Protective Role of Vanillic Acid against Diethylnitrosamine- and 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats

Ameliorative effect of vanillic acid against scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment in rat via attenuation of oxidative stress and dysfunctional synaptic plasticity

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive impairment, loss of learning and memory, and abnormal behaviors. Scopolamine (SCOP) is a non-selective antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors that exhibits the behavioral and molecular hallmarks of AD. Vanillic acid (VA), a phenolic compound, is obtained from the roots of a traditional plant called Angelica sinensis, and has several pharmacologic effects, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, anti-metastatic, and antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, VA's neuroprotective potential associated with the memory has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study investigated whether VA treatment has an ameliorative effect on the learning and memory impairment induced by SCOP in rats. Behavioral experiments were utilized to assess the learning and memory performance associated with the hippocampus. Using western blotting analysis and assay kits, the neuronal damage, oxidative stress, and acetylcholinesterase activity responses of hippocampus were evaluated. Additionally, the measurement of long-term potentiation was used to determine the function of synaptic plasticity in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. In addition, the synaptic vesicles' density and the length and width of the postsynaptic density were evaluated using electron microscopy. Consequently, the behavioral, biochemical, electrophysiological, and ultrastructural analyses revealed that VA treatment prevents learning and memory impairments caused by SCOP in rats. The study's findings suggest that VA has a neuroprotective effect on SCOP-induced learning and memory impairment linked to the hippocampal cholinergic system, oxidative damage, and synaptic plasticity. Therefore, VA may be a prospective therapeutic agent for treating AD.

Assessment of the therapeutic potential of a novel phosphoramidate acyclic nucleoside on induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rat model

AIMS

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is renowned as a deadly primary cancer of hepatic origin. Sorafenib is the drug-of-choice for targeted treatment of unresectable end-stage HCC. Unfortunately, great proportion of HCC patients showed intolerance or unresponsiveness to treatment. This study assesses potency of novel ProTide; SH-PAN-19 against N-Nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-induced HCC in male Wistar rats, compared to Sorafenib.

MAIN METHODS

Structural entity of the synthesized compound was substantiated via FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis. In vitro, SH-PAN-19 cytotoxicity was tested against 3 human cell lines; hepatocellular carcinoma; HepG-2, colorectal carcinoma; HCT-116 and normal fibroblasts; MRC-5. In vivo, therapeutic efficacy of SH-PAN-19 (300 mg/kg b.w./day) against HCC could be revealed and compared to that of Sorafenib (15 mg/kg b.w./day) by evaluating the morphometric, biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular key markers.

KEY FINDINGS

SH-PAN-19 was relatively safe toward MRC-5 cells (IC50 = 307.6 μg/mL), highly cytotoxic to HepG-2 cells (IC50 = 24.9 μg/mL) and prominently hepato-selective (TSI = 12.35). Oral LD50 of SH-PAN-19 was >3000 mg/kg b.w. DEN-injected rats suffered hepatomegaly, oxidative stress, elevated liver enzymes, hypoalbuminemia, bilirubinemia and skyrocketed AFP plasma titre. SH-PAN-19 alleviated the DEN-induced alterations in apoptotic, angiogenic and inflammatory markers. SH-PAN-19 produced a 2.5-folds increase in Caspase-9 and downregulated VEGFR-2, IL-6, TNF-α, TGFβ-1, MMP-9 and CcnD-1 to levels comparable to that elicited by Sorafenib. SH-PAN-19 resulted in near-complete pathological response versus partial response achieved by Sorafenib.

SIGNIFICANCE

This research illustrated that SH-PAN-19 is a promising chemotherapeutic agent capable of restoring cellular plasticity and could stop HCC progression.

