Synergistic anticancer effects of curcumin and crocin on human colorectal cancer cells

Synergistic Inhibition of Colon Cancer Cell Proliferation via p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 Modulation by Curcumin and Plumbagin Combination

Cancer is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Among the different forms of cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and the second most common cancer type in women globally. We aimed to explore the possible synergistic anticancer potential of curcumin (Cur) and plumbagin (PL) in the human colon cancer cell line (HCT-116). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)/cytotoxicity assay revealed IC50 values of 7.7 and 7.5 μM for Cur and PL, respectively, as a separate entity. However, the combined treatment of Cur + PL significantly enhanced the cancer cell growth inhibitory potential compared with solitary treatments with an IC50 value of 6.8 μM. The combined treatment also led to the induction of apoptosis by 41%, cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, while Bax and p53 genes were found to be upregulated and the Bcl-2 gene was downregulated compared to the untreated/solvent control. Furthermore, combined treatment elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by 59% and resulted a decline in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) compared to the control. Catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly reduced, leading to enhanced lipid peroxidation (LPO) and compromised membrane integrity, which were also confirmed by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) + propoidium iodide (PI) staining were also noted. Our in vitro data were further supported by molecular docking, which showed a higher binding energy of the proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, and p53) with Cur + PL. Overall, our findings highlight the potent synergistic effects of the Cur and PL combination, which can be exploited as a combination therapy for CRC.

Bioassay-Guided Procedure Coupled with HR-ESIMS Dereplication for Isolation of Antiproliferative Bromo-Tyramine Derivative from Aplysina cauliformis

The marine environment is vital for sustaining life on Earth and offers a significant, untapped source of bioresources that could enhance the blue economy. The present investigation used our protocol to quickly identify bioactive molecules in Aplysina cauliformis organic extracts. This procedure combines a bioassay-guided approach with the dereplication of mass data through bioinformatic analysis. This approach identified the compound N,N,N-trimethyl-3,5-dibromotyramine, a bromo-tyramine analog that showed promising antiproliferative activity on HepG2 cell lines, with an IC50 value of 37.49 ± 1.94 μg/mL after 24 h. Furthermore, the evaluation of related gene expression confirmed the mechanism of cell death to be apoptosis. N,N,N-trimethyl-3,5-dibromotyramine increased the expression of pro-apoptotic β-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (BAX) and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1) cleavage (c-PARP-1) and downregulated the anti-apoptotic β-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and phospho-Akt (p-AKT). This report presents N,N,N-trimethyl-3,5-dibromotyramine from Aplysina cauliformis and its antiproliferative activity against the HepG2 cell line.

Water-soluble carotenoid: focused on natural carotenoid crocin

Carotenoids are natural isoprenoid compounds with diverse health benefits, widely used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, low bioavailability and chemical instability limit their effect according to their fat-soluble property. Some strategies such as nanoencapsulation, emulsions, complexation, and glycosylation have been explored to enhance carotenoid bioavailability. In addition, there is growing interest in water-soluble carotenoids in nature. This review focuses on recent advancements in improving the water solubility of carotenoids, with special attention to naturally occurring water-soluble carotenoids like crocin. Research progress on the biosynthetic pathways of crocin derived from natural plants is summarized. In addition, heterologous production using genetic and metabolic engineering in plants and microorganisms is discussed, along with its potential applications in bio-industries. Finally, the promising pharmacological properties of crocin, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, are presented. The sustainable production of water-soluble carotenoids through biological synthesis offers a potential for improved absorption and functionality.

