Formulation and Evaluation of Kaempferol Loaded Nanoparticles against Experimentally Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Non-coding RNA mediated regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: Therapeutic perspectives

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the primary reasons for fatalities caused by cancer globally, highlighting the need for comprehensive knowledge of its molecular aetiology to develop successful treatment approaches. The PI3K/Akt system is essential in the course of HCC, rendering it an intriguing candidate for treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are important mediators of the PI3K/Akt network in HCC. The article delves into the complex regulatory functions of ncRNAs in influencing the PI3K/Akt system in HCC. The study explores how lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs impact the expression as well as the function of the PI3K/Akt network, either supporting or preventing HCC growth. Additionally, treatment strategies focusing on ncRNAs in HCC are examined, such as antisense oligonucleotide-based methods, RNA interference, and small molecule inhibitor technologies. Emphasizing the necessity of ensuring safety and effectiveness in clinical settings, limitations, and future approaches in using ncRNAs as therapies for HCC are underlined. The present study offers useful insights into the complex regulation system of ncRNAs and the PI3K/Akt cascade in HCC, suggesting possible opportunities for developing innovative treatment approaches to address this lethal tumor.

Biomaterials in Cancer Therapy: Investigating the Interaction between Kaempferol and Zinc Ions through Computational, Spectroscopic and Biological Analyses

A complex of the natural flavonoid kaempferol with zinc (Kam-Zn) was synthesized, and its physicochemical properties were investigated using spectroscopic methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and theoretical chemistry. Biological studies were conducted to evaluate the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of these complexes on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Treatment with Kam 100 µM (84.86 ± 7.79%; 64.37 ± 8.24%) and Kam-Zn 100 µM (91.87 ± 3.80%; 87.04 ± 13.0%) showed no significant difference in proliferation between 16 h and 32 h, with the gap width remaining stable. Both Kam-Zn 100 μM and 200 μM demonstrated effective antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity, significantly decreasing cell viability and causing cell death and morphology changes. Antioxidant assays revealed that Kam (IC50 = 5.63 ± 0.06) exhibited higher antioxidant potential compared to Kam-Zn (IC50 = 6.80 ± 0.075), suggesting that zinc coordination impacts the flavonoid's radical scavenging activity by the coordination of metal ion to hydroxyl groups. Computational studies revealed significant modifications in the electronic structure and properties of Kam upon forming 1:1 complexes with Zn2+ ions. Spectroscopy analyses confirmed structural changes, highlighting shifts in absorption peaks and alterations in functional group vibrations indicative of metal-ligand interactions. FT-IR and UV-Vis spectra analysis suggested that Zn coordinates with the 3-OH and 4C=O groups of ligand. These findings suggest that the Kam-Zn complex exhibits interesting antiproliferative, cytotoxic and modified antioxidant effects on MCF-7 cells, providing valuable insights into their structural and anticancer properties.

Pharmacological Potential of Kaempferol, a Flavonoid in the Management of Pathogenesis via Modulation of Inflammation and Other Biological Activities

Natural products and their bioactive compounds have been used for centuries to prevent and treat numerous diseases. Kaempferol, a flavonoid found in vegetables, fruits, and spices, is recognized for its various beneficial properties, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. This molecule has been identified as a potential means of managing different pathogenesis due to its capability to manage various biological activities. Moreover, this compound has a wide range of health-promoting benefits, such as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic, and has a role in maintaining eye, skin, and respiratory system health. Furthermore, it can also inhibit tumor growth and modulate various cell-signaling pathways. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that this compound has been shown to increase efficacy when combined with other natural products or drugs. In addition, kaempferol-based nano-formulations are more effective than kaempferol treatment alone. This review aims to provide detailed information about the sources of this compound, its bioavailability, and its role in various pathogenesis. Although there is promising evidence for its ability to manage diseases, it is crucial to conduct further investigations to know its toxicity, safety aspects, and mechanism of action in health management.

Noncoding RNAs in hepatitis: Unraveling the apoptotic pathways

Hepatitis is a worldwide health issue that causes inflammation of the liver and is frequently brought on by viral infections, specifically those caused by the hepatitis B and C viruses. Although the pathophysiological causes of hepatitis are complex, recent research indicates that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating apoptosis, an essential process for maintaining liver homeostasis and advancing the illness. Noncoding RNAs have been linked to several biological processes, including apoptosis. These RNAs include microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Distinct expression patterns characterising different stages of the disease have been discovered, indicating dysregulation of these non-coding RNAs in liver tissues infected with hepatitis. The complex interplay that exists between these noncoding RNAs and apoptotic effectors, including caspases and members of the Bcl-2 family, plays a role in the precarious equilibrium that regulates cell survival and death during hepatitis. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of ncRNA-mediated apoptosis in hepatitis, as well as insights into possible therapeutic targets and diagnostic indicators.