Modulating the pH profile of vanillin dehydrogenase enzyme from extremophile Bacillus ligniniphilus L1 through computational guided site-directed mutagenesis

Vanillin dehydrogenase (VDH) has recently come forward as an important enzyme for the commercial production of vanillic acid from vanillin in a one-step enzymatic process. However, VDH with high alkaline tolerance and efficiency is desirable to meet the biorefinery requirements. In this study, computationally guided site-directed mutagenesis was performed by increasing the positive and negative charges on the surface and near the active site of the VDH from the alkaliphilic marine bacterium Bacillus ligniniphilus L1, respectively. In total, 20 residues including 15 from surface amino acids and 5 near active sites were selected based on computational analysis and were subjected to site-directed mutations. The optimum pH of the two screened mutants including I132R, and T235E from surface residue and near active site mutant was shifted to 9, and 8.6, with a 2.82- and 2.95-fold increase in their activity compared to wild enzyme at pH 9, respectively. A double mutant containing both these mutations i.e., I132R/T235E was produced which showed a shift in optimum pH of VDH from 7.4 to 9, with an increase of 74.91 % in enzyme activity. Therefore, the double mutant of VDH from the L1 strain (I132R/T235E) produced in this study represents a potential candidate for industrial applications.

Phytochemical profiling, toxicity studies, wound healing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Musa paradisiaca L. Musaceae (Plantain) stem extract in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The stem of Musa paradisiaca (plantain) has found application in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, ulcers and wound injuries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, toxicity profile, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of aqueous Musa paradisiaca stem extract (AMPSE) in rats.

METHODS

Phytochemical analysis of methanol-MPSE was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Acute toxicity testing was carried out through oral administration of a single dose of AMPSE up to 5 g/kg. Four separate groups of rats were used for the subacute toxicity testing (n = 6). Group 1 served as a normal control and did not receive AMPSE, groups 2-4 received AMPSE daily by gavage for 28 days. In the experiments with excision and incision wounds, the rats were treated with 10 w/w AMPS extract. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of AMPSE were assessed using egg albumin-induced paw oedema and acetic acid-induced writhing methods, respectively. For the subacute, anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies, AMPSE was administered to the experimental rats at doses of 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg body weight.

RESULTS

Bioactive compounds identified include β-sitisterol, n-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, diethyl sulfate, p-hydroxynorephedrine, phenylephrine, nor-pseudoephedrine, metaraminol, pseudoephedrine and vanillic acid. No signs of toxicity and no deaths were observed in all the groups. For the groups treated with AMPSE for 28 days, a significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, sodium, chloride, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed while high density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutathione and superoxide dismutase increased compared to control (p < 0.05). In wound healing experiments, AMPSE showed greater percent wound contraction and wound resistance fracture compared to the povidone-iodine (PI) treated and control groups. Treatment with 900 mg/kg AMPSE resulted in significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that AMPSE is not toxic but contains biologically active compounds with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering and wound-healing effects. Treatment of rats with AMPSE has shown that AMPSE has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, lipid-lowering and wound-healing effects, supporting its therapeutic use in ethnomedicine.

Possible therapeutic role of zinc oxide nanoparticles versus vanillic acid in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult albino rat: A histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study

BACKGROUND

The search for alternative therapies for treatment of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been increasingly studied to avoid the common adverse effects of the usual regimens. Therefore, this study aimed at delineating possible mechanisms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and possible therapeutic role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) versus vanillic acid.

METHODS

Forty rats were divided into five groups: control, sham control, Testosterone-induced BPH, BPH and Zn-NPs, and BPH and vanillic acid. Light microscopic, immune-histochemical; PCNA, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, p-Akt and p-mTOR, histomorphometric analysis, MDA/SOD and GPx and were done. Gene expression of p-Akt, p-mTOR and survivin were evaluated.

RESULTS

Application of zinc oxide nanoparticles as well as vanillic acid significantly reduced prostatic index, epithelial thickness, stromal collagen fibers, expression of PCNA, Bcl2, p-Akt, p-mTOR and MDA tissue level (p < 0.05). Whereas expression of Bax and caspase 3, and tissue levels of SOD and GPx were significantly increased in groups treated with Zno-Nps and vanillic acid compared to that of BPH group. Zinc oxide nanoparticles showed a better effect than vanillic acid in alleviating BPH.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that ZnO-NPs as well as VA ameliorated the histolo-pathological and biochemical effects of induced BPH, moreover they improved the proapoptotic and antioxidant parameters which ere induced in BPH. It is recommended to search for new agents to prevent the development and progression of BPH.

