Andrographolide inhibits proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human melanoma cells

Inhibition of NF-kB and COX-2 by andrographolide regulates the progression of cervical cancer by promoting PTEN expression and suppressing PI3K/AKT signalling pathway

In the face of recent advances in Cervical cancer (CC) treatment, therapeutic and surgical procedures for CC management are still inadequate. In the current study for the first time Andrographolide (Andro) has been explored for its multitarget therapeutic efficacy on NF-kB, COX-2, and PI3K/AKT expressions together in CC. The expression levels of NF-kB, COX-2, PI3K and PTEN in the CC patient samples, both at mRNA and protein levels have shown significant association with poor survival and increased tumor aggressiveness. The binding efficacy of Andro was investigated using molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations, and the protein and ligand complex for NF-kB and COX-2 has shown high binding energy. Andro displayed cytotoxicity by impeding the in-vitro proliferation of CC cells. Andro significantly supressed the NF-kB, COX-2, and PI3K expression and enhanced the expression levels of PTEN at protein levels in-vitro. Andro induced apoptosis in a dose dependent manner and significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of CC cells. Andro exhibited similar activity in-vivo and suppressed the CC tumor growth in xenograft C57BL/6 mice model. The anti-tumor activity of Andro, both in-vitro and in-vivo has shown considerable downregulation of NF-kB and COX-2 and induced apoptosis through impeding the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. These findings from the above study projects, administration of Andro as an effective alternate safe compound to curtail and impede cervical cancer progression.

Novel inhaled andrographolide for treatment of lung cancer: In vitro assessment

Andrographolide is a plant-based compound that showed promising activity against lung cancer. However, the compound's poor water solubility and low bioavailability limit its oral administration. Inhaled drug delivery of andrographolide is highly favourable as it delivers active ingredients directly into the affected lungs. In the current study, we compared in vitro aerosol performance, anti-cancer activity and storages stability of two (2) inhalable andrographolide formulations. Formulation 1 was prepared using precipitation and spray drying techniques, while Formulation 2 was prepared via direct spray drying technique. Drug morphology and physicochemical properties were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. In vitro aerosol dispersion profile was evaluated using the next-generation impactor (NGI). Formulation 1 consisted of elongated crystals while Formulation 2 was made up of amorphous spherical particles. Both formulations had an inhalable fraction (<5 μm) of more than 40 %, making them suitable for pulmonary drug delivery. The formulations also showed an IC25 of less than 100 μg/mL against the human lung carcinoma cells (A549). Formulation 1 and 2 was stable in a vacuum condition at 30 °C for up to 6 and 3 months, respectively. Novel inhalable andrographolide dry powders were successfully produced with a good aerosol profile, potent anti-cancer activity and adequate storage stability, which deserve further in vivo investigations.

Exploring the mechanism of andrographolide in the treatment of gastric cancer through network pharmacology and molecular docking

Gastric cancer has emerged as a key challenge in oncology research as a malignant tumour with advanced stage detection. Apart from surgical management, a pharmacotherapeutic approach to stomach cancer treatment is an appealing option to consider. Andrographolide has been shown to have anticancer and chemosensitizer properties in a variety of solid tumors, including stomach cancer but the exact molecular mechanism is skeptical. In this study, we identified and validated pharmacological mechanism involved in the treatment of GC with integrated approach of network pharmacology and molecular docking. The targets of andrographolide and GC were obtained from databases. The intersected targets between andrographolide and GC-related genes were used to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Furthermore, mechanism of action of the targets was predicted by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Finally, these results were validated by molecular docking experiments, mRNA and protein expression level. A total of 197 targets were obtained for andrographolide treating GC. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes were exerted promising therapeutic effects on GC by HIF-1 and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The possible mechanism of action is by inactivation of HIF-1 signaling pathway which is dependent on the inhibition of upstream PI3K-AKT pathway. The PPI network identified SRC, AKT1, TP53, STAT3, PIK3CA, MAPK1, MAPK3, VEGFA, JUN and HSP90AA1 as potential hub targets. In addition, these results were further validated with molecular docking experiments. Survival analysis indicated that the expression levels of the hub genes were significantly associated with the clinical prognosis of GC. This study provided a novel approach to reveal the therapeutic mechanisms of andrographolide on GC, making future clinical application of andrographolide in the treatment of GC.