The Antitumour Mechanisms of Carotenoids: A Comprehensive Review

Carotenoids, known for their antioxidant properties, have garnered significant attention for their potential antitumour activities. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the diverse mechanisms by which carotenoids exert antitumour effects, focusing on both well-established and novel findings. We explore their role in inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell cycle progression and preventing metastasis by affecting oncogenic and tumour suppressor proteins. The review also explores the pro-oxidant function of carotenoids within cancer cells. In fact, although their overall contribution to cellular antioxidant defences is well known and significant, some carotenoids can exhibit pro-oxidant effects under certain conditions and are able to elevate reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in tumoural cells, triggering mitochondrial pathways that would lead to cell death. The final balance between their antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities depends on several factors, including the specific carotenoid, its concentration and the redox environment of the cell. Clinical trials are discussed, highlighting the conflicting results of carotenoids in cancer treatment and the importance of personalized approaches. Emerging research on rare carotenoids like bacterioruberin showcases their superior antioxidant capacity and selective cytotoxicity against aggressive cancer subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer. Future directions include innovative delivery systems, novel combinations and personalized treatments, aiming to enhance the therapeutic potential of carotenoids. This review highlights the promising yet complex landscape of carotenoid-based cancer therapies, calling for continued research and clinical exploration.

Curcumin and its anti-colorectal cancer potential: From mechanisms of action to autophagy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression, one of the most common cancers globally, is supported by specific mechanisms to escape cell death despite chemotherapy, including cellular autophagy. Autophagy is an evolutionarily highly conserved degradation pathway involved in a variety of cellular processes, such as the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and clearance of foreign bodies, and its imbalance is associated with many diseases. However, the role of autophagy in CRC progression remains controversial, as it has a dual function, affecting either cell death or survival, and is associated with cellular senescence in tumor therapy. Indeed, numerous data have been presented that autophagy in cancers serves as an alternative to cell apoptosis when the latter is ineffective or in apoptosis-resistant cells, which is why it is also referred to as programmed cell death type II. Curcumin, one of the active constituents of Curcuma longa, has great potential to combat CRC by influencing various cellular signaling pathways and epigenetic regulation in a safe and cost-effective approach. This review discusses the efficacy of curcumin against CRC in vitro and in vivo, particularly its modulation of autophagy and apoptosis in various cellular pathways. While clinical studies have assessed the potential of curcumin in cancer prevention and treatment, none have specifically examined its role in autophagy. Nonetheless, we offer an overview of potential correlations to support the use of this polyphenol as a prophylactic or co-therapeutic agent in CRC.

Simultaneous effect of miR-21 suppression and miR-143 restoration on inhibition of proliferation and migration in SW-480 colorectal cancer cells

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is regarded as a serious global issue and is presently ranked second in the classification of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, with fast incidence and high mortality patterns. As the key "gene expression regulators", miRNAs critically contribute to tumor progression and development. For example, miR-21 (an oncomiR) and miR-143 (a tumor suppressor) are dysregulated through colorectal tumorigenesis. Accordingly, this study assesses the concomitant therapeutic impacts of "miR-21 suppression" (anti-miR-21) and "miR-143 restoration" (miR-143) on CRC cell proliferation and migration.

Methods

SW-480 cell lines (with overexpressed "miR-21" and downregulated "miR-143") were transfected via "anti-miR-21" and "miR-143" mimics, either independently or in combination. Next, cell viability assessment was performed through MTT assay. Then, apoptosis induction was examined with "Annexin V-FITC Kit", and via Propidium Iodide (PI) assay and DAPI staining. In the next step, "cell cycle condition" and "autophagy induction" were studied through flow cytometry. "Wound-healing assay" and "clonogenic assay" were employed to investigate the migration and proliferation of tumor cells. Ultimately, qRT-PCR was utilized to quantify the intensity of the effects of "anti-miR-21" and "miR-143" on gene expression profiles.

Results

Downregulation of "miR-21" expression and overexpression of "miR-143" were found to synergistically reduce the viability (while elevating apoptosis) of SW-480 cells by modulating Bcl-2 and Bax expression profiles. Combined therapy increased the number of cells in the sub-G1 phase and reduced cell proliferation by modulating expression levels of PTEN and AKT-1. Additionally, miR-21 suppression and miR-143 restoration concomitantly reduced cell migration by modulating the expression of MMP-9.

