Effects of adlay on azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats

In vitro fermentation characteristics of polysaccharides from coix seed and its effects on the gut microbiota

Coix seed polysaccharides had received increasing attention due to their diverse biological activities. In this study, a homogeneous polysaccharide (CSPW) was extracted and purified from coix seed. Furthermore, the saliva-gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation behavior of CSPW were simulated in vitro. The results showed that CSPW was mainly composed of glucose. It cannot be degraded by the simulated salivary and intestinal digestive system, but can be degraded by the simulated gastric digestive system. After fermentation for 24 h, CSPW promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), with acetic acid, propionic acid and n-butyric acid being the main metabolites. In addition, CSPW could significantly regulate the composition and microbial diversity of gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Limosilicactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Collinsella. Finally, further analysis of functional prediction revealed that amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism were the most important pathways for CSPW to promote health. In summary, our findings suggested that CSPW could potentially be used as a good source of prebiotics because it can be used by gut microbiota to produce SCFAs and regulate the gut microbiota.

Inhibitory Effect of Dietary Defatted Rice Bran in an AOM/DSS-Induced Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer Experimental Animal Model

Defatted rice bran (DRB) is gaining immense popularity worldwide because of its nutritional and functional aspects. Emerging evidence suggests that DRB is a potential source of dietary fiber and phenolic compounds with numerous purported health benefits. However, less is known about its chemoprotective efficacy. In the present study, we determined and examined the nutrient composition of DRB and its chemopreventive effect on azoxymethane and dextran sulphate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) in rats. The results showed the presence of several bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber, phytic acid, and phenolic acids, in DRB. In addition, DRB supplementation reduced the progression of CRC symptoms, such as colonic shortening, disease activity index (DAI), and histopathological changes. Interestingly, a significant decrease was observed in total numbers of aberrant crypt foci (ACFs) and tumors with DRB supplementation. Furthermore, DRB supplementation suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6) and inflammatory mediators (NF-κB and COX-2) through the inactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The administration of DRB revealed a negative effect on cancer cell proliferation by repressing the expression of nuclear β-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-Myc. These findings suggest that DRB supplementation mitigates chronic inflammation and cancer cell proliferation and delays tumorigenesis in rat AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated CRC. Therefore, the establishment of DRB as a natural dietary food-derived chemopreventive agent has the potential to have a significant impact on cancer prevention in the global population.

Traditionally Used Natural Products in Preventing Ionizing Radiation-Induced Dermatitis: First Review on the Clinical Studies

In the treatment of cancer, the use of ionizing radiation is an important modality. However, on the downside, radiation, when used for curative purposes, causes acute dermatitis or radiodermatitis at the site of radiation in most individuals. From a clinical viewpoint, severe dermatitis causes a burning and itching sensation is very painful, and severely affects the quality of life of the individual undergoing treatment. In worse situations, acute radiation dermatitis can cause gaps or breaks in the planned treatment and this can adversely affect the treatment objective and outcome.

BACKGROUND

In various traditional and folk systems of medicine, plants and plant products have been used since time immemorial for treating various skin ailments. Further, many cosmeceutical creams formulated based on knowledge from ethnomedicinal use are marketed and used to treat various ailments. In the current review, an attempt is made at summarizing the beneficial effects of some plants and plant products in mitigating acute radiation dermatitis in humans undergoing curative radiotherapy. Additionally, the emphasis is also placed on the mechanism/s responsible for the beneficial effects.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to summarize the clinical observations on the prevention of radiodermatitis by plant products. In this review, the protective effects of Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L.) bran extract, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Cucumis sativus, green tea constituent the epigallocatechin-3-gallate, honey, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, olive oil and some polyherbal creams are addressed by also addressing on the mechanism of action for the beneficial effects.

METHODS

Two authors' data mined for information in Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for publications in the field from 1901 up to July 2020. The focus was on acute radiation dermatitis, ionizing radiation, curative radiotherapy, human cancer. The articles were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

For the first time, this review addresses the usefulness of natural products like adlay bran, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Cucumis sativus, green tea constituent the epigallocatechin-3-gallate, honey, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, olive oil and some experimentally constituted and commercially available polyherbal creams as skincare agents against the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation on the skin. The protective effects are possibly due to the free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and skin protective effects.

CONCLUSION

The authors suggest that these plants have been used since antiquity as medicinal agents and require in-depth investigation with both clinical and preclinical validated models of study. The results of these studies will be extremely useful to cancer patients requiring curative radiotherapy, the dermatology fraternity, agro-based and pharmaceutical sectors at large.

Functional coix seed protein hydrolysates as a novel agent with potential hepatoprotective effect

The aim of this study is to explore the hepatoprotective potential of coix seed protein hydrolysates (CPP) against alcohol-induced liver injury, and investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Apoptotic Pathway as the Therapeutic Target for Anticancer Traditional Chinese Medicines

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death and it plays a vital role in human development and tissue homeostasis. Mounting evidence indicates that apoptosis is closely related to the survival of cancer and it has emerged as a key target for the discovery and development of novel anticancer drugs. Various studies indicate that targeting the apoptotic signaling pathway by anticancer drugs is an important mechanism in cancer therapy. Therefore, numerous novel anticancer agents have been discovered and developed from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) by targeting the cellular apoptotic pathway of cancer cells and shown clinically beneficial effects in cancer therapy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion for the role, pharmacology, related biology, and possible mechanism(s) of a number of important anticancer TCMs and their derivatives mainly targeting the cellular apoptotic pathway. It may have important clinical implications in cancer therapy.

