Inhibitory effect of theaflavin-3,3'-digallate can involve its binding to the "stem" domain of α-hemolysin of Staphylococcus aureus

Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are currently a worldwide threat affecting millions of individuals. The pathogenicity of S. aureus is associated with numerous virulence factors, including cell surface proteins, polysaccharides, and secreted toxins. The pore-forming α-hemolysin, known as α-toxin, is produced by nearly all virulent strains of S. aureus and is implicated in several diseases including skin and soft tissue infections, atopic dermatitis, and pneumonia. There are currently no vaccines available for the prevention of S. aureus infections and the efficacy of available antibiotics has been fading. In this study we examined the mode of antihemolytic activity of theaflavin-3,3'-digallate against α-hemolysin of methicillin-resistant S. aureus by molecular docking using AutoDock Vina as the molecular docking tool. The theaflavin-3,3'-digallate docked the molecular sequence of the Hla (PDB ID:7ahl). The scores of the top 10 binding modes obtained were between -9.0 and -8.5 kcal mol-1, and the best binding mode was -9.0 kcal mol-1. Direct binding sites of theaflavin-3,3'-digallate to the "stem" domain of Hla were revealed which primarily targeted of the residues Met113, Thr117, Asn139. The disclosure of this potential binding mode warrants further clinical evaluation of theaflavin-3,3'-digallate as an anti-hemolytic compound in order to practically validate our results.

Inhibition of α-hemolysin activity of Staphylococcus aureus by theaflavin 3,3'-digallate

The ongoing rise in antibiotic resistance, and a waning of the introduction of new antibiotics, has resulted in limited treatment options for bacterial infections, including these caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, leaving the world in a post-antibiotic era. Here, we set out to examine mechanisms by which theaflavin 3,3'-digallate (TF3) might act as an anti-hemolytic compound. In the presented study, we found that TF3 has weak bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on Staphylococcus aureus, and strong inhibitory effect towards the hemolytic activity of its α-hemolysin (Hla) including its production and secretion. A supportive SPR assay reinforced these results and further revealed binding of TF3 to Hla with KD = 4.57×10-5 M. Interestingly, TF3 was also able to protect human primary keratinocytes from Hla-induced cell death, being at the same time non-toxic for them. Further analysis of TF3 properties revealed that TF3 blocked Hla-prompting immune reaction by inhibiting production and secretion of IL1β, IL6, and TNFα in vitro and in vivo, through affecting NFκB activity. Additionally, we observed that TF3 also markedly attenuated S. aureus-induced barrier disruption, by inhibiting Hla-triggered E-cadherin and ZO-1 impairment. Overall, by blocking activity of Hla, TF3 subsequently subdued the inflammation and protected the epithelial barrier, which is considered as beneficial to relieving skin injury.

Phytochemicals and micronutrients in suppressing infectivity caused by SARS-CoV-2 virions and seasonal coronavirus HCoV-229E in vivo

SARS-CoV-2 infection still poses health threats especially to older and immunocompromised individuals. New emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron and Arcturus, have been challenging the effectiveness of humoral immunity resulting from repeated vaccination and infection. With recent study implying a wave of new mutants in vaccinated people making them more susceptible to the newest variants and fueling a rapid viral evolution, there is a need for alternative or adjunct approaches against coronavirus infections other than vaccines. Our earlier work indicated that a specific combination of micronutrients and phytochemicals can inhibit key infection mechanisms shared by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in vitro. Here we demonstrate in vivo that an intake of this micronutrient combination before and during infection of mice with engineered SARS-CoV-2 virions and HCoV-229E virus results in a significant decrease in viral load and level of spike protein in the lungs. This was accompanied by decreased inflammatory response, including TNFα, IL1β, ILα, and IL17. These and our earlier results confirm that by targeting multiple mechanisms simultaneously by a combination treatment we can effectively and safely challenge SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-229E virus. If clinically confirmed, such an approach could complement already in-use preventive and therapeutic strategies against coronavirus infections.

Inhibition of Borrelia Burgdorferi-Induced TLR2-NFκB Canonical Signaling by Gallic Acid through Targeting the CD14+ Adaptor Protein and p65 Molecule

The cases of Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi infection have been increasing throughout Northern America and Europe. This pathogen, if not treated in a timely manner with antibiotics, can cause persisting and debilitating health outcomes. In the search for novel agents against B. burgdorferi, we investigated a phenolic compound—gallic acid—for its anti-Borrelia and anti-inflammatory effects. Our results showed its biocidal effect starting from 100 μg/mL against active spirochetes, persisters/round-shaped bodies, and biofilm like aggregates of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. Activation of macrophages by live B. burgdorferi also resulted in a robust NFκB-dependent proinflammatory responses seen in increased production of cytokines. Using human CD14+ macrophages in vitro, we showed that CD14+ adaptor and phosphorylated p65 molecule are impeded at nonbiocidal and noncytotoxic concentrations of gallic acid, resulting in the inhibition of both expression and secretion of cytokines IL1β, IL6, and TNFα. Our findings demonstrate efficacy of gallic acid against B. burgdorferi and provide potential mechanistic insight into its TLR2/CD14+-NFκB mediated mode of action. Further studies on the potential of gallic acid as a safe and effective compound against Borrelia-caused infection are warranted.

Composition of naturally occurring compounds decreases activity of Omicron and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp complex

Naturally-occurring compounds are acknowledged for their broad antiviral efficacy. Little is however known about their mutual cooperation. Here, we evaluated in vitro efficacy of the defined mixture of agents against the RdRp complex of the original SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron variant. This composition of vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, resveratrol, theaflavin, curcumin, quercetin, naringenin, baicalin, and broccoli extract showed to inhibit activity of RdRp/nsp7/nsp8 both these variants. In vitro exposure of recombinant RdRp complex to individual compounds of this composition pointed to quercetin as the driving inhibitory compound. The outcome of this study supports the motion of antiviral efficacy of natural compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron and implies that their reciprocal or mutual interaction may augment antiviral action through simultaneous effect on different mechanisms. Consequently, this makes it more difficult for an infectious agent to evade all these mechanisms at the same time. Considering the urgency in finding effective prevention, but also side-effects free treatment of COVID-19 our results call for clinical affirmation of the benefits of this micronutrient combination in both preventive and therapeutic aspects. Whether observed effects can be achieved, by concentrations of the active agents used in these in vitro experiments, in in vivo or clinical setting warrants further study.

Inhibitory effects of specific combination of natural compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and its Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Kappa, and Mu variants

Despite vaccine availability, the global spread of COVID-19 continues, largely facilitated by emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Our earlier research documented that a specific combination of plant-derived compounds can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 binding to its ACE2 receptor and controlling key cellular mechanisms of viral infectivity. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a defined mixture of plant extracts and micronutrients against original SARS-CoV-2 and its Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Kappa, and Mu variants. The composition containing vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, resveratrol, theaflavin, curcumin, quercetin, naringenin, baicalin, and broccoli extract demonstrated a highest efficacy by inhibiting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) binding of SARS-CoV-2 to its cellular ACE2 receptor by 90%. In vitro exposure of test pseudo-typed variants to this formula for 1 h before or simultaneously administrated to human pulmonary cells resulted in up to 60% inhibition in their cellular entry. Additionally, this composition significantly inhibited other cellular mechanisms of viral infectivity, including the activity of viral RdRp, furin, and cathepsin L. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of natural compounds against SARS-CoV-2 including its mutated forms through pleiotropic mechanisms. Our results imply that simultaneous inhibition of multiple mechanisms of viral infection of host cells could be an effective strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A nutrient mixture reduced tumor growth of SK-UT-1 human leiomyosarcoma cells in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting MMPs and inducing apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignant smooth muscle tumor originating in the uterine wall that generally responds poorly to chemotherapy and radiation.

AIM

We investigated the in vitro effects of a novel nutrient mixture containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract on the human leiomyosarcoma cell line SK-UT-1 by measuring cell proliferation, invasiveness, apoptosis, and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). We also tested the effects of nutrient mixture in vivo using nude mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human leiomyosarcoma SK-UT-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of nutrient mixture. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay; MMP expression by gelatinase zymography; invasion by Matrigel assay; migration by scratch test; apoptosis using Live Green caspase kit. In vivo studies were conducted on 5-6 weeks old female nude mice inoculated subcutaneously with 3 • 10⁶ SK-UT-1 cells. The mice were fed a regular diet or a diet supplemented with 0.5% nutrient mixture. After four weeks, the mice were sacrificed and the tumors were weighed and processed for histology.

RESULTS

In vitro, nutrient mixture treatment was not toxic to SK-UT-1 cells at 250 µg/ml but exhibited 20% and 40% cytotoxicity at 500 and 1000 µg/ml respectively. Zymography did not show bands for either MMP-2 or MMP-9 in SK-UT-1 cells. However, treatment with phorbol myristate acetate stimulated the expression of MMP-9, both active and inactive forms in equal proportion. Nutrient mixture inhibited the secretion of both active and inactive forms in a dose dependent manner. Invasion through Matrigel and migration by scratch test were inhibited in a dose dependent fashion, with both invasion and migration inhibited at 250 µg/ml. Live Green Caspase apoptosis assay demonstrated slight apoptosis at 100 µg/ml and significant apoptosis at 250 to 1000 µg/ml. The results of in vitro studies were further confirmed in vivo by showing 50% decrease in tumor weight, 40% reduction in tumor burden compared to the tumors from mice fed regular diet.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest a therapeutic potential for nutrient mixture in uterine leiomyosarcoma treatment.

