Combination of resveratrol and green tea epigallocatechin gallate induces synergistic apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in vivo in head and neck cancer models

Prominent Naturally Derived Oxidative-Stress-Targeting Drugs and Their Applications in Cancer Treatment

The relationship between oxidative stress and cancer has been extensively studied and highlighted, along with its role in various aspects of angiogenesis. The modulation of oxidative levels and the adaptive mechanisms of oxidative stress in cancer systems are attractive research themes for developing anti-cancer strategies. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in various pathophysiological processes and play crucial roles in DNA damage and angiogenesis. Although cancer cells have developed various adaptive defense mechanisms against oxidative stress, excessive ROS production has been proposed as an anti-cancer strategy to induce cellular apoptosis. In particular, natural-source-based antioxidants have been identified as effective against cancers, and various delivery platforms have been developed to enhance their efficacy. In this review, we highlighted the anti-cancer components (plumbagin, quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin, xanthatin, carvacrol, telmisartan, and sulforaphane) that modulate ROS levels and the recent targeting platforms used to increase the application of anti-cancer drugs and the developed delivery platforms with diverse mechanisms of action. Further, we summarized the actual doses used and the effects of these drug candidates in various cancer systems. Overall, this review provides beneficial research themes for expanding cancer-targeting fields and addressing limited applications in diverse cancer types.

Combinatorial effect of Apigenin-resveratrol on white adipocyte plasticity and trans-differentiation for activating lipid metabolism

Inducing browning in white adipocytes has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for addressing obesity. Bioactive that modulate the WAT microenvironment to induce trans browning in white adipocytes have been explored as a strategy to control unregulated lipid storage. However, relying on a single bioactive for modulating lipid metabolism has proven insufficient in obese individuals during human trials, because these compounds primarily activate a single biochemical pathway in promoting browning. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on targeting multiple pathways to ensure a safe and effective browning process. The present study investigated the combinatorial effect of bioactives namely Apigenin and Resveratrol for activating multiple pathways for effective trans-browning of white adipocytes. The combination was seen to promote the browning more effectively than the single bioactive, as the combination simultaneously activated multiple signaling pathways to induce angiogenesis-mediated browning in primary white adipocytes isolated from obese mice. Activation of PI3K signaling via estrogen receptor-α-dependent pathway resulted in simultaneous activation of angiogenesis and trans browning in white adipocytes. The study provides valuable insights into the potential use of bioactives in combination with therapeutic intervention to improve the overall health of obese subjects by enhancing lipid metabolism by activating trans-differentiation of white adipocytes.

Chemoprevention of Head and Neck Cancer: A Review of Current Approaches and Future Perspectives

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a spectrum of heterogeneous malignancies. A variety of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contribute to the development of HNSCC. Carcinogenesis is a multistep process in which cell proliferation-associated oncogenes and cell-cycle regulation-associated tumor suppressor genes are dysregulated, resulting in premalignant lesions. Immune evasion is a critical step in the progression of benign lesions to advanced cancer. This review discusses the advances that have been made in chemoprevention strategies for HNSCC. The rationale for the use of chemopreventive agents to inhibit head and neck cancer development is highlighted by the positive outcomes of several clinical trials. We discuss the potential of some of the commonly studied agents including vitamin A analogs, EGFR inhibitors, COX-2 inhibitors, metabolic modulators, and natural compounds such as green tea, as well as immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy to prevent HNSCC. Our review provides insight into the potential benefits of these agents and the gaps that remain to be addressed. The published results reaffirm the promise of chemoprevention in head and neck cancer and suggest that continued exploration is needed to overcome the limitations. Because the current focus on chemopreventive agents is limited, major efforts in precision oncology approaches and substantial increase in funding will promote research into chemoprevention, which will eventually decrease the incidence of HNSCC.

Effects of Green Tea Extract Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Oral Diseases: A Narrative Review

OBJECTIVES

Oral diseases are among the most prevalent diseases globally. Accumulating new evidence suggests considerable benefits of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) for oral health. This review aims to explore the role and application of EGCG in main oral diseases.

METHODS

This narrative review thoroughly examines and summarizes the most recent literature available in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar) reporting advances in the role and application of EGCG within the dental field. The major keywords used included "EGCG", "green tea extract", "oral health", "caries", "pulpitis", "periapical disease", "periodontal disease", "oral mucosa", "salivary gland", and "oral cancer".

