Tocotrienol-rich fraction, [6]-gingerol and epigallocatechin gallate inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of glioma cancer cells

Anticancer Therapeutic Effects of Green Tea Catechins (GTCs) When Integrated with Antioxidant Natural Components

After decades of research and development concerning cancer treatment, cancer is still at large and very much a threat to the global human population. Cancer remedies have been sought from all possible directions, including chemicals, irradiation, nanomaterials, natural compounds, and the like. In this current review, we surveyed the milestones achieved by green tea catechins and what has been accomplished in cancer therapy. Specifically, we have assessed the synergistic anticarcinogenic effects when green tea catechins (GTCs) are combined with other antioxidant-rich natural compounds. Living in an age of inadequacies, combinatorial approaches are gaining momentum, and GTCs have progressed much, yet there are insufficiencies that can be improvised when combined with natural antioxidant compounds. This review highlights that there are not many reports in this specific area and encourages and recommends research attention in this direction. The antioxidant/prooxidant mechanisms of GTCs have also been highlighted. The current scenario and the future of such combinatorial approaches have been addressed, and the lacunae in this aspect have been discussed.

Ginger for Healthy Ageing: A Systematic Review on Current Evidence of Its Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Properties

The world's population is ageing at an accelerated pace. Ageing is a natural, physiological but highly complex and multifactorial process that all species in the Tree of Life experience over time. Physical and mental disabilities, and age-related diseases, would increase along with the increasing life expectancy. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, native to Southeast Asia. For hundreds of years, ginger has been consumed in various ways by the natives of Asian countries, both as culinary and medicinal herb for the treatment of many diseases. Mounting evidence suggests that ginger can promote healthy ageing, reduce morbidity, and prolong healthy lifespan. Ginger, a well-known natural product, has been demonstrated to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties, as well as an outstanding antiviral activity due to a high concentration of antiviral compounds. In this review, the current evidence on the potential role of ginger and its active compounds in the prevention of ageing is discussed.

Anticancer Efficacy of 6-Gingerol with Paclitaxel against Wild Type of Human Breast Adenocarcinoma

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms, and despite the dynamic development of anticancer therapies, 5-year survival in the metastatic stage is still less than 30%. 6-Gingerol (1-[4′-hydroxy-3′-methoxyphenyl]-5-hydroxy-3-decanone) is a substance contained in ginger, which exhibits anti-cancer properties. Paclitaxel is a cytostatic substance used to treat breast cancer, but its therapeutically effective dose has many adverse effects. The aim of the presented study was to assess the anticancer effect of 6-gingerol and the possibility of increasing the effectiveness of Paclitaxel in the death induction of wild type human breast cancer cells. MCF-7/WT cells were treated with drugs—6-gingerol and paclitaxel at selected concentrations. The mitochondrial activity assay, caspase 7 activity assay, ATP assay, microscopy studies, and RT-PCR assays were performed to evaluate the antitumor activity and mechanism of action of both compounds, alone and in combination. After 72 h of incubation, the mitochondrial activity showed that the combination of 5 nM Paclitaxel with 10 µM 6-Gingerol led to the same decrease in viability as the use of 20 nM Paclitaxel alone; 10 µM 6-Gingerol led to an enhancement of caspase 7 activity, with the highest activity observed after 24 h of incubation. A real-time PCR study showed that 6-Gingerol induces the simultaneous transcription of Bax with TP53 genes in large excess to BCL-2. In contrast, 5 nM Paclitaxel induces TP53 transcription in excess of BCL-2 and Bax. Our results suggest that 6-Gingerol may act as a cell death-inducing agent in cancer cells and, in combination with paclitaxel, and increase the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy.

