Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant, and Anti-Proliferative Activities of Wild and Cultivated Nigella damascena Species Collected in Sicily (Italy)

The use of Nigella damascena seeds in the culinary field or as aerial parts infusions in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields is widely reported. The biological activity of this plant, as demonstrated over the years, is closely related to its phytochemical content. This investigation focused on the comparative study of the same plants of N. damascena, one totally wild (WND), while the other two, one with white flowers (CWND) and the other with blue flowers (CBND), were subject to cultivation, irrigation, and manual weeding. Using the potential of 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, coupled with MS/MS spectrometric studies, the three methanolic extracts of N. damascena were investigated. Chemical studies have highlighted the presence of triterpene saponin compounds and various glycosylated flavonoids. Finally, the in vitro antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of the three individual extracts were evaluated. The antiproliferative activity performed on U-937, HL-60, and MCF-7 tumor cell lines highlighted a greater anticancer effect of the CBND and CWND extracts compared to the data obtained using WND. The antioxidant activity, however, performed to quantify ROS generation is comparable among the extracts used.

Prediction of persistent occiput posterior position by sonographic assessment of fetal head attitude at start of second stage of labor: prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between the attitude of the fetal head quantified by means of the chin-to-chest angle (CCA) in fetuses in occiput posterior (OP) position at the beginning of the second stage of labor, and persistent OP position at birth.

METHODS

This was a single-center, prospective observational study conducted at the University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy. We included singleton pregnancies at term with fetuses in the OP position at the beginning of the second stage of labor. The fetal head position, station by means of angle of progression and head-to-perineum distance, and attitude by means of CCA were assessed using transabdominal or transperineal ultrasound. The primary outcome was persistent OP position at birth.

RESULTS

Between January and July 2022, 76 women were included in the study. There were 48 (63.2%) spontaneous rotations of the fetal head and spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred in all. Among the 28 (36.8%) fetuses that did not rotate spontaneously into an occiput anterior position, eight (28.6%) had a spontaneous vaginal delivery, while operative vaginal delivery and Cesarean delivery was performed in 11 (39.3%) and nine (32.1%) cases, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the CCA (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.15 (95% CI, 1.22-3.78); P = 0.008) and nulliparity (aOR, 0.20 (95% CI, 0.06-0.76); P = 0.02) were associated independently with persistent OP position at birth. Moreover, the CCA showed an area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.56-0.82); P = 0.005) for the prediction of persistent OP position. The optimal cut-off value of the CCA was 36.5°, and was associated with a sensitivity of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.63-0.94), specificity of 0.50 (95% CI, 0.35-0.65), positive predictive value of 0.49 (95% CI, 0.34-0.64), negative predictive value of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.64-0.94), positive likelihood ratio of 1.64 (95% CI, 1.18-2.29) and negative likelihood ratio of 0.36 (95% CI, 0.15-0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that, within a population of women with fetal OP position at the beginning of the second stage of labor, the sonographic fetal head attitude measured by means of the CCA might help in the identification of fetuses at risk of persistent OP position. Such findings can be useful for patient counseling when OP position is diagnosed at full cervical dilatation. Further studies should investigate if the CCA might select patients who may benefit from manual rotation of the fetal head. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

SIRT1 activation promotes energy homeostasis and reprograms liver cancer metabolism

BACKGROUND

Cancer cells are characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and impaired bioenergetics. Sirtuins are a family of highly conserved enzymes that play a fundamental role in energy metabolism regulation. SIRT1, in particular, drives many physiological stress responses and metabolic pathways following nutrient deprivation. We previously showed that SIRT1 activation using SCIC2.1 was able to attenuate genotoxic response and senescence. Here, we report that in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells under glucose-deprived conditions, SCIC2.1 treatment induced overexpression of SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT6, modulating metabolic response.

METHODS

Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle. The MTT assay and xCELLigence system were used to measure cell viability and proliferation. In vitro enzymatic assays were carried out as directed by the manufacturer, and the absorbance was measured with an automated Infinite M1000 reader. Western blotting and immunoprecipitation were used to evaluate the expression of various proteins described in this study. The relative expression of genes was studied using real-time PCR. We employed a Seahorse XF24 Analyzer to determine the metabolic state of the cells. Oil Red O staining was used to measure lipid accumulation.

RESULTS

SCIC2.1 significantly promoted mitochondrial biogenesis via the AMPK-p53-PGC1α pathway and enhanced mitochondrial ATP production under glucose deprivation. SIRT1 inhibition by Ex-527 further supported our hypothesis that metabolic effects are dependent on SIRT1 activation. Interestingly, SCIC2.1 reprogrammed glucose metabolism and fatty acid oxidation for bioenergetic circuits by repressing de novo lipogenesis. In addition, SCIC2.1-mediated SIRT1 activation strongly modulated antioxidant response through SIRT3 activation, and p53-dependent stress response via indirect recruitment of SIRT6.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that SCIC2.1 is able to promote energy homeostasis, attenuating metabolic stress under glucose deprivation via activation of SIRT1. These findings shed light on the metabolic action of SIRT1 in the pathogenesis of HCC and may help determine future therapies for this and, possibly, other metabolic diseases.

Functional Properties of Natural Products and Human Health

Natural products (NPs), broadly defined as chemicals produced by living organisms including microbes, marine organisms, animals, fungi and plants, are widely used as therapeutic agents for treating diseases and maintaining health and "wellness" [...].

