Targeting Akt/NF-κB/p53 Pathway and Apoptosis Inducing Potential of 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic Acid, Bis (2-Methyl Propyl) Ester Isolated from Onosma bracteata Wall. against Human Osteosarcoma (MG-63) Cells

Network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking-based strategy to explore the potential mechanism of Radix Astragali against hypopharyngeal carcinoma

To explore the anti-tumor effects of Radix Astragali on hypopharyngeal carcinoma and its mechanism. We have bioinformatically analyzed the potential targets of Radix Astragali and predicted the molecular mechanism of Radix Astragali treating of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. The binding process of the hub targets that could prolong the survival time of hypopharyngeal cancer patients with Radix Astragali was simulated by molecular docking. The results showed that 17 out of 36 hub targets could effectively improve the 5-year survival rate of hypopharyngeal cancer patients. Radix Astragali acts on hypopharyngeal carcinoma by regulating a signaling network formed by hub targets connecting multiple signaling pathways and is expected to become a drug for treating and prolonging hypopharyngeal carcinoma patients' survival time.

Network pharmacology-based research on the effect of Radix Astragali on osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanism

To explore the anti-tumor effects of Radix Astragali on osteosarcoma and its mechanism. We analyzed the PPI network of Radix Astragali's potential targets for treating osteosarcoma and got the hub targets. We used KM curves to screen hub targets that could prolong sarcoma patients' survival time. We performed GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of Radix Astragali's potential targets and predicted Radix Astragali's molecular mechanism and function in treating osteosarcoma. The binding process between the hub targets, which could prolong sarcoma patients' survival time, and Radix Astragali was simulated through molecular docking. PPI network analysis of potential therapeutic targets discriminated 25 hub targets. The KM curves of the hub targets showed there were 13 hub targets that were effective in improving the 5-year survival rate of sarcoma patients. GO and KEGG enrichment demonstrated that Radix Astragali regulates multiple signaling pathways of osteosarcoma. Molecular docking results indicated that Radix Astragali could bind freely to the hub target, which could prolong the sarcoma patient's survival time. Radix Astragali act on osteosarcoma by regulating a signaling network formed by hub targets connecting multiple signaling pathways. Radix Astragali has the potential to become a drug for treating osteosarcoma and prolonging the sarcoma patient's survival time.

Network pharmacology-based research on the effect of Scutellaria baicalensis on osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanism

To explore the anti-tumor effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on osteosarcoma and its mechanism. Network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were applied to investigate the effect and mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis on osteosarcoma (OS). We analyzed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for potential targets of Scutellaria baicalensis for treating osteosarcoma and identified hub targets. We used KM curves to screen for hub targets that could effectively prolong the survival time of OS patients. We systematically performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the Scutellaria baicalensis potential targets and predicted the Scutellaria baicalensis molecular mechanism and function in treating osteosarcoma. Through molecular docking, the binding process between the hub targets, which could prolong the survival time of sarcoma patients, and Scutellaria baicalensis was simulated. PPI network analysis of potential therapeutic targets discriminated 12 hub targets. The KM curves of the hub targets showed that upregulation of RXRA, RELA, ESR1, TNF, IL6, IL1B, and RB1 expression, and downregulation of MAPK1, VEGFA, MAPK14, CDK1, and PPARG expression were effective in improving the 5-year survival rate of OS patients. GO and KEGG enrichment demonstrated that Scutellaria baicalensis regulated multiple signaling pathways of OS. Molecular docking results indicated that Scutellaria baicalensis could bind freely to the above hub target, which could prolong the survival time of sarcoma patients. Scutellaria baicalensis acted on osteosarcoma by regulating a signaling network formed by hub targets connecting multiple signaling pathways. Scutellaria baicalensis appears to have the potential to serve as a therapeutic drug for osteosarcoma and to prolong the survival of OS patients.

Nephroprotective effects of Acacia senegal against aflatoxicosis via targeting inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB1) is a common environmental pollutant that poses a major hazard to both humans and animals. Acacia senegal (Gum) is well-known for having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds. Our study aimed to scout the nephroprotective effects of Acacia gum (Gum) against AFB1-induced renal damage. Four groups of rats were designed: Control, Gum (7.5 mg/kg), AFB1 (200 µg/kg b.w) and AFB1-Gum, rats were co-treated with both Gum and AFB1. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was done to determine the phytochemical constituents in Gum. AFB1 triggered profound alterations in kidney function parameters (urea, creatinine, uric acid, and alkaline phosphatase) and renal histological architecture. Additionally, AFB1 exposure evoked up-regulation of mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor kB p65 (NF-κB/P65) in renal tissue. The oxidative distress and apoptotic cascade are also instigated by AFB1 intoxication as depicted in down-regulated protein expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1) along with upregulation of cytochrome c (Cyto c), and cleaved Caspase3 (Casp3-17 and 19) in renal tissue. In conclusion, current study obviously confirms the alleviating effects of Gum supplementation against AFB1-induced renal dysfunction, oxidative harm, inflammation, and cell death. These mitigating effects are suggested to be attributed to Gum's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Our results recommend Gum supplementation as add-on agents to food that might aid in protection from AFB1-induced nephrotoxicity.

