Anticancer Effects of Sinulariolide-Conjugated Hyaluronan Nanoparticles on Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells

Suppression of TGFβ-Induced Interleukin-6 Secretion by Sinulariolide from Soft Corals through Attenuation of the p38-NF-kB Pathway in Carcinoma Cells

Sinulariolide (SC-1) is a natural product extracted from the cultured-type soft coral Sinularia flexibilis and possesses anti-inflammation, anti-proliferative, and anti-migratory in several types of cancer cells. However, the molecular pathway behind its effects on inflammation remains poorly understood. Since inflammatory cytokines such as TGFβ, TNFα, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8 activate transcription factors such as Smads, NF-κB, STAT3, Snail, Twist, and Zeb that drive the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in this study, we focus on the investigation in effects of SC-1 on TGFβ-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) releases in an in vitro cell culture model. We showed that both intracellular IL-6 expression and secretion were stimulated by TGFβ and associated with strong upregulation of IL-6 mRNA and increased transcription in A549 cells. SC-1 blocked TGFβ-induced secretion of IL-6 while showing no effect on the induction of fibronectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 genes, indicating that SC-1 interferes with only a subset of TGFβ activities. In addition, SC-1 inhibits TGFβ-induced IL-6 by suppressing p38 MAPK signaling and subsequently inhibits NF-κB and its nuclear translocation without affecting the canonical Smad pathway and receptor turnover. Overall, these data suggest that p38 may involve in the inhibition of SC-1 in IL-6 release, thus illustrating an inhibitory effect for SC-1 in the suppression of inflammation, EMT phenotype, and tumorigenesis.

Synergistic prevention and reparative effects of sesquiterpene farnesol in a rabbit model of surgical resection-induced osteoarthritis

Articular cartilage may regenerate poorly after injury or during aging. In vitro, farnesol can modulate extracellular matrix synthesis and restore chondrocyte phenotypes by increasing type II collagen (COL II) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production. Here, we evaluated farnesol's preventive and reparative effects against osteoarthritis (OA) in vivo. We induced OA in rabbits through resection of the lateral collateral ligament and meniscus. After 2 weeks, the affected limb was treated with 0.5 ml of 0.4 mM farnesol, hyaluronan (HA) nanoparticle-encapsulated 0.8 mM farnesol (Farn/HA), or HA nanoparticles intra-articularly. After 2 and 6 treatment weeks, synovial inflammatory cytokine levels were analyzed. We also removed the entire joint cartilage from lateral femoral condyles for histological investigation. The half-maximum inhibitory concentration of farnesol was 0.5 mM. Farn/HA had relatively low cytotoxicity showing cells remained viable after being treated with 1 mM a concentration Farn/HA. Untreated lateral condyle exhibited extensive wear. By contrast, 0.4 mM farnesol or 0.8 mM Farn/HA led to a relatively transparent and bright appearance. After 2 and 6 treatment weeks, farnesol, particularly 0.8 mM Farn/HA, reduced matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 13 levels considerably. Therefore, 0.8 mM Farn/HA, which enabled slow drug release, demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory and OA preventive effects. After 6 treatment weeks, farnesol also promoted COL II and GAG synthesis and, thus, aided healing.

An Overview of Antitumour Activity of Polysaccharides

Cancer incidence and mortality are rapidly increasing worldwide; therefore, effective therapies are required in the current scenario of increasing cancer cases. Polysaccharides are a family of natural polymers that hold unique physicochemical and biological properties, and they have become the focus of current antitumour drug research owing to their significant antitumour effects. In addition to the direct antitumour activity of some natural polysaccharides, their structures offer versatility in synthesizing multifunctional nanocomposites, which could be chemically modified to achieve high stability and bioavailability for delivering therapeutics into tumor tissues. This review aims to highlight recent advances in natural polysaccharides and polysaccharide-based nanomedicines for cancer therapy.

