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Magalhães M, Domínguez-Martín EM, Jorge J, Gonçalves AC, Massenzio F, Spigarelli R, Ribeiro-Rodrigues T, Catarino S, Girão H, Monti B, Spisni E, Ferreira L, Oliveira PJ, Efferth T, Rijo P, Cabral C. Unveiling the antitumor mechanism of 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone from Plectranthus hadiensis in glioblastoma. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 335:118689. [PMID: 39128799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive and prevalent glioma within the central nervous system. Despite considerable efforts, GB continues to exhibit a dismal 5-year survival rate (∼6%). This is largely attributed to unfavorable prognosis and lack of viable treatment options. Therefore, novel therapies centered around plant-derived compounds emerge as a compelling avenue to enhance patient survival and well-being. The South African species, Plectranthus hadiensis Schweinf. (P. hadiensis), a member of the Lamiaceae family, has a history of use in traditional medicine for treating a range of diseases, including respiratory, digestive, and liver disorders. This species exhibits diverse biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antitumoral properties, likely attributed to its rich composition of naturally occurring diterpenes, like the abietane diterpene, 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone (Roy). Roy has demonstrated promising antitumor effects in various cancer cell lines, making it a compelling candidate for further investigation into its mechanisms against GB. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the antitumor activity and potential mechanism of Roy, a natural lead compound, in GB cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS Roy was isolated from the acetonic extract of P. hadiensis and its antitumor mechanism was assessed in a panel of human GB cell lines (U87, A172, H4, U373, and U118) to mimic tumor heterogeneity. Briefly, the impact of Roy treatment on the metabolic activity of cells was evaluated by Alamar Blue® assay, while cell death, cell cycle regulation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and activated caspase-3 activity were evaluated by flow cytometry. Measurement of mRNA levels of target genes was performed by qPCR, while protein expression was assessed by Western blotting. Cell uptake and impact on mitochondrial morphology were evaluated by confocal microscopy. RESULTS Roy induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial fragmentation, and apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and increasing the levels of activated caspase-3. The concentrations of Roy needed to achieve significant inhibitory outcomes were notably lower (6-9 fold) than those of temozolomide (TMZ), the standard first-line treatment, for achieving comparable effects. In addition, at low concentrations (16 μM), Roy affected the metabolic activity of tumor cells while having no significant impact on non-tumoral cells (microglia and astrocytes). CONCLUSION Overall, Roy demonstrated a robust antitumor activity against GB cells offering a promising avenue for the development of novel chemotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Magalhães
- University of Coimbra, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Portugal; University of Coimbra, CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eva María Domínguez-Martín
- CBIOS-Universidade Lusófona's Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Lisbon, Portugal; Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joana Jorge
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology, University Clinic of Hematology and Applied Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, ICBR, Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO)-Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Gonçalves
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology, University Clinic of Hematology and Applied Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, ICBR, Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO)-Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francesca Massenzio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato Spigarelli
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Teresa Ribeiro-Rodrigues
- University of Coimbra, CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Steve Catarino
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique Girão
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enzo Spisni
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lino Ferreira
- University of Coimbra, CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo J Oliveira
- University of Coimbra, CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Patrícia Rijo
- CBIOS-Universidade Lusófona's Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Lisbon, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, Instituto de Investigação Do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Célia Cabral
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Merecz-Sadowska A, Isca VMS, Sitarek P, Kowalczyk T, Małecka M, Zajdel K, Zielińska-Bliźniewska H, Jęcek M, Rijo P, Zajdel R. Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Semisynthetic Derivatives of 7α-Acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone from Plectranthus sp.: An In Silico Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4529. [PMID: 38674113 PMCID: PMC11050557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The diterpene 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone isolated from Plectranthus grandidentatus demonstrates promising antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, its bioactivity may be enhanced via strategic structural modifications of such natural products through semisynthesis. The anticancer potential of 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone and five derivatives was analyzed in silico via the prediction of chemicals absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), quantum mechanical calculations, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation. The protein targets included regulators of apoptosis and cell proliferation. Additionally, network pharmacology was used to identify potential targets and signaling pathways. Derivatives 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxy-12-O-(2-fluoryl)royleanone and 7α-acetoxy-6β-(4-fluoro)benzoxy-12-O-(4-fluoro)benzoylroyleanone achieved high predicted binding affinities towards their respective protein panels, with stable molecular dynamics trajectories. Both compounds demonstrated favorable ADMET parameters and toxicity profiles. Their stability and reactivity were confirmed via geometry optimization. Network analysis revealed their involvement in cancer-related pathways. Our findings justify the inclusion of 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxy-12-O-(2-fluoryl)royleanone and 7α-acetoxy-6β-(4-fluoro)benzoxy-12-O-(4-fluoro)benzoylroyleanone in in vitro analyses as prospective anticancer agents. Our binding mode analysis and stability simulations indicate their potential as selective inhibitors. The data will guide studies into their structure optimization, enhancing efficacy and drug-likeness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Merecz-Sadowska
- Department of Economic and Medical Informatics, University of Lodz, 90-214 Lodz, Poland; (M.J.); (R.Z.)
