Bacopasides I and II Act in Synergy to Inhibit the Growth, Migration and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Unveiling the pharmacological potential of plant triterpenoids in breast cancer management: an updated review

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer, the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women globally. Recent research has provided increasing support for the significance of phytochemicals, both dietary and non-dietary, particularly triterpenoids, in the mitigation and management of breast cancer. Recent studies showed that triterpenoids are promising agents in the treatment and inhibition of breast cancer achieved through the implementation of several molecular modes of action on breast cancer cells. This review discusses recent innovations in plant triterpenoids and their underlying mechanisms of action in combating breast cancer within the timeframe spanning from 2017 to 2023. The present work is an overview of different plant triterpenoids with significant inhibition on proliferation, migration, apoptosis resistance, tumor angiogenesis, or metastasis in various breast cancer cells. The anticancer impact of triterpenoids may be attributed to their antiproliferative activity interfering with angiogenesis and differentiation, regulation of apoptosis, DNA polymerase inhibition, change in signal transductions, and impeding metastasis. The present review focuses on several targets, mechanisms, and pathways associated with pentacyclic triterpenoids, which are responsible for their anticancer effects. We could conclude that natural triterpenoids are considered promising agents to conquer breast cancer.

Exploring the ameliorative potential of Bacopa monnieri in acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in mice

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of Bacopa monnieri in acetic-acid-induced ulcerative colitis in mice. Acetic acid (3%v/v, in 0.9% saline) was infused intrarectally to induce ulceration in mice. Administration of acetic acid resulted in severe inflammation of the colon along with an increase in the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assessed on 7th day. Treatment with Bacopa monnieri extract (20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, p.o) and saponin-rich fraction (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg; p.o) for 7 days i.e. 2 days before and 5 days after acetic acid infusion, significantly attenuated the colonic inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, it also reduced the MPO levels and the disease activity score as compared to the control group. It may be concluded that Bacopa monnieri has the potential for ameliorating acetic-acid-induced colitis and its saponin-rich fraction may be responsible for this effect.

Exploring the immunomodulatory potential of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) in the treatment of invasive ductal carcinoma

Bacopa monnieri (L) Wettst, commonly known as Brahmi, stands as a medicinal plant integral to India's traditional medical system, Ayurveda, where it is recognized as a "medhya rasayana"-a botanical entity believed to enhance intellect and mental clarity. Its significant role in numerous Ayurvedic formulations designed to address conditions such as anxiety, memory loss, impaired cognition, and diminished concentration underscores its prominence. Beyond its application in cognitive health, Brahmi has historically been employed in Ayurvedic practices for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including arthritis. In contemporary biomedical research, Bacopa monnieri can attenuate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in animal models. However, there remains a paucity of information regarding Bacopa's potential as an anticancer agent, warranting further investigation in this domain. Based on previous findings with Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), the current study aims to find out the role of Brahmi plant preparation (BPP) in immunomodulatory actions on IDC. Employing a specific BPP concentration, we conducted a comprehensive study using MTT assay, ELISA, DNA methylation analysis, Western blotting, ChIP, and mRNA profiling to assess BPP's immunomodulatory properties. Our research finding showed the role of BPP in augmenting the action of T helper 1 (TH1) cells which secreted interferon-γ (IFN-γ) which in turn activated cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) to kill the cells of IDC (*p < 0.05). Moreover, we found out that treatment with BPP not only increased the activities of tumor-suppressor genes (p53 and BRCA1) but also decreased the activities of oncogenes (Notch1 and DNAPKcs) in IDC (*p < 0.05). BPP had an immense significance in controlling the epigenetic dysregulation in IDC through the downregulation of Histone demethylation & Histone deacetylation and upregulation of Histone methylation and Histone acetylation (*p < 0.05). Our Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR data showed BPP treatment increased percentage enrichment of STAT1 & BRCA1 (*p < 0.05) and decreased percentage enrichment of STAT3, STAT5 & NF ΚB (*p < 0.05) on both TBX21 and BRCA1 gene loci in IDC. In addition, BPP treatment reduced the hypermethylation of the BRCA1-associated-DNA, which is believed to be a major factor in IDC (*p < 0.05). BPP not only escalates the secretion of type 1 specific cytokines but also escalates tumor suppression and harmonizes various epigenetic regulators and transcription factors associated with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) to evoke tumor protective immunity in IDC.