Mastoparan, a Peptide Toxin from Wasp Venom Conjugated Fluvastatin Nanocomplex for Suppression of Lung Cancer Cell Growth

Lung cancer has a very low survival rate, and non-small cell lung cancer comprises around 85% of all types of lung cancers. Fluvastatin (FLV) has demonstrated the apoptosis and suppression of tumor-cell proliferation against lung cancer cells in vitro. Drug-peptide nanoconjugates were found to enhance the cytotoxicity of anti-cancer drugs. Thus, the present study aimed to develop a nanocomplex of FLV with mastoparan (MAS), which is a peptide that has membranolytic anti-tumor activity. The nanocomplex of FLV and MAS (MAS-FLV-NC) was prepared and optimized for particle size using Box-Behnken design. The amount of FLV had the highest influence on particle size. While higher levels of FLV and incubation time favored higher particle size, a higher level of sonication time reduced the particle size of MAS-FLV-NC. The optimum formula of MAS-FLV-NC used 1.00 mg of FLV and was prepared with an incubation time of 12.1339 min and a sonication time of 6 min. The resultant particle size was 77.648 nm. The in vitro cell line studies of MAS-FLV-NC, FLV, and MAS were carried out in A549 cells. The IC50 values of MAS-FLV-NC, FLV, and MAS were 18.6 ± 0.9, 58.4 ± 2.8, and 34.3 ± 1.6 µg/mL respectively, showing the enhanced cytotoxicity of MAS-FLV-NC. The apoptotic activity showed that MAS-FLV-NC produced a higher percentage of cells in the late phase, showing a higher apoptotic activity than FLV and MAS. Furthermore, cell cycle arrest in S and Pre G1 phases by MAS-FLV-NC was observed in the cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry. The loss of mitochondrial membrane potential after MAS-FLV-NC treatment was significantly higher than those observed for FLV and MAS. The IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-kB expressions were inhibited, whereas TNF-α, caspase-3, and ROS expressions were enhanced by MAS-FLV-NC treatment. Furthermore, the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 strongly established the enhanced cytotoxic effect of MAS-FLV-NC. The results indicated that MAS-FLV-NC has better cytotoxicity than individual effects of MAS and FLV in A549 cells. Further pre-clinical and clinical studies are needed for developing MAS-FLV-NC to a clinically successful therapeutic approach against lung cancer.

Ambroxol Hydrochloride Loaded Gastro-Retentive Nanosuspension Gels Potentiate Anticancer Activity in Lung Cancer (A549) Cells

This study aimed to develop gastro-retentive sustained-release ambroxol (ABX) nanosuspensions utilizing ambroxol-kappa-carrageenan (ABX-CRG_K) complexation formulations. The complex was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, powder x-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscopy. The prepared co-precipitate complex was used for the development of the sustained-release formulation to overcome the high metabolic and poor solubility problems associated with ABX. Furthermore, the co-precipitate complex was formulated as a suspension in an aqueous floating gel-forming vehicle of sodium alginate with chitosan, which might be beneficial for targeting the stomach as a good absorption site for ABX. The suspension exhibited rapid floating gel behaviour for more than 8 h, thus confirming the gastro-retentive effects. Particle size analysis revealed that the optimum nanosuspension (ABX-NS) had a mean particle size of 332.3 nm. Afterward, the ABX released by the nanoparticles would be distributed to the pulmonary tissue as previously described. Based on extensive pulmonary distribution, the developed nanosuspension-released ABX nanoparticles showed significant cytotoxic enhancement compared to free ABX in A549 lung cancer cells. However, a significant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) also occurred. The level of caspase-3 was the highest in the ABX-NS-released particle-treated samples, with a value of 416.6 ± 9.11 pg/mL. Meanwhile, the levels of nuclear factor kappa beta, interleukins 6 and 1 beta, and tumour necrosis alpha (NF-kB, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, respectively) were lower for ABX-NS compared to free ABX (p < 0.05). In caspase-3, Bax, and p53, levels significantly increased in the presence of ABX-NS compared to free ABX. Overall, ABX-NS produced an enhancement of the anticancer effects of ABX on the A549 cells, and the developed sustained-release gel was successful in providing a gastro-retentive effect.