Age and Dietary Vitamin C Intake Affect Brain Physiology in Genetically Modified Mice Expressing Human Lipoprotein(A) and Unable to Synthesize Vitamin C

AIMS

Lipoprotein (a) deposition in coronary vascular plaques and cerebral vessels is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and research supports its role as a "repair factor" in vascular walls weakened by vitamin C deficiency.

BACKGROUND

Humans depend on dietary vitamin C as an important antioxidant, and as a cofactor in collagen synthesis, yet are prone to vitamin C deficiency. The brain is the one with the highest vitamin C content, due to its high oxygen consumption and oxidative stress. It has been shown that brain aging is accompanied by accumulated oxidative damage, which can lead to memory decline and neurological diseases.

OBJECTIVE

Our transgenic mouse, Gulo (-/-); Lp(a)+, presents a unique model for the study of key aspects of human metabolism with respect to a lack of internal vitamin C synthesis and the production of human Lipoprotein(a).

METHOD

This mouse model was used in our study to investigate the effects of prolonged intake of low and high levels of vitamin C, at different ages, on oxidative damage, cholesterol levels and Lipoprotein(a) deposition in the brain.

RESULT

The results show that a long-term high vitamin C intake is important in maintaining brain cholesterol homeostasis and preventing oxidative damage in Gulo(-/-);Lp(a)+ mice as they age. Moreover, we observed that the formation of brain Lipoprotein(a) deposits was negatively correlated with brain level of vitamin C, thereby confirming its role as a stability factor for an impaired extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSION

Our study emphasizes the critical role of vitamin C in protecting brain health as we age. Other: Our findings show that optimal vitamin C intake from early life to old age is important in brain health to prevent oxidative stress damage and to maintain cholesterol homeostasis in the brain. More importantly, negative correlation between brain ascorbic levels and the formation of Lp(a) deposit on the choroid plexus further emphasizes the critical role of vitamin C in protecting brain health throughout the normal aging process.

Phenolic compounds disrupt spike-mediated receptor-binding and entry of SARS-CoV-2 pseudo-virions

In the pursuit of suitable and effective solutions to SARS-CoV-2 infection, we investigated the efficacy of several phenolic compounds in controlling key cellular mechanisms involved in its infectivity. The way the SARS-CoV-2 virus infects the cell is a complex process and comprises four main stages: attachment to the cognate receptor, cellular entry, replication and cellular egress. Since, this is a multi-part process, it creates many opportunities to develop effective interventions. Targeting binding of the virus to the host receptor in order to prevent its entry has been of particular interest. Here, we provide experimental evidence that, among 56 tested polyphenols, including plant extracts, brazilin, theaflavin-3,3'-digallate, and curcumin displayed the highest binding with the receptor-binding domain of spike protein, inhibiting viral attachment to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, and thus cellular entry of pseudo-typed SARS-CoV-2 virions. Both, theaflavin-3,3'-digallate at 25 μg/ml and curcumin above 10 μg/ml concentration, showed binding with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor reducing at the same time its activity in both cell-free and cell-based assays. Our study also demonstrates that brazilin and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate, and to a still greater extent, curcumin, decrease the activity of transmembrane serine protease 2 both in cell-free and cell-based assays. Similar pattern was observed with cathepsin L, although only theaflavin-3,3'-digallate showed a modest diminution of cathepsin L expression at protein level. Finally, each of these three compounds moderately increased endosomal/lysosomal pH. In conclusion, this study demonstrates pleiotropic anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy of specific polyphenols and their prospects for further scientific and clinical investigations.

Dietary Vitamin C and Age-Induced Lipid and Hormonal Metabolic Changes in a Humanized Mouse Model Not Synthesizing Vitamin C and Producing Lipoprotein(a) [Gulo (-/-); Lp(a)+]

The lack of ability to produce vitamin C innately and the ability to synthesize human lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) are two unique metabolic features present in humans, compared with most other animal species. The Gulo (-/-) and Lp(a)+ mouse model displays these two features and is therefore suitable for the study of metabolic aspects relevant to human metabolism. It is a well-known fact that vitamin C is essential in collagen synthesis, and in maintaining extracellular matrix integrity, as well as being a powerful antioxidant and cofactor in many metabolic pathways, which makes it a critically important micronutrient for health and healthy aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of a long-term intake of high and low doses of vitamin C on age-related metabolic lipid and hormonal changes in young (eight to nine months), mid-aged (one year), and old (two years) Gulo (-/-) and Lp(a)+ mice. We observed that chronic vitamin C deficiency resulted in a less healthy metabolic lipid profile, impaired serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and sex-hormones secretion, all of which can accelerate the development of various pathological conditions in the aging process. The most susceptible to the negative impact of vitamin C deficiency were the young (eight to nine months) and old (two years) mice. Our study conducted in this humanized mouse model indicates that sustained adequate vitamin C intake is essential in maintaining a healthier metabolic profile, important in preventing age-related pathologies throughout the aging process.

Inhibition of ACE2 Expression by Ascorbic Acid Alone and its Combinations with Other Natural Compounds

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin-converting enzyme II or ACE2 is an integral membrane protein present on many types of cells, including vascular endothelial cells and lung alveolar epithelial cells. This receptor serves as the entry point for SARS-coronaviruses (SARS-CoVs), including a novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV. Limited availability of these receptors can thwart cellular entry of this virus.

METHODS

We tested the effects of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on cellular expression of ACE2 at the protein and RNA levels in human small alveolar epithelial cells and microvascular endothelial cells. In addition, we investigated whether combinations of ascorbic acid with other natural compounds can affect ACE2 expression.

RESULTS

The results show that ascorbic acid itself has moderate but consistent lowering effects on ACE2 expression at the cellular, protein, and RNA levels. Some natural compounds were effective in lowering ACE2 cellular expression, with the highest inhibitory effects observed for baicalin (75%) and theaflavin (50%). Significantly, combinations of these and other test compounds with ascorbic acid further decreased ACE2 expression. The highest impact of ascorbate on ACE2 expression was noted when combined with theaflavin (decrease from 50% to 87%), zinc (decrease from 22% to 62%), and with 10-undecenoic acid (from 18% to 53%). Ascorbic acid showed moderate additional benefits in decreasing ACE2 expression when combined with N-acetylcysteine and baicalin.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides valuable experimental confirmation of the efficacy of micronutrients in controlling ACE2 expression-the coronavirus cellular "entry" point. It further validates the importance of nutrient interactions in various aspects of cellular metabolism and in considering potential therapeutic applications of nutrient-based approaches. The study shows that ascorbic acid and its combination with some natural compounds could be included in developing preventive and therapeutic approaches toward the current pandemic.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins Affect Composition of Extracellular Matrix Deposited by Human Aortic Smooth Muscle and Endothelial Cells In Vitro

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is accompanied by changes in arterial connective tissue. We evaluated the effects of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E individually and in combinations on the composition of extracellular matrix produced and deposited by arterial wall cells, human aortic smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. Individually, vitamins D and E stimulated collagen type I extracellular matrix deposition in human aortic smooth muscle cell cultures. However, vitamins A, D, and E reduced collagen type IV deposition by human aortic smooth muscle cell, counteracting the stimulatory effects of vitamin C. The extracellular matrix deposition of heparan sulfate by human aortic smooth muscle cells increased by vitamin C and its combination (C+D+E). β-carotene + D + C induced the extracellular matrix deposition of collagen I by endothelial cells. Vitamin E with other vitamins resulted in either induction (E+C+A) or inhibition (E+D). The extracellular matrix deposition of type IV collagen and elastin by human aortic endothelial cells was not affected by test vitamins, except the extracellular matrix type IV collagen decrease by combinations (A+E), (A+D+E), and (C+D+E). The extracellular matrix deposition of all tested glycosaminoglycans was reduced by vitamin A and its combination (A+C+D+E). Therefore, the fat-soluble vitamins applied individually or in combination—both with each other or with ascorbic acid—can affect extracellular matrix deposition of type I and IV collagens, and key glycosaminoglycans by cultured human aortic arterial wall cells.

Vitamin C inhibits the calcification process in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular calcification is a pathophysiological process that is associated with coronary atherosclerosis, and is a prognostic marker of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The process of arterial wall calcification is triggered and accompanied by pro-osteogenic phenotypical modifications of resident smooth muscle cells (SMC). Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient required to support the production of extracellular matrix components and maintain healthy connective tissue. In this study we investigated the effects of ascorbic acid on cultured human aortic SMC calcification process in vitro. Our results demonstrate that supplementation of SMC cultures with ascorbic acid significantly decreases calcium accumulation in SMC-produced and -deposited extracellular matrix. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in cell-associated alkaline phosphatase activity. Significantly, treatment of cultured SMC with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, simvastatin and mevastatin, resulted in increased calcium accumulation in cultured SMC. These effects were blocked by ascorbic acid. The effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on pro-osteogenic modification were compared in different cell types. Analysis of the expression of osteogenic markers in cultured human aortic SMC, human dermal fibroblasts and immortalized human osteoblasts (hFOB) revealed cell type-specific responses to ascorbate supplementation. We conclude that ascorbic acid supplementation can actively and beneficially interfere with the process of arterial wall calcification, with potential implications for human health.