Andrographolide Induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma DBTRG-05MG Cell Line via ERK1/2 /c-Myc/p53 Signaling Pathway

Human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most malignant brain tumors, with a high mortality rate worldwide. Conventional GBM treatment is now challenged by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), drug resistance, and post-treatment adverse effects. Hence, developing bioactive compounds isolated from plant species and identifying molecular pathways in facilitating effective treatment has become crucial in GBM. Based on pharmacodynamic studies, andrographolide has sparked the interest of cancer researchers, who believe it may alleviate difficulties in GBM therapy; however, it still requires further study. Andrographolide is a bicyclic diterpene lactone derived from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wallich ex Nees that has anticancer properties in various cancer cell lines. The present study aimed to evaluate andrographolide's anticancer effectiveness and potential molecular pathways using a DBTRG-05MG cell line. The antiproliferative activity of andrographolide was determined using the WST-1 assay, while scratch assay and clonogenic assay were used to evaluate andrographolide's effectiveness against the cancer cell line by examining cell migration and colony formation. Flowcytometry was also used to examine the apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induced by andrographolide. The mRNA and protein expression level involved in the ERK1/2/c-Myc/p53 signaling pathway was then assessed using qRT-PCR and Western blot. The protein-protein interaction between c-Myc and p53 was determined by a reciprocal experiment of the co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) using DBTRG-05MG total cell lysate. Andrographolide significantly reduced the viability of DBTRG-05MG cell lines in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In addition, scratch and clonogenic assays confirmed the effectiveness of andrographolide in reducing cell migration and colony formation of DBTRG-05MG, respectively. Andrographolide also promoted cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, followed by apoptosis in the DBTRG-05MG cell line, by inducing ERK1/2, c-Myc, and p53 expression at the mRNA level. Western blot results demonstrated that c-Myc overexpression also increased the production of the anti-apoptotic protein p53. Our findings revealed that c-Myc and p53 positively interact in triggering the apoptotic signaling pathway. This study successfully discovered the involvement of ERK1/2/c-Myc/p53 in the suppression of the DBTRG-05MG cell line via cell cycle arrest followed by the apoptosis signaling pathway following andrographolide treatment.

Downstream Regulatory Network of MYBL2 Mediating Its Oncogenic Role in Melanoma

The transcription factor MYBL2 is widely expressed in proliferating cells. Aberrant expression of MYBL2 contributes to tumor malignancy and is associated with poor patient prognosis. However, the downstream transcriptional network that mediates its oncogenic properties remains elusive. In the present study, we observed that MYBL2 was overexpressed in malignant and metastatic melanoma patient samples and that the high expression level of MYBL2 was significantly associated with poor prognosis. A loss-of-function study demonstrated that MYBL2 depletion significantly decreased cell proliferation and migration and prevented cell cycle progression. We also determined that MYBL2 promoted the formation of melanoma stem-like cell populations, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for treating resistant melanoma. Mechanistically, we constructed an MYBL2 regulatory network in melanoma by integrating RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data. EPPK1, PDE3A, and FCGR2A were identified as three core target genes of MYBL2. Importantly, multivariate Cox regression and survival curve analysis revealed that PDE3A and EPPK1 were negatively correlated with melanoma patient survival; however, FCGR2A was positively correlated with patient survival. Overall, our findings elucidate an MYBL2 regulatory network related to cell proliferation and cancer development in melanoma, suggesting that MYBL2 may be potentially targeted for melanoma diagnosis and treatment.

Role of Plant-Derived Active Constituents in Cancer Treatment and Their Mechanisms of Action

Despite significant technological advancements in conventional therapies, cancer remains one of the main causes of death worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in the control and treatment of cancer, several limitations still exist, and there is scope for further advancements. Several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy that hinder cancer treatment and lead to other critical disorders. Since ancient times, plant-based medicines have been employed in clinical practice and have yielded good results with few side effects. The modern research system and advanced screening techniques for plants’ bioactive constituents have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of challenging diseases such as cancer. Phytochemicals such as vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, curcumin, colchicine, and lycopene have shown promising anticancer effects. Discovery of more plant-derived bioactive compounds should be encouraged via the exploitation of advanced and innovative research techniques, to prevent and treat advanced-stage cancers without causing significant adverse effects. This review highlights numerous plant-derived bioactive molecules that have shown potential as anticancer agents and their probable mechanisms of action and provides an overview of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies on anticancer phytochemicals.

Plant-Derived Terpenoids: A Promising Tool in the Fight against Melanoma

Simple Summary

Despite the numerous therapies, melanoma remains the deadliest of all skin cancers; however, plant-derived terpenoids are defense molecules that have proven anti-cancer properties. In this review, we present the results of the search for anti-melanoma plant terpenoids. Additionally, we show the effects of combining terpenoids with standard drugs, radiation therapy, or other plant substances on melanoma cell lines and animal models. Finally, we present some examples of drug delivery systems that increase the uptake of terpenoids by melanoma tissue.

