Centaurea cyanus extracted 13‐O‐acetylsolstitialin A decrease Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and expression of cyclin D1/Cdk‐4 to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell lines

Phytochemical and Biological Evaluation of Cyanus celikhanensis Extract: An in Silico and in Vitro Approach

Herbal products are valuable biological resources of bioactive compounds expressed as secondary metabolites. This study aimed to explore the potential biological properties and phenolic content of Cyanus celikhanensis Kaya et al. extract, which has no data on pharmacological properties. A quantitative phytochemical analysis of C. celikhanensis was performed using a triple quadrupole LC/MS system. In vitro pharmacological tests, which included antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and 10 medicinal enzyme inhibition, were accompanied by in silico studies. The extract of C. celikhanensis exhibited promising inhibitory effect against HMG-CoA reductase (IC50: 0.724 µg mL-ˡ), α-glucosidase (IC50: 68 µg mL-ˡ), and α-amylase (IC50: 114 µg mL-ˡ) enzymes. The extract presented a cytotoxic effect (130.4 µg mL-ˡ), antibacterial potency against Enterococcus faecalis (591.2 ± 2.7 µg mL-ˡ), and ABTS scavenging activity (12.32 µg mL-ˡ) closer to that of BHT (8.12 ± 0.096 µg mL-ˡ). The quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the major compounds were keracyanin chloride (72.56 µg mL-ˡ) and quinic acid (12.54 µg mL-ˡ). The molecular insertion studies showed that the major compound has low binding energy, and the biological capacity of the plant extract might be attributable to its leading compounds, especially keracyanin. According to the first comprehensive in vitro and in silico analysis, the study data show that C. celikhanensis has potential biological activities.

Investigation of PVA Matrix Hydrogel Loaded with Centaurea cyanus Extract for Wound Dressing Applications: Morphology, Drug Release, Antibacterial Efficiency, and In Vitro Evaluation

A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix hydrogel loaded with Centaurea cyanus extract was created for transdermal wound healing. Secondary metabolites, antibacterial properties, and the cytotoxicity of C. cyanus extract were investigated. The secondary metabolite profiles of the extract were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technique. It was determined that the extract has metabolites such as quinic acid, caffeoylquinic acid, kaempferol, etc., which contribute to the steps of wound healing. The extract had significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus when compared with ampicillin antibiotic and showed an inhibition zone of 16.9 mm ± 0.8, whereas ampicillin's inhibition zone was 15.8 mm ± 0.8. The extract did not exhibit cytotoxic effects on 3T3-L1 (CL173) healthy skin fibroblasts, maintained cell viability for 72 h, and exhibited a 19% proliferative effect. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer, tensile strength analyses, in vitro release, and physicochemical tests were conducted. It was seen that the surfaces of the samples are smooth and homogeneous, patches had a significant amount of water absorption capacity, and 79% of the extract was released within the first 24 h of application; consequently, these results indicate that C. cyanus might be used in wound healing with its antibacterial, growth-promoting properties.

Disafynol: A polyacetylene dimer from Centaurea schmidii enhancing breast cancer cell apoptosis via oxidative and ER stress pathways

Phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of Centaurea schmidii Wagenitz (Asteraceae) led to the isolation of disafynol, a novel polyacetylene, for the first time. This study investigated its anti-cancer effects and the mechanisms underlying these effects in MDA-MB-231 (estrogen receptor-negative) and MCF-7 (estrogen receptor-positive) breast cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic effects of disafynol were evaluated using various concentrations to measure cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspases-12/6 activity, and protein aggregation. Expression of apoptotic markers and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes was analyzed by western blot and reverse transcription-PCR analyses, respectively. Disafynol exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with greater potency in MDA-MB-231 cells (IC50: 10.6 µM) compared to MCF-7 cells (IC50: 30 µM), indicating hormone receptor-independent manner of cell growth inhibition. Treating cells with disafynol caused significant apoptosis, marked by enhanced ROS production and reduced MMP. Meanwhile, disafynol induced Bcl-2 downregulation, Bax upregulation, and caspase-12/6 activities in both breast cancer cells. Additionally, disafynol triggered ER stress, as evidenced by protein aggregation and upregulation of genes related to ER stress, including BIP, ATF4, CHOP, and XBP-1. Overall, disafynol demonstrates significant pro-apoptotic effects on breast cancer cells by inducing oxidative stress and activating the ER stress pathway. Its hormone receptor-independent cytotoxicity suggests potential therapeutic applications for treating breast cancers, including triple-negative subtypes.

