The coumarin psoralidin enhances anticancer effect of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)

Idris A, Khandaker MU. Comprehensive analysis of phytochemical profiling, cytotoxic and antioxidant potentials, and identification of bioactive constituents in methanoic extracts of Sonneratia apetala fruit

In the delta region of Bangladesh, Sonneratia apetala, also known as Keora and mangrove apple, is widely recognized for its dual role as a source of both food and medicine. Seasonal S. apetala fruits were gathered from Hatiya, Noakhali, in October 2021. The samples were segregated into pericarps and seeds, then fractionated into methanol segments. The anti-proliferative activities of these samples against lung A549 cells were evaluated using the Trypan blue exclusion method. Additionally, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to quantify phenolic compounds, while standard protocols facilitated the identification of specific phytochemical constituents. Chemical profiling via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and the isolation and detection of bioactive compounds through column chromatography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis were undertaken. The methanol fractions of the seeds and pericarp were found to contain carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoids, with the absence of saponins and anthraquinones. Notably, the anti-proliferative effect demonstrated statistical significance at a concentration of 300 μg/mL for both extracts. Furthermore, HPLC analysis identified and quantified six polyphenols: catechin hydrate, (-)-epicatechin, rutin hydrate, trans-ferulic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, myricetin, and kaempferol, with the following concentrations: 46.65 and 12.72; 349.29 and 140.39; 5.26 and 33.06; 10.35 and 29.28; ND and 11.93; and 10.03 and 7.90 mg/100 g in the methanol fraction of the seed and pericarp, respectively. GC-MS analysis of S. apetala fruit revealed five notable compounds with significant peak areas (%): 2-methyltetracosane, tetratetracontane, heptacosane, 1-chloro-2-hexyl-1-octanol, and phenol, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl), exhibiting peak areas of 43.96, 35.8, and 15.95, respectively. Meanwhile, the notable peak in S. apetala seeds was 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, with a peak area (%) of 100. These compounds are known for their anticancer and antioxidant properties. Therefore, S. apetala, particularly its seeds and fruits, shows promising potential for development into dietary supplements and functional foods.

Biochemistry of microwave controlled Heracleum sosnowskyi (Manden.) roots with an ecotoxicological aspect

Sosnowski hogweed is an invasive weed in eastern-middle Europe that is dangerous to human health and the environment. The efficacy of its control using chemical and mechanical methods is limited. Electromagnetic radiation (microwaves) could be an environmentally friendly alternative for controlling this species. This study aims to: (1) Determine the effect of varying microwave treatment (MWT) durations on the control of S. hogweed using a device emitting microwaves at 2.45 GHz, 32.8 kW/m2; (2) Evaluate the impact of MWT on soil by an ecotoxicological bioassays; (3) Analyze biochemical changes occurring in the roots during the process. A field study was performed to assess the efficacy of S. hogweed control using MWT in times from 2.5 to 15 min. The MWT-treated soil was collected immediately after treatment (AT) and tested using bioassays (Phytotoxkit, Ostracodtoxkit, and Microtox). Fourteen days AT, the MWT hogweed roots were dug out, air-dried, and analyzed for the content and composition of essential oil, sugars, and fatty acids. According to the ecotoxicological biotests, the MWT soils were classified as non-toxic or low-toxic. The regeneration of hogweed was observed only in non-treated plants (control). Hogweed MWT for 2.5-15 min did not regenerate up to 14 days AT. The average weight of roots in hogweed MWT for 15.0 min was ca. two times smaller than the control plants. Those roots contained significantly higher amounts of sugars and saturated fatty acids than the control. We did not find a correlation between S. hogweed root essential oil content and composition and MWT time. The main compounds of essential oil were p‑cymene and myristicin. No highly photosensitizing compounds were identified in the tested root oil. We conclude that MWT of S. hogweed could be an environmentally safe and prospective control method, but more studies are needed.

Natural Phenolic Compounds with Neuroprotective Effects

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequently oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis that contribute to neuronal cytotoxicity and degeneration. Huntington's (HD), Alzheimer's (AD), and Parkinson's (PD) diseases are three of the major neurodegenerative diseases. To date, researchers have found various natural phytochemicals that could potentially be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Particularly, the application of natural phenolic compounds has gained significant traction in recent years, driven by their various biological activities and therapeutic efficacy in human health. Polyphenols, by modulating different cellular functions, play an important role in neuroprotection and can neutralize the effects of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in animal models. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge on phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and coumarins, as well as their beneficial effects on human health. We further provide an overview of the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of natural dietary phenolics in curing neurodegenerative diseases in animal models.

A review on the impact of TRAIL on cancer signaling and targeting via phytochemicals for possible cancer therapy

Anticancer therapies have been the continual pursuit of this age. Cancer has been ravaging all across the globe breathing not just threats but demonstrating them. Remedies for cancer have been frantically sought after. Few have worked out, yet till date, the available cancer therapies have not delivered a holistic solution. In a world where the search for therapies is levitating towards natural remedies, solutions based on phytochemicals are highly prospective attractions. A lot has been achieved with inputs from plant resources, providing numerous natural remedies. In the current review, we intensely survey the progress achieved in the treatment of cancer through phytochemicals-based programmed cell death of cancer cells. More specifically, we have further reviewed and discussed the role of phytochemicals in activating apoptosis via Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL), which is a cell protein that can attach to certain molecules in cancer cells, killing cancer cells. The objective of this review is to enlist the various phytochemicals that are available for specifically contributing towards triggering the TRAIL cell protein-mediated cancer therapy and to point out the research gaps that require future research motivation. This is the first review of this kind in this research direction.

