Preventive Effect of Nuciferine on H2O2-Induced Fibroblast Senescence and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Gene Expression

A review on extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, applications of polysaccharides from Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (Guai Zao)

Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (H. dulcis) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. As a common plant, it has economic, edible and medicinal value. H. dulcis polysaccharides are one of their main bioactive ingredients and have many health benefits, such as anti-diabetes, antioxidation, anti-glycosylation, anti-fatigue, immune regulation activities and alcoholic liver disease protection activity. In this paper, the research progress of H. dulcis polysaccharides in extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, existing and potential applications were reviewed, which could provide new valuable insights for future studies.

Development of gummy bear supplements and in vitro exploration of antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of Nuciferine

BACKGROUND

Nuciferine's extensive therapeutic potential, including its robust antioxidant properties, is explored in response to the growing consumer preference for value-added organic foods.

OBJECTIVE

This study focuses on the formulation of gummy bear supplements fortified with nuciferine from Nelumbonucifera. The research highlights nuciferine's ability to combat oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and examines its application in maintaining basal ROS levels during oxidative stress conditions in skin melanoma cells.

METHODS

Characterization of extracted nuciferine through FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy ensures product quality, while sensory evaluation compares honey and sugar as natural sweeteners for optimal flavor and consumer preference. SK-Mel-28 cellular ROS levels were measured using 2',7' -dichlorofluorescin diacetate dye before and after nuciferine treatment. SK-Mel-28 cell viability and dose response of nuciferine treatment was assessed using MTT assay.

RESULTS

Nuciferine shows potent inhibition of SK-Mel-28 cell proliferation with an IC50 of 39.31 ± 5.280 μg/ml and showed no cytotoxicity in normal L6 skeletal muscle cells. This study compares the sensory properties of honey and sugar based gummy bear formulations.

CONCLUSION

This project aims to create a high-quality, health-promoting dietary supplement that aligns with the evolving trends in organic nutrition and antioxidant supplementation.

Nuciferine Inhibits Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Partially through Suppressing the STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) poses a significant obstacle to the worldwide healthcare system. Discovering efficient and non-toxic medications is crucial for managing OSCC. Nuciferine, an alkaloid with an aromatic ring, is present in the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera. It has been proven to play a role in multiple biological processes, including the inhibition of inflammation, regulation of the immune system, formation of osteoclasts, and suppression of tumors. Despite the demonstrated inhibitory effects of nuciferine on different types of cancer, there is still a need for further investigation into the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of nuciferine in OSCC. Through a series of in vitro experiments, it was confirmed that nuciferine hindered the growth, movement, and infiltration, while enhancing the programmed cell death of OSCC cells. Furthermore, the administration of nuciferine significantly suppressed the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in comparison to other signaling pathways. Moreover, the activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway by colivelin resulted in the reversal of nuciferine-suppressed OSCC behaviors. In vivo, we also showed the anti-OSCC impact of nuciferine using the cell-based xenograft (CDX) model in nude mice. Nonetheless, colivelin diminished the tumor-inhibiting impact of nuciferine, suggesting that nuciferine might partially impede the advancement of OSCC by suppressing the STAT3 signaling pathway. Overall, this research could offer a fresh alternative for the pharmaceutical management of OSCC.

Modulatory Effect of Rosmarinic Acid on H2O2-Induced Adaptive Glycolytic Response in Dermal Fibroblasts

Oxidative stress induces the adaptive response and alteration of energy metabolism across human cell types. Dermal fibroblasts shift their energy system to overload anaerobic glycolysis when exposed to sub-lethal hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). However, oxidative stress levels in the cells can be depleted by antioxidants, and such cellular changes can therefore be modulated. The present study aimed to investigate the modulatory effect of rosmarinic acid (a polyphenol antioxidant) against H₂O₂-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the glycolytic adaptive response in fibroblasts. The results showed that H₂O₂ caused a significant ROS increase in the cells, and pre-treatment with rosmarinic acid (5-50 µM) decreased ROS significantly in the presence of glutathione. Rosmarinic acid modulated the adaptive response in H₂O₂-treated cells by decreasing glucose consumption and lactate production. The rosmarinic acid also recovered intracellular ATP and decreased NADPH production via the pentose phosphate pathway. Several glycolytic enzymes, including hexokinase-2 (HK-2), phosphofructokinase-2 (PFK-2), and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), were downregulated in cells treated with rosmarinic acid. Furthermore, the key antioxidant enzymes: glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1), and peroxiredoxin-1 (Prx-1) and redox protein thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) were upregulated in treated cells compared to control cells. To sum up, the rosmarinic acid could be used as an antioxidant against H₂O₂-induced adaptive responses in fibroblasts by modulating glucose metabolism, glycolytic genes, and GSH production. The present work indicates that rosmarinic acid holds promise in cell-based research applications for combating ROS and enhancing dermal fibroblast health.