CONCLUSIONS

EGCG prevents and manages various oral diseases through its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. Compared to traditional treatments, EGCG generally exhibits lower tissue irritation and positive synergistic effects when combined with other therapies. Novel delivery systems or chemical modifications can significantly enhance EGCG's bioavailability, prolong its action, and reduce toxicity, which are current hotspots in developing new materials.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

this review provides an exhaustive overview of the biological activities of EGCG to major oral diseases, alongside an exploration of applications and limitations, which serves as a reference for preventing and managing oral ailments.

Natural Products for Cancer Prevention and Interception: Preclinical and Clinical Studies and Funding Opportunities

Multiple agents derived from natural products (NPs) have been evaluated for cancer prevention and interception, either alone or in combination. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is very interested in advancing research to identify additional agents that, alone or in combination, may prove useful in cancer prevention. Below, we provide an overview of NP studies in cancer prevention and interception, both individual agents and combination interventions. Given that findings from many preclinical studies evaluating individual agents have generally not been confirmed in human studies, our focus with individual NPs in this review is on studies involving humans, especially clinical trials. Fewer combination intervention studies have been conducted, so we have broadened our review to include preclinical studies. We conclude with how the Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) within the NCI is providing funding to encourage the research community to propose natural product studies in cancer prevention and interception to advance the field.

Chemopreventive and Biological Strategies in the Management of Oral Potentially Malignant and Malignant Disorders

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represent a significant global health burden due to their potential for malignant transformation and the challenges associated with their diagnosis and treatment. Chemoprevention, an innovative approach aimed at halting or reversing the neoplastic process before full malignancy, has emerged as a promising avenue for mitigating the impact of OPMD and OSCC. The pivotal role of chemopreventive strategies is underscored by the need for effective interventions that go beyond traditional therapies. In this regard, chemopreventive agents offer a unique opportunity to intercept disease progression by targeting the molecular pathways implicated in carcinogenesis. Natural compounds, such as curcumin, green tea polyphenols, and resveratrol, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties that could make them potential candidates for curtailing the transformation of OPMD to OSCC. Moreover, targeted therapies directed at specific molecular alterations hold promise in disrupting the signaling cascades driving OSCC growth. Immunomodulatory agents, like immune checkpoint inhibitors, are gaining attention for their potential to harness the body's immune response against early malignancies, thus impeding OSCC advancement. Additionally, nutritional interventions and topical formulations of chemopreventive agents offer localized strategies for preventing carcinogenesis in the oral cavity. The challenge lies in optimizing these strategies for efficacy, safety, and patient compliance. This review presents an up to date on the dynamic interplay between molecular insights, clinical interventions, and the broader goal of reducing the burden of oral malignancies. As research progresses, the synergy between early diagnosis, non-invasive biomarker identification, and chemopreventive therapy is poised to reshape the landscape of OPMD and OSCC management, offering a glimpse of a future where these diseases are no longer insurmountable challenges but rather preventable and manageable conditions.

Dietary Polyphenols against Oxidative Stress in Head and Neck Cancer: What's New, What's Next

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are a worldwide health problem, accounting for over 5% of all types of cancers. Their varied nature makes it sometimes difficult to find clear explanations for the molecular mechanisms that underline their onset and development. While chemio- and radiotherapy are clearly not to be dismissed, we cannot undervalue the effect that polyphenols - especially dietary polyphenols - can have in helping us to cope with this medical emergency. By influencing several different proteins involved in numerous different metabolic pathways, polyphenols can have a broad spectrum of biological action and can hopefully act synergistically to tackle down head and neck cancer. Moreover, being natural molecules, polyphenols does not present any side effects and can even enhance drugs efficacy, making our clinical therapy against head and neck cancer more and more effective. Certainly, oxidative stress plays an important role, altering several molecular pathways, lowering the body's defenses, and ultimately helping to create a microenvironment conducive to the appearance and development of the tumor. In this regard, the regular and constant intake of foods rich in polyphenols can help counteract the onset of oxidative stress, improving the health of the general population. In this review, we highlight the role of polyphenols in managing oxidative stress, with such positive effects that they can be considered new tools to use in our anti-head and neck cancer strategy.

