Chrysin induces cell apoptosis in human uveal melanoma cells via intrinsic apoptosis

Clonostachys rosea, a marine algal endophyte, as an alternative source of chrysin and its anticancer effect

Endophytic fungi were isolated from the marine green alga Chaetomorpha antennina and identified as Clonostachys rosea through molecular analysis. C. rosea was grown in a tryptophan medium for 21 days and after that, the metabolites were extracted by ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract showed a high cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells. GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate extract revealed the presence of many compounds, and chrysin was one of the major compounds among them. Hence, further studies were concentrated on chrysin, as it was assumed to be the major attributor to the potent cytotoxicity, based on its high anticancer efficacies reported earlier. The fungal ethyl acetate extract had been analysed for chrysin using HPTLC and compared its Rf value with authentic chrysin and it was matched. Further, the purified fungal chrysin was structurally elucidated using techniques like LC-MS and NMR analyses. Quantification revealed that C. rosea produced 1050 mg/L of chrysin. This surplus production of chrysin was the major significance of the study. The purified fungal chrysin was found to be highly cytotoxic to MCF-7 cells with a low IC50 value 35.5 ± 0.6 µM. Furthermore, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis analysis indicated the selective inhibition of MCF-7 by DNA damage. Thus, the present study implies that C. rosea is an alternative source and new method for surplus production of chrysin in the tryptophan medium. All results indicate that the marine algae endophytic C. rosa produces chrysin, and for the first time, an excess amount of production was revealed by the study.

Signaling pathways driving ocular malignancies and their targeting by bioactive phytochemicals

Ocular cancers represent a rare pathology. The American Cancer Society estimates that 3,360 cases of ocular cancer occur annually in the United States. The major types of cancers of the eye include ocular melanoma (also known as uveal melanoma), ocular lymphoma, retinoblastoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. While uveal melanoma is one of the primary intraocular cancers with the highest occurrence in adults, retinoblastoma remains the most common primary intraocular cancer in children, and squamous cell carcinoma presents as the most common conjunctival cancer. The pathophysiology of these diseases involves specific cell signaling pathways. Oncogene mutations, tumor suppressor mutations, chromosome deletions/translocations and altered proteins are all described as causal events in developing ocular cancer. Without proper identification and treatment of these cancers, vision loss, cancer spread, and even death can occur. The current treatments for these cancers involve enucleation, radiation, excision, laser treatment, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. These treatments present a significant burden to the patient that includes a possible loss of vision and a myriad of side effects. Therefore, alternatives to traditional therapy are urgently needed. Intercepting the signaling pathways for these cancers with the use of naturally occurring phytochemicals could be a way to relieve both cancer burden and perhaps even prevent cancer occurrence. This research aims to present a comprehensive review of the signaling pathways involved in various ocular cancers, discuss current therapeutic options, and examine the potential of bioactive phytocompounds in the prevention and targeted treatment of ocular neoplasms. The current limitations, challenges, pitfalls, and future research directions are also discussed.

“Drying effect” of fructus aurantii components and the mechanism of action based on network pharmacology and in vitro pharmacodynamic validation

Background: Fructus aurantii (FA) is the dried, unripe fruit of the plant Citrus aurantium L. and its cultivated varieties. We investigated the drying effect of FA components and how this drying affect is achieved.

Methods: We employed systems pharmacology to predict the components and targets of FA that produce its drying effect. These predictions were verified by computer simulation and animal experiments. In the latter, we measured the bodyweight, water consumption, urine output, fecal water content, rate of salivary secretion, and cross-sectional area of the long axis of the submandibular gland of mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure expression of aquaporin (AQP)5 in the submandibular gland, AQP2 in the kidney, and AQP3 in the colon. ELISA kits were used to measure the horizontal variation of cyclic adenosine monsophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and interferon-γ.

Results: Sixty-seven potentially active components of FA were screened out. FA could produce a drying effect after regulating 214 targets through 66 active components. A total of 870 gene ontology (GO) terms and 153 signaling pathways were identified. The hypoxia inducible factor-1 signaling pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway may have important roles in the drying effect of FA. Four components of FA were identified: sinensetin, tangeretin, 5-demethylnobiletin and chrysin. These four components could increase the serum level of interferon-γ and ratio of cyclic adenosine monophosphate:cyclic guanosine monophosphate in mice, and affect their water consumption, urine output, fecal water content and rate of salivary secretion.