The extracts from centaurea species abolished the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin on breast cancer cell line - MCF-7 and bortezomib on prostate cancer cell line- PC3

The use of plant extracts by cancer patients during chemotherapy poses potential risks, as they may reduce the effectiveness of treatment or interact negatively with chemotherapeutic drugs. There is a lack of comprehensive studies evaluating the effects of various Centaurea spp. plant extracts on chemotherapy outcomes, highlighting the need for caution and medical supervision. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of five Centaurea spp. extracts in concentrations of 125 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml on the cytotoxicity induced by doxorubicin (DOX, 1 μM) in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and by bortezomib (BOR, 7 nM) in PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Selected cell lines were treated with drugs and extracts or combined for 48 h. Biological assays revealed that four out of five tested extracts abolished the cytotoxic effects of DOX and BOR. The extracts showed low antioxidant activity compared to Trolox, with no correlation to total compound content, indicating the abolition of the cytotoxic effect was not due to antioxidant activity. However, genotoxicity and DNA damage response studies showed a protective effect of the extract on the DNA of cancer cells and upregulation of DNA repair, which may underlie the reversal of the chemotherapy effect.

Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 pathways in LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the causes of death in men worldwide. Although treatment strategies have been developed, the recurrence of the disease and consequential side effects remain an essential concern. Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz, a traditional Thai medicine, exhibits diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer activity. However, its anti-cancer activity against prostate cancer has not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to evaluate the anti-cancer activity and underlying mechanisms of the ethyl acetate extract of D. rhodocalyx Kurz (EADR) related to apoptosis induction in the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line.

Methods

Ethyl acetate was employed to extract the dried bark of D. rhodocalyx Kurz. The cytotoxicity of EADR on both LNCaP and WPMY-1 cells (normal human prostatic myofibroblast cell line) was evaluated using MTS assay. The effect of EADR on the cell cycle, apoptosis induction, and alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed by the staining with propidium iodide (PI), Annexin V-FITC/PI, and JC-1 dye, respectively. Subsequent analysis was conducted using flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2 was examined by Western blotting. The phytochemical profiling of the EADR was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results

EADR exhibited a dose-dependent manner cytotoxic effect on LNCaP cells, with IC50 values of 15.43 and 12.35 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Although it also exhibited a cytotoxic effect on WPMY-1 cells, the effect was comparatively lower, with the IC50 values of 34.61 and 19.93 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that EADR did not induce cell cycle arrest in either LNCaP or WPMY-1 cells. However, it significantly increased the sub-G1 population in LNCaP cells, indicating a potential induction of apoptosis. The Annexin V-FITC/PI staining indicated that EADR significantly induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells. Subsequent investigation into the underlying mechanism of EADR-induced apoptosis revealed a reduction in MMP as evidenced by JC-1 staining. Moreover, Western blotting demonstrated that EADR treatment resulted in the upregulation of BAX, downregulation of BCL-2, and elevation of caspase-3 cleavage in LNCaP cells. Notably, the epilupeol was a prominent compound in EADR as identified by GC-MS.

Conclusion

The EADR exhibits anti-cancer activity against the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line by inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Our findings suggest that EADR promotes apoptosis by upregulating pro-apoptotic BAX, whereas downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 results in the reduction of MMP and the activation of caspase-3. Of particular interest is the presence of epilupeol, a major compound identified in EADR, which may hold promise as a candidate for the development of therapeutic agents for prostate cancer.

