Nutraceuticals and "Repurposed" Drugs of Phytochemical Origin in Prevention and Interception of Chronic Degenerative Diseases and Cancer

BACKGROUND

Chronic, degenerative diseases are often characterized by inflammation and aberrant angiogenesis. For these pathologies, including rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, and obesity, current therapies have limited efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

The validation of novel (chemo)preventive and interceptive approaches, and the use of new or repurposed agents, alone or in combination with registered drugs, are urgently required.

RESULTS

Phytochemicals (triterpenoids, flavonoids, retinoids) and their derivatives, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin) as well as biguanides (metformin and phenformin) originally developed from phytochemical backbones, are multi-target agents showing antiangiogenic and anti-anti-inflammatory proprieties. Many of them target AMPK and metabolic pathways such as the mTOR axis. We summarize the beneficial effects of several compounds in conferring protection and supporting therapy, and as a paradigm, we present data on terpenoids & biquanides on beer hop xanthohumol and hydroxytryrosol from olive mill waste waters.

CONCLUSIONS

These molecules could be employed for combinatorial chemoprevention and interception approaches or chemoprevention/therapy regimens for cancer and other chronic complex diseases.

An Extract of Olive Mill Wastewater Downregulates Growth, Adhesion and Invasion Pathways in Lung Cancer Cells: Involvement of CXCR4

Several diet-derived compounds have been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects in numerous cancers and could be beneficial in cancer prevention. Olive oil production involves the generation of an aqueous phase defined as olive mill wastewater (OMWW), a polluting effluent rich in soluble polyphenols. Here, we assessed the cancer preventive properties exerted by a purified extract of OMWW (A009) for its activity on lung cancer cell lines. Hydroxytyrosol, the most abundant polyphenol present in our A009 extracts, was used as reference molecule in the assays performed. Extracts from OMWW from two different olive oil cultivars were used. We found that the A009 extracts limit lung cancer cell proliferation in a dose and time dependent manner. These effects were associated with the induction of apoptosis. A009 extracts were effective in inhibiting adhesion capabilities on a fibronectin layer accompanied with a reduction in their ability to generate invasive sprouts in a Matrigel layer. The production of chemokine CXCL12 and CXCR4 receptor were reduced by treatment with the extracts. Also, A009 interfered with the production of proangiogenic and pro-inflammatory VEGF, CXCL8, and CCL2 (as detected by FACS analysis) in the lung cell lines. A009 extracts were able to decrease STAT3 phosphorylation in lung cancer cells. Our results show that A009 extracts reduced activities related to tumor cell behavior in lung cancer cell lines, suggesting that they could have a potential cancer preventive role.

The Past and Future of Angiogenesis as a Target for Cancer Therapy and Prevention

Cancer growth is dependent on angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which represents a hallmark of cancer. After this concept was established in the 1970s, inhibition of tumor development and metastases by blocking the neoangiogenic process has been an important approach to the treatment of tumors. However, antiangiogenic therapies are often administered when cancer has already progressed. The key to reducing the cancer burden is prevention. We noticed 20 years ago that a series of possible cancer chemopreventive agents showed antiangiogenic properties when tested in experimental models. This article reviews the relevant advances in the understanding of the rationale for targeting angiogenesis for cancer therapy, prevention, and interception and recently investigated substances with antiangiogenic activity that may be suitable for such strategies. Many compounds, either dietary derivatives or repurposed drugs, with antiangiogenic activity are possible tools for cancer angioprevention. Such molecules have a favorable safety profile and are likely to allow the prolonged duration necessary for an efficient preventive strategy. Recent evidence on mechanisms and possible use is described here for food derivatives, including flavonoids, retinoids, triterpenoids, omega fatty acids, and carotenoids from marine microorganisms. As examples, a number of compounds, including epigallocatechin, resveratrol, xanthohumol, hydroxytyrosol, curcumin, fenretinide, lycopene, fucoxanthin, and repurposed drugs, such as aspirin, β blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors, carnitines, and biguanides, are reviewed.