Synthesis, antiproliferative activity, and molecular modeling of novel 4-methylcoumarin derivatives and/or nitric oxide donor hybrids

Two new 4-methylcoumarin derivatives (3a-f and 4a-f) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity. Different spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses confirmed all the synthesized derivatives' characterization. All the prepared compounds were biologically screened against four cancer cell lines (hepatocellular carcinoma HepG-2, colon cancer cell lines HCT-116, breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, and prostate cancer cell lines PC3). The in vitro antiproliferative activity of the target analogues 4b, 4c, 4f, 3b, and 3d against the MCF-7 cancer cell line was significant, with IC50 values of 3.98, 7.80, 10.94, 17.7, and 24.07 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the potent cytotoxic oxime derivative 4b was evaluated for cell cycle analysis showing a significant substantial disruption in cell cycle profile and cell cycle arrest at the S phase boundary with a time-dependent rise in a pre-G cell population, as well as a 22-fold increase in MCF-7 apoptosis compared to control cells. Accordingly, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, a critical ratio in controlling cell sensitivity to apoptosis, increased upon treatment with the oxime analog 4b. A docking investigation was conducted within the BcL-2 binding site to explore and anticipate the binding modes of the synthesized compounds. Thus, synthesizing these novel coumarin/nitric oxide hybrids may aid in developing promising antiproliferative agents.

Oral Delivery of Psoralidin by Mucoadhesive Surface-Modified Bilosomes Showed Boosted Apoptotic and Necrotic Effects against Breast and Lung Cancer Cells

This study aims to design and optimize chitosan-coated bilosomal formulations loaded with psoralidin (Ps-CS/BLs) with improved physicochemical properties, oral bioavailability, and boosted apoptotic and necrotic effects. In this regard, uncoated bilosomes loaded with Ps (Ps/BLs) were nanoformulated using the thin-film hydration technique using different molar ratios of phosphatidylcholine (PC), cholesterol (Ch), Span 60 (S60), and sodium deoxycholate (SDC) (1:0.4:0.2:0.125, 1:0.4:0.2:0.25, and 1:0.4:0.2:0.5, respectively). The best-optimized formulation with respect to size, PDI, zeta potential, and EE% was selected and then coated with chitosan at two different concentrations (0.125 and 0.25 w/v%), forming Ps-CS/BLs. The optimized Ps/BLs and Ps-CS/BLs showed a spherical shape and relatively homogenous size with negligible apparent agglomerations. Additionally, it was demonstrated that coating Ps/BLs with chitosan has significantly increased the particle size from 123.16 ± 6.90 in the case of Ps/BLs to 183.90 ± 15.93 nm in the case of Ps-CS/BLs. In addition, Ps-CS/BLs exhibited higher zeta potential (+30.78 ± 1.44 mV) as compared to Ps/BLs (−18.59 ± 2.13 mV). Furthermore, Ps-CS/BL showed enhanced entrapment efficiency (EE%) of 92.15 ± 7.20% as compared to Ps/BLs (68.90 ± 5.95%). Moreover, Ps-CS/BLs exhibited a more sustained release behavior of Ps compared to Ps/BLs over 48 h, and both formulations were best obeying the Higuchi diffusion model. More importantly, Ps-CS/BLs displayed the highest mucoadhesive efficiency% (74.89 ± 3.5%) as compared to Ps/BLs (26.78 ± 2.9%), indicating the ability of the designed nanoformulation to improve oral bioavailability and extend the residence time inside the gastrointestinal tract upon oral administration. Moreover, upon evaluating the apoptotic and necrotic effects of free Ps and Ps-CS/BLs on human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) and human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (A549), there was a dramatic increase in the percentages of the apoptotic and necrotic cell compared to the control and free Ps. Our findings suggest the possible oral use of Ps-CS/BLs in hampering breast and lung cancers.

Synthesis and Biological Properties of Coumarin Analogue: A Brief Review

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One of the most prominent aromatic organic chemical compound is Coumarin having formula C9H6O2 which is widely known for its benefits in drug industry. Colourless crystalline solid having sweet scent is coumarin’s physical identity. It serves various purposes such as in synthesis of medicines, laser dyes, perfumes and many more. Having enormous usages it becomes important to synthesize such compound so various reactions were performed in order to obtain coumarins. This review explicates the preparation of coumarin by Pechmann Condensation and its biological characteristics.

Visible light photocatalysis in the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant heterocyclic scaffolds

Visible light and photoredox catalysis have emerged as a powerful and long-lasting tool for organic synthesis, demonstrating the importance of a variety of chemical bond formation methods.

Psoralidin exerts anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic, and immunostimulatory activities in 4T1 tumor-bearing balb/c mice

BACKGROUND

Psoralidin as a compound of the Psoralea corylifolia seeds exhibited several anti-cancer potentials in various cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 4T1 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice were treated by intraperitoneal administration of Psoralidin, and Paraffin, as a control group to investigate anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic, and immunostimulatory activities in breast cancer. Body weight and tumor volume measurement were performed. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining as well as immunohistochemistry for Ki-67, CD31 and VEGF markers were conducted. In addition, ELISA assay was performed for evaluating the serum level of IFN-γ and IL-4. Moreover, real time assay was performed to evaluate the expression of angiogenesis and immunostimulatory related genes.

RESULTS

There were no significant changes in the body weight of all animal groups. The anti-cancer effects of Psoralidin were significantly observed after 24 days of the last treatment, confirmed by smaller tumor volume and also H&E staining. The expression level of Ki-67, CD31 and VEGF were significantly decreased in tumor tissues of the Psoralidin-treated group in comparison with Paraffin-treated group. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in the serum level of IL-4 in tumor-bearing mice after Psoralidin treatment while the serum level of IFN-γ was significantly augmented in all groups. Moreover, the reduction in expression of VEGF-a and IL-1β was observed. Interestingly Psoralidin treatment led to expression increase of FOXp3.

CONCLUSIONS

Psoralidin shows the anti-cancer potential in an animal model of breast cancer; however, further studies are recommended to elucidate its mechanisms of action.