Differential antiangiogenic and anticancer activities of the active metabolites of ginsenoside Rg3

Background

Epimers of ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) have a low bioavailability and are prone to deglycosylation, which produces epimers of ginsenoside Rh2 (S-Rh2 and R-Rh2) and protopanaxadiol (S-PPD and R-PPD). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and potency of these molecules as anti-cancer agents.

Methods

Crystal violet staining was used to study the anti-proliferatory action of the molecules on a human epithelial breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and compare their potency. Cell death and cell cycle were studied using flow cytometry and mode of cell death was studied using live cell imaging. Anti-angiogenic effects of the drug were studied using loop formation assay. Molecular docking showed the interaction of these molecules with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) and aquaporin (AQP) water channels. VEGF bioassay was used to study the interaction of Rh2 with VEGFR2, in vitro.

Results

HUVEC was the more sensitive cell line to the anti-proliferative effects of S-Rh2, S-PPD and R-PPD. The molecules induced necroptosis/necrosis in MDA-MB-231 and apoptosis in HUVEC. S-Rh2 was the most potent inhibitor of loop formation. In silico molecular docking predicted a good binding score between Rh2 or PPD and the ATP-binding pocket of VEGFR2. VEGF bioassay showed that Rh2 was an allosteric modulator of VEGFR2. In addition, SRh2 and PPD had good binding scores with AQP1 and AQP5, both of which play roles in cell migration and proliferation.

Conclusion

The combination of these molecules might be responsible for the anti-cancer effects observed by Rg3.

Methods for studying mammalian aquaporin biology

Aquaporins (AQPs), transmembrane water-conducting channels, have earned a great deal of scrutiny for their critical physiological roles in healthy and disease cell states, especially in the biomedical field. Numerous methods have been implemented to elucidate the involvement of AQP-mediated water transport and downstream signaling activation in eliciting whole cell, tissue, and organ functional responses. To modulate these responses, other methods have been employed to investigate AQP druggability. This review discusses standard in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods for studying AQPs, especially for biomedical and mammalian cell biology applications. We also propose some new techniques and approaches for future AQP research to address current gaps in methodology.

Investigating MARK4 inhibitory potential of Bacopaside II: Targeting Alzheimer's disease

Microtubule affinity regulating kinase (MARK4) is known to hyperphosphorylate tau protein, which subsequently causes Alzheimer's disease (AD). MARK4 is a well-validated drug target for AD; thus, we employed its structural features to discover potential inhibitors. On the other hand, complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) have been used for the treatment of numerous diseases with little side effects. In this regard, Bacopa monnieri extracts have been extensively used to treat neurological disorders because of their neuroprotective roles. The plant extract is used as a memory enhancer and a brain tonic. Bacopaside II is a major component of Bacopa monnieri; thus, we studied its inhibitory effects and binding affinity towards the MARK4. Bacopaside II show a considerable binding affinity for MARK4 (K = 10⁷ M^-1) and inhibited kinase activity with an IC₅₀ value of 5.4 μM. To get atomistic insights into the binding mechanism, we performed Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies for 100 ns. Bacopaside II binds strongly to the active site pocket residues of MARK4 and a number of hydrogen bonds remain stable throughout the MD trajectory. Our findings provide the basis for the therapeutic implication of Bacopaside and its derivatives in MARK4-related neurodegenerative diseases, especially AD and neuroinflammation.

Three-dimensional cell cultures as preclinical models to assess the biological activity of phytochemicals in breast cancer

The demand for the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models in both/either drug screening and/or toxicology is gradually magnified. Natural Products derived from plants are known as phytochemicals and serve as resources for novel drugs and cancer therapy. Typical examples include taxol analogs (i.e., paclitaxel and docetaxel), vinca alkaloids (i.e., vincristine, vinblastine), and camptothecin analogs (topotecan, irinotecan). Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women, with a 70% chance of patients being cured; however, metastatic disease is not considered curable using currently available chemotherapeutic options. In addition, phytochemicals present promising options for overcoming chemotherapy-related problems, such as drug resistance and toxic effects on non-target tissues. In the toxicological evaluation of these natural compounds, 3D cell culture models are a powerful tool for studying their effects on different tissues and organs in similar environments and behave as if they are in vivo conditions. Considering that 3D cell cultures represent a valuable platform for identifying the biological features of tumor cells as well as for screening natural products with antitumoral activity, the present review aims to summarize the most common 3D cell culture methods, focusing on multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) of breast cancer cell lines used in the discovery of phytochemicals with anticancer properties in the last ten years.

