Capsaicin induces apoptosis and modulates MAPK signaling in human gastric cancer cells

Therapeutic potential of ethoxy mansonone G: A comprehensive exploration of its anticancer actions in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-small cell lung carcinoma

Mansonone G (MG), a 1,2-naphthoquinones with antiestrogenic, antimicrobial, and anti-adipogenic activities, is derived from the heartwood of Mansonia gagei Drumm. Ethoxy mansonone G (EMG), an essential derivative of MG, has anticancer and antioxidant agent. EMG also has antiestrogen activity and is demonstrated to lower estrogen receptor expression in endocrine-resistant cells. EMG significantly inhibits cell division, invasion, and anchorage-dependent growth in all cancer types. Through the stimulation of the tumor protein (p53) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascades, it also causes apoptosis. Moreover, it manifests its anti-cancerous effects in toll-like receptor pathways, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (c-JNK), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). EMG inhibits the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3), Erk, protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). By interfering with molecular cascades, EMG significantly reduces the metabolism of cancer cells. This paper focuses on the potential use of EMG in cancer treatment. Moreover, it states the methodology by which specific assays establish the anti-cancerous role of EMG. Breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and colorectal cancer are only a few of the cancers for which EMG was shown to be effective. Through further research, EMG may be developed as a therapeutic solution to complications caused by cancer. This study presents EMG as a novel candidate for cancer therapy, offering a unique combination of pharmacological advantages and mechanistic insights that warrant further exploration and development toward addressing the complexities of cancer treatment.

Humanistic Health Management and Cancer: Associations of Psychology, Nutrition, and Exercise with Cancer Progression and Pathogenesis

The incidence rate of cancer is increasing year by year due to the aging of the population, unhealthy living, and eating habits. At present, surgery and medication are still the main treatments for cancer, without paying attention to the impact of individual differences in health management on cancer. However, increasing evidence suggests that individual psychological status, dietary habits, and exercise frequency are closely related to the risk and prognosis of cancer. The reminder to humanity is that the medical concept of the unified treatment plan is insufficient in cancer treatment, and a personalized treatment plan may become a breakthrough point. On this basis, the concept of "Humanistic Health Management" (HHM) is proposed. This concept is a healthcare plan that focuses on self-health management, providing an accurate and comprehensive evaluation of individual lifestyle habits, psychology, and health status, and developing personalized and targeted comprehensive cancer prevention and treatment plans. This review will provide a detailed explanation of the relationship between psychological status, dietary, and exercise habits, and the regulatory mechanisms of cancer. Intended to emphasize the importance of HHM concept in cancer prevention and better prognostic efficacy, providing new ideas for the new generation of cancer treatment.

An Overview of the Spices Used for the Prevention and Potential Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in terms of cancer-related deaths and is the fifth most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. Its risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, Epstein-Barr virus infection, the consumption of broiled and charbroiled animal meats, salt-preserved and smoke-enhanced foods, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, exposure to ionizing radiation, and positive family history. The limited effectiveness of conventional therapies and the widespread risk factors of GC encourage the search for new methods of treatment and prevention. In the quest for cheap and commonly available medications, numerous studies focus on herbal medicine, traditional brews, and spices. In this review, we outline the potential use of spices, including turmeric, ginger, garlic, black cumin, chili pepper, saffron, black pepper, rosemary, galangal, coriander, wasabi, cinnamon, oregano, cardamom, fenugreek, caraway, clove, dill, thyme, Piper sarmentosum, basil, as well as the compounds they contain, in the prevention and treatment of GC. We present the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the effectivity of a given seasoning substance and their impact on GC cells. We discuss their potential effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. For most of the spices discussed, we also outline the unavailability and side effects of their use.

Capsaicin: A chili pepper bioactive phytocompound with a potential role in suppressing cancer development and progression

Cancer profoundly influences morbidity and fatality rates worldwide. Patients often have dismal prognoses despite recent improvements in cancer therapy regimens. However, potent biomolecules derived from natural sources, including medicinal and dietary plants, contain biological and pharmacological properties to prevent and treat various human malignancies. Capsaicin is a bioactive phytocompound present in red hot chili peppers. Capsaicin has demonstrated many biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic capabilities. This review highlights the cellular and molecular pathways through which capsaicin exhibits antineoplastic activities. Our work also depicts the synergistic anticancer properties of capsaicin in conjunction with other natural bioactive components and approved anticancer drugs. Capsaicin inhibits proliferation in various cancerous cells, and its antineoplastic actions in numerous in vitro and in vivo carcinoma models impact oncogenesis, tumor-promoting and suppressor genes, and associated signaling pathways. Capsaicin alone or combined with other phytocompounds or approved antineoplastic drugs triggers cell cycle progression arrest, generating reactive oxygen species and disrupting mitochondrial membrane integrity, ultimately stimulating caspases and promoting death. Furthermore, capsaicin alone or in combination can promote apoptosis in carcinoma cells by enhancing the p53 and c-Myc gene expressions. In conclusion, capsaicin alone or in combination can have enormous potential for cancer prevention and intervention, but further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of this phytocompound.

Chili pepper extracts, capsaicin, and dihydrocapsaicin as potential anticancer agents targeting topoisomerases

DNA topoisomerases regulate conformational changes in DNA topology during normal cell growth, such as replication, transcription, recombination, and repair, and may be targeted for anticancer drugs. A DNA topology assay was used to investigate DNA-damaging/protective activities of extracts from Habanero Red (HR), Habanero Maya Red (HMR), Trinidad Moruga Scorpion (TMS), Jalapeno (J), Serrano pepper (SP), Habanero Red Savina (HRS), Bhut Jolokia (BJ), and Jamaica Rosso (JR) peppers, demonstrating their inhibitory effect on the relaxation of pBR by Topo I. DNA topoisomerase II (Topo II) is proven therapeutic target of anticancer drugs. Complete inhibition of Topo II was observed for samples TMS, HR, and HMR. Extracts J and SP had the lowest capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content compared to other peppers. HR, HMR, TMS, J, S, HRS, BJ, JR extracts showed the anticancer effect, examined by MTS and xCell assay on the in vitro culture of human colon carcinoma cell line HCT116.

