Functional proteomic analysis revels that the ethanol extract of Annona muricata L. induces liver cancer cell apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway

Liposomal delivery of Annona muricata leaves extract for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Liver in the body plays vital role including digestion, detoxification, metabolism and even production of hormones. Hepatocellular carcinoma is recognized as one of leading cause of death worldwide. Infection with hepatitis B and C virus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and excessive consumption of alcohol are among the most common risk factors associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

The present research study involves formulation of liposomal delivery of methanolic extract of Annona muricata as an alternative for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

The methanolic extract of Annona muricata was subjected for both nonvolatile and volatile content analysis by performing phytochemical screening and GCMS. The methanolic extract was entrapped within the liposomes for its effective delivery. The prepared liposomes were characterized in-vitro, and the optimized formulation was further evaluated against hepatocellular carcinoma induced in the animal model.

RESULTS

The methanolic extract showed the presence of alkaloid, carbohydrate, flavonoid, tannin, proteins and acetogenins, whereas the GMCS analysis depicts presence of 12 different compounds. The optimized in-vitro analysis of prepared liposomes showed a particle size of 107.2 ± 1.7 nm, zeta potential of -30.6 mV and entrapment efficiency of 62.15%. TEM micrograph of the optimized liposome formulation has showed spherical geometry with homogenous distribution and negligible agglomeration. In-vivo anticancer study reveals the potent efficacy of the formulation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

The research findings have established the efficacy of the methanolic extract of Annona muricata in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Gambogenic acid induces apoptosis via upregulation of Noxa in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Gambogenic acid (GNA), a bioactive compound derived from the resin of Garcinia hanburyi, has demonstrated significant antitumor properties. However, its mechanisms of action in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain largely unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the apoptotic effects of GNA on OSCC cell lines CAL-27 and SCC-15. Our results indicated that GNA induced apoptosis by upregulating the pro-apoptotic protein Noxa. Mechanistic investigations revealed that GNA treatment led to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which activated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, culminating in cell apoptosis. Inhibition of ROS production and ER stress pathways significantly mitigated GNA-induced Noxa upregulation and subsequent apoptosis. Furthermore, in vivo studies using a murine xenograft model demonstrated that GNA administration effectively inhibited the growth of CAL-27 tumors. Collectively, these findings underscore GNA's potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of OSCC.

A Proteomic Study of the Bioactivity of Annona muricata Leaf Extracts in HT-1080 Fibrosarcoma Cells

Graviola (Annona muricata) is a tropical plant with many traditional ethnobotanic uses and pharmacologic applications. A metabolomic study of both aqueous and DMSO extracts from Annona muricata leaves recently allowed us to identify dozens of bioactive compounds. In the present study, we use a proteomic approach to detect altered patterns in proteins on both conditioned media and extracts of HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells under treatment conditions, revealing new potential bioactivities of Annona muricata extracts. Our results reveal the complete sets of deregulated proteins after treatment with aqueous and DMSO extracts from Annona muricata leaves. Functional enrichment analysis of proteomic data suggests deregulation of cell cycle and iron metabolism, which are experimentally validated in vitro. Additional experimental data reveal that DMSO extracts protect HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells and HMEC-1 endothelial cells from ferroptosis. Data from our proteomic study are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042354.

Natural products targeting inflammation-related metabolic disorders: A comprehensive review

Currently, the incidence of metabolic disorders is increasing, setting a challenge to global health. With major advancement in the diagnostic tools and clinical procedures, much has been known in the etiology of metabolic disorders and their corresponding pathophysiologies. In addition, the use of in vitro and in vivo experimental models prior to clinical studies has promoted numerous biomedical breakthroughs, including in the discovery and development of drug candidates to treat metabolic disorders. Indeed, chemicals isolated from natural products have been extensively studied as prospective drug candidates to manage diabetes, obesity, heart-related diseases, and cancer, partly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Continuous efforts have been made in parallel to improve their bioactivity and bioavailability using selected drug delivery approaches. Here, we provide insights on recent progress in the role of inflammatory-mediated responses on the initiation of metabolic disorders, with particular reference to diabetes mellitus, obesity, heart-related diseases, and cancer. In addition, we discussed the prospective role of natural products in the management of diabetes, obesity, heart-related diseases, and cancers and provide lists of potential biological targets for high throughput screening in drug discovery and development. Lastly, we discussed findings observed in the preclinical and clinical studies prior to identifying suitable approaches on the phytochemical drug delivery systems that are potential to be used in the treatment of metabolic disorders.