Experimental and molecular docking studies of estrogen-like and anti-osteoporosis activity of compounds in Fructus Psoraleae

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fructus Psoraleae (FP), dry mature fruits of Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik., has been used clinically to treat kidney yang deficiency-induced impotence, asthma and cold pain in waist and knee caused by kidney deficiency. A study of the source of the significant kidney-enhancing effect of FP revealed that it may be due to its strong estrogen-like activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the estrogen-like activity of the FP extract and 13 bioactive compounds in it, as well as the mechanisms underlying their estrogen-like and anti-osteoporosis activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The estrogen-like activities of the 75% ethanol-only FP extract, and 75% ethanol plus petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol or water FP extracts were each measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and luciferase reporter gene assays. The compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The activation of estrogen receptor signaling by the compounds was compared with that by estradiol (E₂) using the molecular docking software MOE-Dock 2008.10. The activation of the ER-Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway was investigated using an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, qPCR analysis and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the 75% ethanol plus ethyl acetate extract showed the highest estrogen-like activity among the four 75% ethanol extract fractions (further extracted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol or water). Some compounds in FP showed strong estrogenic effect and anti-osteoporosis activity, and activated the Wnt-β-catenin pathway. The isoflavone compound was the most active.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that FP has a strong estrogen-like activity and some of its component compounds have anti-osteoporosis activity by activating the ER-Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway. Our detections provide a new insight into the mechanisms underlying the estrogen-like and anti-osteoporosis activities of FP, as well as a better understanding of structure effects.

Computer-Aided Drug Design Applied to Secondary Metabolites as Anticancer Agents

Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) techniques have garnered a great deal of attention in academia and industry because of their great versatility, low costs, possibilities of cost reduction in in vitro screening and in the development of synthetic steps; these techniques are compared with highthroughput screening, in particular for candidate drugs. The secondary metabolism of plants and other organisms provide substantial amounts of new chemical structures, many of which have numerous biological and pharmacological properties for virtually every existing disease, including cancer. In oncology, compounds such as vimblastine, vincristine, taxol, podophyllotoxin, captothecin and cytarabine are examples of how important natural products enhance the cancer-fighting therapeutic arsenal. In this context, this review presents an update of Ligand-Based Drug Design and Structure-Based Drug Design techniques applied to flavonoids, alkaloids and coumarins in the search of new compounds or fragments that can be used in oncology. A systematical search using various databases was performed. The search was limited to articles published in the last 10 years. The great diversity of chemical structures (coumarin, flavonoids and alkaloids) with cancer properties, associated with infinite synthetic possibilities for obtaining analogous compounds, creates a huge chemical environment with potential to be explored, and creates a major difficulty, for screening studies to select compounds with more promising activity for a selected target. CADD techniques appear to be the least expensive and most efficient alternatives to perform virtual screening studies, aiming to selected compounds with better activity profiles and better "drugability".

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new coumarin derivatives as cytotoxic agents

New coumarin derivatives 9a-f, 10a-e, and 11a-f were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against a human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). All compounds exhibited good activity in the nanomolar range, using doxorubicin and erlotinib as positive controls. The most active compound 9d with IC₅₀ of 21 nM was tested against the HCT-116, HepG-2, A549, and SGC-7901 cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 0.021, 0.170, 0.028, and 0.11 µM, respectively. Compound 9d was further investigated for its ability to suppress the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Compound 9d decreased the concentration of EGFR by 87%, using erlotinib as a positive control. A docking study revealed similar or higher scores than for erlotinib and similar binding poses providing interactions with the hinge region of the tyrosine kinase (TK). Besides the effect on expression, this in silico investigation predicts the possibility of direct binding between the new coumarin derivatives and the EGFR TK. Moreover, computational calculation for ADME properties for the most active compounds 9d, 9e, 10c, and 11c revealed the expected high gastrointestinal tract absorption, moderate water solubility with no central nervous system toxicity, and druglikeness.

Naturally occurring coumestans from plants, their biological activities and therapeutic effects on human diseases

Naturally occurring coumestans are known as a collection of plant-derived polycyclic aromatic secondary metabolites which are characterized by the presence of an oxygen heterocyclic four-ring system comprising a coumarin moiety and a benzofuran moiety sharing a C˭C bond. Recently, there is an increasing attention in excavating the medicinal potential of coumestans, particularly coumestrol, wedelolactone, psoralidin and glycyrol, in a variety of diseases. This review is a comprehensive inventory of the chemical structures of coumestans isolated from various plant sources during the period of 1956-2020, together with their reported biological activities. 120 molecules were collected and further classified as coumestans containing core skeleton, dimethylpyranocoumestans, furanocoumestans, O-glycosylated coumestans and others, which showed a wide range of pharmacological activities including estrogenic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoporotic, organ protective, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity, antimicrobial, immunosuppressive, antioxidant and skin-protective activities. Furthermore, this review focuses on the counteraction of coumestans against bone diseases and organ damages, and the involved molecular mechanisms, which could provide important information to better understand the medicinal values of these compounds. This review is intended to be instructive for the rational design and development of less toxic and more effective drugs with a coumestan scaffold.

Ruthenium(II)/Benzonitrile Complex Induces Cytotoxic Effect in Sarcoma-180 Cells by Caspase-Mediated and Tp53/p21-Mediated Apoptosis, with Moderate Brine Shrimp Toxicity

Ruthenium(II)/benzonitrile complexes have demonstrated promising anticancer properties. Considering that there are no specific therapies for treating sarcoma, we decided to evaluate the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and lethal effects of cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(phen)(dppb)]PF₆ (BzCN = benzonitrile; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; dppb = 1,4-bis-(diphenylphosphino)butane), as well as the mechanism of cell death induction that occurs against murine sarcoma-180 tumor. Thus, MTT assay was applied to assess the ruthenium cytotoxicity, showing that the compound is a more potent inhibitor for the sarcoma-180 tumor cell viability than normal cells (lymphocytes). The comet assay indicated low genotoxic for normal cells. cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(phen)(dppb)]PF₆ also showed moderate lethality in Artemia salina. The complex induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in sarcoma-180 cells. In addition, the complex caused S180 cells to die by apoptosis by an increase in Annexin-V-positive cells and morphological changes typical of apoptotic cells. Additionally, cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(phen)(dppb)]PF₆ increased the gene expression of Bax, Casp3, and Tp53 in S180 cells. By using a western blot, we observed an increased protein level of TNF-R2, Bax, and p21. In conclusion, cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(phen)(dppb)]PF₆ is active and selective for sarcoma-180 cells, leading to cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 and cell death through a caspases-mediated and Tp53/p21-mediated pathway.