De novo transcriptome assembly of the Chinese pearl barley, adlay, by full-length isoform and short-read RNA sequencing

Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi) is a tropical grass that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and is known for its nutritional benefits. Recent studies have shown that vitamin E compounds in adlay protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. However, the molecular basis of adlay's health benefits remains unknown. Here, we generated adlay gene sets by de novo transcriptome assembly using long-read isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) and short-read RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq). The gene sets obtained from Iso-seq and RNA-seq contained 31,177 genes and 57,901 genes, respectively. We confirmed the validity of the assembled gene sets by experimentally analyzing the levels of prolamin and vitamin E biosynthesis-associated proteins in adlay plant tissues and seeds. We compared the screened adlay genes with known gene families from closely related plant species, such as rice, sorghum and maize. We also identified tissue-specific genes from the adlay leaf, root, and young and mature seed, and experimentally validated the differential expression of 12 randomly-selected genes. Our study of the adlay transcriptome will provide a valuable resource for genetic studies that can enhance adlay breeding programs in the future.

Neural network analysis of Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions for patients with colorectal cancer

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an experiential form of medicine with a history dating back thousands of years. The present study aimed to utilize neural network analysis to examine specific prescriptions for colorectal cancer (CRC) in clinical practice to arrive at the most effective prescription strategy. The study analyzed the data of 261 CRC cases recruited from a total of 141,962 cases of renowned veteran TCM doctors collected from datasets of both the DeepMedic software and TCM cancer treatment books. The DeepMedic software was applied to normalize the symptoms/signs and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) prescriptions using standardized terminologies. Over 20 percent of CRC patients demonstrated symptoms of poor appetite, fatigue, loose stool, and abdominal pain. By analyzing the prescription patterns of CHM, we found that Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai-zhu) and Poria (Fu-ling) were the most commonly prescribed single herbs identified through analysis of medical records, and supported by the neural network analysis; although there was a slight difference in the sequential order. The study revealed an 81.9% degree of similarity of CHM prescriptions between the medical records and the neural network suggestions. The patterns of nourishing Qi and eliminating dampness were the most common goals of clinical prescriptions, which corresponds with treatments of CRC patients in clinical practice. This is the first study to employ machine learning, specifically neural network analytics to support TCM clinical diagnoses and prescriptions. The DeepMedic software may be used to deliver accurate TCM diagnoses and suggest prescriptions to treat CRC.

Therapeutic targets of Traditional Chinese Medicine for colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer and identify possible therapeutic targets of TCM to provide clues for the use of TCM for colorectal cancer prevention and treatment in the clinic and to find novel directions for new drug discovery for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

We used PubMed and Google to search for and collect scientific publications for a full evalu- ation of current evidence in the literature indicating the potential role of Chinese herbal medicines and their respective ingredients as effective candidates for colorectal cancer prevention and treatment.

RESULTS

We extracted a detailed description of potential therapeutic Chinese herbal medicines and their constituent ingredients that target different mechanisms in colorectal cancer such as gene mutation, dysregulation of signaling pathways, metabolism disorders, and the inflammatory microenvironment, including both conventional and non-conventional approaches.

CONCLUSION

TCM may be a promising complementary and alternative therapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Potent in vitro anti-proliferative, apoptotic and anti-oxidative activities of semi-purified Job's tears (Coix lachryma-jobi Linn.) extracts from different preparation methods on 5 human cancer cell lines

ETHONOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCES

Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi Linn.) is commonly used as an herbal medicine. The low incidence of cancer has been observed in the area of China where regularly consume Job's tears. The effects of preparation methods of Job's tears on anti-cancer activities were investigated. Potent in vitro anti-proliferative, apoptotic and anti-oxidative activities of semi-purified Job's tears extracts from different preparation methods on 5 human cancer cell lines comparing with standards and commercial product were observed.

AIM OF STUDY

To study the anti-proliferative, apoptotic and anti-oxidative activities of semi-purified Job's tear extracts from different preparation methods on 5 human cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The crude methanolic extracts of non-cooked, steamed and roasted Job's tears cultivars were prepared and further semi-purified by liquid-liquid extraction techniques. Both of crude and semi-purified extracts were tested for anti-proliferative, apoptotic induction, anti-oxidative activities and phytochemicals content.