Phytochemicals Target Multiple Metabolic Pathways in Cancer

Cancer metabolic reprogramming is a complex process that provides malignant cells with selective advantages to grow and propagate in the hostile environment created by the immune surveillance of the human organism. This process underpins cancer proliferation, invasion, antioxidant defense, and resistance to anticancer immunity and therapeutics. Perhaps not surprisingly, metabolic rewiring is considered to be one of the "Hallmarks of cancer". Notably, this process often comprises various complementary and overlapping pathways. Today, it is well known that highly selective inhibition of only one of the pathways in a tumor cell often leads to a limited response and, subsequently, to the emergence of resistance. Therefore, to increase the overall effectiveness of antitumor drugs, it is advisable to use multitarget agents that can simultaneously suppress several key processes in the tumor cell. This review is focused on a group of plant-derived natural compounds that simultaneously target different pathways of cancer-associated metabolism, including aerobic glycolysis, respiration, glutaminolysis, one-carbon metabolism, de novo lipogenesis, and β-oxidation of fatty acids. We discuss only those compounds that display inhibitory activity against several metabolic pathways as well as a number of important signaling pathways in cancer. Information about their pharmacokinetics in animals and humans is also presented. Taken together, a number of known plant-derived compounds may target multiple metabolic and signaling pathways in various malignancies, something that bears great potential for the further improvement of antineoplastic therapy.

Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of the antitumor effect of kaempferol nanosuspensions

Kaempferol (KAE) is a naturally occurring flavonoid compound with antitumor activity. However, the low aqueous solubility, poor chemical stability, and suboptimal bioavailability greatly restrict its clinical application in cancer therapy. To address the aforementioned limitations and augment the antitumor efficacy of KAE, we developed a kaempferol nanosuspensions (KAE-NSps) utilizing D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) as a stabilizing agent, screened the optimal preparation process, and conducted a comprehensive investigation of their fundamental properties as well as the antitumor effects in the study. The findings indicated that the particle size was 186.6 ± 2.6 nm of the TPGS-KAE-NSps optimized, the shape of which was fusiform under the transmission electron microscope. The 2% (w/v) glucose was used as the cryoprotectant for TPGS-KAE-NSps, whose drug loading content was 70.31 ± 2.11%, and the solubility was prominently improved compared to KAE. The stability and biocompatibility of TPGS-KAE-NSps were favorable and had a certain sustained release effect. Moreover, TPGS-KAE-NSps clearly seen to be taken in the cytoplasm exhibited a stronger cytotoxicity and suppression of cell migration, along with increased intracellular ROS production and higher apoptosis rates compared to KAE in vitro cell experiments. In addition, TPGS-KAE-NSps had a longer duration of action in mice, significantly improved bioavailability, and showed a stronger inhibition of tumor growth (the tumor inhibition rate of high dose intravenous injection group was 68.9 ± 1.46%) than KAE with no obvious toxicity in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Overall, TPGS-KAE-NSps prepared notably improved the defect and the antitumor effects of KAE, making it a promising nanodrug delivery system for KAE with potential applications as a clinical antitumor drug.

Formation, characterization, and analysis of curcumin nanoformulation for evaluating its in vitro cytotoxicity

Nanotechnology holds significance in all fields of research, and the formation and surface alterations of nanomaterials are particularly important in this discipline. Nanoformulations synthesized with bioactive plant components play a crucial role in the improvement of several therapeutics and diagnostics. In the present study, we reported the synthesis of a curcumin nanoformulation (CN) by using curcumin and D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS). The synthesized CN was characterized using dynamic light scattering, UV-Visible spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, it was evaluated for solubility, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, stability, in vitro release, and anticancer potentials. The role of TPGS in the synthesis of CN was validated. The synthesized CN exhibited a size of 6.2 ± 1.9 nm, needle-shaped morphology, a polydispersity index of 0.164, and zeta potential of - 10.1 ± 3.21 mV, as determined by characterization techniques. Its water solubility was 2.5 × 104 times higher than that of pure curcumin. The encapsulation efficiency and curcumin loading efficiency of the synthesized CN were found to be 80 and 10%, respectively, with storage stability exceeding 30 days. Moreover, the synthesized CN demonstrated significant in vitro anticancer activity against the colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116, with an IC50 value of 12.74 ± 0.54 μM at 24 h.