Specific composition of polyphenolic compounds with fatty acids as an approach in helping to reduce spirochete burden in Lyme disease: in vivo and human observational study

Background:

Lyme disease (LD) is a tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The current therapeutic approach to this disease is limited to antibiotics. However, after their administration, about 20% of patients experience delayed onset of this illness manifesting as lingering persistent symptoms.

Methods:

To determine a suitable approach that would help reduce this number, we examined the efficacy of a composition of polyphenolic compounds (baicalein, luteolin, and rosmarinic acid) with fatty acids (monolaurin and cis-2-decenoic acid), and iodine/kelp in a Lyme disease animal model and volunteers.

Results:

The results showed that 4 weeks of dietary intake of this composition reduced the spirochete burden in animal tissues by about 75%. Basic and differential blood parameters did not show significant differences between control animals and the animals fed with this composition. Also, hepatic and renal toxicity markers were not changed and apoptosis was not observed. Relevant inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, and INF-γ, were elevated in infected animals but normalized in infected and treated animals. A small observational study revealed that after administration of this composition to 17 volunteers three times per day for 6 months, 67.4% of the volunteers with late or persistent LD, and not receptive to previous antibiotic application, responded positively, in terms of energy status as well as physical and psychological wellbeing to supplementation with this composition, while 17.7% had slight improvement, and 17.7% were none responsive.

Conclusion:

We concluded that this specific composition revealed feasible benefits in late or persistent LD management, although double-blind controlled clinical trials are warranted.

Progress of Tumor Growth and Metastasis After Inoculation of B16FO Melanoma Cells in Kidney of Female Nude Mice Is Inhibited by a Novel Nutrient Mixture

Background: Tumor metastasis is a major cause for most cancer-related deaths. Melanoma is a serious cancer that metastasizes to other areas of the body, including the lungs, liver, brain, bones, or lymph nodes. Currently used cancer therapies are ineffective with a high degree of toxicity and patient mortality. Thus, any successful treatment for melanoma must target metastasis. Methods: We studied the effect of a novel nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, green tea extract, quercetin, and others, on the inhibition of melanoma growth and metastasis after inoculation of B16FO melanoma cells into the left kidney of female nude mice. Female athymic mice (n = 10) 8 to 10 weeks of age, were inoculated superficially in the left kidney with 5 × 10⁵ B16FO melanoma cells in 100 µL of media. The right kidney was left untreated. After inoculation, the mice were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group (n = 5) was fed a regular rodent chow diet, and the test group was given the same diet supplemented with 0.5% NM. The animals in control and the test groups were sacrificed 2 weeks later. Each animal’s abdominal cavity was opened, and the kidneys, lungs, liver, and spleen were excised and examined for tumor growth and metastasis. Results: The kidneys in the control group weighed 25% to 30% more than those in the NM group due to colonization of B16FO melanoma cells. No metastasis to the liver or spleen was observed in either of the groups. However, severe lung metastasis was observed in the control group and mild to moderate metastasis was observed in the NM group. Conclusion: These results show that the NM is effective in mitigating the growth of tumors in the kidney and metastases to the lung.

10-undecynoic acid is a new anti-adherent agent killing biofilm of oral Streptococcus spp

In the search for novel agents against oral pathogens in their planktonic and biofilm form, we have focused our attention on 10-undecynoic acid as the representative of the acetylenic fatty acids. Using macro-broth susceptibility testing method we first established MIC value. Next, the MBC value was determined from a broth dilution minimum inhibitory concentration test by sub-culturing it to BHI agar plates that did not contain the test agent. Anti-biofilm efficacy was tested in 96-well plates coated with saliva using BHI broth supplemented with 1% sucrose as a standard approach. Based on obtained results, MIC value for 10-undecynoic acid was established to be 2.5 mg/ml and the MBC value to be 5 mg/ml. The MBIC₉₀ showed to be 2.5 mg/ml, however completed inhibition of biofilm formation was achieved at 5.0 mg/ml. MBBC concentration revealed to be the same as MBC value, causing approximately 30% reduction at the same time in biomass of pre-existing biofilm, whereas application of 7.0 mg/ml of 10-undecynoic acid crossed the 50% eradication mark. Strong anti-adherent effect was observed upon 10-undecynoic acid application at sub-MBC concentrations as well, complemented with suppression of acidogenicity and aciduricity. Thus, we concluded that 10-undecynoic acid might play an important role in the development of alternative or adjunctive antibacterial and anti-biofilm preventive and/or therapeutic approaches.

Anti-borreliae efficacy of selected organic oils and fatty acids

Background

Borrelia sp. is a causative pathogen of Lyme disease which has become a worldwide health concern. Non-toxic approaches especially directed toward latent persistent forms of this pathogen are desired. Lipids in the form of volatile and non-volatile oils, and fatty acids with proven anti-borreliae efficacy could become an additional support or an alternative for consideration in treatment approaches.

Methods

In this study we investigated 47 lipids (30 volatile and non-volatile oils, and 17 fatty acids) of plant and animal origin against typical motile, knob/round-shaped persisters, and biofilm-like aggregates of Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. and Borrelia garinii, which are identified as pathogenic factors of Lyme disease in the USA and Europe, using direct microscopic counting and spectrofluorometric measurements.

Results

Out of all examined lipids, 5 oils (Bay leaf oil, Birch oil, Cassia oil, Chamomile oil German, and Thyme oil) at or below 0.25%, and 3 fatty acids (13Z,16Z Docosadienoic acid, erucic acid, and petroselinic acid) at or below 0.75 mg/ml, showed bactericidal activity against typical motile spirochetes and knob/round-shaped persisters. Only Bay leaf oil and Cassia oil, including their major constituents, eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, showed to target biofilm-like aggregates of both tested Borrelia spp. at the same concentration, although with 20–30% eradication mark.

Conclusion

Based on obtained results, volatile oils were more potent than non-volatile oils, and unsaturated fatty acids were more effective than saturated fatty acids. Among all tested oils, Bay leaf oil and Cassia oil, with their major components eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, seem to have the highest anti-borreliae efficacy.

In Vitro Effect of Cytokines, Inducers, and Inhibitors on the Secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Hepatocarcinoma Cell Line SK-Hep-1

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains dismal despite any treatment. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been researched for their role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Various cytokines, mitogens, growth factors, inducers, and inhibitors control MMP activities. In this article, we investigated the roles of these in the regulation of MMP-2, -9 secretions in HCC. Human HCC SK-Hep-1 was grown in appropriate media. At near confluence, the cells were washed with phosphate-buffered saline and incubated in serum-free media with PMA; TNF-α, IL-1β; lipopolysaccharide; epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and doxycycline (Dox) at various doses with and without PMA; a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, and EGCG with and without PMA at; and actinomycin D and cycloheximide at different doses. After 24 hours, the media were removed and analyzed. SK-Hep-1 expressed bands corresponding to MMP-2 and MMP-9. TNF-α showed an insignificant effect on MMP-2 at doses below 25 at which dose MMP-2 was virtually blocked and a moderate dose-dependent effect on MMP-9. Interleukin-1β demonstrated an insignificant effect on MMP-2 at doses below 25 at which dose MMP-2 was completely blocked and enhanced effects on MMP-9. Lipopolysaccharide showed dose-dependent inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9. EGCG, Dox, and NM, without and with PMA, downregulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide also had dose-dependent inhibitory effects on MMPs. Our results showed that cytokines, mitogens, and inhibitors modulated SK-Hep-1 MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion, suggesting the clinical use of especially potent and nontoxic MMP inhibitor as the NM in management of HCC.

Abstract 2172: Dying tumor cells (tumor debris) stimulate the growth of 4T1 breast cancer tumor in female athymic nude mice

Current cancer therapies are based on chemotherapy and radiation. These therapeutic approaches can initially reduce the tumor mass or tumor burden by killing tumor cells. It has been postulated that the resulting dying tumor cells, or tumor debris, can act as sources of tumor stimulation on surviving cells leading to reappearance of the cancer, and thereby drastically reducing the survival rate. In our study we investigated whether 4T1 debris induced by chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel would affect breast tumor growth in female nude mice. Female athymic nude mice were divided into three groups: Group 1 was inoculated with 4T1 cells; Group 2 with 4T1 cells together with their debris and Group 3 with debris alone. All mice were fed a regular diet. After four weeks, the mice were sacrificed; tumors were excised, weighed and processed for histology and immunohistochemistry for inflammation parameters. Tumor weight significantly increased in Group 2 mice compared to the control Group 1. Group 3 mice developed no tumors. Although the tumor histology for both Groups 1 and 2 were similar, there were significant differences in inflammatory parameters in the two groups. Tumors developed in Group 2 mice had intense staining patterns for TNF-alpha, IL-6, Ki-67, i-Nos and VEGF compared to tumors in the control Group 1. Our results show that dying cells from docetaxel treatment, or tumor debris, had stimulatory effect on growth of breast cancer 4T1 cells in nude mice which was associated with increased inflammation. This study represents a novel method to evaluate the effects of chemotherapy or radiation on surviving tumor cells and to investigate the effect of various inhibitors on the growth recurrence.