Cornflower Extract and Its Active Components Alleviate Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Wasting by Targeting Cannabinoid Receptors and Modulating Gut Microbiota

Sarcopenia, a decline in muscle mass and strength, can be triggered by aging or medications like glucocorticoids. This study investigated cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) water extract (CC) as a potential protective agent against DEX-induced muscle wasting in vitro and in vivo. CC and its isolated compounds mitigated oxidative stress, promoted myofiber growth, and boosted ATP production in C2C12 myotubes. Mechanistically, CC reduced protein degradation markers, increased mitochondrial content, and activated protein synthesis signaling. Docking analysis suggested cannabinoid receptors (CB) 1 and 2 as potential targets of CC compounds. Specifically, graveobioside A from CC inhibited CB1 and upregulated CB2, subsequently stimulating protein synthesis and suppressing degradation. In vivo, CC treatment attenuated DEX-induced muscle wasting, as evidenced by enhanced grip strength, exercise performance, and modulation of muscle gene expression related to differentiation, protein turnover, and exercise performance. Moreover, CC enriched gut microbial diversity, and the abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 positively correlated with muscle mass. These findings suggest a multifaceted mode of action for CC: (1) direct modulation of the muscle cannabinoid receptor system favoring anabolic processes and (2) indirect modulation of muscle health through the gut microbiome. Overall, CC presents a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating muscle atrophy.

Sesquiterpene lactones as emerging biomolecules to cease cancer by targeting apoptosis

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death comprising two signaling cascades including the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. This process has been shown to be involved in the therapy response of different cancer types, making it an effective target for treating cancer. Cancer has been considered a challenging issue in global health. Cancer cells possess six biological characteristics during their developmental process known as cancer hallmarks. Hallmarks of cancer include continuous growth signals, unlimited proliferation, resistance to proliferation inhibitors, apoptosis escaping, active angiogenesis, and metastasis. Sesquiterpene lactones are one of the large and diverse groups of planet-derived phytochemicals that can be used as sources for a variety of drugs. Some sesquiterpene lactones possess many biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-malarial, anticancer, anti-diabetic, and analgesic. This review article briefly overviews the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis and the interactions between the modulators of both pathways. Also, the present review summarizes the potential effects of sesquiterpene lactones on different modulators of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell lines and animal models. The main purpose of the present review is to give a clear picture of the current knowledge about the pro-apoptotic effects of sesquiterpene lactones on various cancers to provide future direction in cancer therapeutics.

3-Bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde Protects Keratinocytes from Particulate Matter 2.5-Induced Damages

Cellular senescence can be activated by several stimuli, including ultraviolet radiation and air pollutants. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of marine algae compound 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (3-BDB) on particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5)-induced skin cell damage in vitro and in vivo. The human HaCaT keratinocyte was pre-treated with 3-BDB and then with PM_2.5. PM_2.5-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, apoptotic protein expression, and cellular senescence were measured using confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and Western blot. The present study exhibited PM_2.5-generated ROS, DNA damage, inflammation, and senescence. However, 3-BDB ameliorated PM_2.5-induced ROS generation, mitochondria dysfunction, and DNA damage. Furthermore, 3-BDB reversed the PM_2.5-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, reduced cellular inflammation, and mitigated cellular senescence in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and activator protein 1 activated by PM_2.5 were inhibited by 3-BDB. Thus, 3-BDB suppressed skin damage induced by PM_2.5.

Brevilaterin B from Brevibacillus laterosporus has selective antitumor activity and induces apoptosis in epidermal cancer

Brevilaterins as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) secreted by a newly discovered species Brevibacillus laterosporus, had been demonstrated to display excellent antibacterial and antifungal activities; however, very limited information about their new bioactivity was ever developed. Herein, we discovered Brevilaterin B, an AMP produced by Br. laterosporus S62-9, exhibited a new anticancer activity and investigated its anticancer details. Proliferation, membrane permeability and apoptotic rate of cell lines were studied by methods of CCK-8 Assay, LDH Assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI Kits, respectively. ROS levels and mitochondrial membrane potential of tested cells were further detected through the fluorescent probes DCFH-DA and JC-1. Brevilaterin B exhibited broad-spectrum anticancer activity in a dose-dependent manner. It selectively inhibited the proliferation of epidermal cancer cell A431 but had no effect on its control normal cells in a dose of 2.0 µg/mL. In comparision, typical morphological characteristics of apoptosis and an apoptotic ratio of 71.0% in A431 were observed after treatment by 2.0-3.0 µg/mL of Brevilaterin B. The ROS levels increased by 21.3% and mitochondrial membrane potential reduced by 48.8% from A431 were further occurred, indicating Brevilaterin B's anticancer action was mainly focus on the mitochondrion of cancer cells. In total, Brevilaterin B we reported above maybe believed to be a potential application as an anticancer medicament, increasing its commercial value.