RESULTS

The highest yields of crude and-purified extracts were 4.60% and 1.46%, respectively. In crude extracts, the steamed whole Thai Black Loei Job's tears (W-TBL-S1) extract showed the highest anti-proliferative activity in mouth epidermal carcinoma cell (KB) at the IC50 of 43.61±0.76μg/ml (0.005 folds of doxorubicin), whereas the roasted whole Laos White Loei Job's tears (W-LWL-R2) extract showed the highest apoptotic activity in cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) at 21.52±1.50% (0.22 and 15.05 folds of doxorubicin and commercial product, respectively). After liquid-liquid extraction, almost all of the semi-purified extracts showed increases in anti-proliferative activity. Ethyl acetate fraction of the roasted whole Laos White Loei Job's tears (W-LWL-R2) showed the highest anti-proliferative activity in HeLa cell at the IC50 of 0.97±0.82μg/ml (7.82 and 45.39 folds of doxorubicin and crude extract, respectively) and apoptotic activity of 18.77±6.31% (0.19 folds of doxorubicin). The commercial product showed no anti-proliferative activity in all cell lines but induced apoptosis in HeLa cell at 1.43±0.34%. The butanol and hexane soluble fractions of the roasted whole of Laos White Loei Job's tears (W-LWL-R2) showed the highest free radical scavenging (SC50) and metal chelating activity (MC50) of 0.31±0.06mg/ml (0.64 folds of ascorbic acid) and 0.08±0.01mg/ml (6.37 folds of EDTA), respectively. All ethyl acetate fractions contain high content of carotenoid and tannin, whereas the hexane soluble fraction of the roasted hull of Laos Black Loei Job's tears (H-LBL-R1) showed the highest linoleic acid content of 8.09±0.74% w/w.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has demonstrated the potent anti-cancer activity of the semi-purified extracts from roasted Job's tears with high potential for further development to modern anti-cancer drug.

Potent in vivo anticancer activity and stability of liposomes encapsulated with semi-purified Job's tear (Coix lacryma-jobi Linn.) extracts on human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) xenografted mice

The in vivo anticancer activity and stability of liposomes encapsulated with semi-purified Job's tear (Coix lacryma-jobi Linn.) extracts (S5L), prepared by supercritical carbon dioxide fluid technique, on human colon adenocarcinoma (HT29) xenografted mice were investigated. For the stability and the physicochemical characteristics, S5L showed a high stability of pH, good dispersibility, small particle size and stable zeta potential. Liposomes can protect linoleic acid in the extract comparing with the free S5. S5L kept at 4 °C for 3 months showed the highest linoleic acid content of 63.50%, whereas at 45 °C, the lowest linoleic acid content of 42.66% was observed. The anticancer activity and toxicity on xenografted mice were observed for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the relative tumor volume (RTV) in the S5L-treated xenografted mice showed a significant RTV reduction. The high dose of S5 and S5L were potent with the highest inhibition of tumor growth of 48.67 and 54.75%, which was 86.94% and 97.81% of 5-fluorouracil, respectively. The apoptotic activity was shown in xenografted mice treated with S5 at medium and high dose, S5L, 5-fluorouracil and commercial product. All treated xenografted mice showed no toxic signs and symptoms, abnormality of internal organs histopathology and blood chemistry. This study has demonstrated the high physicochemical stability of liposomes encapsulated with semi-purified Job's tear extract and their potent anticancer activity on human colon adenocarcinoma xenografted model with the potential for further development to anticolon cancer drug.

In vitro anti-cancer activities of Job's tears (Coix lachryma-jobi Linn.) extracts on human colon adenocarcinoma

The whole seed (W), endosperm (E) and hull (H) of five cultivars of Job’s tears (Coix lachryma-jobi Linn. var. ma-yuen Stapf) including Thai Black Phayao, Thai Black Loei, Laos Black Loei, Laos White Loei and Laos Black Luang Phra Bang were processed before solvent extraction by non-cooking, roasting, boiling and steaming Each part of the Job’s tears was extracted by the cold and hot process by refluxing with methanol and hexane. The total of 330 extracts included 150 methanol extracts and 180 hexane extracts were investigated for anti-proliferative activity on human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) by the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The extracts which gave high anti-proliferative activity were tested for apoptotic activity by acridine orange and ethidium bromide double staining and anti-oxidative activities including free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition activities. The extract from the hull of Thai Black Loei roasted before extracting by hot methanol (M-HTBL-R2) showed the highest anti-proliferative activity on HT-29 with the IC₅₀ values of 11.61 ± 0.95 μg/ml, while the extract from the non-cooked hull of Thai Black Loei by cold methanol extraction (M-HTBL-N1) gave the highest apoptosis (8.17 ± 1.18%) with no necrosis. In addition, M-HTBL-R2 and M-HTBL-N1 indicated free radical scavenging activity at the SC₅₀ values of 0.48 ± 0.12 and 2.47 ± 1.15 mg/ml, respectively. This study has demonstrated the anti-colorectal cancer potential of the M-HTBL-R2 and M-HTBL-N1 extracts.