Citation Format: M Waheed Roomi, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath. Dying tumor cells (tumor debris) stimulate the growth of 4T1 breast cancer tumor in female athymic nude mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2172.

Down regulation of u-PA by a nutrient mixture in hemangioma (EOMA) cells by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis

Hemangiomas are the most common congenital vascular and benign tumor in infants and children. Most hemangiomas do not cause major symptoms to require intervention, however, the larger hemangiomas have tendency to bleed and may require surgical removal. Experimental studies have demonstrated the role of urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA), especially cell surface u-PA, as an initiator of extra-cellular matrix proteolysis and associated tumor cell invasion.

AIM

To examine, whether the antitumor effects of a specific nutrient mixture are due to induction of apoptosis by inhibition of u-PA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A nutrient mixture containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract which has showed anticancer activity against a number of cancer cell lines was used as an experimental composition. EOMA cells were grown in appropriate media with antibiotics in 24-well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, the cells were treated with nutrition mixture at 10, 100, 1000 µg/ml in triplicate. Analysis of u-PA activity was carried out by fibrin zymography. Morphological changes and caspase activation associated with apoptosis induction was checked by H&E staining and Live Green caspase assay, respectively. Apoptosis inducing anticancer drug camptothecin (10 µM) was used as positive control.

RESULTS

The nutrition mixture exhibited dose response toxicity with maximum toxicity 55% (p < 0.001) at 1000 µg/ml. EOMA cells expressed u-PA, which was inhibited by nutrition mixture in a dose-dependent manner. The caspase analysis revealed a dose dependent increase in apoptosis of EOMA hemangioma cells, with an increasing apoptosis observed at 100 μg/ml, and maximum at 1000 μg/ml. Cells treated with nutrition mixture showed significantly more apoptotic changes than the control or camptothecin-treated cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that NM may induce apoptosis of hemangioma cells in vitro thus warranting further investigation.

Chemopreventive Effect of a Novel Nutrient Mixture on Lung Tumorigenesis Induced by Urethane in Male A/J Mice

Aims and background

Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer death, is associated with exposure to inhalation carcinogens, most commonly those found in tobacco smoke. We investigated the in vivo effect of dietary supplementation with a nutrient mixture containing lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid, green tea extract, N-acetyl cysteine, selenium, copper and manganese on the development of urethane-induced lung tumors in male A/J mice.

Methods

After one week of isolation, seven-week-old male A/J mice (n = 25) weighing 17–19 g were randomly divided into three groups: group A (n = 5), group B (n = 10), and group C (n = 10). Mice in groups B and C were each given a single intraperitoneal injection of urethane (1 mg/g body weight) in saline, whereas group A mice received an injection of saline alone. Groups A and B were fed a regular diet, whereas group C was fed the same diet supplemented with 0.5% nutrient mixture. After 20 weeks, mice were sacrificed, lungs were excised and weighed, and tumors were counted and processed for histology.

Results

Urethane-challenged mice developed tumors. However, the mean number of tumors and the mean lung weights in the mice on the supplemented diet were significantly reduced, by 49% (P <0.0001) and 18% (P = 0.0025), respectively, compared to mice on the control diet. We observed neither significant differences in body weight gains nor in diet consumption among the mice. Pulmonary lesions were morphologically similar for both the groups (adenomas), but lesions were smaller in the test group.

Conclusions

The results suggest that nutrient mixture has inhibitory potential on the development of mouse lung tumors induced by urethane

Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Tax, NF-κB and MMP-9 in Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Positive Malignant T-Lymphocytes

BACKGROUND

HTLV1 is a retrovirus that infects CD4-positive cells and leads to Adult T-cell leukemia by constitutive activation of nuclear factor kappa B. Ascorbic acid (AA) is an essential nutrient that possess anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against a number of malignant cell lines. This study delineates the effect of AA on Tax protein expression as well as NF-κB and MMP9 activity in two HTLV1-positive leukemia cells (HuT-102 and C91-PL).

METHODS

The cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect of AA were studied by LDH release and MTT tests, respectively. The proteins expression level was assessed by western blotting. RT-PCR was used to study mRNAs level. Finally, ELISA/EMSA and Zymography were used to evaluate NF-κB and MMP-9 activities, respectively.

RESULTS

Cell lines were treated with non-cytotoxic concentrations of AA for 48h and 96h, which resulted in a significant inhibition of proliferation at a concentration of 50µg/ml at 96h in both cell lines. The same concentration inhibited Tax protein expression as well as the NF-κB nuclearization and DNA binding activity. The inhibitory effect of AA on MMP9 protein expression and activity started at 100µg/ml and 50µg/ml in HuT-102 and C91-PL cells respectively, with no effect at the transcriptional levels of MMP-9 in either one of the two cell lines.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that while AA exerted its anti-proliferative effect on the NF- κB activation pathway by suppressing Tax expression, its effects on MMP9 seemed to be independent of this mechanism and follow a different approach.

Reciprocal cooperation of phytochemicals and micronutrients against typical and atypical forms of Borrelia sp

AIMS

Borrelia sp., a causative pathogenic factor of Lyme disease (LD), has become a major public health threat. Current treatments based on antibiotics often lead to relapse after their withdrawal. Naturally derived substances that could work synergistically to display higher efficacy compared with the individual components may serve as a resource for the development of novel approaches to combat both active and latent forms of Borrelia sp.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using checkerboard assay, we investigated the anti-borreliae reciprocal cooperation of phytochemicals and micronutrients against two species of Borrelia selected as prevalent causes of LD in the United States and Europe. We tested 28 combinations of phytochemicals such as polyphenols (baicalein, luteolin, rosmarinic acids), fatty acids (monolaurin, cis-2-decenoic acid) and micronutrients (ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol and iodine). The results showed that the combinations of baicalein with luteolin as well as monolaurin with cis-2-decenoic acid expressed synergistic anti-spirochetal effects. Moreover, baicalein and luteolin, when combined with rosmarinic acid or iodine, produced additive bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against typical corkscrew motile spirochaetes and persistent knob/round-shaped forms, respectively. An additive anti-biofilm effect was noticed between baicalein with luteolin and monolaurin with cis-2-decenoic acid. Finally, application of the combination of baicalein with luteolin increased cytoplasmic permeability of Borrelia sp. but did not cause DNA damage.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that a specific combination of flavones might play a supporting role in combating Borrelia sp. through either synergistic or additive anti-borreliae effects.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Presented here in vitro results might help advancing our knowledge and improving the approach to target Borrelia sp.

Modulation of MMP-2 and -9 secretion by cytokines, inducers and inhibitors in human melanoma A-2058 cells

Melanoma, an extremely aggressive cancer, causes the most skin cancer-related deaths, due to metastasis to other areas of the body, such as lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain or bone. It is characterized by high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 secretions that degrade the extracellular matrix and basement membrane, allowing cancer cells to spread to distal organs. Various cytokines, mitogens, growth factors, inducers and inhibitors control MMP activities. We investigated the roles of these in regulation of MMP-2 and -9 in human melanoma A-2058 cells. Human A-2058 cells were grown in DMEM supplemented with 15% FBS and antibiotics in 24-well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, the cells were washed with PBS and incubated in serum-free media with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) at 10, 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml; TNF-α and IL-1β at 0.1, 1, 10 and 25 ng/ml; LPS at 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml; epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and doxycycline (Dox) at 10, 25, 50 and 100 µM without and with PMA; a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract without and with PMA at 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 µg/ml; actinomycin D and cyclohexamide at 2 and 4 µM; retinoic acid and dexamethasone at 50 µM. After 24 h the media were removed and analyzed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography and densitometry. Melanoma A-2058 demonstrated strong expression of MMP-2 and slight expression of MMP-9. PMA at 100 ng/ml showed no effect on MMP-2 secretion but potently upregulated MMP-9 secretion to 400% that of control. TNF-α showed no significant overall effect on expression of MMP-2 but potent dose-dependent increased MMP-9 secretion with 200% of control at 25 ng/ml. IL-1β showed no significant effect on MMP-2 or MMP-9 secretion by A-2058 cells, except at 25 ng/ml where MMP-2 level was reduced by ~40% and MMP-9 secretion ~50%. LPS treatment showed no significant effect on MMP-2 secretion and enhanced MMP-9 secretion up to 25 µg/ml followed by decreased level. EGCG, NM and doxycycline, without and with PMA, downregulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a dose-dependent manner. Actinomycin D, cyclohexamide and retinoic acid had inhibitory effects on MMP-2, while dexamethasone showed slight stimulatory effect on MMP-2 secretion. Our results showed that select cytokines, mitogens and inhibitors modulated A-2058 MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. They suggest the clinical potential of MMP inhibitors, especially the non-toxic ones, such as the nutrient mixture and its component EGCG in management of melanoma.

Modulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion by cytokines, inducers and inhibitors in human glioblastoma T-98G cells

Brain tumors are highly aggressive, characterized by the secretion of high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 that degrade the extracellular matrix and basement membrane, allowing cancer cells to spread to distal organs. Various cytokines, mitogens, growth factors, inducers and inhibitors control MMP activity. We investigated the roles of these in the regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human glioblastoma T-98G cells. Human T-98G cells were grown in DME supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics in 24-well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, cells were washed with phosphate-buffered saline and incubated in serum-free media with: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) at 10, 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β at 0.1, 1, 10 and 25 ng/ml; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml; epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and doxycycline (Dox) at 10, 25, 50 and 100 µM without and with PMA; a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract without and with PMA at 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 µg/ml; actinomycin D and cyclohexamide at 2 and 4 µM; retinoic acid and dexamethasone at 50 µM. After 24 h the media were removed and analyzed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography and densitometry. Glioblastoma T-98G cells expressed only one band corresponding to MMP-2. PMA treatment showed increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretions up to 25 ng/ml and decreased levels of secretions at 50 and 100 ng/ml, with no significant overall effect. TNF-α induced an up and down effect on MMP-2 and a slight induction of MMP-9. IL-1β demonstrated a slight dose-dependent increase in T-98G secretion of MMP-2, but no induction of MMP-9. LPS showed dose-dependent decreased inactive MMP-2 secretion, increased active MMP-2 secretion and no effect on MMP-9. EGCG, Dox and NM, without and with PMA, downregulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a dose-dependent manner. Actinomycin D, cyclohexamide, retinoic acid and dexamethasone also had inhibitory effects on MMP-2. Our results showed that cytokines, mitogens and inhibitors modulated T-98G cell MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, suggesting the clinical use of MMP inhibitors, particularly such potent and non-toxic ones as the nutrient mixture and its component EGCG in the management of glioblastoma cancers.

In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of phytochemicals and micronutrients against Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia garinii

Aims

Little is known about the effects of phytochemicals against Borrelia sp. causing Lyme disease. Current therapeutic approach to this disease is limited to antibiotics. This study examined the anti‐borreliae efficacy of several plant‐derived compounds and micronutrients.

Methods and Results

We tested the efficacy of 15 phytochemicals and micronutrients against three morphological forms of Borrelia burgdoferi and Borrelia garinii: spirochetes, latent rounded forms and biofilm. The results showed that the most potent substances against the spirochete and rounded forms of B. burgdorferi and B. garinii were cis‐2‐decenoic acid, baicalein, monolaurin and kelp (iodine); whereas, only baicalein and monolaurin revealed significant activity against the biofilm. Moreover, cis‐2‐decenoic acid, baicalein and monolaurin did not cause statistically significant cytotoxicity to human HepG2 cells up to 125 μg ml⁻¹ and kelp up to 20 μg ml⁻¹.

Conclusions

The most effective antimicrobial compounds against all morphological forms of the two tested Borrelia sp. were baicalein and monolaurin. This might indicate that the presence of fatty acid and phenyl groups is important for comprehensive antibacterial activity.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study reveals the potential of phytochemicals as an important tool in the fight against the species of Borrelia causing Lyme disease.

Myocardial energetics and the role of micronutrients in heart failure: a critical review

Heart failure is a multifactorial disease with poor prognosis. There are many hypotheses regarding the cause of heart failure. Leading among them are the hemodynamic and the neuro-hormonal hypotheses. Although the energy depletion hypothesis has been fairly recent, there is evidence suggesting that declining bioenergy plays a major role in heart failure. This review explored the myocardial energy depletion hypothesis from the role of micronutrients in correcting and alleviating symptoms of heart failure. Even though focus was on key nutrients such as coenzyme Q10, thiamine, riboflavin, L-carnitine, and taurine, emphasis was on the combined effect of multiple micronutrients as a whole. Search from databases from 2000 to 2015 produced four clinical studies using multiple micronutrients on heart failure. Evidence from the studies show that using high doses of multiple micronutrients may have positive effects on heart failure and simultaneously support the myocardial energy depletion hypothesis.

Anticancer Efficacy of Polyphenols and Their Combinations

Polyphenols, found abundantly in plants, display many anticarcinogenic properties including their inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation, tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and inflammation as well as inducing apoptosis. In addition, they can modulate immune system response and protect normal cells against free radicals damage. Most investigations on anticancer mechanisms of polyphenols were conducted with individual compounds. However, several studies, including ours, have indicated that anti-cancer efficacy and scope of action can be further enhanced by combining them synergistically with chemically similar or different compounds. While most studies investigated the anti-cancer effects of combinations of two or three compounds, we used more comprehensive mixtures of specific polyphenols and mixtures of polyphenols with vitamins, amino acids and other micronutrients. The mixture containing quercetin, curcumin, green tea, cruciferex, and resveratrol (PB) demonstrated significant inhibition of the growth of Fanconi anemia head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 secretion, cell migration and invasion through Matrigel. PB was found effective in inhibition of fibrosarcoma HT-1080 and melanoma A2058 cell proliferation, MMP-2 and -9 expression, invasion through Matrigel and inducing apoptosis, important parameters for cancer prevention. A combination of polyphenols (quercetin and green tea extract) with vitamin C, amino acids and other micronutrients (EPQ) demonstrated significant suppression of ovarian cancer ES-2 xenograft tumor growth and suppression of ovarian tumor growth and lung metastasis from IP injection of ovarian cancer A-2780 cells. The EPQ mixture without quercetin (NM) also has shown potent anticancer activity in vivo and in vitro in a few dozen cancer cell lines by inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis, MMP-2 and -9 secretion, invasion, angiogenesis, and cell growth as well as induction of apoptosis. The presence of vitamin C, amino acids and other micronutrients could enhance inhibitory effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on secretion of MMPs. In addition, enrichment of NM with quercetin (EPQ mix) enhanced anticancer activity of NM in vivo. In conclusion, polyphenols, especially in combination with other polyphenols or micronutrients, have been shown to be effective against multiple targets in cancer development and progression, and should be considered as safe and effective approaches in cancer prevention and therapy.

Abstract 4053: A unique nutrient mixture suppresses ovarian cancer growth of A-2780 by inhibiting invasion and MMP-9 secretion

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy in women, and fifth leading cause of death. The American Cancer Society estimated that it would claim 14,250 lives in 2013. Despite the advances made in chemotherapy and surgery, the average time of clinical remission is approximately 2 years and the 5-year survival rate is 45%. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of a novel therapeutic approach to ovarian cancer treatment. We investigated the effect of a unique nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline and green tea extract on human ovarian cancer cell A-2780 in vivo and in vitro. Athymic female nude mice (n = 12) were inoculated by I.P. with 2×106 cells in 0.1ml PBS and randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n = 6) was fed a regular diet and group B (n = 6) a regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and tumors that developed in the ovary were excised, weighed and processed for histology. In vitro, A-2780 cells were cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium supplemented with 10% FBS and antibiotics. At near confluence, cells were treated with NM in triplicate at concentrations between 0-1000 μg/ml. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay, MMP-9 secretion by gelatinase zymography, invasion through Matrigel and morphology by H&E staining. All control mice (Group A) developed large ovarian tumors, whereas 5 out of 6 mice in group B developed no tumors, and one, a small tumor. Zymography demonstrated only MMP-9 expression, which NM inhibited in a dose dependent fashion, with virtual total block at 250 μg/ml concentration. NM significantly inhibited invasion through Matrigel with total block at 250 μg/ml concentration. MTT showed dose dependent inhibition of cell proliferation with NM and H&E staining showed no morphological changes below 500 μg/ml NM. These results suggest that NM has therapeutic potential in treatment of ovarian cancer by significantly suppressing tumor growth and by inhibiting MMP-9 secretion and invasion of A-2780 ovarian cancer cells.

Citation Format: M. Waheed Roomi, Matthias Rath, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki. A unique nutrient mixture suppresses ovarian cancer growth of A-2780 by inhibiting invasion and MMP-9 secretion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4053.