Pharmacological Activities of Psoralidin: A Comprehensive Review of the Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Analysis of the most relevant studies on the pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms of psoralidin, a bioactive compound from the seeds of Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. confirmed its complex therapeutic potential. In the last years, the interest of the scientific community regarding psoralidin increased, especially after the discovery of its benefits in estrogen-related diseases and as a chemopreventive agent. Growing preclinical pieces of evidence indicate that psoralidin has anticancer, antiosteoporotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-vitiligo, antibacterial, antiviral, and antidepressant-like effects. Here, we provide a comprehensive and critical review of psoralidin on its bioavailability, pharmacological activities with focus on molecular mechanisms and cell signaling pathways. In this review, we conducted literature research on the PubMed database using the following keywords: “Psoralidin” or “therapeutic effects” or “biological activity” or “Cullen corylifolium” in order to identify relevant studies regarding PSO bioavailability and mechanisms of therapeutic effects in different diseases based on preclinical, experimental studies. In the light of psoralidin beneficial actions for human health, this paper gathers complete information on its pharmacotherapeutic effects and opens new natural therapeutic perspectives in chronic diseases.

Design, synthesis and in vivo evaluation of 3-arylcoumarin derivatives of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes as potent antibacterial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

We have prepared a series of ten 3-arylcoumarin molecules, their respective fac-[Re(CO)₃(bpy)L]⁺ and fac-[Re(CO)₃(L⁀L)Br] complexes and tested all compounds for their antimicrobial efficacy. Whereas the 3-arylcoumarin ligands are virtually inactive against the human-associated pathogens with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) > 150 μM, when coordinated to the fac-[Re(CO)₃]⁺ core, most of the resulting complexes showed remarkable antibacterial potency. Several rhenium complexes exhibit activity in nanomolar concentrations against Gram-positive pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus strains, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Enterococcus faecium. The molecules do not affect bacterial cell membrane potential, but some of the most potent complexes strongly interact with DNA, indicating it as a possible target for their mode of action. In vivo studies in the zebrafish model showed that the complexes with anti-staphylococcal/MRSA activity were non-toxic to the organism even at much higher doses of the corresponding MICs. In the zebrafish-MRSA infection model, the complexes increased the survival rate of infected fish up to 100% and markedly reduced bacterial burden. Moreover, all rescued fish developed normally following the treatments with the metallic compounds.

Heterobimetallic Ru(ii)/Fe(ii) complexes as potent anticancer agents against breast cancer cells, inducing apoptosis through multiple targets

Antimetastatic activity, high selectivity and cytotoxicity for human tumor cell lines make ruthenium(ii) complexes attractive for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment. In this study, cytotoxic activities and the possible mechanism of cell death induced by three ruthenium complexes were evaluated, [Ru(MIm)(bipy)(dppf)]PF₆ (1), [RuCl(Im)(bipy)(dppf)]PF₆ (2) and [Ru(tzdt)(bipy)(dppf)]PF₆ (3). The results showed high cytotoxicity and selectivity indexes for the human triple-negative breast tumor cell line (MDA-MB-231) with IC₅₀ value and selectivity index for complex 1 (IC₅₀ = 0.33 ± 0.03 μM, SI = 4.48), complex 2 (IC₅₀ = 0.80 ± 0.06 μM, SI = 2.31) and complex 3 (IC₅₀ = 0.48 ± 0.02 μM, SI = 3.87). The mechanism of cell death induced in MDA-MB-231 cells, after treatment with complexes 1-3, indicated apoptosis of the cells as a consequence of the increase in the percentage of cells in the Sub-G1 phase in the cell cycle analysis, characteristic morphological changes and the presence of apoptotic cells labeled with Annexin-V. Multiple targets of action were identified for complexes 1 and 3 with an induction of DNA damage in cells treated with complexes 1 and 3, mitochondrial depolarization with a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, an increase in reactive oxygen species levels and increased expression levels of caspase 3 and p53. In addition, antimetastatic activities for complexes 1 and 3 were observed by inhibition of cell migration by the wound healing assay and Boyden chamber assay, as well as inhibition of angiogenesis caused by MDA-MB-231 tumor cells in the CAM model.

Antiangiogenic Effects of Coumarins against Cancer: From Chemistry to Medicine

Angiogenesis, the process of formation and recruitment of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, plays an important role in the development of cancer. Therefore, the use of antiangiogenic agents is one of the most critical strategies for the treatment of cancer. In addition, the complexity of cancer pathogenicity raises the need for multi-targeting agents. Coumarins are multi-targeting natural agents belonging to the class of benzopyrones. Coumarins have several biological and pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anticoagulant, anxiolytic, analgesic, and anticancer properties. Several reports have shown that the anticancer effect of coumarins and their derivatives are mediated through targeting angiogenesis by modulating the functions of vascular endothelial growth factor as well as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, which are involved in cancer pathogenesis. In the present review, we focus on the antiangiogenic effects of coumarins and related structure-activity relationships with particular emphasis on cancer.