Abstract

Melanoma is responsible for the highest number of skin cancer-caused deaths worldwide. Despite the numerous melanoma-treating options, the fight against it remains challenging, mainly due to its great heterogeneity and plasticity, as well as the high toxicity of standard drugs. Plant-derived terpenoids are a group of plant defense molecules that have been proven effective in killing many different types of cancer cells, both in in vitro experiments and in vivo models. In this review, we focus on recent results in the search for plant terpenoids with anti-melanoma activity. We also report on the synergistic action of combining terpenoids with other plant-derived substances, MAP kinase inhibitors, or radiation. Additionally, we present examples of terpenoid-loaded nanoparticle carriers as anti-melanoma agents that have increased permeation through the cancer tissue.

Optimization of Production Parameters for Andrographolide-Loaded Nanoemulsion Preparation by Microfluidization and Evaluations of Its Bioactivities in Skin Cancer Cells and UVB Radiation-Exposed Skin

Andrographolide (AG) is an active compound isolated from Andrographis paniculata (Family Acanthaceae). Although it possesses beneficial bioactivities to the skin, there is insufficient information of its applications for treatment of skin disorders due to low water solubility leading to complications in product development. To overcome the problem, an AG-loaded nanoemulsion (AG-NE) was formulated and prepared using a microfluidization technique. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pressure and the number of homogenization cycles (factors) on droplet size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of AG-NE (responses) and to determine the effect of AG-NE on skin cancer cells and UVB irradiation-induced skin disorders in rats. Relationships between factors versus responses obtained from the face-centered central composite design were described by quadratic models. The optimum value of parameters for the production of optimized AG-NE (Op-AG-NE) were 20,000 psi of pressure and 5 homogenization cycles. Op-AG-NE showed promising cytotoxicity effects on the human malignant melanoma- (A375 cells) and non-melanoma cells (A-431 cells) via apoptosis induction with a high selectivity index and also inhibited intracellular tyrosinase activity in the A375 cells. Op-AG-NE could reduce melanin index and healed UVB irradiation exposed skin. Op-AG-NE thus had potential for treatment of skin cancers and skin disorders from exposure to UVB radiation.

Computational and synthetic biology approaches for the biosynthesis of antiviral and anticancer terpenoids from Bacillus subtilis

Recent advancements in medicinal research have identified several antiviral and anticancer terpenoids that are usually deployed as a source of flavor, fragrances and pharmaceuticals. Under the current COVID-19 pandemic conditions, natural therapeutics with least side effects are the need of the hour to save the patients, especially, which are pre-affected with other medical complications. Although, plants are the major sources of terpenoids; however, for the environmental concerns, the global interest has shifted to the biocatalytic production of molecules from microbial sources. The gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis is a suitable host in this regard due to its GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status, ease in genetic manipulations and wide industrial acceptability. The B. subtilis synthesizes its terpenoid molecules from 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate (DXP) pathway, a common route in almost all microbial strains. Here, we summarize the computational and synthetic biology approaches to improve the production of terpenoid-based therapeutics from B. subtilis by utilizing DXP pathway. We focus on the in-silico approaches for screening the functionally improved enzyme-variants of the two crucial enzymes namely, the DXP synthase (DXS) and farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS). The approaches for engineering the active sites are subsequently explained. It will be helpful to construct the functionally improved enzymes for the high-yield production of terpenoid-based anticancer and antiviral metabolites, which would help to reduce the cost and improve the availability of such therapeutics for the humankind.

Antitumor Effects of Freeze-Dried Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) Extracts on Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Coffee consumption is believed to have chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects and to contribute to preventing the development and progression of cancer. However, there is still controversy around these claims. As indicated in our previous works, diet can influence the risk of breast cancer. Intake of coffee is hypothesized to reduce this risk, but current scientific evidence is not conclusive. This work is aimed at studying the effects of Robusta coffee bean extract on cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis of different human cancers, especially breast cancer cell lines. To this end, cell viability was evaluated by Alamar Blue in 2D and 3D models, the cell cycle by PI, apoptosis by annexin V, mitochondrial morphology, and functionality by mitoTracker, and colony formation capacity by the clonogenic assay. Green and dark coffee extract significantly reduced viability in human breast, colorectal, brain, and bone cancer cells. Coffee anticancer activity was clearly evidenced in MDA-MB-231 (ER⁻) and MCF-7 (ER⁺) breast cancer cells but not in the normal breast cell line. In addition, coffee extract induces an increase S phase and a decrease G2/M population in breast cancer cells, affected the mitochondrial morphology, and triggered apoptosis. MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells lost their clonogenic capacity after treatment. The antitumor activity was demonstrated in both 2D and 3D culture cell models.