Natural Blockers of PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction for the Immunotherapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer-Brain Metastasis

The limited treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer with brain metastasis (TNBC-BM) have left the door of further drug development for these patients wide open. Although immunotherapy via monoclonal antibodies has shown some promising results in several cancers including TNBC, it cannot be considered the most effective treatment for brain metastasis. This is due to the protective role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which limits the entrance of most drugs, especially the bulky ones such as antibodies, to the brain. For a drug to traverse the BBB via passive diffusion, various physicochemical properties should be considered. Since natural medicine has been a key inspiration for the development of the majority of current medicines, in this paper, we review several naturally-derived molecules which have the potential for immunotherapy via blocking the interaction of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand, PD-L1. The mechanism of action, physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of these molecules and their theoretical potential to be used for the treatment of TNBC-BM are discussed.

Pharmacological attributes of Bacopa monnieri extract: Current updates and clinical manifestation

Bacopa monnieri has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, alone or in combination with other herbs, as a memory and learning enhancer, sedative, and anti-epileptic. This review aimed to highlight the health benefits of B. monnieri extracts (BME), focusing on anti-cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We examined the clinical studies on phytochemistry and pharmacological application of BME. We further highlighted the mechanism of action of these extracts in varying types of cancer and their therapeutic implications. In addition, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanism in therapeutic interventions, toxicities, safety concerns and synergistic potential in cognition and neuroprotection. Overall, this review provides deeper insights into the therapeutic implications of Brahmi as a lead formulation for treating neurological disorders and exerting cognitive-enhancing effects.

Systemic and Anticancer Potential of Adaptogenic Constituents Isolated from Traditional Herbs - A Mini-Review

Adaptogens were initially recognized as stress-resistance inducing compounds. Recent studies reveal that adaptogens are pleiotropically-acting chemical constituents that can be isolated from traditional herbs. They are gaining increasing attention in cancer chemotherapy. This review summarizes the physiological action of adaptogens isolated from the 9 most widely used traditional herbs implicated in cancer therapy viz., Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Rhodiola rosea, Emblica officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Bacopa monnieri, Asparagus racemosus, Ocimum sanctum, and Panax notoginseng. The studies were identified through a systematic search of major computerized databases such as Pubmed, Embase, Medline, Inflibnet, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. Individual names of each herb and biological action were the search terms employed. In this review, we have enlisted the chemical constituents and their mechanism of action in a few organ systems as well as in cancer cells. Studies indicate that the adaptogens isolated from these herbs can be broadly arranged into 2 classes based on their chemical structure. These molecules exert a positive influence on several organ systems such as respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and gastrointestinal tract. It is also clear that adaptogens act as effective chemopreventive agents alone or in combination with chemo drugs in multiple cancers by targeting multiple intracellular target proteins. Therefore, we conclude that adaptogens are versatile ligands capable of eliciting many systemic effects. Their biological functions are complex, varied, and context-dependent in various cancers. This offers great scope for personalized treatment and cancer chemoprevention in the future.

Novel Ion Channel Targets and Drug Delivery Tools for Controlling Glioblastoma Cell Invasiveness

Comprising more than half of all brain tumors, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a leading cause of brain cancer-related deaths worldwide. A major clinical challenge is presented by the capacity of glioma cells to rapidly infiltrate healthy brain parenchyma, allowing the cancer to escape control by localized surgical resections and radiotherapies, and promoting recurrence in other brain regions. We propose that therapies which target cellular motility pathways could be used to slow tumor dispersal, providing a longer time window for administration of frontline treatments needed to directly eradicate the primary tumors. An array of signal transduction pathways are known to be involved in controlling cellular motility. Aquaporins (AQPs) and voltage-gated ion channels are prime candidates as pharmacological targets to restrain cell migration in glioblastoma. Published work has demonstrated AQPs 1, 4 and 9, as well as voltage-gated potassium, sodium and calcium channels, chloride channels, and acid-sensing ion channels are expressed in GBM and can influence processes of cell volume change, extracellular matrix degradation, cytoskeletal reorganization, lamellipodial and filopodial extension, and turnover of cell-cell adhesions and focal assembly sites. The current gap in knowledge is the identification of optimal combinations of targets, inhibitory agents, and drug delivery systems that will allow effective intervention with minimal side effects in the complex environment of the brain, without disrupting finely tuned activities of neuro-glial networks. Based on published literature, we propose that co-treatments using AQP inhibitors in addition to other therapies could increase effectiveness, overcoming some limitations inherent in current strategies that are focused on single mechanisms. An emerging interest in nanobodies as drug delivery systems could be instrumental for achieving the selective delivery of combinations of agents aimed at multiple key targets, which could enhance success in vivo.