A Comprehensive Review of Pesticide Residues in Peppers

Pesticides are chemicals that are used to control pests such as insects, fungi, and weeds. Pesticide residues can remain on crops after application. Peppers are popular and versatile foods that are valued for their flavor, nutrition, and medicinal properties. The consumption of raw or fresh peppers (bell and chili) can have important health benefits due to their high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Therefore, it is crucial to consider factors such as pesticide use and preparation methods to fully realize these benefits. Ensuring that the levels of pesticide residues in peppers are not harmful to human health requires rigorous and continuous monitoring. Several analytical methods, such as gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), can detect and quantify pesticide residues in peppers. The choice of analytical method depends on the specific pesticide, that is being tested for and the type of sample being analyzed. The sample preparation method usually involves several processes. This includes extraction, which is used to separate the pesticides from the pepper matrix, and cleanup, which removes any interfering substances that could affect the accuracy of the analysis. Regulatory agencies or food safety organizations typically monitor pesticide residues in peppers by stipulating maximum residue limits (MRLs). Herein, we discuss various sample preparation, cleanup, and analytical techniques, as well as the dissipation patterns and application of monitoring strategies for analyzing pesticides in peppers to help safeguard against potential human health risks. From the authors' perspective, several challenges and limitations exist in the analytical approach to monitoring pesticide residues in peppers. These include the complexity of the matrix, the limited sensitivity of some analytical methods, cost and time, a lack of standard methods, and limited sample size. Furthermore, developing new analytical methods, using machine learning and artificial intelligence, promoting sustainable and organic growing practices, improving sample preparation methods, and increasing standardization could assist efficiently in analyzing pesticide residues in peppers.

Prevalence and factors associated with atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia: A multivariate, hospital-based, statistical analysis

BACKGROUND

Atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) play an essential role in gastric carcinogenesis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AG and IM and their associated factors.

METHODS

Subjects who underwent upper endoscopy at Chiang Mai University Hospital from January 2018 to Dec 2021 were included. All participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect their personal histories. In addition, clinical and histological data and associated factors of AG and IM were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 947 subjects (mean age, 53.61 ± 9.73 years; 60% male) were included. The prevalence of AG and IM, diagnosed by histopathology, was 39% and 19%. Prevalence of AG and IM increased from 28% and 9% in those under 50 years to 43% and 30% in those above 60 (p < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, age 50-59 and over 60 years were significantly associated with higher odds of AG (odds ratio (OR), 2.07, 2.06, and 1.98) and IM (OR, 2.07, 2.18, and 4.46), respectively. Conversely, ingestion of spicy food was significantly associated with lower odds of AG and IM (OR, 0.75, and 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that age and H. pylori infection are risk factors, whereas spicy food intake is a protective factor against AG and IM, which are common in patients over 50. Therefore, upper endoscopy and gastric mapping sampling are recommended for patients with chronic dyspepsia older than 50 to reduce gastric cancer risk.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the action of carcinogens in gastric cancer with a glimpse into targeted therapy

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer imposes a substantial global health burden despite its overall incidence decrease. A broad spectrum of inherited, environmental and infectious factors contributes to the development of gastric cancer. A profound understanding of the molecular underpinnings of gastric cancer has lagged compared to several other tumors with similar incidence and morbidity rates, owing to our limited knowledge of the role of carcinogens in this malignancy. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified gastric carcinogenic agents into four groups based on scientific evidence from human and experimental animal studies. This review aims to explore the potential comprehensive molecular and biological impacts of carcinogens on gastric cancer development and their interactions and interferences with various cellular signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

In this review, we highlight recent clinical trial data reported in the literature dealing with different ways to target various carcinogens in gastric cancer. Moreover, we touch upon other multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches such as surgery, adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Rational clinical trials focusing on identifying suitable patient populations are imperative to the success of single-agent therapeutics. Novel insights regarding signaling pathways that regulate gastric cancer can potentially improve treatment responses to targeted therapy alone or in combination with other/conventional treatments. Preventive strategies such as control of H. pylori infection through eradication or immunization as well as dietary habit and lifestyle changes may reduce the incidence of this multifactorial disease, especially in high prevalence areas. Further in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the role of carcinogenic agents in gastric cancer development may offer valuable information and update state-of-the-art resources for physicians and researchers to explore novel ways to combat this disease, from bench to bedside. A schematic outlining of the interaction between gastric carcinogenic agents and intracellular pathways in gastric cancer H. pylori stimulates multiple intracellular pathways, including PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Wnt, Shh, Ras/Raf, c-MET, and JAK/STAT, leading to epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, survival, motility, and inflammatory cytokine release. EBV can stimulate intracellular pathways such as the PI3K/Akt, RAS/RAF, JAK/STAT, Notch, TGF-β, and NF-κB, leading to cell survival and motility, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and the transcription of anti-apoptotic genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nicotine and alcohol can lead to angiogenesis, metastasis, survival, proliferation, pro-inflammatory, migration, and chemotactic by stimulating various intracellular signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Ras/Raf, ROS, and JAK/STAT. Processed meat contains numerous carcinogenic compounds that affect multiple intracellular pathways such as sGC/cGMP, p38 MAPK, ERK, and PI3K/AKT, leading to anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammatory responses, proliferation, and invasion. Lead compounds may interact with multiple signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Ras/Raf, DNA methylation-dependent, and epigenetic-dependent, leading to tumorigenesis, carcinogenesis, malignancy, angiogenesis, DNA hypermethylation, cell survival, and cell proliferation. Stimulating signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, RAS/RAF, JAK/STAT, WNT, TGF-β, EGF, FGFR2, and E-cadherin through UV ionizing radiation leads to cell survival, proliferation, and immortalization in gastric cancer. The consequence of PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Ras/Raf, ROS, JAK/STAT, and WNT signaling stimulation by the carcinogenic component of Pickled vegetables and salted fish is the Warburg effect, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, proliferation, inflammatory response, and migration.

