Silibinin and Paclitaxel Cotreatment Significantly Suppress the Activity and Lung Metastasis of Triple Negative 4T1 Mammary Tumor Cell in Mice

Genipin-crosslinked albumin nanoparticles containing neratinib and silibinin: A dual-death therapy for triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells resist chemotherapy by hijacking apoptosis. Alternative cell death forms like ferroptosis offer new treatment options. A combined therapy using neratinib (NTB; ferroptosis inducer) and silibinin (SLB; apoptosis inducer) via albumin-based nanocarriers (N-S Alb NPs) was explored to target TNBC. N-S Alb NPs had optimal size (134.26 ± 10.23 nm), PDI (0.224 ± 0.01), and % entrapment efficiency (∼80 % for NTB and ∼87 % for SLB). Transmission electron microscopy confirmed their spherical shape. In vitro release studies showed sustained drug release without hemolysis risk. N-S Alb NPs had higher cellular uptake and cytotoxicity than individual drugs or their mixture. IC50 values for N-S Alb NPs were significantly reduced in MDA-MB-231 (∼2.23-fold) and 4T1 (∼1.85-fold) cell lines and apoptosis index were significantly higher in MDA-MB-231 (∼1.31-fold) and 4T1 cell line (∼1.35-fold) than the physical mixture of both drugs (NTB + SLB). N-S Alb NPs generated more reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caused mitochondrial membrane depolarization, indicating increased cell death. They also exhibited better ferroptosis induction by reducing glutathione (GSH), increasing Fe2+ activity and MDA levels in TNBC cells. Thus, N-S Alb NPs had the ability to promote "mixed" type cell death, showed promise in enhancing the payload capabilities and targeting in TNBC.

Synergistic Anti-Tumor Effect of Toosendanin and Paclitaxel on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via Regulating ADORA2A-EMT Related Signaling

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer with very poor prognosis. Combination therapy has proven to be a promising strategy for enhancing TNBC treatment efficacy. Toosendanin (TSN), a plant-derived triterpenoid, has shown pleiotropic effects against a variety of tumors. Herein, it is evaluated whether TSN can enhance the efficacy of paclitaxel (PTX), a common chemotherapeutic agent, against TNBC. It is found that TSN and PTX synergistically suppress the proliferation of TNBC cell lines such as MDA-MB-231 and BT-549, and the combined treatment also inhibits the colony formation and induces cell apoptosis. Furthermore, this combination shows more marked migratory inhibition when compared to PTX alone. Mechanistic study shows that the ADORA2A pathway in TNBC is down-regulated by the combination treatment via mediating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, the combined treatment of TSN and PTX significantly attenuates the tumor growth when compared to PTX monotherapy in a mouse model bearing 4T1 tumor. The results suggest that combination of TSN and PTX is superior to PTX alone, suggesting that it may be a promising alternative adjuvant chemotherapy strategy for patients with TNBC, especially those with metastatic TNBC.

Role of Plant-Derived Flavonoids in Cancer Treatment

Flavonoids are polyphenolic phytochemicals, which occur naturally in plants and possess both anti-oxidant and pro-oxidant properties. Flavonoids are gaining increasing popularity in the pharmaceutical industry as healthy and cost-effective compounds. Flavonoids show beneficial pharmacological activities in the treatment and prevention of various types of diseases. They are natural and less toxic agents for cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy via regulation of multiple cell signaling pathways and pro-oxidant effects. In this review, we have summarized the mechanisms of action of selected flavonoids, and their pharmacological implications and potential therapeutic applications in cancer therapy.

