Purple grape juice inhibits 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary tumorigenesis and in vivo DMBA-DNA adduct formation

Allyl isothiocyanate regulates oxidative stress, inflammation, cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis via interaction with multiple cell signaling pathways

Cancer growth is a molecular mechanism initiated by genetic and epigenetic modifications that are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and senescence pathways. Chemoprevention is an important strategy for cancer treatment that leads to blocking, reversing, or impeding the multistep process of tumorigenesis, including the blockage of its vital morphogenetic milestones viz. normal, preneoplasia, neoplasia, and metastasis. Naturally occurring phytochemicals are becoming ever more popular compared to synthetic drugs for many reasons, including safety, bioavailability, efficacy, and easy availability. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a natural compound present in all plants of the Cruciferae family, such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mustard, cabbage, kale, horseradish, and wasabi. In vitro and in vivo studies carried out over the decades have revealed that AITC inhibits tumorigenesis without any toxicity and undesirable side effects. The bioavailability of AITC is exceedingly high, as it was reported that nearly 90% of orally administered AITC is absorbed. AITC exhibits multiple pharmacological properties among which its anticancer activity is the most significant for cancer treatment. Its anticancer activity is exerted via selective modulation of multiple cell signaling pathways related to oxidative stress, inflammation, cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. This review highlights the current knowledge on molecular targets that are involved in the anticancer effect of AITC associated with (i) inhibition of carcinogenic activation and induction of antioxidants, (ii) suppression of pro-inflammatory and cell proliferative signals, (iii) induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and (iv) inhibition of angiogenic and invasive signals related to metastasis.

Experimental mouse models for translational human cancer research

The development and growth of tumors remains an important and ongoing threat to human life around the world. While advanced therapeutic strategies such as immune checkpoint therapy and CAR-T have achieved astonishing progress in the treatment of both solid and hematological malignancies, the malignant initiation and progression of cancer remains a controversial issue, and further research is urgently required. The experimental animal model not only has great advantages in simulating the occurrence, development, and malignant transformation mechanisms of tumors, but also can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a diverse array of clinical interventions, gradually becoming an indispensable method for cancer research. In this paper, we have reviewed recent research progress in relation to mouse and rat models, focusing on spontaneous, induced, transgenic, and transplantable tumor models, to help guide the future study of malignant mechanisms and tumor prevention.

Gold nanoparticles combined baker's yeast as a successful approach for breast cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) has been demonstrated in vitro to sensitize several breast cancer cell lines and to be a safe, non-toxic drug with anti-skin cancer action in mice. Furthermore, plasmonic photothermal treatment using gold nanorods has been authorized as a novel method for in vitro and in vivo cancer therapy.

RESULTS

When compared to tumor-free rats, the treatment with S. cerevisiae conjugated to gold nanospheres (GNSs) lowered Bcl-2 levels while increasing FasL, Bax, cytochrome c, and caspases 8, 9, and 3 levels. Histopathological results showed changes reflecting the ability of nanogold conjugated heat-killed yeast to induce apoptosis is greater than heat-killed yeast alone as the nanogold conjugated with heat-killed yeast showed no tumor, no hyperplasia, no granulation tissue formation, no ulceration, and no suppuration. Nanogold conjugated with heat-killed yeast-treated breast cancer group displayed normal levels of ALT and AST, indicating relatively healthy hepatic cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results proved that nanogold conjugated heat-killed yeast can initiate apoptosis and can be used as a safe non-invasive method for breast cancer treatment more effectively than the yeast alone. This, in turn, gives us new insight and a future hope for the first time that breast cancer can be treated by non-invasive, simple, safe, and naturally originated method and achieves a hopeful treatment and a novel method for in vivo cancer therapy.

Chemopreventive and therapeutic properties of anthocyanins in breast cancer: A comprehensive review

Anthocyanins have received the attention of the scientific community because of their antioxidant, antimetastatic, and cancer-inhibitory properties. The aim of this review is to comprehensively summarize the possible mechanisms by which anthocyanins exhibit anticarcinogenic properties in breast cancer (BC) cell lines and animal models. Anthocyanins inhibit proinflammatory, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell pathways and increase the activities of detoxification enzymes. In addition, downregulation of metalloproteinases by anthocyanins inhibits tumor invasion and metastatic processes in experimental systems. Anthocyanins mediate anticancer and angiogenic effects by modifying multiple receptor families. Furthermore, inhibition of cell-cycle upstream polo-like kinase signaling, the chromosomal replication checkpoint, and ataxia telangiectasia mutated signaling may contribute to the anticarcinogenic effects of anthocyanins. Finally, anthocyanins induce mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and downregulate the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, anthocyanins have been shown to exert potential antitumor effects against breast carcinogenesis in vitro and in vivo, providing insights into the use of anthocyanins as a natural chemopreventive intervention in BC.