Experimental evidence and mechanism of action of some popular neuro-nutraceutical herbs

Brain and neuronal circuits constitute the most complex organ networks in human body. They not only control and coordinate functions of all other organs, but also represent one of the most-affected systems with stress, lifestyle and age. With global increase in aging populations, these neuropathologies have emerged as major concern for maintaining quality of life. Recent era has witnessed a surge in nutritional remediation of brain dysfunctions primarily by "nutraceuticals" that refer to functional foods and supplements with pharmacological potential. Specific dietary patterns with a balanced intake of carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and micronutrients have also been ascertained to promote brain health. Dietary herbs and their phytochemicals with wide range of biological and pharmacological activities and minimal adverse effects have gained remarkable attention as neuro-nutraceuticals. Neuro-nutraceutical potentials of herbs are often expressed as effects on cognitive response, circadian rhythm, neuromodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that are mediated by effects on gene expression, epigenetics, protein synthesis along with their turnover and metabolic pathways. Epidemiological and experimental evidence have implicated enormous applications of herbal supplementation in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. The present review highlights the identification, experimental evidence and applications of some herbs including Bacopa monniera, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Helicteres angustifolia, Undaria pinnatifida, Haematococcus pluvialis, and Vitis vinifera, as neuro-nutraceuticals.

In Vitro Synergistic Inhibition of HT-29 Proliferation and 2H-11 and HUVEC Tubulogenesis by Bacopaside I and II Is Associated with Ca2+ Flux and Loss of Plasma Membrane Integrity

We previously showed how triterpene saponin bacopaside (bac) II, purified from the medicinal herb Bacopa monnieri, induced cell death in colorectal cancer cell lines and reduced endothelial cell migration and tube formation, and further demonstrated a synergistic effect of a combination of bac I and bac II on the inhibition of breast cancer cell line growth. Here, we assessed the effects of bac I and II on the colorectal cancer HT-29 cell line, and mouse (2H-11) and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) lines, measuring outcomes including cell viability, proliferation, migration, tube formation, apoptosis, cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels and plasma membrane integrity. Combined bac I and II, each applied at concentrations below IC₅₀ values, caused a synergistic reduction of the viability and proliferation of HT-29 and endothelial cells, and impaired the migration of HT-29 and tube formation of endothelial cells. A significant enhancement of apoptosis was induced only in HUVEC, although an increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺ was detected in all three cell lines. Plasma membrane integrity was compromised in 2H-11 and HUVEC, as determined by an increase in propidium iodide staining, which was preceded by Ca²⁺ flux. These in vitro findings support further research into the mechanisms of action of the combined compounds for potential clinical use.

Network Pharmacology-Based Approach to Investigate the Molecular Targets of Sinomenine for Treating Breast Cancer

Purpose

Sinomenine has been known to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells. However, its targets have not been found yet. This study aimed to search for molecular targets of sinomenine for treating breast cancer via network pharmacology.

Methods

Potential targets of sinomenine or breast cancer were separately screened from indicated databases. The common targets of both sinomenine and breast cancer were considered as the targets of sinomenine for treating breast cancer. A sinomenine-target-pathway network was constructed based on the obtained results from Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The putative targets of sinomenine were further determined by using protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis and molecular docking. Finally, the putative targets were verified in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Twenty predicted targets were identified through network pharmacological analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment indicated that these predicted targets enriched in the process of MAP kinase activity, VEGF signaling pathway, Relaxin signaling pathway, Growth hormone synthesis, secretion and action. MAPK1, NOS3, NR3C1, NOS1 and NOS2 were further identified as the putative targets by using PPI and molecular docking analysis. Expression of MAPK1, NR3C1, NOS1, NOS2 and NOS3 genes were significantly regulated by sinomenine in both MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, the expression of NR3C1 in human breast cancer specimens was lower than that in para-tumor normal tissues. Meanwhile, the expression of NR3C1 in xenograft tumors was up-regulated after sinomenine treatment.

Conclusion

MAPK1, NR3C1, NOS1, NOS2 and NOS3 were identified as the putative targets of sinomenine for treating breast cancer. NR3C1 was preliminarily confirmed as a target of sinomenine in two breast cancer cell lines, xenograft tumor models and human breast cancer specimens. These data indicated that the network pharmacology-based prediction of sinomenine targets for treating breast cancer could be reliable.