Sirtuin Inhibitor Cambinol Induces Cell Differentiation and Differently Interferes with SIRT1 and 2 at the Substrate Binding Site

Epigenetic mechanisms finely regulate gene expression and represent potential therapeutic targets. Cambinol is a synthetic heterocyclic compound that inhibits class III histone deacetylases known as sirtuins (SIRTs). The acetylating action that results could be crucial in modulating cellular functions via epigenetic regulations. The main aim of this research was to investigate the effects of cambinol, and its underlying mechanisms, on cell differentiation by combining wet experiments with bioinformatics analyses and molecular docking simulations. Our in vitro study evidenced the ability of cambinol to induce the differentiation in MCF-7, NB4, and 3T3-L1 cell lines. Interestingly, focusing on the latter that accumulated cytoplasmic lipid droplets, the first promising results related to the action mechanisms of cambinol have shown the induction of cell cycle-related proteins (such as p16 and p27) and modulation of the expression of Rb protein and nuclear receptors related to cell differentiation. Moreover, we explored the inhibitory mechanism of cambinol on human SIRT1 and 2 performing in silico molecular simulations by protein-ligand docking. Cambinol, unlike from other sirtuin inhibitors, is able to better interact with the substrate binding site of SIRT1 than with the inhibition site. Additionally, for SIRT2, cambinol partially interacts with the substrate binding site, although the inhibition site is preferred. Overall, our findings suggest that cambinol might contribute to the development of an alternative to the existing epigenetic therapies that modulate SIRTs.

Association Between Circulating CD4+ T Cell Methylation Signatures of Network-Oriented SOCS3 Gene and Hemodynamics in Patients Suffering Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pathogenic DNA methylation changes may be involved in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) onset and its progression, but there is no data on potential associations with patient-derived hemodynamic parameters. The reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) platform identified N = 631 differentially methylated CpG sites which annotated to N = 408 genes (DMGs) in circulating CD4⁺ T cells isolated from PAH patients vs. healthy controls (CTRLs). A promoter-restricted network analysis established the PAH subnetwork that included 5 hub DMGs (SOCS3, GNAS, ITGAL, NCOR2, NFIC) and 5 non-hub DMGs (NR4A2, GRM2, PGK1, STMN1, LIMS2). The functional analysis revealed that the SOCS3 gene was the most recurrent among the top ten significant pathways enriching the PAH subnetwork, including the growth hormone receptor and the interleukin-6 signaling. Correlation analysis showed that the promoter methylation levels of each network-oriented DMG were associated individually with hemodynamic parameters. In particular, SOCS3 hypomethylation was negatively associated with right atrial pressure (RAP) and positively associated with cardiac index (CI) (|r|≥ 0.6). A significant upregulation of the SOCS3, ITGAL, NFIC, NCOR2, and PGK1 mRNA levels (qRT-PCR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from PAH patients vs. CTRLs was found (P ≤ 0.05). By immunoblotting, a significant upregulation of the SOCS3 protein was confirmed in PAH patients vs. CTRLs (P < 0.01). This is the first network-oriented study which integrates circulating CD4⁺ T cell DNA methylation signatures, hemodynamic parameters, and validation experiments in PAH patients at first diagnosis or early follow-up. Our data suggests that SOCS3 gene might be involved in PAH pathogenesis and serve as potential prognostic biomarker.

Chemical Composition of Thymus leucotrichus var. creticus Essential Oil and Its Protective Effects on Both Damage and Oxidative Stress in Leptodictyum riparium Hedw. Induced by Cadmium

The chemical profile of the essential oil (EO) of the aerial parts of Thymus leucotrichus var. creticus (Lamiaceae), a taxon not previously studied, was investigated by GC-MS analysis, using a DB-Wax polar column. Oxygenated monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons dominate the EO, with thymol (46.97%) and p-cymene (28.64%) as the main constituent of these two classes, respectively. The ability of the EO of T. leucotrichus to reduce Cd toxicity was studied in aquatic moss Leptodictyum riparium. To study EO-induced tolerance to Cd toxicity, apex growth, number of dead cells, DNA damage and antioxidant response in gametophytes were examined. The exogenous application of the EO yields a resumption of growth rate and a reduction in the number of dead cells; it also reduces the oxidative stress induced by Cd, as demonstrated by the reduction of the ROS content (with a decrease of 1.52% and 5%) and by the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) (with an increase of 1.44% and 2.29%), CAT catalase (1.46% and 2.91%) and glutathione-S-transferase GST (1.57% and 1.90%). Furthermore, the application of the EO yields a reduction of DNA damage. These results clearly indicate the protective capacity of the EO of T. leucotrichus in modulating the redox state through the antioxidant pathway by reducing the oxidative stress induced by Cd.

The chemical composition of the aerial parts of Stachys spreitzenhoferi (Lamiaceae) growing in Kythira Island (Greece), and their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative properties

