Multifaceted Effects of Lycopene: A Boulevard to the Multitarget-Based Treatment for Cancer

Potential Use of Tomato Peel, a Rich Source of Lycopene, for Cancer Treatment

Tomatoes are well known for their impressive nutritional value among vegetables. However, the industrial processing of tomatoes generates a significant amount of waste. Specifically, 10% to 18% of the raw materials used in tomato processing become waste. This waste can seriously affect ecosystems, such as freshwater bodies, wetlands, rivers, and other natural environments, if not properly managed. Interestingly, tomato waste, specifically the skin, contains lycopene, a potent antioxidant and antimutagenic that offers a range of health benefits. This makes it a valuable ingredient in industries such as food and cosmetics. In addition, researchers are exploring the potential of lycopene in the treatment of various types of cancer. This systematic review, guided by the PRISMA 2020 methodology, examined studies exploring the possibility of tomato peel as a source of lycopene and carotenoids for cancer treatment. The findings suggest that tomato peel extracts exhibit promising anticancer properties, underscoring the need for further investigation of possible therapeutic applications. The compiled literature reveals significant potential for using tomato peel to create new cancer treatments, which could potentially revolutionize the field of oncology. This underscores the importance of continued research and exploration, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the scientific community's contribution to this promising area of study.

Potential Antitumor Activity of Combined Lycopene and Sorafenib against Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma via Targeting Autophagy and Apoptosis and Suppressing Proliferation

An FDA-approved kinase inhibitor called sorafenib (SOR) is used to treat primary kidney and liver cancer as well as to stop the spread of advanced breast cancer. Side effects from SOR, such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, can negatively impact an individual's quality of life. There are a lot of data supporting the importance of lycopene (LYC) in preventing cancer. The antitumor properties of the combination of sorafenib and lycopene were examined in this study. A viability test against MDA-MB-231 was used to assess the anticancer efficacy of sorafenib, lycopene, and their combination in vitro. Moreover, a cell cycle analysis and Annexin-V/PI double staining were performed by using flow cytometry. In addition, the protein level of JNK-1, ERK-1, Beclin-1, P38, and P53 of the MDA-MB-231 cell line was estimated using ELISA kits. In addition, mice with SEC were divided into four equal groups at random (n = 10) to investigate the possible processes underlying the in vivo antitumor effect. Group IV (SEC-SOR-LYC) received SOR (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and LYC (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.); Group I received the SEC control; Group II received SEC-SOR (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.); and Group III received SEC-LYC (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.). The findings demonstrated that the combination of sorafenib and lycopene was superior to sorafenib and lycopene alone in causing early cell cycle arrest, suppressing the viability of cancer cells, and increasing cell apoptosis and autophagy. Likewise, the combination of sorafenib and lycopene demonstrated inhibition of the levels of Bcl-2, Ki-67, VEGF, IL-1β, and TNF-α protein. Otherwise, the quantities of the proteins BAX, P53, and caspase 3 were amplified. Furthermore, the combined treatment led to a substantial increase in TNF-α, caspase 3, and VEGF gene expression compared to the equivalent dosages of monotherapy. The combination of sorafenib and lycopene enhanced apoptosis and reduced inflammation, as seen by the tumor's decreased weight and volume, hence demonstrating its potential anticancer effect.

Targeting oxidative stress with natural products: A novel strategy for esophageal cancer therapy