Heterogeneous Amberlyst-15-catalyzed synthesis of complex hybrid heterocycles containing [1,6]-naphthyridine under metal-free green conditions

An efficient green protocol for the synthesis of complex hybrid heterocycles containing [1,6]-naphthyridine and coumarin/pyrazole moieties was established, involving an intramolecular [4 + 2] hetero Diels-Alder reaction as the key step. The biologically significant 12,13-dihydro-6H-benzo[h]chromeno[3,4-b][1,6]naphthyridin-6-ones and 6,10-dihydro-5H-benzo[h]pyrazolo[3,4-b][1,6]naphthyridines were synthesized starting from 2-(N-propargylamino)-arylaldehydes and 3-aminocoumarins or 3-methyl-1-aryl-1H-pyrazol-5-amines in the presence of an Amberlyst-15 catalyst in PEG-200 in good yields. The easy access to diverse complex molecules in a single operation from readily available starting materials, a commercially available, transition metal-free and recyclable catalyst, the use of a green solvent, a very high atom economy and the release of water as the only side product are the highlights of this protocol.

Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Coumarin-Based Hydroxamate Derivatives as Histone Deacetylase (Hdac) Inhibitors with Antitumor Activities

A series of novel coumarin-based hydroxamate derivatives were designed and synthesized as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). Selective compounds showed a potent HDAC inhibition with nM IC₅₀ values, with the best compound (10e) being nearly 90 times more active than vorinostat (SAHA) against HDAC1. Compounds 10e and 11d also increased the levels of acetylated histone H3 and H4, which is consistent with their strong HDAC inhibition. In addition, 10e and 11d displayed a higher potency toward human A549 and Hela cancer cell lines compared with SAHA. Moreover, 10e and 11d significantly arrested A549 cells at the G2/M phase and enhanced apoptosis. Molecular docking studies revealed the possible mode of interaction of compounds 10e and 12a with HDAC1. Our findings suggest that these novel coumarin-based HDAC inhibitors provide a promising scaffold for the development of new potential cancer chemotherapies.

Synthesis, molecular properties and comparative docking and QSAR of new 2-(7-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)acetic acid derivatives as possible anticancer agents

Novel coumarin amino acid derivatives were synthesized. The structure of synthesized compounds has established on basis of different spectral data. The optimization geometry, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), thermodynamic parameters and chemical reactivity, were discussed using DFT\B3LYP by 6-311G* basis set, to identify a clear view for inter and intramolecular interaction of tested compounds. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) has plotted to investigate a recognition manner of synthesized compounds upon COX-2 receptor. All tested compounds showed a promising (NLOs) nonlinear optical properties. Bond dissociation energy (BDE) has studied to investigate a potency of these molecules against autoxidation mechanism Polynomial molecular docking logarithms have performed into the COX-2 active site for tested compounds. The docking protocol that has low RMSD has selected for discussion the binding affinity. The compounds with a high docking score 3,4,6-8,10 and 11 were selected for additional study against ADMET insilico, which showed that these compounds are a good oral bioavailability without observed carcinogenesis affect. The compounds (3,4,6-8,10 and 11) which that passed through docking and ADMET profile have examined their potency against (MCF-7) breast cancer cell in vitro. The compound 7 showed a highest potency against MCF-7 with IC₅₀ value 0.39 μM. The QSAR model has created to discover the structural necessity inhibition of MCF-7. The derived QSAR model has a statistically significant with a good predictive power.

Design, Synthesis, and Mechanism of Dihydroartemisinin⁻Coumarin Hybrids as Potential Anti-Neuroinflammatory Agents

Cancer patients frequently suffer from cancer-related fatigue (CRF), which is a complex syndrome associated with weakness and depressed mood. Neuroinflammation is one of the major inducers of CRF. The aim of this study is to find a potential agent not only on the treatment of cancer, but also for reducing CRF level of cancer patients. In this study, total-thirty new Dihydroartemisinin-Coumarin hybrids (DCH) were designed and synthesized. The in vitro cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines (HT-29, MDA-MB-231, HCT-116, and A549) was evaluated. Simultaneously, we also tested the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of DCH. DCH could inhibit the activated microglia N9 release of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6. The docking analysis was shown that MD-2, the coreceptor of TLR4, might be one of the targets of DCH.

Genus Psoralea: A review of the traditional and modern uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Psoralea (Fabaceae) harbours 105 accepted species that are extensively used by local peoples and medicinal practitioners of China, India, and other countries for treatment of tooth decay, psoriasis, leucoderma, leprosy, kidney problems, tuberculosis, indigestion, constipation and impotence. Presently, pharmacological research reports are available on only few species namely Bituminaria bituminosa (Syn: P. bituminosa), P. canescens, P. corylifolia, P. esculenta, P. plicata and P. glandulosa which are valued for their chemical constituents and traditional uses.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review article provides explicit information on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of selected Psoralea species. The possible trends and perspectives for future research on these plants are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive and systematic review of the extant literature was carried out, and the data under various sections were identified using a computerized bibliographic search via the PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, EMBASE, INMEDPLAN, NATTS as well as several websites.

KEY FINDINGS

A total of 291 bioactive compounds from 06 species of genus Psoralea have been isolated and characterized. However, P. bituminosa alone possess nearly 150 compounds. These bioactive compounds belong to different chemical classes, including flavonoids, coumarins, furanocoumarins, chalcones, quinines, terpenoids and some others due to which these species exhibit significant anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-helmintic, anti-diabetic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer and anti-tumor activities. P. corylifolia L. (Babchi), a Chinese traditional medicinal plant has been used in traditional medicine for many decades for its healing properties against numerous skin diseases such as leprosy, psoriasis and leucoderma.

CONCLUSIONS

The in vitro studies and in vivo models have provided a simple bio-scientific justification for various ethnopharmacological uses of Psoralea species. From the toxicological perspective, the root, leaf, and seed extracts and their preparations have been proven to be safe when consumed in the recommended doses. But, meticulous studies on the pharmaceutical standardization, mode of action of the active constituents, and sustainable conservation of Psoralea species are needed, to meet the growing demands of the pharmaceutical industries, and to fully exploit their preventive and therapeutic potentials.