Soursop (Annona muricata) Properties and Perspectives for Integral Valorization

The increased international interest in the properties of soursop (Annona muricata) alerts us to the sustainability of productive chain by-products, which are rich in phytochemicals and other properties justifying their industrial application in addition to reducing the environmental impact and generating income. Chemical characteristics of soursop by-products are widely known in the scientific community; this fruit has several therapeutic effects, especially its leaves, enabling it to be used by the pharmaceutical industry. Damaged and non-standard fruits (due to falling and crushing) (30-50%), seeds (3-8.5%), peels (7-20%), and leaves, although they constitute discarded waste, can be considered as by-products. There are other less cited parts of the plant that also have phytochemical components, such as the columella and the epidermis of the stem and root. Tropical countries are examples of producers where soursop is marketed as fresh fruit or frozen pulp, and the valorization of all parts of the fruit could represent important environmental and economic perspectives. Based on the chemical composition of the fruit as well as its by-products and leaves, this work discusses proposals for the valorization of these materials. Soursop powder, bioactive compounds, oil, biochar, biodiesel, bio-oil, and other products based on published studies are presented in this work, offering new ideas for opportunities for the regions and consumers that produce soursop.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress in liver diseases

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an intracellular organelle that fosters the correct folding of linear polypeptides and proteins, a process tightly governed by the ER-resident enzymes and chaperones. Failure to shape the proper 3-dimensional architecture of proteins culminates in the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins within the ER, disturbs ER homeostasis, and leads to canonically defined ER stress. Recent studies have elucidated that cellular perturbations, such as lipotoxicity, can also lead to ER stress. In response to ER stress, the unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated to reestablish ER homeostasis ("adaptive UPR"), or, conversely, to provoke cell death when ER stress is overwhelmed and sustained ("maladaptive UPR"). It is well documented that ER stress contributes to the onset and progression of multiple hepatic pathologies including NAFLD, alcohol-associated liver disease, viral hepatitis, liver ischemia, drug toxicity, and liver cancers. Here, we review key studies dealing with the emerging role of ER stress and the UPR in the pathophysiology of liver diseases from cellular, murine, and human models. Specifically, we will summarize current available knowledge on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that may be used to target maladaptive UPR for the treatment of nonmalignant liver diseases.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated cell death in liver injury

The endoplasmic reticulum is an important intracellular organelle that plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and unfolded protein response (UPR) are induced when the body is exposed to adverse external stimuli. It has been established that ERS can induce different cell death modes, including autophagy, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis, through three major transmembrane receptors on the ER membrane, including inositol requirement enzyme 1α, protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase and activating transcription factor 6. These different modes of cell death play an important role in the occurrence and development of various diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, metabolic diseases, and liver injury. As the largest metabolic organ, the liver is rich in enzymes, carries out different functions such as metabolism and secretion, and is the body's main site of protein synthesis. Accordingly, a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum system is present in hepatocytes to help the liver perform its physiological functions. Current evidence suggests that ERS is closely related to different stages of liver injury, and the death of hepatocytes caused by ERS may be key in liver injury. In addition, an increasing body of evidence suggests that modulating ERS has great potential for treating the liver injury. This article provided a comprehensive overview of the relationship between ERS and four types of cell death. Moreover, we discussed the mechanism of ERS and UPR in different liver injuries and their potential therapeutic strategies.

A Review on Annona muricata and Its Anticancer Activity

Simple Summary

Cancer is becoming more prevalent, raising concerns regarding how well current treatments work. Cancer patients frequently seek alternative treatments to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The use of medicinal plants in both preventative and curative healthcare is widely acknowledged. The compounds of graviola have shown promise as possible cancer-fighting agents and could be used to treat cancer. This review discusses bioactive metabolites present in graviola and their role in affecting the growth and death of different cancer cell types and the molecular mechanism of how it works to downregulate anti-apoptotic genes and the genes involved in pro-cancer metabolic pathways. Also, it reviews how simultaneously increasing the expression of genes promotes apoptosis and causes cancer cells to die so that the active phytochemicals found in graviola could be used as a promising anti-cancer agent.

Abstract

The ongoing rise in the number of cancer cases raises concerns regarding the efficacy of the various treatment methods that are currently available. Consequently, patients are looking for alternatives to traditional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy as a replacement. Medicinal plants are universally acknowledged as the cornerstone of preventative medicine and therapeutic practices. Annona muricata is a member of the family Annonaceae and is familiar for its medicinal properties. A. muricata has been identified to have promising compounds that could potentially be utilized for the treatment of cancer. The most prevalent phytochemical components identified and isolated from this plant are alkaloids, phenols, and acetogenins. This review focuses on the role of A. muricata extract against various types of cancer, modulation of cellular proliferation and necrosis, and bioactive metabolites responsible for various pharmacological activities along with their ethnomedicinal uses. Additionally, this review highlights the molecular mechanism of the role of A. muricata extract in downregulating anti-apoptotic and several genes involved in the pro-cancer metabolic pathways and decreasing the expression of proteins involved in cell invasion and metastasis while upregulating proapoptotic genes and genes involved in the destruction of cancer cells. Therefore, the active phytochemicals identified in A. muricata have the potential to be employed as a promising anti-cancer agent.

