Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Cancer Cell Growth Inhibition Evaluation of Novel Phosphatidylcholines with Anisic and Veratric Acids

Betulin Acid Ester Derivatives Inhibit Cancer Cell Growth by Inducing Apoptosis through Caspase Cascade Activation: A Comprehensive In Vitro and In Silico Study

Betulin, or naturally occurring triterpene, possesses promising antiproliferative activity. To further explore this potential, thirty-eight betulin acid ester derivatives modified at the C-28 position were tested for antitumor activities. Four human cancer cell lines, MV4-11 (leukemia), A549 (lung), PC-3 (prostate), MCF-7 (breast) as well as the normal BALB/3T3 (mouse fibroblasts) cell line were examined using MTT and SRB assays. A few derivatives exhibited strong antiproliferative activity with IC₅₀ values between 2 and 5 µM. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that some derivatives induced apoptosis by inducing caspase-3/7 activity. A strong structure-activity correlation of tested compounds has been proposed along with experimental and in silico pharmacokinetic properties.

Novel glucose-responsive nanoparticles based on p-hydroxyphenethyl anisate and 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid reduce blood glucose and ameliorate diabetic nephropathy

An insulin delivery system that self-regulates blood sugar levels, mimicking the human pancreas, can improve hyperglycaemia. At present, a glucose-responsive insulin delivery system combining AAPBA with long-acting slow release biomaterials has been developed. However, the safety of sustained-release materials and the challenges of preventing diabetic complications remain. In this study, we developed a novel polymer slow release material using a plant extract—p-hydroxyphenylethyl anisate (HPA). After block copolymerisation with AAPBA, the prepared nanoparticles had good pH sensitivity, glucose sensitivity, insulin loading rate and stability under physiological conditions and had high biocompatibility. The analysis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) mouse model showed that the insulin-loaded injection of nanoparticles stably regulated the blood glucose levels of DN mice within 48 ​h. Importantly, with the degradation of the slow release material HPA in vivo, the renal function improved, the inflammatory response reduced, and antioxidation levels in DN mice improved. This new type of nanoparticles provides a new idea for hypoglycaemic nano-drug delivery system and may have potential in the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications.

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We established a new glucose-responsive intelligent system with HPA.

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p(AAPBA-b-HPA) shows good pH and glucose sensitivity.

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p(AAPBA-b-HPA) nanoparticles can slowly release HPA and insulin.

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This system can be used to regulate blood glucose.

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p(AAPBA-b-HPA) nanoparticles can aid in diabetic nephropathy prevention and treatment.

Enzymatic Production of Biologically Active 3-Methoxycinnamoylated Lysophosphatidylcholine via Regioselctive Lipase-Catalyzed Acidolysis

Enzymatic acidolysis of egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) with 3-methoxycinnamic acid (3-OMe-CA) was investigated to produce biologically active 3-methoxycinnamoylated phospholipids. Four commercially available lipases were screened for their ability to incorporate 3-OMe-CA into PC. The results showed that Novozym 435 is the most effective biocatalyst for this process, while during the examination of organic solvents, heptane was found propriate reaction medium. The other reaction parameters including the substrate molar ratio, enzyme load and reaction time were designed using an experimental factorial design method. According to three-level-3-factor Box-Behnken model it was shown that all of studied parameters are crucial variables for the maximization of the synthesis of structured PLs. The optimum conditions derived via response surface methodology (RSM) were: 30% of lipase of the total weight of substrates, 1:15 molar ration of PC/3-OMe-CA and reaction time 4 days. The process of acidolysis performed on the increased scale at optimized parameters afforded two products. The major product, 3-methoxycinnamoylated lysophosphatidylcholine (3-OMe-CA-LPC) was isolated in high 48% yield, while 3-methoxycinnamoylated phosphatidylcholine (3-OMe-CA-PC) was produced in trace amount only in 1.2% yield. Obtained results indicate that presented biotechnological method of synthesis of 3-methoxycinnamoylated lysophosphatidylcholine is competitive to the previously reported chemical one.