The Stachys L. genus has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin inflammations, stomach disorders, and stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical profile and biological activity of the methanolic extract of Stachys spreitzenhoferi Heldr. (Lamiaceae) aerial parts, collected on the island of Kythira, South Greece. The analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and high-resolution mass spectrometry [LC-(-)ESI/HRMSⁿ] of the methanol extract revealed the occurrence of thirty-six compounds - flavonoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids, quinic acid derivatives, aliphatic alcohol glycosides, and oligosaccharides - highlighting the substantial presence, as main peaks, of the iridoid melittoside (2) along with flavonoid compounds such as 4'-O-methylisoscutellarein mono-acetyl-diglycoside/chrysoeriol mono-acetyl-diglycoside (24), trimethoxy- (35) and tetramethoxyflavones (36). This extract was tested for its antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and negative pathogenic strains. The extract was not active against Gram-negative bacteria tested, but it possessed a good dose-dependent antimicrobial activity towards S. aureus (MIC: 1.0 mg/mL) and L. monocytogenes (MIC: 1.0 mg/mL) Gram-(+) strains. Furthermore, this extract has been tested for its possible antioxidant activity in vitro. In particular, it has been shown that these molecules cause a decrease in DPPH, ABTS, and H₂O₂ radicals. The extract of S. spreitzenhoferi exhibited anti-DPPH activity (IC₅₀: 0.17 mg/mL), anti-H₂O₂ activity (IC₅₀: 0.125 mg/mL), and promising antiradical effect with an IC₅₀ value of 0.18 mg/mL for anti-ABTS activity. S. spreitzenhoferi extract caused a decrease in ROS (at the concentration of 200 μg/mL) and an increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GPX in OZ-stimulated PMNs. Furthermore, it exhibited antiproliferative activity against acute myeloid leukemia (U937 cell), causing 50% of cell death at the 0.75 mg/mL.

Ellagic Acid: A Review on Its Natural Sources, Chemical Stability, and Therapeutic Potential

Ellagic acid (EA) is a bioactive polyphenolic compound naturally occurring as secondary metabolite in many plant taxa. EA content is considerable in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and in wood and bark of some tree species. Structurally, EA is a dilactone of hexahydroxydiphenic acid (HHDP), a dimeric gallic acid derivative, produced mainly by hydrolysis of ellagitannins, a widely distributed group of secondary metabolites. EA is attracting attention due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative properties. EA displayed pharmacological effects in various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Furthermore, EA has also been well documented for its antiallergic, antiatherosclerotic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This review reports on the health-promoting effects of EA, along with possible mechanisms of its action in maintaining the health status, by summarizing the literature related to the therapeutic potential of this polyphenolic in the treatment of several human diseases.

ABCA1, TCF7, NFATC1, PRKCZ and PDGFA DNA methylation as potential epigenetic-sensitive targets in acute coronary syndrome via network analysis

Background

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most severe clinical manifestation of coronary heart disease and the leading cause of death worldwide.

Purpose

To perform an epigenome-wide analysis in circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of ACS patients and healthy subjects (HS) enrolled in the DIANA clinical trial (NCT04371809) in order to identify differentially methylated genes (DMGs).

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of all subjects and sequenced by the reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) platform. Functional pathway analysis was performed and significant DMGs were selected for gene expression validation by qRT-PCR in ACS patients and HS. GeneMANIA was used to built a prediction gene network. Correlation analyses between molecular data and clinical variables were performed.

Results

In CD4+ T cells we identified 61 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated to 57 annotated genes of which 53% (n=32) were hyper- and 47% (n=29) were hypo-methylated in ACS patients vs HS. In CD8+ T cells we identified 613 DMRs associated to 569 annotated genes of which 28% (n=173) were hyper- and 72% (n=440) were hypo-methylated between two groups. In both cell type of ACS patients, 175 DMRs were associated to 157 annotated genes of which 41% (n=72) were hyper- and 59% (n=103) were hypo-methylated. From functional analysis, we selected the top 5 DMGs in the prevalent pathways with the highest differential of methylation values. Specifically, we considered 6 hub genes: NFATC1, TCF7, PDGFA, PRKCB, PRKCZ and ABCA1 and determined their respective expression levels by q-RT-PCR. We found a significant up-regulation of the selected genes in ACS patients vs HS (P&lt;0.001 for all comparisons). Correlation analysis showed both common and cell specific correlation patterns. In CD4+ T cells, PDGFA promoter methylation was negatively correlated with CK-MB concentrations (r=−0.79, P=0.018). ABCA1, TCF7, PDGFA and PRKCZ gene expression was positively associated to CK-MB concentrations (r=0.75, P=0.03; r=0.760, P=0.029; r=0.72, P=0.044; r=0.74, P=0.035, respectively).

Conlusions

This study is the first single-base resolution map of DNA methylome by RRBS in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, providing specific methylation signatures that could help to clarify the role of aberrant methylation in ACS pathogenesis, and provide the basis for the search of novel epigenetic-sensitive biomarkers in the prevention and early diagnosis of this pathology.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Italian Ministry of Health;Italian Ministry of Research and University

Circulating CD4+T/methylation signatures of network-oriented SOCS3, ITGAL, NFIC, NCOR2, PGK1 genes associate with hemodynamics in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients

Background

CD4+ T cells are associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) pathogenesis but mechanistic insights are limited.

Purpose

To identify differential CD4+ T methylation signatures in healthy controls vs PAH and evaluate a putative association with the cardiopulmonary hemodynamic profile of affected patients.

Methods

We used RRBS platform to profile CD4+ T DNA methylome in the CLEOPAHTRA clinical trial.

Results

Differentially methylated CpG sites (N=631) annotated to N=408 genes (DMGs). Most of them (65%) were hypermethylated and localized in distal intergenic (36%) and promoter regions (31%). Promoter-related network analysis established the PAH subnetwork highlighting 5 hub DMGs (SOCS3, GNAS, ITGAL, NCOR2, NFIC) and 5 non-hub DMGs (NR4A2, GRM2, PGK1, STMN1, LIMS2) as potential candidate genes (Figure 1). The Infinium Human MethylationEPIC BeadChip on CD4+ T cells from an independent study population confirmed the global RRBS-methylation trends. Both in idiopathic and Associated-PAH, each of these 10 network-oriented DMGs was strongly correlated with at least one hemodynamic parameter such as right atrial pressure (RAP), cardiac index (CI), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) (Figure 2). In addition, mRNA levels of the ITGAL, NFIC, NCOR2, PGK1 genes and the IL-6-STAT3-SOCS3 signaling axis were significantly upregulated in PBMCs from patients with PAH vs controls suggesting putative drug targets. Furthermore, both SOCS3 methylation and mRNA levels were positively correlated with cardiac index (CI) in idiopathic PAH whereas both PGK1 methylation and mRNA levels were positively correlated with RAP and inversely with CI in Associated PAH suggesting putative non-invasive biomarkers.