Quantitative Proteome Analysis Reveals Melissa officinalis Extract Targets Mitochondrial Respiration in Colon Cancer Cells

Melissa officinalis (MO), known as lemon balm, is a popular ingredient blended in herbal tea. In recent decades, the bioactivities of MO have been studied in sub-health and pathological status, highlighting MO possesses multiple pharmacological effects. We previously showed that hot water MO extract exhibited anticancer activity in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the detailed mechanisms underlying MO-induced cell death remain elusive. To elucidate the anticancer regulation of MO extract in colon cancer, a data-driven analysis by proteomics approaches and bioinformatics analysis was applied. An isobaric tandem mass tags-based quantitative proteome analysis using liquid chromatography–coupled tandem mass spectrometry was performed to acquire proteome-wide expression data. The over-representation analysis and functional class scoring method were implemented to interpret the MO-induced biological regulations. In total, 3465 quantifiable proteoforms were identified from 24,348 peptides, with 67 upregulated and 54 downregulated proteins in the MO-treated group. Mechanistically, MO impeded mitochondrial respiratory electron transport by triggering a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress response. MO hindered the mitochondrial membrane potential by reducing the protein expression in the electron transport chain, specifically the complex I and II, which could be restored by ROS scavenger. The findings comprehensively elucidate how MO hot water extract activates antitumor effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

As a novel anticancer candidate, ether extract of Dendrobium nobile overstimulates cellular protein biosynthesis to induce cell stress and autophagy

Increasing data has confirmed the potential anticancer properties of Dendrobium, a traditional Chinese herb. However, most anticancer compositions from the plant of Dendrobium were usually extracted by high polar solvent, while weak polar compositions with excellent anticancer activity remained largely unexplored. In this study, the differences between ether extract and ethanol extract of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. on chemical components and anticancer activities were investigated, as well as the anticancer mechanisms among different extracts. The results demonstrated that the ether extract exhibited a stronger anticancer effect than ethanol extract, and its anticancer effect was mainly due to weak polar compounds rather than polysaccharides and alkaloids. Quantitative proteomics suggested that the ether extract significantly stimulated the over-expression of immature proteins, the endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response were subsequently induced, the intracellular reactive oxygen species level was seriously elevated, and oxidative stress occurred in the meanwhile. Eventually, autophagy and apoptosis were activated to cause cell death. Our findings demonstrate that the ether extract of D. nobile is a potential candidate for anticancer drug development, and that future research on anticancer drugs derived from medicinal plants should also concentrate on weak polar compounds.

Review On Documented Medicinal Plants Used For The Treatment Of Cancer

Background:

Cancer is a frightful disease and it is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Naturally derived compounds are gaining interest of research workers as they have less toxic side effects as compared to currently used treatments such as chemotherapy. Plants are the pool of chemical compounds which provides a promising future for research on cancer.

Objective:

This review paper provides updated information gathered on medicinal plants and isolated phytoconstituents used as anticancer agents and summarises the plant extracts and their isolated chemical constituents exhibiting anticancer potential on clinical trials.

Methods:

An extensive bibliographic investigation was carried out by analysing worldwide established scientific databases like SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Web of Science, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar etc. In next few decades, herbal medicine may become a new epoch of medical system.

Results:

Many researches are going on medicinal plants for the treatment of cancer but it is a time to increase further experimental studies on plant extracts and their chemical constituents to find out their mechanism of action at molecular level.

Conclusion:

The article may help many researchers to start off further experimentation that might lead to the drugs for the cancer treatment.

Non-targeted metabolomics characterization of Annona muricata leaf extracts with anti-angiogenic activity

The tropical plant Annona muricata has been widely used for traditional ethnobotanic and pharmacologic applications. Extracts from different parts of this plant have been shown to have a wide range of biological activities. In the present study, we carry out a metabolomic study of both aqueous and DMSO extracts from Annona muricata leaves that has allowed us to identify 33 bioactive compounds. Furthermore, we have shown that aqueous extracts are able to inhibit endothelial cell migration and both aqueous and DMSO extracts inhibit the formation of tubule-like structures by endothelial cells cultured on Matrigel. We conclude that extracts of Annona muricata leaves have great potential as anti-angiogenic natural combinations of bioactive compounds.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress: Multiple regulatory roles in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a basic cellular stress response that maintains cellular protein homeostasis under endogenous or exogenous stimuli, which depends on the stimulus, its intensity, and action time. The ER produces a corresponding cascade reaction for crosstalk of adaptive and/or pro-death regulation with other organelles. Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most common malignant solid tumors with an extremely poor prognosis. Viral hepatitis infection, cirrhosis, and steatohepatitis are closely related to the occurrence and development of HCC, and ER stress has gradually been shown to be a major mechanism. Moreover, an increasing need for protein and lipid products and relative deficiencies of oxygen and nutrients for rapid proliferation and endoplasmic reticulum stress are undoubtedly involved. Therefore, to fully and comprehensively understand the regulatory role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the occurrence and progression of HCC is of vital importance to explore its pathogenesis and develop novel anti-cancer strategies.