Esophageal cancer (ESC) is a malignant tumor that originates from the mucosal epithelium of the esophagus and is part of the digestive tract. Although the exact pathogenesis of ESC has not been fully elucidated, excessive oxidative stress is an important characteristic that leads to the development of many cancers. Abnormal expression of several proteins and transcription factors contributes to oxidative stress in ESCs, which alters the growth and proliferation of ESCs and promotes their metastasis. Natural compounds, including alkaloids, terpenes, polyphenols, and xanthine compounds, can inhibit reactive oxygen species production in ESCs. These compounds reduce oxidative stress levels and subsequently inhibit the occurrence and progression of ESC through the regulation of targets and pathways such as the cytokine interleukins 6 and 10, superoxide dismutase, the NF-+ACY-kappa+ADs-B/MAPK pathway, and the mammalian Nrf2/ARE target pathway. Thus, targeting tumor oxidative stress has become a key focus in anti-ESC therapy. This review discusses the potential of Natural products (NPs) for treating ESCs and summarizes the application prospects of oxidative stress as a new target for ESC treatment. The findings of this review provide a reference for drug development targeting ESCs. Nonetheless, further high-quality studies will be necessary to determine the clinical efficacy of these various NPs.

Unlocking the Immunomodulatory Potential of Rosmarinic Acid Isolated from Punica granatum L. using Bioactivity-Guided Approach: In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Approaches

BACKGROUND

Punica granatum L. is well-known for its multifaceted therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities.

AIM

This study aimed to characterize an immunomodulatory compound isolated from Punica granatum L. using a bioactivity-guided approach.

METHODS

Chromatographic techniques were adopted for isolation and purification of secondary metabolites. In silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods were performed to characterize the therapeutic potential of the isolated compound.

RESULTS

Using preparative thin-layer chromatography, rosmarinic acid was isolated from F4 (column chromatography product obtained from a butanolic fraction of the extract). The impact of rosmarinic acid was assessed in rats using the neutrophil adhesion test, DTH response, and phagocytic index. In immunized rats, rosmarinic acid demonstrated significant immunomodulatory potential. Computational experiments, like molecular docking and molecular dynamics, were also conducted against two targeted receptors, Cereblon (PDB ID: 8AOQ) and human CD22 (PDB ID: 5VKM). Computational studies suggested that an increase in phagocytic index by rosmarinic acid could be attributed to inhibiting Cereblon and CD22. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity prediction also suggested the drug-likeness of rosmarinic acid.

CONCLUSION

Rosmarinic acid is a potential candidate, but extensive research needs to be done to translate this molecule from bench to bedside.

Holistic Assessment Based On Hepatocyte Mitochondria: Lycopene Repairs Oxidized mtDNA to Alleviate Mitochondrial Stress Induced by Atrazine

Atrazine (ATZ) is a highly persistent herbicide that harms organism health. Lycopene (LYC) is an antioxidant found in plants and fruits. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of atrazine-induced mitochondrial damage and lycopene antagonism in the liver. The mice were divided into seven groups by randomization: blank control (Con group), vehicle control (Vcon group), 5 mg/kg lycopene (LYC group), 50 mg/kg atrazine (ATZ1 group), ATZ1+LYC group, 200 mg/kg atrazine (ATZ2 group), and ATZ2+LYC group. The present study performed a holistic assessment based on mitochondria to show that ATZ causes the excessive fission of mitochondria and disrupts mitochondrial biogenesis. However, the LYC supplementation reverses these changes. ATZ causes increased mitophagy and exacerbates the production of oxidized mitochondrial DNA (Ox-mtDNA) and mitochondrial stress. This study reveals that LYC could act as an antioxidant to repair Ox-mtDNA and restore the disordered mitochondrial function caused by ATZ.

Natural products derived from medicinal plants and microbes might act as a game-changer in breast cancer: a comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical studies