Vanillic acid abrogates cisplatin-induced ovotoxicity through activating Nrf2 pathway

Although cisplatin (CDDP) is an effective anticancer agent, the ovotoxicity that can occur in female patients limits its use. Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are known to contribute to CDDP-induced ovotoxicity. Vanillic acid (VA) is a dietary herbal secondary metabolite with high free radical scavenging activity. It was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of VA against CDDP-induced ovotoxicity in rats in this study for the first time. Ovotoxicity was achieved with a single dose of CDDP (5 mg/kg) in female rats. The therapeutic effect of VA was evaluated with 3-day administration of two different doses (5 and 10 mg/kg). While OS, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis markers were measured in tissue samples, the levels of reproductive hormones were determined in serum samples using colorimetric methods. The results showed that CDDP-induced nuclear factor erythroid 2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibition combined with increased OS, inflammation, ERS and apoptosis increased ovarian damage. VA treatments reversed these changes via activating Nrf2 pathway dose-dependently. In addition, histopathological findings also supported the biochemical results. VA may be a good therapeutic molecule candidate for CDDP-induced ovarian damage due to strong antioxidant and Nrf2 activator properties.

Novel Eubacterium rectale inhibitor from Coriandrum sativum L. for possible prevention of colorectal cancer: a computational approach

This research aims to screen out the effective bioactive compounds from Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), which may be novel potential inhibitors of Eubacterium rectale for the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). A series of 8 coriander-derived chemical compounds previously assessed for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities were tested against Carbohydrate ABC transporter substrate-binding protein and compared to the standard inhibitor Acarbose, to support their use as novel Eubacterium rectale inhibitors. Herein, these derivatives were submitted to a thorough analysis of docking studies, in which detailed interactions of the selected phytocompounds with carbohydrate ABC transporter substrate-binding protein were revealed. Molecular docking analysis recommends Rutin, Gallocatechin, and Epigallocatechin as the most potential Eubacterium rectale inhibitors among the eight selected phytochemical compounds. Subsequently, the stability of the three selected phytochemical complexes was checked using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation at 100 ns and Molecular Mechanics combined with Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA). The results show quite good stability for Rutin and Gallocatechin. In silico ADMET prediction was performed on the selected compounds, and the findings revealed a reasonably good ADMET profile for both Rutin and Gallocatechin. The current findings predict that Gallocatechin could be a better CRC preventive natural compound, and, further in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies may confirm its therapeutic potential.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

STING activation in macrophages by vanillic acid exhibits antineoplastic potential

The host stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is a major innate immune sensing pathway, and the stimulation of this pathway within antigen-presenting cells shows promise in targeting immune-suppressed tumors. Macrophages resident in tumors exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and enhance tumor growth and development. Polarizing such macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype is an effective strategy for tumor suppression. In the present study, we observed that the STING pathway was inactivated in breast and lung carcinomas, and a positive correlation existed between STING and macrophage markers in these tumors. We found that vanillic acid (VA) could stimulate the STING/TBK1/IRF3 pathway. VA mediated the production of type I IFN and promoted macrophage polarization into the M1 phenotype; this activity was dependent on STING activation. A direct-contact co-culture model and a transwell co-culture model revealed that macrophages with VA-induced STING activation exhibited anti-proliferative effects on SKBR3 and H1299 cells, although a STING antagonist and M2 macrophage-related cytokines alleviated this anti-proliferative effect. Further investigation indicated that phagocytosis and apoptosis-inducing effects were the major mediators of the anti-tumor effect of VA-treated macrophages. Mechanistically, VA promoted the polarization of macrophages to a M1 phenotype via IL-6R/JAK signaling, resulting in enhanced phagocytosis and apoptosis-induction effects. Additionally, STING activation-induced IFNβ production also participated in the apoptosis mediated by VA-treated macrophage in SKBR3 and H1299 cells. Mouse models with 4 T1 tumors confirmed the anti-tumor properties of VA in vivo and revealed the infiltration of VA-induced cytotoxic T cells into the tumors. These data suggest that VA is an effective agonist of STING and provides a new perspective for cancer immunotherapy.