METHODOLOGY

We searched for relevant publications in the PubMed databases using the keywords "Endoplasmic reticulum stress", "hepatocellular carcinoma" in last five years,and present an overview of the current knowledge that links ER stress and HCC, which includes carcinogenesis, progression, and anti-cancer strategies, and propose directions of future research.

RESULT

ER stress were confirmed to be multiple regulators or effectors of cancer, which also be confirmed to drive tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. Targeting ER stress signaling pathway and related molecules could play a critical role for anti-HCC and has become a research hotspot for anti-cancer in recent years.

CONCLUSION

ER stress are critical for the processes of the tumorigenesis and progression of tumors. For HCC, ER stress was associated with tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, angiogenesis and drug resistance, targeting ER stress has emerged as a potential anti-tumor strategy.

Therapeutic Role of Annona muricata Fruit and Bee Venom Against MNU-Induced Breast Cancer in Pregnant Rats and its Complications on the Ovaries

AIM

To evaluate the potential therapeutic role of Annona muricata (graviola) fruit and bee venom (BV) against N-methylnitrosourea (MNU)-induced breast cancer in pregnant female rats and complications in the ovaries.

METHODS

A total of 24 female rats were induced with a single dose of MNU (50 mg/kg body weight). After confirmation of positive tumor marker, female rats were placed with the males for mating. The pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): MNU-induced only (group 1), MNU-induced rats and supplemented with A. muricata 200 mg/kg diet (group 2), MNU-induced and treated with two doses of BV 75 μg/kg (group 3), and MNU-induced and treated with both A. muricata and BV (group 4).

RESULTS

In group 1, the breast tissue of mothers revealed pronounced cellular hyperplasia and histopathological signs. Also, the ovarian tissue of mothers and their offspring displayed deleterious histological changes. In groups 2 and 4, histopathological signs and cellular hyperplasia markedly disappeared in breast tissue. However, the histopathological signs induced by MNU in the ovarian tissue reversed to normal in groups 2-4. Also in groups 2-4, levels of serum MMP1, NFκB, and TNFα significantly decreased, and serum caspase 3 significantly increased either in mother rats or their offspring compared to the MNU-alone group. Levels of serum MDA significantly decreased; however, levels of serum antioxidants (CAT and SOD) significantly increased in all groups 2-4 compared to MNU-alone group.

CONCLUSION

A. muricata has a more powerful therapeutic role than BV against MNU-induced breast cancer in rats; however, both have a powerful ameliorative role against ovarian histopathological alterations induced by MNU. Such ameliorative effects of A. muricata and BV are mainly attributed to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative constituents.

The pro-apoptotic properties of a phytonutrient rich infusion of A. cherimola leaf extract on AML cells

Annonaceae family has broad uses in herbal medicine for treatment of several diseases, whether through seeds' or leaves' extracts. The present study investigates the antiproliferative and antitumor activity of Annona cherimola aqueous leaf (AAL) extract/infusion in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines in vitro. High-resolution LC-MS was first used to analyze the composition of the aqueous extract. Cell proliferation assay, Annexin V staining, cell cycle analysis, dual Annexin V/PI staining, cell death quantification by ELISA, ROS level detection and Western Blotting were then performed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of AAL extract. The results obtained revealed a potent antioxidant activity of AAL extract. Moreover, the extract exhibited dose- and time-dependent antiproliferative effects on AML cell lines by decreasing cell viability with an IC₅₀ of 5.03% (v/v) at 24 h of treatment of KG-1 cells. This decrease in viability was accompanied with a significant increase in apoptotic cell death with cell cycle arrest and flipping of the phosphatidylserine from the inner to the outer leaflet of the cell membrane. The respective overexpression and downregulation of proapoptotic proteins like cleaved caspase-8, cleaved PARP-1 and Bax and antiapoptotic proteins like Bcl-2 further validated the apoptotic pathway induced by AAL on AML cells. Finally, LC-MS revealed the presence of several compounds like fatty acids, terpenes, phenolics, cinnamic acids and flavonoids that could contribute to the antioxidant and anti-cancer effects of this herbal infusion. In addition to the generally known nutritional effects of the Annona cherimola fruit and leaves, the presented data validates the antioxidant and anti-cancerous effects of the leaf infusion on AML cell lines, proposing its potential therapeutic use against acute myeloid leukemia with future in vivo and clinical trials.