Berberine Inhibits the Expression of SCT through miR-214-3p Stimulation in Breast Cancer Cells

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the suppressive abilities of berberine (BBR) on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and confirm its underlying mechanisms on miR-214-3p. We first built a panel of 18 miRNAs and 9 lncRNAs that were reported to participate in the mechanism of breast cancer. The RT-qPCR results suggested that BBR illustrated a dosage-dependent pattern in the stimulation to miR-214-3p in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Then, we performed gain-and-lose function tests to validate the role of miR-214-3p contributing to the anticancer effects of BBR. Both BBR and miR-214-3p mimic reduced the cell viability, repressed migration and invasion capacities, increased rates of total apoptotic cells and ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and increased the percentage of G2/M cells of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells by colony formation and CKK8 assay, scratch wound healing and gelatin-based 3D conformation assay, transwell invasion assay, and cell cycle analysis, respectively. However, miR-214-3p inhibitor counteracted all these effects of BBR. Based on the bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter test, we identified binding sites between SCT and miR-214-3p. We further confirmed that BBR massively and dose-dependently reduced the mRNA expression and protein levels of SCT in both MCF-7 and MDA-231 cells. We testified that both miR-214-3p mimic and BBR could decrease the mRNA expression and protein levels of SCT, while miR-214-3p inhibitor weakened these reductions. In conclusion, BBR suppressed MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by upregulating miR-214-3p and increasing its inhibition to SCT.

Natural Health Products (NHP's) and Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Cancer; Mechanisms of Anti-Cancer Activity of Natural Compounds and Overall Trends

Most cancer therapeutics, such as tubulin-targeting chemotherapy drugs, cause cytotoxic, non-selective effects. These harmful side-effects drastically reduce the cancer patient's quality of life. Recently, researchers have focused their efforts on studying natural health products (NHP's) which have demonstrated the ability to selectively target cancer cells in cellular and animal models. However, the major hurdle of clinical validation remains. NHP's warrant further clinical investigation as a therapeutic option since they exhibit low toxicity, while retaining a selective effect. Additionally, they can sensitize cancerous cells to chemotherapy, which enhances the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs, indicating that they can be utilized as supplemental therapy. An additional area for further research is the investigation of drug-drug interactions between NHP's and chemotherapeutics. The objectives of this review are to report the most recent results from the field of anticancer NHP research, and to highlight the most recent advancements in possible supplemental therapeutic options.

The Evolving Roles of Bacopa monnieri as Potential Anti-Cancer Agent: A Review

The intermingled interrelationship of Bacopa monnieri and human health dates backs to the ancient times in the history of ayurveda making the plant an enriched source of alternative drug development in a nontoxic manner. In recent years, research on the biological effects of Bacopa monnieri has flourished as promising neuroprotective, memory boosting and more importantly as both chemopreventive and anti-neoplastic agent. Each naturally synthesized chemical constituent identified from Bacopa monnieri leaf extract with different solvents, has significant anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative activity on different type of cancer cells. In this context, a substantial literature survey allows a deep understanding of the involvement of specific bioactive molecules along with the whole plant extract of Bacopa monnieri with their divergent effective molecular pathways. This comprehensive review covers literature up to the year 2020 highlighting all the anticancer efficacy along with signaling pathways activated by secondary metabolites found in bacopa plant.

Bioguided Fractionation of Local Plants against Matrix Metalloproteinase9 and Its Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cell Models: In Silico and In Vitro Study

Matrix metalloproteinase9 (MMP9) is known to be highly expressed during metastatic cancer where most known potential inhibitors failed in the clinical trials. This study aims to select local plants in our state, as anti-breast cancer agent with hemopexin-like domain of MMP9 (PEX9) as the selective protein target. In silico screening for PEX9 inhibitors was performed from our in house-natural compound database to identify the plants. The selected plants were extracted using methanol and then a step-by-step in vitro screening against MMP9 was performed from its crude extract, partitions until fractions using FRET-based assay. The partitions were obtained by performing liquid–liquid extraction on the methanol extract using n-hexane, ethylacetate, n-butanol, and water representing nonpolar to polar solvents. The fractions were made from the selected partition, which demonstrated the best inhibition percentage toward MMP9, using column chromatography. Of the 200 compounds screened, 20 compounds that scored the binding affinity −11.2 to −8.1 kcal/mol toward PEX9 were selected as top hits. The binding of these hits were thoroughly investigated and linked to the plants which they were reported to be isolated from. Six of the eight crude extracts demonstrated inhibition toward MMP9 with the IC₅₀ 24 to 823 µg/mL. The partitions (1 mg/mL) of Ageratum conyzoides aerial parts and Ixora coccinea leaves showed inhibition 94% and 96%, whereas their fractions showed IC₅₀ 43 and 116 µg/mL, respectively toward MMP9. Using MTT assay, the crude extract of Ageratum exhibited IC₅₀ 22 and 229 µg/mL against 4T1 and T47D cell proliferations, respectively with a high safety index concluding its potential anti-breast cancer from herbal.