Abstract 18: The CXCR4/CXCL12 axis is a target of a polyphenol extract from olive oil processing with potential cancer prevention and interception activities

The olive mill wastewater polyphenol extracts exhibit chemopreventive properties in lung cancer cell lines, acting on the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis.

Lung cancer still is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Although avoidance of tobacco use and smoking cessation will have the greatest impact on lung cancer development, (chemo)prevention could prove to be very effective, particularly in high risk individuals. Diverse diet-derived compounds have been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects. Olive oil production involves the generation of an aqueous phase, defined as olive mill wastewater (OMWW), a polluting effluent rich in soluble polyphenols. We established a polyphenol rich, purified extract, from OMWW, that we termed A009. The effect of A009 on cell proliferation was determined by the crystal violet assay, while induction of apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. The ability of the A009 to regulate the cell migration/invasion axis CXCR4/CXL12 and the production of pro angiogenic factors (VEGF, CXCL8, CCL2), was investigated by flow cytometry. The sprouting assay on Matrigel was used to functional verify the ability of A009 to limit invasive properties. Hydroxytyrosol, the most abundant polyphenols present in our A009, was used as reference molecules in all the assays performed.

We found that the A009 limit A549 and H1560 cell proliferation, in a dose and time dependent manner. These effects were associated with induction of apoptosis at 24 and 48 hours of treatment, that was higher in H1650, as compared to A549 cells. The A009 extracts were effective in inhibiting the production of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in both the A549 and H1650 cells, accompanied with reduction in H1650 cell capability to generate invasive sprouts. in a Matrigel layer. Finally, A009 interfere with the production of VEGF, CXCL8 and CCL2 in both the A549 and H1650 cells.

Our preliminary results suggest that A009 exhibit promising preventing and interceptive properties on lung cancer cell lines in vitro.

Citation Format: Matteo Gallazzi, Marco Festa, Clementina Sansone, Paola Corradino, Douglas Noonan, Adriana Albini. The CXCR4/CXCL12 axis is a target of a polyphenol extract from olive oil processing with potential cancer prevention and interception activities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 18.

Effect of a Phytochemical-Rich Olive-Derived Extract on Anthropometric, Hematological, and Metabolic Parameters

BACKGROUND

Extra virgin olive oil is a fundamental component of the Mediterranean diet. It contains several molecules that sustain human well-being by modulating cellular metabolism and exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing effects to protect normal tissues, and it can exert anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic effects on cancer cells. Metabolites found in different parts of the olive tree, including leaves, also possess properties that might help in cancer prevention and promote wellness in aging. Olive mill wastewater (OMWW), a liquid residue produced during olive oil extraction, represents an environmental issue. However, it is rich in phytochemicals with potential beneficial properties. Dietary supplements based on OMWW can be produced for nutritional supplementation with advantages to the ecology.

PURPOSE

This work aims to measure hematochemical, anthropometric, and metabolomic parameters in volunteers taking an OMWW dietary supplement, Oliphenolia® (OMWW-OL).

METHODS

The supplementation of OMWW-OL 25 mL twice daily for 30 days was tested on a pilot cohort of volunteers with characteristics close to metabolic syndrome. Hematochemical, anthropometric, serum biomarkers and serum metabolomic parameters were analyzed before the intervention, at 30 days, and 30 days after stopping consumption.