Conclusions

This hypothesis-generating study shows for the first time that circulating CD4+ T methylation signatures, inclusive of SOCS3, ITGAL, NFIC, NCOR2, and PGK1 genes may yield insight into pro-inflammatory mechanisms that exacerbate vascular remodeling in PAH and suggest non-invasive biomarkers to optimize patient phenotyping and, possibly, prognostication in PAH.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): PRIN2017F8ZB89 from Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) (PI Prof Napoli) and Ricerca Corrente (RC) 2019 from Italian Ministry of Health (PI Prof. Napoli). Figure 1Figure 2

Metabolite Profile and In Vitro Beneficial Effects of Black Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Polar Extract

Over the centuries, humans have traditionally used garlic (Allium sativum L.) as a food ingredient (spice) and remedy for many diseases. To confirm this, many extensive studies recognized the therapeutic effects of garlic bulbs. More recently, black garlic (BG), made by heat-ageing white garlic bulbs, has increased its popularity in cuisine and traditional medicine around the world, but there is still limited information on its composition and potential beneficial effects. In this study, the metabolite profile of methanol extract of BG (BGE) was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in high-resolution mode. Results allowed to establish that BGE major components were sulfur derivatives, saccharides, peptides, organic acids, a phenylpropanoid derivative, saponins, and compounds typical of glycerophospholipid metabolism. Characterization of the BGE action in cancer cells revealed that antioxidant, metabolic, and hepatoprotective effects occur upon treatment as well as induction of maturation of acute myeloid leukemia cells. These results are interesting from the impact point of view of BG consumption as a functional food for potential prevention of metabolic and tumor diseases.

ABCA1, TCF7, NFATC1, PRKCZ, and PDGFA DNA methylation as potential epigenetic-sensitive targets in acute coronary syndrome via network analysis

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most severe clinical manifestation of coronary heart disease.We performed an epigenome-wide analysis of circulating CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells isolated from ACS patients and healthy subjects (HS), enrolled in the DIANA clinical trial, by reduced-representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS). In CD4⁺ T cells, we identified 61 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with 57 annotated genes (53% hyper- and 47% hypo-methylated) by comparing ACS patients vs HS. In CD8⁺ T cells, we identified 613 DMRs associated with 569 annotated genes (28% hyper- and 72% hypo-methylated) in ACS patients as compared to HS. In CD4⁺ vs CD8⁺ T cells of ACS patients we identified 175 statistically significant DMRs associated with 157 annotated genes (41% hyper- and 59% hypo-methylated). From pathway analyses, we selected six differentially methylated hub genes (NFATC1, TCF7, PDGFA, PRKCB, PRKCZ, ABCA1) and assessed their expression levels by q-RT-PCR. We found an up-regulation of selected genes in ACS patients vs HS (P < 0.001). ABCA1, TCF7, PDGFA, and PRKCZ gene expression was positively associated with CK-MB serum concentrations (r = 0.75, P = 0.03; r = 0.760, P = 0.029; r = 0.72, P = 0.044; r = 0.74, P = 0.035, respectively).This pilot study is the first single-base resolution map of DNA methylome by RRBS in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells and provides specific methylation signatures to clarify the role of aberrant methylation in ACS pathogenesis, thus supporting future research for novel epigenetic-sensitive biomarkers in the prevention and early diagnosis of this pathology.

Epigenetic Therapies for Heart Failure: Current Insights and Future Potential

Despite the current reductionist approach providing an optimal indication for diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), there are no standard pharmacological therapies for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Although in its infancy in cardiovascular diseases, the epigenetic-based therapy ("epidrugs") is capturing the interest of physician community. In fact, an increasing number of controlled clinical trials is evaluating the putative beneficial effects of: 1) direct epigenetic-oriented drugs, eg, apabetalone, and 2) repurposed drugs with a possible indirect epigenetic interference, eg, metformin, statins, sodium glucose transporter inhibitors 2 (SGLT2i), and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in both HFrEF and HFpEF, separately. Apabetalone is the first and unique direct epidrug tested in cardiovascular patients to date, and the BETonMACE trial has reported a reduction in first HF hospitalization (any EF value) and cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetes and recent acute coronary syndrome, suggesting a possible role in secondary prevention. Patients with HFpEF seem to benefit from supplementation to the standard therapy with statins, metformin, and SGLT2i owing to their ability in reducing mortality. In contrast, the vasodilator hydralazine, with or without isosorbide dinitrate, did not provide beneficial effects. In HFrEF, metformin and SGLT2i could reduce the risk of incident HF and mortality in affected patients whereas clinical trials based on statins provided mixed results. Furthermore, PUFAs diet supplementation was significantly associated with reduced cardiovascular risk in both HFpEF and HFrEF. Future large trials will reveal whether direct and indirect epitherapy will remain a work in progress or become a useful way to customize the therapy in the real-world management of HFpEF and HFrEF. Our goal is to discuss the recent advancement in the epitherapy as a possible way to improve personalized therapy of HF.