Pharmacology of natural radioprotectors

Radiotherapy is one of the most efficient ways to treat cancer. However, deleterious effects, such as acute and chronic toxicities that reduce the quality of life, may result. Naturally occurring compounds have been shown to be non-toxic over wide dose ranges and are inexpensive and effective. Additionally, pharmacological strategies have been developed that use radioprotectors to inhibit radiation-induced toxicities. Currently available radioprotectors have several limitations, including toxicity. In this review, we present the mechanisms of proven radioprotectors, ranging from free radical scavenging (the best-known mechanism of radioprotection) to molecular-based radioprotection (e.g., upregulating expression of heat shock proteins). Finally, we discuss naturally occurring compounds with radioprotective properties in the context of these mechanisms.

Copper-redox cycling by coumarin-di(2-picolyl)amine hybrid molecule leads to ROS-mediated DNA damage and apoptosis: A mechanism for cancer chemoprevention

Coumarin is an important bioactive pharmacophore. It is found in plants as a secondary metabolite and exhibits diverse pharmacological properties including anticancer effects against different malignancies. Therapeutic efficacy of coumarin derivatives depends on the pattern of substitution and conjugation with different moieties. Cancer cells contain elevated copper as compared to normal cells that plays a role in angiogenesis. Thus, targeting copper in malignant cells via copper chelators can serve as an attractive targeted anticancer strategy. Our previous efforts led to the synthesis of di(2-picolyl)amine-3(bromoacetyl)coumarin hybrid molecule (ligand-L) endowed with DNA/Cu(II) binding properties, and ROS generation ability in the presence of copper ions. In the present study, we aimed to validate copper-dependent cytotoxic action of ligand-L against malignant cells. For this, we used a cellular model system of copper (Cu) overloaded lymphocytes (CuOLs) to simulate malignancy-like condition. In CuOLs, lipid peroxidation/protein carbonylation, ROS generation, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis were investigated in the presence of ligand-L. Results showed that ligand-L-Cu(II) interaction leads to ROS generation, lipid peroxidation/protein carbonylation (oxidative stress parameters), DNA damage, up-regulation of p53 and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in treated lymphocytes. Further, pre-incubation with neocuproine (membrane permeable copper chelator) and ROS scavengers attenuated the DNA damage and apoptosis. These results suggest that cellular copper acts as molecular target for ligand-L to propagate redox cycling and generation of ROS via Fenton-like reaction leading to DNA damage and apoptosis. Further, we showed that ligand-L targets elevated copper in breast cancer MCF-7 and colon cancer HCT116 cells leading to a pro-oxidant inhibition of proliferation of cancer cells. In conclusion, we propose copper-dependent ROS-mediated mechanism for the cytotoxic action of ligand-L in malignant cells. Thus, targeting elevated copper represents an effective therapeutic strategy for selective cytotoxicity against malignant cells.

Novel hydrazide-hydrazone and amide substituted coumarin derivatives: Synthesis, cytotoxicity screening, microarray, radiolabeling and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies

The current work presents the synthesis and biological evaluation of new series of coumarin hydrazide-hydrazone derivatives that showed in vitro broad spectrum antitumor activities against resistant pancreatic carcinoma (Panc-1), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and leukemia (CCRF) cell lines using doxorubicin as reference standard. Bromocoumarin hydrazide-hydrazone derivative (BCHHD) 11b showed excellent anticancer activity against all tested cancer cell lines. Enzyme assays showed that BCHHD 11b induced apoptosis due to activation of caspases 3/7. Moreover, 11b inhibited GST and CYP3A4 in a dose dependent manner and the induced cell death could be attributed to metabolic inhibition. Moreover, 11b microarray analysis showed significant up- and down-regulation of many genes in the treated cells related to apoptosis, cell cycle, tumor growth and suppressor genes. All of the above presents BCHHD 11b as a potent anticancer agent able to overcome drug resistance. In addition, compound 11b was able to serve as a chemical carrier for ^99mTc and the in vivo biodistribution study of ^99mTc-11b complex revealed a remarkable targeting ability of ^99mTc into solid tumor showing that ^99mTc-11b might be used as a promising radiopharmaceutical imaging agent for cancer.

Design and synthesis of coumarin-based organoselenium as a new hit for myeloprotection and synergistic therapeutic efficacy in adjuvant therapy

A newly designed organoselenium compound, methyl substituted umbelliferone selenocyanate (MUS), was synthesized as a primary hit against the myelotoxic activity of carboplatin. MUS was administered at 6 mg/kg b.wt, p.o. in concomitant and pretreatment schedules with carboplatin (12 mg/kg b.wt, i.p. for 10 days) in female Swiss albino mouse. MUS treatment reduced (P < 0.001) the percentage of chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei formation, DNA damage and apoptosis in murine bone marrow cells and also enhanced (P < 0.001) the bone marrow cell proliferation of the carboplatin-treated mice. These activities cumulatively restored the viable bone marrow cell count towards normalcy. Myeloprotection by MUS was achieved, in part, due to a significant reduction in the ROS/RNS formation and restoration of glutathione redox pool. Additionally, MUS synergistically enhanced the cytotoxicity of carboplatin against two human cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and Colo-205). Furthermore, MUS can effectively potentiate the antitumour activity of carboplatin against two murine cancers (Dalton's Lymphoma and Sarcoma-180) in vivo. These preclinical findings clearly indicate that MUS can improve the therapeutic index of carboplatin and ensures more effective therapeutic strategy against cancer for clinical development.

