Biochanin A extirpates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in a human lung cancer

Regulation of cellular and molecular markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by Brazilin in breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is the most common invasive neoplasm and the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. The main cause of mortality in cancer patients is invasion and metastasis, where the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial player in these processes. Pharmacological therapy has plants as its primary source, including isoflavonoids. Brazilin is an isoflavonoid isolated from Haematoxilum brasiletto that has shown antiproliferative activity in several cancer cell lines. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Brazilin on canonical markers of EMT such as E-cadherin, vimentin, Twist, and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). By Western blot, we evaluated E-cadherin, vimentin, and Twist expression and the subcellular localization by immunofluorescence. Using gelatin zymography, we determined the levels of secretion of MMPs. We used Transwell chambers coated with matrigel to determine the in vitro invasion of breast cancer cells treated with Brazilin. Interestingly, our results show that Brazilin increases 50% in E-cadherin expression and decreases 50% in vimentin and Twist expression, MMPs, and cell invasion in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 and to a lesser extend in MCF7 ER+ breast cancer cells. Together, these findings position Brazilin as a new molecule with great potential for use as complementary or alternative treatment in breast cancer therapy in the future.

Comprehensive exploration of Biochanin A as an oncotherapeutics potential in the treatment of multivarious cancers with molecular insights

Cancer is considered a leading cause of mortality. This rising cancer death rate and several existing limitations like side effects, poor efficacies, and high cost of the present chemotherapeutic agents have increased the demand for more potent and alternative cancer treatments. This review elucidated a brief overview of Biochanin A (BCA) and its potentiality on various cancers with details of anticancer mechanism. According to our review, a number of studies including in silico, in vitro, pre-clinical, and clinical trials have tested to evaluate the efficacy of BCA. This compound is effective against 15 types of cancer, including breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric, glioblastoma, liver, lung, melanoma, oral, osteosarcoma, ovarian, pancreatic, pharynx, prostate, and umbilical vein cancer. The general anticancer activities of this compound are mediated via several molecular processes, including regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis, signaling, enzymatic pathways, and other mechanisms. Targeting both therapeutic and oncogenic proteins, as well as different pathways, makes up the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer action. Many signaling networks and their components, such as EFGR, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, MMP-2, MMP-9, PARP, Caspase-3/8/9, Bax, Bcl2, PDL-1, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, JAK, STAT3, VEGFR, VEGF, c-MY, Cyclin B1, D1, E1 and CDKs, Snail, and E-cadherin proteins, can be regulated in cancer cells by BCA. Such kind of anticancer properties of BCA could be a result of its correct structural chemistry. The use of BCA-based therapies as nano-carriers for the delivery of chemotherapeutic medicines has the potential to be very effective. This natural compound synergises with other natural compounds and standard drugs, including sorafenib, 5-fluorouracil, temozolomide, doxorubicin, apigenin, and genistein. Moreover, proper use of this compound can reverse multidrug resistance through numerous mechanisms. BCA has better drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties and is nontoxic (eye, liver, kidney, skin, cardio) in human bodies. As having a wide range of cancer-fighting mechanisms, synergistic effects, and good pharmacokinetic properties, BCA can be used as a supplementary food until standard drugs are available at pharma markets.

