Chemoprotective Effect of Boeravinone B against DMBA/Croton Oil Induced Skin Cancer via Reduction of Inflammation

Orbea variegata (L.) Haw in skin carcinogenesis: insights from an in vivo male Swiss mouse model study

Skin cancer is the most widespread type of malignant tumor representing a major public health concern. Considering the numerous side effects associated with conventional treatments, phytotherapy may be regarded as a viable medicinal alternative. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Orbea variegata (L.) Haw, an ornamental plant, in treating skin cancer using an animal model induced by a combination of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and sulfuric acid treatment. The hydroethanolic extract of Orbea variegata underwent phytochemical characterization, identifying the presence of reducing sugars, coumarins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins through qualitative screening. Quantitative analysis demonstrated significant amounts of phenolic compounds (29.435 ± 0.571 mg GAE/g of dry extract), flavonoids (6.711 ± 0.272 mg QE/g of dry extract), and tannins (274.037 ± 11.3 mg CE/g of dry extract). The administration the hydroethanolic extract in two concentrations (1 or 2 g/kg) to male Swiss mice exhibited no marked adverse effects, as evidenced by serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme activity levels. In addition, the extract significantly reduced skin hyperplasia and inflammation induced by UV/sulfuric acid treatment as noted in tissue analyses and decreased protein expression of nuclear proliferation marker (Ki-67). This improvement was associated with a marked decrease in oxidative stress, as indicated by diminished lipid peroxidation levels, and restoration of the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) to control levels. Our findings demonstrated the potential of Orbea variegata hydroethanolic extract to be considered as a treatment for skin cancer, exhibiting its apparent safety and efficacy in reducing inflammation and carcinogenesis in a UV/sulfuric acid-induced Swiss mouse model, attributed to its phytochemical content and associated antioxidant activities.

Sunset Yellow protects against oxidative damage and exhibits chemoprevention in chemically induced skin cancer model

Skin cancer and other skin-related inflammatory pathologies are rising due to heightened exposure to environmental pollutants and carcinogens. In this context, natural products and repurposed compounds hold promise as novel therapeutic and preventive agents. Strengthening the skin's antioxidant defense mechanisms is pivotal in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigating oxidative stress. Sunset Yellow (SY) exhibits immunomodulatory characteristics, evidenced by its capacity to partially inhibit the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, regulate immune cell populations, and modulate the activation of lymphocytes. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-genotoxic properties of SY using in-silico, in vitro, and physiochemical test systems, and to further explore its potential role in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)/ 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced two-stage skin carcinogenesis. In vitro experiments showed that pre-treatment of SY significantly enhanced the cell viability of HaCaT cells when exposed to tertiary-Butyl Hydrogen Peroxide (tBHP). This increase was accompanied by reduced ROS levels, restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential, and notable reduction in DNA damage in (SY + tBHP) treated cells. Mechanistic investigations using DPPH chemical antioxidant activity test and potentiometric titrations confirmed SY's antioxidant properties, with a standard reduction potential (E o ) of 0.211 V. Remarkably, evaluating the effect of topical application of SY in DMBA/TPA-induced two-step skin carcinogenesis model revealed dose-dependent decreases in tumor latency, incidence, yield, and burden over 21-weeks. Furthermore, computational analysis and experimental validations identified GSK3β, KEAP1 and EGFR as putative molecular targets of SY. Collectively, our findings reveal that SY enhances cellular antioxidant defenses, exhibits anti-genotoxic effects, and functions as a promising chemopreventive agent.

Validation, Optimization and Hepatoprotective Effects of Boeravinone B and Caffeic Acid Compounds from Boerhavia diffusa Linn

Boerhavia diffusa, also known as Punarnava, is a plant of the Nyctaginaceae family that has been utilized in traditional medicine to cure a variety of ailments. The goal of this study was to use response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the maximum percentage yield of boeravinone B and caffeic acid from Boerhavia diffusa roots, and simultaneous determination of boeravinone B and caffeic acid in newly developed single solvent system and demonstrate the hepatoprotective benefits of boeravinone B and caffeic acid. The extraction process examined extraction time, extraction temperature and solvent concentration, which were optimized via Box–Behnken experimental design. The proposed HPTLC method for the quantification of boeravinone B and caffeic acid were successfully validated and developed. The method was validated in term of linearity and detection limit, quantification limit, range, precision, specificity and accuracy. The separation of boeravinone B and caffeic acid bands was achieved on HPTLC plate using formic acid: ethyl acetate: toluene (1:3:5 v/v) as developing system. Densitometric analyses of boeravinone B and caffeic acid was carried out in the absorbance mode at 254 nm. The maximum percentage yield of caffeic acid and boeravinone B from Boerhavia diffusa require appropriate extraction parameters such as temperature, time, organic solvents and water content, which can be achieved using the Box-Behnken statistical design provide time: temperature: solvent ratio (30:45:40 v/v) for extraction of caffeic acid and 60:60:40 v/v for extraction of boeravinone B. The boeravinone B (200 µg/mL) and caffeic acid (200 µg/mL) showed the most significant hepatoprotective activity compared with standard sylimarin in HepG2 cell induced with galactosamine 40 mM toxicity. The findings supported B. diffusa’s traditional use as a functional food forhuman health benefits.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Oxaprozin is Beneficial Against Seizure-induced Memory Impairment in an Experimental Model of Seizures in Rats: Impact On Oxidative Stress and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

There is substantial evidence that anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants have neuroprotective properties and may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, the effects of oxaprozin (OXP) (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) on the experimental model of seizure and memory impairment caused by seizures in rats were investigated in the present study. Seizures in male Wistar rats (200-250 g, 8 weeks) were induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 60 mg/kg). The anticonvulsant effects of OXP (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally) were evaluated in the seizure model. The effect on memory was assessed using the passive avoidance (PA) test. After behavioral tests, the animals underwent deep anesthesia and were euthanized painlessly. Animal serum was isolated for antioxidant assays (MDA and GPx). The animals' brains (hippocampus) were also isolated to gauge the relative expression of genes in the oxidative stress pathway (Nrf2/HO-1). Intraperitoneal injection of OXP decreased the mean score on the Racine scale compared to the PTZ group. Moreover, in the PA test, OXP caused a significant increase in retention latency (RL) and total time spent in the light compartment (TLC) compared to the PTZ group. Biochemical tests showed that OXP was able to significantly increase GPx serum levels and significantly reduce MDA serum levels compared to the PTZ group. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results also revealed that OXP counteracted the negative effects of PTZ by significantly increasing the expression of the Nrf2 and Hmox1 genes. Overall, this study suggests the potential neuroprotective effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug OXP in a model of memory impairment caused by seizures via inhibition of the oxidative stress pathway.