Resorcinolic lipid 3-heptyl-3,4,6-trimethoxy-3H-isobenzofuran-1-one is a strategy for melanoma treatment

The ethanolic extract of Gomphrena celosioides is not carcinogenic and has antigenotoxic effects and chemopreventive Properties

Gomphrena celosioides, popularly known as perpétua, perpétua brava, bachelor´s button and prostate globe amarahth, is used for the treatment of urinary tract disorders, kidney stones, for skin diseases, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. Rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, this plant has therefore a potential for use in cancer prevention. Given the above, the present research aimed to evaluate the carcinogenic effect of the ethanolic extract of G. celosioides (EEGc) in an alternative model of Drosophila melanogaster and the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects in Swiss mice. The larval survival test and the detection of epithelial tumor clones were performed in D. melanogaster. The tested EEGc concentrations were 0.96, 1.92, 3.85 and 7.70 mg/mL. In Swiss mice, the genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of doses of 100, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/Kg were evaluated. The results showed that EEGc at a concentration of 7.70 mg/mL reduced (p<0.05) larval survival. However, EEGc was not carcinogenic, and the lowest concentration (0.96 mg/mL) prevented (p<0.05) the basal occurrence of epithelial tumors. In mice, EEGc at the highest dose (2,000mg/Kg) increased the frequency of genomic lesions (p<0.05). Yet, none of the doses caused chromosomal lesions (p>0.05). When associated with cyclophosphamide, EEGc was antigenotoxic (p<0.05). The percentages of reduction of genomic damage ranged from 33.39 to 63.23% and of chromosomal damage from 20.00 to 77.19%. In view of the above, it is suggested that EEGc is not carcinogenic, has an antigenotoxic effect and chemopreventive properties.

Chemotherapeutic Mechanism of Action of the Synthetic Resorcinolic Methyl 3,5-dimethoxy-2-octanoylbenzoate

Resorcinolic lipids are described as potential examples of selective chemotherapeutic adjuvants that can enhance the effects of cyclophosphamide (CYC) while promoting cell death without causing DNA damage. Therefore, the current study attempted to describe how the resorcinolic lipid methyl 3,5-dimethoxy-2-octanoylbenzoate (AMS35BB) interacted with DNA (DNA docking) and how this compound affected genetic toxicology models and other biological characteristics when combined with CYC. We observed that AMS35BB, used alone (7.5 and 10 mg/kg), increases the frequency of genomic damage (comet assay) but not chromosomal damage (micronuclei assay), lowers phagocytosis, and promotes cell death in Swiss male mice. When used in association with CYC, AMS35BB can reduce the risk of genomic damage by up to 33.8% as well as chromosomal damage, splenic phagocytosis, cell death, and lymphocyte frequency. Molecular docking showed that AMS35BB had a higher affinity than the active metabolite of CYC for binding to the DNA double helix major groove. As a result, AMS35BB has the potential to be both an adjuvant when used in association with CYC and a therapeutic candidate for the development of a selective chemotherapeutic drug.

Absence of maternal-fetal adverse effects of Alternanthera littoralis P. Beauv. following treatment during pregnancy in mice

Alternanthera littoralis P. Beauv is a plant native to Brazil that exhibits various beneficial activities including antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anti-hyperalgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the ethanol extract of Alternanthera littoralis (EEAl) on reproductive outcomes, embryofetal development, and DNA integrity of pregnant female mice. Pregnant Swiss female mice were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (n = 10): controls were administered either 1% Tween 80 (vehicle), EEAl 100 mg/kg or EEAl 1000 mg/kg. Treatment was administered through gavage during the gestational period until day 18. On gestational days 16, 17, and 18, a peripheral blood sample from the tail vein was obtained for DNA integrity analysis (micronucleus test). After the last collection, animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation. Maternal organs and fetuses were collected, weighed, and subsequently analyzed. Reproductive outcome parameters were assessed by measurement of number of implants, live fetuses, and resorptions. Embryonic development was determined by adequacy of weight for gestational age as well as determination of external, visceral, and skeletal malformations. Data demonstrated that EEAl did not produce maternal toxicity at either dose associated with no marked alterations in any of the reproductive outcome parameters including implantation sites, live/dead fetuses ratio, fetal viability, post-implantation losses, resorptions, and resorption rate. However, EEAl 1000 group reduced embryofetal development by lowering placental weight. In addition, there was an increase in the frequency of external and skeletal malformations in the EEAl 1000 group, which could not be attributed to extract exposure as these values were within control levels. Based upon our findings, evidence indicates that the EEAl at the concentrations employed in our study may be considered safe for use during pregnancy and extracts of this plant show potential for development of phytomedicines to be used in pregnancy.