Mechanisms Behind the Pharmacological Application of Biochanin-A: A review

This review was aimed at summarizing the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the various pharmacological actions of biochanin-A. Many studies have been reported claiming its application in cancers, metabolic disorders, airway hyperresponsiveness, cardiac disorders, neurological disorders, etc. With regard to hormone-dependent cancers like breast, prostate, and other malignancies like pancreatic, colon, lung, osteosarcoma, glioma that has limited treatment options, biochanin-A revealed agreeable results in arresting cancer development. Biochanin-A has also shown therapeutic benefits when administered for neurological disorders, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and other chronic diseases/disorders. Isoflavones are considered phenomenal due to their high efficiency in modifying the physiological functions of the human body. Biochanin-A is one among the prominent isoflavones found in soy (glycine max), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and alfalfa sprouts, etc., with proven potency in modulating vital cellular mechanisms in various diseases. It has been popular for ages among menopausal women in controlling symptoms. In view of the multi-targeted functions of biochanin-A, it is essential to summarize it's mechanism of action in various disorders. The safety and efficacy of biochanin-A needs to be established in clinical trials involving human subjects. Biochanin-A might be able to modify various systems of the human body like the cardiovascular system, CNS, respiratory system, etc. It has shown a remarkable effect on hormonal cancers and other cancers. Many types of research on biochanin-A, particularly in breast, lung, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, have shown a positive impact. Through modulating oxidative stress, SIRT-1 expression, PPAR gamma receptors, and other multiple mechanisms biochanin-A produces anti-diabetic action. The diverse molecular mechanistic pathways involved in the pharmacological ability of biochanin-A indicate that it is a very promising molecule and can play a major impact in modifying several physiological functions.

Anti-biofilm activity of biochanin A against Staphylococcus aureus

Biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus can easily accumulate on various food contact surfaces which induce cross-contamination and are difficult to eliminate in the food industry. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-biofilm effects of natural product biochanin A against S. aureus. Results showed that biochanin A effectively eradicated established S. aureus biofilms on different food-contact materials. Fluorescence microscopic analyses suggested that biochanin A disintegrated the established biofilms by dissociate extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) in matrix. In addition, biochanin A at the sub-MIC concentration also effectively inhibited the biofilm formation by regulating the expression of biofilm-related genes (icaA, srtA, eno) and suppressing the release of EPS in biofilm matrix. Molecular docking also demonstrated that biochanin A conducted strong interactions with biofilm-related proteins (Ica A, Sortase A, and Enolase). These findings demonstrated that biochanin A has the potential to be developed as a potent agent against S. aureus biofilm in food industries. KEY POINTS: • Anti-biofilm effect of biochanin A against S. aureus was revealed for the first time. • Biofilm of S. aureus on various food-contact surfaces were efficiently eradicated. • Biochanin A prevented S. aureus biofilm formation via reducing EPS production.

Mechanisms of Biochanin A Alleviating PM2.5 Organic Extracts-Induced EMT of A549 Cells through the PI3K/Akt Pathway

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important step in tumor progression, which enables tumor cells to acquire migration and invasion characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of biological biochanin A (BCA) in ameliorating fine particulate matter (PM2.5) lung injury. The results showed that PM2.5 could induce spindle-like changes in cell morphology, causing the ability of migration and invasion. However, they were significantly inhibited by BCA treatment (10/20/30 μm). After BCA treatment, the release and transcription of chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor gene CXCR4 were inhibited, and the release of growth inducer TGF-β1 was significantly reduced. In addition, BCA promoted the transcription of E-cadherin and β-catenin, inhibiting the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and fibronectin, and down-regulated the expression of MMP-2/9. We found that BCA effectively interfered with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activated by PM2.5. In conclusion, PM2.5 can induce EMT in lung cancer cells, and BCA may reverse this process by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Biochanin A Suppresses Tumor Progression and PD-L1 Expression via Inhibiting ZEB1 Expression in Colorectal Cancer

Objective. To investigate the regulatory effect of ZEB1 on PD-L1 expression and the pharmacodynamic effects of Biochanin A on the malignant biological behaviors of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. The correlation between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) score and features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) was investigated using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The correlation between ZEB1 and PD-L1 expression was validated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, and the regulatory effect of ZEB1 on PD-L1 expression was explored by in vitro assays. Moreover, the pharmacodynamic effects of Biochanin A on ZEB1 and PD-L1 expression, as well as malignant biological behaviors of CRC cells, were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays. Results. EMT score was positively correlated with a majority of immunostimulators, immune checkpoints, activities of antitumor immunity cycles, and infiltration levels of most immune cells in the TCGA dataset. In addition, ZEB1 was correlated with and positively regulated PD-L1 expression in CRC. Besides, Biochanin A, an inhibitor for the ZEB1/PD-L1 axis, notably inhibited ZEB1-mediated aggressiveness and PD-L1 expression of CRC cells. Moreover, Biochanin A also exerted a tumor-inhibitory role in vivo in the CRC mouse model. Conclusion. Overall, we found that ZEB1 is a main regulator of PD-L1 expression in CRC. In addition, we also identified Biochanin A as a novel inhibitor for the ZEB1/PD-L1 axis, which could inhibit tumor progression and immune escape.