RESULTS

A total of 29 volunteers were enrolled, and 23 completed the study. The participants' parameters at baseline were measured, and then twice daily at 30 days of treatment and 30 days after assumption discontinuation. Although treatment was with an olive derivative, their weight did not increase. Their body mass index, instead of augmenting, slightly decreased, particularly in the women. Also, hydration increased, especially in the women, while blood pressure, glycemia, and insulin decreased. Cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides were stable, and LDL levels decreased, while vitamin D levels, alongside calcium, perceptibly increased. Albumin also increased. All the values were in support of an equilibrium, with no damaging effects. By mass spectrometry analysis, we also found favorable changes in the vitamin D/histamine and homocysteine/methionine ratios, an increase in a new metabolite of unknown formula, and the vitamin D/unknown metabolite ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation of OMWW-OL has no detrimental effects and might imply the beneficial modulation of several biological parameters. Although this is a small pilot study, with limited potency, it preliminarily suggests that the OMWW extract use could be potentially valuable for people at risk of metabolic syndrome. Some of these parameters could also be relevant in supporting healthy ageing and in cancer prevention.

From antiquity to contemporary times: how olive oil by-products and waste water can contribute to health

Since antiquity, numerous advantages of olive oil and its by-products have been recognized in various domains, including cooking, skincare, and healthcare. Extra virgin olive oil is a crucial component of the Mediterranean diet; several of its compounds exert antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic effects against a variety of cancers, and also affect cellular metabolism, targeting cancer cells through their metabolic derangements. Numerous olive tree parts, including leaves, can contribute metabolites useful to human health. Olive mill waste water (OMWW), a dark and pungent liquid residue produced in vast amounts during olive oil extraction, contains high organic matter concentrations that may seriously contaminate the soil and surrounding waters if not managed properly. However, OMWW is a rich source of phytochemicals with various health benefits. In ancient Rome, the farmers would employ what was known as amurca, a mulch-like by-product of olive oil production, for many purposes and applications. Several studies have investigated anti-angiogenic and chemopreventive activities of OMWW extracts. The most prevalent polyphenol in OMWW extracts is hydroxytyrosol (HT). Verbascoside and oleuperin are also abundant. We assessed the impact of one such extract, A009, on endothelial cells (HUVEC) and cancer cells. A009 was anti-angiogenic in several in vitro assays (growth, migration, adhesion) and inhibited angiogenesis in vivo, outperforming HT alone. A009 inhibited cells from several tumors in vitro and in vivo and showed potential cardioprotective effects mitigating cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy drugs, commonly used in cancer treatment, and reducing up-regulation of pro-inflammatory markers in cardiomyocytes. Extracts from OMWW and other olive by-products have been evaluated for biological activities by various international research teams. The results obtained make them promising candidates for further development as nutraceutical and cosmeceutical agents or dietary supplement, especially in cancer prevention or even in co-treatments with anti-cancer drugs. Furthermore, their potential to offer cardioprotective benefits opens up avenues for application in the field of cardio-oncology.

[Use of reconstituted basal membranes for the study of invasion of human tumor cells: current status and future prospects]

Tumor metastasis is the major cause of death of oncology patients. One of the characteristic properties acquired by the metastatic cell is the ability to cross basement membranes. These are compartments of extracellular matrix composed largely by collagen type IV, laminin and a heparan sulphate proteoglycan. Here we review the use of a reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel) in the Boyden chamber assay (Chemoinvasion Assay) for the assessment of the invasiveness of tumor cells of human origin. The possibility of using this test for the rapid evaluation of human tumor specimens from operated patients is discussed.

Abstract 5272: Chemopreventive activities of a polyphenol rich purified extract from olive oil processing on colon cancer cells

Epidemiological studies showed that diet can play a relevant role in reducing the risk of developing colon cancer (CC) and lower rate of CC insurgence has been observed amongst populations living within the Mediterranean basin. Olive oil, a major component of the Mediterranean diet, is an abundant source of phenolic compounds. Olive oil production is associated with the generation of waste material, termed ‘olive mill wastewaters’ (OMWW), that have been reported to be enriched in polyphenols as well. Given the beneficial activity of polyphenols on human health, we investigated whether the use of different batches of purified extracts from OMWW, termed A009, might be effective in exerting chemopreventive activities in vitro and in vivo, on CC cell lines.