Evaluation of the Physico-Chemical Properties of Liposomes Assembled from Bioconjugates of Anisic Acid with Phosphatidylcholine

The aim of this work was the evaluation of the physico-chemical properties of a new type of liposomes that are composed of DPPC and bioconjugates of anisic acid with phosphatidylcholine. In particular, the impact of modified anisic acid phospholipids on the thermotropic parameters of liposomes was determined, which is crucial for using them as potential carriers of active substances in cancer therapies. Their properties were determined using three biophysical methods, namely differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), steady-state fluorimetry and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Moreover, temperature studies of liposomes composed of DPPC and bioconjugates of anisic acid with phosphatidylcholine provided information about the phase transition, fluidity regarding chain order, hydration and dynamics. The DSC results show that the main phase transition peak for conjugates of anisic acid with phosphatidylcholine molecules was broadened and shifted to a lower temperature in a concentration- and structure-dependent manner. The ATR-FTIR results and the results of measurements conducted using fluorescent probes located at different regions in the lipid bilayer are in line with DSC. The results show that the new bioconjugates with phosphatidylcholine have a significant impact on the physico-chemical properties of a membrane and cause a decrease in the temperature of the main phase transition. The consequence of this is greater fluidity of the lipid bilayer.

Phospholipid Derivatives of Cinnamic Acid Restore Insulin Sensitivity in Insulin Resistance in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition in which the physiological amount of insulin is insufficient to evoke a proper response of the cell, that is, glucose utilization. Metformin is the first choice for therapy, thanks to its glycemic efficacy and general tolerability. In addition, various natural compounds from plant extracts, spices, and essential oils have been shown to provide health benefits regarding insulin sensitivity. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of phospholipid derivatives of selected natural aromatic acids on insulin action and their potential use to overcome insulin resistance.

METHODS

The 3T3-L1 fibroblasts were differentiated into mature adipocytes; next, insulin resistance was induced by palmitic acid (16:0). Cells were further cultured with phenophospholipids at appropriate concentrations. To assess insulin sensitivity, we measured the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, using a glucose uptake test.

RESULTS

We showed that cinnamic acid (CA) and 3-methoxycinnamic acid (3-OMe-CA) restored the proper insulin response. However, 1,2-dicinnamoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (1,2-diCA-PC) and 1-cinnamoyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (1-CA-2-PA-PC) improved insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant adipocytes even stronger, exhibiting more beneficial effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The binding of aromatic acids to phosphatidylcholine increases their beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity in adipocytes and expands their potential practical application as nutraceutical health-promoting agents.

Conjugation with Phospholipids as a Modification Increasing Anticancer Activity of Phenolic Acids in Metastatic Melanoma-In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Phenolic acids possess many beneficial biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Unfortunately, their low bioavailability restricts their potential medical uses, as it limits the concentration of phenolic acids achievable in the organism. The conjugation with phospholipids constitutes one of the most effective strategies to enhance compounds bioavailability in biological systems. In the present study, the conjugates of anisic (ANISA) and veratric acid (VA) with phosphatidylcholine (PC) were investigated. Since both ANISA and VA are inhibitors of tyrosinase, a melanocyte enzyme, the expression of which increases during tumorigenesis, anticancer potential of the conjugates was tested in several metastatic melanoma cell lines. The conjugates proved to be antiproliferative, apoptosis-inducing and cell-cycle-affecting agents, selective for cancerous cells and not affecting normal fibroblasts. The conjugates substituted by ANISA and VA, respectively, at both the sn-1 and sn-2 positions of PC, appeared the most promising, since they were effective against the vast majority of metastatic melanoma cell lines. Additionally, the conjugation of phenolic acids to PC increased their antioxidant activity. Molecular modeling was employed for the first time to estimate the features of the investigated conjugates relevant to their anticancer properties and membrane permeation. Again, the conjugates substituted by phenolic acid at both the sn-1 and sn-2 positions of PC seemed to be presumably most bioavailable.

Recent Developments in Therapeutic and Nutraceutical Applications of p-Methoxycinnamic Acid from Plant Origin

The p-methoxycinnamic acid (p-MCA) is one of the most studied phenylpropanoids with high importance not only in the wide spectrum of therapeutic activities but also its potential application for the food industry. This natural compound derived from plants exhibits a wide range of biologically useful properties; therefore, during the last two decades it has been extensively tested for therapeutic and nutraceutical applications. This article presents the natural sources of p-MCA, its metabolism, pharmacokinetic properties, and safety of its application. The possibilities of using this dietary bioactive compound as a nutraceutical agent that may be used as functional food ingredient playing a vital role in the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases is also discussed. We present the antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, hepato-, and neuroprotective activities of p-MCA and methods of its lipophilization that have been developed so far to increase its industrial application and bioavailability in the biological systems.