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent neoplasm among women. Genetic and environmental factors lead to BC development and on this basis, several preventive - screening and therapeutic interventions have been developed. Hormones, both in the form of endogenous hormonal signaling or hormonal contraceptives, play an important role in BC pathogenesis and progression. On top of these, breast microbiota includes both species with an immunomodulatory activity enhancing the host's response against cancer cells and species producing proinflammatory cytokines associated with BC development. Identification of novel multitargeted therapeutic agents with poly-pharmacological potential is a dire need to combat advanced and metastatic BC. A growing body of research has emphasized the potential of natural compounds derived from medicinal plants and microbial species as complementary BC treatment regimens, including dietary supplements and probiotics. In particular, extracts from plants such as Artemisia monosperma Delile, Origanum dayi Post, Urtica membranacea Poir. ex Savigny, Krameria lappacea (Dombey) Burdet & B.B. Simpson and metabolites extracted from microbes such as Deinococcus radiodurans and Streptomycetes strains as well as probiotics like Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus brevis MK05 have exhibited antitumor effects in the form of antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity, increase in tumors' chemosensitivity, antioxidant activity and modulation of BC - associated molecular pathways. Further, bioactive compounds like 3,3'-diindolylmethane, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, rutin, resveratrol, lycopene, sulforaphane, silibinin, rosmarinic acid, and shikonin are of special interest for the researchers and clinicians because these natural agents have multimodal action and act via multiple ways in managing the BC and most of these agents are regularly available in our food and fruit diets. Evidence from clinical trials suggests that such products had major potential in enhancing the effectiveness of conventional antitumor agents and decreasing their side effects. We here provide a comprehensive review of the therapeutic effects and mechanistic underpinnings of medicinal plants and microbial metabolites in BC management. The future perspectives on the translation of these findings to the personalized treatment of BC are provided and discussed.

Bioactive phytocompounds for oral cancer prevention and treatment: A comprehensive and critical evaluation

The high incidence of oral cancer combined with excessive treatment cost underscores the need for novel oral cancer preventive and therapeutic options. The value of natural agents, including plant secondary metabolites (phytochemicals), in preventing carcinogenesis and representing expansive source of anticancer drugs have been established. While fragmentary research data are available on antioral cancer effects of phytochemicals, a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the potential of these agents for the prevention and intervention of human oral malignancies has not been conducted according to our knowledge. This study presents a complete and critical analysis of current preclinical and clinical results on the prevention and treatment of oral cancer using phytochemicals. Our in-depth analysis highlights anticancer effects of various phytochemicals, such as phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and sulfur-containing compounds, against numerous oral cancer cells and/or in vivo oral cancer models by antiproliferative, proapoptotic, cell cycle-regulatory, antiinvasive, antiangiogenic, and antimetastatic effects. Bioactive phytochemicals exert their antineoplastic effects by modulating various signaling pathways, specifically involving the epidermal growth factor receptor, cytokine receptors, toll-like receptors, and tumor necrosis factor receptor and consequently alter the expression of downstream genes and proteins. Interestingly, phytochemicals demonstrate encouraging effects in clinical trials, such as reduction of oral lesion size, cell growth, pain score, and development of new lesions. While most phytochemicals displayed minimal toxicity, concerns with bioavailability may limit their clinical application. Future directions for research include more in-depth mechanistic in vivo studies, administration of phytochemicals using novel formulations, investigation of phytocompounds as adjuvants to conventional treatment, and randomized clinical trials.

The Importance of Antioxidant Activity for the Health-Promoting Effect of Lycopene

Lycopene is a compound of colored origin that shows strong antioxidant activity. The positive effect of lycopene is the result of its pleiotropic effect. The ability to neutralize free radicals via lycopene is one of the foundations of its pro-health effect, including the ability to inhibit the development of many civilization diseases. Therefore, this study focuses on the importance of the antioxidant effect of lycopene in inhibiting the development of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diseases within the nervous system, diabetes, liver diseases, and ulcerative colitis. According to the research mentioned, lycopene supplementation has significant promise for the treatment of illnesses marked by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the majority of the supporting data for lycopene's health benefits comes from experimental research, whereas the evidence from clinical studies is both scarcer and less certain of any health benefits. Research on humans is still required to establish its effectiveness.