Apamin-Conjugated Alendronate Sodium Nanocomplex for Management of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer has a low survival rate and has limited therapeutic options due to the peculiarity of the tumor tissue. Cancer nanotechnology provides several opportunities to resolve such difficulties as a result of the high surface-to-volume ratio of nanostructures. Peptide-drug nanocomplexes have proved to have immense potential in anticancer activity against pancreatic cancer cells. Thus, in the present study apamin (APA) and alendronate sodium (ALS) were combined to form nanocomplexes (APA-ALS-NC) against pancreatic cancer cells. Optimization of ALS, incubation time, and sonication time in terms of particle size of the nanocomplex was carried out. The optimized formulation was evaluated for anticancer activities in pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1 cells). A Box-Behnken design using ALS, incubation time, and sonication time as independent factors and particle size as the response was chosen to optimize the APA-ALS-NC formulation. The optimized APA-ALS-NC had a particle size of 161.52 ± 8.4 nm. The evaluation of APA-ALS-NC in PANC-1 cells was carried out using various in vitro tests. The IC₅₀ values were determined by MTT assay and found to be 37.6 ± 1.65, 13.4 ± 0.59, and 1.01 ± 0.04 µg/mL for ALS, APA, and APA-ALS-NC, respectively. The higher cytotoxicity activity of APA-ALS-NC was confirmed from the higher percentage of cells in the necrosis phase (apoptosis study) and the G2-M phase (cell cycle study) compared to that of ALS and APA. While the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was less for APA-ALS-NC, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, caspase-3, ROS, IL-6, and NF-kB showed that APA-ALS-NC can significantly enhance apoptosis and cytotoxicity in PANC-1 cells. Moreover, Bax (10.87 ± 1.36), Bcl-2 (0.27 ± 0.02), and p53 (9.16 ± 1.22) gene expressions confirmed that APA-ALS-NC had a significant apoptotic effect compared to ALS and APA. In summary, the APA-ALS-NC had a more significant cytotoxic effect than ALS and APA. The results of the present study are promising for further evaluation in pre-clinical and clinical trials for arriving at a successful therapeutic strategy against pancreatic cancer.

Self-targeted polymersomal co-formulation of doxorubicin, camptothecin and FOXM1 aptamer for efficient treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

In spite of huge developments in cancer treatment, versatile combinational formulations of different chemotherapeutic agents to enhance anticancer activity while reducing systemic toxicity still remains a challenge. In this regard, in the current study, an amphiphilic hyaluronic acid-b-polycaprolactone diblock copolymer was synthesized using "click chemistry". The synthesized copolymer was self-assembled to form polymersomal structures for co-encapsulation of hydrophilic doxorubicin (DOX) and hydrophobic camptothecin (CPT) in their interior aqueous compartment and their bilayer, respectively with 1:10 and 1:1 ratios. The prepared polymersomal combinational formulation surrounded by hyaluronic acid brush as hydrophilic segment, could provide active targeting of the system against CD44 marker expressed on the surface of cancerous cells. The hyaluronic acid shell could also provide flexible chemistry for the conjugation of therapeutic FOXM1-specific DNA aptamer (Forkhead Box M1; against transcription factor FOXM1) on the surface of polymersomes in order to further suppress cancerous cell proliferation. The obtained results demonstrated that the prepared co-formulation provided sustained, controlled release of the entrapped drugs during 200 h. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments on non-small cell lung cancer, A549 and SK-MES-1 cell lines, demonstrated that the co-formulation of DOX and CPT provided synergistic effect and significantly higher cytotoxicity in comparison with free drugs. The cytotoxicity experiment also indicated that the aptamer conjugation on the co-formulations surface could significantly increase the cytotoxicity and induce apoptosis in combination therapy on both A549 and SK-MES-1 cell lines while aptamer-conjugated blank NPs did not show any cytotoxicity which emphasizes on the sensitization capability of the FOXM1 DNA aptamer against non-small cell lung cancer. Furthermore, it was shown that the co-formulation with or without aptamer renders the formulation specific tumor accumulation in vivo 24 h post-administration, assisting the combination synergy observed in vitro to be translated to in vivo antitumor efficacy. This combinatorial delivery platform strongly offers a novel approach for the synergistic controlled transportation of several chemotherapeutics for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

Development and In Vitro Evaluation of 2-Methoxyestradiol Loaded Polymeric Micelles for Enhancing Anticancer Activities in Prostate Cancer