The future potential of Annona muricata L. extract and its bioactive compounds as radiation sensitizing agent: proposed mechanisms based on a systematic review

Despite technological advances in cancer treatment, especially in radiotherapy, many efforts are being made in improving cancer cell radio-sensitivity to increase therapeutic ratio and overcome cancer cell radio-resistance. In the present review, we evaluated the anticancer mechanism of Annona muricata L. (AM) leaves extract and its bioactive compounds such as annonaceous acetogenins, annomuricin, annonacin, or curcumin; and further correlated them with the potential of the mechanism to increase or to reduce cancer cells radio-sensitivity based on literature investigation. We see that AM has a promising future potential as a radio-sensitizer agent.

In vitro evaluation of Annona muricata L. (Soursop) leaf methanol extracts on inhibition of tumorigenicity and metastasis of breast cancer cells

PURPOSE

The present study evaluates the in-vitro anti-tumorigenic potential of leaf methanol extracts of Annona muricata (LMAM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cytotoxic activity was assessed in MCF-7 cells by MTT assay at various concentrations ranging from 25-250µg/mL. MCF-7 cells were treated with 50 and 100 µg/mL LMAM for 24 h. To detect LMAM-induced apoptosis; Hoescht 33342 staining along with Cell cycle analysis, Annexin-PI probe as well as oxidative stress damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurements were determined using flow cytometric analysis. While caspase-3 expression levels were studied employing the qRT-PCR method.

RESULTS

LMAM exhibited significant inhibition of MCF-7 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 85.55 µg/mL. Hoescht staining showed marked morphological features characteristic of apoptosis in LMAM treated cells. Cell cycle analysis confirmed the proven capability of LMAM showing a 30% rise in G₁ phase upon treatment with 100 µg/mL LMAM, thus inducing cell cycle arrest at G₁ phase and a rise in sub G₀-G₁ population paralleled with a decrease in S phase. Flow cytometric analysis with Annexin V-FITC-PI staining indicated an increase in the early and late apoptotic population with a 3.38% and 19.47% rise respectively when treated with 100 µg/mL LMAM. Treatment with 100 µg/mL LMAM caused an increase in intracellular ROS with MFI value 3334.08. Upregulation of caspase-3 was observed with a 2.18 and 32.47 fold increase compared to control in MCF-7 cells cultured at 50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL LMAM respectively suggesting caspase-dependent apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

LMAM proved as a potent ethno-chemopreventive agent and a potential lead in cancer treatment attributable to the synergistic interactive properties of phytoconstituents.

Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma: myth or reality?

We present a case of a 68-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C infection, with no evidence of chronic liver disease during the first years of follow-up, diagnosed with a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with 40 mm (α-fetoprotein (AFP) 205 ng/mL). He underwent segmental liver resection and pathology analysis was consistent with HCC and cirrhosis in the adjacent liver. Four months after surgery, AFP raised up to 126 661 ng/mL and abdominal MRI revealed a multinodular HCC. Patient rejected treatment with sorafenib and started megestrol and an herbal medicine, soursop (Annona muricata). Six months later, AFP markedly decreased (28 ng/mL) and abdominal MRI showed decreasing size and number of lesions. At 5 years of follow-up, he has no evidence of HCC. Spontaneous regression of HCC is a rare condition and the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this case there is a temporal relation between the start of megestrol and Annona muricata and HCC regression.

Antiproliferative activity of ionic liquid-graviola fruit extract against human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines using flow cytometry techniques

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plants have been used for ages by indigenous communities around the world to help humankind sustain its health. Graviola (Annona muricata), also called soursop, is a member of the Annonaceae family and is an evergreen plant that is generally distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Graviola tree has a long history of traditional use due to its therapeutic potential including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticide and cytotoxic to tumor cells.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antiproliferative effects and apoptotic events of the ionic liquid extract of Graviola fruit (IL-GFE) on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and their cytokinetics behaviour to observe their potential as a therapeutic alternative in cancer treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cell viability assay of the extract was measured using tetrazolium bromide (MTT assay) to observe the effects of Graviola fruit extract. Then the cytokinetics behaviour of MCF-7 cells treated with IL-GFE is observed by plotting the growth curve of the cells. Additionally, the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis mechanism of IL-GFE action on MCF-7 cancer cells were observed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

IL-GFE exhibited anti-proliferative activity on MCF-7 with the IC50 value of 4.75 μg/mL, compared to Taxol with an IC50 value of 0.99 μg/mL. IL- GFE also reduced the number of cell generations from 3.71 to 1.67 generations compared to 2.18 generations when treated with Taxol. Furthermore, the anti-proliferative activities were verified when the growth rate was decreased dynamically from 0.0077 h to 1 to 0.0035 h-1. Observation of the IL-GFE-treated MCF-7 under microscope demonstrated detachment of cells and loss of density. The growth inhibition of the cells by extracts was associated with cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, and phosphatidylserine externalisation confirms the anti-proliferation through apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

ionic liquid Graviola fruit extract affect the cytokinetics behaviour of MCF-7 cells by reducing cell viability, induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase.