Progress on the Extraction, Separation, Biological Activity, and Delivery of Natural Plant Pigments

Natural plant pigments are safe and have low toxicity, with various nutrients and biological activities. However, the extraction, preservation, and application of pigments are limited due to the instability of natural pigments. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the extraction and application processes of natural plant pigments in detail. This review discusses the classification, extraction methods, biological activities, and modification methods that could improve the stability of various pigments from plants, providing a reference for applying natural plant pigments in the industry and the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of Lycopene, Vitamin E, and Lycopene-Vitamin E Combination Against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans: An In Vitro Study

Background Lycopene is a naturally occurring compound classified as a carotenoid, a group of pigments responsible for the vibrant colors observed in many fruits and vegetables. It is most commonly associated with red-colored fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and papaya. Vitamin E encompasses a group of chemical compounds that share a structural relationship with alpha-tocopherol and are essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It is a fat-soluble vitamin and is known for its antioxidant properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of lycopene extract, vitamin E extract, and their combination against oral pathogens for their potential application in the treatment of oral diseases. Materials and methods The potential antimicrobial effects of extracts derived from lycopene, vitamin E, and their combination were evaluated against oral commensals like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. Three concentrations (25 μl, 50 μl, and 100 μl) of the extract were tested. Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) and Rose Bengal agar (RBA) bases were utilized to determine the zone of inhibition. And the experiments were repeated in triplicate for each group. Results The identification and assessment of the antimicrobial activity of lycopene extract, vitamin E extract, and their combination revealed the greatest efficacy at the highest concentration (100 μl) against all tested microbial strains. Notably, C. albicans exhibited the highest susceptibility compared to the other strains. Vitamin E had the least antimicrobial effect and combination had the highest antimicrobial effect. Conclusion The results of our study demonstrated substantial antimicrobial activity of lycopene and vitamin E. These findings suggest that lycopene and vitamin E can be harnessed in the development of diverse drug formulations for the treatment of oral diseases.

Current trends in natural products for the treatment and management of dementia: Computational to clinical studies

The number of preclinical and clinical studies evaluating natural products-based management of dementia has gradually increased, with an exponential rise in 2020 and 2021. Keeping this in mind, we examined current trends from 2016 to 2021 in order to assess the growth potential of natural products in the treatment of dementia. Publicly available literature was collected from various databases like PubMed and Google Scholar. Oxidative stress-related targets, NF-κB pathway, anti-tau aggregation, anti-AChE, and A-β aggregation were found to be common targets and pathways. A retrospective analysis of 33 antidementia natural compounds identified 125 sustainable resources distributed among 65 families, 39 orders, and 7 classes. We found that families such as Berberidaceae, Zingiberaceae, and Fabaceae, as well as orders such as Lamiales, Sapindales, and Myrtales, appear to be important and should be researched further for antidementia compounds. Moreover, some natural products, such as quercetin, curcumin, icariside II, berberine, and resveratrol, have a wide range of applications. Clinical studies and patents support the importance of dietary supplements and natural products, which we will also discuss. Finally, we conclude with the broad scope, future challenges, and opportunities for field researchers.

The Role of ERα and ERβ in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer and Current Therapeutic Approaches

Castration-resistant prostate cancer, or CRPC, is an aggressive stage of prostate cancer (PCa) in which PCa cells invade nearby or other parts of the body. When a patient with PCa goes through androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and the cancer comes back or worsens, this is called CRPC. Instead of androgen-dependent signalling, recent studies show the involvement of the estrogen pathway through the regulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in CRPC development. Reduced levels of testosterone due to ADT lead to low ERβ functionality in inhibiting the proliferation of PCa cells. Additionally, ERα, which possesses androgen independence, continues to promote the proliferation of PCa cells. The functions of ERα and ERβ in controlling PCa progression have been studied, but further research is needed to elucidate their roles in promoting CRPC. Finding new ways to treat the disease and stop it from becoming worse will require a clear understanding of the molecular processes that can lead to CRPC. The current review summarizes the underlying processes involving ERα and ERβ in developing CRPC, including castration-resistant mechanisms after ADT and available medication modification in mitigating CRPC progression, with the goal of directing future research and treatment.