Modulatory Effect of 4-(methylthio)butyl Isothiocyanate Isolated From Eruca Sativa Thell. on DMBA Induced Overexpression of Hypoxia and Glycolytic Pathway in Sprague-Dawley Female Rats

4-(methylthio)butyl isothiocyanate (4-MTBITC) is a hydrolytic product from the plant Eruca sativa Thell. In the present study, we explored the anti-cancer effect of 4-MTBITC against 7,12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene (DMBA) induced breast cancer. Hypoxic conditions were developed using a single dose of 60 mg/kg DMBA. Hepatic and renal parameters were increased along with antioxidants in cancer-bearing rats which were lowered with the treatment of 4-MTBITC. Further, it inhibited the up-regulation of glycolytic enzymes caused by DMBA. The hypoxia pathway was evaluated using RT-PCR and it was found that the 40 mg/kg doses of 4-MTBITC statistically lowered the expression of HIF-1α. Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was one of the major pathways involved in 4-MTBITC-induced cell growth arrest by western blotting. Amino acid profiling serum-free plasma revealed the downregulation of specific amino acids required for vital components of fast-growing cancer cells. 4-MTBITC reduced the levels of serine, arginine, alanine, asparagines, and glutamic acid. Histological examination also showed neoplastic growth following DMBA doses. 4-MTBITC treated rats showed less infiltration and normal physiology. Our findings for the first time demonstrated the potential therapeutic significance of 4-MTBITC on modulation of glycolytic enzymes and hypoxia pathway in female rats.

Dietary Phenolics against Breast Cancer. A Critical Evidence-Based Review and Future Perspectives

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related death in adult women worldwide. Over 85% of BC cases are non-hereditary, caused by modifiable extrinsic factors related to lifestyle, including dietary habits, which play a crucial role in cancer prevention. Although many epidemiological and observational studies have inversely correlated the fruit and vegetable consumption with the BC incidence, the involvement of their phenolic content in this correlation remains contradictory. During decades, wrong approaches that did not consider the bioavailability, metabolism, and breast tissue distribution of dietary phenolics persist behind the large currently existing gap between preclinical and clinical research. In the present review, we provide comprehensive preclinical and clinical evidence according to physiologically relevant in vitro and in vivo studies. Some dietary phenolics such as resveratrol (RSV), quercetin, isoflavones, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), lignans, and curcumin are gaining attention for their chemopreventive properties in preclinical research. However, the clinical evidence of dietary phenolics as BC chemopreventive compounds is still inconclusive. Therefore, the only way to validate promising preclinical results is to conduct clinical trials in BC patients. In this regard, future perspectives on dietary phenolics and BC research are also critically discussed.

Effects of grape juice, red wine and resveratrol on liver parameters of rat submitted high-fat diet

This work evaluated the effect of grape juice, red wine and resveratrol in liver parameters of rats submitted to high-fat diet. Experimental model was conducted with groups of adult females Rattus norvegicus: control (CG); high-fat (HG); grape juice (JG); red wine (RW) and resveratrol solution (RG). The high-fat diet significantly altered hepatocytes and Kupffer cells in all treated groups. HG group presented severe steatosis followed hepatocyte ballooning and tissue damages. JG group minimized hepatic histological lesion caused by high-fat diet and WG group also induced steatosis and inflammation in hepatocytes, similar to HG. Still, resveratrol protected the tissue against fatty liver disease by reducing fat infiltration and inflammation, indicating possible therapeutic effects on the liver. Cell cycle analysis showed that HG promoted damage to the tissue, reducing the viable cell content and increasing apoptosis, even when associated with wine consumption or isolated resveratrol. However, JG protected the liver against cell damage generated by the diet. Consumption of grape juice, even associated with a high-fat diet, represents a promising protection of the liver against cellular damage, but red wine further affects the tissue, and resveratrol alone was able to reduce damage but did not minimize cellular damage to the liver.

Graviola attenuates DMBA-induced breast cancer possibly through augmenting apoptosis and antioxidant pathway and downregulating estrogen receptors

Breast cancer is a global public health problem where it is the second most prevalent cancer. Historical cancer treatment with graviola has been reported. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of graviola on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat breast cancer. Fifty female Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control group (gastro-gavaged by sesame oil), DMBA-treated group (gastro-gavaged a single dose of DMBA [50 mg/kg body mass, diluted in 1 ml sesame oil]) at the age 57 days, DMBA+G37-treated group (gastro-gavaged a single dose of DMBA [50 mg/kg body mass, diluted in 1 ml sesame oil]) at the age of 57 days plus graviola (200 mg/kg body mass) two times weekly (p.o.) at the age of 37 days till the end of the experiment, and DMBA+G57-treated group (received a single dose of DMBA [50 mg/kg body mass, diluted in 1 ml sesame oil]) plus graviola (200 mg/kg body mass) two times weekly at the age of 57 days until the end of the experiment. After the 30-week experimental period, blood samples were collected. Then, animals were sacrificed to determine the apoptotic indices, antioxidant status, and mammary gland tumor marker (CA 15-3). The DMBA upregulated the expression of one of the main anti-apoptotic genes: B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (BCL2) and estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) gene. Moreover, it significantly increased breast lipid peroxidation and serum CA 15-3 but decreased breast antioxidant enzymatic activities (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase). Nevertheless, administration of DMBA and graviola especially DMBA+G37 induced apoptosis through at least 1.5-fold in gene expression levels of pro-apoptotic genes: BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), tumor suppressor gene (P53), and cysteinyl-aspartic acid-protease-3 (caspase-3). A critical role of P53 in the regulation of the BCL2 and BAX has been reported. These proteins can determine if the cell undergoes apoptosis or cancels the process. Once the BAX gene activates caspase-3, there is no irreversible way toward cell death. Also, graviola ameliorated the DMBA effects on antioxidant enzymatic activities and tumor marker CA 15-3. This study concludes that graviola ameliorated DMBA-induced breast cancer potentially through upregulating apoptotic genes, downregulating the ER-α gene, increasing antioxidants, and decreasing lipid peroxidation levels.