A review of how the saffron (Crocus sativus) petal and its main constituents interact with the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways

The primary by-product of saffron (Crocus sativus) processing is saffron petals, which are produced in large quantities but are discarded. The saffron petals contain a variety of substances, including alkaloids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, glycosides, kaempferol, and minerals. Pharmacological investigations revealed the antibacterial, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antinociceptive, antispasmodic, antitussive, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and renoprotective properties of saffron petals, which are based on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway protects against oxidative stress, carcinogenesis, and inflammation. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB) is a protein complex involved in approximately all animal cells and participates in different biological procedures such as apoptosis, cell growth, development, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) transcription, immune response, and inflammation. The pharmacological properties of saffron and its compounds are discussed in this review, along with their associated modes of action, particularly the Nrf2 and NF-ĸB signaling pathways. Without considering a time constraint, our team conducted this review using search engines or electronic databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Saffron petals and their main constituents may have protective effects in numerous organs such as the brain, colon, heart, joints, liver, lung, and pancreas through several mechanisms, including the Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) signaling cascade, which would then result in its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and therapeutic effects.

Therapeutically targeting essential metabolites to improve immunometabolism manipulation after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver malignancy worldwide and is associated with a poor prognosis. Sophisticated molecular mechanisms and biological characteristics need to be explored to gain a better understanding of HCC. The role of metabolites in cancer immunometabolism has been widely recognized as a hallmark of cancer in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent studies have focused on metabolites that are derived from carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism, because alterations in these may contribute to HCC progression, ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury during liver transplantation (LT), and post-LT rejection. Immune cells play a central role in the HCC microenvironment and the duration of IR or rejection. They shape immune responses through metabolite modifications and by engaging in complex crosstalk with tumor cells. A growing number of publications suggest that immune cell functions in the TME are closely linked to metabolic changes. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the primary metabolites in the TME and post-LT metabolism and relate these studies to HCC development, IR injury, and post-LT rejection. Our understanding of aberrant metabolism and metabolite targeting based on regulatory metabolic pathways may provide a novel strategy to enhance immunometabolism manipulation by reprogramming cell metabolism.

Ginkgo Biloba and Long COVID: In Vivo and In Vitro Models for the Evaluation of Nanotherapeutic Efficacy

Coronavirus infections are neuroinvasive and can provoke injury to the central nervous system (CNS) and long-term illness consequences. They may be associated with inflammatory processes due to cellular oxidative stress and an imbalanced antioxidant system. The ability of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, such as Ginkgo biloba, to alleviate neurological complications and brain tissue damage has attracted strong ongoing interest in the neurotherapeutic management of long COVID. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb) contains several bioactive ingredients, e.g., bilobalide, quercetin, ginkgolides A-C, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and luteolin. They have various pharmacological and medicinal effects, including memory and cognitive improvement. Ginkgo biloba, through its anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, impacts cognitive function and other illness conditions like those in long COVID. While preclinical research on the antioxidant therapies for neuroprotection has shown promising results, clinical translation remains slow due to several challenges (e.g., low drug bioavailability, limited half-life, instability, restricted delivery to target tissues, and poor antioxidant capacity). This review emphasizes the advantages of nanotherapies using nanoparticle drug delivery approaches to overcome these challenges. Various experimental techniques shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the oxidative stress response in the nervous system and help comprehend the pathophysiology of the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To develop novel therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems, several methods for mimicking oxidative stress conditions have been used (e.g., lipid peroxidation products, mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors, and models of ischemic brain damage). We hypothesize the beneficial effects of EGb in the neurotherapeutic management of long-term COVID-19 symptoms, evaluated using either in vitro cellular or in vivo animal models of oxidative stress.

Polymeric Nanoparticles for Delivery of Natural Bioactive Agents: Recent Advances and Challenges

In the last few decades, several natural bioactive agents have been widely utilized in the treatment and prevention of many diseases owing to their unique and versatile therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective action. However, their poor aqueous solubility, poor bioavailability, low GIT stability, extensive metabolism as well as short duration of action are the most shortfalls hampering their biomedical/pharmaceutical applications. Different drug delivery platforms have developed in this regard, and a captivating tool of this has been the fabrication of nanocarriers. In particular, polymeric nanoparticles were reported to offer proficient delivery of various natural bioactive agents with good entrapment potential and stability, an efficiently controlled release, improved bioavailability, and fascinating therapeutic efficacy. In addition, surface decoration and polymer functionalization have opened the door to improving the characteristics of polymeric nanoparticles and alleviating the reported toxicity. Herein, a review of the state of knowledge on polymeric nanoparticles loaded with natural bioactive agents is presented. The review focuses on frequently used polymeric materials and their corresponding methods of fabrication, the needs of such systems for natural bioactive agents, polymeric nanoparticles loaded with natural bioactive agents in the literature, and the potential role of polymer functionalization, hybrid systems, and stimuli-responsive systems in overcoming most of the system drawbacks. This exploration may offer a thorough idea of viewing the polymeric nanoparticles as a potential candidate for the delivery of natural bioactive agents as well as the challenges and the combating tools used to overcome any hurdles.

