Anastatica hierochuntica (L.) methanolic and aqueous extracts exert antiproliferative effects through the induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Phenolic Contents, Antioxidant Activities, LCMS Profiles of Mespilus germanica Leaf Extract and Effects on mRNA Transcription Levels of Apoptotic, Autophagic, and Necrotic Genes in MCF7 and A549 Cancer Cell Lines

Cancer, defined by the continuous, uncontrollable proliferation of cells in the human body, is a disease with a rapidly increasing incidence and mortality rate. Scientists are looking for novel ways to cure and prevent this sneaky disease because of the toxicity of contemporary chemotherapy and the cancer cells' resilience to anticancer drugs. Determining the effect of herbal medicines, which do not have as harmful side effects as synthetic drugs, on cancer cell lines is an essential preliminary study in the production of effective drugs against cancer. In this study, the phenolic acid profile, antioxidant capacity, and cytotoxicity of the medicinal plant Mespilus germanica (MG) leaf extract were determined, and its effects on the expression of some apoptotic, necrotic, and autophagic pathway genes of MCF7 (Human breast cancer line) and A549 (Human lung cancer line) and healthy HDF (Human Dermal Fibroblasts) cells were investigated for the first time. The LCMS device detected many important phenolic compounds previously reported to act against cancer cells in Mespilus germanica leaf extract. DPPH and total phenolic content showed high antioxidant capacity. The cytotoxicity of MG was determined by the MTT method. The levels of mRNA transcription for Atg5, Atg3, Rıpk1, Bcl2, Bax, Apaf1, Caspase-8, Caspase-7, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9, as well as the expression patterns of the DNA damage markers P53 and Parp-1 genes, were assessed. MG leaf extract did not cause significant toxicity against healthy HDF cells. However, it had a cytotoxic effect on A549 and MCF7 cancer cell lines, increasing the transcription levels of essential genes involved in cell death mechanisms. This research is the first to analyze the phenolic components and antioxidant capabilities of leaf extracts from Mespilus germanica. Additionally, it investigates the impact of these extracts on crucial genes involved in cell death pathways of A549 lung cancer, MCF7 breast cancer, and non-cancerous HDF (Human Dermal Fibroblasts) cells.

Herbal melanin modulates PGE2 and IL-6 gastroprotective markers through COX-2 and TLR4 signaling in the gastric cancer cell line AGS

We reported a gastric anti-ulcerogenic effect of the Nigella sativa (L.)-derived herbal melanin (HM) using rat models. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this HM gastroprotective effect remain unknown. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-catalyzed prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated interleukin-6 (IL-6) production and secretion play major roles in gastric mucosal protection. In the current study, the human gastric carcinoma epithelial cell line AGS was used as a model to investigate the effect of HM on TLR4, COX-2, glycoprotein mucin 4 protein and gene expression using immuno-cyto-fluorescence staining, Western blot technology, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Gastroprotective markers PGE2 and IL-6 production and secretion were also assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), well-known inducers of TLR4, COX-2, PGE2 and IL-6 expression, were used as a positive control. We showed that HM upregulated its main receptor TLR4 gene and protein expression in AGS cells. HM increased, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, the secretion of PGE2 and the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein, which was detected in the nucleus, cytoplasm and predominantly at the intercellular junctions of the AGS cells. In addition, HM enhanced IL-6 production and secretion, and upregulated the mucin 4 gene expression, the hallmarks of gastroprotection. To check whether HM-induced PGE2 and IL-6 through TLR4 signaling and COX-2 generated, AGS cells were pre-treated with a TLR4 signaling inhibitor TAK242 and the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. A loss of the stimulatory effects of HM on COX-2, PGE2 and IL-6 production and secretion was observed in TAK242 and NS-398-pre-treated AGS cells, confirming the role of TLR4 signaling and COX-2 generated in the HM gastroprotective effects. In conclusion, our results showed that HM enhances TLR4/COX-2-mediated secretion of gastroprotective markers PGE2 and IL-6, and upregulates mucin 4 gene expression in the human gastric epithelial cell line AGS, which may contribute to the promising beneficial gastroprotective effect of HM for human gastric prevention and treatment.