Evaluation of the chemopreventive effects of Ankaferd Bloodstopper in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced oral epithelial dysplasia

OBJECTIVES

Ankaferd BloodStopper® (ABS) is an herbal extract which has been used historically as a hemostatic agent in traditional Turkish medicine. ABS comprises of standardized mixture of herbs Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica. In addition to its hemostatic effects, the herb ABS contains some other biological effects including antioxidant and antitumoral properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the chemopreventive effects of ABS in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral epithelial dysplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 animals received DMBA alone, and group 2 animals received both DMBA and Ankaferd. Group 3 animals received ABS alone while group 4 animals served as control group and received only liquid paraffine. All animals were sacrificed, and tissue samples were analyzed histologically at the end of the experimental period (14 weeks).

RESULTS

Histological studies have shown that the buccal pouches of animals treated with DMBA alone revealed severe dysplasia while only mild or no dysplasia were noticed in DMBA + ABS group. Ankaferd were administered to animals and control group showed no dysplasia or other oral lesions.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that Ankaferd Bloodstopper® has chemopreventive effect against DMBA-induced oral epithelial dysplasia.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ankaferd Bloodstopper® could be used as a supportive treatment option of cancer in oral and maxillofacial surgery since it possesses chemopreventive effect.

A Comprehensive Database and Analysis Framework To Incorporate Multiscale Data Types and Enable Integrated Analysis of Bioactive Polyphenols

The development of a given botanical preparation for eventual clinical application requires extensive, detailed characterizations of the chemical composition, as well as the biological availability, biological activity, and safety profiles of the botanical. These issues are typically addressed using diverse experimental protocols and model systems. Based on this consideration, in this study we established a comprehensive database and analysis framework for the collection, collation, and integrative analysis of diverse, multiscale data sets. Using this framework, we conducted an integrative analysis of heterogeneous data from in vivo and in vitro investigation of a complex bioactive dietary polyphenol-rich preparation (BDPP) and built an integrated network linking data sets generated from this multitude of diverse experimental paradigms. We established a comprehensive database and analysis framework as well as a systematic and logical means to catalogue and collate the diverse array of information gathered, which is securely stored and added to in a standardized manner to enable fast query. We demonstrated the utility of the database in (1) a statistical ranking scheme to prioritize response to treatments and (2) in depth reconstruction of functionality studies. By examination of these data sets, the system allows analytical querying of heterogeneous data and the access of information related to interactions, mechanism of actions, functions, etc., which ultimately provide a global overview of complex biological responses. Collectively, we present an integrative analysis framework that leads to novel insights on the biological activities of a complex botanical such as BDPP that is based on data-driven characterizations of interactions between BDPP-derived phenolic metabolites and their mechanisms of action, as well as synergism and/or potential cancellation of biological functions. Out integrative analytical approach provides novel means for a systematic integrative analysis of heterogeneous data types in the development of complex botanicals such as polyphenols for eventual clinical and translational applications.

Combination chemoprevention with grape antioxidants

Antioxidant ingredients present in grape have been extensively investigated for their cancer chemopreventive effects. However, much of the work has been done on individual ingredients, especially focusing on resveratrol and quercetin. Phytochemically, whole grape represents a combination of numerous phytonutrients. Limited research has been done on the possible synergistic/additive/antagonistic interactions among the grape constituents. Among these phytochemical constituents of grapes, resveratrol, quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, epicatechin, and anthocyanins (cyanidin and malvidin) constitute more than 70% of the grape polyphenols. Therefore, these have been relatively well studied for their chemopreventive effects against a variety of cancers. While a wealth of information is available individually on cancer chemopreventive/anti-proliferative effects of resveratrol and quercetin, limited information is available regarding the other major constituents of grape. Studies have also suggested that multiple grape antioxidants, when used in combination, alone or with other agents/drugs show synergistic or additive anti-proliferative response. Based on strong rationale emanating from published studies, it seems probable that a combination of multiple grape ingredients alone or together with other agents could impart 'additive synergism' against cancer.

Lipid nanocarriers based on natural oils with high activity against oxygen free radicals and tumor cell proliferation

The development of nano-dosage forms of phytochemicals represents a significant progress of the scientific approach in the biomedical research. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of lipid nanocarriers based on natural oils (grape seed oil, fish oil and laurel leaf oil) in counteracting free radicals and combating certain tumor cells. No drug was encapsulated in the nanocarriers. The cytotoxic effect exerted by bioactive nanocarriers against two tumor cells, MDA-MB 231 and HeLa cell lines, and two normal cells, L929 and B16 cell lines, was measured using the MTT assay, while oxidative damage was assessed by measuring the total antioxidant activity using chemiluminescence analysis. The best performance was obtained for nanocarriers based on an association of grape seed and laurel leaf oils, with a capacity to scavenge about 98% oxygen free radicals. A dose of nanocarriers of 5mg·mL(-1) has led to a drastic decrease in tumor cell proliferation even in the absence of an antitumor drug (e.g. about 50% viability for MDA-MB 231 cell line and 60% viability for HeLa cell line). A comparative survival profile of normal and tumor cells, which were exposed to an effective dose of 2.5mg·mL(-1) lipid nanocarriers, has revealed a death rate of 20% for normal B16 cells and of 40% death rate for MDA-MB 231 and HeLa tumor cells. The results in this study imply that lipid nanocarriers based on grape seed oil in association with laurel leaf oil could be a candidate to reduce the delivery system toxicity and may significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy of antitumor drugs in clinical applications.