Conclusion: Four components of FA (tangeretin, sinensetin, chrysin, 5-Demethylmobiletin) were closely related to the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (JAK-STAT3), PI3K-AKT, and the other signaling pathways. They can regulate the protein expression of JAK2, STAT3, PI3K, lymphocyte cell-specific protein-tyrosine kinase, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and protein kinase B1, affect water metabolism in the body and, finally, result in a drying effect.

The positive effects and mechanisms of honey against breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a malignancy that occurs in cells in the breast tissue where cells in the breast divide and grow out of control, invade surrounding tissues, or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body.

METHOD

This review was systematically carried out through PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar websites in English and Indonesian using the keyword content of the article, obtaining 21 selected articles. This review demonstrates honey's promising mechanism of combined synergistic effect for breast cancer management.

CONCLUSION

Antioxidants in honey intercept free radicals of phenolic compounds which are the main factors responsible for the antioxidant activity of honey. The antimicrobial activity in most honey is due to the enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide, and its anti-cancer properties are discussed in this section.

Anti-cancer Activity of Chrysin in Cancer Therapy: a Systematic Review

Chrysin is a natural bioactive compound that is extracted from many trees, honey, and propolis. Chrysin has several pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. This study was performed to evaluate the anti-cancer activities of chrysin in cancer therapy. The present study was conducted by systematic review of studies published up to August 2021. Related studies were identified by searching Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, Science Direct, SID, MagIran, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The keywords of chrysin, cancer, anti-cancer, and cancer therapy were used for searching. The quality of the studies was assessed by the CONSORT checklist. A total of 21 studies were identified. The results of studies showed that chrysin has an anticancer effect by stimulating apoptosis in a wide range of human cells and rats. Chrysin is also an important factor in inhibiting tumor growth and neoplasticity. Chrysin inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancer cells by inducing cytotoxic effects. Therefore, due to the antitumor effects of chrysin and its safety and non-toxicity towards normal cells, this compound can be considered as an adjuvant along with chemotherapeutic agents in cancer treatment.

Co-Application of Statin and Flavonoids as an Effective Strategy to Reduce the Activity of Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels Kv1.3 and Induce Apoptosis in Human Leukemic T Cell Line Jurkat

Voltage-gated potassium channels of the Kv1.3 type are considered a potential new molecular target in several pathologies, including some cancer disorders and COVID-19. Lipophilic non-toxic organic inhibitors of Kv1.3 channels, such as statins and flavonoids, may have clinical applications in supporting the therapy of some cancer diseases, such as breast, pancreas, and lung cancer; melanoma; or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This study focuses on the influence of the co-application of statins-simvastatin (SIM) or mevastatin (MEV)-with flavonoids 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), 6-prenylnarigenin (6-PN), xanthohumol (XANT), acacetin (ACAC), or chrysin on the activity of Kv1.3 channels, viability, and the apoptosis of cancer cells in the human T cell line Jurkat. We showed that the inhibitory effect of co-application of the statins with flavonoids was significantly more potent than the effects exerted by each compound applied alone. Combinations of simvastatin with chrysin, as well as mevastatin with 8-prenylnaringenin, seem to be the most promising. We also found that these results correlate with an increased ability of the statin-flavonoid combination to reduce viability and induce apoptosis in cancer cells compared to single compounds. Our findings suggest that the co-application of statins and flavonoids at low concentrations may increase the effectiveness and safety of cancer therapy. Thus, the simultaneous application of statins and flavonoids may be a new and promising anticancer strategy.