Exploring Clinacanthus nutans leaf different solvent extracts on antiproliferative effects induced metastasis through apoptosis and cell cycle against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines

Background

Medicinal herbs in Malaysia like Clinacanthus nutans (CN) traditionally are used in the treatment of various diseases and cancers. The present research was conducted to determine the effects of C. nutans leaf different solvent extracts on the human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7). The antiproliferative growth and survival effects of dichloromethane CN leaf extracts (CNDCM), as well as the short- and long-term effects through metastasis, apoptosis and cell cycle effects, were observed. The chemical profiles were done to evaluate the properties of the CNDCM.

Results

The evaluation of GC–MS identified 16 major phytochemical compounds present in this extract with biological activities. Antiproliferative assay used is the SRB assay, which showed the CNDCM induced strong antiproliferative property compared with the other extracts, so its IC50 dose was selected for further testing with value 108 µg/mL at 72 h after exposure on MCF-7 and MCF-10A cell lines. The clonogenic survival effects of CNDCM in various concentrations (31.25, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 µg/mL) inhibited the ability of MCF-7 cells to form colonies, and the metastasis result was indicated in an image of wound healing assay. Moreover, the CNDCM extract significantly induced apoptosis in all the cell cycle phases. Finally, the experiments with various extract concentrations on normal human breast cell lines showed no antiproliferative effects for all the extracts tested.

Conclusion

Among all the extracts of CN, the CNDCM extracts demonstrated the highest antiproliferative activity and survival against the MCF-7 cell lines tested.

In Vitro Induction of Apoptosis in Isolated Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells: The Role of Anastatica hierochuntica Methanolic Extract

Anastatica hierochuntica L. (Cruciferae) has been known in Egyptian folk medicine as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes and heart diseases. Despite the wide usage, A. hierochuntica research provides insufficient data to support its traditional practice. The cytotoxicity of A. hierochuntica methanolic extract was investigated on acute myeloid leukemia blasts (AML) and normal human peripheral leucocytes (NHPL). The phytochemical identification of bioactive compounds using ¹H-NMR and LC-ESI-MS was also performed. A. hierochuntica extract caused non-significant cytotoxicity on NHPL, while the cytotoxicity on AML was significant (IC₅₀: 0.38 ± 0.02 μg/mL). The negative expression of p53, upregulation of Caspase-3 and increase in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio were reported at the protein and mRNA levels. The results suggest that A. hierochuntica extract induced AML cell death via the p53-independent mitochondrial intrinsic pathway and further attention should be paid to this plant as a promising natural anticancer agent.

Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch.Bip Flower Dichloromethane Extract Exerts Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Properties in Human Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (MDA-MB-231) Cells: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

The aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenging disease due to the absence of tailored therapy. The search for new therapies involves intensive research focusing on natural sources. Achillea fragrantissima (A. fragrantissima) is a traditional medicine from the Middle East region. Various solvent extracts from different A. fragrantissima plant parts, including flowers, leaves, and roots, were tested on TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells. Using liquid chromatography, the fingerprinting revealed rich and diverse compositions for A. fragrantissima plant parts using polar to non-polar solvent extracts indicating possible differences in bioactivities. Using the CellTiter-Glo™ viability assay, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values were determined for each extract and ranged from 32.4 to 161.7 µg/mL. The A. fragrantissima flower dichloromethane extract had the lowest mean IC₅₀ value and was chosen for further investigation. Upon treatment with increasing A. fragrantissima flower dichloromethane extract concentrations, the MDA-MB-231 cells displayed, in a dose-dependent manner, enhanced morphological and biochemical hallmarks of apoptosis, including cell shrinkage, phosphatidylserine exposure, caspase activity, and mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, assessed using phase-contrast microscopy, fluorescence-activated single-cell sorting analysis, Image-iT™ live caspase, and mitochondrial transition pore opening activity, respectively. Anticancer target prediction and molecular docking studies revealed the inhibitory activity of a few A. fragrantissima flower dichloromethane extract-derived metabolites against carbonic anhydrase IX, an enzyme reported for its anti-apoptotic properties. In conclusion, these findings suggest promising therapeutic values of the A. fragrantissima flower dichloromethane extract against TNBC development.