Invitro assessment of cytotoxic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of leaves from two grape varieties collected from arid and temperate regions in Palestine

Grape leaves (Vitis vinifera L.) are widely consumed in Palestine, and other Mediterranean countries. Positive health effects of grape products are reported by various studies and pharmaceutical preparations from grape leaves are patented and commercialized as drugs. The aim of this in vitro study is to assess the therapeutic potential of leaf extracts; their cytotoxicity against lung cancerous cells, their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against several human pathogenic bacterial strains, and according to geographical location, to examine the overall effect of annual rainfall on the aforementioned activities.

Leaves from Shami and Baituni grapes, collected from Dahria (an arid region) and Beit Omar (a temperate region) in Palestine were ground to powder using liquid nitrogen and a pestle and mortar. Cytotoxicity was measured against lung cancer cells and muscle cells. Antioxidants potential of leaf extracts and antimicrobial activity against five human pathogenic bacterial strains were assessed.

Results showed Shami leaves from Beit Omar inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells. Cytotoxicity assessment against lung cancer cells showed leaves from Baituni grapes are ineffective. Antioxidant capacity of the leaf extracts of both genotypes from both locations gave high levels of antioxidants, but no significant differences recorded between treatments. Leaf extracts of both grape genotypes were effective against S. aureus and slightly effective against P. aeruginosa bacteria. However, these extracts were ineffective against L. monocytogenes, S. typimurium and E. coli.

Results show the therapeutic potential of leaves of Shami and Baituni might be related to their phytochemical composition. Our findings suggest effective cytotoxic activity of Shami grape leaves against lung cancer cells and provide a preliminary view of the effect of annual rainfall on the grape leaves‘ anticancer and antimicrobial activities.

Dose response chemopreventive potential of allyl isothiocyanate against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced mammary carcinogenesis in female Sprague-Dawley rats

The present study aimed to investigate the dose response chemopreventive potential of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced mammary carcinogenesis in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Mammary tumor was induced by a single dose of DMBA (25 mg/rat) injected subcutaneously near mammary gland. We observed reduced body weight and increased in total number of tumors, tumor incidence and tumor volume in DMBA-induced rats. We also observed decreased antioxidant status (SOD, CAT, GPX and GSH) and increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS and LOOH) in plasma and mammary tissues. Increased levels of CYP450, Cyt-b5 and decreased levels of phase II (GST and GR) biotransformation enzymes noticed in liver and mammary tissues of DMBA-induced rats. Further, increased levels of lipid profile (TC, TG, PL and FFA) and lipoprotein (LDL and VLDL) were noticed. Whereas, decreased level of HDL in plasma and decreased levels of PL and FFA in mammary tissue. Oral administration of AITC different doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg bw) inhibited the tumor incidence and restored levels of biochemical markers. Biochemical findings are supported by histopathological studies. These results suggested that AITC at a dose of 20 mg/kg bw significantly exert chemopreventive potential against DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis.

Anti-tumor activity of grape juice concentrate in the rat tongue two-stage initiation-promotion protocol induced by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of grape juice concentrate following medium-term oral carcinogenesis assay induced by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO). A total of 30 male Wistar rats were distributed into five groups, as follows (n = 6 per group): Group 1 - negative control group (non-treated group); Group 2 - received grape juice concentrate at 1% dose by gavage for eight consecutive weeks; Group 3 - received 4NQO for 8 weeks at 20 ppm dose in drinking water daily; Group 4 - received 4NQO at 20 ppm dose during 8 weeks in drinking water and treated with grape juice concentrate at 1% dose orally by gavage for first 4 weeks after 4-NQO administration; Group 5 - received 4NQO at 20 ppm dose for 8 weeks in drinking water and treated with grape juice concentrate at 1% dose orally by gavage between the 5th and 8th weeks daily. Histopathological analysis revealed a decrease in hyperplasic and dysplastic lesions in Group 4. Groups 4 and 5 showed decreased COX-2 and TNF-alpha and eNOS gene expression. Grape juice concentrate also increased SOD Cu/Zn and catalase expression. However, Ki-67 immunoexpression was reduced at the promotion step of oral carcinogenesis (G5). Taken together, our results demonstrate that grape juice concentrate modulates rat tongue carcinogenesis as a result of anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity and down-regulation of oral cells proliferation.

Chemopreventive effects of the juice of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat on two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis

Our study revealed the inhibitory effect of Vitis coignetiae Pulliat, known as Yamabudo in Japan, at the stages of multi-step carcinogenesis. The juice of Vitis coignetiae (Y-grape juice) was antimutagenic toward dimethylbenzo[a]anthracene (DMBA), aflatoxin B1, and benzo[a]pyrene in the Ames test. The Y-grape juice was also antigenotoxic in the micronucleus test using HepG2 cells toward DMBA and aflatoxin B1. Topical and oral administration of the Y-grape juice to mice inhibited the induction of inflammation of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Topical and oral administration of the Y-grape juice significantly decreased the incidence and mean number of tumors in mice skin with the 2-stage tumorigenesis protocol. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the antiinflammatory and antitumor promotion activity of the Y-grape juice, the effect of Y-grape juice on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in mouse ear treated with TPA was studied. Both topical and oral application of the Y-grape juice inhibited the TPA-induced increase in COX-2 activity. Caftaric acid, isolated and identified from the Y-grape juice, was antimutagenic toward DMBA and prevented TPA-induced inflammation in mice, suggesting caftaric acid participates in chemopreventive effect/activities of Y-grape juice.