An application of citric acid as a carrier for solid dispersion to improve the dissolution and uric acid-lowering effect of kaempferol

Kaempferol (KPF) is a flavonoid compound, which has a variety of pharmacological activities, and widely exists in daily diet. However, its application is limited due to poor solubility. Citric acid (CA) is a common food additive with high solubility. In this study, solid dispersion (SD) was prepared with CA as the carrier to improve the solubility of KPF. KPF-CA-SD (weight ratio 1:20) was obtained by ultrasonic for 20 min at 40 °C. The in vitro dissolution of KPF in SD was increased from about 50% to more than 80%. The physicochemical characterizations were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope. In hyperuricemia mice, KPF-SD (equivalent to 100 mg/kg KPF) can effectively reduce serum uric acid and exert nephroprotective effects. In conclusion, the preparation of SD with CA might provide a safe and effective selection to facilitate application of KPF in food and medicine.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Kaempferol: A Review of the Dietary Sources, Bioavailability, Mechanisms of Action, and Safety

The liver is the body's most critical organ that performs vital functions. Hepatic disorders can affect the physiological and biochemical functions of the body. Hepatic disorder is a condition that describes the damage to cells, tissues, structures, and functions of the liver, which can cause fibrosis and ultimately result in cirrhosis. These diseases include hepatitis, ALD, NAFLD, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and HCC. Hepatic diseases are caused by cell membrane rupture, immune response, altered drug metabolism, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. Despite the breakthrough in modern medicine, there is no drug that is effective in stimulating the liver function, offering complete protection, and aiding liver cell regeneration. Furthermore, some drugs can create adverse side effects, and natural medicines are carefully selected as new therapeutic strategies for managing liver disease. Kaempferol is a polyphenol contained in many vegetables, fruits, and herbal remedies. We use it to manage various diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancers. Kaempferol is a potent antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects, which therefore possesses hepatoprotective properties. The previous research has studied the hepatoprotective effect of kaempferol in various hepatotoxicity protocols, including acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, ALD, NAFLD, CCl₄, HCC, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury. Therefore, this report aims to provide a recent brief overview of the literature concerning the hepatoprotective effect of kaempferol and its possible molecular mechanism of action. It also provides the most recent literature on kaempferol's chemical structure, natural source, bioavailability, and safety.

Therapeutic Importance of Kaempferol in the Treatment of Cancer through the Modulation of Cell Signalling Pathways

Plant-derived flavonoids are considered natural nontoxic chemo-preventers and have been widely studied for cancer treatment in recent decades. Mostly all flavonoid compounds show significant anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Kaempferol (Kmp) is a well-studied compound and exhibits remarkable anticancer and antioxidant potential. Kmp can regulate various cancer-related processes and activities such as cell cycle, oxidative stress, apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. The anti-cancer properties of Kmp primarily occur via modulation of apoptosis, MAPK/ERK1/2, P13K/Akt/mTOR, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathways. The anti-cancer property of Kmp has been recognized in several in-vivo and in-vitro studies which also includes numerous cell lines and animal models. This flavonoid possesses toxic activities against only cancer cells and have restricted toxicity on healthy cells. In this review, we present extensive research investigations about the therapeutic potential of Kmp in the management of different types of cancers. The anti-cancer properties of Kmp are discussed by concentration on its capability to target molecular-signalling pathway such as VEGF, STAT, p53, NF-κB and PI3K-AKT signalling pathways. The anti-cancer property of Kmf has gained a lot of attention, but the accurate action mechanism remains unclear. However, this natural compound has a great pharmacological capability and is now considered to be an alternative cancer treatment.

The Therapeutic Potential of Kaemferol and Other Naturally Occurring Polyphenols Might Be Modulated by Nrf2-ARE Signaling Pathway: Current Status and Future Direction

Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid, which has been widely investigated in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic complications, and neurological disorders. Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a transcription factor involved in mediating carcinogenesis and other ailments, playing an important role in regulating oxidative stress. The activation of Nrf2 results in the expression of proteins and cytoprotective enzymes, which provide cellular protection against reactive oxygen species. Phytochemicals, either alone or in combination, have been used to modulate Nrf2 in cancer and other ailments. Among them, kaempferol has been recently explored for its anti-cancer and other anti-disease therapeutic efficacy, targeting Nrf2 modulation. In combating cancer, diabetic complications, metabolic disorders, and neurological disorders, kaempferol has been shown to regulate Nrf2 and reduce redox homeostasis. In this context, this review article highlights the current status of the therapeutic potential of kaempferol by targeting Nrf2 modulation in cancer, diabetic complications, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disorders. In addition, we provide future perspectives on kaempferol targeting Nrf2 modulation as a potential therapeutic approach.