Biochanin-A: A Bioactive Natural Product with Versatile Therapeutic Perspectives

BACKGROUND

Biochanin-A (5,7 dihydroxy 4 methoxy isoflavone) is a phytochemical phytoestrogen that is highly effective against various diseases. Biochanin-A is a nutritional and dietary isoflavonoid naturally present in red clover, chickpea, soybeans and other herbs. Biochanin- A possesses numerous biological activities.

OBJECTIVE

The study focused on collective data of therapeutic activities of Biochanin-A.

METHODS

According to the literature, biochanin-A revealed a range of activities starting from chemoprevention, by hindering cell growth, activation of tumor cell death, hampering metastasis, angiogenic action, cell cycle regulation, neuroprotection, by controlling microglial activation, balancing antioxidants, elevating the neurochemicals, suppressing BACE-1, NADPH oxidase hindrance to inflammation, by mitigating the MAPK and NF- κB, discharge of inflammatory markers, upregulating the PPAR-γ, improving the function of heme oxygenase-1, erythroid 2 nuclear factors, detoxifying the oxygen radicals and stimulating the superoxide dismutase action, and controlling its production of transcription factors. Against pathogens, biochanin-A acts by dephosphorylating tyrosine kinase proteins, obstructing gram-negative bacteria, suppressing the development of cytokines from viruses, and improving the action of a neuraminidase cleavage of caspase-3, and acts as an efflux pump inhibitor. In metabolic disorders, biochanin-A acts by encouraging transcriptional initiation and inhibition, activating estrogen receptors, and increasing the activity of differentiation, autophagy, inflammation, and blood glucose metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, biochanin-A could be used as a therapeutic drug for various pathological conditions and treatments in human beings.

Flavonoids against non-physiologic inflammation attributed to cancer initiation, development, and progression—3PM pathways

Inflammation is an essential pillar of the immune defense. On the other hand, chronic inflammation is considered a hallmark of cancer initiation and progression. Chronic inflammation demonstrates a potential to induce complex changes at molecular, cellular, and organ levels including but not restricted to the stagnation and impairment of healing processes, uncontrolled production of aggressive ROS/RNS, triggered DNA mutations and damage, compromised efficacy of the DNA repair machinery, significantly upregulated cytokine/chemokine release and associated patho-physiologic protein synthesis, activated signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, abnormal tissue remodeling, and created pre-metastatic niches, among others. The anti-inflammatory activities of flavonoids demonstrate clinically relevant potential as preventive and therapeutic agents to improve individual outcomes in diseases linked to the low-grade systemic and chronic inflammation, including cancers. To this end, flavonoids are potent modulators of pro-inflammatory gene expression being, therefore, of great interest as agents selectively suppressing molecular targets within pro-inflammatory pathways. This paper provides in-depth analysis of anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids, highlights corresponding mechanisms and targeted molecular pathways, and proposes potential treatment models for multi-level cancer prevention in the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM / 3PM). To this end, individualized profiling and patient stratification are essential for implementing targeted anti-inflammatory approaches. Most prominent examples are presented for the proposed application of flavonoid-conducted anti-inflammatory treatments in overall cancer management.

Biochanin A Regulates Cholesterol Metabolism Further Delays the Progression of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

PURPOSE

To discover the possible target of biochanin A (BCA) in the lipid metabolism pathway and further explore its mechanism to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

We adopted a high-fat and high-glucose diet for 12 weeks to build the NAFLD rat model, which was then treated with different proportions of BCA for 4 weeks. General condition, body weight, Lee index, and liver index were then evaluated. Furthermore, blood lipid level and insulin resistance (IR) were detected. Moreover, hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O staining were used to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Finally, Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of CYP7A1, HMGCR, LDLR, PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, and SREBP-1c in the liver.