Biomedical and Antioxidant Potentialities in Chilli: Perspectives and Way Forward

Worldwide, since ages and nowadays, traditional medicine is well known, owing to its biodiversity, which immensely contributed to the advancement and development of complementary and alternative medicines. There is a wide range of spices, herbs, and trees known for their medicinal uses. Chilli peppers, a vegetable cum spice crop, are bestowed with natural bioactive compounds, flavonoids, capsaicinoids, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, and pharmacologically active compounds with potential health benefits. Such compounds manifest their functionality over solo-treatment by operating in synergy and consortium. Co-action of these compounds and nutrients make them potentially effective against coagulation, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, dreadful diseases, such as cancer, and microbial diseases, alongside having good anti-oxidants with scavenging ability to free radicals and oxygen. In recent times, capsaicinoids especially capsaicin can ameliorate important viral diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2. In addition, capsaicin provides an ability to chilli peppers to ramify as topical agents in pain-relief and also benefitting man as a potential effective anesthetic agent. Such phytochemicals involved not only make them useful and a much economical substitute to wonder/artificial drugs but can be exploited as obscene drugs for the production of novel stuffs. The responsibility of the TRPV1 receptor in association with capsaicin in mitigating chronic diseases has also been justified in this study. Nonetheless, medicinal studies pertaining to consumption of chilli peppers are limited and demand confirmation of the findings from animal studies. In this artifact, an effort has been made to address in an accessible format the nutritional and biomedical perspectives of chilli pepper, which could precisely upgrade and enrich our pharmaceutical industries towards human well-being.

Targeting cancer signaling pathways by natural products: Exploring promising anti-cancer agents

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and significantly burdens the healthcare system. Due to its prevalence, there is undoubtedly an unmet need to discover novel anticancer drugs. The use of natural products as anticancer agents is an acceptable therapeutic approach due to accessibility, applicability, and reduced cytotoxicity. Natural products have been an incomparable source of anticancer drugs in the modern era of drug discovery. Along with their derivatives and analogs, natural products play a major role in cancer treatment by modulating the cancer microenvironment and different signaling pathways. These compounds are effective against several signaling pathways, mainly cell death pathways (apoptosis and autophagy) and embryonic developmental pathways (Notch pathway, Wnt pathway, and Hedgehog pathway). The historical record of natural products is strong, but there is a need to investigate the current role of natural products in the discovery and development of cancer drugs and determine the possibility of natural products being an important source of future therapeutic agents. Many target-specific anticancer drugs failed to provide successful results, which accounts for a need to investigate natural products with multi-target characteristics to achieve better outcomes. The potential of natural products to be promising novel compounds for cancer treatment makes them an important area of research. This review explores the significance of natural products in inhibiting the various signaling pathways that serve as drivers of carcinogenesis and thus pave the way for developing and discovering anticancer drugs.

Protective Role of Capsaicin in Neurological Disorders: An Overview

Different pathological conditions that begin with slow and progressive deformations, cause irreversible affliction by producing loss of neurons and synapses. Commonly it is referred to as 'protein misfolding' diseases or proteinopathies and comprises the latest definition of neurological disorders (ND). Protein misfolding dynamics, proteasomal dysfunction, aggregation, defective degradation, oxidative stress, free radical formation, mitochondrial dysfunctions, impaired bioenergetics, DNA damage, neuronal Golgi apparatus fragmentation, axonal transport disruption, Neurotrophins (NTFs) dysfunction, neuroinflammatory or neuroimmune processes, and neurohumoral changes are the several mechanisms that embark the pathogenesis of ND. Capsaicin (8-Methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) one of the major phenolic components in chili peppers (Capsicum) distinctively triggers the unmyelinated C-fiber and acts on Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1, which is a Ca²⁺ permeable, non-selective cation channel. Several studies have shown the neuroprotective role of capsaicin against oxidative damage, behavioral impairment, with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced Parkinson's disease, pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures, global cerebral ischemia, and streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's disease. Based on these lines of evidence, capsaicin can be considered as a potential constituent to develop suitable neuro-pharmacotherapeutics for the management and treatment of ND. Furthermore, exploring newer horizons and carrying out proper clinical trials would help to bring out the promising effects of capsaicin to be recommended as a neuroprotectant.

Spicy food consumption and risk of gastrointestinal-tract cancers: findings from the China Kadoorie Biobank

BACKGROUND

Previous case-control studies have reported positive associations of spicy food consumption with risks of certain gastrointestinal-tract (GI) cancers. However, there is no prospective evidence on such associations, particularly from China, where there are high incidence rates of GI cancers and spicy food is widely consumed.

METHODS

The prospective China Kadoorie Biobank study recruited >512 000 adults aged 30-79 years from 10 areas in China during 2004-2008; 2350 oesophageal, 3350 stomach and 3061 colorectal incident cancer cases were recorded by 1 January 2017, after a median of 10.1 years of follow-up. Cox regression yielded adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for each cancer associated with spicy food intake.

