Antiproliferative Effects of Hop-derived Prenylflavonoids and Their Influence on the Efficacy of Oxaliplatine, 5-fluorouracil and Irinotecan in Human ColorectalC Cells

Chemistry, bioactivities, structure-activity relationship, biosynthesis and metabolism of prenylated flavonoids in Moraceae plants

Plants from Moraceae are globally popular as they represent a valuable resource with wide applications in food, health-care products, and other fields. Prenylated flavonoids are important active components in Moraceae. These compounds share a flavonoid skeleton with prenylated side chain, mostly in the form of single or multiple isoprenyl substituents and benzodimethylfuran structures. So far, nearly 400 prenylated flavonoids have been found in Moraceae, especially a large number of Diels-Alder adducts, which are characteristic components of this family. Due to their distinctive structures, diverse pharmacological properties and interesting synthesis processes, these compounds have attracted considerable attention from scientists. Herein, we review the advances in the structural characteristics, bioactivities, structure-activity relationships, biosynthesis strategies and in vivo metabolism of prenylated flavonoids in Moraceae plants, aiming at strengthening research efforts and utilization toward the great untapped potential of these unique constituents in human health.

KTt-45, a T-type calcium channel blocker, acts as an anticancer agent by inducing apoptosis on HeLa cervical cancer cell line

The abnormal expression in the T-type calcium channels is involved in various cancer types, thus inhibiting T-type calcium channels is one of approaches in cancer treatment. The fact that KTt-45 acted as a T-type calcium channel inhibitor as well as a pain-relief agent prompts us to address if KTt-45 plays any role against cancer cells. The results showed that KTt-45 caused cytotoxic effects towards HeLa cervical, Raji lymphoma, MCF-7 breast cancer, and A549 lung cancer cell lines with IC50 values less than 100 μM, in which highly selective toxicity was against HeLa cells (IC50 = 37.4 μM, SI > 3.2). Strikingly, the KTt-45 induced an accumulation of cytoplasmic vacuoles after 48 h treatment and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis activation as evidenced by morphological features, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and significant activation of caspase-9 as well as caspase-3. In conclusion, KTt-45 could inhibit cell growth and trigger mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in HeLa cervical cancer cells. The results, taken together, strongly demonstrated that KTt-45 is a potential agent for further study on anticancer drug development which not only targets cancer cells but also helps to relieve neuropathic pain in cancer patients.

A Combination of Polymethoxyflavones from Citrus sinensis and Prenylflavonoids from Humulus lupulus Counteracts IL-1β-Induced Differentiated Caco-2 Cells Dysfunction via a Modulation of NF-κB/Nrf2 Activation

We here investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of a polymethoxylated flavone-containing fraction (PMFF) from Citrus sinensis and of a prenylflavonoid-containing one (PFF) from Humulus lupulus, either alone or in combination (MIX). To this end, an in vitro model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), consisting of differentiated, interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated Caco-2 cells, was employed. We demonstrated that non-cytotoxic concentrations of either PMFF or PFF or MIX reduced nitric oxide (NO) production while PFF and MIX, but not PMFF, also inhibited prostaglandin E2 release. Coherently, MIX suppressed both inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 over-expression besides NF-κB activation. Moreover, MIX increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation, heme oxygenase-1 expression, restoring GSH and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONs) levels. Remarkably, these effects with MIX were stronger than those produced by PMFF or PFF alone. Noteworthy, nobiletin (NOB) and xanthohumol (XTM), two of the most represented phytochemicals in PMFF and PFF, respectively, synergistically inhibited RONs production. Overall, our results demonstrate that MIX enhances the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of the individual fractions in a model of IBD, via a mechanism involving modulation of NF-κB and Nrf2 signalling. Synergistic interactions between NOB and XTM emerge as a relevant aspect underlying this evidence.