Antioxidative dietary compounds modulate gene expression associated with apoptosis, DNA repair, inhibition of cell proliferation and migration

Many dietary compounds are known to have health benefits owing to their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. To determine the molecular mechanism of these food-derived compounds, we analyzed their effect on various genes related to cell apoptosis, DNA damage and repair, oxidation and inflammation using in vitro cell culture assays. This review further tests the hypothesis proposed previously that downstream products of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) called electrophilic oxo-derivatives induce antioxidant responsive elements (ARE), which leads to cell proliferation under antioxidative conditions. Our findings support this hypothesis and show that cell proliferation was inhibited when COX-2 was down-regulated by polyphenols and polysaccharides. Flattened macrophage morphology was also observed following the induction of cytokine production by polysaccharides extracted from viili, a traditional Nordic fermented dairy product. Coix lacryma-jobi (coix) polysaccharides were found to reduce mitochondrial membrane potential and induce caspase-3- and 9-mediated apoptosis. In contrast, polyphenols from blueberries were involved in the ultraviolet-activated p53/Gadd45/MDM2 DNA repair system by restoring the cell membrane potential. Inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 by saponin extracts of ginsenoside (Ginsen) and Gynostemma and inhibition of S100A4 by coix polysaccharides inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion. These observations suggest that antioxidants and changes in cell membrane potential are the major driving forces that transfer signals through the cell membrane into the cytosol and nucleus, triggering gene expression, changes in cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis or DNA repair.

Adlay ( yì yĭ; "soft-shelled job's tears"; the seeds of Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) is a Potential Cancer Chemopreventive Agent toward Multistage Carcinogenesis Processes

Adlay ( yì yĭ "soft-shelled job's tears", the seeds of Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) is a grass crop that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and as a nourishing food in China for the treatment of warts, chapped skin, rheumatism, neuralgia, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. In addition, adlay also has been said to have stomachic, diuretic, antipholgistic, anodynic, and antispasmodic effects. Carcinogenesis is a multistage process that begins with exposure of viruses or chemicals that are found in the environment. Chemoprevention refers to the use of natural or synthetic, non-toxic chemical substances to reverse, repress, or prevent carcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent research attempting to study the chemopreventive blocking and suppressing potential of adlay and its active components in scavenging electrophiles and reactive oxygen species, antimutagenicity, enhancing Nrf2-mediated detoxification and antioxidant effect, altering carcinogen metabolism, suppressing proliferation, decreasing inflammation, and enhancing antitumor immunity. In addition, several active components with diverse chemopreventive properties have been also mentioned in this review article.

Evaluation of blueberry juice in mouse azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypts and oxidative damage

Blueberry is a plant with a number of nutritional and biomedical capabilities. In the present study we initially evaluated the capacity of its juice (BJ) to inhibit the number of aberrant crypts (AC) induced with azoxymethane (AOM) in mouse. BJ was administered daily by the oral route to three groups of animals during four weeks (1.6, 4.1, and 15.0 μL/g), respectively, while AOM (10 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to the mentioned groups, twice a week, in weeks two and three of the assay. We also included two control groups of mice, one administered distilled water and the other the high dose of BJ. A significant increase of AC was observed in the AOM treated animals, and a mean protection of 75.6% was determined with the two low doses of BJ tested; however, the high dose of the juice administered together with AOM increased the number of crypts more than four times the value observed in animals administered only AOM. Furthermore, we determined the antioxidant potential of BJ with an ex vivo DPPH assay and found a dose-dependent decrease with a mean of 19.5%. We also determined the DNA oxidation/antioxidation by identifying 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine adducts and found a mean decrease of 44.3% with the BJ administration with respect to the level induced by AOM. Our results show a complex differential effect of BJ related to the tested doses, opening the need to further evaluate a number of factors so as to determine the possibility of a cocarcinogenic potential.

Colon preneoplastic lesions in animal models

The animal model is a powerful and fundamental tool in the field of biochemical research including toxicology, carcinogenesis, cancer therapeutics and prevention. In the carcinogenesis animal model system, numerous examples of preneoplastic lesions have been isolated and investigated from various perspectives. This may indicate that several options of endpoints to evaluate carcinogenesis effect or therapeutic outcome are presently available; however, classification of preneoplastic lesions has become complicated. For instance, these lesions include aberrant crypt foci (ACF), dysplastic ACF, flat ACF, β-catenin accumulated crypts, and mucin-depleted foci. These lesions have been induced by commonly used chemical carcinogens such as azoxymethane (AOM), 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), methylnitrosourea (MUN), or 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP). Investigators can choose any procedures or methods to examine colonic preneoplastic lesions according to their interests and the objectives of their experiments. Based on topographical, histopathological, and biological features of colon cancer preneoplastic lesions in the animal model, we summarize and discuss the character and implications of these lesions.

Phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of adlay varieties

Consumption of whole grains has been associated with reduced risk of developing major chronic diseases. These health benefits have been attributed in part to their unique phytochemicals. Little is known about the complete profiles of phytochemicals and antioxidant activities of different adlay varieties. The objectives of this study were to determine the phytochemicals profiles of the three adlay varieties, including both free and bound of total phenolics and total flavonoids, and to determine the total antioxidant activity of adlay. The free, bound, and total phenolic contents of adlay samples ranged from 31.23 to 45.19 mg of gallic acid equiv/100 g of sample, from 28.07 to 30.86 mg of gallic acid equiv/100 g of sample, and from 59.30 to 76.04 mg of gallic acid equiv/100 g of sample, respectively. On average, the bound phenolics contributed 45.3% of total phenolic content of the adlay varieties analyzed. The free, bound, and total flavonoid contents of adlay samples ranged from 6.21 to 18.24 mg of catechin equiv/100 g, from 18.68 to 35.27 mg of catechin equiv/100 g, and from 24.88 to 52.86 mg of catechin equiv/100 g, respectively. The average values of bound flavonoids contributed 71.1% of total flavonoids of the adlay varieties analyzed. The percentage contribution of flavonoid content to phenolic content of free, bound, and total ranged from 11.6 to 35.2%, from 50.5 to 66.8%, and from 24.6 to 50.5%. The free, bound, and total oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values of adlay samples ranged from 231.9 to 316.6 mg of Trolox equiv/100 g, from 209.0 to 351.4 mg of Trolox equiv/100 g, and from 440.9 to 668.0 mg of Trolox equiv/100 g, respectively. The average ORAC values of bound phytochemicals contributed 48.1% of total antioxidant activity of the adlay varieties analyzed. The content of total polyphenol and the antioxidant capacity are obviously different among different species. Liaoning 5 adlay and Longyi 1 adlay are significantly better than Guizhou heigu adlay. The adlay extracts have obvious proliferate inhibition on human liver cancer cells, and substantially in the experimental concentration range, the adlay sample itself has no cytotoxicity. Knowing the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of adlay gives insights to its potential application to promote health.

A polysaccharide fraction of adlay seed (Coixlachryma-jobi L.) induces apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells

Different seed extracts from Coix lachryma-jobi (adlay seed) have been used for the treatment of various cancers in China, and clinical data support the use of these extracts for cancer therapy; however, their underlying molecular mechanisms have not been well defined. A polysaccharide fraction, designated as CP-1, was extracted from the C.lachryma-jobi L. var. using the ethanol subsiding method. CP-1 induced apoptosis in A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner, as determined by MTT assay. Apoptotic bodies were observed in the cells by scanning electronic microscopy. Apoptosis and DNA accumulation during S-phase of the cell cycle were determined by annexin V-FITC and PI staining, respectively, and measured by flow cytometry. CP-1 also extended the comet tail length on single cell gel electrophoresis, and disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential. Further analysis by western blotting showed that the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 proteins was increased. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CP-1 is capable of inhibiting A549 cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis via a mechanism primarily involving the activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. The assay data suggest that in addition to its nutritional properties, CP-1 is a very promising candidate polysaccharide for the development of anti-cancer medicines.

Influence of dietary supplementation with Bacillus-fermented adlay on lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and intestinal microflora in hamsters

BACKGROUND

The effects of polished and dehulled Bacillus-fermented adlay on lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and intestinal microflora were examined in hyperlipidaemic hamsters fed a high-cholesterol diet.

RESULTS

Hamsters administered Bacillus-fermented adlay experienced significantly reduced (P < 0.05) serum and hepatic total cholesterol (by 37-43% and 42-49% respectively) and triglyceride (by 22-27% and 30-35% respectively) levels compared with the high-cholesterol group. Lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios in serum and increased cholesterol (by 47-52%) and triglyceride (by 40-47%) contents in faeces were also observed. Bacillus-fermented adlay lowered the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, thus increasing total antioxidant and superoxide dismutase activities. In particular, polished Bacillus-fermented adlay had satisfactory antioxidant activity, similar to that of commercially available natto. Moreover, hamsters fed Bacillus-fermented adlay harboured greater populations of lactic acid bacteria, few coliforms and little Clostridium perfringens.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that changes in lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and intestinal microflora can be greatly modulated by Bacillus-fermented adlay, suggesting potential novel approaches to the treatment of primary cardiovascular and intestinal diseases.

Abnormal Savda Munziq, an Herbal Preparation of Traditional Uighur Medicine, May Prevent 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-Induced Rat Colon Carcinogenesis

The study tried to assess the chemoprotective effect of abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq) on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced rat colon carcinogenesis. Male F344 rats were randomized into eight groups: Group 1 was served as control, no DMH injection was given and treated daily with normal saline. Rats in Groups 2–8 were given a single intraperitoneal injection of DMH (20 mg/kg body weight) at the beginning of the study. Group 2 was served as negative control, administered with normal saline until the end of the experiment after the single DMH injection. Groups 3–5 were served as pretreatment group, administered with ASMq ethanol extract at 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, until the 45th day, continued by normal saline administration for another 45 days. Groups 6–8 were served as the treatment group, administered with normal saline for the first 45 days from the day of DMH injection, ASMq ethanol extract at three different doses to be administered until the end of the second 45th day. All rats were sacrificed at 91st day and the colons were analyzed for aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation and crypt multiplicity. Results showed that ASMq ethanol extract reduced the number of ACF, AC and crypt multiplicity significantly (P < .05). It suggested that ASMq ethanol extract had chemoprotective effects on DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis, by suppressing the development of preneoplastic lesions, and probably exerted protection against the initiation and promotion steps of colon carcinogenesis.