Lycopene suppresses gastric cancer cell growth without affecting normal gastric epithelial cells

Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Lycopene, a natural carotenoid, has potent antioxidant activity and anti-cancer effects against several types of cancers. However, the mechanism for the anti-gastric cancer effects of lycopene remains to be fully clarified. Normal gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 and gastric cancer cell line AGS, SGC-7901, Hs746T cells were treated with different concentrations of lycopene and the effects of lycopene were compared. Lycopene specifically suppressed cell growth monitored by Real-Time Cell Analyzer, induced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis detected by flow cytometry, and lowered mitochondrial membrane potentials assessed by JC-1 staining of AGS and SGC-7901 cells, while did not affect those of GES-1 cells. Lycopene did not affect the cell growth of Hs746T cells harboring TP53 mutation. Further bioinformatics analysis predicted 57 genes with up-regulated expression levels in gastric cancer and decreased function in cells after lycopene treatment. Quantitative PCR and Western Blot were used to check the critical factors in the cell cycle and apoptosis signaling pathway. Lycopene decreased the high expression levels of CCNE1 and increased the levels of TP53 in AGS and SGC-7901 cells without affecting those in GES-1 cells. In summary, lycopene could effectively suppress gastric cancer cells with CCNE1-amplification, which could be a promising target therapy reagent for gastric cancer.

Lycopene alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced testicular injury in rats by activating the PPAR signaling pathway to integrate lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response

Background

Male fertility can be hampered by systemic and testicular infections and inflammation, which can lead to impaired spermatogenesis that often cannot be reversed by antibiotic treatment. There has been some suggestion that lycopene (LYC) may be useful in the preservation of fertility, although its mechanisms are complex. This current study examined the therapeutic efficacy of LYC on testicular damage and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to induce inflammation of the testes in mature male rats. The rats in the experimental group were administered 5 mg/kg LYC intragastrically for 4 weeks. The testes were harvested from the euthanized rats for lipidomics, RNA sequencing, and related experimental tests.

Results

Laboratory data suggested that LPS-induced systemic inflammation induced cytokine excess and oxidative stress in the testes. Administration of oral LYC inhibited the excess cytokine production and oxidative stress, mitigating damage to the testes. Lipidomic studies identified significant changes to 258 lipids and 5 metabolism pathways. Coupled with RNA sequencing analysis, 1,116 genes were found to be significantly regulated and many lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways were identified. The expression of retinoid X receptor alpha (RXR) in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway was significantly upregulated after LYC treatment, which activated the RXR/PPAR easy dimer. The expression of downstream genes such as fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) was increased. These genes are involved in the control of fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid degradation, fatty acid chain elongation, and lipid metabolism, which partially explains the changes in the content and composition of lipids.

Conclusions

LYC regulates the lipid metabolism of testes and lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways, such as the PPAR signaling pathway. Furthermore, LYC ameliorated the LPS-induced dysregulation of lipid metabolism in the testes, as well as the LPS-induced inflammatory response. This study offers a new perspective for the investigation of the mechanisms in inflammatory testicular damage and potential therapeutic targets.

Fat-soluble vitamin and phytochemical metabolites: Production, gastrointestinal absorption, and health effects

Consumption of diets rich in fruits and vegetables, which provide some fat-soluble vitamins and many phytochemicals, is associated with a lower risk of developing certain degenerative diseases. It is well accepted that not only the parent compounds, but also their derivatives formed upon enzymatic or nonenzymatic transformations, can produce protective biological effects. These derivatives can be formed during food storage, processing, or cooking. They can also be formed in the lumen of the upper digestive tract during digestion, or via metabolism by microbiota in the colon. This review compiles the known metabolites of fat-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble phytochemicals (FSV and FSP) that have been identified in food and in the human digestive tract, or could potentially be present based on the known reactivity of the parent compounds in normal or pathological conditions, or following surgical interventions of the digestive tract or consumption of xenobiotics known to impair lipid absorption. It also covers the very limited data available on the bioavailability (absorption, intestinal mucosa metabolism) and summarizes their effects on health. Notably, despite great interest in identifying bioactive derivatives of FSV and FSP, studying their absorption, and probing their putative health effects, much research remains to be conducted to understand and capitalize on the potential of these molecules to preserve health.