Chrysin: Perspectives on Contemporary Status and Future Possibilities as Pro-Health Agent

Chrysin belongs to the group of natural polyphenols. It can be found, among others, in honey, propolis and fruits and has a wide range of biological activities, including the prevention of oxidative stress, inflammation, neurodegeneration and carcinogenesis. Being a part of the human diet, chrysin is considered to be a promising compound to be used in the prevention of many diseases, including cancers, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Nevertheless, due to the low solubility of chrysin in water and under physiological conditions, its bioavailability is low. For this reason, attempts at its functionalization have been undertaken, aiming to increase its absorption and thus augment its in vivo therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent research on chrysin, including its sources, metabolism, pro-health effects and the effects of its functionalization on biological activity and pharmacological efficacy, evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

Emerging cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying anticancer indications of chrysin

Chrysin has been shown to exert several beneficial pharmacological activities. Chrysin has anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective as well as gastrointestinal, respiratory, reproductive, ocular, and skin protective effects through modulating signaling pathway involved in apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In the current review, we discussed the emerging cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic indications of chrysin in various cancers. Online databases comprising Scopus, PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, Science Direct, Web of Science, and the search engine Google Scholar were searched for available and eligible research articles. The search was conducted by using MeSH terms and keywords in title, abstract, and keywords. In conclusion, experimental studies indicated that chrysin could ameliorate cancers of the breast, gastrointestinal tract, liver and hepatocytes, bladder, male and female reproductive systems, choroid, respiratory tract, thyroid, skin, eye, brain, blood cells, leukemia, osteoblast, and lymph. However, more studies are needed to enhance the bioavailability of chrysin and evaluate this agent in clinical trial studies.

Melatonin attenuates branch chain fatty acid induced apoptosis mediated neurodegeneration

Valproic acid (VPA)-a short branched chain fatty acid (BCFA), is widely recognized as an anticonvulsant and a mood-stabilizing drug, but various adverse effects of VPA have also been investigated. However, the impact of BCFAs aggregation on brain cells, in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration remains elusive. The objective of this study is to understand the cellular mechanisms underlying VPA-induced neuronal cell death mediated by oxidative stress, and the neuroprotective role of exogenous melatonin treatment on VPA-induced cell death. Neurotoxicity of VPA and protective role exerted by melatonin were assessed in vitro in SH-SY5Y cells and in vivo in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum regions of Wistar rat brain. The results show that melatonin pre-treatment protects the cells from VPA-induced toxicity by exerting an anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effect by regulating apoptotic proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The findings of the present study emphasize novel insights of melatonin as a supplement for the prevention and treatment of neuronal dysfunction induced by VPA.

Luteolin inhibits proliferation, triggers apoptosis and modulates Akt/mTOR and MAP kinase pathways in HeLa cells

Flavonoids, a subclass of polyphenols, have been shown to be effective against several types of cancer, by decreasing proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the anti-carcinogenic potential of luteolin on HeLa human cervical cancer cells, through the use of a cell viability assay, DNA fragmentation assay, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, cell cycle analysis using Annexin/PI staining and flow cytometry, gene expression analysis and a protein profiling array. Luteolin treatment exhibited cytotoxicity towards HeLa cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and its anti-proliferative properties were confirmed by accumulation of luteolin-treated cells in sub-G₁ phases. Cytotoxicity induced by luteolin treatment resulted in apoptosis, which was mediated through depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, luteolin treatment increased the expression of various proapoptotic genes, including APAF1, BAX, BAD, BID, BOK, BAK1, TRADD, FADD, FAS, and Caspases 3 and 9, whereas the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, including NAIP, MCL-1 and BCL-2, was decreased. Cell cycle regulatory genes, including CCND1, 2 and 3, CCNE2, CDKN1A, CDKN2B, CDK4 and CDK2, were decreased following treatment. Expression of TRAILR2/DR5, TRAILR1/DR4, Fas/TNFRSF6/CD95 and TNFR1/TNFRSF1A, as well as pro-apoptotic proteins, including BAD, BAX and Cytochrome C were consistently increased, and the expression of antiapoptotic proteins, HIF1α, BCL-X, MCL1 and BCL2, were found to be decreased following treatment. Expression of AKT1 and 2, ELK1, PIK3C2A, PIK3C2B, MAPK14, MAP3K5, MAPK3 and MAPK1 was significantly decreased at the transcriptional level. Expression of GSK3b (p-ser9), PRAS 40 (p-Ther246), BAD (p-ser112), PTEN (p-ser380), AKT (p-ser473), ERK2 (p-Y185/Y187), RISK2 (p-ser386), P70S6k (p-Thr421/ser424), PDK1(p-ser241), ERK1 (p-T202/Y204) and MTOR (p-ser2448) was downregulated and expression of P53 (p-ser241) and P27(p-Thr198) was upregulated by luteolin in a dose-dependent manner, indicating its anti-proliferative and apoptosis enabling properties, and this may have been mediated via inhibition of the AKT and the MAPK pathways.

