The chemotherapeutic effect of β-2-himachalen-6-ol in chemically induced skin tumorigenesis

The Wild Carrot (Daucus carota): A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review

Daucus carota L., a member of the Apiaceae family, comprises 13 subspecies, with one being cultivated (D. carota L. ssp. sativus (Hoffm.) Arcang.) and the remaining being wild. Traditionally, the wild carrot has been recognized for its antilithic, diuretic, carminative, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties and has been employed in the treatment of urinary calculus, cystitis, gout, prostatitis, and cancer. While extensive literature is available on the phytochemical, pharmacological, and therapeutic evaluations of the cultivated carrot, limited information has been published on the wild carrot. A thorough search was conducted on the phytochemical composition, folk-medicine uses, and pharmacological properties of wild carrot subspecies (Daucus carota L. ssp. carota). Various electronic databases were consulted, and the literature spanning from 1927 to early 2023 was reviewed. Thirteen wild Daucus carota subspecies were analyzed, revealing over 310 compounds, including terpenoids, phenylpropenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, with 40 constituting more than 3% of the composition. This review also highlights the antioxidant, anticancer, antipyretic, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, hypolipidemic, and hepato- and gastroprotective properties of wild carrot subspecies. Existing in vitro and in vivo studies support their traditional uses in treating infections, inflammation, and cancer. However, further research on other subspecies is required to confirm additional applications. Well-designed preclinical and clinical trials are still necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of wild Daucus carota for human use.

New 1,3,4-thiadiazoles derivatives: synthesis, antiproliferative activity, molecular docking and molecular dynamics

Aim: A series of 1,3,4-thiadiazole himachalene hybrids were prepared from the treatment of a himachalen-4-one thiosemicarbazone derivative with N-aryl-C-ethoxycarbonyl-nitrilimines and diarylnitrilimines via a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. Materials & methods: The structures were confirmed by NMR, IR and high-resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS). Results & conclusion: The newly synthesized hybrid compounds were tested for their in vitro antitumor activities against a panel of cancer cell lines including fibrosarcoma (HT-1080), lung carcinoma (A-549) and breast carcinoma (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Among the tested products, 4a showed excellent activity against the HT-1080 and MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 values of 11.18 ± 0.69 and 12.38 ± 0.63 μm, comparable to that of the reference drug. Docking results confirmed that the active inhibitors were well accumulated in the mushroom tyrosinase active site. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that hybrid 4a induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Molecular modeling studies affirmed the intercalative binding of compound 4a in the active site.

Drug-free phototherapy of superficial tumors: White light at the end of the tunnel

Visible light has long been recognized as a treatment for many diseases and an essential component of photo-induced chemotherapy. While previous data proved its inherent cytotoxicity, this study is the first to explore the use of a commercially available, high-intensity white LED light (24.5 mW.cm^-2) as a treatment for skin tumors. After a 9-h exposure in vitro, the viability of Human Malignant Melanoma cells (A375) decreased by around 70%. Western blot analysis suggested an apoptotic cell death confirmed by the upregulation of Bax, cleaved PARP/caspase-3/8, cytochrome c, and t-bid. Additionally, cellular ROS accumulation and DNA damage were induced upon irradiation with blue light. When tested on a DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis model, a 90-min exposure to white light thrice weekly resulted in a significant decrease in tumor volumes/incidence compared to control and cisplatin groups, and restored normal morphological features, as confirmed by histopathology. Toxicological evaluation of ight-treated animals indicated a 100% survival rate, no skin irritation, no signs of discomfort or changes in body weight/behavior, and no toxicities to vital organs. Although these results must be confirmed by further studies, this research showed that short-exposure by commercially available high-intensity white LED light irradiation may be a promising approach for the treatment of superficial malignancies.

A photoactivatable chemotherapeutic Ru(II) complex bearing bathocuproine ligand efficiently induces cell death in human malignant melanoma cells through a multi-mechanistic pathway

Photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) is an emerging strategy for targeted cancer therapy. Strained Ru complexes with pseudo-octahedral geometry may undergo photo-induced ligand dissociation, forming aquated photoproducts that are significantly more cytotoxic compared to the precursor complex. The complexes investigated were the strained complex [Ru(bpy)₂BC]Cl₂ (where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and BC = bathocuproine) and its unstrained control [Ru(bpy)₂phen]Cl₂ (where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The uptake of [Ru(bpy)₂BC]Cl₂, assessed by ICP/MS, started immediately post-incubation and plateaued after 24 h. Active transport was found as the main mode of intracellular transport. Cell viability assays on A375 cells indicated a mean phototoxicity index of 340-fold, and the effect was shown to be primarily mediated by the aquated photoproducts rather than the dissociating ligands. A significant increase in ROS production and DNA damage was also observed. Flow cytometry confirmed the induction of early apoptosis at 48 h that proceeds to late apoptosis/necrosis by 72 h post-treatment. Western blot analysis of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins revealed that apoptosis was mediated through an interplay between the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, as well as autophagy and via inhibition of the MAPK and PI3K pathways. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that [Ru(bpy)₂BC]Cl₂ is a multi-mechanistic PACT drug which exhibits promising anticancer potential.

