Resveratrol Analogs and Prodrugs Differently Affect the Survival of Breast Cancer Cells Impairing Estrogen/Estrogen Receptor α/Neuroglobin Pathway

Apoptotic and Molecular Mechanisms of Carthamidin in Breast Cancer Therapy: An Integrated In Vitro and In Silico Study

The current study examines the anticancer properties of the chemical carthamidin in breast cancer through in-vitro and in silico analysis. This study's results demonstrated that carthamidin strongly inhibited the proliferation of MCF 7 cells in vitro, as evidenced by an IC50 value of 128.65 µg/mL at 24 h, determined using the MTT test. Laser confocal microscopy utilizing AO/EB labeling validated apoptotic effects through upregulating pro-apoptotic cell markers. At the same time, the ROS assay demonstrated elevated ROS production in the treated cells. LDH leakage was corroborated by leakage analysis, revealing high LDH levels at 100 µg/mL. The cellular growth parameters were subsequently examined via flow cytometry, showing that the cell cycle was halted in the G0/G1 phase, with 82.9% of the cells residing there. The molecular docking research demonstrated that carthamidin displayed a significant binding affinity with Notch receptors - NOTCH 1-4 and p53, with binding scores ranging from - 5.027 to - 7.402 kcal/mol. The results suggest that carthamidin has therapeutic potential in inducing apoptosis and impairing cancer cells, warranting further investigation in breast cancer treatments.

Functional Food Nutrients, Redox Resilience Signaling and Neurosteroids for Brain Health

The interplay between functional food nutrients and neurosteroids has garnered significant attention for its potential to enhance stress resilience in health and/or disease. Several bioactive nutrients, including medicinal herbs, flavonoids, and bioavailable polyphenol-combined nanoparticles, as well as probiotics, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to improve blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, endogenous neurosteroid homeostasis and brain function. These nutrients can inhibit oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which are linked to the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders. Interestingly, flavonoids exhibit dose-dependent effects, activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway at the physiological/low dose (neurohormesis). This leads to the upregulation of antioxidant phase II genes and proteins such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), which are activated by curcumin and resveratrol, respectively. These adaptive neuronal response mechanisms help protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neurotoxicity. Impaired Nrf2 and neurosteroid hormone signaling in the brain can exacerbate selective vulnerability to neuroinflammatory conditions, contributing to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, anxiety and depression and other neurological disorders, due to the vulnerability of neurons to stress. This review focuses on functional food nutrients targeting Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and redox resilience genes to regulate the neurosteroid homeostasis and BBB damage associated with altered GABAergic neurotransmission. By exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms using innovative technologies, we aim to develop promising neuroprotective strategies and personalized nutritional and neuroregenerative therapies to prevent or attenuate oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, ultimately promoting brain health.

Phytometabolites as modulators of breast cancer: a comprehensive review of mechanistic insights

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly debilitating malignancy affecting females globally and imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems in both developed and developing nations. Despite the application of conventional therapeutic modalities such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal intervention, BC frequently exhibits resistance, necessitating the urgent development of novel, cost-effective, and accessible treatment strategies. In this context, there is a growing scientific interest in exploring the pharmacological potential of chemical compounds derived from botanical sources, which often exhibit notable biological activity. Extensive in vitro and in vivo investigations have revealed the capacity of these compounds, referred to as phytochemicals, to attenuate the metastatic cascade and reduce the risk of cancer dissemination. These phytochemicals exert their effects through modulation of key molecular and metabolic processes, including regulation of the cell cycle, induction of apoptotic cell death, inhibition of angiogenesis, and suppression of metastatic progression. To shed light on the latest advancements in this field, a comprehensive review of the scientific literature has been conducted, focusing on secondary metabolite agents that have recently been investigated and have demonstrated promising anticancer properties. This review aims to delineate their underlying mechanisms of action and elucidate the associated signaling pathways, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of their therapeutic potential in the context of BC management.

Anti-Cancer Properties of Resveratrol: A Focus on Its Impact on Mitochondrial Functions

Cancer is one of the most serious public health issues worldwide, demanding ongoing efforts to find novel therapeutic agents and approaches. Amid growing interest in the oncological applications of phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols, resveratrol-a naturally occurring polyphenolic stilbene derivative-has emerged as a candidate of interest. This review analyzes the pleiotropic anti-cancer effects of resveratrol, including its modulation of apoptotic pathways, cell cycle regulation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, its interaction with cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment. The effects of resveratrol on mitochondrial functions, which are crucial to cancer development, are also discussed. Future research directions are identified, including the elucidation of specific molecular targets, to facilitate the clinical translation of resveratrol in cancer prevention and therapy.

A Novel Resveratrol-Induced Pathway Increases Neuron-Derived Cell Resilience against Oxidative Stress

A promising therapeutic strategy to delay and/or prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) could be to restore neuroprotective pathways physiologically triggered by neurons against stress injury. Recently, we identified the accumulation of neuroglobin (NGB) in neuronal cells, induced by the 17β-estradiol (E2)/estrogen receptor β (ERβ) axis, as a protective response that increases mitochondria functionality and prevents the activation of apoptosis, increasing neuron resilience against oxidative stress. Here, we would verify if resveratrol (Res), an ERβ ligand, could reactivate NGB accumulation and its protective effects against oxidative stress in neuronal-derived cells (i.e., SH-SY5Y cells). Our results demonstrate that ERβ/NGB is a novel pathway triggered by low Res concentrations that lead to rapid and persistent NGB accumulation in the cytosol and in mitochondria, where the protein contributes to reducing the apoptotic death induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Intriguingly, Res conjugation with gold nanoparticles increases the stilbene efficacy in enhancing neuron resilience against oxidative stress. As a whole, ERβ/NGB axis regulation is a novel mechanism triggered by low concentration of Res to regulate, specifically, the neuronal cell resilience against oxidative stress reducing the triggering of the apoptotic cascade.