Inhibitory Mechanism of Combined Hydroxychavicol With Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Against Glioma Cancer Cell Lines: A Transcriptomic Analysis

Emerging reports have shown therapeutic potential of hydroxychavicol (HC) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) against cancer cells, however high concentrations are required to achieve the anticancer activity. We reported the synergy of low combination doses of EGCG+HC in glioma cell lines 1321N1, SW1783, and LN18 by assessing the effects of EGCG+HC through functional assays. Using high throughput RNA sequencing, the molecular mechanisms of EGCG+HC against glioma cell lines were revealed. EGCG/HC alone inhibited the proliferation of glioma cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 82 to 302 µg/ml and 75 to 119 µg/ml, respectively. Sub-effective concentrations of combined EGCG+HC enhanced the suppression of glioma cell growth, with SW1783 showing strong synergism with a combination index (CI) of 0.55 and LN18 showing a CI of 0.51. A moderate synergistic interaction of EGCG+HC was detected in 1321N1 cells, with a CI value of 0.88. Exposure of 1321N1, SW1783, and LN18 cells to EGCG+HC for 24 h induces cell death, with caspase-3 activation rates of 52%, 57%, and 9.4%, respectively. However, the dose for SW1783 is cytotoxic to normal cells, thus this dose was excluded from other tests. EGCG+HC induced cell cycle arrest at S phase and reduced 1321N1 and LN18 cell migration and invasion. Combined EGCG+HC amplified its anticancer effect by downregulating the axon guidance process and metabolic pathways, while simultaneously interfering with endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response pathway. Furthermore, EGCG+HC exerted its apoptotic effect through the alteration of mitochondrial genes such as MT-CO3 and MT-RNR2 in 1321N1 and LN18 cells respectively. EGCG+HC dynamically altered DYNLL1 alternative splicing expression in 1321N1 and DLD splicing expression in LN18 cell lines. Our work indicated the pleiotropic effects of EGCG+HC treatment, as well as particular target genes that might be investigated for future glioma cancer therapeutic development.

Ginger and its active compounds in cancer therapy: From folk uses to nano-therapeutic applications

Ginger is a spice that is renowned for its characteristic aromatic fragrance and pungent taste, with documented healing properties. Field studies conducted in several Asian and African countries revealed that ginger is used traditionally in the management of cancer. The scientific community has probed into the biological validation of its extracts and isolated compounds including the gingerols, shogaols, zingiberene, and zingerone, through in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Nonetheless, an updated compilation of these data together with a deep mechanistic approach is yet to be provided. Accordingly, this review highlights the mechanisms and therapeutics of ginger and its bioactive compounds focused on a cancer context and these evidence are based on the (i) cytotoxic effect against cancer cell lines, (ii) enzyme inhibitory action, (iii) combination therapy with chemotherapeutic and phenolic compounds, (iv) possible links to the microbiome and (v) the use of nano-formulations of ginger bioactive compounds as a more effective drug delivery strategy in cancer therapy.

Codelivery of epigallocatechin-3-gallate and diallyl trisulfide by near-infrared light-responsive mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles for enhanced antitumor efficacy

Green tea extract epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), as a kind of natural active compounds, has become a research hotspot in cancer treatment. However, poor stability, low bioavailability and antitumor efficacy limit the application of EGCG. In this study, mesoporous dopamine (MPDA) with high drug loading and good biocompatibility loaded EGCG, garlic extract diallyl trisulfide (DATS) and photosensitizer (indocyanine green, ICG) by π-π stacking and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction, and the nano-system involved filling the mesoporous of the MPDA with phase change material (1-tetradecanol, 1-TD) molecules, which acted as a thermosensitive gatekeeper. The results indicated that MPDA-ICG@TD has an excellent photothermal effect and good stability. Due to the solid-liquid phase transition characteristics of the phase change material, MPDA-ICG@TD could control the release of drugs under near-infrared laser irradiation. Besides, cytotoxicity and apoptosis experiments showed that MPDA-ICG/EGCG/DATS@TD could be efficiently inhibited 4T1 cell proliferation and accelerate cell apoptosis than use diallyl trisulfide or EGCG alone, which means that the combination of natural active compounds EGCG and diallyl trisulfide has excellent synergy and can effectively improve the antitumor effect of EGCG. Moreover, this nano-system exhibited non-toxicity and good blood compatibility. This study provides a promising and effective strategy for improving the antitumor efficacy of natural active compound EGCG.