RESULTS

The vital signs of rats in each group were stable. The treatment with BCA effectively reduced Lee index and liver index (F = 104.781, P < 0.05); however, the weight was not effected in each group. Additionally, BCA effectively reduced the related lipid metabolism indexes of NAFLD, such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), blood glucose, insulin, IR (F =12.463 (TC), 6.909 [TG], and 15.3 effected 75 [LDL], P < 0.05), and increased HDL (F = 11.580, P < 0.05). We observed that BCA could significantly improve steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver slices. Furthermore, BCA significantly increased the CYP7A1, LDLR, and PPAR-α protein expression in the liver and downregulated the HMGCR, SREBP-1c, and PPAR-γ protein expression.

CONCLUSION

BCA could delay the liver damage of NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet, regulate the blood lipid level, and improve the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in rats.

Biochanin-A ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β mediated EMT, myofibroblasts differentiation and collagen deposition in in vitro and in vivo systems

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive inflammatory disorder driven by a fibrotic cascade of events such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix production and collagen formation in the lungs in a sequential manner. IPF incidences were raising rapidly across the world. FDA approved pirfenidone and nintedanib (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) are being used as a first-line treatment drugs for IPF, however, neither the quality of life nor survival rates have been improved because of patient noncompliance due to multiple side effects. Thus, the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting TGF-β mediated cascade of fibrotic events is urgently needed to improve the survival of the patients suffering from devastating disease.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate and validate the anti-fibrotic properties of Biochanin-A (isoflavone) against TGF-β mediated fibrosis in in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo models and to determine the molecular mechanisms that mediate these anti-fibrotic effects.

METHODS

The therapeutic activity of BCA was determined in in vitro/ex vivo models. Cells were pre-treated with BCA and incubated in presence or absence of recombinant-TGF-β to stimulate the fibrotic cascade of events. Pulmonary fibrosis was developed by intratracheal administration of bleomycin in rats. BCA treatment was given for 14 days from post bleomycin instillation and then various investigations (collagen content, fibrosis gene/protein expression and histopathological changes) were performed to assess the anti-fibrotic activity of BCA.

RESULTS

In vitro/ex vivo (Primary normal, IPF cell line and primary IPF cells/ Precision cut mouse lung slices) experiments revealed that, BCA treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the expression of TGF-β modulated fibrotic genes/protein expressions (including their functions) which are involved in the cascade of fibrotic events. BCA treatment significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the bleomycin-induced inflammatory cell-infiltration, inflammatory markers expression, collagen deposition and expression of fibrotic markers in lung tissues equivalent or better than pirfenidone treatment. In addition, BCA treatment significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated the TGF-β1/BLM-mediated increase of TGF-β/Smad2/3 phosphorylation and resulted in the reduction of pathological abnormalities in lung tissues determined by histopathology observations.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, BCA treatment demonstrated the remarkable therapeutic effects on TGF-β/BLM mediated pulmonary fibrosis using IPF cells and rodent models. This current study may offer a novel treatment approach to halt and may be even rescue the devastating lung scarring of IPF.

Reversal of Multidrug Resistance in Cancer by Multi-Functional Flavonoids

Multidrug resistance (MDR) resulting from different defensive mechanisms in cancer is one of the major obstacles of clinical treatment. To circumvent MDR many reversal agents have been developed, but most of them fail in clinical trials due to severely adverse effects. Recently, certain natural products have been reported to overcome MDR, including flavonoids which are abundant in plants, foods, and herbs. The structure of flavonoids can be abbreviated as C6-C3-C6 (C for carbon), and further categorized into flavonoids, iso-flavonoids and neo-flavonoids, according to their structural backbones. Flavonoids possess multiple bioactivities, and a growing body of research has indicated that both flavonoids and iso-flavonoids can either kill or re-sensitize conventional chemotherapeutics to resistant cancer cells. Here, we summarize the research and discuss the underlying mechanisms, concluding that these flavonoids do not function as specific regulators of target proteins, but rather as multi-functional agents that negatively regulate the key factors contributing to MDR.