Gastroprotective activities of adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) on the growth of the stomach cancer AGS cell line and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers

Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) seeds have long been used to treat warts, chapped skin, rheumatism, and neuralgia in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Recently, studies demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antitumor, and antiallergic activities. In the present study, we first report the gastroprotective effects of dehulled adlay (DA) seeds, which consist of bran (AB) and endosperm (AE). The DA ethanolic extract (DAE) was prepared, along with the AB and AE ethanolic extracts (ABE and AEE), and the inhibitory effects of these extracts were tested on the AGS gastric cancer cell line. Results indicated that the ABE showed better antiproliferative activity, and 19 compounds were purified from AB in a further phenolic-compound-guided separation. Among the isolated compounds, caffeic and chlorogenic acids significantly suppressed the growth of AGS cells. In addition, the antiulcer activity of DA was examined in an indomethacin-induced gastric lesion model. The ulcer index (UI) and oxidative biomarkers in animals decreased, while the non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH) groups were elevated when given DA. This is the first investigation of antiulcer activity of adlay, and we demonstrated that the antioxidative-active phenolic acids in DA contribute to some portion of the gastroprotective effects.

Antiproliferative lactams and spiroenone from adlay bran in human breast cancer cell lines

Two new lactams, coixspirolactam D (1) and coixspirolactam E (2), and a new spiroenone, coixspiroenone (3), together with seven known compounds, coixspirolactam A (4), coixspirolactam B (5), coixspirolactam C (6), coixlactam (7), coixol (8), ethyl dioxindole-3-acetate (9), and isoindol-1-one (10), and two neolignans, zhepiresionol (11) and ficusal (12), were isolated from the bioactive subfraction of adlay bran ethanolic extract (ABE). Compounds 9 and 10 are the first isolates from natural resources. The structures of new compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods, including infrared (IR) spectrum, 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectrum (MS). All of the isolated compounds were tested for antiproliferative effects on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and T-47D cells. Results showed that compounds 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 at 50 μM significantly inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation by 30.2, 19.2, 21.0, 13.5, and 32.4%, respectively; compounds 2, 4, and 7 significantly inhibited T-47D cells at 50 μM by 20.7, 24.8, and 28.9%; and compounds 1, 2, and 12 significantly inhibited MDA-MB-231 cells at 50 μM by 47.4, 25.3, and 69.3%, respectively. In conclusion, ABE has antiproliferative activities, and this effect is partially related to the presence of lactams and spiroenone.

Effects of adlay bran and its ethanolic extract and residue on preneoplastic lesions of the colon in rats

BACKGROUND

Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) is a cereal crop used in traditional Chinese medicine and as a nutritious food. Epidemiologists have suspected that the low cancer rates in southeastern China might be related to adlay. Previous studies have shown that adlay has anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory activity. This study investigated the effect of adlay bran and its fractions on chemically induced colon carcinogenesis in rats.

RESULTS

Adlay bran and its ethanolic extract and residue significantly reduced the number of preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and modified their mucin composition. The inhibitory effect of adlay bran ethanolic extract on ACF showed a dose dependence. Adlay bran and its ethanolic extract suppressed small ACF (one, two or three crypts) and ACF in the distal colon, while the residue suppressed large ACF (four or more crypts).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest the possibility that adlay bran and its ethanolic extract and residue inhibit colonic preneoplastic lesions in an early stage. Adlay and its fractions may have the potential to be developed as chemopreventive cereal products.

Ethyl acetate fraction of adlay bran ethanolic extract inhibits oncogene expression and suppresses DMH-induced preneoplastic lesions of the colon in F344 rats through an anti-inflammatory pathway

Adlay ( Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) is a grass crop and was reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity and an antiproliferative effect in cancer cell lines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of an adlay bran ethanolic extract (ABE-Ea) on colon carcinogenesis in an animal model and investigate its mechanism. Male F344 rats received 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and consumed different doses of ABE-Ea. The medium-dose group (17.28 mg of ABE-Ea/day) exhibited the best suppressive effect on colon carcinogenesis and prevented preneoplastic mucin-depleted foci (MDF) formation. Moreover, RAS and Ets2 oncogenes were significantly down-regulated in this group compared to the negative control group, whereas Wee1, a gene involved in the cell cycle, was up-regulated. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression was significantly suppressed in all colons receiving the ABE-Ea, indicating that ABE-Ea delayed carcinogenesis by suppressing chronic inflammation. ABE-Ea included considerable a proportion of phenolic compounds, and ferulic acid was the major phenolic acid (5206 microg/g ABE-Ea) on the basis of HPLC analysis. Results from this study suggest that ABE-Ea suppressed DMH-indued preneoplastic lesions of the colon in F344 rats and that ferulic acid may be one of the active compounds.