Network pharmacology-based research on the effect of angelicin on osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanism

To explore the antitumor effects of angelicin on osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanism. We aimed to elucidate the mechanism by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments. We analyzed a PPI network of potential angelicin targets in the treatment of osteosarcoma and identified hub targets. We systematically performed GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the potential targets of angelicin, and we predicted it function in osteosarcoma treatment and the underlying molecular mechanism. Through molecular docking, the interactions between hub targets and angelicin were simulated, and then, the hub targets of angelicin were identified. Based on these results, we validated the effects of angelicin on osteosarcoma cells by conducting in vitro experiments. The PPI network analysis of potential therapeutic targets identified four apoptosis-related hub targets, namely, BCL-2, Casp9, BAX and BIRC 2. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses demonstrated that angelicin regulates osteosarcoma cell apoptosis. Molecular docking results indicated that angelicin can freely bind to the hub targets listed above. In vitro experiments showed that angelicin promoted osteosarcoma cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited osteosarcoma cell migration and proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The RT-PCR results showed that angelicin simultaneously promoted the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and Casp9 and inhibited the mRNA expression of BAX and BIRC 2. Angelicin promotes osteosarcoma cell apoptosis and inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration by activating a signaling network that is composed of hub targets that link multiple signaling pathways. Angelicin could become an alternative drug for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Chemopreventive Effects of Onosma mutabilis against Azoxymethane-Induced Colon Cancer in Rats via Amendment of Bax/Bcl-2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Onosma species (Boraginaceae) are well known as medicinal plants due to their wide range of pharmaceutical potential. The present study aims to investigate the anticancer (in vitro) and chemo-protective (in vivo) efficacies of Onosma mutabilis extract (OME) in the azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. The in vitro antiproliferative effects of OME were determined on two human tumor cell lines (Caco-2 and HT-29) via MTT assay. The in vivo chemoprotective effects of OME were investigated by performing various biochemical analyses in serum and tissue homogenates of albino rats, along with determining oxidative stress biomarkers. Inflammatory biomarkers of colon, colonic gross morphology (by methylene blue), ACF formation, and colonic histopathology (H & E stain) were determined. The immunohistochemistry of colonic tissues was also assessed by Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression. The results showed that the antitumor activity of OME against Caco-2 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cells ranged between 22.28-36.55 µg/mL. OME supplementation caused a significant drop in the ACF values and improved the immunohistochemistry of the rats shown by up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 protein expressions. These outcomes reveal that O. mutabilis may have chemoprotective efficiency against AOM-induced colon cancer represented by the attenuation of ACF formation possibly through inhibition of free radicals, inflammation, and stimulation of the colon antioxidant armory (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and positive regulation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway.

Phytochemicals as Chemo-Preventive Agents and Signaling Molecule Modulators: Current Role in Cancer Therapeutics and Inflammation

Cancer is one of the deadliest non communicable diseases. Numerous anticancer medications have been developed to target the molecular pathways driving cancer. However, there has been no discernible increase in the overall survival rate in cancer patients. Therefore, innovative chemo-preventive techniques and agents are required to supplement standard cancer treatments and boost their efficacy. Fruits and vegetables should be tapped into as a source of compounds that can serve as cancer therapy. Phytochemicals play an important role as sources of new medication in cancer treatment. Some synthetic and natural chemicals are effective for cancer chemoprevention, i.e., the use of exogenous medicine to inhibit or impede tumor development. They help regulate molecular pathways linked to the development and spread of cancer. They can enhance antioxidant status, inactivating carcinogens, suppressing proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest and death, and regulating the immune system. While focusing on four main categories of plant-based anticancer agents, i.e., epipodophyllotoxin, camptothecin derivatives, taxane diterpenoids, and vinca alkaloids and their mode of action, we review the anticancer effects of phytochemicals, like quercetin, curcumin, piperine, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and gingerol. We examine the different signaling pathways associated with cancer and how inflammation as a key mechanism is linked to cancer growth.