Thai Rat-Tailed Radish Prevents Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats by Blocking Mutagenicity, Inducing Hepatic Phase II Enzyme, and Decreasing Hepatic Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Gene Expression

Raphanus sativus L. var. caudatus Alef (RS) is an indigenous Thai plant with nutritional and medicinal values such as anticancer activity, but only in vitro. The chemopreventive effects of RS were, therefore, investigated in the initial stage of hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN), a carcinogen, was intraperitoneally injected into rats to induce liver cancer. Along with the DEN injection, either aqueous (RS-H₂O) or dichloromethane (RS-DCM) extract was administered orally. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect glutathione S-transferase placental (GST-P) positive foci and apoptotic cells in rat livers as indicators of initial-stage carcinogenesis. The underlying mechanisms of chemoprevention were investigated with (a) antimutagenic activity, (b) hepatic phase II enzyme induction, and (c) hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression. The results showed that RS-DCM was more potent than RS-H₂O in decreasing GST-P positive foci and apoptotic cells induced by DEN. The mechanisms of RS-DCM (phenolics and sulforaphene contents) against liver carcinogenesis (1) block the activity of carcinogens; (2) elevate phase II detoxifying enzymes; and (3) suppress the pro-inflammatory gene expression. RS-H₂O (phenolics contents), in contrast, only decreases pro-inflammatory gene expression. In conclusion, the RS extract consisting of phenolics and isothiocyanates exerted significant chemopreventive activity against DEN-induced liver carcinogenesis.

Vanillic acid potentiates insulin secretion and prevents pancreatic β-cells cytotoxicity under H2O2-induced oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is known to impair cellular functions and, therefore, plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of various diseases, including diabetes. The persistently elevated glucose levels may cause enhanced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation, which in turn can damage the pancreatic β-cells. In this study, we have investigated the effect of vanillic acid on preventing H₂O₂-induced β-cells death and retaining its insulin secretion potentiating effect in the presence of H₂O₂.

METHODS

The insulin secretion from the BRIN-BD11 cells was quantified using ELISA-based assays. The viability of the cells was assessed by estimated by the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) colorimetric assay and DAPI staining. The expression levels of apoptotic and antioxidant proteins were estimated by western blot experiments.

RESULTS

Vanillic acid protected pancreatic β-cells viability and function under the H₂O₂ oxidative stress condition. The Erk1/2 activation appears to play an important role in vanillic acid potentiated insulin secretion and protection of the β-cells in the presence of H₂O₂. Vanillic acid pretreated cells exhibited enhanced expression of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and SOD-2 and reduced the expression of proapoptotic markers such as BAX and BAD. In addition, it also enhanced the expression of oxidative stress-sensitive transcription factor Nrf-2 and cell survival protein Akt.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that vanillic acid potentiates insulin secretion and protects pancreatic β-cells from H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress.

Vitamin D ameliorates diethylnitrosamine-induced liver preneoplasia: A pivotal role of CYP3A4/CYP2E1 via DPP-4 enzyme inhibition