Anti-tumor pharmacology of natural products targeting mitosis

Cancer has been an insurmountable problem in the history of medical science. The uncontrollable proliferation of cancer cells is one of cancer’s main characteristics, which is closely associated with abnormal mitosis. Targeting mitosis is an effective method for cancer treatment. This review summarizes several natural products with anti-tumor effects related to mitosis, focusing on targeting microtubulin, inducing DNA damage, and modulating mitosis-associated kinases. Furthermore, the main disadvantages of several typical compounds, including drug resistance, toxicity to non-tumor tissues, and poor aqueous solubility and pharmacokinetic properties, are also discussed, together with strategies to address them. Improved understanding of cancer cell mitosis and natural products may pave the way to drug development for the treatment of cancer.

Tea and Citrus maxima complex induces apoptosis of human liver cancer cells via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in vitro

Objective

In this study, black tea and Citrus maxima (BT-CM), yellow tea and C. maxima (YT-CM), green tea and C. maxima (GT-CM) as subjects, the active ingredient content and antioxidant activity of three tea and C. maxima (T-CM) were analyzed. The effects of three T-CMs on apoptosis of liver cells in vitro and its mechanism were further explored.

Methods

National standard method and HPLC were used for active ingredient analysis. MTT, cell flow cytometry and Western blot were used to analyze the effects of three T-CMs on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and its underlying molecular mechanism.

Results

The content of tea polyphenols, free amino acids, ratio of polyphenols and amino acids, ester catechins, non-ester catechins and caffeine in YT-CM and GT-CM was significantly higher than that of BT-CM. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of YT-CM and GT-CM was also significantly stronger than that of BT-CM. Three T-CMs had the effects of inhibiting proliferation, arresting cell cycle and inducing apoptosis in HepG2 and Bel7402 cells, especially YT-CM and GT-CM. Western blot analysis showed three T-CMs activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and regulated the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3/9. YT-CM and GT-CM had better ability to change the signal pathway than BT-CM.

Conclusion

In short, T-CMs, which combined different degrees of fermentation tea with C. maxima, were rich in nutrients and biologically active substances. T-CMs, especially YT-CM and GT-CM, are healthy drinks that help to prevent and treat liver cancer.

Phytochemical analysis of Daphne pontica L. stems with their pro-apoptotic properties against DU-145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Daphne pontica is an endemic plant grown wild in the North part of Iran, with anticancer activities.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to analyze the phytochemistry and screen the cytotoxic activity of new bioactive compounds against a panel of cancer cells, in addition to proapototic properties against prostate cancer cells.

METHOD

Purification procedure was done using repeated column chromatographies by MPLC and HPLC systems. The structures were elucidated by the NMR and exact mass spectroscopy, stereochemistry by NOESY, and absolute configuration by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Cytotoxicity was done against DU 145, LNCaP, HeLa, MCF-7, and MDA-MB 231 cells by standard MTT assay. An annexin V/PI assay was performed to measure the type of death following treatment with these compounds for 48 h, followed by the caspase-3 activity test.

RESULTS

In this study, one new dilignan named lignopontin A (9), in addition to 13 known compounds including two phenolic acids (3, 5), one flavanone (6), one bis flavonoid (1), one cumarin glycoside (2), one mono (4) and two dicumarins (10, 11), two lignans (7, 8), and three daphnane diterpenoids (12-14) were isolated for the first time from D. pontica stems. Complete spectral data of compound 12, named as 6,7α-epoxy-5β-hydroxy-9,13,14-ortho-(4,2E)-pentadeca-2,4-diene-1-yl)-resiniferonol, and compound 14, named as 6,7α-epoxy-5β-hydroxy-9,3,14-ortho-(2,4E)-pentadeca-2,4-di-1-yl)-resiniferonol-12β-yl-acetate are reported for the first time. In the MTT assay of newly described compounds against a panel of cancer cells, compounds 9, 12, and 14 possessed moderate to potent cytotoxicity against prostate, breast, and cervical cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis against prostate cancer cells indicated that the cytotoxicity of compounds 12 and 14 was due to their ability to induce apoptosis. In the case of compound 9, in Du 145 cells, cell death was mainly through apoptosis. In contrast, LNCaP cells showed both apoptosis and necrotic cell death, predominated by necrosis at the higher concentrations. Caspase-3 activity confirmed apoptosis observed in these compounds through the caspase pathway in prostate cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