Lipoprotein(a) and vitamin C impair development of breast cancer tumors in Lp(a)+; Gulo-/- mice

Cancer progression is characterized by loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity, which is a precondition for tumor growth and metastasis. In order to elucidate the precise mechanisms of ECM degradation in cancer we used a genetically modified mouse mimicking two distinct human metabolic features associated with carcinogenesis, the lack of endogenous vitamin C synthesis and the production of human Lp(a). Female Lp(a)+; Gulo(−/−) and control wild-type Balb/c mice without these two metabolic features were orthotopically inoculated with 4T1 breast cancer cells (5×10⁵). The transgenic and control mice were divided into 4 different dietary groups in respect to dietary vitamin C intake: i) low ascorbate intake for 6 weeks; ii) high ascorbate intake for 6 weeks; iii) low ascorbate intake for 3 weeks followed by high ascorbate for 3 weeks; iv) high ascorbate intake for 3 weeks followed by low ascorbate for 3 weeks. After 6 weeks, all wild-type mice developed tumors. In contrast, Lp(a)+; Gulo(−/−) mice developed one third less primary tumors (low ascorbate diet) or no primary tumors at all (high ascorbate diet). Significantly, tumors from Lp(a)+; Gulo(−/−) mice immunostained positively for Lp(a) and their size was inversely proportional to Lp(a) serum levels. The results implicate that Lp(a) may play a role in controlling tumor growth and expansion. The most likely mechanism is the competitive inhibition of plasmin-induced ECM degradation due to the homology of Lp(a) components to plasminogen. The confirmation of this pathomechanism could lead to a universal therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Inhibition of collagen synthesis by select calcium and sodium channel blockers can be mitigated by ascorbic acid and ascorbyl palmitate

Calcium, sodium and potassium channel blockers are widely prescribed medications for a variety of health problems, most frequently for cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, angina pectoris and other disorders. However, chronic application of channel blockers is associated with numerous side effects, including worsening cardiac pathology. For example, nifedipine, a calcium-channel blocker was found to be associated with increased mortality and increased risk for myocardial infarction. In addition to the side effects mentioned above by different channel blockers, these drugs can cause arterial wall damage, thereby contributing to vascular wall structure destabilization and promoting events facilitating rupture of plaques. Collagen synthesis is regulated by ascorbic acid, which is also essential for its optimum structure as a cofactor in lysine and proline hydroxylation, a precondition for optimum crosslinking of collagen and elastin. Therefore, the main objective in this study was to evaluate effects of various types of channel blockers on intracellular accumulation and cellular functions of ascorbate, specifically in relation to formation and extracellular deposition of major collagen types relevant for vascular function. Effects of select Na- and Ca- channel blockers on collagen synthesis and deposition were evaluated in cultured human dermal fibroblasts and aortic smooth muscle cells by immunoassay. All channel blockers tested demonstrated inhibitory effects on collagen type I deposition to the ECM by fibroblasts, each to a different degree. Ascorbic acid significantly increased collagen I ECM deposition. Nifedipine (50 µM), a representative of channel blockers tested, significantly reduced ascorbic acid and ascorbyl palmitate-dependent ECM deposition of collagen type l and collagen type lV by cultured aortic smooth muscle cells. In addition, nifedipine (50 µM) significantly reduced ascorbate-dependent collagen type l and type lV synthesis by cultured aortic smooth muscle cells, assayed by measuring intracellular collagen content. We observed increased intracellular levels of ascorbate under supplementation with elevated doses of ascorbic acid, as well as its lipid soluble derivative ascorbyl palmitate. Nifedipine reduced ascorbic acid intracellular influx in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells with nifedipine (50 µM) compared to control. Adverse effects of nifedipine were neutralized either by an increased level of cell supplementation with ascorbic acid or by substituting it with ascorbyl palmitate. These studies suggest that adverse effects of channel blockers could be caused by their weakening the arterial wall integrity by interfering with proper extracellular matrix formation. In conclusion, these studies confirm the adverse effects of channel blockers on collagen type l and lV deposition, the key ECM components essential for maintaining optimal structural integrity of the arterial walls. Ascorbate supplementation reversed channel blocker inhibition of these collagen types synthesis and deposition. The results of this study imply the benefits of ascorbate and ascorbate palmitate supplementation in medical management of cardiovascular disease in order to compensate for adverse effects of channel blockers.

A nutrient mixture inhibits glioblastoma xenograft U-87 MG growth in male nude mice

BACKGROUND

Brain tumors are highly aggressive tumors characterized by secretions of high levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, leading to tumor growth, invasion and metastasis by digesting the basement membrane and extracellular matrix components. We previously demonstrated the effectiveness of a nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, and green tea extract in vitro: on activity of urokinase plasminogen activator, matrix metalloproteinases and TIMPs in various human glioblastoma (LN-18, T-98G and A-172) cell lines and on glioblastoma A-172 cell proliferation and Matrigel invasion.

AIM

Our main objective in this study was to investigate the effect of the NM in vivo on human glioblastoma U-87 MG cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Athymic male nude mice inoculated with 3·10(6) U-87 MG cells subcutaneously and were fed a regular diet or a regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed, the tumors were weighed and measured. The samples were studied histologically.

RESULTS

NM inhibited tumor weight and tumor burden by 53% (p = 0.015) and 48% (p = 0.010), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the therapeutic potential of NM as an adjuvant in the treatment of glioblastoma.

The effect of multiple micronutrient supplementation on quality of life in patients with symptomatic heart failure secondary to ischemic heart disease: a prospective case series clinical study

Heart failure is a progressive cardiovascular disorder and, in most cases, begins with atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. The prognosis of patients with heart failure is poor, even with improvement on the management of all forms of ischemic heart disease. There have been studies on heart failure using a single nutrient or a combination of multiple nutrients. Results are mixed. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of multiple micronutrient supplementation using the quality of life measure on patients with heart failure secondary to ischemic heart disease. This prospective case series followed 12 patients for a period between 3 to 8 months, using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) as the sole outcome measure. The primary outcome was a score change over time between the start and endpoint of treatment. Change in MLHFQ mean total score was 27.08 ± 20.43 and mean symptoms score was 4.67 ± 3.34. Paired t-test showed a difference between baseline and endpoint of treatment (P < 0.001), which was statistically significant. A high dose of multiple micronutrients may have beneficial effects on cardiac function in patients with symptomatic heart failure. This study indicates the need for long-term controlled studies to test the efficacy and safety of this economic approach in managing heart failure.

Abstract 3194: Inhibition of breast cancer - fibroblast interaction by specific micronutrient combinations

Several previous studies have indicated that the stromal tissue in tumors plays an indispensable role in promoting tumor growth and invasion. This is due to a reciprocal interaction and communication between the stromal and neoplastic components of tissues. Even in breast cancer cell invasion and metastases a key event has been shown to be the stimulation of fibroblasts by cancer cells to secrete enzymes such as MMPs to help degrade and modify the extracellular matrix.

In this study, we investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of two micronutrient combinations - NM1 and NM2 on the inhibition of growth and invasion of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 alone or in combination with human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). NM1 contains ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, green tea extract and quercetin while NM2 is a combination of plant extracts such as curcumin, cruciferex, green tea extract and resveratrol.

In the in vitro studies we evaluated the effect of NM1 and NM2 on several parameters such as breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and expression of matrix degrading proteases (MMPs). Treatment of NHDF with conditioned media (CM) from MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in an enhanced MMP2 enzyme expression. However, treatment with both combinations of nutrients resulted in a dose dependent reduction in the MMP2 expression to basal or lower levels. The invasion assay also showed that the invasive ability of normal fibroblasts was significantly enhanced by co-incubation with breast cancer cells in the Boyden chamber. The invasiveness was however reduced considerably upon treatment with both NM1 and NM2. A similar dose dependent inhibition in growth, invasion and migration was observed in MDA-MB-231 alone and in co-cultures.

In the in vivo study, 5-6 week old mice were orthotopically inoculated with 4×106 MDA-MB-231 cells alone (Group 1) or in combination with fibroblasts (Group 2) into the mammary pad of female nude mice. Each group (n = 18) was further divided into 3 sets based on the diet: Set A was fed a regular diet; Set B was fed a diet supplemented with NM1 and Set C was fed a diet supplemented with NM2. After 6 weeks the mice were sacrificed and the tumors were excised and processed for histology. The tumor weight was recorded and it was found that NM1 and NM2 inhibited tumor weight by 42% each in group 1 and by 41% and 55% respectively in group 2. The tumor weight decreased from 1.78±0.28g in group 1A to 1.03±0.25g in group 1B and 1.03±0.12g in group 1C. Similarly, tumor weight showed a reduction from 1.64±0.19g in group 2A to 0.97±0.17g in group 2B and 0.74±0.26g in group 2C.

The results suggest that both NM1 and NM2 have significant therapeutic potential in treatment of breast cancer, both through a direct suppressive effect on cancer cells and through an indirect effect of limiting cancer-stromal interactions by inhibiting communication between cancer cells and fibroblasts.

Citation Format: Neha Shanker, M. Waheed Roomi, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath. Inhibition of breast cancer - fibroblast interaction by specific micronutrient combinations. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3194. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3194

Abstract 2288: Lipoprotein(a) and vitamin C affect the development of breast cancer tumors in Lp(a)+; Gulo-/- mice

Lipoprotein(a), composed of LDL and an adhesive protein apo(a), is produced in humans and primates, the species which lost an ability to synthesize vitamin C endogenously. We have shown earlier that Lp(a), due to its strong ECM binding properties, may be considered a biological ‘stability’ molecule for the structurally weakened connective tissue in the vascular wall. The development and progression of cancer is characterized by loss of ECM integrity which facilitates tumor growth and metastasis. We developed a unique mouse model lacking endogenous vitamin C production (Gulo-/-) and synthesizing human Lp(a) (lp(a)+), which has been used in this study to investigate the role of Lp(a) and other lipoproteins in cancer.