The International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST) and the power of Twitter networking exemplified through #INPST hashtag analysis

BACKGROUND

The development of digital technologies and the evolution of open innovation approaches have enabled the creation of diverse virtual organizations and enterprises coordinating their activities primarily online. The open innovation platform titled "International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce" (INPST) was established in 2018, to bring together in collaborative environment individuals and organizations interested in natural product scientific research, and to empower their interactions by using digital communication tools.

METHODS

In this work, we present a general overview of INPST activities and showcase the specific use of Twitter as a powerful networking tool that was used to host a one-week "2021 INPST Twitter Networking Event" (spanning from 31st May 2021 to 6th June 2021) based on the application of the Twitter hashtag #INPST.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The use of this hashtag during the networking event period was analyzed with Symplur Signals (https://www.symplur.com/), revealing a total of 6,036 tweets, shared by 686 users, which generated a total of 65,004,773 impressions (views of the respective tweets). This networking event's achieved high visibility and participation rate showcases a convincing example of how this social media platform can be used as a highly effective tool to host virtual Twitter-based international biomedical research events.

Flavonoids' Dual Benefits in Gastrointestinal Cancer and Diabetes: A Potential Treatment on the Horizon?

Diabetes and gastrointestinal cancers (GI) are global health conditions with a massive burden on patients' lives worldwide. The development of both conditions is influenced by several factors, such as diet, genetics, environment, and infection, which shows a potential link between them. Flavonoids are naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in fruits and vegetables. Once ingested, unabsorbed flavonoids reaching the colon undergo enzymatic modification by the gut microbiome to facilitate absorption and produce ring fission products. The metabolized flavonoids exert antidiabetic and anti-GI cancer properties, targeting major impaired pathways such as apoptosis and cellular proliferation in both conditions, suggesting the potentially dual effects of flavonoids on diabetes and GI cancers. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the impact of flavonoids on diabetes and GI cancers in four significant pathways. It also addresses the synergistic effects of selected flavonoids on both conditions. While this is an intriguing approach, more studies are required to better understand the mechanism of how flavonoids can influence the same impaired pathways with different outcomes depending on the disease.

Lycopene Affects Intestinal Barrier Function and the Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets via Antioxidant Signaling Regulation

BACKGROUND

In pig production, early and abrupt weaning frequently causes weaning stress, which manifests as oxidative damage, barrier disruption, and digestion and absorption capacity declines. Lycopene exhibits beneficial antioxidant capacity in both humans and other animal models.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of lycopene supplementation on early weaning stress in piglets and the underlying mechanisms by examining the oxidative stress state, gut intestinal barrier function, and the gut microbiota.

METHODS

Twenty-four 21-day-old weaned piglets [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire); castrated males; 5.48 ± 0.10 kg initial body weight] were randomly assigned to 2 treatments. The piglets were fed a basal diet (control treatment) or a basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg lycopene (lycopene treatment) for 28 days. The serum lipid levels, serum and jejunum enzyme activities, jejunum morphology, mRNA and protein expression, and gut microbiota were determined.

RESULTS

Compared with the control treatment, lycopene supplementation increased the serum catalase activity (P = 0.042; 62.0%); serum total cholesterol concentration (P = 0.020; 14.1%); and jejunum superoxide dismutase activity (P = 0.032; 21.4%), whereas it decreased serum (P = 0.039, 23.0%) and jejunum (P = 0.047; 20.9%) hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Additionally, lycopene increased the mRNA and protein expression of NFE2-like bZIP transcription factor 2 (214.0% and 102.4%, respectively) and CD36 (100.8% and 145.2%, respectively) in the jejunum, whereas it decreased the mRNA and protein expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (55.6% and 39.8%, respectively ). Lycopene also improved jejunal morphology, increasing the villus height (P = 0.018; 27.5%) and villus:crypt ratio (P < 0.001; 57.9%). Furthermore, it increased the abundances of potentially beneficial bacterial groups, including Phascolarctobacterium and Parasutterella, and decreased those of potentially pathogenic bacterial groups, including Treponema_2 and Prevotellaceae_unclassified.