The combined anticancer of peanut skin procyanidins and resveratrol to CACO-2 colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Currently, chemotherapy is the primary way for colorectal cancer, but with severe side effects. Therefore, it is urgent to find safer and more effective adjuvant treatment methods. At present, natural active substances are promising alternatives, as numerous studies have demonstrated possible synergistic anticancer effects in plant-active polyphenols. In the present study, the combined effect of procyanidins (PC) (from peanut skin) and resveratrol (RES) (from peanut buds) on the synergistic anticancer potential was investigated. CACO-2 and HCT-8 cells were served as colorectal cancer models, and HEPG-2 and HUH-7 cells were served as liver cancer models to observe the effects of PC and RES alone or in combination on the growth and proliferation of these four types of cancer cells. The results revealed that both PC and RES could inhibit the cells' proliferation in a manner with concentration-dependent, but they exerted synergistic anticancer effects only on CACO-2 cells. PC and RES could synergistically inhibit CACO-2 cell clone formation, inducing apoptosis of CACO-2 cells and blocking their cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. Additionally, as observed by the results of Western blot assay, the combined effect of PC and RES also inhibited the phosphorylation of Thr308, Ser473, and ERK and promoted the phosphorylation of IKBα and NF-κB in CACO-2 cells. These findings collectively indicate that PC combined with RES might exert synergistic anticancer effects by regulating AKT, ERK, and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Tumor microenvironment remodeling in oral cancer: Application of plant derived-natural products and nanomaterials

Oral cancers consist of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and other malignancies in the mouth with varying degrees of invasion and differentiation. For many years, different modalities such as surgery, radiation therapy, and classical chemotherapy drugs have been used to control the growth of oral tumors. Nowadays, studies have confirmed the remarkable effects of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on the development, invasion, and therapeutic resistance of tumors like oral cancers. Therefore, several studies have been conducted to modulate the TME in various types of tumors in favor of cancer suppression. Natural products are intriguing agents for targeting cancers and TME. Flavonoids, non-flavonoid herbal-derived molecules, and other natural products have shown promising effects on cancers and TME. These agents, such as curcumin, resveratrol, melatonin, quercetin and naringinin have demonstrated potency in suppressing oral cancers. In this paper, we will review and discuss about the potential efficacy of natural adjuvants on oral cancer cells. Furthermore, we will review the possible therapeutic effects of these agents on the TME and oral cancer cells. Moreover, the potential of nanoparticles-loaded natural products for targeting oral cancers and TME will be reviewed. The potentials, gaps, and future perspectives for targeting TME by nanoparticles-loaded natural products will also be discussed.

The potential preventive effect of dietary phytochemicals In Vivo

INTRODUCTION

Chemoprevention refers to using specific substances during oncogenesis. Curcumin and catechins are both polyphenol types of phytochemicals present in curcuma longa and green tea. The effect of curcumin is synergistic with epigallocatechin gallate, the most abundant polyphenol in tea.

AIM

To evaluate and compares the chemopreventive effect of both green tea and curcumin (each individually and in combination) through induction of hamster buccal pouch carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Squamous cell carcinoma was chemically induced in fifty Syrian golden hamsters divided into 5 groups (10 each). The first group was used as a normal control group. The second group received the carcinogenic agent only. The other three groups received green tea, curcumin, and a combination of both, respectively. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical assays were used to evaluate apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis. ANOVA test was used to analyze the results between the study groups.

RESULTS

The cells of the positive control group (B) resulted in 11.57% apoptosis. In the study groups, treatment of the cells with green tea (C), and curcumin (D) and both of them (E) showed increased apoptosis. The fluorescent image in group B showed an increase of the red fluorescence in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the squamous cell carcinoma cells while groups C, D, and E showed a decrease of the red fluorescence in the nuclei of the squamous cell carcinoma cells. The microvessel density was higher in the positive control group as compared to the treated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of green tea and curcumin has a significant chemopreventive effect against oral carcinogenesis.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the epigallocatechin-3-gallate-mediated inhibition of oral squamous cell carcinogenesis

OBJECTIVES

To reveal the mechanisms underlying the epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-mediated inhibition of carcinogenesis and the related regulatory signaling pathways.

DESIGN

The effect of EGCG on the proliferation of OSCC cells was examined. SuperPred, ChEMBL, Swiss TargetPrediction, DisGeNET, GeneCards, and National Center for Biotechnology Information databases were used to predict the EGCG target genes and oral leukoplakia (OL)-related, oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF)-related, and OSCC-related genes. The binding of EGCG to the target proteins was simulated using AutoDock and PyMOL. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was subjected to consensus clustering analysis to predict the downstream molecules associated with these targets, as well as their potential functions and pathways.