The cancer preventive activity and mechanisms of prenylated resveratrol and derivatives

Resveratrol is regarded as neutraceuticals with multiple health benefits. The introduction of prenyl can enhance the bioactivity. In this work, the cancer preventive activities and mechanisms of 18 prenylated reseveratrol and derivatives were investigated. The results showed that prenyl increased the antiproliferative activities of resveratrol, oxyresveratrol and piceatannol against cancer cells, and their antiproliferative activities were time- and dose-dependent. 4-C-prenylation was important for the antiproliferative activity of stilbenoids. The 4-C-prenyl stilbenoids showed better antiproliferative activities than other prenylated stilbenoids. 4-C-prenyl piceatannol showed the best antiproliferative activity. Human hepatoellular carcinomas (HepG₂) cell was more sensitive to prenylated stilbenoids than human MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell. 4-C-prenyl piceatannol had high affinities to Caspase-3, Caspase-9, CDK2 and Cyclin A2. The possible amino acids involved in binding 4-C-prenyl piceatannol were revealed. The expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were upregulated by 4-C-prenyl piceatannol and the expression of CDK2 and Cyclin A2 in HepG₂ cells were downregulated, which contributed to apoptosis. The above results eludicated the possible antiproliferative mechanisms of prenylated stilbenoids.

Cardioprotective potential of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, mito-TEMPO, in 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiotoxicity

Purpose

The mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (MTAs) are known to offer protection against mitochondrial oxidative stress. The recent evidences support their role in mitigating oxidative stress-induced diseases, including cancer. Therefore, this study investigated cardioprotective potential of mito-TEMPO against 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity.

Methods

Mito-TEMPO was administered to male BALB/C mice (intraperitoneally, 0.1 mg/kg b.w. for 7 days) followed by intraperitoneal administration of 5- FU (12 mg/kg b.w. for 4 days). During this period, mito-TEMPO treatment was also continued. The cardioprotective potential of mito-TEMPO was assessed by evaluating cardiac injury markers, extent of non-viable myocardium and histopathological alterations. Mitochondrial functional status and mitochondrial oxidative stress were assessed in cardiac tissue. 8-OHdG expression and apoptotic cell death were assessed using immunohistochemical techniques.

Results

The level of cardiac injury markers CK-MB and AST were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in mito-TEMPO pre-protected group which was further reflected in histopathology as decrease in the percentage of non-viable myocardial tissue, disorganization, and loss of myofibrils. Mito-TEMPO ameliorated mtROS, mtLPO and conserved mitochondrial membrane potential. Further, it had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved the activity of mitochondrial complexes and mitochondrial enzymes. A significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in the level of mtGSH, activity of mitochondrial glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase was observed. A decreased expression of 8-OHdG and reduced apoptotic cell death were observed in mito-TEMPO pre-protected group.

Conclusion

Mito-TEMPO effectively mitigated 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity by modulating mitochondrial oxidative stress, hence may serve as a protective agent/adjuvant in 5-FU-based combinatorial chemotherapy.

A comprehensive review of the benefits of drinking craft beer: Role of phenolic content in health and possible potential of the alcoholic fraction

Currently, there is greater production and consumption of craft beer due to its appreciated sensory characteristics. Unlike conventional beer, craft beers provide better health benefits due to their varied and high content of phenolic compounds (PCs) and also due to their alcohol content, but the latter is controversial. The purpose of this paper was to report on the alcoholic fraction and PCs present in craft beers and their influence on health. Despite the craft beer boom, there are few studies on the topic; there is a lot of field to explore. The countries with the most research are the United States > Italy > Brazil > United Kingdom > Spain. The type and amount of PCs in craft beers depends on the ingredients and strains used, as well as the brewing process. It was determined that it is healthier to be a moderate consumer of alcohol than to be a teetotaler or heavy drinker. Thus, studies in vitro, with animal models and clinical trials on cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes and obesity, osteoporosis and even the immune system suggest the consumption of craft beer. However, more studies with more robust designs are required to obtain more generalizable and conclusive results. Finally, some challenges in the production of craft beer were detailed and some alternative solutions were mentioned.

Multiple responses optimization of antioxidative components extracted from Fenugreek seeds using response surface methodology to identify their chemical compositions

Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), one kind of traditional Chinese medicine, are reported to be of great potential as a new alternative in terms of their bioactive components. In our present study, an ultrasonic-assisted method was applied in the extraction of antioxidative components from fenugreek seeds. Four factors: ethanol concentration, liquid-solid ratio, sonication time, and sonication power were selected and multiple responses were studied using the response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of factors along with the correlation between all responses (flavonoids content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, OH- assay) were studied. The regression model indicated that all four factors are of significant effect on all responses. The model predicted that the ethanol concentration of 72%, solvent-to-material ratio of 35 ml/g, ultrasonic time of 41 min, and 500 W of power would provide a flavonoid yield of 9.10 mg/g, DPPH clearance of 80.33%, and OH- clearance of 24.28%, respectively. The confirmation test showed the closeness of the predicted results with those of experimental values. And AB-8 resin was successfully used to purify the fenuellus hulusi seed extract, and the flavonoid concentration of 78.14% was obtained. Six flavonoids (Swertisin, Puerarin apioside, Jasminoside B, Astragalin, Apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, and Apiin) were successfully identified by the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis.