N-, O- and S-Heterocycles Synthesis in Deep Eutectic Solvents

The synthesis of heterocycles is a fundamental area of organic chemistry that offers enormous potential for the discovery of new products with important applications in our daily life such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavors, dyes, and, more generally, engineered materials with innovative properties. As heterocyclic compounds find application across multiple industries and are prepared in very large quantities, the development of sustainable approaches for their synthesis has become a crucial objective for contemporary green chemistry committed to reducing the environmental impact of chemical processes. In this context, the present review focuses on the recent methodologies aimed at preparing N-, O- and S-heterocyclic compounds in Deep Eutectic Solvents, a new class of ionic solvents that are non-volatile, non-toxic, easy to prepare, easy to recycle, and can be obtained from renewable sources. Emphasis has been placed on those processes that prioritize the recycling of catalyst and solvent, as they offer the dual benefit of promoting synthetic efficiency while demonstrating environmental responsibility.

3-Heptylidene-4,6-Dimethoxy-3H-Isobenzofuran-1-One Is Genotoxic, Increases the Frequency of Cell Death, and Potentiates the Effects of Cyclophosphamide and Cisplatin

3-heptylidene-4,6-dimethoxy-3H-isobenzofuran-1-one (Phthalide 1) is the precursor of three resorcinol lipids that have been described as potential chemotherapeutic agents and capable of potentiating the effects of cyclophosphamide. In this study, we evaluated the genotoxic potential, cell-killing potential, and interactions with cyclophosphamide and cisplatin of phthalide 1. Twelve groups were created from 120 mice: Negative Control, cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg), cisplatin (6 mg/kg), Phthalide 1 (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), and associations of 1 with cyclophosphamide and 1 with cisplatin. The results demonstrate that 1 increases (p < 0.05) the frequency of chromosomal damage, liver and kidney cell death, and splenic phagocytosis. The association of 1 with cyclophosphamide and cisplatin demonstrated a chemopreventive effect and, therefore, a reduction (p < 0.05) in the frequency of chromosomal damage. However, cell death and splenic phagocytosis did not suffer significant variations. As a result of the above, 1 has potential chemotherapeutic application and may be a candidate for developing a new generation of chemotherapeutics. In addition, it has characteristics to be used as a chemotherapy adjuvant in association with cyclophosphamide and cisplatin since it increases the frequency of cell death induced by chemotherapy. We also reported that the chemopreventive effect of 1, in association with cyclophosphamide and cisplatin, can prevent adverse effects (induction of DNA damage in non-tumor cells) without interfering with the mode of action of chemotherapy drugs and, therefore, without reducing the induction of cell death.

Natural dihydroisobenzofuran derivatives as a template for promising radical scavengers: theoretical insights into structure–activity relationships, thermochemistry and kinetics

Dihydroisobenzofuran heterocycle is a structural motif found in a number of medications with anti-tumour, anti-diabetic, and antibacterial activities. It is also found in a slew of natural substances, most notably fungus metabolites, which have been shown to possess credible radical scavenging activity. Density functional theory studies on three different derivatives were conducted to investigate their electronic structures as well as thermochemical and kinetic behaviour against ·OOH, ·OH, and ·OCH3 in biologically relevant solvents, with the goal of elucidating structure–activity relationships and discussing the potential role of the scaffolds as a template for new semisynthetic antioxidants. The importance of resonance and inductive effects, and also hydrogen bonding, has been underlined, but most importantly, it has been demonstrated that all structures have considerable scavenging potential against all studied radicals, with reactions rates close to the diffusion limit.

Synthesis, Characterization, Antiproliferative Activity of Galloyl Derivatives and Investigation of Cytotoxic Properties in HepG2/C3A cells

BACKGROUND

Appropriate substituents in the galloyl group could lead to significant biological properties.

OBJECTIVE

Novel galloyl-substituted compounds bearing 2-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl, 5-substituted-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl, and carboxamide groups were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity. Additionally, galloyl hydrazide (2) was evaluated by performing cytotoxicity, membrane integrity, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays in HepG2/C3A cells.