RESULTS

Overall, 30% of participants reported daily spicy food consumption at baseline. Spicy food consumption was inversely associated with oesophageal cancer risk, with adjusted HRs of 1.00, 0.88, 0.76, 0.84 and 0.81 for those who never/rarely consumed (reference) and consumed monthly, 1-2 days/week, 3-5 days/week and 6-7 days/week, respectively (ptrend < 0.002). The association remained similar after excluding the first 3 years of follow-up but appeared stronger in participants who did not smoke or drink alcohol regularly (ptrend < 0.0001). The corresponding HRs for stomach cancer were 1.00, 0.97, 0.95, 0.92 and 0.89 (ptrend = 0.04), with the association disappearing after excluding the first 3 years of follow-up. For colorectal cancer, the HRs were 1.00, 1.00, 0.95, 0.87 and 0.90, respectively (ptrend = 0.04) and the inverse association appeared to be restricted to rectal rather than colon cancer (pheterogeneity = 0.004). The types and strength of spice used showed little additional effects on these associations.

CONCLUSION

In Chinese adults, higher spicy food consumption was associated with lower risks of certain GI cancers, particularly among individuals who never smoked or drank alcohol regularly.

Capsaicin intake and oral carcinogenesis: A systematic review

Background

Chili is the most heavily and frequently consumed spice, either as a flavouring or colouring agent, and it is also a major source of pro-vitamin A, vitamin E and C. The main capsinoidcapsaicinoid found in chili peppers is capsaicin. It has been demonstrated that capsaicin acts as a cancer-suppressing agent through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, by blocking several signal transduction pathways. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most prevalent cancer worldwide. It is noteworthy that in countries where populations of diverse ethnic groups co-exist, differences have been observed in terms of incidence of oral cancer. The variances in their diet could explain, at least in part, these differences. The objective of this systematic review is to explore if there is evidence of a possible relationship between capsaicin intake and the incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and discuss such association.

Material and Methods

A bibliographical search was made in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, and finally 7 experimental studies were included; OHAT risk of bias tool was used to assess their quality.

Results

allAll the studies confirm that capsaicin is a chemopreventive agent that prevents the development of oral cancer, through inhibition of malignant cell proliferation and increase of apoptosis.

Conclusions

More human studies are needed in order to clarify the real link between consumption of chili (capsaicin) and the prevalence of oral cancer.

Key words:Chili, capsaicin, oral epithelial dysplasia, oral cancer, cell proliferation, apoptosis.

The Effects of Capsaicin on Gastrointestinal Cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a group of diseases with very high positions in the ranking of cancer incidence and mortality. While they show common features regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in cancer development, organ-specific pathophysiological processes may trigger distinct signaling pathways and intricate interactions with inflammatory cells from the tumoral milieu and mediators involved in tumorigenesis. The treatment of GI cancers is a topic of increasing interest due to the severity of these diseases, their impact on the patients' survivability and quality of life, and the burden they set on the healthcare system. As the efficiency of existing drugs is hindered by chemoresistance and adverse reactions when administered in high doses, new therapies are sought, and emerging drugs, formulations, and substance synergies are the focus of a growing number of studies. A class of chemicals with great potential through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumoral effects is phytochemicals, and capsaicin in particular is the subject of intensive research looking to validate its position in complementing cancer treatment. Our paper thoroughly reviews the available scientific evidence concerning the effects of capsaicin on major GI cancers and its interactions with the molecular pathways involved in the course of these diseases.

Therapeutic potential of targeting MKK3-p38 axis with Capsaicin for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background: Capsaicin is an active compound found in plants of the Capsicum genus; it has a range of therapeutic benefits, including anti-tumor effects. Here we aimed to delineate the inhibitory effects of capsaicin on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: The anti-cancer effects of capsaicin were confirmed in NPC cell lines and xenograft mouse models, using CCK-8, clonogenic, wound-healing, transwell migration and invasion assays. Co-immunoprecipitation, western blotting and pull-down assays were used to determine the effects of capsaicin on the MKK3-p38 axis. Cell proliferation and EMT marker expression were monitored in MKK3 knockdown (KD) or over-expression NPC cell lines treated with or without capsaicin. Finally, immunohistochemistry was performed on NPC specimens from NPC patients (n = 132) and the clinical relevance was analyzed. Results: Capsaicin inhibited cell proliferation, mobility and promoted apoptosis in NPC cells. Then we found that capsaicin directly targets p38 for dephosphorylation. As such, MKK3-induced p38 activation was inhibited by capsaicin. Furthermore, we found that capsaicin-induced inhibition of cell motility was mediated by fucokinase. Xenograft models demonstrated the inhibitory effects of capsaicin treatment on NPC tumor growth in vivo, and analysis of clinical NPC samples confirmed that MKK3 phosphorylation was associated with NPC tumor growth and lymphoid node metastasis. Conclusions: The MKK3-p38 axis represents a potential therapeutic target for capsaicin. MKK3 phosphorylation might serve as a biomarker to identify NPC patients most likely to benefit from adjunctive capsaicin treatment.

Capsaicin—the major bioactive ingredient of chili peppers: bio-efficacy and delivery systems

The mechanisms of bio-efficacy of capsaicin and delivery systems with enhanced bioavailability were reviewed.

