Anti-cancer effect of Rumex obtusifolius in combination with arginase/nitric oxide synthase inhibitors via downregulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and polyamine synthesis

Elucidating the impact of Hypericum alpestre extract and L-NAME on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in A549 lung adenocarcinoma and MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells

Plants of the Hypericaceae family have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant activities. Among these, Hypericum alpestre (HA) extracts have shown notable cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines, drawing attention to their phenolic compounds as potential anticancer agents. Similarly, N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, has emerged as a promising candidate in cancer therapy. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of both HA and L-NAME remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the impact of HA and L-NAME on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer triple-negative cells, with particular emphasis on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFα)/matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) pathways. In silico analyses identified compounds within HA extracts with the highest affinity for PI3K/Akt, a finding subsequently confirmed by in vitro experiments. Notably, the combination of HA and L-NAME demonstrated greater efficacy than the combination of HA and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), as evidenced by enhanced apoptotic activity. Both HA alone and in combination with L-NAME inhibited the TNFα/COX-2 and VEGFα/MMP-2 pathways. These results suggest that the therapeutic effects of HA, especially in combination with L-NAME, may be mediated through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. A better understanding of the interaction between HA polyphenols and PI3K/Akt signaling could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies against cancer, including drug-resistant tumors.

Effectiveness of phytoproducts against pathogenic free-living amoebae - A scoping and critical review paving the way toward plant-based pharmaceuticals

Infections caused by free-living amoebae (FLA) have increased worldwide and are expected to worsen. The lack of drugs that are effective (especially against cysts), affordable, and safe to treat these infections exacerbates the concern. Plants present a promising source of bioactive compounds for developing effective drugs; however, the scientific literature on this topic has yet to be adequately synthesized. This work provides a critical scoping review summarizing the amoebicidal performance of plant-derived products and their potential for developing effective drugs to treat FLA infections. Out of 5889 articles retrieved from multiple databases, 119 articles were selected, from which data on 180 plant species belonging to 127 genera and 62 families were extracted. The extracts, essential oils, and compounds from these plants exhibited a diverse range of potency against cysts and trophozoites. Among the compounds studied, periglaucine A, kolavenic acid, and (+)-elatol are promising cysticidal drug candidates due to their high potency, as well as their known low toxicity to non-target cells. Tovophillin A, gartinin, 8-deoxygartinin, garcinone E, 9-hydroxycalabaxanthone, γ-mangostin, and borneol also exhibit high cysticidal potency, but their selectivity profile is unknown. Resveratrol, rosmarinic acid, β-amyrin, and vanillic acid stand out for their high potency against trophozoites and low toxicity to mammalian cells. Another group of compounds with similarly high trophocidal potency includes (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin, apigenin, costunolide, demethoxycurcumin, kaempferol, methyl-β-orcinolcarboxylate, sakuraetin, (+)-elatol, debromolaurinterol, luteolin, (-)-rogiolol, cystomexicone B, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, and α-bisabolol. These compounds are priority candidates for further studies on in vivo efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.

An overview of phenylsulfonylfuroxan-based nitric oxide donors for cancer treatment

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule integral to numerous physiological processes, including tumor modulation, cardiovascular regulation, and systemic physiological functions. Its dual role in promoting and inhibiting tumor growth makes it a focal point of contemporary oncological research. Phenylsulfonylfuroxan, a classical NO donor, has been shown to significantly elevate NO levels, thereby inducing apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation and metastasis in tumor cells. It enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, reverses multidrug resistance (MDR), and impedes tumor progression. Notably, phenylsulfonylfuroxan have the ability to trigger ferroptosis in cancer cells by binding covalently to inhibit glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Recent developments in phenylsulfonylfuroxan-based therapies have positioned them as crucial in the advancement of cancer treatment modalities. This review elucidates the mechanism by which phenylsulfonylfuroxan releases NO and summarizes the significant advancements over the past 16 years in the research and development of phenylsulfonylfuroxan conjugates with various anticancer agents for targeted cancer therapy.

Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants of Armenia

The rich and diverse flora of Armenia has been used for medicinal purposes for at least 3000 years. The relevant literature in Armenian, English, and Russian revealed a vast array of used medicinal plants, some of them unique to the Caucasus region. The usage of medicinal plants confirms the position of Armenia as a country at the crossroads of Asia and Europe because of its traditional usage of medicinal plants from both continents. Literature data in Armenian, English, and Russian on medicinal plants of Armenia were mainly obtained using various electronic databases. From all available sources, 320 Armenian medicinal plant species were extracted with their botanical and local names and traditional uses. The use of medicinal plants by the Armenian people is systematically compiled, including the used plant organs and preparations and the ailments for which the various taxa are/were used. Medicinal plants of Armenia are represented for both wild and cultivated species. Some of the taxa used are unique to Armenia or the Caucasus region, while many other species are also used in various other countries. Some of the species from traditional Armenian medicine are currently being studied using modern methods.