Antioxidant and pro-oxidant phytochemicals in ultrasound and microwave assisted extracts from hop cones: a statistical modelling approach

The present study investigated the relationships between different green extracts from hop cones (HGEs) and their cytoprotective/cytotoxic effects on human cultured colonocytes, using a multivariate statistical approach. HGEs were obtained by ultrasound (US) and microwave (MW) assisted extraction, using food grade solvents (ethanol and ethanol : water = 50 : 50 mixture). Their chemical fingerprinting showed the presence of 21 bioactive compounds belonging to the classes of polyphenols, prenylcalcones and floroacylglucinols, which were more abundant in MW ethanolic extracts. All the extracts, except for the US hydroalcoholic one, exerted a cytotoxic effect in a dose-dependent manner. HGEs did not alter the cellular redox status at low doses, while at the highest concentrations considered they displayed a pro-oxidant or antioxidant activity. Chemometric analysis revealed the compounds most correlated with cellular toxicity and/or ROS production and that the differences observed in Caco2 cells could be adequately explained by 2D statistical models including inhibitor-promoting agent pairs.

Antioxidants in Hops: Bioavailability, Health Effects and Perspectives for New Products

Hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.) has been used by humans for ages, presumably first as a herbal remedy, then in the manufacturing of different products, from which beer is the most largely consumed. Female hops cones have different useful chemical compounds, an important class being antioxidants, mainly polyphenols. This narrative review describes the main antioxidants in hops, their bioavailability and biological effects, and the results obtained by now in the primary and secondary prevention of several non-communicable diseases, such as the metabolic syndrome related diseases and oncology. This article presents in vitro and in vivo data in order to better understand what was accomplished in terms of knowledge and practice, and what needs to be clarified by additional studies, mainly regarding xantohumol and its derivates, as well as regarding the bitter acids of hops. The multiple protective effects found by different studies are hindered up to now by the low bioavailability of some of the main antioxidants in hops. However, there are new promising products with important health effects and perspectives of use as food supplements, in a market where consumers increasingly search for products originating directly from plants.

Preparation of Hop Estrogen-Active Material for Production of Food Supplements

In recent years, the interest in the health-promoting effects of hop prenylflavonoids, especially its estrogenic effects, has grown. Unfortunately, one of the most potent phytoestrogens identified so far, 8-prenylnaringenin, is only a minor component of hops, so its isolation from hop materials for the production of estrogenically active food supplements has proved to be problematic. The aim of this study was to optimize the conditions (e.g., temperature, the length of the process and the amount of the catalyst) to produce 8-prenylnaringenin-rich material by the magnesium oxide-catalyzed thermal isomerization of desmethylxanthohumol. Under these optimized conditions, the yield of 8-prenylnaringenin was 29 mg per 100 gDW of product, corresponding to a >70% increase in its content relative to the starting material. This process may be applied in the production of functional foods or food supplements rich in 8-prenylnaringenin, which may then be utilized in therapeutic agents to help alleviate the symptoms of menopausal disorders.

Amorphous solid dispersions in poly(ε-caprolactone)/xanthohumol bioactive blends: physicochemical and mechanical characterization

This paper reports the obtention of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) of xanthohumol (XH) in PCL containing up to 50 wt% of the bioactive compound in the amorphous form thanks to the advantageous specific interactions established in this system. The miscibility of the PCL/XH blends was investigated using DSC. Melting point depression analysis yielded a negative interaction parameter indicating the occurrence of favorable inter-association interactions. XRD analyses performed at room temperature agree with the crystallinity results obtained on the heating runs performed by DSC. FTIR spectroscopy reveals strong C[double bond, length as m-dash]OO-H specific interactions between the hydroxyl groups of XH and the carbonyl groups of PCL. The AFM analysis of the blends obtained by spin-coating shows the variation of crystalline morphology with composition. Finally, tensile tests reveal high toughness retention for the blends in which XH can be dispersed in the amorphous form (containing up to 50 wt% XH). In summary, PCL is a convenient matrix to disperse XH in the amorphous form, bringing the possibility of obtaining completely amorphous bioactive materials suitable for the development of non-stiff biomedical devices.