Ginsenoside Rg5 induces G2/M phase arrest, apoptosis and autophagy via regulating ROS-mediated MAPK pathways against human gastric cancer

Ginsenoside Rg5, a rare saponin belonging to the family of protopanaxadiol ginsenosides, has been demonstrated to have potential anti-tumor effects in various cancers. However, the effect of Rg5 on human gastric cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, Rg5 could suppress cell proliferation by causing G2/M phase arrest. Treatment with Rg5 could induce apoptosis through the extrinsic death receptor and intrinsic mitochondrial pathways. Autophagy induction was demonstrated by the formation of autophagosomes and autophagy-related proteins. Rg5-induced cell death was inhibited by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA and apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Moreover, the suppression of apoptosis weakened Rg5-induced autophagy, while the inhibition of autophagy attenuated Rg5-induced apoptosis. Further studies revealed that Rg5 induced ROS production and activated MAPK signaling pathways. The ROS scavenger NAC markedly diminished G2/M arrest, apoptosis, autophagy and activation of MAPK pathways induced by Rg5. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 or knockdown of p38 by siRNA clearly reversed Rg5-induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest. The JNK inhibitor SP600125 or knockdown of JNK by siRNA markedly attenuated Rg5-induced G2/M arrest, apoptosis and autophagy. The inhibition of ERK inhibitor U0126 or knockdown of ERK by siRNA clearly restored Rg5-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Finally, Rg5 significantly suppressed the growth of xenograft gastric tumors with fewer side effects. Overall, the evidence suggested that Rg5 is a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of gastric cancer owing to its high efficacy, multiple mechanisms and fewer side effects.

Capsaicin Induces Apoptosis in KSHV-Positive Primary Effusion Lymphoma by Suppressing ERK and p38 MAPK Signaling and IL-6 Expression

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is defined as a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma which is caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in immunosuppressed patients. PEL is an aggressive lymphoma and is frequently resistant to conventional chemotherapies. Therefore, it is critical to investigate novel therapeutic options for PEL. Capsaicin is a pungent component of chili pepper and possesses unique pharmacological effects, such as pain relief, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties. Here, we demonstrate that capsaicin markedly inhibited the growth of KSHV latently infected PEL cells by inhibiting ERK, p38 MAPK and expression hIL-6, which are known to contribute to PEL growth and survival. The underlying mechanism of action by capsaicin was through the inhibition of ERK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and signaling that affected hIL-6 expression. As a result, capsaicin induced apoptosis in PEL cells in a caspase-9 dependent manner. In line with these results, ERK (U0126) and p38 MAPK (SB203580) specific signaling inhibitors suppressed hIL-6 expression and attenuated cell growth in PEL cells. Furthermore, the addition of hIL-6 neutralizing antibody to culture medium suppressed the growth of PEL cells. We also demonstrate that capsaicin suppressed PEL cell growth in the absence of nascent viral replication. Finally, we confirmed ex vivo treatment of capsaicin attenuated PEL development in SCID mice. Taken together, capsaicin could represent a lead compound for PEL therapy without the risk of de novo KSHV infection.

Potential Phytopharmacy and Food Applications of Capsicum spp.: A Comprehensive Review

Capsicum genus (Solanaceae) is native to the Americas. Today, it is an important agricultural crop cultivated around the world, not only due to its economic importance, but also for the nutritional value of the fruits. Among their phytochemical constituents, capsaicinoids are characteristic and responsible of the pungency of sharp-tasting cultivars. Moreover, Capsicum and capsaicinoids (mainly, capsaicin) have been largely studied because of their health benefits. Thus, this study reviews the scientific knowledge about Capsicum spp. and their phytochemicals against cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, pain, and metabolic syndrome, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. These bioactivities can be the basis of the formulation of functional ingredients and natural preservatives containing Capsicum extracts or isolated compounds.

Capsaicin-induced TRIB3 upregulation promotes apoptosis in cancer cells

Background

Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is one of the main pungent components of chili peppers and has been shown to exert various effects on numerous physiological processes. Recent studies have focused on the chemopreventive effects of capsaicin, which can combat growth in various human cancer cell systems. The tribbles-related protein 3 (TRIB3) is evolutionarily conserved from Drosophila to humans. In the latter, TRIB3 is a key determinant in numerous cellular processes, including apoptosis.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the importance of TRIB3 in the antitumor efficacy of capsaicin in human cancer cells, and further assess potential mechanism(s) underlying the capsaicin-induced upregulation of TRIB3.

Methods

Human cancer cell lines were treated with capsaicin, then evaluated for levels of TRIB3 and molecules related to apoptosis or signaling pathways. The impact of TRIB3 on capsaicin-induced apoptosis was investigated using si-RNA or overexpression of TRIB3.

Results

It is the first time to show that TRIB3 is targeted by capsaicin to promote apoptosis. Capsaicin promotes apoptotic cell death by upregulating TRIB3 expression in cancer cells. Overexpression of TRIB3 enhances capsaicin-induced apoptosis, and TRIB3 knockdown experiments demonstrate that the effect of capsaicin in apoptotic cell death is correlated with the induction of TRIB3 in cancer cells. Finally, enhancements in gene expression and protein stability are involved in the capsaicin-induced upregulation of TRIB3.

Conclusion

Our results show that the capsaicin-induced upregulation of TRIB3 triggers apoptosis and thereby contributes to the suppression of cell growth in cancer cell lines.

Next-Gen Therapeutics for Skin Cancer: Nutraceuticals

Growing modernization and lifestyle changes with limited physical activity have impacted diet and health, leading to an increased cancer mortality rate worldwide. As a result, there is a greater need than before to develop safe and novel anticancer drugs. Current treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, induce unintended side effects, compromising patient's quality of life, and physical well-being. Therefore, there has been an increased global interest in the use of dietary supplements and traditional herbal medicines for treatment of cancer. Recently, nutraceuticals or "natural" substances isolated from food have attracted considerable attention in the cancer field. Emerging research suggests that nutraceuticals may indeed prevent and protect against cancer. The intent of this article is to review some of the current spice-derived nutraceuticals in the treatment of melanoma and skin cancer.