The present study aimed to formulate and optimize 2ME-loaded PMs (2ME-PMs) for enhancing the anticancer activity of 2ME in prostate cancer (PC). The 2ME-PMs were formulated using PEG-PLGA (PL), Tween 80 (TW80), and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). The optimization was carried out using a Box-Behnken design with the PL, TW80, and ALA as the independent variables and particle size (PS) as the response. The formulation was optimized for the lowest possible PS, and the software suggested optimum formula with 100.282 mg, 2%, and 40 mg for PL, TW80, and ALA, respectively. The optimized PMs had spherical morphology with PS of 65.36 ± 2.2 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.273 ± 0.03, and entrapment efficiency of 65.23 ± 3.5%. The in vitro drug release was 76.3 ± 3.2% after 24 h. The cell line studies using PC-3 cells showed IC50 values of 18.75 and 54.41 µmol for 2ME-PM and 2ME, respectively. The estimation of tumor biomarkers was also carried out. The tumor biomarkers caspase-9 (17.38 ± 1.42 ng/mL), tumor protein P53 (p53) (1050.0 ± 40.9 pg/mL), nitric oxide (NO) (0.693 ± 0.03 pg/mL), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (25.84 ± 2.23 pg/mL), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) (0.719 ± 0.07 pg/mL), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (2.53 ± 0.16 folds), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (3.04 ± 0.5 folds) were determined for 2ME-PMs and the results showed that these values changed significantly compared to those of 2ME. Overall, the results showed that the formulation of 2ME to 2ME-PMs enhances the anticancer effect. The exploration of the combined advantages of PEG, PLGA, ALA, and PMs in cancer therapy and the delivery of 2ME is the major importance of this research work. PEG reduces the elimination of 2ME, PLGA enhances 2ME loading, ALA has an inherent apoptotic effect, and PMs can efficiently target tumor cells.

Cytotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of a Sub-Toxic Concentration of Fluvastatin on OVCAR3 Ovarian Cancer Cells After its Optimized Formulation to Melittin Nano-Conjugates

Fluvastatin (FLV) is a hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor often used to lower total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and for the prevention of adverse cardiovascular events. This drug as well as melittin (MEL), the major component of honeybee venom (Apis mellifera), has shown antineoplastic activity, then representing promising approaches for cancer therapy. However, adverse effects related to the use of FLV and MEL have been reported and very few studies have been carried out to obtain an optimized formulation allowing for combining the two drugs and then maximizing the anticancer activity, then minimizing the needed dosage. In the present study, an optimized formulation in terms of minimized particle size and maximized zeta potential was investigated for its cytotoxic potential in human OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells. FLV-MEL nano-conjugates, containing a sub-toxic concentration of drug, demonstrated an improved cytotoxic potential (IC50 = 2.5 µM), about 18-fold lower, compared to the free drug (IC50 = 45.7 µM). Cell cycle analysis studies demonstrated the significant inhibition of the OVCAR3 cells proliferation exerted by FLV-MEL nano-conjugates compared to all the other treatments, with a higher percentage of cells accumulating on G2/M and pre-G1 phases, paralleled by lower percentage of cells in G0/G1 and S phases. The synergistic antineoplastic activity of FLV and MEL combined in the optimized formula was also showed by the marked pronecrotic and pro-apoptotic activities, the latter mediated by the modulation of BAX/BCL-2 ratio in favor of BAX. Our optimized FLV-MEL formulation might therefore represents a novel path for the development of specific and more effective antineoplastic drugs directed against ovarian cancer.

The Encapsulation of Febuxostat into Emulsomes Strongly Enhances the Cytotoxic Potential of the Drug on HCT 116 Colon Cancer Cells

Febuxostat (FBX) is a drug able to inhibit xanthine oxidase and reduce uric acid production commonly used for the treatment of hyperuricemia in subjects suffering from gout. Several studies have also been directed at its use as anti-cancer drug during the last years, opening a window for its off-label use. In the present study, an optimized formulation in terms of vesicle size and drug release, obtained by encapsulation of FBX into the emulsomes (FBX-EMLs), was evaluated for its cytotoxic potential in human colorectal carcinoma (HCT 116) cells. The optimized FBX-EMLs formula had an improved half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), about 4-fold lower, compared to the free drug. The cell cycle analysis showed a significant inhibition of the HCT 116 cells proliferation following FBX-EMLs treatment compared to all the other conditions, with a higher number of cells accumulating on G2/M and pre-G1 phases, paralleled by a significant reduction of cells in G0/G1 and S phases. The optimized formula was also able to significantly increase the percentage of cell population in both early and late stages of apoptosis, characterized by a higher intracellular caspase-3 concentration, as well as percentage of necrotic cells. Lastly, the FBX ability to decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential was enhanced when the drug was delivered into the EMLs. In conclusion, the new formulation of FBX into EMLs improved all the parameters related to the anti-proliferative activity and the toxic potential of the drug towards colorectal cancer cells.