Modulation of Proteome Profile in AβPP/PS1 Mice Hippocampus, Medial Prefrontal Cortex, and Striatum by Palm Oil Derived Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction

Tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) is a mixture of vitamin E analogs derived from palm oil. We previously demonstrated that supplementation with TRF improved cognitive function and modulated amyloid pathology in AβPP/PS1 mice brains. The current study was designed to examine proteomic profiles underlying the therapeutic effect of TRF in the brain. Proteomic analyses were performed on samples of hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and striatum using liquid chromatography coupled to Q Exactive HF Orbitrap mass spectrometry. From these analyses, we profiled a total of 5,847 proteins of which 155 proteins were differentially expressed between AβPP/PS1 and wild-type mice. TRF supplementation of these mice altered the expression of 255 proteins in the hippocampus, mPFC, and striatum. TRF also negatively modulated the expression of amyloid beta A4 protein and receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase alpha protein in the hippocampus. The expression of proteins in metabolic pathways, oxidative phosphorylation, and those involved in Alzheimer’s disease were altered in the brains of AβPP/PS1 mice that received TRF supplementation.

Tocotrienol Rich Fraction Supplementation Modulate Brain Hippocampal Gene Expression in APPswe/PS1dE9 Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of memory and other cognitive abilities. AD is associated with aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) deposited in the hippocampal brain region. Our previous work has shown that tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) supplementation was able to attenuate the blood oxidative status, improve behavior, and reduce fibrillary-type Aβ deposition in the hippocampus of an AD mouse model. In the present study, we investigate the effect of 6 months of TRF supplementation on transcriptome profile in the hippocampus of APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice. TRF supplementation can alleviate AD conditions by modulating several important genes in AD. Moreover, TRF supplementation attenuated the affected biological process and pathways that were upregulated in the AD mouse model. Our findings indicate that TRF supplementation can modulate hippocampal gene expression as well as biological processes that can potentially delay the progression of AD.

Asiaticoside Antagonizes Proliferation and Chemotherapeutic Drug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Cells

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most prevalent malignant tumor in China after lung cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and breast cancer, and has a high mortality rate. Though there are a series of therapeutic strategies is now available for HCC in clinical practice, the 5-year survival rate after surgery is still low. In addition, multi-drug resistance (MDR) is one of the most important factors responsible for the low survival rate and poor therapy response in HCC. Hence, novel treatment strategies and molecules for HCC need to be developed.

Material/Methods

We assessed the effect of asiaticoside, a natural product derived from Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, on HCC cell proliferation and drug resistance.

Results

Our data indicated that asiaticoside significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCC cell lines QGY-7703 and Bel-7402 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, asiaticoside significantly induced apoptosis in QGY-7703 and Bel-7402 cells. Treatment with asiaticoside also caused G1 cell cycle arrest in QGY-7703 and Bel-7402 cells. Western blot assay results indicated that the mechanism underlying the effects of asiaticoside involves inhibiting the activity of the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways. Furthermore, asiaticoside significantly antagonized P-gp-mediated MDR in HCC cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that asiaticoside has the potential to be applied in the treatment of HCC patients, but further evidence is needed to confirm our results, particularly in vivo efficacy.

Beta-Tocotrienol Exhibits More Cytotoxic Effects than Gamma-Tocotrienol on Breast Cancer Cells by Promoting Apoptosis via a P53-Independent PI3-Kinase Dependent Pathway