Cell proliferation and survival were evaluated on A009 treated cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while the induction of apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Further, functional studies to investigate the ability of A009 to interfere with CC cell line adhesion, migration, sprouting and invasion were performed. Finally, the ability of A009 to interfere with CT-26 CRC tumour cell growth was assessed in vivo. Purified hydroxytyrosol, the major component in the A009 extracts, was used as a control.

A009 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion and sprouting of CC cells along with the release of pro-angiogenic and pro- inflammatory cytokines (VEGF, IL-8) similar to hydroxytyrosol alone. In vivo, A009 inhibited CT-26 tumour growth in a significant manner over that of hydroxytyrosol alone.

Our results show that A009 extracts exert promising chemopreventive properties, suggesting that different polyphenols act synergistically, improving their single component effects in CC cell lines. Finally, our results support the idea of repositioning a waste derived material for nutraceutical employment, with environmental and industrial cost management benefits.

Citation Format: Barbara Bassani, Teresa Rossi, Daniela De Stefano, Daniele Pizzichini, Paola Corradino, Antonino Bruno, Douglas M. Noonan, Adriana Albini. Chemopreventive activities of a polyphenol rich purified extract from olive oil processing on colon cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5272. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5272

Abstract 5262: Chemopreventive and angiopreventive activity of a purified polyphenol-rich extract from olive mill wastewaters

The presence of diverse phenolic molecules in dietary elements, has been shown to prevent the occurrence of a variety of chronic and inflammatory diseases. Olives and extra virgin oil, a basic component of mediterranean diet represent an important source of these poliphenols, including hydroxytyrosol. While the strong antioxidant potential of these molecules has extensively investigated, their anti-angiogenic and chemopreventive activities remain unknown. Here we assessed the anti-angiogenic and chemopreventive activities exerted by an extracts from olive mill wastewaters (OMWWs), termed A009, which represent a waste product from olive oil industry, in vitro and in vivo on endothelial and different tumour cell lines, as compared with hydroxytyrosol alone

The ability of A009 to affect cell proliferation and survival was evaluated on human umbelical endothelial vein cells (HUVECs), six different tumor cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 (breast), HT-29 and HCT-116 (colon) PC-3 and DU-145 (prostate) and the murine CT26 CRC cells by MTT assay, while the induction of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed by flow cytometry. Functional studies evaluated the capacity of OMWWs to interfere with endothelial cell tube formation, migration and invasion by morphogenesis and Boyden chamber assays, respectively. Finally, the inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor cell growth was evaluated in vivo, by the matrigel sponge assay and tumor xenograft.

The A009 extract was able to inhibit both HUVECs and tumor cell lines growth in a dose dependent manner, exerting a stronger inhibitory effect as compared to the pure hydroxytyrosol alone. This effect was directly associated with the induction of apoptosis and ROS on HUVECs. HT-29 anc HCT-116 CRC cell lines exposed to A009 decreased thei ability to release VEGF and IL-8. Functional studies of HUVECs exposed to A009 demostrated impaired migratory and invasive abilities as far as reduced capability to form capillary-lile-structure in a dose dependent manner. Finally, A009s interfered with angiogenesis and CT26 tumor cell growth in vivo.

Our results suggest that the polyphenol enriched extracts from olive oil processing (OMWWs) A009, show promising angio-preventive and chemo-preventive potentials. In particular, our data demonstrate that a pool of specific polyphenols are characterized by stronger anti-angiogenic/anti-tumor properties compared to hydroxytyrosol alone, a well known polyphenol with anti-tumor activity.

Citation Format: Adriana Albini, Antonino Bruno, Barbara Bassani, Nicoletta Macrì, Francesca Caudano, Paola Corradino, Teresa Rossi, Douglas M. Noonan. Chemopreventive and angiopreventive activity of a purified polyphenol-rich extract from olive mill wastewaters. [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 5262.