The anti-inflammatory potential of phenolic compounds in grape juice concentrate (G8000™) on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease is characterised by an up-regulation of the synthesis and release of a variety of pro-inflammatory mediators leading to excessive tissue injury. Flavonoids are able to inhibit enzymes and/or due to their antioxidant properties regulate the immune response. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds present in grape juice on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. A total of forty-one male Wistar rats were randomised into seven groups: negative control group; TNBS non-treated induced colitis; 2 % grape juice control group; 1 % grape juice 24 h after TNBS colitis induction; 1 % grape juice on day 7 after colitis induction; 2 % grape juice 24 h after colitis induction; 2 % grape juice on day 7 after colitis induction. The 1 % grape juice-treated induced colitis group showed marked clinical improvement when compared with the TNBS-induced colitis group. Rats that received 1 % grape juice, on day 7 after colitis induction, presented reduced intensity of macroscopic and histological scores. Statistically significant differences (P< 0·05) of TNF-α and inducible NO synthase mRNA expression were detected in the groups treated with grape juice at the 1 % dose after inducing experimental colitis when compared with the TNBS group. Grape juice reduced the noxious effects induced by colitis caused by TNBS, especially at the 1 % dose.

Evaluation of the effect of beetroot juice on DMBA-induced damage in liver and mammary gland of female Sprague-Dawley rats

Red beetroot contains a specific class of antioxidants collectively named betalains, which have been shown to have anticarcinogenic and anti-inflamatory potential. We investigated the effect of beetroot juice on the hepatic and mammary gland carcinogen metabolizing enzymes, DNA damage and liver injury, altered by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). In the liver, pretreatment with beetroot juice significantly decreased levels and activities of the majority of tested biochemical parameters, elevated by DMBA. Feeding with beetroot juice decreased the activities of CYP1A1 and 1A2 and increased phase II enzymes. The activities of all enzymes tested were enhanced in the animals treated with DMBA alone and in combination with beetroot juice. The most significant changes in the level of the enzymes tested were observed for

NAD(P)H

quinone oxidoreductase-1. In mammary gland, beetroot juice induced the level of glutathione S-transferase pi, enzyme involved in active metabolites of DMBA detoxification. The final effects of beetroot juice are tissue specific and depend on the class of carcinogen.

Potential anticancer properties of grape antioxidants

Dietary intake of foods rich in antioxidant properties is suggested to be cancer protective. Foods rich in antioxidant properties include grape (Vitis vinifera), one of the world's largest fruit crops and most commonly consumed fruits in the world. The composition and cancer-protective effects of major phenolic antioxidants in grape skin and seed extracts are discussed in this review. Grape skin and seed extracts exert strong free radical scavenging and chelating activities and inhibit lipid oxidation in various food and cell models in vitro. The use of grape antioxidants are promising against a broad range of cancer cells by targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream pathways, inhibiting over-expression of COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 receptors, or modifying estrogen receptor pathways, resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Interestingly, some of these activities were also demonstrated in animal models. However, in vivo studies have demonstrated inconsistent antioxidant efficacy. Nonetheless, a growing body of evidence from human clinical trials has demonstrated that consumption of grape, wine and grape juice exerts many health-promoting and possible anti-cancer effects. Thus, grape skin and seed extracts have great potential in cancer prevention and further investigation into this exciting field is warranted.

Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Juice Augments Mammary Gland Differentiation and Reduces Mammary Tumor Growth in Mice Expressing the Unactivated c-erbB2 Transgene

Morinda citrifolia (noni) is reported to have many beneficial properties, including on immune, inflammatory, quality of life, and cancer endpoints, but little is known about its ability to prevent or treat breast cancer. To test its anticancer potential, the effects of Tahitian Noni Juice (TNJ) on mammary carcinogenesis were examined in MMTV-neu transgenic mice. Mammary tumor latency, incidence, multiplicity, and metastatic incidence were unaffected by TNJ treatment, which suggests that it would not increase or decrease breast cancer risk in women taking TNJ for its other benefits. However, noni may be useful to enhance treatment responses in women with existing HER2/neu breast cancer since TNJ resulted in significant reductions in tumor weight and volume and in longer tumor doubling times in mice. Remarkably, its ability to inhibit the growth of this aggressive form of cancer occurred with the mouse equivalent of a recommended dose for humans (<3 oz/day). A 30-day treatment with TNJ also induced significant changes in mammary secondary ductule branching and lobuloalveolar development, serum progesterone levels, and estrous cycling. Additional studies investigating TNJ-induced tumor growth suppression and modified reproductive responses are needed to characterize its potential as a CAM therapy for women with and without HER2⁺ breast cancer.