Anticarcinogenic efficacy of phytic acid extracted from rice bran on azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats

This study is carried out to determine the potential of phytic acid extracted from rice bran in the suppression of colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane (AOM) in rats. Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups with 12 rats in each group. The intended rats for cancer treatment received two intraperitoneal injections of AOM in saline (15mg/kg bodyweight) over a 2-week period. The treatments of phytic acid were given in two concentrations: 0.2% (w/v) and 0.5% (w/v) during the post-initiation phase of carcinogenesis phase via drinking water. The colons of the animals were analyzed for detection and quantification of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) after 8 weeks of treatment. The finding showed treatment with 0.2% (w/v) extract phytic acid (EPA) gave the greatest reduction in the formation of ACF. In addition, phytic acid significantly suppressed the number of ACF in the distal, middle and proximal colon as compared to AOM alone (p<0.05). For the histological classification of ACF, treatment with 0.5% (w/v) commercial phytic acid (CPA) had the highest percentage (71%) of non-dysplastic ACF followed by treatment with 0.2% (w/v) EPA (61%). Administration of phytic acid also reduced the incidence and multiplicity of total tumors even though there were no significant differences between groups. In conclusion, this study found the potential value of phytic acid extracted from rice bran in reducing colon cancer risk in rats.

Effect of Adlay ( Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) Testa and its phenolic components on Cu2+-treated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of adlay testa (AT) on Cu(2+)-treated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-scavenging capacity, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and determine its active components. The AT ethanolic extract (ATE) was partitioned into four fractions by various solvents as follows: n-hexane (ATE-Hex), ethyl acetate (ATE-Ea), n-butanol (ATE-Bu), and water (ATE-H(2)O). ATE-Ea and ATE-Bu were further fractionated into ATE-Ea-a-ATE-Ea-h and ATE-Bu-A-ATE-Bu-F, respectively, by column chromatography. Results showed that ATE-Ea, ATE-Bu, ATE-Ea-e, and ATE-Bu-C expressed antiradical, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities with respect to the DPPH-scavenging capacity, LDL protection effect, and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity. Inflammation was further modulated by ATE-Ea, ATE-Bu, ATE-Ea-e, and ATE-Bu-C through downregulating the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) proteins. The following components were found in ATE-Ea-e and ATE-Bu-C after purification and high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis: chlorogenic acid (CGA), vanillic acid (VA), caffeic acid (CA), p-coumaric acid (PCA), ferulic acid (FA), and 2-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-7-methoxy-4((2)H)-benzoxazin-3-one (GMBO). Results showed that CGA, CA, and FA were the major components responsible for the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of ATE-Ea-e and ATE-Bu-C. Subsequently, each gram of ATE-Bu-C had 30.3 mg of CGA, 9.02 mg of CA, and 189 mg of GMBO, while each gram of ATE-Ea-e had 1.31 mg of VA, 3.89 mg of PCA, and 47.6 microg of FA. In conclusion, ATE has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, and its effects are partially related to its phenolic components. Thus, ATE has the potential to be developed as a functional food targeting chronic diseases.

Identification of mucin depleted foci in the human colon

Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) originally described in rodents treated with colon-specific carcinogens have been identified also in humans at high risk of colon cancer (CRC) and are extensively used as cancer biomarkers. However, studies documenting the heterogeneity of ACF have questioned their precancerous nature. Recently, we described dysplastic foci depleted of mucins (MDF) in the colon of rats treated with colon-specific carcinogens. Like colon tumors, MDFs show activation of Wnt signaling driven by mutations in the beta-catenin gene and Apc, a key gene in colorectal carcinogenesis. Because MDFs have been identified thus far only in rodents, we wanted to search for similar lesions in humans. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) subjects, carrying germ-line mutations in the APC gene, are at high risk of CRC. Therefore, we first searched for MDF-like lesions in unsectioned colon samples from FAP patients and then in patients with sporadic CRC. MDFs were present in the colon of FAP patients (average of 0.0577 lesions/cm(2)) and at a much lower density in CRC patients (average of 0.0006 lesions/cm(2)). ACFs were also observed in all patients. Histologic preparations of all the MDFs identified in FAP and CRC consisted of microadenomas at variable grades of dysplasia. The occurrence of MDF-like lesions in high-risk patients provides evidence that these lesions have a counterpart in human pathology and, as observed in rodents, may represent the very early stages of CRC.

Effects of resistant starch on colonic preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci in rats

This study was designed to determine the effects of resistant starch (RS) at different levels on the azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) at the pre-initiation (PI) and promotion (P) stages in Wistar rats. According to the consuming assigned diets, all animals received AOM at a dosage of 15 mg/kg once a week for two consecutive weeks. In experiment 1, four groups of rats (n=12) were given AOM after 3 weeks of consuming the AIN-76 (control group) and RS diets. In experiment 2, four groups of rats (n=12) were given AOM before 3 weeks of consuming the AIN-76 and RS diets. Rats were killed after 13 weeks of initial injecting AOM. Colons were fixed in formalin and ACF were quantified after staining. In experiment 1, rats fed RS had more ACF than that of the control fed rats. In experiment 2, rats fed RS had fewer ACF than that of the control fed rats. The results indicate that dietary RS suppresses AOM-induced ACF formation, only at the P stage. A significant dose-response effect was observed between suppression of ACF formation and dietary RS amount. However, RS promote the formation of ACF at the PI stage.