D. pontica is a new source of dimeric phenolic compounds, including bisflavonoids, phenylpropanoid-cumarin adduct, and dilignans, as well as daphnane diterpenoids with resiniferonol core with long-chain orthoester moieties. In cytotoxicity screening, compounds 9, 12, and 14 inhibited the growth of DU-145 and LNCaP cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC₅₀ varied from 0.9 - 27.3 and 25.2 - 87.4 μM, respectively. Among them, 9 exhibited selective growth inhibition against DU 145 treated cells. LNCaP cells demonstrated the highest sensitivity to treatment with compound 12.

[Melatonin inhibits growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by activating autophagy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of melatonin on the growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and explore the mechanism.

METHODS

MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with 1, 3 or 5 mmol/L melatonin, and the changes in cell proliferation were examined using CCK-8 assay. Colony-forming assay and wound healing assay were used to assess the effects of melatonin treatmnent on colony-forming ability and migration of the cells. Flow cytometry and immunofluoresnce assay were employed to examine apoptosis and positive staining for autophagy-related proteins in the cells treated with 3 mmol/L melatonin. The effects of melatonin treatment alone or in combination with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) on the expressions of the proteins associated with autophagy (LC3, P62 and Beclin1), apoptosis (Bcl2 and Bax) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (E-cadherin and Snail) were examined with Western blotting.

RESULTS

Melatonin treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05), suppressed colony-forming ability and migration (P < 0.01), and promoted apoptosis of the cells (P < 0.01). Melatonin treatment alone significantly increased the expressions of Bax (P < 0.05), E-cadherin, LC3-II/LC3-I, and Beclin1 and lowered the expressions of Bcl2 (P < 0.05), Snail, P62 (P < 0.05), and Bcl2/Bax ratio (P < 0.01) in the cells, and caused enhanced positive staining of Beclin1 protein and attenuated staining of P62 protein. Compared with melatonin treatment alone, melatonin treatment combined with 3-MA significantly decreased the expressions of Beclin1 (P < 0.001), LC3-II/LC3-I (P < 0.05), Bax (P < 0.01), and E-cadherin (P < 0.001) and increased the expressions of Bcl2 (P < 0.05), Snail, and Bcl2/Bax ratio (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Melatonin can induce autophagy of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells to inhibit cell proliferation and metastasis and promote cell apoptosis, and suppressing autophagy can weaken the inhibitory effect of melatonin on the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells.

Mitochondrial Pro-Apoptotic Properties of Sinularia compressa from Persian Gulf against Breast Cancer Cells and Its Chemical Composition

Locals in the Persian Gulf islands traditionally use Sinularia compressa to treat cancer. Therefore, this study deals with the cytotoxic activity of the soft coral Sinularia compressa chloroform extract (SCE), its pro-apoptotic activity, and the determination of its secondary metabolites. Cytotoxicity was done against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and MCF‑10A cells. Apoptosis induction was checked by flow cytometry. The DCFDA and JC-1 probes were used to assess the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Caspase-9, Bax, and Bcl-2 proteins were determined with ELISA Kit, and by western blot analysis. SCE exhibited cytotoxic activity with an IC₅₀ value of 32.51 ± 0.70 μg/ml against MCF-7, and 8.53 ± 0.97 μg/ml against MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. The induction of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway was found by ROS generation, attenuation of Bcl-2 and induction of Bax proteins. It was supported by activation of caspase-9, increased apoptotic cells, as well as decrease of ΔΨm. In the acute toxicity, there was no detectable sign of hepatic or renal toxicity in the SCE 100 mg/kg. GC mass and NMR identified bioactive compounds as one monoterpene, one sesquiterpene, five fatty acids, one phthalate, and two steroidal compounds.