Overexpression of E74-Like Factor 5 (ELF5) Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Ovarian Cancer Cells

Background

E74-like factor 5 (ELF5) plays a key role in the processes of cell differentiation, apoptosis, and occurrence of tumors. However, the effect of ELF5 on metastasis and invasion in human ovarian cancer remains poorly understood.

Material/Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to measure the expression of ELF5. The viability of cells was detected by cell counting kit (CCK-8). Cell apoptosis was tested by flow cytometry. Matrigel plug angiogenesis assay was employed to determine angiogenesis rate. The protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cleaved caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail, phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated (p)-PI3K, tyrosine kinase B (AKT), and phosphorylated (p)-AKT were determined by Western blot. Wound-healing assay and Transwell were used to determine invasion and migration.

Results

We found that expression of ELF5 was obviously decreased in ovarian cancer cell lines. The cells viability, invasion and metastasis were inhibited by overexpression ELF5. ELF5 suppressed angiogenesis rate and the expression of VEGF. Changes of the expressions of Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax showed that anti-apoptosis ability was improved by ELF5. ELF5 also repressed N-cadherin and Snail and increased E-cadherin. The expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT were decreased by ELF5. Further study showed that IGF-I reversed the inhibitory effect of ELF5 on growth and metastasis of SKOV3 cells.

Conclusions

Overexpression of ELF5 promoted the apoptosis and reduced the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells; therefore, it could provide a new approach to gene treatment of ovarian carcinoma.

Anticancer Properties of Graviola (Annona muricata): A Comprehensive Mechanistic Review

Graviola (Annona muricata) is a small deciduous tropical evergreen fruit tree, belonging to the Annonaceae family, and is widely grown and distributed in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The aerial parts of graviola have several functions: the fruits have been widely used as food confectionaries, while several preparations, especially decoctions of the bark, fruits, leaves, pericarp, seeds, and roots, have been extensively used in traditional medicine to treat multiple ailments including cancers by local communities in tropical Africa and South America. The reported therapeutic benefits of graviola against various human tumors and disease agents in in vitro culture and preclinical animal model systems are typically tested for their ability to specifically target the disease, while exerting little or no effect on normal cell viability. Over 212 phytochemical ingredients have been reported in graviola extracts prepared from different plant parts. The specific bioactive constituents responsible for the major anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other health benefits of graviola include different classes of annonaceous acetogenins (metabolites and products of the polyketide pathway), alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, and others. This review summarizes the current understanding of the anticancer effects of A. muricata and its constituents on diverse cancer types and disease states, as well as efficacy and safety concerns. It also includes discussion of our current understanding of possible mechanisms of action, with the hope of further stimulating the development of improved and affordable therapies for a variety of ailments.

Himatanthus drasticus (Apocynaceae) latex reduces oxidative stress and modulates CD4+, CD8+, FoxP3+ and HSP-60+ expressions in Sarcoma 180-bearing mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Brazil, latex of Himatanthus drasticus is used to treat inflammation, wound healing and cancer. The present study evaluated the antitumoral potential of H. drasticus latex (HdCL) in Sarcoma 180-bearing mice (S180).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HdCL was obtained in Crato-CE, Brazil. Qualitative phytochemicals assays, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and microbiological analyzes were performed. Swiss mice were divided into six groups, according to tumor forms: 1) ascitic model, GI (Control; 0.9% saline), GII (S₁₈₀asc) and GIII (S₁₈₀asc/HdCL/14 days); 2) solid model, GIV (Control; 0.9% saline), GV (S₁₈₀sol) and GVI (S₁₈₀sol/HdCL/10 days). HdCL and 0.9% saline were administered at 0.2 mL, SID, by gavage, for 10 or 14 days. For ascitic model, 0.5 mL of S180 suspension (4×10⁶ cells/mL) was inoculated intraperitoneally and for solid model, cells were inoculated subcutaneously (25 µL) on the right hind paw of mice. Blood samples were collected for hematological and oxidative stress evaluation. Thickness, volume and weight of paws were measured in solid model. After euthanasia, spleen, liver and kidney were collected in order to assess the relative organ weight. Tissue fragments of paws and popliteal lymph nodes (PLN) were analyzed by H&E and CD4⁺, CD8⁺, HSP-60⁺ and Foxp3⁺ immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