Plant flavone Chrysin as an emerging histone deacetylase inhibitor for prosperous epigenetic-based anticancer therapy

Aberrations in epigenetic mechanisms provide a fertile platform for tumour initiation and progression. Thus, agents capable of modulating the epigenetic environment of neoplasms will be a valuable addition to the anticancer therapeutics. Flavones are emerging as befitting anticancer agents due to their inherent antioxidant activity and the ability to restrain epi-targets namely histone deacetylases (HDACs). HDACs have broader implications in pathogenesis of various cancers. Chrysin, a flavone possessing the ability to inhibit HDACs could prove as a potential anticancer drug. Thus, in this article we focussed on Chrysin and its distinct antineoplastic effect against bellicose malignancies including lung, colorectal, cervical, gastric, melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer. The underlying signalling cascades triggered by Chrysin for inducing cytotoxic effect in these cancer models are discussed. Importantly, approaches towards combinatorial treatments by Chrysin and commercial anticancer agents are taken into account. The downstream molecular mechanism aroused by combined therapy for abrogating onerous cancer chemoresistance is delineated as well. Moreover, the nano-combinatorial approach involving co-encapsulation of Chrysin with other herbal and non-herbal agents for clinical excellence is elucidated.

Chrysin Inhibits Melanoma Tumor Metastasis via Interfering with the FOXM1/β-Catenin Signaling

Melanoma, which features high metastasis and high lethality, is one of the toughest tumors to treat. Chrysin, which is rich in various plants, has shown a great inhibitory effect on melanoma proliferation. Here, we evaluated the metastasis suppressive effect of chrysin on melanoma in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, chrysin effectively inhibited ankios resistance from 5 μM cell migration, invasion from 10 μM, and tube formation capacity of melanoma cells from 20 μM. We discovered that chrysin interfered with the mesenchymal-epithelial transition via regulating FOXM1/β-catenin signaling, as the expression of key regulatory factors was downregulated by chrysin treatment, and overexpression of FOXM1 will attenuate the antimetastasis effect of chrysin. We also tested chrysin on lung colonization in melanoma metastasis, where we found fewer tumors were formed in the lungs of chrysin-treated mice. In addition, the expression of FOXM1 was also downregulated by chrysin in vivo. Collectively, our findings suggested the ability of chrysin treatment to lower the metastatic rate of melanoma through regulating FOXM1/β-catenin signaling, indicating the application potential of chrysin for melanoma therapy.

Flavonoids as Anticancer Agents

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds subdivided into 6 groups: isoflavonoids, flavanones, flavanols, flavonols, flavones and anthocyanidins found in a variety of plants. Fruits, vegetables, plant-derived beverages such as green tea, wine and cocoa-based products are the main dietary sources of flavonoids. Flavonoids have been shown to possess a wide variety of anticancer effects: they modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzyme activities, participate in arresting the cell cycle, induce apoptosis, autophagy, and suppress cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. Flavonoids have dual action regarding ROS homeostasis—they act as antioxidants under normal conditions and are potent pro-oxidants in cancer cells triggering the apoptotic pathways and downregulating pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. This article reviews the biochemical properties and bioavailability of flavonoids, their anticancer activity and its mechanisms of action.

Selective toxicity of chrysin on mitochondria isolated from liver of a HCC rat model

Flavonoids are natural compounds that show various biological effects, such as the anti-cancer effect. Chrysin is a flavonoid compound found in honey and propolis. Studies have shown that chrysin has anti-cancer activity due to induction of apoptosis signaling. In the present study, we examined the cytotoxic effect of chrysin against liver mitochondria obtained from the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rat model. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) was used for induction of HCC. Mitochondria were isolated from liver hepatocytes using differential centrifugation. Then, hepatocytes and mitochondria markers related to apoptosis signaling were investigated. Our finding indicated an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, collapse in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), swelling in mitochondria, and cytochrome c release (about 1.6 fold) after exposure of mitochondria obtained from the HCC rats group with chrysin (10, 20, and 40 µM) compared to the normal rats group. Furthermore, Chrysin was able to increase caspase-3 activity in the HCC rats group (about 2.4 fold) compared to the normal rats group. According to the results, we proposed that chrysin could be considered as a promising complementary therapeutic candidate for the treatment of HCC, but it requires a further in vivo and clinical studies.