Biological Properties, Health Benefits and Enzymatic Modifications of Dietary Methoxylated Derivatives of Cinnamic Acid

Methoxylated derivatives of cinnamic acid play an important role in the formation of the pro-health potential of food products. Numerous reports present them as molecules with strong antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer as well as hepato-, cardio-, and neuroprotective activities. In the last three decades, many research groups have tried to extend the practical application of these molecules as therapeutic and antioxidant agents extensively studying the methods of their lipophilization as the solution of problems of their low oral bioavailability and rapid metabolism. This article summarizes the latest data of natural sources of occurrence, biological potential and bioavailability of methoxy derivatives of cinnamic acids. Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of this group of dietary compounds are also extensively discussed as well as reviewing the methods of their chemical and enzymatic lipophilization in the aspect of their use in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Multistage Extraction of Star Anise and Black Pepper Derivatives for Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Activity

Recently, natural resources have attracted considerable interest for their applications in food security and human health problems. Traditional natural spices, such as star anise and black pepper, played important roles in the pharmaceutical and food industries due to their strong pharmacological activity, antioxidant potential and rare complications. In order to achieve biomasses from the natural product with multiple bioactivities, we developed the multistage extraction method to extract and separate various bioactive compounds from these natural plants. Our work demonstrated that various bioactive-rich extractives were achieved using steam distilled- or oxidative-extraction methods with high extraction yields and purity. Furthermore, the extractives in each step can be used not only as bioactive compounds, but also as a resource to further prepare different derivatives during the next extractive step, providing biomass-saving to a great extent. The extractives obtained with high yields and purities (>82%) were identified by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FTIR, UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, these biomasses display potent antibacterial activities against some types of microorganisms such as S.aureus, S.pyogenes, E.coli, and S.typhi with a lowest MIC of 400 μg/ml for the development of antibacterial agents, significant antioxidant activity as the natural antioxidant for enhancing food shelf-life, and excellent anticancer activity that induces significant cancer cell apoptosis. This work showed the different multistage extracts from natural products, which enable them to be applied in the fields of the pharmaceutical industry and the food industry.

Synthesis of novel phytol-derived γ-butyrolactones and evaluation of their biological activity

The synthesis of phytol-derived γ-butyrolactones as well as their evaluation for deterrent activity towards peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae and antiproliferative activity against four selected cancer cell lines are reported. Products were obtained in good yields (19-96%) and their structures were fully characterized by spectroscopic data (NMR, HRMS). Four synthesized δ-halo-γ-lactones (4-7) are new and have not been previously described in the literature. In the choice test phytol (1) appeared deterrent to M. persicae, whereas modifications of its structure did not cause the avoidance of the treated leaves by the aphids. In contrast, aphids were attracted to the leaves treated with the new trans-δ-chloro-γ-lactone (6). Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) technique applied to explore the aphid probing and feeding activity revealed that neither phytol nor lactone 6 affected aphid probing and the consumption of phloem sap, which means that both phytol and the lactone 6 might have acted as postingestive modifiers of aphid behavior. The results of in vitro antitumor assays showed that obtained phytol derivatives exhibit cytotoxic activity against studied cancer cell lines (leukemia, lung and colon carcinoma and its doxorubicin resistant subline). Halolactones 4-6 were identified as the compounds, which arrest cell cycle of leukemia cells mainly in G2/M and S phases.

Exploring the Potential of Aromatherapy as an Adjuvant Therapy in Cancer and its Complications: A Comprehensive Update

BACKGROUND

Aromatherapy is a traditional practice of employing essential oils for the therapeutic purposes, currently headed under the category of complementary and adjuvant medicine.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review article is to summarize the potential health benefits of aromatic essential oil from traditional times till the present. It also proposed some mechanisms which can be utilized as basis for using aromatherapy in cancer and cancer linked complications.

METHODS

To find out the relevant and authentic data, several search engines like Science direct, Pubmed, research gate, etc. were thoroughly checked by inserting key words like aromatherapy, complementary, adjuvant therapy etc. to collect the relevant material in context of article. Also, the chemical components of essential oil were classified based on the presence of functional groups, which are further explored for their cytotoxic potential.

RESULTS

The result depicted the anti-cancer potential of chemical constituents of essential oil against different types of cancer. Moreover, the essential oils show promising anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-mutagenic potential in several studies, which collectively can form the basis for initiation of its anti-cancer utility.

CONCLUSION

Aromatherapy can serve as adjuvant economic therapy in cancer after the standardization of protocol.