Supra-pharmacological concentration of capsaicin stimulates brown adipogenesis through induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress

We previously showed that brown (pre)adipocytes express Trpv1, a capsaicin receptor, and that capsaicin stimulates differentiation of brown preadipocytes in the late stages of brown adipogenesis. The present study revealed that treatment with 100 μM capsaicin stimulates brown adipogenesis by inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Treatment with capsaicin (100 μM) during brown adipogenesis enhanced lipid accumulation and the expression of Ucp1, a gene selectively expressed in brown adipocytes. Capsaicin treatment also caused an increase in the cytosolic calcium concentration even when extracellular calcium was removed. I-RTX, a Trpv1 inhibitor, did not modulate the increase in cytosolic calcium concentration, lipid accumulation or Ucp1 expression. Previous studies revealed that the release of calcium from the ER induces ER stress, leading to the conversion of X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1) pre-mRNA to spliced Xbp1 (sXbp1) as well as the up-regulation of Chop expression. Capsaicin treatment increased the expression of sXbp1 and Chop in brown preadipocytes and did not enhance lipid accumulation or Ucp1 expression in Xbp1 knockdown cells. The present results describe a novel mechanism of brown adipogenesis regulation via ER stress that is induced by a supra-pharmacological concentration of capsaicin.

Characteristics of Gouda Cheese Supplemented with Chili Pepper Extract Microcapsules

In this study, the physicochemical and sensory properties of Gouda cheese supplemented with microcapsules of chili pepper extract were evaluated. Microcapsules of pepper extract were prepared by coacervation technique using gum acacia-gelatin wall and chili pepper oil core. Changes in pH, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) population, and free amino acid (FAA) content after supplementation of Gouda cheese with chili pepper capsules were monitored during ripening. Texture and sensory characteristics of the Gouda cheese ripened for 6 months were evaluated. The supplementation of pepper extract microcapsules (0.5% or 1%, w/w) did not influence the pH values and LAB content of the Gouda cheese (p<0.05) during the ripening period. While the content of total FAA increased with the ripening process in all the cheese groups (p<0.05), no significant difference (p<0.05) in the content of total FAA was observed among the sample groups at each time point. The addition of pepper extract microcapsules (1%, w/w) to Gouda cheese significantly decreased hardness (p<0.05) and negatively affected sensory attributes in terms of taste and texture (p<0.05). The results demonstrated that supplementation with 0.5% pepper extract microcapsules could provide additional bioactive ingredients, along with maintenance of the quality of Gouda cheese.

Impact of capsaicin, an active component of chili pepper, on pathogenic chlamydial growth (Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae) in immortal human epithelial HeLa cells

Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Capsaicin, a component of chili pepper, which can stimulate actin remodeling via capsaicin receptor TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) and anti-inflammatory effects via PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ) and LXRα (liver X receptor α), is a potential candidate to control chlamydial growth in host cells. We examined whether capsaicin could inhibit C. trachomatis growth in immortal human epithelial HeLa cells. Inclusion forming unit and quantitative PCR assays showed that capsaicin significantly inhibited bacterial growth in cells in a dose-dependent manner, even in the presence of cycloheximide, a eukaryotic protein synthesis inhibitor. Confocal microscopic and transmission electron microscopic observations revealed an obvious decrease in bacterial numbers to inclusions bodies formed in the cells. Although capsaicin can stimulate the apoptosis of cells, no increase in cleaved PARP (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase), an apoptotic indicator, was observed at a working concentration. All of the drugs tested (capsazepine, a TRPV1 antagonist; 5CPPSS-50, an LXRα inhibitor; and T0070907, a PPARγ inhibitor) had no effect on chlamydial inhibition in the presence of capsaicin. In addition, we also confirmed that capsaicin inhibited Chlamydia pneumoniae growth, indicating a phenomena not specific to C. trachomatis. Thus, we conclude that capsaicin can block chlamydial growth without the requirement of host cell protein synthesis, but by another, yet to be defined, mechanism.

Capsaicin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in osteosarcoma cell lines via the mitogen‑activated protein kinase pathway

Capsaicin, a pungent molecular compound present in many hot peppers, exerts anticancer activities against various human cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis. However, the effects of capsaicin on human osteosarcoma (OS) as well as the related mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the anticancer effects of capsaicin on 3 human OS cell lines (MG63, 143B and HOS) were investigated. Various concentrations of capsaicin (50-300 µM) effectively decreased cell viability in all 3 OS cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, capsaicin-induced apoptosis was observed when OS cells were treated with relatively high concentrations of capsaicin (starting at 250 µM). In addition, the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was involved in the capsaicin-induced apoptosis in the OS cells. Meanwhile, our results also indicated that at relatively low concentrations (e.g., 100 µM), capsaicin could inhibit the proliferation, decrease the colony forming ability and induce G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest of OS cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, our results revealed that the anticancer effects induced by capsaicin on OS cell lines involved multiple MAPK signaling pathways as indicated by inactivation of the ERK1/2 and p38 pathways and activation of the JNK pathway. Furthermore, the results of animal experiments showed that capsaicin inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft model of human OS. In conclusion, these results indicate that capsaicin may exert therapeutic benefits as an adjunct to current cancer therapies but not as an independent anticancer agent.

Phytochemistry and gastrointestinal benefits of the medicinal spice, Capsicum annuum L. (Chilli): a review

Dietary spices and their active constituents provide various beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal system by variety of mechanisms such as influence of gastric emptying, stimulation of gastrointestinal defense and absorption, stimulation of salivary, intestinal, hepatic, and pancreatic secretions. Capsicum annuum (Solanaceae), commonly known as chilli, is a medicinal spice used in various Indian traditional systems of medicine and it has been acknowledged to treat various health ailments. Therapeutic potential of chilli and capsaicin were well documented; however, they act as double-edged sword in many physiological circumstances. In traditional medicine chilli has been used against various gastrointestinal complains such as dyspepsia, loss of appetite, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric ulcer, and so on. In chilli, more than 200 constituents have been identified and some of its active constituents play numerous beneficial roles in various gastrointestinal disorders such as stimulation of digestion and gastromucosal defense, reduction of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, inhibition of gastrointestinal pathogens, ulceration and cancers, regulation of gastrointestinal secretions and absorptions. However, further studies are warranted to determine the dose ceiling limit of chilli and its active constituents for their utilization as gastroprotective agents. This review summarizes the phytochemistry and various gastrointestinal benefits of chilli and its various active constituents.