Comparative Phytochemical Characterization, Genetic Profile, and Antiproliferative Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Pigmented Tubers of Different Solanum tuberosum Varieties

Plants produce a vast array of biomolecules with beneficial effects for human health. In this study, polyphenol and anthocyanin-rich extracts (PAE) from pigmented tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. varieties “Blue Star”, “Magenta Love”, and “Double Fun” in comparison with the more extensively studied “Vitelotte” were evaluated and compared for antiproliferative effects in human leukemia cells, and their phytochemical and genetic profiles were determined. In U937 cells, upon treatment with PAE, it was possible to reveal the expression of specific apoptotic players, such as caspase 8, 9, 3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), as well as the induction of monocyte and granulocyte differentiation. A liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) investigation revealed the presence of polyphenolic compounds in all the varieties of potatoes analyzed, among which caffeoyl and feruloyl quinic acid derivatives were the most abundant, as well as several acylated anthocyanins. Each pigmented variety was genotyped by DNA-based molecular markers, and flavonoid-related transcription factors were profiled in tubers in order to better characterize these outstanding resources and contribute to their exploitation in breeding. Interesting biological activities were observed for “Blue Star” and “Vitelotte” varieties with respect to the minor or no effect of the “Double Fun” variety.

Bisphenol A induces cell cycle arrest in primary and prostate cancer cells through EGFR/ERK/p53 signaling pathway activation

Bisphenol A (BPA) belongs to the class of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors and has been also involved in the pathogenesis and progression of endocrine related cancer such as breast and prostate cancers. Here, we have investigated the effect of BPA in human prostate cancer LNCaP cells and in human non-transformed epithelial prostate EPN cells. Our data showed that BPA induces the down regulation of cyclin D1 expression and the upregulation of the cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27, leading to cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, we found that the BPA anti-proliferative response depends on a strong and rapid activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which stimulates ERK-dependent pathway. This, in turn, induces expression of p53 and its phosphorylation on residue Ser15, which is responsible for cell cycle arrest. EGFR activation occurs upon a cross talk with androgen (AR) and estradiol receptor-β (ERβ) which are known to bind BPA.

Altogether, these findings show a novel signaling pathway in which EGFR activation plays a key role on BPA-induced cell cycle inhibition through a pathway involving AR and ERβ/EGFR complexes, ERK and p53. Our results provide new insights for understanding the molecular mechanisms in human prostate cancer. On the other, they could allow the development of new compounds that may be used to overcome human prostate cancer resistance to endocrine therapy in promising target therapeutic approaches.

Antiproliferative, antibacterial and antifungal activity of the lichen Xanthoria parietina and its secondary metabolite parietin

Lichens are valuable natural resources used for centuries throughout the world as medicine, food, fodder, perfume, spices and dyes, as well as for other miscellaneous purposes. This study investigates the antiproliferative, antibacterial and antifungal activity of the acetone extract of the lichen Xanthoria parietina (Linnaeus) Theodor Fries and its major secondary metabolite, parietin. The extract and parietin were tested for antimicrobial activity against nine American Type Culture Collection standard and clinically isolated bacterial strains, and three fungal strains. Both showed strong antibacterial activity against all bacterial strains and matched clinical isolates, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus from standard and clinical sources. Among the fungi tested, Rhizoctonia solani was the most sensitive. The antiproliferative effects of the extract and parietin were also investigated in human breast cancer cells. The extract inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis, both effects being accompanied by modulation of expression of cell cycle regulating genes such as p16, p27, cyclin D1 and cyclin A. It also mediated apoptosis by activating extrinsic and intrinsic cell death pathways, modulating Tumor Necrosis Factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and inducing Bcl-2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD) phosphorylation. Our results indicate that Xanthoria parietina is a major potential source of antimicrobial and anticancer substances.

Natural compounds in epigenetics: a current view

The successful treatment of many human diseases, including cancer, has come to be considered a major challenge, as patient response to therapy is difficult to predict. Recently, considerable efforts are being focused on the development of new tools to meet the growing demand for personalized medicine. With few exceptions, synthetic compounds have been unable to meet initial expectations for their clinical use. The last twenty years have been characterized by the failure of several drugs in advanced clinical development, possibly due to the insufficient understanding of molecular pathways underlying their mechanism of action. Although the biodiversity of compounds found in nature has been poorly explored until now, the field of naturally occurring drugs is rapidly expanding. Here, we review the current knowledge on the use of natural compounds with particular emphasis on those that display a chromatin remodeling effect coupled with anticancer action.

Genista sessilifolia DC. extracts induce apoptosis across a range of cancer cell lines

OBJECTIVES

Restorative properties of medicinal plants such as Genista sessilifolia DC. have often been suggested to occur, in epidemiological studies. However, full characterization of effective principles responsible for this action has never previously been performed. Here, we have characterized G. sessilifolia's anti-cancer effects and identified the chemical components involved in this anti-tumour action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell cycle, apoptosis, necrosis, differentiation analyses, high-performance liquid chromatography, western blotting, RNA extraction, real-time PCR and primers have all been observed/used in the study.

RESULTS

We report that G. sessilifolia methanol extract has anti-cancer activity on solid and haematological cancer cells. G. sessilifolia extract's anti-proliferative action is closely bound to induction of apoptosis, whereas differentiation is only weakly modulated. Analysis of G. sessilifolia extract, by high-performance liquid chromatography, identifies fraction 18-22 as the pertinent component for induction of apoptosis, whereas fractions 11-13 and 27-30 both seem to contribute to differentiation. G. sessilifolia extract induces apoptosis mediated by caspase activation and p21, Rb, p53, Bcl2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD), tumour necrosis factor receptor super-family, member 10 (TRAIL) overexpression and death receptor 5 (DR5). Accordingly, fraction 18-22 inducing apoptosis was able to induce TRAIL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that G. sessilifolia extract and its fraction 18-22 containing genistin and isoprunetin, were able to induce anti-cancer effects supporting the hypothesis of a pro-apoptotic intrinsic content of this natural medicinal plant.