Conclusion

Considering anti-cancer effects on cell growth, survival, and migration, it can be concluded that the concomitant suppression of "anti-miR-21" and "miR-143 restoration" might be introduced as a promising method for the therapy of CRC.

Cooperatively inhibition effect of miR-143-5p and miR-145-5p in tumorigenesis of glioblastoma cells through modulating AKT signaling pathway

Introduction

As the most common aggressive primary brain tumor, glioblastoma is inevitably a recurrent malignancy whose patients' prognosis is poor. miR-143 and miR-145, as tumor suppressor miRNAs, are downregulated through tumorigenesis of multiple human cancers, including glioblastoma. These two miRNAs regulate numerous cellular processes, such as proliferation and migration. This research was intended to explore the simultaneous replacement effect of miR-143, and miR-145 on in vitro tumorgenicity of U87 glioblastoma cells.

Methods

U87 cells were cultured, and transfected with miR-143-5p and miR-145-5p. Afterward, the changes in cell viability, and apoptosis induction were determined by MTT assay and Annexin V/PI staining. The accumulation of cells at the cell cycle phases was assessed using the flow cytometry. Wound healing and colony formation assays were performed to study cell migration. qRT-PCR and western blot techniques were utilized to quantify gene expression levels.

Results

Our results showed that miR-143-5p and 145-5p exogenous upregulation cooperatively diminished cell viability, and enhanced U-87 cell apoptosis by modulating Caspase-3/8/9, Bax, and Bcl-2 protein expression. The combination therapy increased accumulation of cells at the sub-G1 phase by modulating CDK1, Cyclin D1, and P53 protein expression. miR-143/145-5p significantly decreased cell migration, and reduced colony formation ability by the downregulation of c-Myc and CD44 gene expression. Furthermore, the results showed the combination therapy of these miRNAs could remarkably downregulate phosphorylated-AKT expression levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, miR-143 and miR-145 were indicated to show cooperative anti- cancer effects on glioblastoma cells via modulating AKT signaling as a new therapeutic approach.

Ameliorative Effect of Thymoquinone and Thymoquinone Nanoparticles against Diazinon-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats: A Possible Protection Mechanism

The health benefits of thymoquinone (TQ) have been a significant focus of numerous studies. However, more research is needed to ascertain whether its nano-form can effectively treat or prevent chronic diseases. In this study, we investigated how thymoquinone and its nanoparticles can mitigate liver damage induced by diazinon in male Wistar rats and explored the intracellular mechanisms involved. Forty-two Wistar male rats (n = 42) were randomly allotted into seven groups. Group 1 served as the control. Group 2 (vehicle) consisted of rats that received corn oil via a gastric tube daily. In Group 3 (TQ), rats were given a daily oral administration of TQ (40 mg/kg bw). Group 4 (thymoquinone nanoparticles, NTQ) included rats that received NTQ (0.5 mg/kg bw) orally for 21 days. Group 5 (DZN) involved rats that were administered diazinon (DZN, 15 mg/kg bw) orally. In Group 6 (TQ + DZN), rats first received TQ orally, followed by DZN. Group 7 (NTQ + DZN) consisted of rats receiving NTQ orally, then DZN. After 21 days of treatment, the rats were euthanized. After oral administration of DZN, liver enzymes were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were noticeable increases in oxidative injury markers, such as nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, redox oxygen radicals, and overall increases in hydrogen peroxide and liver protein carbonyl concentrations. This was accompanied by the upregulation of apoptotic markers (Bax, caspase9, caspase 3, bax/Bcl2 ratio), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and DNA damage. There was also a noteworthy decrease (p < 0.05) in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and anti-apoptotic markers. However, the oral administration of thymoquinone or its nanoparticle form mitigated these diazinon complications; our histopathological findings corroborated our biochemical and molecular observations. In conclusion, the significant antioxidant properties of thymoquinone, or its nanoparticle form, in tandem with the downregulation of apoptotic markers and inflammatory cytokines, provided a protective effect against hepatic dysfunction caused by diazinon.