Isolation and characterization of new lactam compounds that inhibit lung and colon cancer cells from adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) bran

Five active compounds that inhibit cancer cells were isolated from adlay bran (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf), and their structures and activities in vitro were characterized. The ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of methanol extracts of adlay bran (ABM-EtOAc) exhibited a stronger anti-proliferative effect on human lung cancer cell A549, human colorectal carcinoma cell HT-29, and COLO 205 than other fractions by MTT (3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay. Assay-guided isolation gave five lactams including three that were previously undocumented; coixspirolactam A (1), coixspirolactam B (2), and coixspirolactam C (3); one isolated from the natural plant for the first time, coixlactam (4); and one known compound, methyl dioxindole-3-acetate (5). Pure active compounds were identified by spectral analysis including IR, 1H and 13C NMR, UV-vis, MS and 2D NMR techniques. All the compounds were tested for their anti-proliferative effect on A549, HT-29 and COLO 205 cells. These compounds showed anti-cancer activities with IC50 values between 28.6 and 72.6microg/mL.

Fructus schisandrae (Wuweizi)-containing compound inhibits secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line

Chronic hepatitis B is probably the major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The detection of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV core protein, the e antigen (HBeAg), indicates infection with the hepatitis B virus and replication activity, respectively. Fructus schisandrae containing compound (KY88) may affect the elimination of HBV, strengthen the immune system, as well as stimulate liver cell regeneration. The present study was conducted to demonstrate the ability of KY88 in inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and secretions of HBsAg and HBeAg. The hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HB-8064 was treated by KY88 followed by the measurement of cell proliferation rate and secretions of HBsAg and HBeAg on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. A semi-quantitative RT-PCR method was used to quantify the expression of the mRNA. Seventy Sprague-Dawley rats were fed for 28days with purified KY88 for a toxicity test. The expression of surface and e antigens was lower when the cells were treated for a longer time with KY88 or when the doses were higher. One-way ANOVA analysis confirmed the mRNA content of HBsAg to be significantly less than control. The body weight did not show a significant difference compared to the control group. Fructus schisandrae-containing compound (KY88) was potentially effective in suppressing the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The decreased secretion and gene expression of HBsAg and HBeAg might restrict the growth of tumour masses.

Downregulation of progesterone biosynthesis in rat granulosa cells by adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf.) bran extracts

Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf.) has long been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for dysfunctions of the endocrine system and inflammation conditions. However, the effect of adlay seed on the endocrine system has not yet been reported. In the present study, the effects and the mechanisms of methanolic extract of adlay bran (ABM) on progesterone synthesis in rat granulosa cell were studied. ABM was further partitioned with different solvents including water, 1-butanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane. Four subfractions named ABM-Wa (water fraction), ABM-Bu (1-butanol fraction), ABM-EA (ethyl acetate fraction) and ABM-Hex (n-hexane fraction) were obtained. ABM-Bu was further fractionated using Diaion HP-20 resin column chromatography with gradient elution. Granulosa cells were prepared from pregnant mare serum gonadotropin-primed immature female rats and challenged with different reagents including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG 0.5 IU/ml), forskolin (10 microM), 8-bromo-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP, 1 mM), A23187 (10 microM), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 0.01 microM), 25-OH-cholesterol (0.1-10 microM) and pregnenolone (0.1-10 microM) in the presence or absence of ABM-Bu (100 microg/ml). The functions of steroidogenic enzyme including protein expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) protein were investigated. Expressions of both P450scc and StAR mRNA have also been explored. We found that ABM decreased progesterone production via an inhibition on (1) the cAMP-PKA and PKC signal transduction pathway, (2) P450scc and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) enzyme activity, (3) P450scc and StAR protein and mRNA expressions and (4) the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in rat granulosa cells.

Effect of dietary caraway (Carum carvi L.) on aberrant crypt foci development, fecal steroids, and intestinal alkaline phosphatase activities in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis

Colon cancer is one of the most common malignancies in many regions of the world and is thought to arise from the accumulation of mutations in a single epithelial cell of the colon and rectum. Caraway (Carum carvi L. Umbelliferae) is a shrub with a long history as a medicinal plant since ancient times. The effect of different doses of caraway (CC) on the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and the levels of fecal bile acids, neutral sterols, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were studied in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer in rats. Animals were randomized into 6 groups. Group 1 served as control, and group 2 received 90 mg/kg body weight caraway orally everyday. Groups 3-6 rats were given subcutaneous injections of DMH (20 mg/kg body weight) once a week for the first 4 weeks to induce ACF. Rats in groups 4-6, in addition to DMH injections, received caraway at 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg body weight respectively p.o. everyday until the end of whole experimental period of 15 weeks. Caraway supplementation significantly reduced ACF development and also decreased the levels of fecal bile acids, neutral sterols, and tissue ALP activities. The histological alterations induced by DMH were also significantly improved. Overall, our results showed that all 3 doses of caraway inhibited tumorigenesis though the effect of the intermediary dose of 60 mg/kg body weight was more pronounced.