Modulation of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in LPS-Stimulated BV-2 Microglia by Prenylated Chalcones from Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. through Inhibition of I-κBα Degradation

The overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) by microglia may cause neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. From the activity-guided purification of Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. (syn. Psoralea corylifolia L.), three prenylated chalcones were identified: isobavachalcone (1), bavachromene (2), and kanzonol B (3). These prenylated chalcones showed concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on NO and PGE₂ production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglia. Western blotting and RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that these prenylchalcones reduced the expression of protein and mRNA of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-activated microglia. Furthermore, three prenylated chalcones blocked the inhibitory-κBα (I-κBα) degradation and down-regulated nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) level of nucleus in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Therefore, these prenylated chalcones from Psoralea corylifolia may be beneficial for the treatment of neuro-inflammatory diseases by modulating iNOS and COX-2 expressions in activated microglial cells.

Protective effects of psoralidin on IL‑1β‑induced chondrocyte apoptosis

Chondrocyte apoptosis serves a key role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of psoralidin on interleukin (IL)‑1β‑induced chondrocyte apoptosis and explore the underlying mechanisms. Chondrocytes were isolated from the articular cartilage of Sprague‑Dawley rats and were treated with 10 ng/ml IL‑1β and various doses of psoralidin (5, 10 or 15 µM). The ratio of apoptosis was measured by Annexin V/propidium iodide double‑labeling fluorescence‑activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Caspase‑3 and ‑9 activity was determined using a quantitative colorimetric assay. Intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed using a dichlorofluorescein diacetate‑labeling FACS analysis, and the release of nitric oxide (NO) was measured using the Griess reaction method. In addition, protein expression levels were detected by western blotting. The results of the present study demonstrated that psoralidin may reduce IL‑1β‑induced chondrocyte apoptosis. Psoralidin pretreatment also reversed the inhibitory effects of IL‑1β on B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2) expression, and decreased the IL‑1β‑induced expression of Bcl‑2‑associated X protein, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑1 and MMP‑13. Furthermore, psoralidin decreased IL‑1β‑induced caspase‑3 and ‑9 activity, NO release, ROS production and nuclear factor (NF)‑κB nuclear translocation. In addition, the NF‑κB inhibitor pyrriolidine‑dithiocarbamate exerted similar effects to psoralidin, thus suggesting that IL‑1β induced proapoptotic effects in rat chondrocytes via an NF‑κB‑dependent pathway. Since psoralidin could protect chondrocytes from IL‑1β‑induced apoptosis and MMP expression, the present results suggested that psoralidin may be considered a drug candidate for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(bipy)(dppe)]PF6 induces anti-angiogenesis and apoptosis by a mechanism of caspase-dependent involving DNA damage, PARP activation, and Tp53 induction in Ehrlich tumor cells

Antimetastatic activities, low toxicity to normal cells and high selectivity for tumor cells make of the ruthenium complexes promising candidates in the search for develop new chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. This study aimed to determine the cytotoxic, genotoxic and to elucidate the signaling pathway involved in the death cell process induced by cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(bipy)(dppb)]PF₆(1) and cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(bipy)(dppe)]PF₆(2) in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in vitro. Moreover, we report for the first time the anti-angiogenic potential on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from healthy controls with an age range of 20-30 years and used to calculate the selectivity index (SI). The complex 2 (IC₅₀ = 8.5 ± 0.4/SI = 6.3) showed high cytotoxic and selectivity index against EAC cells than complex 1 (IC₅₀ = 14.9 ± 0.2/SI = 0.2) using the MTT assay. Complex 2 induced DNA damage on Ehrlich tumor cells at concentrations and time periods evalueted. In consequence, it was observed an increase of Tp53 gene expression, G0/G1-arrest cells, and increased levels of cleaved PARP protein. Beside that, the treatment of EAC with complex 2 led to an increase in Annexin V-positive cells and apoptosis induction by Caspase-7. Additionally, the complex 2 inhibited the angiogenesis caused by Ehrlich tumor cells in CAM model. This complex is active and selective for Ehrlich tumor cells, inducing DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and cell death by caspase-dependent apoptosis involving PARP activation (PARP1), and Tp53 induction.

Novel Structurally Related Flavones Augment Cell Death Induced by rhsTRAIL

TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) was identified as a powerful activator of apoptosis in tumor cells and one of the most promising candidates for cancer therapy with no toxicity against normal tissues. However, many tumor cells are resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The aim of this work was to analyze the improvement of the anticancer effect of rhsTRAIL (recombinant human soluble TRAIL) by nine flavones: 5-Hydroxyflavone, 6-Hydroxyflavone, 7-Hydroxyflavone and their new synthetic derivatives 5-acetoxyflavone, 5-butyryloxyflavone, 6-acetoxyflavone, 6-butyryloxyflavone, 7-acetoxyflavone and 7-butyryloxyflavone. We examined the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of rhsTRAIL enhanced by novel structurally-related flavones on SW480 and SW620 colon cancer cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test, the lactate dehydrogenase assay and annexin V-FITC fluorescence staining. We observed a slight difference in the activities of the flavones that was dependent on their chemical structure. Our study indicates that all nine flavones significantly augment cell death by rhsTRAIL (cytotoxicity range 36.8 ± 1.7%–91.4 ± 1.7%; apoptosis increase of 33.0 ± 0.7%–78.5 ± 0.9%). Our study demonstrates the potential use of tested flavones in TRAIL-based anticancer therapy and prevention.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Coumarin-Triazole Hybrid Molecules as Potential Antitumor and Pancreatic Lipase Agents

The design, synthesis, and investigation of antitumor and anti-lipase activities of some coumarin-triazole hybrid molecules are reported. The synthesis of these hybrid molecules was performed under microwave irradiation and conventional heating procedures. The newly synthesized hybrid molecules were investigated as inhibitors against four tumor cell lines (BT20 human breast carcinoma, SK-Mel 128 melanoma, DU-145 prostate carcinoma, and A549 lung carcinoma) and porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL). Most of these compounds showed notable antitumor activities against the tested tumor cell lines, and compounds 8i and 8l showed the best anti-lipase activity of 99.30 ± 0.56% and 99.85 ± 1.21%, respectively, at a concentration of 10 μM.