RESULTS

EGCG significantly inhibited OSCC cell proliferation (p < 0.001). By comparing EGCG target genes with genes linked to oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) and OSCC, a total of eleven potential EGCG target genes were identified. Furthermore, EGCG has the capacity to bind to eleven proteins. Based on consensus clustering and enrichment analysis, it is suggested that EGCG may hinder the progression of cancer by altering the cell cycle and invasive properties in precancerous lesions of the oral cavity. Some possible strategies for modifying the cell cycle and invasive properties may include EGCG-mediated suppression of specific genes and proteins, which are associated with cancer development.

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways associated with the EGCG-induced suppression of OSCC. The identification of specific pharmacological targets of EGCG during carcinogenesis is crucial for the development of innovative combination therapies involving EGCG.

SERPINB2, an Early Responsive Gene to Epigallocatechin Gallate, Inhibits Migration and Promotes Apoptosis in Esophageal Cancer Cells

Esophageal cancer is a lethal disease that frequently occurs in developing countries, the incidence of which could be declined by drinking EGCG-enriched drinks or food. SERPINB2, whose complex functions and regulations are not yet fully understood, are induced by multiple inflammatory molecules and anti-tumor agents. Here, we identify 2444 EGCG-regulated genes in esophageal cancer cells, including SERPINB2. EGCG treatment recruits NF-κB at the promoter and enhancers of SERPINB2 and activates gene transcription, which is repressed by NF-κB knockdown or inhibition. Loss of SERPINB2 leads to a faster migration rate and less expression of Caspase-3 in cancer cells. Our study demonstrates that SERPINB2 is a new tumor-suppressor gene involved in cell movement and apoptosis and could be a therapeutic target for esophageal cancer.

Review of Under-Recognized Adjunctive Therapies for Cancer

Patients and providers may not be aware that several adjunctive measures can significantly improve the quality of life, response to treatment, and possibly outcomes for cancer patients. This manuscript presents a review of practical under-recognized adjunctive therapies that are effective including exercise; stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, massage, yoga, Tai Chi, breathing exercises; importance of sleep quality; diet modifications such as calorie restriction at the time of chemotherapy and avoidance of high carbohydrate foods; supplements such as aspirin, green tea, turmeric, and melatonin; and repurposed prescription medications such as metformin and statins. Each recommendation should be tailored to the individual patient to assure no contraindications.

Combination Anticancer Therapies Using Selected Phytochemicals

Cancer is still one of the most widespread diseases globally, it is considered a vital health challenge worldwide and one of the main barriers to long life expectancy. Due to the potential toxicity and lack of selectivity of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, discovering alternative treatments is a top priority. Plant-derived natural products have high potential in cancer treatment due to their multiple mechanisms of action, diversity in structure, availability in nature, and relatively low toxicity. In this review, the anticancer mechanisms of the most common phytochemicals were analyzed. Furthermore, a detailed discussion of the anticancer effect of combinations consisting of natural product or natural products with chemotherapeutic drugs was provided. This review should provide a strong platform for researchers and clinicians to improve basic and clinical research in the development of alternative anticancer medicines.

Plants as a Source of Anticancer Agents: From Bench to Bedside

Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Conventional anticancer therapies are associated with lack of selectivity and serious side effects. Cancer hallmarks are biological capabilities acquired by cancer cells during neoplastic transformation. Targeting multiple cancer hallmarks is a promising strategy to treat cancer. The diversity in chemical structure and the relatively low toxicity make plant-derived natural products a promising source for the development of new and more effective anticancer therapies that have the capacity to target multiple hallmarks in cancer. In this review, we discussed the anticancer activities of ten natural products extracted from plants. The majority of these products inhibit cancer by targeting multiple cancer hallmarks, and many of these chemicals have reached clinical applications. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers and physicians to design more effective combination anticancer therapies using plant-derived natural products.