CONCLUSIONS

Lycopene supplementation strengthens the intestinal barrier function and improves the gut microbiota in weaned piglets by regulating intestinal antioxidant signaling.

Phytochemicals for the Prevention and Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence and Molecular Mechanisms

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with about 90% of renal malignancies, and its incidence is increasing globally. Plant-derived compounds have gained significant attention in the scientific community for their preventative and therapeutic effects on cancer. To evaluate the anticancer potential of phytocompounds for RCC, we compiled a comprehensive and systematic review of the available literature. Our work was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. The literature search was performed using scholarly databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect and keywords such as renal cell carcinoma, phytochemicals, cancer, tumor, proliferation, apoptosis, prevention, treatment, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Based on in vitro results, various phytochemicals, such as phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and sulfur-containing compounds, suppressed cell viability, proliferation and growth, showed cytotoxic activity, inhibited invasion and migration, and enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs in RCC. In various animal tumor models, phytochemicals suppressed renal tumor growth, reduced tumor size, and hindered angiogenesis and metastasis. The relevant antineoplastic mechanisms involved upregulation of caspases, reduction in cyclin activity, induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via modulation of a plethora of cell signaling pathways. Clinical studies demonstrated a reduced risk for the development of kidney cancer and enhancement of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. Both preclinical and clinical studies displayed significant promise of utilizing phytochemicals for the prevention and treatment of RCC. Further research, confirming the mechanisms and regulatory pathways, along with randomized controlled trials, are needed to establish the use of phytochemicals in clinical practice.

Natural Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment and Management of Endometrial/Uterine Cancer: Preclinical to Clinical Studies

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most prevalent type of cancer among women. Kinases, enzymes mediating the transfer of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in several signaling pathways, play a significant role in carcinogenesis and cancer cells’ survival and proliferation. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are involved in EC pathogenesis; therefore, CDK inhibitors (CDKin) have a noteworthy therapeutic potential in this type of cancer, particularly in EC type 1. Natural compounds have been used for decades in the treatment of cancer serving as a source of anticancer bioactive molecules. Many phenolic and non-phenolic natural compounds covering flavonoids, stilbenoids, coumarins, biphenyl compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenes, and terpenoids have shown moderate to high effectiveness against CDKin-mediated carcinogenic signaling pathways (PI3K, ERK1/2, Akt, ATM, mTOR, TP53). Pharmaceutical regimens based on two natural compounds, trabectedin and ixabepilone, have been investigated in humans showing short and midterm efficacy as second-line treatments in phase II clinical trials. The purpose of this review is twofold: the authors first provide an overview of the involvement of kinases and kinase inhibitors in the pathogenesis and treatment of EC and then discuss the existing evidence about natural products’ derived kinase inhibitors in the management of the disease and outline relevant future research.

mTOR Signaling and Potential Therapeutic Targeting in Meningioma

Meningiomas are the most frequent primary tumors arising in the central nervous system. They typically follow a benign course, with an excellent prognosis for grade I lesions through surgical intervention. Although radiotherapy is a good option for recurrent, progressive, or inoperable tumors, alternative treatments are very limited. mTOR is a protein complex with increasing therapeutical potential as a target in cancer. The current understanding of the mTOR pathway heavily involves it in the development of meningioma. Its activation is strongly dependent on PI3K/Akt signaling and the merlin protein. Both factors are commonly defective in meningioma cells, which indicates their likely function in tumor growth. Furthermore, regarding molecular tumorigenesis, the kinase activity of the mTORC1 complex inhibits many components of the autophagosome, such as the ULK1 or Beclin complexes. mTOR contributes to redox homeostasis, a vital component of neoplasia. Recent clinical trials have investigated novel chemotherapeutic agents for mTOR inhibition, showing promising results in resistant or recurrent meningiomas.