Psidium guajava L. anti-neoplastic effects: induction of apoptosis and cell differentiation

OBJECTIVES

Curative properties of medicinal plants such as Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) have often been indicated by epidemiological studies on populations in which these fruits are consumed daily. However, complete characterization of the active principles responsible for this ability has never been performed. Here, we have characterized P. guajava's anti-cancer potential and identified the parts of the fruit involved in its anti-neoplastic action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied morphology of our cells, cell cycle characteristics and apoptosis and performed immunostaining, differentiation and western blot analyses.

RESULTS

We report that the P. guajava extract exerted anti-cancer control on both haematological and solid neoplasias. P. guajava extract's anti-tumour properties were found to be tightly bound to induction of apoptosis and differentiation. Use of ex vivo myeloid leukaemia blasts corroborated that P. guajava was able to induce cell death but did not exhibit anti-cancer effects on all malignant cells investigated, indicating selective activity against certain types of tumour. Analyses of P. guajava pulp, peel and seeds identified the pulp as being the most relevant component for causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, whereas peel was responsible for causing cell differentiation. P. guajava itself and its pulp-derived extract were found to induce apoptosis accompanied by caspase activation and p16, p21, Fas ligand (FASL TNF super-family, member 6), Bcl-2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD) and tumour necrosis factor receptor super-family, member 10b (DR5), overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that P. guajava L. extract was able to exert anti-cancer activity on cultures in vitro and ex vivo, supporting the hypothesis of its anti malignant pro-apoptotic modulation.

Molecular analysis of the apoptotic effects of BPA in acute myeloid leukemia cells

Background:

BPA (bisphenol A or 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-phenol)propane) is present in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, which can be used in impact-resistant safety equipment and baby bottles, as protective coatings inside metal food containers, and as composites and sealants in dentistry. Recently, attention has focused on the estrogen-like and carcinogenic adverse effects of BPA. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing activity of this compound.

Methods:

Cell cycle, apoptosis and differentiation analyses; western blots.

Results:

BPA is able to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in three different acute myeloid leukemias. Although some granulocytic differentiation concomitantly occurred in NB4 cells upon BPA treatment, the major action was the induction of apoptosis. BPA mediated apoptosis was caspase dependent and occurred by activation of extrinsic and intrinsic cell death pathways modulating both FAS and TRAIL and by inducing BAD phosphorylation in NB4 cells. Finally, also non genomic actions such as the early decrease of both ERK and AKT phosphorylation were induced by BPA thus indicating that a complex intersection of regulations occur for the apoptotic action of BPA.

Conclusion:

BPA is able to induce apoptosis in leukemia cells via caspase activation and involvement of both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis.

Effect of bisphenol A with or without enzyme treatment on the proliferation and viability of MCF-7 cells

Recently, aqueous solutions polluted by BPA have been bioremediated by us using laccase immobilized on hydrophobic membranes in non-isothermal bioreactors. BPA degradation was checked using analytical methods. To assess in vitro the occurred bioremediation, the proliferation and viability indexes of MCF-7 cells incubated in the presence of aqueous solutions of BPA, or of enzyme-treated BPA solutions, have been measured as a function of the initial BPA concentration. The results demonstrated that: i) at each initial BPA concentration used, both the proliferation and viability indexes are a function of the duration of enzyme treatment; ii) proliferation and viability are uncoupled biological processes with respect to BPA enzyme treatment. Non-isothermal bioreactors are a useful tool for the bioremediation of aqueous solutions polluted by BPA, which is an example of an endocrine disruptor that belongs to the alkyl phenol family.

CYP17 and CYP19 gene polymorphisms in women affected with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether CYP17 T>C polymorphism and polymorphisms C1558T and Val80 of CYP19 are related to endometriosis.

DESIGN

Clinical study.

PATIENT(S)

Women affected with endometriosis (n = 104) and control group (n = 86). The diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed by the histologic examination of the endometriotic lesions.

RESULT(S)

In patients affected with endometriosis, we observed that AA and CC genotypes were significantly represented in Val80 and C1558T polymorphisms of CYP19.

CONCLUSION(S)

The molecular mechanisms that underlie the development of endometriosis are unclear. Both environmental and genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The inheritable susceptibility to endometriosis justifies the growing interest in identifying genes and/or genetic polymorphisms that predispose women to an increased risk of developing endometriosis. The identification of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), probably linked to endometriosis, could help to explain its pathogenesis.

Feijoa sellowiana derived natural Flavone exerts anti-cancer action displaying HDAC inhibitory activities

Curative properties of some medicinal plants such as the Feijoa sellowiana Bert. (Myrtaceae), have been often claimed, although the corresponding molecular mechanism(s) remain elusive. We report here that the Feijoa acetonic extract exerts anti-cancer activities on solid and hematological cancer cells. Feijoa extract did not show toxic effects on normal myeloid progenitors thus displaying a tumor-selective activity. In the Feijoa acetonic extract, fractionation and subsequent purification and analyses identified Flavone as the active component. Flavone induces apoptosis which is accompanied by caspase activation and p16, p21 and TRAIL over-expression in human myeloid leukemia cells. Use of ex vivo myeloid leukemia patients blasts confirms that both the full acetonic Feijoa extract and its derived Flavone are able to induce apoptosis. In both cell lines and myeloid leukemia patients blasts the apoptotic activity of Feijoa extract and Flavone is accompanied by increase of histone and non-histone acetylation levels and by HDAC inhibition. Our findings show for the first time that the Feijoa apoptotic active principle is the Flavone and that this activity correlates with the induction of HDAC inhibition, supporting the hypothesis of its epigenetic pro-apoptotic regulation in cancer systems.