Molecular Imaging of Oxygenation Changes during Immunotherapy in Combination with Paclitaxel in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Hypoxia is a common feature of the tumor microenvironment, including that of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive breast cancer subtype with a high five-year mortality rate. Using [18F]-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, we aimed to monitor changes in response to immunotherapy (IMT) with chemotherapy in TNBC. TNBC-tumor-bearing mice received paclitaxel (PTX) ± immune checkpoint inhibitors anti-programmed death 1 and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte 4. FMISO-PET imaging was performed on treatment days 0, 6, and 12. Max and mean standard uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean, respectively), histological analyses, and flow cytometry results were compared. FMISO-PET imaging revealed differences in tumor biology between treatment groups prior to tumor volume changes. 4T1 responders showed SUVmean 1.6-fold lower (p = 0.02) and 1.8-fold lower (p = 0.02) than non-responders on days 6 and 12, respectively. E0771 responders showed SUVmean 3.6-fold lower (p = 0.001) and 2.7-fold lower (p = 0.03) than non-responders on days 6 and 12, respectively. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed IMT plus PTX decreased hypoxia and proliferation and increased vascularity compared to control. Combination IMT/PTX recovered the loss of CD4+ T-cells observed with single-agent therapies. PET imaging can provide timely, longitudinal data on the TNBC tumor microenvironment, specifically intratumoral hypoxia, predicting therapeutic response to IMT plus chemotherapy.

Suppression of the malignancy of mammary tumor in mice model by inactivated preparation of Mycobacterium obuense

Breast cancer (BC) is a significant cause of global mortality in women. This study was aimed to evaluate the immune-activation of malignant BC via the administration of attenuated Mycobacterium obuense. For this purpose, an in vivo model was developed with BALB/c mice. Mice were injected with 2.00 × 10⁶ 4T1 cells with breast tumor cell line. Forty-two mice were equally divided into control as well as low dose (0.20 mg 100 µL^-1) and high dose (0.50 mg 100 µL^-1) groups of M. obuense to investigate gene expression in the antitumor effects of M. obuense. In one group, paclitaxel was administrated as a choice drug in BC treatment. Antitumor manners were characterized by cytotoxicity against tumor target cells, size of the tumor and the expression of some BC metastatic genes together with pathology. The MTT assay demonstrated that different concentrations of both low and a high dose of bacteria did present no cytotoxicity effect on 4T1 cells. According to our findings, M. obuense significantly repressed tumor growth. M. obuense downregulated the expression of collagen type I alpha 1 (COLIA1), cFos, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), claudin 3 (cldn3), and conversely, activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and Twist related protein-1 (Twist1). All these alternations induced a decrease in the migratory and invasive capabilities of BC. The result of pathology was indicative of tumor regression in the paclitaxel and HK- M. obuense -recipient group. Thus, it seems most likely that M. obuense might impinge upon cell growth and metastatic behavior of malignant cells exerting anti-tumor activity in BC.

Isolation and Characterization of Crab Haemolymph Exosomes and Its Effects on Breast Cancer Cells (4T1)

OBJECTIVE

The use of animal or plant exosomes in cancer treatment is promising because of their easy access and low cost. Freshwater crabs are used in traditional Iranian medicine to treat cancer. This study aims to determine the anti-cancer properties of exosomes removed from freshwater crabs on a breast cancer cell line (4T1) compared to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, crab haemolymph exosomes were isolated via the precipitation method and characterised by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Western blot analysis. The protein concentration and total antioxidant capacity of these exosomes were determined by bicinchoninic acid (BCA) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). The 4T1 cells and BMSCs were treated with exosomes and we assessed the cell survival by the resazurin and MTT assays. The level of nitric oxide (NO) secretion from the 4T1 cells was determined after treatment with the exosomes.

RESULTS

Electron microscopy, DLS and Western blot for CD63 confirmed that the isolated exosomes were <100 nm in size and expressed CD63. The total antioxidant capacity in these exosomes was 1.003 μM/ml and the protein concentration was 650 mg/ml. Resazurin and MTT assay results showed a decrease in survival of the 4T1 cells (P≤0.001) after treatment with the exosomes compared to cell growth in the exosome-treated BMSCs.

CONCLUSION

Crab haemolymph contains protein-rich exosomes with antioxidant activities that can have anti-cancer effects on 4T1 cells. These exosomes may be proposed for breast cancer therapeutics.