Xanthohumol for Human Malignancies: Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics and Molecular Targets

Xanthohumol (XH) is an important prenylated flavonoid that is found within the inflorescence of Humulus lupulus L. (Hop plant). XH is an important ingredient in beer and is considered a significant bioactive agent due to its diverse medicinal applications, which include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antifungal, antigenotoxic, antiangiogenic, and antimalarial effects as well as strong anticancer activity towards various types of cancer cells. XH acts as a wide ranging chemopreventive and anticancer agent, and its isomer, 8-prenylnaringenin, is a phytoestrogen with strong estrogenic activity. The present review focuses on the bioactivity of XH on various types of cancers and its pharmacokinetics. In this paper, we first highlight, in brief, the history and use of hops and then the chemistry and structure–activity relationship of XH. Lastly, we focus on its prominent effects and mechanisms of action on various cancers and its possible use in cancer prevention and treatment. Considering the limited number of available reviews on this subject, our goal is to provide a complete and detailed understanding of the anticancer effects of XH against different cancers.

Bioactive Compounds Obtained from Polish "Marynka" Hop Variety Using Efficient Two-Step Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Comparison of Their Antibacterial, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Proliferative Activities In Vitro

Given the health-beneficial properties of compounds from hop, there is still a growing trend towards developing successful extraction methods with the highest yield and also receiving the products with high added value. The aim of this study was to develop efficient extraction method for isolation of bioactive compounds from the Polish "Marynka" hop variety. The modified two-step supercritical fluid extraction allowed to obtain two hop samples, namely crude extract (E1), composed of α-acids, β-acids, and terpene derivatives, as well as pure xanthohumol with higher yield than that of other available methods. The post-extraction residues (R1) were re-extracted in order to obtain extract E2 enriched in xanthohumol. Then, both samples were subjected to investigation of their antibacterial (anti-acne, anti-caries), cytotoxic, and anti-proliferative activities in vitro. It was demonstrated that extract (E1) possessed more beneficial biological properties than xanthohumol. It exhibited not only better antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria strains (MIC, MBC) but also possessed a higher synergistic effect with commercial antibiotics when compared to xanthohumol. Moreover, cell culture experiments revealed that crude extract neither inhibited viability nor divisions of normal skin fibroblasts as strongly as xanthohumol. In turn, calculated selectivity indexes showed that the crude extract had from slightly to significantly better selective anti-proliferative activity towards cancer cells in comparison with xanthohumol.

Xanthohumol: A Metabolite with Promising Anti-Neoplastic Potential

The overwhelming globalburden of cancer has posed numerous challenges and opportunities for developing anti-cancer therapies. Phytochemicalshave emerged as promising synergistic compounds with potential anti-cancer effects to supplement chemo- and immune-therapeutic regimens. Anti cancer synergistic effects have been investigated in the interaction between phytocompounds derived from flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, hesperidin, emodin etc., and conventional drugs. Xanthohumol is one of the prenylatedphytoflavonoid that has demonstrated key anti-cancer activities in in vitro (anti proliferation of cancer cell lines) and in vivo(animal models of xenograft tumours)studies, and has been explored from different dimensions for targeting cancer subtypes. In the last decade, xanthohumol has been investigated how it induces the anti-cancer effects at cellular and molecular level.The different signalling cascades and targets of xanthohumolare summarized in thisreview.Overall, this reviewsummarizes the current advances made in the field of natural compounds with special reference to xanthohumol and its promising anti-cancer effectsto inhibit tumour progression.The present review hasalso touched upon the potential of xanthohumol transitioning into a lead candidate from nano-therapy viewpoint along with the challenges which need to be addressed for extensive pre-clinical and clinical anti-cancer studies.

Prenylated flavonoids in foods and their applications on cancer prevention

Functional foods play an important role in health care and chronic diseases prevention, particularly cancer. Prenylated flavonoids are presented in many food resources. They are recognized as neutraceuticals due to their diverse health benefits. Up to now, more than 1000 prenylated flavonoids have been identified in plants. Their food resources are reviewed in this paper. Due to the good safety and cancer prevention effect of prenylated flavonoids, this paper reviews the cancer prevention activities and mechanisms reported in last decade. The structure-activity relationship is discussed. Due to the limited availability in nature, the heterologously biosynthetic technique of prenylated flavonoids is discussed in this review. Inclusion of dietary prenylated flavonoids into human diet is highly desirable. This paper combines the up-to-date information and give a clear image regarding prenylated flavonoids as neutraceuticals.