Growing evidence has indicated that vitamin D (Vit D) regulates cell proliferation and differentiation in cancer cells. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the possible beneficial effects of Vit D on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver preneoplasia. The effect of Vit D on HepG2 cells was investigated using MTT assay. Additionally, liver preneoplasia was induced in Swiss male albino mice by giving overnight fasted animals 5 consecutive doses of DEN (75 mg/kg/week). Oral treatment with Vit D (200 IU/kg/day) was initiated either 2 weeks before DEN (first protocol) or 1 week after the first dose of DEN injection (second protocol). At the end of the experiment, tissue levels of GGT, DPP-4, TNF-α, IL-6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 were also estimated. Moreover, the histopathological study of liver tissue and immunohistochemical detection of GST-P, PCNA, and NF-κB were performed. Vit D exerted a significant cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cells via significantly increasing BAX, p53, and BAX/Bcl2 ratio, and significantly decreasing Bcl2 mRNA expression. In both in vivo protocols, Vit D was capable of normalizing relative liver weight, PCNA, altered hepatocellular foci, and ductular proliferation. Moreover, Vit D significantly reduced the DEN-induced elevation of AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, DDP-4, TNF-α, IL-6, CYP2E1, liver DNA damage, GST-P, NF-κB, nuclear hyperchromasia/pleomorphism, cholestasis, and inflammatory cell aggregates, but significantly increased CYP3A4 content. In conculsion, current results reflect the potential impact of Vit D in the management of early stages of liver cancer.

Vanillic acid attenuates testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Background

Testicular torsion is an important pediatric problem and ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is involved in its etiopathogenesis. Vanillic acid (VA) is a phenolic acid has strong antioxidant properties. To our knowledge, the ability of VA to reduce testicular IRI has not been previously investigated. It was therefore aimed to evaluate whether VA had a beneficial effect against testicular IRI model in rats for the first time. Twenty-four rats were segregated into four groups: sham control, torsion/detorsion (T/D), T/D + VA (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg). The levels of testicular oxidative stress, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis markers were determined using colorimetric methods. Hematoxylin–eosin staining method was used in the histopathological evaluation.

Results

Oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress and apoptosis levels were significantly higher in testicular tissues of rats with only IRI model (p < 0.05). VA applications improved these injuries in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Moreover, it was found that the results of histological examinations supported the biochemical results to a statistically significant extent.

Conclusions

It was revealed that VA application can remove testicular IRI for the first time. This testicular protective efficacy of VA needs to be supported by more extensive preclinical studies.

Cancer chemopreventive potential of cooked glutinous purple rice on the early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

Cancer prevention using dietary phytochemicals holds great potential, particularly in the alternative treatment of liver cancer. Our previous study found that the methanol extract of cooked purple rice performed various biological functions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimutagenic activities in in vitro assays. This study aimed to evaluate the chemopreventive effects of cooked glutinous purple rice extract (CRE) obtained from routine rice cooking method on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatic preneoplastic lesions in rats, along with its inhibitory mechanisms. CRE containing γ-oryzanols and high amounts of polyphenolic compounds, particularly cyanidin-3-glucoside, was fed to rats over a period 15 weeks. Additionally, injections of triple DEN at a concentration of 100 mg/kg BW were administered to rats once a week during the second, third, and fourth weeks of the experiment. The results revealed that CRE did not induce the formation of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) positive foci as a precancerous lesion during rat hepatocarcinogenesis, indicating non-carcinogenicity. Furthermore, CRE significantly reduced the number and size of GST-P positive foci in DEN-initiated rats. It also modulated microenvironment homeostasis by reducing the number of PCNA positive hepatocytes and by enhancing the number of apoptotic positive hepatocytes in the livers of DEN-initiated rats. Using RT-PCR analysis, CRE decreased the mRNA expression of some proinflammatory mediators, including interleukin-6, interleukin-1 beta, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2, by attenuating the expression of cyclin E, the proliferation marker, while also inducing the expression of the apoptotic gene, Bcl2 associated X. The inhibitory mechanism at the early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis of CRE may be involved with the attenuation of cell proliferation, the enhancement of apoptosis, and the modulation of the proinflammatory system. Anthocyanins, flavonoids, and γ-oryzanol represent a group of promising chemopreventive agents in cooked glutinous purple rice extract. The outcomes of this study can provide an improved understanding of the potential role of the phytochemicals contained in cooked purple glutinous rice with regard to cancer alleviation.

