue, and some phytochemicals have been discovered to have anti-cancer and many therapeutical activities. Among the traditionally used spices, Crocus sativus (saffron) and its principal bioactive constituents have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemopreventive properties against multiple malignancies. Early reports have shown that the epigenetic profiles of healthy and tumor cells vary significantly in the context of different epigenetic factors. Multiple components, such as carotenoids as bioactive dietary phytochemicals, can directly or indirectly regulate epigenetic factors and alter gene expression profiles. Previous reports have shown the interaction between active saffron compounds with linker histone H1. Other reports have shown that high concentrations of saffron bind to the minor groove of calf thymus DNA, resulting in specific structural changes from B- to C-form of DNA. Moreover, the interaction of crocin G-quadruplex was reported. A recent in silico study has shown that residues of SIRT1 interact with saffron bio-active compounds and might enhance SIRT1 activation. Other reports have shown that the treatment of Saffron bio-active compounds increases γH2AX, decreases HDAC1 and phosphorylated histone H3 (p-H3). However, the question that still remains to be addressed how saffron triggers various epigenetic changes? Therefore, this review discusses the literature published till 2022 regarding saffron as dietary components and its impact on epigenetic mechanisms. Novel bioactive compounds such as saffron components that lead to epigenetic alterations might be a valuable strategy as an adjuvant therapeutic drug.
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Yuan TJ, Xu XH, Zhou N, Yan G, Gu TW, Peng LH. Phytochemicals as new therapeutic candidates simultaneously stimulate proliferation and counteract senescence of stem cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113170. [PMID: 35676782 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for regenerative therapy. However, the research and clinical application of MSCs are greatly hindered by the limited cells proliferation and replicative senescence. Therapeutic agents that can both enhance the proliferative ability and decrease the replicative senescence of MSCs are greatly needed, however, not been reported yet. Herein, for the first time, we identified 11 natural compounds from medicinal plants with both excellent proliferative and anti-senescence abilities in MSCs. The qPCR analysis indicated underlying mechanisms associated with fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor, Wnt/β-catenin and leukemia-induced factor in proliferation; the reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial dysfunction autophagy and proteostasis are involved in cells senescence-related mechanism. Phytochemicals are demonstrated as novel therapeutic candidates with promising effects in both stimulating proliferation and retarding replicative senescence of stem cells with high safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie-Jun Yuan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Xue-Han Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Nan Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Ge Yan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Ting-Wei Gu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Li-Hua Peng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau.
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Scuto M, Ontario ML, Salinaro AT, Caligiuri I, Rampulla F, Zimbone V, Modafferi S, Rizzolio F, Canzonieri V, Calabrese EJ, Calabrese V. Redox modulation by plant polyphenols targeting vitagenes for chemoprevention and therapy: Relevance to novel anti-cancer interventions and mini-brain organoid technology. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 179:59-75. [PMID: 34929315 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.12.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The scientific community, recently, has focused notable attention on the chemopreventive and therapeutic effects of dietary polyphenols for human health. Emerging evidence demonstrates that polyphenols, flavonoids and vitamins counteract and neutralize genetic and environmental stressors, particularly oxidative stress and inflammatory process closely connected to cancer initiation, promotion and progression. Interestingly, polyphenols can exert antioxidant or pro-oxidant cytotoxic effects depending on their endogenous concentration. Notably, polyphenols at high dose act as pro-oxidants in a wide type of cancer cells by inhibiting Nrf2 pathway and the expression of antioxidant vitagenes, such as NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), glutathione transferase (GT), GPx, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) and thioredoxin (Trx) system which play an essential role in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS), detoxification of xenobiotics and inhibition of cancer progression, by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest according to the hormesis approach. Importantly, mutagenesis of Nrf2 pathway can exacerbate its "dark side" role, representing a crucial event in the initiation stage of carcinogenesis. Herein, we review the hormetic effects of polyphenols and nanoincapsulated-polyphenols in chemoprevention and treatment of brain tumors via activation or inhibition of Nrf2/vitagenes to suppress carcinogenesis in the early stages, and thus inhibit its progression. Lastly, we discuss innovative preclinical approaches through mini-brain tumor organoids to study human carcinogenesis, from basic cancer research to clinical practice, as promising tools to recapitulate the arrangement of structural neuronal tissues and biological functions of the human brain, as well as test drug toxicity and drive personalized and precision medicine in brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scuto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy; Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Ontario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Trovato Salinaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy.