Recent patents on therapeutic activities of xanthohumol: a prenylated chalconoid from hops (Humulus lupulus L.)

There is expanding proof that specific natural compounds found in plants have additional conventional medicinal properties. One such compound is xanthohumol (XN), which is being explored as an antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory agent - aside from its utilization in dealing with conditions like autism, bone and skin improvement and microbial infections, lipid-related illnesses, and so on. XN is reported to suppress the uncontrolled production of inflammatory mediators responsible for diseases including cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration and tumors. Further, it is accounted to limit adipogenesis and control obesity by focusing on principal adipocyte marker proteins. It is most generally utilized in the brewing industry as an additive and flavoring agent to add bitterness and aroma to beer. Present investigation sum up the patents filed in most recent 2 years on development of different pharmaceutical mixes and strategies dependent on various therapeutic potentials of XN.

Antioxidant and Chemopreventive Effect of Aliophen® Formulation Based on Malts and Hops

Experimental and clinical studies evidenced the health effects of moderate consumption of beer, mainly due to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, vitamins, or fibers. To exploit the potential beneficial effect on health and in disease prevention of these compounds, a new beverage based on barley malts and hops named Aliophen^® has been designed, through a patented production process, with a high total polyphenolic amount compared to alcohol-free beer and similar to the one present in light and dark beers. In the present study, the antioxidant activity of Aliophen^® against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and its ability to protect erythrocytes from hemolysis have been characterized. Moreover, the chemopreventive effect of Aliophen^® against colon cancer has been assessed, employing a mouse model of chemically induced carcinogenesis using azoxymethane (AOM). Data obtained showed that Aliophen at a low dose (3 mg/kg) inhibited the formation of preneoplastic lesions, polyps, and tumors. At higher doses (300 mg/kg) the protective effect was measured in the first phase of the onset of cancer. The antioxidant properties of Aliophen^® were also observed in AOM-treated mice where it increased the serum antioxidant capacity. Based on the data presented, Aliophen^® can exert promising health effects, including an anticancer capacity presumably associated with its antioxidant properties.

Functionality of Special Beer Processes and Potential Health Benefits

Consumers’ demand for functional fermented food that can fulfill nutritional needs and help maintain a balanced diet while also having a positive impact on one’s health status is increasing all over the world. Thus, healthy choices could include beverages with nutrients and bioactive compounds which can be used as an effective disease-prevention strategy. Regular beer has certain health benefits which inspire further research with the prospect of obtaining special functional beers with little or no alcohol content. As observed, the special beer market remains highly dynamic and is predicted to expand even further. Therefore, brewers need to keep up with the consumers’ interests and needs while designing special beers, namely nonalcoholic beers (NABs), low-alcohol beers (LABs), and craft beers (CBs). Thus, understanding the potential uses of bioactive compounds in special beer, the wide range of therapeutic effects, and the possible mechanisms of action is essential for developing healthier beverages. This review aimed to evaluate the nutritional features of special beers, and their proven or potential beneficial actions on one’s health status and in preventing certain diseases.

The Modulation of Phase II Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Proliferating and Differentiated CaCo-2 Cells by Hop-Derived Prenylflavonoids

Prenylflavonoids in the human organism exhibit various health-beneficial activities, although they may interfere with drugs via the modulation of the expression and/or activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes. As intestinal cells are exposed to the highest concentrations of prenylflavonoids, we decided to study the cytotoxicity and modulatory effects of the four main hop-derived prenylflavonoids on the activities and mRNA expression of the main drug-conjugating enzymes in human CaCo-2 cells. Proliferating CaCo-2 cells were used for these purposes as a model of colorectal cancer cells, and differentiated CaCo-2 cells were used as an enterocyte-like model. All the tested prenylflavonoids inhibited the CaCo-2 cells proliferation, with xanthohumol proving the most effective (IC₅₀ 8.5 µM). The prenylflavonoids modulated the activities and expressions of the studied enzymes to a greater extent in the differentiated, as opposed to the proliferating, CaCo-2 cells. In the differentiated cells, all the prenylflavonoids caused a marked increase in glutathione S-transferase and catechol-O-methyltransferase activities, while the activity of sulfotransferase was significantly inhibited. Moreover, the prenylflavonoids upregulated the mRNA expression of uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyl transferase 1A6 and downregulated that of glutathione S-transferase 1A1/2.