An updated review on molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of capsaicin

The quest for developing anticancer principles from natural sources has a long historical track record and remarkable success stories. The pungent principle of hot chili pepper, capsaicin, has been a subject of research for anticancer drug discovery for more than three decades. However, the majority of research has revealed that capsaicin interferes with various hallmarks of cancer, such as increased cell proliferation, evasion from apoptosis, inflammation, tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, and tumor immune escape. Moreover, the compound has been reported to inhibit carcinogen activation and chemically induced experimental tumor growth. Capsaicin has also been reported to inhibit the activation of various kinases and transcription that are involved in tumor promotion and progression. The compound activated mitochondria-dependent and death receptor-mediated tumor cell apoptosis. Considering the growing interest in capsaicin, this review provides an update on the molecular targets of capsaicin in modulating oncogenic signaling.

Current Understanding of Antiobesity Property of Capsaicin

The capsaicin is an ingredient that we normally mix in food in many cultural cuisines even in fresh and dried production. Because of its anticancer, anticholesterolemic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, capsaicin is used worldwide. Moreover, capsaicin is also used for the protection of cardiovascular and hepatic diseases. The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were searched since 2000 to present for antiobesity term. This review article is provided the update information about the antiobesity property and mechanism of capsaicin for further researches.

SN38 increases IL-8 expression through the MAPK pathways in HCT8 cells

The overexpression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) is closely associated with poor tumor differentiation, metastasis and tumor progression. This study aimed to examine the effects and mechanisms of action of SN38 (a metabolite of the camptothecin derivative, CPT-11) on IL-8 expression in HCT8 cells, using ELISA, CCK-8 and western blot analysis. Among jatrorrhizine, evodiamine, 5-fluorouracil and SN38, SN38 was found to inhibit the proliferation of HCT8 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but to increase IL-8 secretion from HCT8 cells. Of the other agents, evodiamine was found to inhibit both IL-8 secretion and cell proliferation, and jatrorrhizine was found to increase IL-8 secretion without any obvious inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Further experiments revealed that the increased activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) by SN38 contributed to the decreased cell proliferation and to the overexpression of IL-8 induced by SN38. Our results suggested that the MAPK pathways are activated by SN38, resulting in the upregulation of IL-8 expression and in the inhibition of cell proliferation in an IL-8-independent manner. Thus, the potential benefit of the use of a combination of camptothecin-11 with other chemical drugs with inhibitory effects on IL-8 expression, should be paid more attention in treating colon cancer.

Capsaicin mediates caspases activation and induces apoptosis through P38 and JNK MAPK pathways in human renal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the tumors most refractory to chemotherapy to date. Therefore, novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed for this disease. Capsaicin (CPS), a natural active ingredient of green and red peppers, and a ligand of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), has been showed potential in suppression of tumorigenesis of several cancers. Nonetheless, the anti-cancer activity of CPS has never been studied in human RCC.

METHODS

CCK8 analysis, LDH release activity and ROS generation analysis, flow cytometry analysis, and nuclear staining test were performed to test the influence of CPS in cultured cells in vitro, meanwhile western blot was done to uncover the precise molecular mechanisms. 786-O renal cancer xenografts were builded to investigate the antitumor activity of CPS in vivo.

RESULTS

We found treatment of CPS reduced proliferation of renal carcinoma cells, which could be attenuated by TRPV1 representative antagonist capsazepine (CPZ). CPS induced obvious apoptosis in renal carcinoma cells. These events were associated with substantial up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes including c-myc, FADD, Bax and cleaved-caspase-3, -8, and -9, while down-regulation of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2. Besides, CPS-treatment activated P38 and JNK MAPK pathways, yet P38 and JNK inhibitors afforded protection against CPS-induced apoptosis by abolishing activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9. Furthermore, CPS significantly slowed the growth of 786-O renal cancer xenografts in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Such results reveal that CPS is an efficient and potential drug for management of human RCC.

Capsaicin reactivates hMOF in gastric cancer cells and induces cell growth inhibition

Capsaicin (CAP) is the major pungent component of chili pepper and is being evaluated for use against numerous types of tumors. Although CAP is indicated to target multiple signaling pathways, exact mechanisms of how it disturb cancer cell metablism remain obscure. Recent studies revealed Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) serves as a potential target of CAP in cancer cells, indicating a direct regulation of cancer cell histone acetylation by capsaicin. The present study evaluated the effect of CAP on gastric cancer (GC) cell lines to understand the mechanism of cell growth inhibition. The results showed that CAP could significantly suppress cell growth, while altering histone acetylation in GC cell lines. Further studies found that hMOF, a major histone acetyltranferase for H4K16, is central to CAP-induced epigenetic changes. Reduced hMOF activity was detected in GC tissues, which could be restored by CAP both in vivo and in vitro. These findings revealed an important role of hMOF-mediated histone acetylation in CAP-directed anti-cancer processes, and suggested CAP as a potential drug for use in gastric cancer prevention and therapy.

Spices for Prevention and Treatment of Cancers

Spices have been widely used as food flavorings and folk medicines for thousands of years. Numerous studies have documented the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of spices, which might be related to prevention and treatment of several cancers, including lung, liver, breast, stomach, colorectum, cervix, and prostate cancers. Several spices are potential sources for prevention and treatment of cancers, such as Curcuma longa (tumeric), Nigella sativa (black cumin), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Allium sativum (garlic), Crocus sativus (saffron), Piper nigrum (black pepper) and Capsicum annum (chili pepper), which contained several important bioactive compounds, such as curcumin, thymoquinone, piperine and capsaicin. The main mechanisms of action include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion of tumors, and sensitizing tumors to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review summarized recent studies on some spices for prevention and treatment of cancers, and special attention was paid to bioactive components and mechanisms of action.