Protein kinases as targets for developing anticancer agents from marine organisms

Protein kinases play a fundamental role in the intracellular transduction because of their ability to phosphorylate plethora of proteins. Over the past three decades, numerous protein kinase inhibitors have been identified and are being used clinically successfully. The biodiversity of marine organisms provides a rich source for the discovery and development of novel anticancer agents in the treatment of human malignancies and a lot of bioactive ingredients from marine organisms display anticancer effects by affecting the protein kinases-mediated pathways. In the present mini-review, anticancer compounds from marine source were reviewed and discussed in context of their targeted pathways associated with protein kinases and the progress of these compounds as anticancer agents in recent five years were emphasized. The molecular entities and their modes of actions were presented. We focused on protein kinases-mediated signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, p38 MAPK, and EGFR. The marine compounds targeting special pathways of protein kinases were highlighted. We have also discussed the existing challenges and prospects related to design and development of novel protein kinase inhibitors from marine sources.

Thymoquinone-Loaded Soy-Phospholipid-Based Phytosomes Exhibit Anticancer Potential against Human Lung Cancer Cells

Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural polyphenol, has been associated with various pharmacological responses; however, low bioavailability of TQ limits its clinical application. Thus, a novel phytosomal delivery system of TQ-Phospholipon® 90H complex (TQ-phytosome) was developed by refluxing combined with anti-solvent precipitation. This TQ delivery system was optimized by a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design. The optimized TQ-phytosome size was (45.59 ± 1.82 nm) and the vesicle size was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The in vitro release pattern of the formulation indicated a biphasic release pattern, where an initial burst release was observed within 2 h, followed by a prolonged release. A remarkable increase in dose-dependent cytotoxicity was evident from the significant decrease in IC50 value of TQ-phytosomes (4.31 ± 2.21 µM) against the A549 cell line. The differential effect of TQ-phytosomes in cell cycle analysis was observed, where cancer cells were accumulated on G2-M and pre-G1 phases. Furthermore, increased apoptotic induction and cell necrosis of TQ-phytosomes were revealed with the annexin V staining technique via activation of caspase-3. In reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis, TQ-phytosomes acted to significantly increase ROS generation in A549 cells. In conclusion, the sustained release profile with significantly-improved anticancer potential could be obtained with TQ by this phytosomal nanocarrier platform.

Optimized Icariin Phytosomes Exhibit Enhanced Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis-Inducing Activities in Ovarian Cancer Cells

Icariin (ICA) is a flavonol glycoside that has pleiotropic pharmacological actions. It has cytotoxic effects against ovarian cancer cells and increases their chemosensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Phytosomes are identified for their potential in drug delivery of cytotoxic agents. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the potential enhancement of ICA cytotoxicity activity in OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells via its formulation in phytosomes. ICA-phytosomal formulation was optimized using a Box-Behnken design. Particle size, shape, and in vitro drug release were used to characterize the optimized formula. The optimized formulation exhibited enhanced in vitro drug release. ICA-phytosomes exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cells. Cell cycle analysis indicated accumulation of cells challenged with ICA-phytosomes in G2/M and pre-G1 phases. Staining of cells with annexin V indicated significant elevation of percentage cells with early and late apoptosis as well as total cell death. In addition, the formulation significantly disturbed mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular content of caspase 3. In addition, intracellular release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was enhanced by ICA-phytosomes. In conclusion, phytosome formulation of ICA significantly potentiates its cytotoxic activities against OVCAR-3 cells. This is mediated, at least partly, by enhanced ICA cellular permeation, apoptosis, and ROS.

Anti-tumor effect of PEG-coated PLGA nanoparticles of febuxostat on A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells

In the present study, febuxostat (FBX)-loaded PEG-coated PLGA nanoparticles (FBX-PLGA-PEG) were developed and its anticancer activity on lung cancer cells was evaluated. FBX-PLGA-PEG were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique and characterized for particle size, size distribution, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release study. The optimized formulations were used to evaluate cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, and caspase activity in A549 lung cancer cells. The optimized formulation showed spherical particle with average particle size of 180 ± 4.72 nm, particle-size distribution 0.223 ± 0.003, entrapment efficiency (70 ± 2.56%), and drug release (99.1 ± 2.33%) at 12 h. MTT cytotoxicity assay showed better cytotoxic potential of FBX-NPs than FBX solution against NSCLC A549 cells. The lower IC50 of FBX-NP (52.62 ± 2.52 µg/mL) compared to FBX (68.0 ± 4.12 µg/mL) are suggestive of a potential cytotoxic effect of nano-formulation compared to the drug itself. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed significantly higher percentage of total apoptotic cells in FBX-NPs (10.38 ± 1.57%) as compared to FBX solution (2.76 ± 0.17%) showed strong proapoptotic potential of FBX nano-formulation. The increased caspase activity and percent of cells at G2/M phase of cell cycle increased for FBX nanoparticles were more effective than FBX solution in increasing caspase activity and percent of cells at G2/M phase of cell cycle. Our studies with FBX nanoparticles exhibited promising outcome which could be used as a strategies to combat lung cancer.

Sinulariolide Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion through Downregulation of the EMT Process and Suppression of FAK/PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPKs Signaling Pathways

Cancer metastasis is the main cause of death in cancer patients; however, there is currently no effective method to predict and prevent metastasis of gastric cancer. Therefore, gaining an understanding of the molecular mechanism of tumor metastasis is important for the development of new drugs and improving the survival rate of patients who suffer from gastric cancer. Sinulariolide is an active compound isolated from the cultured soft coral Sinularia flexibilis. We employed sinulariolide and gastric cancer cells in experiments such as MTT, cell migration assays, cell invasion assays, and Western blotting analysis. Analysis of cell migration and invasion capabilities showed that the inhibition effects on cell metastasis and invasion increased with sinulariolide concentration in AGS and NCI-N87 cells. Immunostaining analysis showed that sinulariolide significantly reduced the protein expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, and uPA, but the expressions of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were increased, while FAK, phosphorylated PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, phosphorylated mTOR, phosphorylated JNK, phosphorylated p38MAPK, and phosphorylated ERK decreased in expression with increasing sinulariolide concentration. From the results, we inferred that sinulariolide treatment in AGS and NCI-N87 cells reduced the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 via the FAK/PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPKs signaling pathways, further inhibiting the invasion and migration of these cells. Moreover, sinulariolide altered the protein expressions of E-cadherin and N-cadherin in the cytosol and Snail in the nuclei of AGS and NCI-N87 cells, which indicated that sinulariolide can avert the EMT process. These findings suggested that sinulariolide is a potential chemotherapeutic agent for development as a new drug for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Natural products against cancer: Review on phytochemicals from marine sources in preventing cancer

Marine natural products have as of now been acknowledged as the most important source of bioactive substances and drug leads. Marine flora and fauna, such as algae, bacteria, sponges, fungi, seaweeds, corals, diatoms, ascidian etc. are important resources from oceans, accounting for more than 90% of the total oceanic biomass. They are taxonomically different with huge productive and are pharmacologically active novel chemical signatures and bid a tremendous opportunity for discovery of new anti-cancer molecules. The water bodies a rich source of potent molecules which improve existence suitability and serve as chemical shield against microbes and little or huge creatures. These molecules have exhibited a range of biological properties antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumour etc. In spite of huge resources enriched with exciting chemicals, the marine floras and faunas are largely unexplored for their anticancer properties. In recent past, numerous marine anticancer compounds have been isolated, characterized, identified and are under trials for human use. In this write up we have tried to compile about marine-derived compounds anticancer biological activities of diverse flora and fauna and their underlying mechanisms and the generous raise in these compounds examined for malignant growth treatment in the course of the most recent quite a long while.

Marine Natural Products from Indonesian Waters

Natural products are primal and have been a driver in the evolution of organic chemistry and ultimately in science. The chemical structures obtained from marine organisms are diverse, reflecting biodiversity of genes, species and ecosystems. Biodiversity is an extraordinary feature of life and provides benefits to humanity while promoting the importance of environment conservation. This review covers the literature on marine natural products (MNPs) discovered in Indonesian waters published from January 1970 to December 2017, and includes 732 original MNPs, 4 structures isolated for the first time but known to be synthetic entities, 34 structural revisions, 9 artifacts, and 4 proposed MNPs. Indonesian MNPs were found in 270 papers from 94 species, 106 genera, 64 families, 32 orders, 14 classes, 10 phyla, and 5 kingdoms. The emphasis is placed on the structures of organic molecules (original and revised), relevant biological activities, structure elucidation, chemical ecology aspects, biosynthesis, and bioorganic studies. Through the synthesis of past and future data, huge and partly undescribed biodiversity of marine tropical invertebrates and their importance for crucial societal benefits should greatly be appreciated.