Arg72Pro p53 polymorphism in Italian women: no association with endometriosis

p53 codon 72 polymorphism in Italian women have a minor role in determining genetic susceptibility to endometriosis. The racial differences, in association with other risk factors, might be underlined in endometriotic disease.

Comparative gene expression profiling reveals partially overlapping but distinct genomic actions of different antiestrogens in human breast cancer cells

Antiestrogens used for breast cancer (BC) treatment differ among each other for the ability to affect estrogen receptor (ER) activity and thereby inhibit hormone-responsive cell functions and viability. We used high-density cDNA microarrays for a comprehensive definition of the gene pathways affected by 17beta-estradiol (E2), ICI 182,780 (ICI), 4OH-tamoxifen (Tamoxifen), and raloxifene (RAL) in ER-positive ZR-75.1 cells, a suitable model to investigate estrogen and antiestrogen actions in hormone-responsive BC. The expression of 601 genes was significantly affected by E2 in these cells; in silico analysis reveals that 86 among them include one or more potential ER binding site within or near the promoter and that the binding site signatures for E2F-1, NF-Y, and NRF-1 transcription factors are significantly enriched in the promoters of genes induced by estrogen treatment, while those for CAC-binding protein and LF-A1 in those repressed by the hormone, pointing to novel transcriptional effectors of secondary responses to estrogen in BC cells. Interestingly, expression of 176 E2-regulated mRNAs was unaffected by any of the antiestrogens tested, despite the fact that under the same conditions the transcriptional and cell cycle stimulatory activities of ER were inhibited. On the other hand, of 373 antiestrogen-responsive genes identified here, 52 were unresponsive to estrogen and 25% responded specifically to only one of the compounds tested, revealing non-overlapping and clearly distinguishable effects of the different antiestrogens in BC cells. As some of these differences reflect specificities of the mechanism of action of the antiestrogens tested, we propose to exploit this gene set for characterization of novel hormonal antagonists and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and as a tool for testing new associations of antiestrogens, more effective against BC.

Tumor-selective action of HDAC inhibitors involves TRAIL induction in acute myeloid leukemia cells

Chromatin is a dynamic macromolecular structure epigenetically modified to regulate specific gene expression. Altered chromatin function can lead to aberrant expression of growth regulators and may, ultimately, cause cancer. That many human diseases have epigenetic etiology has stimulated the development of 'epigenetic' therapies. Inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACIs) induce proliferation arrest, maturation and apoptosis of cancer cells, but not normal cells, in vitro and in vivo, and are currently being tested in clinical trials. We investigated the mechanism(s) underlying this tumor selectivity. We report that HDACIs induce, in addition to p21, expression of TRAIL (Apo2L, TNFSF10) by directly activating the TNFSF10 promoter, thereby triggering tumor-selective death signaling in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and the blasts of individuals with AML. RNA interference revealed that the induction of p21, TRAIL and differentiation are separable activities of HDACIs. HDACIs induced proliferation arrest, TRAIL-mediated apoptosis and suppression of AML blast clonogenicity irrespective of French-American-British (FAB) classification status, karyotype and immunophenotype. No apoptosis was seen in normal CD34(+) progenitor cells. Our results identify TRAIL as a mediator of the anticancer action of HDACIs.

The beneficial effects of antioxidant supplementation in enteral feeding in critically ill patients: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

We investigated whether intervention with antioxidant vitamins C and E in enteral feeding influenced oxidative stress and clinical outcome in critically ill patients. Two-hundred-sixteen patients expected to require at least 10 days of enteral feeding completed the study. One-hundred-five patients received enteral feeding supplemented with antioxidants, and 111 control patients received an isocaloric formula. Plasma lipoperoxidation (by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS] and prostaglandin F(2alpha) isoprostane levels), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidizability, and LDL tocopherol content were determined at baseline and at the end of the 10-day period. The clinical 28-day outcome was also assessed. Plasma TBARS and isoprostanes were 5.33 +/- 1.26 nM/mL and 312 +/- 68 pg/mL, respectively, before treatment and 2.42 +/- 0.61 nM/mL and 198 +/- 42 pg/mL after intervention (P < 0.01 for both comparisons). Antioxidants improved LDL resistance to oxidative stress by approximately 30% (the lag time before treatment was 87 +/- 23 min and was 118 +/- 20 min after treatment; P < 0.04). There was a significantly reduced 28-day mortality after antioxidant intervention (45.7% in the antioxidant group and 67.5% in the regular-feeding group; P < 0.05). Isoprostanes may provide a sensitive biochemical marker for dose selection in studies involving antioxidants.

Differentiation of myeloid cell lines correlates with a selective expression of RIZ protein

BACKGROUND

The retinoblastoma-interacting zinc-finger gene RIZ is expressed in two forms (RIZ1 and RIZ2) that differ for the presence near the N-terminus of RIZ1 of a conserved domain, defined PR (PRDI-BF1-RIZ homology), homologous to a similar domain present in other proteins recognized as tumor suppressor gene products. The RIZ1 form is usually absent or expressed at low levels in tumor cells, whereas RIZ2 is frequently expressed. We investigated a possible involvement of RIZ1 in differentiation control using a myeloid cell maturation model that is easily modulated by retinoids and other agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HL60 or NB4 cell lines or patients' leukemic promyelocytes were treated with all- trans -retinoic acid or other agents to induce differentiation. RIZ gene expression was determined with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RNase protection assay. Immunocytochemistry was performed to assess variation of the intracellular distribution of RIZ protein on all- trans-retinoic acid treatment. Forced expression of RIZ1 protein was obtained with a recombinant adenovirus containing RIZ1 cDNA.