Anti-oncogenic potentials of a plant coumarin (7-hydroxy-6-methoxy coumarin) against 7,12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene-induced skin papilloma in mice: the possible role of several key signal proteins

OBJECTIVE

Anti-cancer potentials of scopoletin (7-hydroxy-6-methoxy coumarin) separated from plant extract (Gelsemium sempervirens) were demonstrated earlier from our in vitro studies. In the present study, its in vivo effects have been evaluated in mice.

METHODS

Mice were chronically administered 7,12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene (DMBA) once a week and croton oil twice a week on their back, which resulted in the development of fully grown finger-like projections (papilloma) after 24 weeks. Two subgroups of mice (drug-treated) were treated with two doses of scopoletin (50 mg and 100 mg/kg body weight) respectively while control received 2% ethyl alcohol (the "vehicle" of scopoletin). After the 24-week drug administration, expressions of several key receptors such as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and signal proteins like p53, cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat-3), survivin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), cyclin D1, c-myc, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and caspase-3, and some anti-oxidant markers were studied. Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-s-transferase in supernatant were also detected.

RESULTS

Carcinogens induced toxicity, and over-expression of AhR, CYP1A1, PCNA, Stat-3, survivin, MMP-2, cyclin D1 and c-myc and down-regulation of p53, caspase-3 and TIMP-2. In mice treated with scopoletin, the expressions of these proteins and toxicity biomarkers were reverted.

CONCLUSION

Since AhR is known to be ligand-activated by DMBA to release signals for several downstream proteins initiating reactive oxygen species generation, the down-regulation of AhR by scopoletin appeared to play a significant role in subsequent down-regulation of some key signal proteins. One possible mechanism of down-regulation of AhR may be through competitive inhibition by scopoletin. Mitogen-activated protein kinases may also have some critical role. This compound can be considered as a possible candidate for chemoprevention.

Combined resveratrol, quercetin, and catechin treatment reduces breast tumor growth in a nude mouse model

Grape polyphenols can act as antioxidants, antiangiogenics, and selective estrogen receptor (ER) modifiers and are therefore especially relevant for gynecological cancers such as breast cancer. The major polyphenols of red wine (resveratrol, quercetin, and catechin) have been individually shown to have anticancer properties. However, their combinatorial effect on metastatic breast cancers has not been investigated in vivo. We tested the effect of low dietary concentrations of resveratrol, quercetin, and catechin on breast cancer progression in vitro by analyzing cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. The effects of these compounds on fluorescently tagged breast tumor growth in nude mice were assessed using in situ fluorescence image analysis. Individual polyphenols at 0.5 microM neither decreased breast cancer cell proliferation nor affected cell cycle progression in vitro. However, a combination of resveratrol, quercetin, and catechin at 0.5, 5, or 20 microM each significantly reduced cell proliferation and blocked cell cycle progression in vitro. Furthermore, using in situ image analysis, we determined that combined dietary polyphenols at 0.5, 5, or 25 mg/kg reduced primary tumor growth of breast cancer xenografts in a nude mouse model. Peak inhibition was observed at 5 mg/kg. These results indicate that grape polyphenols may inhibit breast cancer progression.

Modulation of Signal Proteins: A Plausible Mechanism to Explain How a Potentized Drug Secale Cor 30C Diluted beyond Avogadro's Limit Combats Skin Papilloma in Mice

In homeopathy, ability of ultra-high diluted drugs at or above potency 12C (diluted beyond Avogadro's limit) in ameliorating/curing various diseases is often questioned, particularly because the mechanism of action is not precisely known. We tested the hypothesis if suitable modulations of signal proteins could be one of the possible pathways of action of a highly diluted homeopathic drug, Secale cornutum 30C (diluted 10(60) times; Sec cor 30). It could successfully combat DMBA + croton oil-induced skin papilloma in mice as evidenced by histological, cytogenetical, immunofluorescence, ELISA and immunoblot findings. Critical analysis of several signal proteins like AhR, PCNA, Akt, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, NF-κB and IL-6 and of pro-apoptotic proteins like cytochrome c, Bax, Bad, Apaf, caspase-3 and -9 revealed that Sec cor 30 suitably modulated their expression levels along with amelioration of skin papilloma. FACS data also suggested an increase of cell population at S and G2 phases and decrease in sub-G1 and G1 phages in carcinogen-treated drug-unfed mice, but these were found to be near normal in the Sec cor 30-fed mice. There was reduction in genotoxic and DNA damages in bone marrow cells of Sec Cor 30-fed mice, as revealed from cytogenetic and Comet assays. Changes in histological features of skin papilloma were noted. Immunofluorescence studies of AhR and PCNA also suggested reduced expression of these proteins in Sec cor 30-fed mice, thereby showing its anti-cancer potentials against skin papilloma. Furthermore, this study also supports the hypothesis that potentized homeopathic drugs act at gene regulatory level.