Promotion of ubiquitination-dependent survivin destruction contributes to xanthohumol-mediated tumor suppression and overcomes radioresistance in human oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Overexpression of survivin plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and correlates with poor prognosis in human malignancies. Thus, survivin has been proposed as an attractive target for new anti-tumor interventions.

Methods

A natural product library was used for natural compound screening through MTS assay. The expression of survivin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the inhibitory effect of xanthohumol (XN) on OSCC were examined by anchorage-dependent and -independent growth assays, immunoblot, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemical staining, ubiquitination analysis, co-immunoprecipitation assay, CRISPR-Cas9-based gene knockout, and xenograft experiment.

Results

Survivin is highly expressed in OSCC patient-derived tissues and cell lines. Knockout of survivin reduced the tumorigenic properties of OSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. With a natural compound screening, we identified that xanthohumol inhibited OSCC cells by reducing survivin protein level and activating mitochondrial apoptotic signaling. Xanthohumol inhibited the Akt-Wee1-CDK1 signaling, which in turn decreased survivin phosphorylation on Thr34, and facilitated E3 ligase Fbxl7-mediated survivin ubiquitination and degradation. Xanthohumol alone or in combination with radiation overcame radioresistance in OSCC xenograft tumors.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that targeting survivin for degradation might a promising strategy for OSCC treatment.

Molecular and cellular basis of the anticancer activity of the prenylated flavonoid icaritin in hepatocellular carcinoma

The prenylated flavonoid icaritin (ICT) is currently undergoing phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), based on a solid array of preclinical and clinical data. The antitumor activity originates from the capacity of the drug to modulate several signaling effectors in cancer cells, mainly the estrogen receptor splice variant ERα36, the transcription factors STAT3 and NFκB, and the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Recent studies have implicated additional components, including different microRNAs, the generation of reactive oxygen species and the targeting of sphingosine kinase-1. ICT also engages the RAGE-HMGB1 signaling route and modulates the apoptosis/autophagy crosstalk to promote its anticancer activity. In addition, ICT exerts profound changes on the tumor microenvironment to favor an immune-response. Collectively, these multiple biochemical and cellular characteristics confer to ICT a robust activity profile which can be exploited to treat HCC, as well as other cancers, including glioblastoma and onco-hematological diseases such as chronic myeloid leukemia. This review provides an update of the pharmacological properties of ICT and its metabolic characteristics. It also addresses the design of derivatives, including both natural products and synthetic molecules, such as SNG1153 also in clinical trial. The prenylated flavonoid ICT deserves attention as a multifunctional natural product potentially useful to improve the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Xanthohumol, a Prenylated Flavonoid from Hops, Induces DNA Damages in Colorectal Cancer Cells and Sensitizes SW480 Cells to the SN38 Chemotherapeutic Agent

In spite of chemotherapy and systematic screening for people at risk, the mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains consistently high, with 600,000 deaths per year. This low success rate in the treatment of CRC results from many failures associated with high resistance and the risk of metastasis. Therefore, in response to these therapeutic failures, new strategies have been under development for several years aimed at increasing the effect of anticancer compounds and/or at reducing their secondary effects on normal cells, thus enabling the host to better withstand chemotherapy. This study highlights that xanthohumol (Xn) concentrations under the IC50 values were able to induce apoptosis and to enhance the DNA-damage response (DDR). We demonstrate for the first time that Xn exerts its anticancer activity in models of colon cancer through activation of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) pathway. Subsequently, the ability of Xn to restore DNA damage in CRC cells can sensitize them to anticancer agents such as SN38 (7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin) used in chemotherapy.

Xanthohumol protects against Azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer in Sprague-Dawley rats

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health problem and third most common deaths in western world. Dietary interventions together with modified dietary style can prevent the CRC in humans. Xanthohumol (XHA), a polyphenol isolated from Humulus lupulus L. contains many beneficial effects. The aim of the study is to analyze the effect of XHA on Azoxymethane (AOM)-induced experimental CRC in rats. Levels of MDA were increased and enzymic antioxidants levels were decreased in AOM-induced rats. However, these levels were reversed upon XHA treatment. Further, the mRNA expressions of iNOS and COX-2 were also downregulated in XHA treated rats compared to AOM-induced rats. Further, we found that administration of XHA suppressed the wnt/β-catenin signaling together with modulation of apoptotic proteins Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase 3. We conclude that XHA can able to quench the free radicals, inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis, thus it can be a chemopreventive/therapeutic agent against CRC.