Antioxidant and anticancer potentials of edible flowers: where do we stand?

Edible flowers are attracting special therapeutic attention and their administration is on the rise. Edible flowers play pivotal modulatory roles on oxidative stress and related interconnected apoptotic/inflammatory pathways toward the treatment of cancer. In this review, we highlighted the phytochemical content and therapeutic applications of edible flowers, as well as their modulatory potential on the oxidative stress pathways and apoptotic/inflammatory mediators, resulting in anticancer effects. Edible flowers are promising sources of phytochemicals (e.g., phenolic compounds, carotenoids, terpenoids) with several therapeutic effects. They possess anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Edible flowers potentially modulate oxidative stress by targeting erythroid nuclear transcription factor-2/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Nrf2/ERK/MAPK), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant response elements (AREs). As the interconnected pathways to oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukins (ILs) as well as apoptotic pathways such as Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, caspase and cytochrome C are critical targets of edible flowers in combating cancer. In this regard, edible flowers could play promising anticancer effects by targeting oxidative stress and downstream dysregulated pathways.

Targeting Bcl-2 for cancer therapy

Apoptosis deficiency is one of the most important features observed in neoplastic diseases. The Bcl-2 family is composed of a subset of proteins that act as decisive apoptosis regulators. Research and clinical studies have both demonstrated that the hyperactivation of Bcl-2-related anti-apoptotic effects correlates with cancer occurrence, progression and prognosis, also having a role in facilitating the radio- and chemoresistance of various malignancies. Therefore, targeting Bcl-2 inactivation has provided some compelling therapeutic advantages by enhancing apoptotic sensitivity or reversing drug resistance. Therefore, this pharmacological route turned into one of the most promising routes for cancer treatment. This review discusses some of the well-defined and emerging roles of Bcl-2 as well as its potential clinical value in cancer therapeutics.

Novel 16,17-epoxy-23-methylergostane derivative from Sinularia variabilis, a soft coral from the Persian Gulf, with apoptotic activities against breast cancer cell lines

The steroidal and terpenoidal composition of Sinularia variabilis was investigated by chromatography methods. One new (1), and four known [gorgasta-5-en-3β-ol (2), ergosta-5-en-3β-ol (3), ergosta-5, 22(Z)-dien-3β-ol (4), 5,8-epidioxy-5α, 8α-ergosta-6, 22E-dien-3β-ol (5)] steroids, in addition to one known diterpenoidal alkaloid [sinulasulfone (6)] isolated for the first time from S. variabilis. If we named the 23-methylergostane core structure as sinustane, new compound (1) was elucidated as 16α,17α-epoxysinusta-5-en-3β-ol-20β-yl sulfate based on NMR and HR Mass data. It was submitted for cytotoxic activity evaluation against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines using MTT assay. Apoptosis induction was checked by flow cytometry (annexin V/propidium iodide) staining. To determine the production of reactive oxygen species, and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), the DCFDA, and JC-1 probes were used in this study.

15-Hydroxy-8(17),13(E)-labdadiene-19-carboxylic acid (HLCA) inhibits proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells

AIM

15-Hydroxy-8(17),13(E)-labdadiene-19-carboxylic acid (HLCA) isolated from Juniperus foetidissima, has been recently identified as an antiproliferative agent; however, the molecular basis of antiproliferative effects of HLCA remains unknown. To investigate it, the current study has emphasized the hypothesis that HLCA induced cell death is a consequence of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production followed by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

MAIN METHODS

Human ovarian OVCAR-3 and Caov-4 cells were treated with various concentrations of HLCA (48 h) and the measurement of intracellular ROS was considered. Then, the potential of HLCA in promoting apoptosis was investigated via flow cytometry, western blot, and caspase activity assay. Also, the inhibitory effect of HLCA on the cell cycle was evaluated using flow cytometry and western blot analysis.