Modulation of endogenous antioxidant system by wine polyphenols in human disease

Numerous studies indicate that moderate red wine consumption is associated with a protective effect against all-cause mortality. Since oxidative stress constitutes a unifying mechanism of injury of many types of disease processes, it should be expected that polyphenolic antioxidants account for this beneficial effect. Nevertheless, beyond the well-known antioxidant properties of these compounds, they may exert several other protective mechanisms. Indeed, the overall protective effect of polyphenols is due to their large array of biological actions, such as free radical-scavenging, metal chelation, enzyme modulation, cell signalling pathways modulation and gene expression effects, among others. Wine possesses a variety of polyphenols, being resveratrol its most outstanding representative, due to its pleiotropic biological properties. The presence of ethanol in wine aids to polyphenol absorption, thereby contributing to their bioavailability. Before absorption, polyphenols must be hydrolyzed by intestinal enzymes or by colonic microflora. Then, they undergo intestinal and liver metabolism. There have been no reported polyphenol adverse effects derived from intakes currently associated with the normal diet. However, supplements for health-protection should be cautiously used as no level definition has been given to make sure the dose is safe. The role of oxidative stress and the beneficial effects of wine polyphenols against cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, microbial, inflammatory, neurodegenerative and kidney diseases and ageing are reviewed. Future large scale randomized clinical trials should be conducted to fully establish the therapeutic use of each individual wine polyphenol against human disease.

Biomedical effects of grape products

Accumulating evidence suggests that consumption of grapes and grape products can positively influence risk factors associated with cardiovascular health, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and age-related cognitive decline. These effects are often attributed to the antioxidant activity and function of flavonoid compounds found in grapes as well as other actions such as increasing nitric oxide production. The well-established health effects of grapes on cardiovascular disease risk, mainly on endothelial function, LDL oxidation, progression of atherosclerosis, and reduction in oxidative stress, have been clearly identified. Emerging research has also demonstrated that grapes have beneficial effects on other chronic-degenerative diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, age-related cognitive decline, and diabetes. Further beneficial effects of grapes on oral health, immune function, and antiviral activity have also been reported. This review examines the published evidence on the human health benefits associated with grapes and grape products, with animal and cell studies included for areas in which human research is either limited or unavailable.

Biological activities of polyphenols from grapes

The dietary consumption of grape and its products is associated with a lower incidence of degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers. Most recent interest has focused on the bioactive phenolic compounds in grape. Anthocyanins, flavanols, flavonols and resveratrol are the most important grape polyphenols because they possess many biological activities, such as antioxidant, cardioprotective, anticancer, anti-inflammation, antiaging and antimicrobial properties. This review summarizes current knowledge on the bioactivities of grape phenolics. The extraction, isolation and identification methods of polyphenols from grape as well as their bioavailability and potential toxicity also are included.

Anticancer and cancer chemopreventive potential of grape seed extract and other grape-based products

With emerging trends in the incidence of cancer of various organ sites, additional approaches are needed to control human malignancies. Intervention or prevention of cancer by dietary constituents, a strategy defined as chemoprevention, holds great promise in our conquest to control cancer, because it can be implemented on a broader population base with less economic burden. Consistent with this, several epidemiological studies have shown that populations that consume diets rich in fruits and vegetables have an overall lower cancer incidence. Based on these encouraging observations, research efforts from across the globe have focused on identifying, characterizing, and providing scientific basis to the efficacy of various phytonutrients in an effort to develop effective strategy to control various human malignancies. Cancer induction, growth, and progression are multi-step events and numerous studies have demonstrated that various dietary agents interfere with these stages of cancer, thus blocking malignancy. Fruits and vegetables represent untapped reservoir of various nutritive and nonnutritive phytochemicals with potential cancer chemopreventive activity. Grapes and grape-based products are one such class of dietary products that have shown cancer chemopreventive potential and are also known to improve overall human health. This review focuses on recent advancements in cancer chemopreventive and anticancer efficacy of grape seed extract and other grape-based products. Overall, completed studies from various scientific groups conclude that both grapes and grape-based products are excellent sources of various anticancer agents and their regular consumption should thus be beneficial to the general population.

Quercetin is bioavailable from a single ingestion of grape juice

The in vivo bioactivity of polyphenols will depend on their bioavailability. Grape juice is an important source of dietary phenolics. This paper reports results that prove that quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) is bioavailable after a single ingestion of red grape juice by healthy volunteers. Blood plasma samples were collected before and after 2 h of ingestion of 100 ml of concentrated grape juice (n = 14), and of a placebo solution (n =6). Significant differences in the variation of the total plasma quercetin content (before and after ingestion) between the grape juice ingestion group (3.1 microg/l increase, as a mean) and the placebo group (6.0 microg/l decrease, as a mean) were found. This relatively low increase in comparison with that obtained after 2 h of ingestion of onions (201 microg/l, as a mean) and with those reported in the literature for other foods/beverages was attributed to differences in the amount of quercetin ingested, in the form in which quercetin is present, and in the food matrix.

Use of conventional and -omics based methods for health claims of dietary antioxidants: a critical overview

This article describes the principles and limitations of methods used to investigate reactive oxygen species (ROS) protective properties of dietary constituents and is aimed at providing a better understanding of the requirements for science based health claims of antioxidant (AO) effects of foods. A number of currently used biochemical measurements aimed of determining the total antioxidant capacity and oxidised lipids and proteins are carried out under unphysiological conditions and are prone to artefact formation. Probably the most reliable approaches are measurements of isoprostanes as a parameter of lipid peroxidation and determination of oxidative DNA damage. Also the design of the experimental models has a strong impact on the reliability of AO studies: the common strategy is the identification of AO by in vitro screening with cell lines. This approach is based on the assumption that protection towards ROS is due to scavenging, but recent findings indicate that activation of transcription factors which regulate genes involved in antioxidant defence plays a key role in the mode of action of AO. These processes are not adequately represented in cell lines. Another shortcoming of in vitro experiments is that AO are metabolised in vivo and that most cell lines are lacking enzymes which catalyse these reactions. Compounds with large molecular configurations (chlorophylls, anthocyans and polyphenolics) are potent AO in vitro, but weak or no effects were observed in animal/human studies with realistic doses as they are poorly absorbed. The development of -omics approaches will improve the scientific basis for health claims. The evaluation of results from microarray and proteomics studies shows that it is not possible to establish a general signature of alterations of transcription and protein patterns by AO. However, it was shown that alterations of gene expression and protein levels caused by experimentally induced oxidative stress and ROS related diseases can be normalised by dietary AO.