Studies on tocotrienols have progressively revealed the benefits of these vitamin E isoforms on human health. Beta-tocotrienol (beta-T3) is known to be less available in nature compared to other vitamin E members, which may explain the restricted number of studies on beta-T3. In the present study, we aim to investigate the anti-proliferative effects and the pro-apoptotic mechanisms of beta-T3 on two human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF7. To assess cell viability, both cell lines were incubated for 24 and 48 h, with different concentrations of beta-T3 and gamma-T3, the latter being a widely studied vitamin E isoform with potent anti-cancerous properties. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction upon treatment with various concentrations of the beta-T3 isoform were assessed. The effect of beta-T3 on the expression level of several apoptosis-related proteins p53, cytochrome C, cleaved-PARP-1, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, in addition to key cell survival proteins p-PI3K and p-GSK-3 α/β was determined using western blot analysis. Beta-tocotrienol exhibited a significantly more potent anti-proliferative effect than gamma-tocotrienol on both cell lines regardless of their hormonal receptor status. Beta-T3 induced a mild G1 arrest on both cell lines, and triggered a mitochondrial stress-mediated apoptotic response in MDA-MB-231 cells. Mechanistically, beta-T3′s anti-neoplastic activity involved the downregulation of phosphorylated PI3K and GSK-3 cell survival proteins. These findings suggest that vitamin E beta-T3 should be considered as a promising anti-cancer agent, more effective than gamma-T3 for treating human breast cancer and deserves to be further studied to investigate its effects in vitro and on other cancer types.

Targeting MDR-1 gene expression, BAX/BCL2, caspase-3, and Ki-67 by nanoencapsulated imatinib and hesperidin to enhance anticancer activity and ameliorate cardiotoxicity

There is a great demand to introduce new approaches into cancer treatment field due to incidence of increased breast cancer all over the world. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of imatinib mesylate (IM) and/or hesperidin (HES) nanoparticles alone or in combination in enhancing the anticancer activity and to investigate the ability of nanoencapsulation to reduce cardiotoxicity of IM in solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC)-bearing mice. IM and HES were loaded into PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer. SEC was induced in female albino mice as a model for experimentally induced breast cancer. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 10). On day 28 from tumor inoculation, mice were sacrificed and blood samples were collected in heparinized tubes for hematological studies, biochemical determination of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels. In addition, tumor and cardiac tissues were utilized for histopathological examination as well as determination of MDR-1 gene expression. Immunohistochemical staining of BAX and BCL-2 was done. Nano IM- and/or Nano HES-treated groups showed a significant reduction in tumor volume, weight, hematological, cardiac markers, and tumor MDR-1 gene downregulation compared to free conventional treated groups. In conclusion, the use of HES as an adjuvant therapy with IM could improve its cytotoxic effects and limit its cardiac toxicity. Furthermore, nanoencapsulation of IM and/or HES with PLGA polymer showed a remarkable anticancer activity.

Enhanced anticancer activity of combined treatment of imatinib and dipyridamole in solid Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice

The current study was designed to evaluate potential enhancement of the anticancer activity of imatinib mesylate (IM) with dipyridamole (DIP) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the combined therapy (IM/DIP) to reduce hepatotoxicity of IM in solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC)-bearing mice. SEC was induced in female albino mice as a model for experimentally induced breast cancer. Mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 10): SEC vehicle, IM₅₀ (50 mg/kg), IM₁₀₀ (100 mg/kg), DIP (35 mg/kg), a combination of IM₅₀/DIP and IM₁₀₀/DIP. On day 28th, mice were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for hematological studies. Biochemical determination of liver markers was evaluated. Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were assessed. In addition, MDR-1 gene expression and immunohistochemical staining of BAX and BCL-2 was done. Also, in vitro experiment for determination of IC50 of different treatments and combination index (CI) were assessed in both MCF-7 and HCT-116 cell lines. IM- and/or DIP-treated groups showed a significant reduction in tumor volume, weight, and serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, and AIP compared to vehicle group. In addition, reduction of VEGF, Ki67, and adenosine contents was also reported by treated groups. Also, IM/DIP combination showed lower IC50 than monotherapy. Combination index is less than 1 for IM/DIP combination in both cell lines. DIP as an adjuvant therapy potentiated the cytotoxic effect of IM, ameliorated its hepatic toxicity, and showed synergistic effect with IM in vitro cell lines. Furthermore, the resistance against IM therapy may be overcome by the use of DIP independent on mdr-1 gene expression.