RESULTS

Treatment with retinoic acid induced a selective expression of RIZ1 in HL60 cell line. Retinoic acid effect was maximal at 7 days and correlated to the granulocytic differentiation of cells. A similar effect was obtained in retinoic acid-sensitive NB4 cell line or in patients' leukemic promyelocytes, but not in the retinoic acid-resistant cell line NB4.007/6 or in the U937 cell line. Selective expression of RIZ1 was also induced by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate in the U937 and HL60 cell lines and by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) only in HL60 cells. In HL60 cells, RIZ1 was also induced by activation of a retinoid alpha receptor-independent maturation pathway based on retinoid X receptor agonist and protein kinase A synergism. In addition, retinoic acid produced a redistribution of the antigen within the nucleus in these cells. Forced expression of RIZ1 protein induced growth arrest and death of HL60 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation between the selective expression of RIZ1 induced by retinoic acid, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate, or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and differentiation suggested that RIZ protein was involved in myeloid cell differentiation induced by these agents.

Estradiol induces functional inactivation of p53 by intracellular redistribution

Estrogen treatment of MCF-7 cells grown in serum-free medium induced a modification of the intracellular distribution of p53 protein. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining showed that p53 was localized in the nucleus of untreated cell and that after 48 h of hormone treatment, it was mostly localized in the cytoplasm. This effect was blocked by the antiestrogen ICI182,780. Intracellular redistribution of p53 was correlated to a reduced expression of the WAF1/CIP1 gene product and to the presence of degradation fragments of p53 in the cytosol. Estradiol treatment prevented the growth inhibition induced by oligonucleotide transfection, simulating DNA damage. This observation indicated that the wild-type p53 gene product present in the MCF-7 cell could be inactivated by estradiol through nuclear exclusion to permit the cyclin-dependent phosphorylation events leading to the G1-S transition. In addition, the estradiol-induced inactivation of p53 could be involved in the tumorigenesis of estrogen-dependent neoplasm.

The retinoblastoma-interacting zinc-finger protein RIZ is a downstream effector of estrogen action

Co-immunoprecipitation experiments in cell extract from cultured cells or target tissues indicated that estrogen receptor was complexed with the retinoblastoma binding protein RIZ in a ligand-dependent manner. Mapping of interaction sites indicated that in both proteins the same regions and motifs responsible for the interaction of transcriptional co-activator and nuclear receptors were involved. In cultured cells, estradiol induced a redistribution of RIZ protein within the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. A similar effect was produced in vivo, in prepuberal rat endometrium, by administration of a physiological dose of estradiol. Therefore, RIZ protein could be a specific effector of estrogen action downstream of the hormone-receptor interaction, presumably involved in proliferation control.

Identification of a DNA binding protein cooperating with estrogen receptor as RIZ (retinoblastoma interacting zinc finger protein)

Double-stranded DNA fragments were selected from a random pool by repeated cycles of estrogen receptor-specific immunoprecipitation in the presence of a nuclear extract and PCR amplification (cyclic amplification and selection of target, CAST, for multiple elements). Fragments were cloned and sequence analysis indicated the 5-nucleotide word TTGGC was the most recurrent sequence unrelated to the known estrogen responsive element. Screening a HeLa cell expression library with a probe designed with multiple repeats of this sequence resulted in the identification of a 1700-aa protein showing a complete homology with the product of the human retinoblastoma-interacting zinc-finger gene RIZ. In transfection experiments, RIZ protein was able to bestow estrogen inducibility to a promoter containing an incomplete estrogen responsive element and a TTGGC motif. RIZ protein present in MCF-7 cell nuclear extract retarded the TTGGC-containing probe in an EMSA. Estrogen receptor was co-immunoprecipitated from MCF-7 cell extract by antibodies to RIZ protein and vice versa, thus indicating an existing interaction between these two proteins.

Tyrosine kinase/p21ras/MAP-kinase pathway activation by estradiol-receptor complex in MCF-7 cells

The mechanism by which estradiol acts on cell multiplication is still unclear. Under conditions of estradiol-dependent growth, estradiol treatment of human mammary cancer MCF-7 cells triggers rapid and transient activation of the mitogen-activated (MAP) kinases, erk-1 and erk-2, increases the active form of p21ras, tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and p190 protein and induces association of p190 to p21ras-GAP. Both Shc and p190 are substrates of activated src and once phosphorylated, they interact with other proteins and upregulate p21ras. Estradiol activates the tyrosine kinase/p21ras/MAP-kinase pathway in MCF-7 cells with kinetics which are similar to those of peptide mitogens. It is only after introduction of the human wild-type 67 kDa estradiol receptor cDNA that Cos cells become estradiol-responsive in terms of erk-2 activity. This finding, together with the inhibition by the pure anti-estrogen ICI 182 780 of the stimulatory effect of estradiol on each step of the pathway in MCF-7 cells proves that the classic estradiol receptor is responsible for the transduction pathway activation. Transfection experiments of Cos cells with the estradiol receptor cDNA and in vitro experiments with c-src show that the estradiol receptor activates c-src and this activation requires occupancy of the receptor by hormone. Our experiments suggest that c-src is an initial and integral part of the signaling events mediated by the estradiol receptor.