The inhibitory effect of bamboo extract on the development of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer

The incidence of breast cancer among women is high and increasing. This study investigated the inhibitory effect of an extract from bamboo Phyllostachys edulis on the development of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were fed with bamboo extract (BEX) supplemented diet or control diet, and treated with DMBA after 3 weeks of the dietary regime. The incidence of mammary tumors was monitored by palpation for the next 11 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for total antioxidant capacities (TAC) assay and liver samples for phase II enzyme activity assays. The TAC values, total contents of phenolics and flavonoids of BEX were also measured. The results showed that BEX delayed the onset of mammary tumor by 1 week, decreased the tumor incidence by 44% and tumor multiplicity by 67%, and increased the total sulfotransferases (SULT) activity by 63%. BEX showed high levels of TAC, total phenolic and total flavonoids. However, the serum TAC values were not affected by BEX supplementation. In summary, the results indicate that BEX possesses a potent anti-breast cancer effect, and the upregulation of SULT activity, therefore estrogen metabolism may be the underlying mechanism.

Purple corn color suppresses Ras protein level and inhibits 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary carcinogenesis in the rat

Anthocyanins belong to the class of phenolic compounds collectively named flavonoids. Many anthocyanins are reported to have inhibitory effects on carcinogenesis. Purple corn color (PCC), an anthocyanin containing extract of purple corn seeds, is used as a food colorant. The major anthocyanin in PCC is cyanidin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside (C3-G). The present study was conducted to assess the influence of dietary PCC on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats. PCC significantly inhibited DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis in human c-Ha-ras proto-oncogene transgenic (Hras128) rats and in their non-transgenic counterparts. PCC and C3-G also inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in mammary tumor cells derived from Hras128 rat mammary carcinomas. At the molecular level, PCC and C3-G treatment resulted in a preferential activation of caspase-3 and reduction of Ras protein levels in tumor cells. It is proposed that C3-G could act as a chemopreventive and possibly chemotherapeutic agent for cancers with mutations in ras. Secondly, the in vitro-in vivo system used in this study can be utilized for screening for cancer preventive compounds that act via Ras down-regulation.

Chemoprevention of rat mammary carcinogenesis by black tea polyphenols: modulation of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis

Chemoprevention of dietary constituents has emerged as a cost-effective approach to control the incidence of breast cancer. The present study was therefore designed to evaluate the chemopreventive efficacy of black tea polyphenols (Polyphenon-B) during the preinitiation phase of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced mammary carcinogenesis using xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, cellular redox status, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis as biomarkers of chemoprevention. Intragastric administration of DMBA induced adenocarcinomas that showed enhanced activities of phase I carcinogen activation and phase II detoxification enzymes with increased lipid and protein oxidation and decrease in antioxidant status. This was associated with increased cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and evasion of apoptosis as revealed by upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and downregulation of Bax, caspase 3, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Dietary administration of Polyphenon-B effectively suppressed the incidence of mammary tumors as evidenced by modulation of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and oxidant-antioxidant status, inhibition of cell proliferation and angiogenesis, and induction of apoptosis. The present study provides evidence that Polyphenon-B exerts multifunctional inhibitory effects on DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis and suggests that it can be developed as a potential chemopreventive agent.

Inhibition of prostate cancer growth by muscadine grape skin extract and resveratrol through distinct mechanisms

The phytochemical resveratrol contained in red grapes has been shown to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth, in part, through its antioxidant activity. Muscadine grapes contain unique phytochemical constituents compared with other grapes and are potentially a source for novel compounds with antitumor activities. We compared the antitumor activities of muscadine grape skin extract (MSKE), which we show contains no resveratrol, with that of resveratrol using primary cultures of normal prostate epithelial cells (PrEC) and the prostate cancer cell lines RWPE-1, WPE1-NA22, WPE1-NB14, and WPE1-NB26, representing different stages of prostate cancer progression. MSKE significantly inhibited tumor cell growth in all transformed prostate cancer cell lines but not PrEC cells. Prostate tumor cell lines, but not PrEC cells, exhibited high rates of apoptosis in response to MSKE through targeting of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase survival pathways. The reduction in Akt activity by MSKE is mediated through a reduction in Akt transcription, enhanced proteosome degradation of Akt, and altered levels of DJ-1, a known regulator of PTEN. In contrast to MSKE, resveratrol did not induce apoptosis in this model but arrested cells at the G(1)-S phase transition of the cell cycle associated with increased expression of p21 and decreased expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 proteins. These results show that MSKE and resveratrol target distinct pathways to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth in this system and that the unique properties of MSKE suggest that it may be an important source for further development of chemopreventive or therapeutic agents against prostate cancer.