Antitumor effects of Andrographis via ferroptosis-associated genes in gastric cancer

The overall prognosis of advanced/metastatic gastric cancer (GC) remains poor despite the development of pharmacotherapy. Therefore, other treatment options, such as complementary and alternative medicine, should be considered to overcome this aggressive malignancy. Andrographis, which is a generally unharmful botanical compound, has gained increasing interest for its anticancer effects in multiple malignancies via the regulation of cancer progression-associated signaling pathways. In the present study, a series of in vitro experiments (cell proliferation, colony formation and apoptosis assays) was designed to elucidate the antitumor potential and mechanism of Andrographis in GC cells. The present study demonstrated that Andrographis exerted antitumor effects in GC cell lines (MKN74 and NUGC4) by inhibiting proliferation, reducing colony formation and enhancing apoptotic activity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the expression levels of the ferroptosis-associated genes heme oxygenase-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier were significantly upregulated after Andrographis treatment in both GC cell lines in reverse transcription-quantitative PCR experiments (P<0.05); this finding was further confirmed by immunoblotting assays (P<0.05). In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to demonstrate that Andrographis possessed antitumor properties by altering the expression levels of ferroptosis-associated genes, thereby providing novel insights into the potential of Andrographis as an adjunctive treatment option for patients with metastatic GC.

TLR4 in skin cancer: From molecular mechanisms to clinical interventions

The health and economic burden imposed by skin cancer is substantial, creating an urgent need for the development of improved molecular strategies for its prevention and treatment. Cutaneous exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a causative factor in skin carcinogenesis, and TLR4-dependent inflammatory dysregulation is an emerging key mechanism underlying detrimental effects of acute and chronic UV exposure. Direct and indirect TLR4 activation, upstream of inflammatory signaling, is elicited by a variety of stimuli, including pathogen-associated molecular patterns (such as lipopolysaccharide) and damage-associated molecular patterns (such as HMGB1) that are formed upon exposure to environmental stressors, such as solar UV. TLR4 involvement has now been implicated in major types of skin malignancies, including nonmelanoma skin cancer, melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. Targeted molecular interventions that positively or negatively modulate TLR4 signaling have shown promise in translational, preclinical, and clinical investigations that may benefit skin cancer patients in the near future.

Andrographolide attenuates imbalance of gastric vascular homeostasis induced by ethanol through glycolysis pathway

Different kinds of factors contribute to gastric ulcer development which characterized by damaging gastric mucosal layer. However, gastric vascular homeostasis is not well defined and whether andrographolide has a protective function is largely unknown. The goal of this study is to investigate the potential function roles and underlying mechanism by which andrographolide regulates gastric vascular homeostasis in vivo and in vitro. Gastric ulcer animal model induced on andrographolide pretreated C57/BL6 mouse by ethanol intragastric administration. Hematoxylin and Eosin Stain, Masson’s trichrome stain and Immunohistochemistry stain performed to observe gastric vascular homeostasis, which associated hemorrhage, extracellular matrix deposition and macrophage infiltration. The activity of vascular endothelial cells were associated with the proliferation and migration, which were detected using cell counting, MTS, and wound scratch healing assay. The underlying endothelial glycolytic mechanism investigated in vivo and in vitro. Andrographolide pretreatment dramatically attenuates ethanol intragastric administration induced imbalance of gastric vascular homeostasis which characterized by severe hemorrhage, increase extracellular matrix deposition and augment macrophage infiltration. Andrographolide treatment conspicuous inhibits HUVEC-C activity characterized by suppressing proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. Mechanically, andrographolide treatment significant suppresses the expression of glycolytic genes, especially decrease PFKFB3 expression. The treatment with PFKFB3 inhibitor, 3-PO, exacerbates the inhibitory function of andrographolide on vascular endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Those data Suggests that andrographolide contributes to maintain gastric vascular homeostasis, at least partially, by inhibiting PFKFB3 mediated glycolysis pathway. Andrographolide plays a crucial role in maintaining gastric vascular homeostasis during gastric ulcer development through regulating vascular endothelial cell glycolytic pathway.