KEY FINDINGS

We found intracellular (ROS) accumulation in HLCA-treated cells. Subsequent observation of the increment in pro-apoptotic Bax as well as the decrement in antiapoptotic Bcl2 revealed that the HLCA-induced cytotoxicity may be triggered by the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Our subsequent experiments suggested that caspase-9 and -3 were activated and led the cells to apoptosis during the process. Cell cycle disruption at the G1 phase via down-regulation of cyclin D1 and Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) was another proved mechanism by which HLCA exerts its antiproliferative effects on the ovarian cell lines, OVCAR-3 and Caov-4, especially at relatively lower concentrations.

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first study that reveals the apoptotic effects of HLCA, suggesting its therapeutic potential as an effective anti-tumor agent. However, further in vivo studies are required to confirm these effects.

A Marine Alkaloid, Ascomylactam A, Suppresses Lung Tumorigenesis via Inducing Cell Cycle G1/S Arrest through ROS/Akt/Rb Pathway

Ascomylactam A was reported for the first time as a new 13-membered-ring macrocyclic alkaloid in 2019 from the mangrove endophytic fungus Didymella sp. CYSK-4 from the South China Sea. The aim of our study was to delineate the effects of ascomylactam A (AsA) on lung cancer cells and explore the antitumor molecular mechanisms underlying of AsA. In vitro, AsA markedly inhibited the cell proliferation with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values from 4 to 8 μM on six lung cancer cell lines, respectively. In vivo, AsA suppressed the tumor growth of A549, NCI-H460 and NCI-H1975 xenografts significantly in mice. Furthermore, by analyses of the soft agar colony formation, 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) imaging, flow cytometry and Western blotting, AsA demonstrated the ability to induce cell cycle arrest in G1 and G1/S phases by increasing ROS generation and decreasing of Akt activity. Conversely, ROS inhibitors and overexpression of Akt could decrease cell growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest induced by AsA. Therefore, we believe that AsA blocks the cell cycle via an ROS-dependent Akt/Cyclin D1/Rb signaling pathway, which consequently leads to the observed antitumor effect both in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest a novel leading compound for antitumor drug development.

A new sesquiterpenoid from the shoots of Iranian Daphne mucronata Royle with selective inhibition of STAT3 and Smad3/4 cancer-related signaling pathways

PURPOSE

Daphne mucronata Royle grown in Iran has shown anticancer activities against different cancer cell lines. Therefore, within this study, we investigate the phytochemical pattern of this plant.

METHOD

Phytochemical investigation was done using standard column chromatography system: The structures were recognized by the interpretation of one and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and the help of High-Resolution Electrospray Ionization Mass spectroscopy (HR-ESIMS) and Infrared spectroscopy (IR) data. Stereochemistry was determined using 2D and 3D NOESY, and comparison of coupling constant values with literature. The absolute configuration was determined and confirmed using specific rotation and electronic circular dichroism experiments. Cytotoxicity was done against HeLa cells by standard MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Luciferase assay was used to check if the compounds can inhibit the activation of cancer-related signaling pathways. Molecular docking simulation was done for biological activity evaluation and to examine the interaction of the ligand with each of the proteins.

RESULTS

A new sesquiterpenoid, 4,11(12)-guiadiene-1-ol-3-one (4), together with eight specialized metabolites, betulinic acid (1), coniferyl aldehyde (2), oleanolic acid (3), daphnetoxin (5), apigenin (7), syringin (8), and genkwanol A (9) were isolated and reported for the first time from the shoots of the plant. Compound 4 as an undescribed compound was submitted for cytotoxicity assay and showed moderate activity with the IC₅₀ value of 51.3 ± 4.2 μM against HeLa cancer cells. It showed selective inhibition of Interleukin-6 mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway (STAT-3/ IL-6), and Smad protein / transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) transcription factors when screened through an array of cancer signaling pathways. Molecular docking confirmed biological tests and showed the interaction with STAT3 and Smad proteins.

CONCLUSION

An undescribed sesquiterpenoid: 4,11(12)-guiadiene-1-ol-3-one in addition to eight known compounds were isolated. The new sesquiterpene was evaluated for the luciferase assay on 14 main cancer-related signaling pathways and showed selective inhibition of STAT3/IL6, and Smad/ TGF-β transcription factors. Molecular docking simulation showed more interactions with STAT3 than Smad, which confirms better interaction of compound 4 with STAT3 than Smad proteins. Graphical abstract.