Restoring TRAIL Induced Apoptosis Using Naturopathy. Hercules Joins Hand with Nature to Triumph Over Lernaean Hydra

Cancer is a multifaceted disease. Our deepened knowledge about genetic and biological mechanisms of cancer cells presents an opportunity to explore the inter-individual differences in the body’s ability to metabolize and respond to different nutrients. It is becoming progressively more understandable that the deregulation of several signaling pathways and the alterations in apoptotic response are some of the major determinants that underpin carcinogenesis. Tumor necrosis factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)-mediated signaling has gained a remarkable appreciation because of its ability to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells leaving normal cells intact. However, technological advances have started to shed light on underlying mechanisms of resistance against TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancer cells. The impairment of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis includes various factors ranging from the loss or down regulation of TRAIL receptors or pro-apoptotic proteins to the up regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. Intriguingly to mention that there is an ever-increasing number of natural herbal extracts (phytometabolites), which have been explored to date for their potential action in restoring apoptosis TRAIL-mediated in cancer cells. In this review, we will highlight the progress in understanding the mechanisms opted by phenolic compounds in overcoming TRAIL resistance.

The Chemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Psoralea corylifolia Linn.: A Review

Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (P. corylifolia) is an important medicinal plant with thousands of years of clinical application. It has been widely used in many traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of various diseases such as leucoderma and other skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases, nephritis, osteoporosis, and cancer. Phytochemical studies indicated that coumarins, flavonoids, and meroterpenes are the main components of P. corylifolia, and most of these components are present in the seeds or fruits. The extracts and active components of P. corylifolia demonstrated multiple biological activities, including estrogenic, antitumor, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, osteoblastic, and hepatoprotective activities. This paper systematically summarized literatures on the chemical constituents and biological activities of P. corylifolia, which provided useful information for the further research and development toward this potent medicinal plant.

Psoralidin induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent DNA damage and protective autophagy mediated by NOX4 in breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Psoralidin (PSO), a natural phenolic coumarin, was reported to have anti-cancer activities. PSO induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in cancer cells. The role of ROS in its anti-cancer effect remains unclear.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate the potential roles of ROS in PSO-induced anti-cancer effect in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

METHODS

Effect of PSO on cancer cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. Comet assay was used to determine DNA damage. Protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Autophagic vacuoles were detected by monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining. ROS generation was measured by fluorescent probe. NOX4 localization was determined by immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

PSO treatment caused proliferation inhibition in time- and dose- dependent manners, which was partially reversed by N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and diphenyleneiodonium (DPI). PSO induced DNA damage and increased protein expression of γ-H2AX, phosphorylation of ATM, ATR, Chk1, and Chk2. PSO induced autophagy as evidenced by the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles and alterations of autophagic protein expression. PSO-induced cell death was enhanced by autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ). Furthermore, PSO treatment induced ROS formation, which was reversed by NAC or DPI pretreatment. The expression of NOX4 was significantly enhanced by PSO. Both NAC and DPI could reverse PSO-induced DNA damage and autophagic responses. In addition, silencing NOX4 by siRNA inhibited PSO-induced ROS generation, DNA damage, and autophagy.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results showed that PSO induced DNA damage and protective autophagy mediated by ROS generation in a NOX4-dependent manner in MCF-7 cells.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand-Induced Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells after Treatment with Xanthohumol-A Natural Compound Present in Humulus lupulus L

TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) is an endogenous ligand, which plays role in immune surveillance and anti-tumor immunity. It has ability to selectively kill tumor cells showing no toxicity to normal cells. We tested the apoptotic and cytotoxic activities of xanthohumol, a prenylated chalcone found in Humulus lupulus on androgen-sensitive human prostate adenocarcinoma cells (LNCaP) in combination with TRAIL. Cytotoxicity was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide tetrazolium reduction assay (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH). The expression of death receptors (DR4/TRAIL-R1 and DR5/TRAIL-R2) and apoptosis were detected using flow cytometry. We examined mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) by DePsipher reagent using fluorescence microscopy. The intracellular expression of proteins was evaluated by Western blotting. Our study showed that xanthohumol enhanced cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of TRAIL. The tested compounds activated caspases-3, -8, -9, Bid, and increased the expression of Bax. They also decreased expression of Bcl-xL and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, while the expression of death receptors was not changed. The findings suggest that xanthohumol is a compound of potential use in chemoprevention of prostate cancer due to its sensitization of cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.

Synthesis of Psoralidin derivatives and their anticancer activity: First synthesis of Lespeflorin I1

Synthetic scheme for the preparation of a number of different derivatives of anticancer natural product Psoralidin is described. A convergent synthetic approach is followed using simple starting materials like substituted phenyl acetic esters and benzoic acids. The developed synthetic route leads us to complete the first synthesis of an analogous natural product Lespeflorin I₁, a mild melanin synthesis inhibitor. Preliminary bioactivity studies of the synthesized compounds are carried out against two commonly used prostate cancer cell lines. Results show that the bioactivity of the compounds can be manipulated by the simple modification of the functional groups.

Recent developments of C-4 substituted coumarin derivatives as anticancer agents

Cancer is a prominent cause of death in global. Currently, the numbers of drugs that are in clinical practice are having a high prevalence of side effect and multidrug resistance. Researchers have made an attempt to expand a suitable anticancer drug that has no MDR and side effect. Coumarin scaffold became an attractive subject due to their broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. Coumarin derivatives extensively explored for anticancer activities as it possesses minimum side effect along with multi-drug reversal activity. Coumarin derivatives can act by various mechanisms on different tumor cell lines depending on substitution pattern of the core structure of coumarin. Substitution on coumarin nucleus leads to the search for more potent compounds. In this review, we have made an effort to give a synthetic strategy for the preparation of C-4 substituted coumarin derivatives as anticancer agents based on their mechanism of action and also discuss the SAR of the most active compound.