Curative Potential of Substances with Bioactive Properties to Alleviate Cd Toxicity: A Review

Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to alarming cadmium (Cd) pollution. Cd is a toxic heavy metal without any known physiological function in the organism, leading to severe health threat to the population. Cd has a long half-life (10-30 years) and thus it represents serious concern as it to a great extent accumulates in organs or organelles where it often causes irreversible damage. Moreover, Cd contamination might further lead to certain carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. Therefore, its negative effect on population health has to be minimalized. As Cd is able to enter the body through the air, water, soil, and food chain one possible way to defend and eliminate Cd toxicities is via dietary supplements that aim to eliminate the adverse effects of Cd to the organism. Naturally occurring bioactive compounds in food or medicinal plants with beneficial, mostly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, or anti-tumorigenesis impact on the organism, have been described to mitigate the negative effect of various contaminants and pollutants, including Cd. This study summarizes the curative effect of recently studied bioactive substances and mineral elements capable to alleviate the negative impact of Cd on various model systems, supposing that not only the Cd-derived health threat can be reduced, but also prevention and control of Cd toxicity and elimination of Cd contamination can be achieved in the future.

Synergistic Action of Multiple Enzymes Resulting in Efficient Hydrolysis of Banana Bracts and Products with Improved Antioxidant Properties

This study investigated the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of banana bracts from different varieties (Maçã, Nanica and Prata) using pectinase, protease and cellulase (singly or in combinations) on their antioxidant properties. The results showed that the antioxidant properties and total phenolic compounds (TPC) of extracts increased after the enzymatic treatment with a clear synergistic effect between the different enzymes. The ternary mixture of pectinase, protease and cellulase resulted in increases of 458% and 678% in TPC content for extracts obtained from Maçã and Nanica varieties and up to 65% in antioxidant properties of those produced from Prata variety compared to the non-hydrolyzed samples. In general, the extracts obtained from the Prata variety showed the highest levels of TPC, as well as antioxidant activity, as follows: 14.70 mg GAE g−1 for TPC, 82.57 µmol TE g−1 for ABTS, 22.26 µmol TE g−1 for DPPH and 47.09 µmol TE g−1 for FRAP. Phenolic compounds identified by HPLC in extracts included ρ-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic and vanillic acids and the flavonoid rutin. This study reported for the first time the enzymatic treatment applied to banana bracts as a promising method to release antioxidant compounds, offering a new opportunity to explore these residues as a source of molecules with high added value through an environmentally friendly and safe process.

Enriched Riceberry Bran Oil Exerts Chemopreventive Properties through Anti-Inflammation and Alteration of Gut Microbiota in Carcinogen-Induced Liver and Colon Carcinogenesis in Rats

Riceberry has recently been acknowledged for its beneficial pharmacological effects. Riceberry bran oil (RBBO) exhibited anti-proliferation activity in various cancer cell lines. However, animal studies of RBBO on anti-carcinogenicity and its molecular inhibitory mechanism have been limited. This study purposed to investigate the chemopreventive effects of RBBO on the carcinogen-induced liver and colorectal carcinogenesis in rats. Rats were injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and further orally administered with RBBO equivalent to 100 mg/kg body weight of γ-oryzanol 5 days/week for 10 weeks. RBBO administration suppressed preneoplastic lesions including hepatic glutathione S-transferase placental form positive foci and colorectal aberrant crypt foci. Accordingly, RBBO induced hepatocellular and colorectal cell apoptosis and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Interestingly, RBBO effectively promoted the alteration of gut microbiota in DEN- and DMH-induced rats, as has been shown in the elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. This outcome was consistent with an increase in butyrate in the feces of carcinogen-induced rats. The increase in butyrate reflects the chemopreventive properties of RBBO through the mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory properties and cell apoptosis induction in preneoplastic cells. This would indicate that RBBO containing γ-oryzanol, phytosterols, and tocols holds significant potential in the prevention of cancer.