PP2Cδ inhibits p300-mediated p53 acetylation via ATM/BRCA1 pathway to impede DNA damage response in breast cancer

Although nuclear type 2C protein phosphatase (PP2Cδ) has been demonstrated to be pro-oncogenic with an important role in tumorigenesis, the underlying mechanisms that link aberrant PP2Cδ levels with cancer development remain elusive. Here, we found that aberrant PP2Cδ activity decreases p53 acetylation and its transcriptional activity and suppresses doxorubicin-induced cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, we show that BRCA1 facilitates p300-mediated p53 acetylation by complexing with these two proteins and that S1423/1524 phosphorylation is indispensable for this regulatory process. PP2Cδ, via dephosphorylation of ATM, suppresses DNA damage-induced BRCA1 phosphorylation, leading to inhibition of p300-mediated p53 acetylation. Furthermore, PP2Cδ levels correlate with histological grade and are inversely associated with BRCA1 phosphorylation and p53 acetylation in breast cancer specimens. C23, our newly developed PP2Cδ inhibitor, promotes the anticancer effect of doxorubicin in MCF-7 xenograft-bearing nude mice. Together, our data indicate that PP2Cδ impairs p53 acetylation and DNA damage response by compromising BRCA1 function.

Targeting of PP2Cδ By a Small Molecule C23 Inhibits High Glucose-Induced Breast Cancer Progression In Vivo

Aims: Epidemiologic evidence indicates that diabetes may increase risk of breast cancer (BC) and mortality in patients with cancer. The pathophysiological relationships between diabetes and cancer are not fully understood, and personalized treatments for diabetes-associated BC are urgently needed. Results: We observed that high glucose (HG), via activation of nuclear phosphatase PP2Cδ, suppresses p53 function, and consequently promotes BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. PP2Cδ expression is higher in tumor tissues from BC patients with hyperglycemia than those with normoglycemia. The mechanisms underlying HG stimulation of PP2Cδ involve classical/novel protein kinase-C (PKC) activation and GSK3β phosphorylation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NF-κB pathway also mediates HG induction of PP2Cδ. Furthermore, we identified a 1,5-diheteroarylpenta-1,4-dien-3-one (Compound 23, or C23) as a novel potent PP2Cδ inhibitor with a striking cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells through cell-based screening assay for growth inhibition and activity of a group of curcumin mimics. Beside directly inhibiting PP2Cδ activity, C23 blocks HG induction of PP2Cδ expression via heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) induction and subsequent ablation of ROS/NF-κB activation. C23 can thus significantly block HG-triggered inhibition of p53 activity, leading to the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition, hyperglycemia promotes BC development in diabetic nude mice, and C23 inhibits the xenografted BC tumor growth. Conclusions and Innovation: Our findings elucidate mechanisms that may have contributed to diabetes-associated BC progression, and provide the first evidence to support the possible alternative therapeutic approach to BC patients with diabetes. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 30, 1983-1998.

Effects of the Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Glioma: A Critical Evaluation of the Literature

The review discusses the effects of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Gallate (EGCG) on glioma as a basis for future research on clinical application of EGCG. Epidemiological studies on the effects of green tea or EGCG on the risk of glioma is inconclusive due to the limited number of studies, the inclusion of all tea types in these studies, and the focus on caffeine rather than EGCG. In vivo experiments using EGCG monotherapy are inconclusive. Nevertheless, EGCG induces cell death, prevents cellular proliferation, and limits invasion in multiple glioma cell lines. Furthermore, EGCG enhances the efficacy of anti-glioma therapies, including irradiation, temozolomide, carmustine, cisplatin, tamoxifen, and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, but reduces the effect of bortezomib. Pro-drugs, co-treatment, and encapsulation are being investigated to enhance clinical applicability of EGCG. Mechanisms of actions of EGCG have been partly elucidated. EGCG has both anti-oxidant and oxidant properties. EGCG inhibits pro-survival proteins, such as telomerase, survivin, GRP78, PEA15, and P-gp. EGCG inhibits signaling of PDGFR, IGF-1R, and 67LR. EGCG reduces invasiveness of cancer cells by inhibiting the activities of various metalloproteinases, cytokines, and chemokines. Last, EGCG inhibits some NADPH-producing enzymes, thus disturbing redox status and metabolism of glioma cells. In conclusion, EGCG may be a suitable adjuvant to potentiate anti-glioma therapies.