METHOD

General procedure was used for the synthesis of galloyl-substituted (3-9, 11) and characterized by their spectroscopic data (1H and 13C NMR). The antiproliferative activity of all novel galloyl derivatives was evaluated against nine human tumors and one nontumoral cell line. Three response parameters (GI50, TGI, and LC50) were calculated. The cytotoxicity test was performed for the resazurin assay. The membrane integrity, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays were performed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The substitution of the methoxy group of the galloyl ring system for a carboxamide group (3, 4, 5, and 6) produced compounds with moderate antitumoral activity, particularly 6, against six human cancer cell lines, K-562, PC-3, NCI-ADR/RES, OVCAR, 786-0 and NCI-H460, with GI50 values ≤ 9.45 µg/mL. Triazole derivatives 7 and 8 exhibited higher antitumoral activity toward OVCAR, MCF-7 and leukemia K-562 cell lines, exhibiting GI50 values less than 10 µg/mL. Compound 11 displayed significant activity against PC-3 (GI50 = 4.31 µg/mL), OVCAR (GI50 = 8.84 µg/mL) and K-562 (GI50 = 8.80 µg/mL) cell lines. Galloyl hydrazide (2) had cytotoxic activity in HepG2/C3A cells (IC50 = 153.7 µg/mL). In membrane permeability, cell count, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays, as determined using the IC50 of compound (2) in HepG2/C3A cells, increased membrane permeability, decreased cell count, altered cell cycle, and initial apoptosis was observed compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Thus, our results showed for the first time the synthesis, antiproliferative activity, and cytotoxicity of galloyl-substituted compounds. Galloyl-substitution does not have a very strong synergistic effect in the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation compared with galloyl hydrazide (2). Compound 2 demonstrated promising activity in HepG2/C3A hepatocarcinoma cells.

The Use of Natural Fiber-Rich Food Product Is Safe and Reduces Aberrant Crypt Foci in a Pre-Clinical Model

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is a highly prevalent disease, requiring effective strategies for prevention and treatment. The present research aimed to formulate a natural fiber-rich food product (NFRFP) and to evaluate its safety, toxicogenetics, and effects on aberrant crypt foci induced by 1,2-dimethyl-hydrazine in a preclinical model.

METHODS

A total of 78 male Wistar rats were distributed in six experimental groups: negative control, positive control (1,2-Dimethylhydrazine-40 mg/Kg), and four groups fed with 10% NFRFP: NFRFP, pre-treatment protocol, simultaneous treatment, and post-treatment protocol.

RESULTS

The NFRFP was shown to be a good source of fibers and did not change biometric, biochemical, hematological, and inflammatory parameters, and did not induce signs of toxicity and genotoxicity/carcinogenicity. NFRFP exhibited a chemopreventive effect, in all protocols, with damage reduction (% DR) of 75% in the comet test. NFRFP reduced the incidence of aberrant crypt outbreaks by 49.36% in the post-treatment protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest the applicability of NFRFP in the human diet due to potential production at an industrial scale and easy technological application in different products, since it could be incorporated in food without altering or causing small changes in final product sensory characteristics.

Pro-inflammatory response induced by the venom of Parachartergus fraternus wasp

The sting of different wasp species triggers local and systemic reactions in victims that can lead to death. Parachartergus fraternus is responsible for frequent accidents in Latin America; however, few studies have been conducted on this insect and its venom. In this study, the inflammatory process induced by the venom of the P. fraternus wasp (Pfv; 100, 200, and 400 μg/kg) was characterized. Mice were used to assess paw edema, vascular permeability, mast cell degranulation, leukocyte influx, nitric oxide (NO) production, expression of inflammatory genes, and histopathological changes. Pfv triggered edema formation with a peak dose of 200 μg/kg at 10 min. There was an increase in permeability in all periods and doses evaluated, with no differences between them. The 200 μg/kg dose induced mast cell degranulation in all periods, with a peak at 15 min. This same dose induced leukocyte influx with a predominance of mononuclear cells and triggered a peak in NO production in the 12th hour. The increase in COX-2, iNOS, and IFN-γ mRNA expression occurred after 1 and 6 h, and there was an increase in IL-10 expression after 48 h. In addition, Pfv triggered edema and induced an influx of macrophages and mast cells into the injection site. Therefore, Pfv induces an inflammatory process from the first 5 min of inoculation that can persist for up to 48 h.