Capsaicin: From Plants to a Cancer-Suppressing Agent

Capsaicinoids are plant secondary metabolites, capsaicin being the principal responsible for the pungency of chili peppers. It is biosynthesized through two pathways involved in phenylpropanoid and fatty acid metabolism. Plant capsaicin concentration is mainly affected by genetic, environmental and crop management factors. However, its synthesis can be enhanced by the use of elicitors. Capsaicin is employed as food additive and in pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, it has been found that capsaicin can act as a cancer preventive agent and shows wide applications against various types of cancer. This review is an approach in contextualizing the use of controlled stress on the plant to increase the content of capsaicin, highlighting its synthesis and its potential use as anticancer agent.

Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Capsaicin and Its Analogues in Pain and Other Diseases

Capsaicin is the most predominant and naturally occurring alkamide found in Capsicum fruits. Since its discovery in the 19th century, the therapeutic roles of capsaicin have been well characterized. The potential applications of capsaicin range from food flavorings to therapeutics. Indeed, capsaicin and few of its analogues have featured in clinical research covered by more than a thousand patents. Previous records suggest pleiotropic pharmacological activities of capsaicin such as an analgesic, anti-obesity, anti-pruritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and neuro-protective functions. Moreover, emerging data indicate its clinical significance in treating vascular-related diseases, metabolic syndrome, and gastro-protective effects. The dearth of potent drugs for management of such disorders necessitates the urge for further research into the pharmacological aspects of capsaicin. This review summarizes the historical background, source, structure and analogues of capsaicin, and capsaicin-triggered TRPV1 signaling and desensitization processes. In particular, we will focus on the therapeutic roles of capsaicin and its analogues in both normal and pathophysiological conditions.

MAPK pathways are involved in the inhibitory effect of berberine hydrochloride on gastric cancer MGC 803 cell proliferation and IL-8 secretion in vitro and in vivo

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. This investigation aimed to identify whether the mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are involved in the inhibitory effect of berberine hydrochloride (BER) on MGC 803 cells in vitro and in vivo. BER time‑ and dose‑dependently inhibited proliferation of MGC 803 cells. It also suppressed tumorigenesis in nude mice xenografted with MGC 803 cells. Additionally, BER reduced interleukin‑8 (IL‑8) secretion in vitro and in vivo. Further investigation demonstrated that inactivation of p38 MAPK, extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 and c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase by BER contributed to the decreased proliferation and tumorigenesis, and the change in IL‑8 expression levels. However, there was no significant synergistic inhibitory effect of combined BER and evodiamine (EVO) treatment on tumorigenesis, and BER reduced the upregulation of IL‑8 induced by EVO in vivo. The results of the current study suggested that BER may be an effective and safe drug candidate for treating gastric cancer via modulation of the MAPK signaling pathways.

Effects of capsaicin on adipogenic differentiation in bovine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell

Capsaicin is a major constituent of hot chili peppers that influences lipid metabolism in animals. In this study, we explored the effects of capsaicin on adipogenic differentiation of bovine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The BMSCs were treated with various concentrations of capsaicin (0, 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 μM) for 2, 4, and 6 days. Capsaicin suppressed fat deposition significantly during adipogenic differentiation. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, cytosine-cytosine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine/enhancer binding protein alpha, fatty acid binding protein 4, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase expression decreased after capsaicin treatment. We showed that the number of apoptotic cells increased in dose- and time-dependent manners. Furthermore, we found that capsaicin increased the expression levels of apoptotic genes, such as B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein and caspase 3. Overall, capsaicin inhibits fat deposition by triggering apoptosis.

TRPV1 activation exacerbates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis in H9C2 cells via calcium overload and mitochondrial dysfunction

Transient potential receptor vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels, which are expressed on sensory neurons, elicit cardioprotective effects during ischemia reperfusion injury by stimulating the release of neuropeptides, namely calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP). Recent studies show that TRPV1 channels are also expressed on cardiomyocytes and can exacerbate air pollutant-induced apoptosis. However, whether these channels present on cardiomyocytes directly modulate cell death and survival pathways during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of TRPV1 in H/R induced apoptosis of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. We demonstrated that TRPV1 was indeed expressed in H9C2 cells, and activated by H/R injury. Although neuropeptide release caused by TRPV1 activation on sensory neurons elicits a cardioprotective effect, we found that capsaicin (CAP; a TRPV1 agonist) treatment of H9C2 cells paradoxically enhanced the level of apoptosis by increasing intracellular calcium and mitochondrial superoxide levels, attenuating mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibiting mitochondrial biogenesis (measured by the expression of ATP synthase β). In contrast, treatment of cells with capsazepine (CPZ; a TRPV1 antagonist) or TRPV1 siRNA attenuated H/R induced-apoptosis. Furthermore, CAP and CPZ treatment revealed a similar effect on cell viability and mitochondrial superoxide production in primary cardiomyocytes. Finally, using both CGRP_8–37 (a CGRP receptor antagonist) and RP67580 (a SP receptor antagonist) to exclude the confounding effects of neuropeptides, we confirmed aforementioned detrimental effects as TRPV1^−/− mouse hearts exhibited improved cardiac function during ischemia/reperfusion. In summary, direct activation of TRPV1 in myocytes exacerbates H/R-induced apoptosis, likely through calcium overload and associated mitochondrial dysfunction. Our study provides a novel understanding of the role of myocyte TRPV1 channels in ischemia/reperfusion injury that sharply contrasts with its known extracardiac neuronal effects.