Interesterification of Egg-Yolk Phosphatidylcholine with p-Methoxycinnamic Acid Catalyzed by Immobilized Lipase B from Candida Antarctica

The p-methoxycinnamic acid (p-MCA) is one of the most popular phenylpropanoids, the beneficial impact of which on the human health is well documented in the literature. This compound has shown many valuable activities including anticancer, antidiabetic, and neuro- and hepatoprotective. However, its practical application is limited by its low bioavailability resulting from rapid metabolism in the human body. The latest strategy, aimed at overcoming these limitations, is based on the production of more stability in systemic circulation bioconjugates with phospholipids. Therefore, the aim of this research was to develop the biotechnological method for the synthesis of phospholipid derivatives of p-methoxycinnamic acid, which can play a role of new nutraceuticals. We developed and optimized enzymatic interesterification of phosphatidylcholine (PC) with ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (Ep-MCA). Novozym 435 and a binary solvent system of toluene/chloroform 9:1 (v/v) were found to be the effective biocatalyst and reaction medium for the synthesis of structured p-MCA phospholipids, respectively. The effects of the other reaction parameters, such as substrate molar ratio, enzyme dosage, and reaction time, on the degree of incorporation of p-MCA into PC were evaluated by use of an experimental factorial design method. The results showed that substrate molar ratio and biocatalyst load have significant effects on the synthesis of p-methoxycinnamoylated phospholipids. The optimum conditions were: Reaction time of three days, 30% (w/w) of Novozym 435, and 1/10 substrate molar ratio PC/Ep-MCA. Under these parameters, p-methoxycinnamoylated lysophosphatidylcholine (p-MCA-LPC) and p-methoxycinnamoylated phosphatidylcholine (p-MCA-PC) were obtained in isolated yields of 32% and 3% (w/w), respectively.

Development and Optimization of Lipase-Catalyzed Synthesis of Phospholipids Containing 3,4-Dimethoxycinnamic Acid by Response Surface Methodology

The interesterification reaction of egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) with ethyl ester of 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid (E3,4DMCA) catalyzed by Novozym 435 in hexane as a reaction medium was shown to be an effective method for the synthesis of corresponding structured O-methylated phenophospholipids. The effects of substrate molar ratios, time of the reaction and enzyme load on the process of incorporation of 3,4DMCA into PC were evaluated by using the experimental factorial design of three factors and three levels. The results showed that a substrate molar ratio is a crucial variable for the maximization of the synthesis of 3,4-dimethoxycinnamoylated phospholipids. Under optimized parameters of 1/10 substrate molar ratio PC/E3,4DMCA, enzyme load 30% (w/w), hexane as a medium and incubation time of 3 days, the incorporation of aromatic acid into phospholipid fraction reached 21 mol%. The modified phosphatidylcholine (3,4DMCA-PC) and modified lysophosphatidylcholine (3,4DMCA-LPC) were obtained in isolated yields of 3.5% and 27.5% (w/w), respectively. The developed method of phosphatidylcholine interesterification is the first described in the literature dealing with 3,4DMCA and allows us to obtain new O-methylated phenophospholipids with potential applications as food additives or nutraceuticals with pro-health activity.

Enzymatic Synthesis of O-Methylated Phenophospholipids by Lipase-Catalyzed Acidolysis of Egg-Yolk Phosphatidylcholine with Anisic and Veratric Acids

Lipase-catalyzed acidolysis reactions of egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) with anisic (ANISA) and veratric (VERA) acids were investigated to develop a biotechnological method for the production of corresponding biologically active O-methylated phenophospholipids. Screening experiments with four commercially available immobilized lipases indicated that the most effective biocatalyst for the incorporation of ANISA into phospholipids was Novozym 435. None of the tested enzymes were able to catalyze the synthesis of PC structured with VERA. The effects of different solvents, substrate molar ratios, temperature, enzyme loading, and time of the reaction on the process of incorporation of ANISA into the phospholipids were evaluated in the next step of the study. The mixture of toluene/chloroform in the ratio 9:1 (v/v) significantly increased the incorporation of ANISA into PC. The acidolysis reaction was carried out using the selected binary solvent system, 1/15 substrate molar ratio PC/ANISA, 30% (w/w) enzyme load, and temperature of 50 °C afforded after 72 h anisoylated lysophosphatidylcholine (ANISA-LPC) and anisoylated phosphatidylcholine (ANISA-PC) in isolated yields of 28.5% and 2.5% (w/w), respectively. This is the first study reporting the production of ANISA-LPC and ANISA-PC via a one-step enzymatic method, which is an environmentally friendly alternative to the chemical synthesis of these biologically active compounds.