Phytochemical Profile and Chemopreventive Properties of Cooked Glutinous Purple Rice Extracts Using Cell-Based Assays and Rat Model

Purple rice has gained attention for its health promoting potential due to a high content of bioactive phytochemicals. The heat generated during cooking alters the quality and quantity of nutrients and phytochemicals in food. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile and chemopreventive properties of cooked glutinous purple rice using cell-based assays and a rat model. Purple rice was cooked in a rice cooker and was then further extracted with solvents to obtain dichloromethane and methanol extracts. The methanol extracts of glutinous purple rice contained great amounts of phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Protocatechuic acid (2.26–5.40 mg/g extract) and cyanidin 3-glucoside (34.3–65.7 mg/g extract) were the major phenolic acid and anthocyanin contents, respectively. After cooking, the content of anthocyanins, γ-oryzanols, and phytosterols decreased, while the amount of some phenolic acid and tocol contents increased. Methanol extracts of glutinous purple rice inhibited reactive oxygen species production about 60% in PMA-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, reduced nitric oxide formation in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells (26–39% inhibition), and exhibited antimutagenicity against several mutagens using the Ames test, but dichloromethane extracts presented only mild anti-inflammatory activities. Although methanol extracts induced mild mutagenicity (mutagenic index 2.0–2.5), they did not induce micronucleated hepatocyte formation and certain hepatic CYP450 isozyme activities in rats. However, the mutagenicity of the methanol extract significantly declined after cooking. In summary, the methanol extract of the cooked glutinous purple rice might be a promising cancer chemopreventive fraction, which was neither genotoxic nor posing adverse effects on phytochemical–drug interaction in rats.

A review of the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Amauroderma rugosum

Amauroderma rugosum (AR) is a basidiomycete in the Ganodermataceae family that has been used traditionally to prevent epileptic attacks and constant crying in babies. However, AR has not been widely studied scientifically. In this review, we summarize the phytochemical components and pharmacological properties of AR that have been reported in the literature. Chemical analyses have revealed that the components of AR include sterols, flavonoids, fatty acids and esters, aromatic acids and esters, phenols, polysaccharides, and triterpenes. Pharmacological properties of AR include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-epileptic, and antibacterial effects. These findings suggest that AR and its bioactive ingredients have potential therapeutic applications, particularly for age-related diseases.

Anticancer effect of Selenium/Chitosan/Polyethylene glycol/Allyl isothiocyanate nanocomposites against diethylnitrosamine-induced liver cancer in rats

Background

Nano-based drug delivery systems have shown several advantages in cancer treatment like specific targeting of cancer cells, good pharmacokinetics, and lesser adverse effects. Liver cancer is a fifth most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related mortalities worldwide.

Objective

The present study focusses to formulate the selenium (S)/chitosan (C)/polyethylene glycol (Pg)/allyl isothiocyanate (AI) nanocomposites (SCPg-AI-NCs) and assess its therapeutic properties against the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress and tumor markers.

Methodology

The SCPg-AI-NCs were synthesized by ionic gelation technique and characterized by various characterization techniques. The liver cancer was induced to the rats by injecting a DEN (200 mg/kg) on the 8th day of experiment. Then DEN-induced rats treated with 10 mg/kg of formulated SCPg-AI-NCs an hour before DEN administration for 16 weeks. The 8-hydroxy-2′ -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) content, albumin, globulin, and total protein were examined by standard methods. The level of glutathione (GSH), vitamin-C & -E, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were examined using assay kits. The liver marker enzymes i.e., alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate tansaminase (AST), γ-glutamyl transaminase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Bax, and Bcl-2 levels, and caspase-3&9 activities was examined using assay kits and the liver histopathology was assessed microscopically by hematoxylin and eosin staining method. The effect of formulated SCPg-AI-NCs on the viability and apoptotic cell death on the HepG2 cells were examined using MTT and dual staining assays, respectively.