Dietary Carotenoids in Head and Neck Cancer-Molecular and Clinical Implications

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers in the world according to GLOBCAN. In 2018, it was reported that HNC accounts for approximately 3% of all human cancers (51,540 new cases) and is the cause of nearly 1.5% of all cancer deaths (10,030 deaths). Despite great advances in treatment, HNC is indicated as a leading cause of death worldwide. In addition to having a positive impact on general health, a diet rich in carotenoids can regulate stages in the course of carcinogenesis; indeed, strong epidemiological associations exist between dietary carotenoids and HNS, and it is presumed that diets with carotenoids can even reduce cancer risk. They have also been proposed as potential chemotherapeutic agents and substances used in chemoprevention of HNC. The present review discusses the links between dietary carotenoids and HNC. It examines the prospective anticancer effect of dietary carotenoids against intracellular cell signalling and mechanisms, oxidative stress regulation, as well as their impact on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoprevention; it also provides an overview of the limited preclinical and clinical research published in this arena. Recent epidemiological, key opinion-forming systematic reviews, cross-sectional, longitudinal, prospective, and interventional studies based on in vitro and animal models of HNC also indicate that high carotenoid content obtained from daily supplementation has positive effects on the initiation, promotion, and progression of HNC. This article presents these results according to their increasing clinical credibility.

The Association between Carotenoids and Head and Neck Cancer Risk

Head and neck cancer (HNC) includes oral cavity cancer (OCC), pharyngeal cancer (PC), and laryngeal cancer (LC). It is one of the most frequent cancers in the world. Smoking and alcohol consumption are the typical well-known predictors of HNC. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an increasing etiological factor for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Moreover, food and nutrition play an important role in HNC etiology. According to the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, an intake of non-starchy vegetables and fruits could decrease HNC risk. The carotenoids included in vegetables and fruits are well-known antioxidants which have anti-mutagenic and immune regulatory functions. Numerous studies have shown the relationship between carotenoid intake and a lower HNC risk, but the role of carotenoids in HNC risk is not well defined. The goal of this review is to present the current literature regarding the relationship between various carotenoids and HNC risk.

Natural Products for the Management of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Special Focus on Nanoparticles Based Studies

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men and the second most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality around the world. The progression of advanced prostate cancer to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) plays a major role in disease-associated morbidity and mortality, posing a significant therapeutic challenge. Resistance has been associated with the activation of androgen receptors via several mechanisms, including alternative dehydroepiandrosterone biosynthetic pathways, other androgen receptor activator molecules, oncogenes, and carcinogenic signaling pathways. Tumor microenvironment plays a critical role not only in the cancer progression but also in the drug resistance. Numerous natural products have shown major potential against particular or multiple resistance pathways as shown by in vitro and in vivo studies. However, their efficacy in clinical trials has been undermined by their unfavorable pharmacological properties (hydrophobic molecules, instability, low pharmacokinetic profile, poor water solubility, and high excretion rate). Nanoparticle formulations can provide a way out of the stalemate, employing targeted drug delivery, improved pharmacokinetic drug profile, and transportation of diagnostic and therapeutic agents via otherwise impermeable biological barriers. This review compiles the available evidence regarding the use of natural products for the management of CRPC with a focus on nanoparticle formulations. PubMed and Google Scholar search engines were used for preclinical studies, while ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed were searched for clinical studies. The results of our study suggest the efficacy of natural compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, apigenin, quercetin, fisetin, luteolin, kaempferol, genistein, berberine, ursolic acid, eugenol, gingerol, and ellagic acid against several mechanisms leading to castration resistance in preclinical studies, but fail to set the disease under control in clinical studies. Nanoparticle formulations of curcumin and quercetin seem to increase their potential in clinical settings. Using nanoparticles based on betulinic acid, capsaicin, sintokamide A, niphatenones A and B, as well as atraric acid seems promising but needs to be verified with preclinical and clinical studies.