The female Gulo-/-:Lp(a)+ and control wild type Balb/c mice were orthotopically inoculated with 4T1 breast cancer cells (500,000) The transgenic and control mice were divided into 4 different dietary groups in respect to dietary vitamin C intake: A) low ascorbate intake for 6 weeks; B) high ascorbate intake for 6 weeks; C) low ascorbate intake for 3 weeks followed by high ascorbate for 3 weeks; D)high ascorbate intake for 3 weeks followed by low ascorbate for 3 weeks. Control groups of Lp(a)+;Gulo(-/-) mice without tumor inoculation were put on the same Vitamin C regimens. Wild type controls included mice without and with 4T1 inoculation kept on regular mouse chow for 6 weeks.

After 6 weeks all (100%) wild type mice developed tumors, while 50% of Lp(a)+;Gulo(-/-) mice kept on high ascorbate diet for 6 weeks did not develop primary tumors and in only a small number of mice some residual tumor cells or inflammatory infiltrates were detected in the lungs by histology. In transgenic mice supplemented with low vitamin C for 6 weeks, the reduction of primary tumors incidence was 33% compared to wild type mice. In addition, primary tumors from wild type mice were on average over 2-fold larger (1.80+/-0.62g) than tumors from Lp(a)+;Gulo(-/-) mice on continual low Vitamin C (0.77+/-0.98g) or continual high Vitamin C (0.63+/-1.09g. Primary tumors from Lp(a)+;Gulo(-/-) mice immunostained positively for Lp(a) and their size was inversely proportional Lp(a) cholesterol serum levels. Lp(a) could not be detected in tumors from wild type mice and the presence of tumors was associated with higher LDL serum levels. The results implicate that Lp(a) may play a role in controlling tumor growth and expansion through its ECM adhesive properties.

Citation Format: John Cha, M. Waheed Roomi, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath. Lipoprotein(a) and vitamin C affect the development of breast cancer tumors in Lp(a)+; Gulo-/- mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2288. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2288

Efficacy of nutritional treatment in patients with psoriasis: A case report

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by thickened, silvery-scaled patches. There is currently no cure and treatments only attempt to reduce the severity of symptoms. This study reports the case of a 36-year-old female who presented to the clinic with severe psoriasis and had been treated with topical steroid cream for the past 14 years. After adherence to prescribed dietary changes for 6 months, including abundant intake of vegetables, minimal consumption of meat, and avoidance of junk food and sugar in food or drinks, as well as nutritional supplementation with Vitacor Plus, ProLysinC, VitaCforte and LysinC Drink mix, the patient experienced complete resolution of psoriatic patches on her body.

Effect of a nutrient mixture on the localization of extracellular matrix proteins in HeLa human cervical cancer xenografts in female nude mice

Cervical cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and a significant cause of mortality in women worldwide. Although cervical cancer is fully treatable in the early stages, once it has metastasized, patient outcome is poor. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, ascorbic acid, proline, green tea extract and other micronutrients on the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in HeLa cell xenografts in nude female mice. After housing for 1 week, female athymic nude mice between 5 and 6 weeks of age (n=12) were inoculated subcutaneously with 3×10⁶ HeLa cells in phosphate-buffered saline and Matrigel and randomly divided into two groups. These were the control group, in which the mice were fed with regular mouse chow, and the NM group, in which the mice were fed with the regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM (w/w). After 4 weeks, the tumors were excised and processed for histology. Tumor growth was evaluated and the tumors were stained for the ECM proteins collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, laminin, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and elastin. NM strongly inhibited (by 59%, P=0.001) the growth of HeLa xenografts in nude mice. Tumors from control mice exhibited little to no collagen I expression either internally or in the fibrous capsule, while tumors from the NM group expressed collagen I in the fibrous capsule and within the tumor. Tumors from the control group showed diffuse cytoplasmic and capsular collagen IV with abundant nucleated cells. NM treatment substantially increased collagen IV production and induced a dense fibrous network of collagen IV with chambers that surrounded live nucleated cells and large amounts of necrotic cell debris. Tumors from the mice fed with the NM exhibited a well-defined border of fibronectin in the capsule and intense areas of staining internally whereas control group tumors showed less overall fibronectin with sporadic internal staining and little in the fibrous capsule. Although laminin appeared abundantly in control and NM-treated tumors, the NM group tumors exhibited a chamber-like network of laminin internally. Tumors from the control group exhibited internal areas of intense PAS staining, whereas tumors from the NM-treated group exhibited a more uniform diffuse pattern of PAS staining. In conclusion, NM supplementation of HeLa xenograft-bearing female nude mice demonstrated a potent inhibition of tumor growth and enhancement of ECM proteins, suggesting the therapeutic value of this specific nutrient complex in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Modulation of uPA, MMPs and their inhibitors by a novel nutrient mixture in human colorectal, pancreatic and hepatic carcinoma cell lines

Colorectal, pancreatic and hepatic carcinomas are characterized by high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 secretions, allowing cancer cells to spread to distal organs. These and other proteases, such as uPA, play a key role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis by digesting the basement membrane and ECM components. Strong clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates association of elevated levels of uPA and MMPs with cancer progression, metastasis and shortened patient survival. MMP activities are regulated by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Our main objective was to study the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) on activity of uPA, MMPs and TIMPs in colon HCT-116, pancreatic MIA PaCa-2 and hepatic carcinoma SK-Hep-1 cell lines. These cell lines (ATCC) were cultured in their respective media and treated at confluence with NM at 0, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 µg/ml. Analysis of uPA activity was carried out by fibrin zymography, MMPs by gelatinase zymography and TIMPs by reverse zymography. All three cancer cell lines expressed uPA, which was inhibited by NM in a dose-dependent manner. On gelatinase zymography, SK-Hep-1 showed bands corresponding to MMP-2 and MMP-9 with enhancement of MMP-9 with PMA (100 ng/ml) treatment. HCT-116 and MIA PaCa-2 showed strong bands corresponding to MMP-9 but no MMP-2 band. NM inhibited their expression in a dose-dependent manner. Activity of TIMPs was upregulated by NM in all cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis revealed a positive correlation between uPA and MMP-9 and a negative correlation between uPA/MMP-9 and TIMP-2. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of NM in treatment of colon, pancreatic and hepatic carcinomas.

Failure of matrix metalloproteinase-9 dimer induction by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in normal human cell lines

Increasing experimental and clinical data has identified an association between increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and shortened patient survival, cancer progression and metastasis. MMP-9 has a significant role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis, as it digests the basement membrane and components of the extracellular matrix. MMP-9 is secreted in either a monomeric or dimeric form. Although limited evidence exists concerning MMP-9 dimers, certain studies have demonstrated that the dimer is associated with aggressive tumor progression. This is believed to be due to the fact that cellular migration depends upon the MMP-9 dimer, and not the monomer. Our previous study revealed that cancer cell MMP-9 dimer secretion patterns could be divided into different categories, and that high MMP-9 and MMP-9 dimer secretion levels were correlated with the most aggressive cancer cell lines. It has been established that signal transduction pathways and cytokines, including those activated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), regulate the expression of MMPs. The aim of the present study was to analyze the expression patterns of MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-9 dimer in normal human cells from a number of tissues treated with PMA. Muscle, epithelial and connective tissues were selected for use in the present study, since adenosarcomas, carcinomas and sarcomas are derived from these tissue types, respectively. The cell lines were first cultured in 24-well tissue culture plates containing recommended media that was supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. When at confluency, the cells were washed and fresh medium was added. In addition, a parallel set of cultures was treated with PMA. Subsequent to a 24-h incubation period, the media were collected and analyzed using gelatinase zymography for the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 monomer and dimer forms. The results revealed that the cellular expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was dependent upon the primary tissue subtype. All cell lines, regardless of tissue origin, expressed MMP-2. PMA induced the expression of MMP-9 in muscle tissue, glandular epithelia and supportive connective tissue cell lines. By contrast, cell lines of endothelial origin and proper connective tissue were insensitive to treatment with PMA. MMP-9 dimer secretion was not observed in any of the cell lines, which indicated that cellular migration is not supported by these cells.

Hypoascorbemia induces atherosclerosis and vascular deposition of lipoprotein(a) in transgenic mice

Lipoprotein(a), a variant of LDL carrying the adhesive glycoprotein apo(a), is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is found in humans and subhuman primates but rarely in lower mammals. Better understanding of the evolutionary advantage of this molecule should elucidate its physiological role. We developed a new mouse model with two characteristics of human metabolism: the expression of Lp(a) and the lack of endogenous ascorbate (vitamin C) production. We show that dietary deficiency of ascorbate increases serum levels of Lp(a). Moreover, chronic hypoascorbemia and complete depletion of ascorbate (scurvy) leads to Lp(a) accumulation in the vascular wall and parallels atherosclerotic lesion development. The results suggest that dietary ascorbate deficiency is a risk factor for atherosclerosis independent of dietary lipids. We provide support for the concept that Lp(a) functions as a mobile repair molecule compensating for the structural impairment of the vascular wall, a morphological hallmark of hypoascorbemia and scurvy.