Cancer Chemoprevention: A Strategic Approach Using Phytochemicals

Cancer chemoprevention approaches are aimed at preventing, delaying, or suppressing tumor incidence using synthetic or natural bioactive agents. Mechanistically, chemopreventive agents also aid in mitigating cancer development, either by impeding DNA damage or by blocking the division of premalignant cells with DNA damage. Several pre-clinical studies have substantiated the benefits of using various dietary components as chemopreventives in cancer therapy. The incessant rise in the number of cancer cases globally is an issue of major concern. The excessive toxicity and chemoresistance associated with conventional chemotherapies decrease the success rates of the existent chemotherapeutic regimen, which warrants the need for an efficient and safer alternative therapeutic approach. In this scenario, chemopreventive agents have been proven to be successful in protecting the high-risk populations from cancer, which further validates chemoprevention strategy as rational and promising. Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of this approach in managing cancers of different origins. Phytochemicals, which constitute an appreciable proportion of currently used chemotherapeutic drugs, have been tested for their chemopreventive efficacy. This review primarily aims to highlight the efficacy of phytochemicals, currently being investigated globally as chemopreventives. The clinical relevance of chemoprevention, with special emphasis on the phytochemicals, curcumin, resveratrol, tryptanthrin, kaempferol, gingerol, emodin, quercetin genistein and epigallocatechingallate, which are potential candidates due to their ability to regulate multiple survival pathways without inducing toxicity, forms the crux of this review. The majority of these phytochemicals are polyphenols and flavanoids. We have analyzed how the key molecular targets of these chemopreventives potentially counteract the key drivers of chemoresistance, causing minimum toxicity to the body. An overview of the underlying mechanism of action of these phytochemicals in regulating the key players of cancer progression and tumor suppression is discussed in this review. A summary of the clinical trials on the important phytochemicals that emerge as chemopreventives is also incorporated. We elaborate on the pre-clinical and clinical observations, pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and molecular targets of some of these natural products. To summarize, the scope of this review comprises of the current status, limitations, and future directions of cancer chemoprevention, emphasizing the potency of phytochemicals as effective chemopreventives.

Molecular simulation probes the potency of resveratrol in regulating the toxic aggregation of mutant V30M TTR fibrils in Transthyretin mediated amyloidosis

Transthyretin (TTR) mediated amyloidosis is a highly ruinous illness that affects various organs by aggravating the deposition of misfolded or mutated TTR protein aggregates in tissues. Hence, hindering the formation of TTR amyloid aggregates could be a key strategy in finding an effective cure towards the aggravating disorder. In this analysis, we examined the subversive nature of point mutation, V30M, in TTR that promotes amyloidogenicity using discrete molecular dynamics (DMD) simulations. Besides, we probed the association of naturally occurring polyphenols: EGCG (a proven anti TTR aggregation agent as positive control), resveratrol and curcumin in mitigating the pathogenic repercussions of mutant TTR. Results from the computational studies endorsed that the resveratrol constitutes a restorative potential to subjugate TTR mediated amyloidosis, besides EGCG. Hence, this study could be a reminiscent aspect in understanding the inhibitory role of key polyphenols against the mutant TTR aggregates, which could be an aid towards structure-based drug design in the upcoming research era on familial amyloid disorders.

Resveratrol, EGCG and Vitamins Modulate Activated T Lymphocytes

Vitamins and bioactives, which are constituents of the food chain, modulate T lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation, antibody production, and prevent inflammation and autoimmunity. We investigated the effects of vitamins (vitamin A (VA), D (VD), E (VE)) and bioactives (i.e., resveratrol (Res), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)) on the adaptive immune response, as well as their synergistic or antagonistic interactions. Freshly isolated T lymphocytes from healthy individuals were activated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies for 4–5 days in the presence of bioactives and were analyzed by cytofluorometry. Interleukins, cytokines, and chemokines were measured by multiple ELISA. Gene expression was measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Res and EGCG increased CD4 surface intensity. EGCG led to an increased proportion of CD8⁺ lymphocytes. Anti-CD3/CD28 activation induced exuberant secretion of interleukins and cytokines by T lymphocyte subsets. VD strongly enhanced T_h2 cytokines (e.g., IL-5, IL-13), whereas Res and EGCG favored secretion of T_h1 cytokines (e.g., IL-2, INF-γ). Res and VD mutually influenced cytokine production, but VD dominated the cytokine secretion pattern. The substances changed gene expression of interleukins and cytokines in a similar way as they did secretion. Collectively, VD strongly modulated cytokine and interleukin production and favored T_h2 functions. Resveratrol and EGCG promoted the T_h1 response. VA and VE had only a marginal effect, but they altered both T_h1 and T_h2 response. In vivo, bioactives might therefore interact with vitamins and support the outcome and extent of the adaptive immune response.