HdCL presented milky aspect and pinkish supernatant. Phenols, flavonols, flavanones, free steroids and cinnamoyl derivatives of lupeol, α-amyrin and β-amyrin were detected at the phytochemistry analysis. HdCL did not alter the relative weight of organs, hematological parameters and volume of ascitic fluid recovered. In solid model, HdCL reduced (P < 0.05) paw volume, but did not altered thickness, paw weight and histological parameters. S180sol induced necrosis, metastasis and destruction of bone, cartilage and muscles. Bleeding, vessel congestion and oncocytes were observed in PLN. In paw, HdCL did not alter FoxP3⁺ and HSP-60⁺ expressions but reduced the CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ expressions, while at PLN, HdCL reduced the expressions of all markers. HdCL decreased (P < 0.05) serum levels of malondialdehyde in ascitic model.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with HdCL reduced oxidative damage and modulated the expressions of CD4⁺, CD8⁺, FoxP3⁺and HSP-60⁺ in S180 solid tumor model, which can be associated to the presence of triterpenes, such as α-amyrin, β-amyrin and lupeol cinnamate. Present data emphasizes the importance of immune system in cancer and highlights the evaluation of the pharmacological properties of plants used by population as phytoterapics.

Exploring the Leaves of Annona muricata L. as a Source of Potential Anti-inflammatory and Anticancer Agents

The use of anti-inflammatory natural products to treat inflammatory disorders for cancer prevention and therapy is an appealing area of interest in the last decades. Annona muricata L. is one of the many plant extracts that have been explored owing to their anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Different parts of A. muricata especially the leaves have been used for various ethnomedicinal purposes by traditional healers to treat several diseases including cancer, inflammation, diabetes, liver diseases, and abscesses. Some of these experience-based claims on the use of the plant have been transformed into evidence-based information by scientific investigations. The leaves of the plant have been extensively investigated for its diverse pharmacological aspects and found eminent for anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, most studies were not on the bioactive isolates which were responsible for the activities but were based on crude extracts of the plant. In this comprehensive review, all significant findings from previous investigations till date on the leaves of A. muricata, specifically on their anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities have been compiled. The toxicology of the plant which has been shown to be due to the presence of neurotoxic annaceous acetogenins and benzyltetrahydro-isoquinoline alkaloids has also been updated to provide recent information on its safety aspects. The present knowledge of the plant has been critically assessed, aimed at providing direction toward improving its prospect as a source of potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. The analysis will provide a new path for ensuring research on this plant to discover new agents to treat inflammatory diseases and cancer. Further in vitro and in vivo studies should be carried out to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying their anti-inflammatory responses in relation to anticancer activity and more detail toxicity study to ensure they are safe for human consumption. Sufficient preclinical data and safety data generated will allow clinical trials to be pursued on this plant and its bioactive compounds.

Emerging therapeutic potential of graviola and its constituents in cancers

Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the USA and around the world. Although the current synthetic inhibitors used in targeted therapies have improved patient prognosis, toxicity and development of resistance to these agents remain a challenge. Plant-derived natural products and their derivatives have historically been used to treat various diseases, including cancer. Several leading chemotherapeutic agents are directly or indirectly based on botanical natural products. Beyond these important drugs, however, a number of crude herbal or botanical preparations have also shown promising utility for cancer and other disorders. One such natural resource is derived from certain plants of the family Annonaceae, which are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Among the best known of these is Annona muricata, also known as soursop, graviola or guanabana. Extracts from the fruit, bark, seeds, roots and leaves of graviola, along with several other Annonaceous species, have been extensively investigated for anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Phytochemical studies have identified the acetogenins, a class of bioactive polyketide-derived constituents, from the extracts of Annonaceous species, and dozens of these compounds are present in different parts of graviola. This review summarizes current literature on the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanism of these constituents from A.muricata against cancer and many non-malignant diseases. Based on available data, there is good evidence that these long-used plants could have both chemopreventive and therapeutic potential. Appropriate attention to safety studies will be important to assess their effectiveness on various diseases caused or promoted by inflammation.

Potential Benefits of Annona muricata in Combating Cancer: A Review

The incidence of cancer is increasing each year, which generates concerns regarding the efficacy of the current treatment options. This has caused patients to seek alternatives to complement or to replace surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Annona muricata and other plants have been shown to have promising compounds that can be utilised in the treatment of cancer. Native to the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, A. muricata plant extracts contain compounds that are particularly effective against cancer cells. In light of increasing concerns regarding the limitations of cancer treatment in hospitals, this review attempts to highlight the benefits of A. muricata and its potential to be integrated as one of the treatment options against cancer.

Naturally Available Extracts Inhibiting Cancer Progression: A Systematic Review

Aim.

This systematic review is aimed at evaluating the literature on the efficacy of naturally available extracts that inhibit cancer.

Methods.

A literature search was performed to strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology analysis. Approximately 3000 research articles were initially selected. Of these articles, 200 were included, and 2800 were excluded. On further scrutiny, 150 of the 200 studies were reviews, seminars, and presentations, and 50 were original study articles. Among these articles, 20 studies were selected for the systematic review.

Results.