In vitro and in vivo inhibition of human Fanconi anemia head and neck squamous carcinoma by a phytonutrient combination

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and acute myeloid leukemia are the major causes of mortality and morbidity in Fanconi anemia (FA) patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the antineoplastic activity of PB, an antineoplastic nutrient mixture (containing quercetin, curcumin, green tea, cruciferex and resveratrol) on human FA HNSCC in vitro and in vivo. Human FA HNSCC cell line OHSU-974 (Fanconi Anemia Research Fund) was cultured in RPMI medium supplemented with 20% FBS and anti-biotics. At near confluence, cells were treated in triplicate with different concentrations of PB: 0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg/ml. Cells were also treated with PMA to induce MMP-9 activity. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay, secretion of MMPs by gelatinase zymography, invasion through Matrigel, migration by scratch test and morphology by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In vivo, athymic male nude mice (n=12) were inoculated with 3x106 OHSU-974 cells subcutaneously and randomly divided into two groups: group A was fed a regular diet and group B a regular diet supplemented with 1% PB. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and their tumors were excised, weighed and processed for histology. NM inhibited the growth of OHSU-974 tumor by 67.6% (p<0.0001) and tumor burden by 63.6% (p<0.0001). PB demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation, with 27% (p=0.0003) and 48% (p=0.0004) toxicity at 75 and 100 µg/ml, respectively. Zymography revealed MMP-2 and PMA-induced MMP-9 secretion. PB suppressed secretion of both MMPs in a dose-dependent manner, with total block of both at 50 µg/ml. PB inhibited cell migration (by scratch test) and OHSU-974 invasion through Matrigel in a dose-dependent fashion with total block at 50 µg/ml. H&E staining showed no morphological changes below 50 µg/ml. The results suggest that PB has potential therapeutic use in the treatment of human FA HNSCC.

pecific nutrient combination effects on tax, NF- κB and MMP-9 in human T-cell lymphotropic virus -1 positive malignant T-lymphocytes

BACKGROUND

Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL) is a disease with no known cure. The disease manifests itself as an aggressive proliferation of CD4+ cells with the human T-cell Lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). The leukemogenesis of the virus is mainly attributed to the viral oncoprotein. Tax activates the Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) which stimulates the activity and expression of the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a specific nutrient synergy (SNS) on proliferation, Tax expression, NF-κB levels as well as on MMP-9 activity and expression both at the transcriptional and translational levels in two HTLV-1 positive cell lines, HuT-102 and C91-PL at 48h and 96h of incubation. Cytotoxicity of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was assayed using CytoTox 96 Non-radioactive and proliferation was measured using Cell Titer96TM Nonradioactive Cell Proliferation kit (MTT- based assay). Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were used to assess the effect of SNS on NF-κB mobility. Zymography was used to determine the effects of SNS on the activity and secretion of MMP-9. The expression of MMP-9 was done using RT-PCR at the translational level and Immunoblotting at the transcriptional level.

RESULTS

A significant inhibition of proliferation was seen in both cell lines starting at a concentration of 200μg/ml and in a dose dependent manner. SNS induced a dose dependent decrease in Tax expression, which was paralleled by a down-regulation of the nuclearization of NF-κB. This culminated in the inhibition of the activity of MMP-9 and their expression both at the transcriptional and translational levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that a specific nutrient synergy targeted multiple levels pertinent to the progression of ATL. Its activity was mediated through the NF-κB pathway, and hence has the potential to be integrated in the treatment of this disease as a natural potent anticancer agent.

Effects of a nutrient mixture on immunohistochemical localization of cancer markers in human cervical cancer HeLa cell tumor xenografts in female nude mice

Although fully treatable in the early stages, once cervical cancer has metastasized, patient outcome is poor. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of dietary supplementation with a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, ascorbic acid, proline, green tea extract and other micronutrients on HeLa cell xenografts in nude female mice. Tumor growth was measured and immunohistochemical staining was evaluated for the following cancer markers: Ki67 (proliferation); matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 (invasion/metastasis); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (angiogenesis); terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) (apoptosis); cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (inflammation); and glutathione S-transferase π (GSTπ) (a general cancer marker). Following housing for a week, 5/6-week-old female athymic nude mice (n=12) were inoculated subcutaneously with 3×10⁶ HeLa cells in 0.2 ml phosphate-buffered saline and 0.1 ml Matrigel™ and randomly divided into two groups; control group mice were fed regular mouse chow and NM group mice the regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM (w/w). After four weeks, the mice were sacrificed and their tumors were excised and processed for histology. The NM strongly inhibited the growth of HeLa xenografts in nude mice. The mean tumor weight was reduced to 59% (P=0.001) in the mice fed the NM compared with the tumor weight in the controlled diet mice. Ki67, MMP-2 and -9, VEGF, TUNEL, Bcl-2, COX-2, iNOS and GSTπ all showed a lower intensity and frequency of staining in the NM group compared with that in the control group. In conclusion, NM supplementation strongly inhibited tumor growth and cancer markers in female nude mice injected with HeLa xenografts.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits tax-dependent activation of nuclear factor kappa B and of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 positive leukemia cells

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol molecule from green tea and is known to exhibit antioxidative as well as tumor suppressing activity. In order to examine EGCG tumor invasion and suppressing activity against adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), two HTLV-1 positive leukemia cells (HuT-102 and C91- PL) were treated with non-cytotoxic concentrations of EGCG for 2 and 4 days. Proliferation was significantly inhibited by 100 μM at 4 days, with low cell lysis or cytotoxicity. HTLV-1 oncoprotein (Tax) expression in HuT- 102 and C91-PL cells was inhibited by 25 μM and 125 μM respectively. The same concentrations of EGCG inhibited NF-kB nuclearization and stimulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in both cell lines. These results indicate that EGCG can inhibit proliferation and reduce the invasive potential of HTLV-1- positive leukemia cells. It apparently exerted its effects by suppressing Tax expression, manifested by inhibiting the activation of NF-kB pathway and induction of MMP-9 transcription in HTLV-1 positive cells.

Abstract 4963: In vivo and in vitro effect of a nutrient mixture on murine 4T1 breast cancer

Breast cancer patients often have detectable or occult metastases at diagnosis and most patients will develop metastatic lesions during the course of the disease. We investigated the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, and green tea extract on murine breast cancer 4T1, a unique metastatic breast cancer model that has the capacity to metastasize efficiently to sites affected in human breast cancer. After one week of isolation, 5-6 week old female Balb/C mice were inoculated with 5x105 4T1 cells into the mammary pad and randomly divided into two groups; group A was fed a regular diet and group B a regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM. After four weeks, the mice were sacrificed and their tumors, lungs, livers, kidneys, hearts and spleens were excised and processed for histology. Dimensions (length and width) of tumors were measured using a digital caliper, and the tumor burden was calculated using the following formula: 0.5 x length x width. We also tested the effect of NM in vitro on 4T1 cells, measuring cell proliferation by MTT assay, MMP secretion by zymography, invasion through Matrigel , migration by scratch test and morphology by H&E staining. NM inhibited tumor weight and burden of 4T1 tumors by 50% (p =0.02) and 53.4% (p&lt;0.0001), respectively. Lung metastasis was profoundly inhibited by NM supplementation: mean number of colonies was reduced by 87% (p&lt;0.0001) and mean weight of lungs by 60% (p=0.0001) compared to control mice. Metastasis to liver, spleen, kidney and heart was significantly reduced with NM supplementation. In vitro, NM exhibited 50% toxicity over the control at 250 and 500 µg/ml concentrations. Zymography demonstrated MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion which was inhibited by NM in a dose dependent fashion, with virtual total inhibition of both at 1000 µg/ml. Migration by scratch test and Invasion through Matrigel were inhibited in a dose dependent manner with total block of invasion at 250 µg/ml and of migration at 1000 µg/ml. These results suggest that NM has therapeutic potential in treatment of breast cancer.

Citation Format: M. Waheed Roomi, John Cha, Nusrath Roomi, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath. In vivo and in vitro effect of a nutrient mixture on murine 4T1 breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4963. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4963

Effects of nutrients on matrix metalloproteinases in human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 positive and negative malignant T-lymphocytes

Experimental and clinical studies have revealed the effectiveness of a specific nutrient synergy (SNS) mixture composed of ascorbic acid (AA), lysine, proline, arginine, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and other micronutrients in targeting crucial physiological mechanisms involved in cancer progression and metastasis. HTLV-1 causes adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). The spread and metastases of ATL as well as other tumors has been associated with matrix metalloproteinases, especially the gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9. The objective of this study was to investigate whether SNS, AA and EGCG affects the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and its transcriptional and translational levels in HTLV-1-positive and -negative malignant T-cells. The results indicated that SNS and EGCG caused a dose-dependent decline in the activity, transcription and translation of MMP-2 after treatment with SNS and EGCG, while AA was only able to inhibit the activity at maximum doses tested and to some extent, the protein expression levels of MMP-2, without affecting their transcriptional levels. The highest activity was noted in the case of SNS which is likely to be due to a synergistic effect of the different constituents in the formulation. These results point towards the potential integration of SNS in the anti-invasive treatment of ATL and related diseases.