Results

The results of different characterization studies demonstrated the formation of SCPg-AI-NCs with tetragonal shape, narrowed distribution, and size ranging from 390 to 450 nm. The formulated SCPg-AI-NCs treated liver cancer rats indicated the reduced levels of 8-OHdG, albumin, globulin, and total protein. The SCPg-AI-NCs treatment appreciably improved the GSH, vitamin-C & -E contents, and SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR activities in the serum of liver cancer rats. The SCPg-AI-NCs treatment remarkably reduced the liver marker enzyme activities in the DEN-induced rats. The SCPg-AI-NCs treatment decreased the AFP and CEA contents and enhanced the Bax and caspase 3&9 activities in the DEN-induced rats. The SCPg-AI-NCs effectively decreased the cell viability and induced apoptosis in the HepG2 cells.

Conclusion

The present findings suggested that the formulated SCPg-AI-NCs remarkably inhibited the DEN-induced liver carcinogenesis in rats. These findings provide an evidence that SCPg-AI-NCs can be a promising anticancer nano-drug in the future to treat the liver carcinogenesis.

Protective effect of vanillic acid against diabetes and diabetic nephropathy by attenuating oxidative stress and upregulation of NF-κB, TNF-α and COX-2 proteins in rats

Diabetes is the most prevalent disorder in the world characterized by uncontrolled high blood glucose levels and nephropathy is one of the chief complications allied with hyperglycemia. Vanillic acid; the main bioactive compound derived from natural sources such as vegetables, fruits and plants possesses various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative. The current study was designed to investigate the antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of vanillic acid by its various pharmacological activities. Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg)/nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes in rats. Oral administration of vanillic acid once daily for 6 weeks (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the hyperglycemia, increased liver enzymes and normalized lipid profile that was altered in diabetic rats. Moreover, vanillic acid attenuated the impaired renal function as evidenced by a reduction in serum creatinine, urea, uric acid and urinary microproteinuria levels with a concomitant increase in urinary creatinine clearance in the nephropathic rats. Diabetic rats showed a marked increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and superoxide anion generation (SAG) along with decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) in the renal tissue which was ameliorated in the vanillic acid-treated rats. Histopathologically, vanillic acid treatment was associated with reduced damage with normalized structural changes in renal tissue. Furthermore, treatment groups showed the suppression of upregulation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 and up-regulation of Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) in the renal tissue. In conclusion, vanillic acid's ameliorative impact on diabetic nephropathic rats may be attributed to its powerful free radical scavenging property, down-regulation of NF-κB, TNF-α, COX-2 and up-regulation of Nrf-2 proteins in renal tissue.

Molecular alterations that precede the establishment of the hallmarks of cancer: An approach on the prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis

Chronic liver injury promotes the molecular alterations that precede the establishment of cancer. Usually, several decades of chronic insults are needed to develop the most common primary liver tumor known as hepatocellular carcinoma. As other cancer types, liver cancer cells are governed by a common set of rules collectively called the hallmarks of cancer. Although those rules have provided a conceptual framework for understanding the complex pathophysiology of established tumors, therapeutic options are still ineffective in advanced stages. Thus, the molecular alterations that precede the establishment of cancer remain an attractive target for therapeutic interventions. Here, we first summarize the chemopreventive interventions targeting the early liver carcinogenesis stages. After an integrative analysis on the plethora of molecular alterations regulated by anticancer agents, we then underline and discuss that two critical processes namely oxidative stress and genetic alterations, play the role of 'dirty work laborer' in the initial cell damage and drive the transformation of preneoplastic into neoplastic cells, respectively; besides, the activation of cellular senescence works as a key mechanism in attempting to prevent the onset and establishment of liver cancer. Whereas the detrimental effects of the binomial made up of oxidative stress and genetic alterations are either eliminated or reduced, senescence activation is promoted by anticancer agents. We argue that collectively, oxidative stress, genetic alterations, and senescence are key events that influence the fate of initiated cells and the establishment of the hallmarks of cancer.