Despite Blocking Doxorubicin-Induced Vascular Damage, Quercetin Ameliorates Its Antibreast Cancer Activity

Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonol present in many foods. Doxorubicin is an effective anticancer agent despite its dose-limiting cardiovascular toxicity. Herein, we investigated the potential protective effects of quercetin against doxorubicin-induced vascular toxicity and its effect on the therapeutic cytotoxic profile of doxorubicin in breast cancer cell lines. The incubation of isolated aortic rings with doxorubicin produced concentration-dependent exaggeration of vasoconstriction responses to phenylephrine but impaired vasodilation responses to acetylcholine. Coincubation with quercetin completely blocked the exaggerated vasoconstriction responses and the impaired vasodilation. In addition, doxorubicin incubation increased reactive oxygen species generation from the isolated aorta, while coincubation with quercetin inhibited ROS generation back to normal values. On the other hand, quercetin in combination with doxorubicin, doubled the IC₅₀ of doxorubicin alone in MCF-7 cells from 0.4 ± 0.03 to 0.8 ± 0.06 μM. To a lesser extent, the IC₅₀ of doxorubicin did not change after combination with quercetin in MDA-MB-231 cells. These findings indicate a significant antagonistic interaction between quercetin and doxorubicin in the aforementioned cell lines. Only in T47D cells, quercetin combination with doxorubicin was an additive interaction (CI − value = 1.17). Yet, quercetin significantly impaired the immediate phase of intracellular ROS generation by doxorubicin within breast cancer cells from 125.2 ± 3.6% to 102.5 ± 3.9% of control cells. Using annexin-V/FITC staining technique, the quercetin/doxorubicin combination showed a significantly lower percent of apoptotic cells compared to doxorubicin alone treated cells. Cell cycle distribution in breast cancer cells was performed using DNA content flowcytometry after propidium iodide staining. Quercetin induced significant accumulation of cells in the S phase as well as in the G₂/M phase within both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines and interfered with doxorubicin-induced cell cycle effects. Interestingly, quercetin was found to inhibit the P-glycoprotein ATPase subunit with a consequent enhanced intracellular concentration of doxorubicin in MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells. In conclusion, quercetin, despite its potent vascular protective activity against doxorubicin, was found to influence doxorubicin-induced antibreast cancer effects via pharmacodynamic as well as cellular pharmacokinetic aspects.

Pathological role of ion channels and transporters in the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer

Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women. Among breast cancer types, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tends to affect younger women, is prone to axillary lymph node, lung, and bone metastases; and has a high recurrence rate. Due to a lack of classic biomarkers, the currently available treatments are surgery and chemotherapy; no targeted standard treatment options are available. Therefore, it is urgent to find a novel and effective therapeutic target. As alteration of ion channels and transporters in normal mammary cells may affect cell growth, resulting in the development and progression of TNBC, ion channels and transporters may be promising new therapeutic targets for TNBC. This review summarizes ion channels and transporters related to TNBC and may provide new tumor biomarkers and help in the development of novel targeted therapies.

Dammarane triterpenoid glycosides in Bacopa monnieri: A review on chemical diversity and bioactivity

Bacopa monnieri (L.) is a reputed medicinal herb in traditional system of medicine of India, where it is used as nervine tonic to sharpen intellect and memory. This review discusses chemical characterization of dammarane triterpenoid glycosides which are well accepted for improvement in memory and for potential pharmacological activities. In addition, this review provides information on the chemical composition of specialized metabolites of B. monnieri and in the formulations by different analytical techniques. This comprehensive review covers literature up to 2019 with an emphasis on structural characterization of dammarane triterpenoid glycosides by spectroscopic techniques, chemical composition by analytical methods and pharmacological activities.