A photoactivatable Ru (II) complex bearing 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline: A potent chemotherapeutic drug inducing apoptosis in triple negative human breast adenocarcinoma cells

The photoactivatable Ru (II) complex 1 [Ru(bipy)2(dpphen)]Cl2 (where bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine and dpphen = 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) has been shown to possess promising anticancer activity against triple negative adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells. The present study aims to elucidate the plausible mechanism of action of the photoactivatable complex 1 against MDA-MB-231 cells. Upon photoactivation, complex 1 exhibited time-dependent cytotoxic activity with a phototoxicity index (P Index) of >100 after 72 h. A significant increase in cell rounding and detachment, loss of membrane integrity, ROS accumulation and DNA damage was observed. Flow cytometry and a fluorescent apoptosis/necrosis assay showed an induction of cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed the induction of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and inhibition of the MAPK and PI3K pathways. The photoproduct of complex 1 showed similar effects on key apoptotic protein expression confirming that it is behind the observed cell death. In conclusion, the present study revealed that complex 1 is a potent multi-mechanistic photoactivatable chemotherapeutic drug that may serve as a potential lead molecule for targeted cancer chemotherapy.

Himachalol induces apoptosis in B16-F10 murine melanoma cells and protects against skin carcinogenesis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cedrus libani A. Rich (C. libani) is majestic evergreen Mediterranean conifer growing in the mountains of Lebanon. The ethnobotanical and traditional uses of cedar wood oil traces back to ancient times for the treatment of various ailments including cancer. Previous work in our laboratories revealed that himachalol (7-HC), a major sesquiterpene isolated from C. libani, possesses potent cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines as well as promising anti-inflammatory effect in isolated rat monocytes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aims to elucidate the mechanism of action behind the cytotoxic activity of 7-HC against murine melanoma cells (B16F-10) and evaluates its chemopreventive effect against chemically-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

7-HC was extracted and purified from Cedrus libani wood. Cell viability was evaluated using WST-1 kit. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis were assessed by Flow cytometry using propidium iodide (PI) and fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated Annexin V/PI staining respectively. Apoptosis related protein were quantified using western blot. The chemopreventive activity of 7-HC was evaluated for 20 weeks using a DMBA/TPA induced skin carcinogenesis model in Balb/c mice.

RESULTS

7-HC displayed a potent anti-proliferative activity against the melanoma cells with an IC50 of 8.8 μg/ml and 7.3 μg/ml at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Co-treatment with Cisplatin did not show any synergistic or additive effect on cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis using PI revealed that 7-HC treatment (5 and 10 μg/ml) induces the accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 phase and causes a decline in cell populations in the S and G2/M phases. Annexin/PI staining also reveals that 7-HC treatment significantly increases the percentage of cells undergoing early and late apoptosis. Western blot analysis shows that 7-HC treatment decreases the level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and increases the level of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. A reduction in the level of phosphorylated Erk and Akt was also observed. 7-HC via topical (2.5%), intraperitoneal (10, 25 and 50 mg/kg) or gavage (50 mg/kg) treatment revealed a significant decrease in papilloma volume with no adverse effect on liver and kidney function.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that 7-HC treatment protects against chemically-induced skin carcinogenesis, promotes cell cycle arrest and induces apoptosis partially through an inhibition of both the MAPK/Erk and PI3K/Akt pathways.

StarD13: a potential star target for tumor therapeutics

StarD13 is a tumor suppressor and a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for Rho GTPases. Thus, StarD13 regulates cell survival pathways and induces apoptosis in a p53-dependent and independent manners. In tumors, StarD13 is either downregulated or completely inhibited, depending on the tumor type. As such, and through the dysregulation of Rho GTPases, this affects adhesion dynamics, actin dynamics, and leads to an increase or a decrease in tumor metastasis depending on the tumor grade and type. Being a key regulatory protein, StarD13 is a potential promising candidate for therapeutic approaches. This paper reviews the key characteristics of this protein and its role in tumor malignancies.