Flavonoids in Cancer and Apoptosis

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Although, there are many different approaches to cancer treatment, they are often painful due to adverse side effects and are sometimes ineffective due to increasing resistance to classical anti-cancer drugs or radiation therapy. Targeting delayed/inhibited apoptosis is a major approach in cancer treatment and a highly active area of research. Plant derived natural compounds are of major interest due to their high bioavailability, safety, minimal side effects and, most importantly, cost effectiveness. Flavonoids have gained importance as anti-cancer agents and have shown great potential as cytotoxic anti-cancer agents promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. In this review, a summary of flavonoids and their effectiveness in cancer treatment targeting apoptosis has been discussed.

Chrysin: Sources, beneficial pharmacological activities, and molecular mechanism of action

In recent years, public and scientific interest in plant flavonoids has tremendously increased because of their postulated health benefits. This review was mainly focuses on the flavone chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), which occurs naturally in many plants, honey, and propolis. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed the therapeutic effects of chrysin against various diseases. In general, chrysin exhibits many biological activities and pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activities. Moreover, many studies have reported on the bioavailability of chrysin. Because of its compromised bioavailability and enhanced protein stability, chrysin solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) synthesis avoids proteolytic degradation and sustained release of drug delivery. To clarify the mechanism of action of chrysin, researchers have investigated the structural binding relationship of chrysin through the docking computation method.

Chrysin attenuates progression of ovarian cancer cells by regulating signaling cascades and mitochondrial dysfunction

Chrysin is mainly found in passion flowers, honey, and propolis acts as a potential therapeutic and preventive agent to inhibit proliferation and invasion of various human cancer cells. Although chrysin has anti-carcinogenic effects in several cancers, little is known about its functional roles in ovarian cancer which shows poor prognosis and chemoresistance to traditional therapeutic agents. In the present study, we investigated functional roles of chrysin in progression of ovarian cancer cells using ES2 and OV90 (clear cell and serous carcinoma, respectively) cell lines. Results of the current study demonstrated that chrysin inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation and induced cell death by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ levels as well as inducing loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Moreover, chrysin activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways in ES2 and OV90 cells in concentration-response experiments. Collectively, our results led us to propose that chrysin-induced apoptotic events are mediated by the activation of PI3K and MAPK pathways in human ovarian cancer cells.

Chrysin induces death of prostate cancer cells by inducing ROS and ER stress

Chrysin is a natural flavone found in numerous plant extracts, honey, and propolis that has multiple biological activities including anti-cancer effects. Understanding of biological mechanisms mediated in response to chrysin in cancerous cells may provide novel insight into chemotherapeutic approaches with reduced side effects in cancers. In the present study, we investigated functional roles of chrysin in progression of prostate cancer cells using DU145 and PC-3 cell lines. The results showed that chrysin induced apoptosis of cells evidenced by DNA fragmentation and increasing the population of both DU145 and PC-3 cells in the sub-G₁ phase of the cell cycle. In addition, chrysin reduced expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the prostate cancer cell lines compared to untreated prostate cancer cells. Moreover, chrysin induced loss of mitochondria membrane potential (MMP), while increasing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. Also, it induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) proteins including PRKR-like ER kinase (PERK), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), and 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) in DU145 and PC-3 cells. The chrysin-mediated intracellular signaling pathways suppressed phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and the abundance of AKT, P70S6K, S6, and P90RSK proteins, but stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and activation of ERK1/2 and P38 proteins in the prostate cancer cells. Collectively, these results indicate that chrysin initiates cell death through induction of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and ER stress, and regulation of signaling pathways responsible for proliferation of prostate cancer cells.