A facile approach for fabricating CD44-targeted delivery of hyaluronic acid-functionalized PCL nanoparticles in urethane-induced lung cancer: Bcl-2, MMP-9, caspase-9, and BAX as potential markers

Lung carcinoma ranks highest in cancer-related death (about 20% of total cancer deaths) due to poor prognosis and lack of efficient management therapy. Owing to the lack of effective therapeutic approaches, survival rate of less than 5 years persists over the years among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Capsaicin (CAP) is well reported for its antiproliferative and antioxidant properties in various literature but lacks an appropriate delivery carrier. The present study was aimed to develop CAP-loaded hyaluronic acid (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing layer by layer technique to achieve enhanced and precise delivery as well as target specificity. The NPs were evaluated for in vitro release, particle size, zeta potential, and cytotoxicity on A549 cells. The optimized NPs exhibited a particle size of 194 ± 2.90 nm, - 27.87 ± 3.21 mV zeta potential, and 80.70 ± 4.29% release, respectively, over a period of 48 h. Flow cytometric analysis revealed superior performance of HA-PCL-CAP in terms of suppressed cell viability in A549 cell lines when compared with CAP and PCL-CAP. Further, HA-anchored NPs were evaluated in vivo for their therapeutic efficacy in urethane-induced lung carcinoma in rat model. The superlative therapeutic potential of HA-PCL-CAP was advocated from the results of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane-mediated apoptosis. HA-PCL-CAP-administered groups presented greater therapeutic efficacy as revealed through reduced tumor volume and improved animal survival rate. A greater drug accumulation in tumor tissue as revealed from biodistribution studies evidences targeting potential of HA-PCL-CAP in urethane-induced lung carcinoma. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Reparative Effects of Astaxanthin-Hyaluronan Nanoaggregates against Retrorsine-CCl₄-Induced Liver Fibrosis and Necrosis

Astaxanthin (Asta), a xanthophyll carotenoid, has been reported to be a strong antioxidative agent and has anti-inflammatory, antitumor and free radical-scavenging activities. However, inadequate stability and water solubility results in its low bioavailability. This study incorporated Asta into hydrophilic hyaluronan nanoparticles (HAn) to produce Asta-HAn aggregates (AHAna) using an electrostatic field system and investigated the restorative effects of AHAna on retrorsine-CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis in rats in vivo. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the prepared HAn were approximately 15 ± 2.1 nm in diameter and after the incorporation of Asta into HAn, the size increased to 210–500 nm. The incorporation efficiency of Asta was approximately 93% and approximately 54% of Asta was released after incubation for 18 h. Significant reductions in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were observed after the rats were intraperitoneally injected with AHAna. Histopathological findings revealed the greatest reduction in hepatic fibrosis and hepatocyte necrosis in the rats after 2 weeks of intraperitoneal injection with AHAna, which is consistent with the data acquired from serum biochemical analysis. The restorative effects on liver damage displayed by AHAna in vivo demonstrated that Asta aggregated through HAn incorporation exerts therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis and necrosis.

Sinulariolide suppresses LPS‑induced phenotypic and functional maturation of dendritic cells

The dendritic cell (DC) maturation process is essential for the development of T cell responses and immune tolerance. Accordingly, DCs are considered a major target in the development of immunomodulating agents. In the present study, the effect of sinulariolide, an active compound isolated from the cultured soft coral Sinularia flexibilis, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced murine bone marrow‑derived DCs was evaluated. The different phenotypes, cytokine secretion and the mix‑lymphocyte reaction of DCs were detected using flow cytometry and ELISA. The experimental results revealed that the phenotypic and functional maturation of DCs stimulated by LPS were markedly reduced by sinulariolide in a concentration‑dependent manner, including the expression of co‑stimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80 and CD86). In addition, sinulariolide reduced the release of tumor necrosis factor‑α, interleukin (IL)‑6, IL‑12 and nitric oxide from the LPS‑activated DCs, decreased their abilities to stimulate allogeneic T cell proliferation, and inhibited LPS‑induced nuclear factor‑κB pathways. These findings offer novel insight into the immunopharmacological function of sinulariolide and its effects on DCs.