Lysophosphatidylcholine Containing Anisic Acid Is Able to Stimulate Insulin Secretion Targeting G Protein Coupled Receptors

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide health problem with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Management of diabetes mellitus by dietary components is achievable especially at the initial stage of the disease. Several studies confirmed the antidiabetic activities of simple phenolic acids and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). The main goal of this study was to identify new potential insulin secretion modulators obtained by combining the structures of two natural compounds, namely O-methyl derivatives of phenolic acids and phospholipids. LPC and phosphatidylcholine bearing methoxylated aromatic carboxylic acids were tested as potential agents able to improve glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and intracellular calcium mobilization in MIN6 β pancreatic cell line. Our results show that LPC with covalently bonded molecule of p-anisic acid at the sn-1 position was able to induce GSIS and intracellular calcium flux. Notably, 1-anisoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine did not affect the viability of MIN6 cells, suggesting its potential safe use. Furthermore, we have shown that three G protein coupled receptors, namely GPR40, GPR55, and GPR119, are targeted by this LPC derivative.

Production of feruloylated lysophospholipids via a one-step enzymatic interesterification

Incorporation of ferulic acid (FA) into egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) in a lipase-catalyzed acidolysis and interesterification process was studied using four commercially available immobilized lipases as catalysts and two acyl donors: ferulic acid (FA) and ethyl ferulate (EF). Novozym 435 and a binary solvent system of toluene/chloroform 9:1 (v/v) were found to be the most suitable biocatalyst and medium, respectively, and significantly increased the incorporation of FA into the phospholipid fraction. Subsequently response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design were employed to evaluate the effects of substrate molar ratio, enzyme loading and time of the reaction on the process of interesterification. The selected optimized parameters were established as PC/EF molar ratio 1/15, enzyme load 30% (w/w) and incubation time 6 days. The process of interesterification at the optimized parameters carried out on a large scale afforded feruloylated lysophosphatidylcholine (FLPC) in high isolated yield of 62% (w/w).

Chemo-enzymatic synthesis, characterization, in vitro antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability studies of novel phosphatidylcholines with ω-3/ω-6 PUFAs and phenolic acids

Novel phosphatidylcholines containing PUFAs and phenolic acids were synthesized from egg phosphatidylcholine (PC), PUFAs (docosahexaenoic, arachidonic and linoleic acids) and phenolic acids (caffeic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids) as substrates. The structures of modified PCs were confirmed by spectral analysis and were evaluated for antioxidant activities. The modified PCs containing caffeic and ferulic acids exhibited excellent antioxidant activities compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and α-tocopherol. The synthesized compounds were also evaluated for the oxidative stabilities in liposome and organic solvent. The modified PCs showed more oxidative stable compared with standard PUFA-PCs and PUFA-PCs + BHT. Results showed that the oxidative stability decreased with increasing degree of unsaturation in organic solvent whereas in liposomes, increased with increasing degree of unsaturation due to tight packed configuration. In this study, phenolic acids were found to render protections for PUFAs in modified PCs from oxidation. Modified PCs may have great potential for applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Lipase Catalyzed Acidolysis for Efficient Synthesis of Phospholipids Enriched with Isomerically Pure cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 Conjugated Linoleic Acid

The production of phospholipid (PL) conjugates with biologically active compounds is nowadays an extensively employed approach. This type of phospholipids conjugates could improve bioavailability of many poorly absorbed active compounds such as isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which exhibit versatile biological effects. The studies were carried out to elaborate an efficient enzymatic method for the synthesis of phospholipids with pure (>90%) cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA isomers. For this purpose, three commercially available immobilized lipases were examined in respect to specificity towards CLA isomers in acidolysis of egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC). Different incorporation rates were observed for the individual CLA isomers. Under optimal conditions: PC/CLA molar ratio 1:6; Rhizomucor miehei lipase loading 24% wt. based on substrates; heptane; DMF, 5% (v/v); water activity (aw), 0.11; 45 °C; magnetic stirring, 300 rpm; 48 h., effective incorporation (EINC) of CLA isomers into PC reached ca. 50%. The EINC of CLA isomers was elevated for 25–30% only by adding a water mimic (DMF) and reducing aw to 0.11 comparing to the reaction system performed at aw = 0.23. The developed method of phosphatidylcholine acidolysis is the first described in the literature dealing with isometrically pure CLA and allow to obtain very high effective incorporation.