- Department of Allergology and Respiratory Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, 90-725 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Vera M. S. Isca
- Center for Research in Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Przemysław Sitarek
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Kowalczyk
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Małecka
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, Pomorska 163/165, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Karolina Zajdel
- Department of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-645 Lodz, Poland;
| | | | - Mariusz Jęcek
- Department of Economic and Medical Informatics, University of Lodz, 90-214 Lodz, Poland; (M.J.); (R.Z.)
| | - Patricia Rijo
- Center for Research in Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Radosław Zajdel
- Department of Economic and Medical Informatics, University of Lodz, 90-214 Lodz, Poland; (M.J.); (R.Z.)
- Department of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-645 Lodz, Poland;
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Isca VMS, Sitarek P, Merecz-Sadowska A, Małecka M, Owczarek M, Wieczfińska J, Zajdel R, Nowak P, Rijo P, Kowalczyk T. Anticancer Effects of Abietane Diterpene 7α-Acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone from Plectranthus grandidentatus and Its Semi-Synthetic Analogs: An In Silico Computational Approach. Molecules 2024; 29:1807. [PMID: 38675627 PMCID: PMC11052076 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The abietane diterpenoid 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone (Roy) isolated from Plectranthus grandidentatus demonstrates cytotoxicity across numerous cancer cell lines. To potentiate anticancer attributes, a series of semi-synthetic Roy derivatives were generated and examined computationally. ADMET predictions were used to evaluate drug-likeness and toxicity risks. The antineoplastic potential was quantified by PASS. The DFT models were used to assess their reactivity and stability. Molecular docking determined cancer-related protein binding. MS simulations examined ligand-protein stability. Additionally, network pharmacology was used to identify potential targets and signaling pathways. Favorable ADME attributes and acceptable toxicity profiles were determined for all compounds. Strong anticancer potential was shown across derivatives (Pa 0.819-0.879). Strategic modifications altered HOMO-LUMO gaps (3.39-3.79 eV) and global reactivity indices. Favorable binding was revealed against cyclin-dependent kinases, BCL-2, caspases, receptor tyrosine kinases, and p53. The ligand exhibited a stable binding pose in MD simulations. Network analysis revealed involvement in cancer-related pathways. In silico evaluations predicted Roy and derivatives as effective molecules with anticancer properties. Experimental progress is warranted to realize their chemotherapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera M. S. Isca
- Center for Research in Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Przemysław Sitarek
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Anna Merecz-Sadowska
- Department of Economic and Medical Informatics, University of Lodz, 90-214 Lodz, Poland; (A.M.-S.); (R.Z.); (P.N.)
- Department of Allergology and Respiratory Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, 90-725 Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Małecka
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, Pomorska 163/165, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Monika Owczarek
- Łukasiewicz Research Network, Lodz Institute of Technology, Skłodowskiej-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Joanna Wieczfińska
- Department of Immunopathology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Radosław Zajdel
- Department of Economic and Medical Informatics, University of Lodz, 90-214 Lodz, Poland; (A.M.-S.); (R.Z.); (P.N.)
- Department of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-645 Lodz, Poland
| | - Paweł Nowak
- Department of Economic and Medical Informatics, University of Lodz, 90-214 Lodz, Poland; (A.M.-S.); (R.Z.); (P.N.)