Anticancer properties of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds against breast cancer: a review on recent investigations

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common and recurring diseases and the second leading cause of death in women. Despite prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutic options such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, the number of occurrences increases every year. Therefore, novel therapeutic drugs targeting specifically different checkpoints should be developed against breast cancer. Among drugs that can be developed to treat breast cancer, natural products, such as plant-derived compounds, showed significant anti-breast cancer properties. These substances belong to different chemical classes such as flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids. They exert their in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic activities against breast cancer cell lines via different mechanisms, including the inhibition of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, the arrest of the cell cycle, and the activation of autophagy. Moreover, they also exhibit anti-angiogenesis and antimetastatic action. Moreover, chemoprevention effects of these bioactive compounds were signaled only for certain drugs. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight the pharmacological actions of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds on breast cancer. Moreover, the role of these substances in breast cancer chemoprevention was also discussed.

Bursatella leachii Purple Ink Secretion Concentrate Exerts Cytotoxic Properties against Human Hepatocarcinoma Cell Line (HepG2): In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally. Marine mollusc-derived drugs have gained attention as potential natural-based anti-cancer agents to overcome the side effects caused by conventional chemotherapeutic drugs during cancer therapy. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the main biomolecules in the purple ink secretion released by the sea hare, named Bursatella leachii (B. leachii), were identified as hectochlorin, malyngamide X, malyngolide S, bursatellin and lyngbyatoxin A. The cytotoxic effects of B. leachii ink concentrate against human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells were determined to be dose- and time-dependent, and further exploration of the underlying mechanisms causing the programmed cell death (apoptosis) were performed. The expression of cleaved-caspase-8 and cleaved-caspase-3, key cysteine-aspartic proteases involved in the initiation and completion of the apoptosis process, appeared after HepG2 cell exposure to the B. leachii ink concentrate. The gene expression levels of pro-apoptotic BAX, TP53 and Cyclin D1 were increased after treatment with the B. leachii ink concentrate. Applying in silico approaches, the high scores predicted that bioactivities for the five compounds were protease and kinase inhibitors. The ADME and cytochrome profiles for the compounds were also predicted. Altogether, the B. leachii ink concentrate has high pro-apoptotic potentials, suggesting it as a promising safe natural product-based drug for the treatment of liver cancer.

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.

Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Calligonum comosum (L'Her.) Methanolic Extract in Human Triple-Negative MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive subtype, does not respond to targeted therapy due to the lack of hormone receptors. There is an urgent need for alternative therapies, including natural product-based anti-cancer drugs, at lower cost. We investigated the impact of a Calligonum comosum L'Hér. methanolic extract (CcME) on the TNBC MDA-MB-231 cell line proliferation and related cell death mechanisms performing cell viability and cytotoxicity assays, flow cytometry to detect apoptosis and cell cycle analysis. The apoptosis-related protein array and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay were also carried out. We showed that the CcME inhibited the TNBC cell viability, in a dose-dependent manner, with low cytotoxic effects. The CcME-treated TNBC cells underwent apoptosis, associated with a concomitant increase of apoptosis-related protein expression, including cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, and the anti-oxidant enzyme catalase, compared with the untreated cells. The CcME also enhanced the mitochondrial transition pore opening activity and induced G0/G1 cell growth arrest, which confirmed the cytochrome c release and the increase of the p21 expression detected in the CcME-treated TNBC cells. The CcME-treated TNBC cells resulted in intracellular ROS production, which, when blocked with a ROS scavenger, did not reduce the CcME-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, CcME exerts anti-proliferative effects against TNBC cells through the induction of apoptosis and cell growth arrest. In vivo studies are justified to verify the CcME anti-proliferative activities and to investigate any potential anti-metastatic activities of CcME against TNBC development and progression.