The Association Between Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) and Glioma and Evaluation of Nutrient Intakes of These Patients: A Case-Control Study

INTRODUCTION

Glioma is the most common adult brain tumors. Dietary factors may play a role in the etiology of glioma. The Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) provides a general overview for the nutrient content of a food or a diet. This study aimed to investigate the association between INQ and glioma and nutrient intakes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was included 128 patients and 256 controls. Dietary intakes of the subjects were evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and FFQ-derived dietary data were used to calculate INQ scores. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Cases had higher intake of total fat, saturated fatty acid (SFA), meats, hydrogenated oils and controls had higher intake of monounsaturated fatty acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid, calcium, dairy, fruits, and nuts. Only the INQ of vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, and fiber are higher in controls. An inverse association was observed between glioma and INQ of calcium, vitamin E, vitamin C, and fiber.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study propose a healthy diet such as high intake of vitamins C and E, calcium, fiber, food groups like fruits and vegetables, and low-fat milk and nuts; and low consumption of total fat, SFA, and red meat may be protective against glioma.

Absorption, metabolism, anti-cancer effect and molecular targets of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG): An updated review

Green tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, especially in Asian countries. Consumption of green tea has been demonstrated to possess many health benefits, which mainly attributed to the main bioactive compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a flavone-3-ol polyphenol, in green tea. EGCG is mainly absorbed in the intestine, and gut microbiota play a critical role in its metabolism prior to absorption. EGCG exhibits versatile bioactivities, with its anti-cancer effect most attracting due to the cancer preventive effect of green tea consumption, and a great number of studies intensively investigated its anti-cancer effect. In this review, we therefore, first stated the absorption and metabolism process of EGCG, and then summarized its anti-cancer effect in vitro and in vivo, including its manifold anti-cancer actions and mechanisms, especially its anti-cancer stem cell effect, and next highlighted its various molecular targets involved in cancer inhibition. Finally, the anti-cancer effect of EGCG analogs and nanoparticles, as well as the potential cancer promoting effect of EGCG were also discussed. Understanding of the absorption, metabolism, anti-cancer effect and molecular targets of EGCG can be of importance to better utilize it as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent.

A novel method for primary neuronal culture and characterization under different high temperature

Heatstroke is a big threat to human health; however, the characteristic of pathological changes of neurons during heatstroke development remains unclear. Here, using an in vitro model of primary cultured neurons from newborn Wistar rats, we investigated the effects of the different combinations of high temperature (37, 39, 41, 43, 45, and 47°C) and exposure time (45 min and 1 h) on the neurons. We found that, under the treatment of 45 min-heat, the neurons could resist high temperature up to 45°C, and under the treatment of 1 h-heat, the mortality of neurons increased as the temperature rises. After heating for 1 h, only a small minority of the neurons died under 41 and 43°C, which primarily occurred in the form of apoptosis. Up to 45°C for 1 h, most neurons occurred to necrosis. Meaningfully, some necrotic neurons expressed specific fried egg-like morphology. Our findings suggest that different high temperatures and exposure times were two key factors influencing the death of neurons. Under the high temperature (below 43°C for 1 h) similar to heatstroke, it just led a small percentage of neurons to apoptosis, and anti-apoptosis controls for preventing and treating heatstroke are promising.