| | - Isabella Caligiuri
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Francesco Rampulla
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Zimbone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy
| | - Sergio Modafferi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy; Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, 30123, Venezia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy; Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy.
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Saffron and Its Major Ingredients' Effect on Colon Cancer Cells with Mismatch Repair Deficiency and Microsatellite Instability. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26133855. [PMID: 34202689 PMCID: PMC8270282 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. One of its subtypes is associated with defective mismatch repair (dMMR) genes. Saffron has many potentially protective roles against colon malignancy. However, these roles in the context of dMMR tumors have not been explored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of saffron and its constituents in CRC cell lines with dMMR. METHODS Saffron crude extracts and specific compounds (safranal and crocin) were used in the human colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116, HCT116+3 (inserted MLH1), HCT116+5 (inserted MSH3), and HCT116+3+5 (inserted MLH1 and MSH3). CDC25b, p-H2AX, TPDP1, and GAPDH were analyzed by Western blot. Proliferation and cytotoxicity were analyzed by MTT. The scratch wound assay was also performed. RESULTS Saffron crude extracts restricted (up to 70%) the proliferation in colon cells with deficient MMR (HCT116) compared to proficient MMR. The wound healing assay indicates that deficient MMR cells are doing better (up to 90%) than proficient MMR cells when treated with saffron. CDC25b and TDP1 downregulated (up to 20-fold) in proficient MMR cells compared to deficient MMR cells, while p.H2AX was significantly upregulated in both cell types, particularly at >10 mg/mL saffron in a concentration-dependent manner. The reduction in cellular proliferation was accompanied with upregulation of caspase 3 and 7. The major active saffron compounds, safranal and crocin reproduced most of the saffron crude extracts' effects. CONCLUSIONS Saffron's anti-proliferative effect is significant in cells with deficient MMR. This novel effect may have therapeutic implications and benefits for MSI CRC patients who are generally not recommended for the 5-fluorouracil-based treatment.
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Arzi L, Hoshyar R. Saffron anti-metastatic properties, ancient spice novel application. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:3939-3950. [PMID: 33653190 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1871320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. (saffron), was applied as a spice, food colorant and medicine since four millennia ago and has been used as a remedy for various maladies. In the last three decades, the anti-primary tumor properties of saffron and its main carotenoids, crocin and crocetin, have been well explored. Despite the fact that metastasis is the leading cause of death in cancer patients, the anti-metastatic potential of saffron and its carotenoids has been surveyed only this decade. This review aims to provide an unprecedented overview of the anti-metastatic effects of saffron, crocin and crocetin, and the mechanisms underlying these effects. Investigations on various cancers demonstrated the anti-migratory, anti-invasion, anti-angiogenic potentials of saffron and its carotenoids, as well as their effects suppressing cell-ECM adhesion and enhancing cell-cell attachment. Saffron and its carotenoids exert their impact through different mechanisms such as reduction of CD34 and suppression of Wnt/β-catenin, Ras/ERK, P38, DCLK1, EMT, matrix metalloproteinases and urokinases. Crocin displayed more effective anti-metastatic potency, in comparison with saffron extract and crocetin. The bioaccessibility/bioavailability, nontoxicity on normal cells, confirmed anti-tumor efficiency and the recent evidence on the anti-metastatic potential of saffron and its carotenoids, recommends them as a propitious multipotent dietary agent and herbal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laleh Arzi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhane Hoshyar
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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