Oroxylin A inhibits carcinogen-induced skin tumorigenesis through inhibition of inflammation by regulating SHCBP1 in mice

Accumulating evidence has shown that SHC SH2 domain-binding protein 1 (SHCBP1) functions as an oncogene and participated in the progression of various cancers. Oroxylin A, an active ingredient extracted from Chinese Medicine Scutellaria baicalensis, shows strong anticancer effects on multiple cancers, however, the pharmacological effect of oroxylin A on skin cancer and the regulatory effect of SHCBP1 on this process have never been evaluated. The present study was aimed at elucidating the effect of oroxylin A on carcinogen (DMBA/TPA)-induced skin tumorigenesis, and to further clarify the role of SHCBP1 in oroxylin A induced antitumor effect. Pretreatment with oroxylin A remarkably inhibited DMBA/TPA-induced tumor formation and growth, and significantly reduced tumor incidence and the average number of tumors per mouse. Oroxylin A suppressed DMBA/TPA-induced skin hyperplasia and tumor proliferation. Oroxylin A significantly inhibited the expression of several inflammatory factors in vivo. In vitro experiments found that oroxylin A inhibited TPA-induced cell malignant transformation of skin epidermal JB6 P + cells. Besides, oroxylin A significantly suppressed the levels of TPA-induced inflammatory factors in vitro. Mechanistic studies showed that oroxylin A remarkably inhibited TPA-induced increased expression of SHCBP1. Overexpression of SHCBP1 attenuated the oroxylin A-induced anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, TPA increased the expression of nuclear NF-κB p65, and SHCBP1 siRNA notably decreased the nuclear NF-κB p65 expression in JB6 P + cells. Collectively, the anti-skin cancer effect of oroxylin A may possibly by inhibiting inflammation via suppression of SHCBP1. Oroxylin A might be a potential candidate compound for the treatment of skin cancer.

β-2-Himachalen-6-ol inhibits 4T1 cells-induced metastatic triple negative breast carcinoma in murine model

β-2-himachalen-6-ol (HC), a major sesquiterpene isolated from the Lebanese wild carrot umbels, was shown to possess remarkable in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities. The present study investigates the anti-metastatic activity of HC post 4T1 breast cancer cells inoculation in a murine model. The effect of HC on 4T1 cell viability was assessed using WST-1 kit, while cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry. Tumor development and metastasis were evaluated by injecting 4T1 cells in the mice mammary gland region followed by either HC or cisplatin treatment. The 6-thioguanine assay was used for the quantification of metastatic cells in the blood. HC treatment caused a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability with IC₅₀ and IC₉₀ values of 7 and 28 μg/mL respectively. Concomitant treatment with cisplatin significantly reduced cell viability when compared to cells treated with cisplatin or HC alone. Flow cytometry revealed a significant increase (p˂0.05) in cell count in the Sub-G1 phase at HC 10 μg/mL, and total DNA fragmentation (p˂0.001) at HC 25 μg/mL. Annexin/PI staining showed early and late apoptotic mode of cell death upon treatment with HC. Histopathological evaluation revealed less incidence of primary and metastatic tumor/inflammation in the HC and cisplatin treated groups. Tumor size and colony-forming units were significantly decreased in the HC treated group. HC treatment induced cell cycle arrest, promoted apoptosis and reduced the incidence of primary and metastatic lesions caused by 4T1 cells. The present findings suggest that HC has an anti-metastatic potential against aggressive types of cancer.

p21 in Cancer Research

p21 functions as a cell cycle inhibitor and anti-proliferative effector in normal cells, and is dysregulated in some cancers. Earlier observations on p21 knockout models emphasized the role of this protein in cell cycle arrest under the p53 transcription factor activity. Although tumor-suppressor function of p21 is the most studied aspect of this protein in cancer, the role of p21 in phenotypic plasticity and its oncogenic/anti-apoptotic function, depending on p21 subcellular localization and p53 status, have been under scrutiny recently. Basic science and translational studies use precision gene editing to manipulate p21 itself, and proteins that interact with it; these studies have led to regulatory/functional/drug sensitivity discoveries as well as therapeutic approaches in cancer field. In this review, we will focus on targeting p21 in cancer research and its potential in providing novel therapies.

Essential oils: from prevention to treatment of skin cancer

The increasing incidence of cutaneous malignancies signifies the need for multiple treatment options. Several available reviews have emphasized the potential role of various botanical extracts and naturally occurring compounds as anti-skin-cancer agents. Few studies relate to the role of chemoprevention and therapeutic activity of essential oils (EOs) and EO components. The present review summarizes an overview of chemopreventive, anti-melanoma and anti-nonmelanoma activities of EOs from various plants and EO components in in vitro and in vivo models with special emphasis on skin cancer. Also, the mechanisms by which EOs and EO components exert their effects to induce cell death are presented.