6-Gingerol Mediates its Anti Tumor Activities in Human Oral and Cervical Cancer Cell Lines through Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest

6-Gingerol, a potent nutraceutical, has been shown to have antitumor activity in different tumors, although its mechanism of action is not well understood. In this study, we evaluated antitumor activities of 6-gingerol on human oral (SCC4, KB) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines with or without wortmannin, rapamycin, and cisplatin. Tumor cell proliferation was observed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H tetrazolium, inner salt assay, cell cycle analysis by propidium iodide labeling and flow cytometry, apoptosis by Annexin-V binding assay, and caspase activity by chemiluminescence assay. 6-Gingerol showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity in all three cell lines. Combinations of 6-gingerol with wortmannin and cisplatin showed additive effects, while with rapamycin, it showed 50% cytotoxicity that was equivalent to IC50 of 6-gingerol alone. Treatment with 6-gingerol resulted in G2-phase arrest in KB and HeLa cells and S-phase arrest in SCC4 cells. 6-Gingerol, wortmannin, and rapamycin treatment showed almost two-fold higher expression of caspase 3 in all cell lines. The results imply that 6-gingerol either alone or in combination with PI-3 K inhibitor and cisplatin may provide better therapeutic effects in oral and cervical carcinoma. Thus, 6-gingerol appears to be a safe and potent chemotherapeutic/chemopreventive compound acting through cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in human oral and cervical tumor cells.

Analysis of chemical properties of edible and medicinal ginger by metabolomics approach

In traditional herbal medicine, comprehensive understanding of bioactive constituent is important in order to analyze its true medicinal function. We investigated the chemical properties of medicinal and edible ginger cultivars using a liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach. Our PCA results indicate the importance of acetylated derivatives of gingerol, not gingerol or shogaol, as the medicinal indicator. A newly developed ginger cultivar, Z. officinale cv. Ogawa Umare or "Ogawa Umare" (OG), contains more active ingredients, showing properties as a new resource for the production of herbal medicines derived from ginger in terms of its chemical constituents and rhizome yield.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic and antitumour effects of the essential oil from Mentha x villosa and its main compound, rotundifolone

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and antitumour effects of the essential oil from the leaves of Mentha x villosa (EOMV) and its main component (rotundifolone).

METHODS

In-vitro cytotoxic activity of the EOMV and rotundifolone was determined on cultured tumour cells. In-vivo antitumour activity of the EOMV was assessed in sarcoma 180-bearing mice.

KEY FINDINGS

The EOMV displayed cytotoxicity against human tumour cell lines, showing IC50 values in the range of 0.57-1.02 μg/ml in the HCT-116 and SF-295 cell lines, respectively. Rotundifolone showed weak cytotoxicity against HCT-116, SF-295 and OVCAR-8 cell lines (IC50 > 25.00 μg/ml). Tumour growth inhibition rates were 29.4-40.5% and 25.0-45.2% for the EOMV treatment by intraperitoneal (50-100 mg/kg/day) and oral (100-200 mg/kg/day) administration, respectively. The EOMV did not significantly affect body mass and macroscopy of the organs.

CONCLUSIONS

The EOMV possesses significant antitumour activity with low systemic toxicity, possibly due to the synergistic action of its minor constituents.

[6]-Gingerol inhibits de novo fatty acid synthesis and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 activity which triggers apoptosis in HepG2

The de novo fatty acid synthesis catalyzed by key lipogenic enzymes, including fatty acid synthase (FASN) has emerged as one of the novel targets of anti-cancer approaches. The present study explored the possible inhibitory efficacy of [6]-gingerol on de novo fatty acid synthesis associated with mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic induction in HepG2 cells. We observed a dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential accompanied by a reduction of fatty acid levels. [6]-gingerol administration manifested inhibition of FASN expression, indicating FASN is a major target of [6]-gingerol inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Indeed, we found that increased ROS generation could likely be a mediator of the anti-cancer effect of [6]-gingerol. A reduction of fatty acid levels and induction of apoptosis were restored by inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) activity, suggesting an accumulation of malonyl-CoA level could be the major cause of apoptotic induction of [6]-gingerol in HepG2 cells. The present study also showed that depletion of fatty acid following [6]-gingerol treatment caused an inhibitory effect on carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 activity (CPT-1), whereas C75 augmented CPT-1 activity, indicating that [6]-gingerol exhibits the therapeutic benefit on suppression of fatty acid β-oxidation.