| | - Patricia Rijo
- Center for Research in Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tomasz Kowalczyk
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
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Hassan A, Rijo P, Abuamara TMM, Ali Lashin LS, Kamar SA, Bangay G, Al-Sawahli MM, Fouad MK, Zoair MA, Abdalrhman TI, Elebeedy D, Ibrahim IA, Mohamed AF, Abd El Maksoud AI. Synergistic Differential DNA Demethylation Activity of Danshensu ( Salvia miltiorrhiza) Associated with Different Probiotics in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2024; 12:279. [PMID: 38397881 PMCID: PMC10886676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major hepatic disorder occurring in non-alcohol-drinking individuals. Salvianic acid A or Danshensu (DSS, 3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-(2R)-lactic acid), derived from the root of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), has demonstrated heart and liver protective properties. In this work, we investigated the antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective activity of Danshensu alone and in combination with different agents, such as probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus), against several assays. The inhibition mechanism of the methylation gene biomarkers, such as DNMT-1, MS, STAT-3, and TET-1, against DSS was evaluated by molecular docking and RT-PCR techniques. The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic ADMET properties of DSS were determined by SwissADME and pkCSM. The results indicated that all lipid blood test profiles, including cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were reduced after the oral administration of Danshensu combined with probiotics (L. casei and L. acidophilus) that demonstrated good, efficient free radical scavenging activity, measured using anti-oxidant assays. ADMET and drug-likeness properties certify that the DSS could be utilized as a feasible drug since DSS showed satisfactory physicochemical and pharmacokinetic ADMET properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Hassan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat 32897, Egypt
| | - Patrícia Rijo
- CBIOS—Lusófona University’s Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tamer M. M. Abuamara
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19111, Jordan; (T.M.M.A.); (L.S.A.L.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Lashin Saad Ali Lashin
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19111, Jordan; (T.M.M.A.); (L.S.A.L.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Sherif A. Kamar
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19111, Jordan; (T.M.M.A.); (L.S.A.L.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Gabrielle Bangay
- CBIOS—Lusófona University’s Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas (Área de Farmacología; Nuevos agentes antitumorales, Acción tóxica sobre células leucémicas), Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km. 33,600, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España
| | - Majid Mohammed Al-Sawahli
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Islamic University, Najaf 54001, Iraq;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafr Elsheikh University, Kafr Elsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Marina K. Fouad
- College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza 12573, Egypt; (M.K.F.); (D.E.); (A.I.A.E.M.)
| | - Mohammad A. Zoair
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt;
| | - Tamer I. Abdalrhman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt;
| | - Dalia Elebeedy
- College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza 12573, Egypt; (M.K.F.); (D.E.); (A.I.A.E.M.)
| | - Ibrahim A. Ibrahim
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat 32897, Egypt;
| | - Aly F. Mohamed
- Holding Company for Vaccine and Sera Production (VACSERA), Giza 22311, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed I. Abd El Maksoud
- College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza 12573, Egypt; (M.K.F.); (D.E.); (A.I.A.E.M.)
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat 32897, Egypt
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Marques MP, Neves BG, Varela C, Zuzarte M, Gonçalves AC, Dias MI, Amaral JS, Barros L, Magalhães M, Cabral C. Essential Oils from Côa Valley Lamiaceae Species: Cytotoxicity and Antiproliferative Effect on Glioblastoma Cells. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020341. [PMID: 36839664 PMCID: PMC9964318 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav., Mentha cervina L. and Thymus mastichina (L.) L. subsp. mastichina are representative species of the Côa Valley's flora, a Portuguese UNESCO World Heritage Site. L. pedunculata and T. mastichina are traditionally used to preserve olives and to aromatize bonfires on Saint John's Eve, while M. cervina is mainly used as a spice for river fish dishes. Despite their traditional uses, these aromatic plants are still undervalued, and literature regarding their bioactivity, especially anticancer, is scarce. In this work, the morphology of secretory structures was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the composition of essential oils (EOs) was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The study proceeded with cytotoxic evaluation of EOs in tumor and non-tumor cells with the cell death mechanism explored in glioblastoma (GB) cells. L. pedunculata EO presented the most pronounced cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity against tumor cells, with moderate cytotoxicity against non-tumor cells. Whereas, M. cervina EO exhibited a slightly lower cytotoxic effect against tumor cells and did not affect the viability of non-tumor cells. Meanwhile, T. mastichina EO did not induce a strong cytotoxic effect against GB cells. L. pedunculata and M. cervina EOs lead to cell death by inducing apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The present study suggests that L. pedunculata and M. cervina EOs have a strong cytotoxic and antiproliferative potential to be further studied as efficient antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mário Pedro Marques
- Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Guapo Neves
- Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Varela
- Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre (CIEPQPF), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mónica Zuzarte
- Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology, University Clinic of Hematology and Applied Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Dias
- Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), Campus Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Sustainability and Technology in Mountains Regions (SusTEC), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Joana S. Amaral
- Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), Campus Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Sustainability and Technology in Mountains Regions (SusTEC), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Lillian Barros
- Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), Campus Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Sustainability and Technology in Mountains Regions (SusTEC), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Mariana Magalhães
- Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia Cabral
- Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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