The predominant molecular pathways followed by natural extracts were nuclear factor kappa B ligand, suppression of the protein kinase B-Akt/P13K pathway (an intracellular signaling pathway important in regulating cell cycle), vascular endothelial growth factor downregulation, and tumor protein-P53 tumor suppressor upregulation.

Conclusions.

It is evident that natural extracts have the ability to inhibit cancer progression. Continued research in this field could facilitate the use of natural extracts with currently available anticancer agents.

Reliance on medicinal plant therapy among cancer patients in Jamaica

PURPOSE

Patients' perspective of their treatment regime plays a vital role in its success. Recognizing the high prevalence of medicinal plant usage among Jamaicans at large, we investigated the engagement of such remedies by cancer patients, with the aim of uncovering self-medicating habits, perceptions and details of utilized plants.

METHODS

A structured, interviewer-based questionnaire was administered to 100 patients attending the oncology and urology clinics at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. A method of convenience sampling was employed and the data were analyzed using summary statistics and statistical significance tests.

RESULTS

A large proportion (n = 80, 80%) of interviewed patients, engaged medicinal plants in their treatment regimes. Such habits were independent of person's education, economic status and were higher among the 55-74 age groups (p < 0.05) compared with younger patients. The use of herbs was hinged on the patient's strong sense of tradition and positive perspective of herbal efficacy (88%), fueled by anecdotal accounts from fellow patients. Majority of such users (74.7%) were under concomitant treatment with a prescription medicine, and worryingly, only 15% of patients made their oncologists aware. Annona muricata L. and Petiveria alliacea L. were the most commonly used plants for treating breast and prostate cancers, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A large proportion of Jamaican cancer patients use medicinal plants in self-medicating practices and their perceptions and habits need to be considered by physicians, in the design of safe and effective care regimes.

Molecular characterization and expression profile of nanos in Schistosoma japonicum and its influence on the expression several mammalian stem cell factors

Pluripotent stem cells, called neoblasts, are well known for the regenerative capability and developmental plasticity in flatworms. Impressive advancement has been made in free-living flatworms, while in case of its parasitic counterpart, neoblast-like stem cells have attracted recent attention for its self-renewal and differentiation capacity. Nanos is a key conserved post-transcriptional regulator critical for the formation, development, and/or maintenance of the pluripotent germ line stem cell systems in many metazoans including schistosomes. In the present study, we report the molecular cloning and expression of nanos orthologous genes nanos in Schistosoma japonicum (Sjnanos). The cDNA of Sjnanos is 826 bp long, containing an open reading frame (ORF) for 223 amino acid long protein. qRT-PCR analysis shown that Sjnanos was differently expressed in several stages of schistosomes with relatively high level in schistosomula. Additionally, Sjnanos was expressed highly in adult females compared to adult males. Transfection of recombinant plasmid for expressing Sjnanos resulted in significant proliferation and increased expression of several stem cell factors in mammalian cells. Overall, our preliminary study provides the molecular basis to further functionally characterize Sjnanos in S. japonicum.

Annona species (Annonaceae): a rich source of potential antitumor agents?

Plants have provided the basis of traditional medicine systems throughout the world for thousands of years and continue to yield molecules for new remedies. We analyzed studies published from 2009 to 2016 on the Annona species (Annonaceae), including A. coriacea, A. crassifolia, A. hypoglauca, A. muricata, A. squamosa, A. sylvatica, and A. vepretorum, as sources of potential antitumor agents. Here, we report and discuss the mechanisms of action and structure-activity relationships of the most active Annona constituents. Annonaceous acetogenins are one of the most promising classes of natural products, owing to their potential antitumor activity. However, their neurotoxicity should not be underestimated.

Anti-Tumor Effects of Atractylenolide-I on Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Atractylenolide-I (AT-I), a naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz, on human ovarian cancer cells.

Material/Methods

The viability and anchorage-independent growth of ovarian cancer cells were evaluated using MTT and colony formation assay, respectively. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected with flow cytometry analysis. The level of cyclin B1 and CDK1 was measured using qPCR and ELISA analysis. The expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome c, AIF, and Bcl-2, and phosphorylation level of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR were determined with Western blot analysis.

Results

AT-I decreased the cell viability and suppressed anchorage-independent growth of A2780 cells. Cell cycle was arrested in G2/M phase transition by AT-I treatment, which was related to decreased expression of cyclin B1 and CDK1 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the treatment induced apoptosis, as shown by up-regulation of Bax, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, and cytosolic release of cytochrome c and AIF, and down-regulation of Bcl-2, in a dose-dependent manner. Then, the effects of AT-I on PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways were examined to further investigate the underlying anti-cancer mechanism of AT-I, and the results showed that treatment with AT-I significantly decreased the phosphorylation level of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that AT-I induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in ovarian cancer cells. These results suggest that AT-I might be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of ovarian cancer.