5-fluorouracil and Rumex obtusifolius extract combination trigger A549 cancer cell apoptosis: uncovering PI3K/Akt inhibition by in vitro and in silico approaches

The continuous increase in cancer rates, failure of conventional chemotherapies to control the disease, and excessive toxicity of chemotherapies clearly demand alternative approaches. Natural products contain many constituents that can act on various bodily targets to induce pharmacodynamic responses. This study aimed to explore the combined anticancer effects of Rumex obtusifolius (RO) extract and the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on specific molecular targets involved in cancer progression. By focusing on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and its related components, such as cytokines, growth factors (TNFa, VEGFa), and enzymes (Arginase, NOS, COX-2, MMP-2), this research sought to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of RO extract, both independently and in combination with 5-FU, in non-small lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The study also investigated the potential interactions of compounds identified by HPLC/MS/MS of RO on PI3K/Akt in the active site pocket through an in silico analysis. The ultimate goal was to identify potent therapeutic combinations that effectively inhibit, prevent or delay cancer development with minimal side effects. The results revealed that the combined treatment of 5-FU and RO demonstrated a significant reduction in TNFa levels, comparable to the effect observed with RO alone. RO modulated the PI3K/Akt pathway, influencing the phosphorylated and total amounts of these proteins during the combined treatment. Notably, COX-2, a key player in inflammatory processes, substantially decreased with the combination treatment. Caspase-3 activity, indicative of apoptosis, increased by 1.8 times in the combined treatment compared to separate treatments. In addition, the in silico analyses explored the binding affinities and interactions of RO's major phytochemicals with intracellular targets, revealing a high affinity for PI3K and Akt. These findings suggest that the combined treatment induces apoptosis in A549 cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Hypericum alpestre extract exhibits in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties by regulating the cellular antioxidant system and metabolic pathway of L-arginine

Conventional treatment methods are not effective enough to fight the rapid increase in cancer cases. The interest is increasing in the investigation of herbal sources for the development of new anticancer therapeutics. This study aims to investigate the antitumor capacity of Hypericum alpestre (H. alpestre) extract in vitro and in vivo, either alone or in combination with the inhibitors of the  l-arginine/polyamine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway, and to characterize its active phytochemicals using advanced chromatographic techniques. Our previous reports suggest beneficial effects of the arginase inhibitor NG-hydroxy-nor- l-arginine and NO inhibitor NG-nitro-Larginine methyl ester in the treatment of breast cancer via downregulation of polyamine and NO synthesis. Here, the antitumor properties of H. alpestre and its combinations were explored in vivo, in a rat model of mammary gland carcinogenesis induced by subcutaneous injection of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. The study revealed strong antiradical activity of H. alpestre aerial part extract in chemical (DPPH/ABTS) tests. In the in vitro antioxidant activity test, the H. alpestre extract demonstrated pro-oxidant characteristics in human colorectal (HT29) cells, which were contingent upon the hemostatic condition of the cells. The H. alpestre extract expressed a cytotoxic effect on HT29 and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells measured by the MTT test. According to comet assay results, H. alpestre extract did not exhibit genotoxic activity nor possessed antigenotoxic properties in HT29 cells. Overall, 233 substances have been identified and annotated in H. alpestre extract using the LC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS system. In vivo experiments using rat breast cancer models revealed that the H. alpestre extract activated the antioxidant enzymes in the liver, brain, and tumors. H. alpestre combined with chemotherapeutic agents attenuated cancer-like histological alterations and showed significant reductions in tumor blood vessel area. Thus, either alone or in combination with Nω -OH-nor- l-arginine and Nω -nitro- l-arginine methyl ester, H. alpestre extract exhibits pro- and antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and cytotoxic effects.

Targeting metabolic pathways: a novel therapeutic direction for type 2 diabetes

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disease that causes multi-organ complications, seriously affecting patients' quality of life and survival. Understanding its pathogenesis remains challenging, with current clinical treatment regimens often proving ineffective.

Methods

In this study, we established a mouse model of T2DM and employed 16s rDNA sequencing to detect changes in the species and structure of gut flora. Additionally, we used UPLC-Q-TOF-MS to identify changes in urinary metabolites of T2DM mice, analyzed differential metabolites and constructed differential metabolic pathways. Finally, we used Pearman correlation analysis to investigate the relationship between intestinal flora and differential metabolites in T2DM mice, aiming to elucidate the pathogenesis of T2DM and provide an experimental basis for its clinical treatment.

Results

Our findings revealed a reduction in both the species diversity and abundance of intestinal flora in T2DM mice, with significantly decreased levels of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and significantly increased levels of harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori. Urinary metabolomics results identified 31 differential metabolites between T2DM and control mice, including Phosphatidylcholine, CDP-ethanolamine and Leukotriene A4, which may be closely associated with the glycerophospholipid and arachidonic acid pathways. Pearman correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between dopamine and gonadal, estradiol and gut microbiota, may be a novel direction underlying T2DM.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study suggests that alterations in gut microbiota and urinary metabolites are characteristic features of T2DM in mice. Furthermore, a strong correlation between dopamine, estradiol and gut microbiota, may be a novel direction underlying T2DM, the aim is to provide new ideas for clinical treatment and basic research.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of nitric oxide-releasing 5-cyano-6-phenyl-2, 4-disubstituted pyrimidine derivatives

In this study, a series of nitric oxide (NO) -releasing 5-cyano-6-phenyl-2, 4-disubstituted pyrimidine derivatives were designed and synthesized. In the in vitro biological evaluation, compound 24l exhibited optimal antiproliferative activity against MGC-803 cells with the IC₅₀ value of 0.95 µM, significantly better than that of the positive control 5-FU. In addition, preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that 24l inhibited colony formation and blocked MGC-803 cells in the G0/G1 phase. DAPI staining, reactive oxygen species and apoptosis assays demonstrated that 24l induced apoptosis of MGC-803 cells. Particularly, the most potent compound 24l produced the highest level of NO, and the antiproliferative activity was significantly reduced after preincubation with NO scavengers. In conclusion, compound 24l may be considered as a potential candidate antitumor agent.