Curcumin: Overview of Extraction Methods, Health Benefits, and Encapsulation and Delivery Using Microemulsions and Nanoemulsions

Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid found in the rhizomes of turmeric. Due to its therapeutic action against cancer, depression, diabetes, some bacteria, and oxidative stress, it has been used widely in medicine since ancient times. Due to its low solubility, the human organism cannot completely absorb it. Advanced extraction technologies, followed by encapsulation in microemulsion and nanoemulsion systems, are currently being used to improve bioavailability. This review discusses the different methods available for curcumin extraction from plant material, methods for the identification of curcumin in the resulting extracts, its beneficial effects on human health, and the encapsulation techniques into small colloidal systems that have been used over the past decade to deliver this compound.

Haloarchaeal carotenoids exert an in vitro antiproliferative effect on human breast cancer cell lines

Oxidative stress has been linked to the onset and progression of different neoplasia. Antioxidants might help prevent it by modulating biochemical processes involved in cell proliferation. Here, the aim was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effect of Haloferax mediterranei bacterioruberin-rich carotenoid extracts (BRCE) (0-100 µg/ml) in six BC cell lines, representative of the intrinsic phenotypes and a healthy mammary epithelium cell line. Cell index values were obtained using xCELLigence RTCA System. Furthermore, cell diameter, viability, and concentration were measured at 12 h, 24 h, and 30 h. We found that BC cells were selectively affected by BRCE (SI > 1, p < 0.005). After 30 h, the population of BC cells exposed to 100 µg/ml was 11.7-64.6% of the control (p = 0.0001-0.0009). Triple-negative cells were significantly affected [MDA-MB-231 (IC₅₀ 51.8 µg/ml, p < 0.0001) and MDA-MB-468 (IC₅₀ 63.9 µg/ml, p < 0.0001)]. Cell size was also reduced after 30 h treatment in 3.8 (± 0.1) µm and 3.3 (± 0.02) µm for SK-BR-3 (p < 0.0001) and MDA-MB-468 (p < 0.0001), respectively. In conclusion, Hfx. mediterranei BRCE exerts a cytotoxic effect on BC cell lines representative of all studied intrinsic subtypes. Furthermore, results obtained for MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 are very promising, considering the aggressive behaviour of the triple-negative BC subtype.

Curative effects of crocin in ulcerative colitis via modulating apoptosis and inflammation

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with characteristic inflammation to mucosal cells in rectum and colon leading to lesions in mucosa and submucosa. Moreover, crocin is a carotenoid compound among active constituents of saffron with many pharmacological effects as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Therefore, we aimed to investigate therapeutic effects of crocin against UC through affecting the inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. For induction of UC in rats, intracolonic 2 ml of 4% acetic acid was used. After induction of UC, part of rats was treated with 20 mg/kg crocin. cAMP was measured using ELISA. Moreover, we measured gene and protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), BCL2-associated X (BAX), caspase-3/8/9, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β/4/6/10. Colon sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue or immune-stained with anti-TNF-α antibodies. Microscopic images of colon sections in UC group revealed destruction of intestinal glands associated with infiltration of inflammatory cell and severe hemorrhage. While images stained with Alcian blue showed damaged and almost absent intestinal glands. Crocin treatment ameliorated morphological changes. Finally, crocin significantly reduced expression levels of BAX, caspase-3/8/9, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, associated with increased levels of cAMP and expression of BCL2, IL-4 and IL-10. In conclusion, protective of action of crocin in UC is proved by restoration of normal weight and length of colon as well as improvement of morphological structure of colon cells. The mechanism of action of crocin in UC is indicated by activation of anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.