Iminodibenzyl induced redirected COX-2 activity inhibits breast cancer progression

Knocking down delta-5-desaturase (D5D) by siRNA or shRNA is a promising strategy to achieve 8-hydroxyoctanoic acid (8-HOA) production for cancer inhibition. However, the RNAi-based strategy to stimulate 8-HOA is restricted due to endonucleases mediated physiological degradation and off-target effects. Thus, to get persistent 8-HOA in the cancer cell, we recognized a D5D inhibitor Iminodibenzyl. Here, we have postulated that Iminodibenzyl, by inhibiting D5D activity, could shift the di-homo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) peroxidation from arachidonic acid to 8-HOA in high COX-2 microenvironment of 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. We observed that Iminodibenzyl stimulated 8-HOA caused HDAC activity reduction resulting in intrinsic apoptosis pathway activation. Additionally, reduced filopodia and lamellipodia, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers give rise to decreased cancer cell migration. In the orthotopic breast cancer model, the combination of Iminodibenzyl and DGLA reduced tumor size. From in vitro and in vivo studies, we concluded that Iminodibenzyl could reprogram COX-2 induced DGLA peroxidation to produce anti-cancer activity.

A Comparative Study on Anticancer Effects of the Alhagi maurorum and Amygdalus haussknechtii Extracts Alone and in Combination with Docetaxel on 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells

Medicinal plants have long been studied due to their anticancer effects and use of them is commonly increased as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM therapies) among patients with cancer. In this study, Alhagi maurorum (A.m) and Amygdalus haussknechtii (A.h) extracts were evaluated for their effects on inhibiting the growth of 4T1 breast cancer cells. Based on MTT assay results, the IC50s of A.m and A.h extracts were 57 µg/ml and 85 µg/ml, respectively. Then the cell migration, gene expression, and degree of apoptosis after 48 hours in each treated group with A.m and A.h extracts alone or in combination with docetaxel (DTX) on 4T1 cells were evaluated. A.m had a synergistic behavior with DTX (CI < 1). A.h reduced DTX IC50 but presented CI > 1. Cell migration assay showed that each extract alone or in combination with DTX prevented the migration of 4T1 cells. The Ao/EB staining and flowcytometry results confirmed that, in combination therapy, A.m + DTX and A.h + DTX induced apoptosis close to the level of DTX. Real-time PCR analysis showed that A.m + DTX (IC50 + IC25) downregulated the mRNA expression of HIF-1α and FZD7. A.m + DTX (IC50 + IC10) group decreased the expression of HIF-1α. Moreover, in A.h + DTX (IC50 + IC25) group, β-Catenin and FZD7 were downregulated and upregulated, respectively. Generally, our findings suggest that the combination of A.m and DTX possesses synergistic antitumor effects on 4T1 cells, which may be a valuable choice for CAM therapies. A.h has an acceptable antitumor activity but not in combination with DTX.

Redox-sensitive hyaluronic acid-cholesterol nanovehicles potentiate efficient transmembrane internalization and controlled release for penetrated "full-line" inhibition of pre-metastatic initiation

Metastatic breast cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The tumor-specific penetration and triggered drug release for "full-line" inhibition of pre-metastatic initiation are of essential importance in improving mortality rates. Here, a crosslinked, redox-sensitive amphiphilic conjugate (cHLC) was constructed with a combination of features, including hyaluronic acid (HA)-mediated tumor active targeting, lipoic acid (LA) core-crosslinking based bio-stability and reducibility, and lipid raft anchoring-promoted HA-mediated endocytosis through cholesterol (CHO) modification for the penetrated co-delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) and the multi-targeted anti-metastatic agent, silibinin (SB). Resultantly, the nanodrug (cHLC/(PTX + SB)) demonstrated enhanced tumor cytoplasm-selective rapid drug delivery in a 4T1 model both in vitro and in vivo. The released SB efficiently sensitized cells to PTX treatment and inhibited the whole process of pre-metastatic initiation including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), local and blood vessel invasion. The exquisite design of this delivery system provides a deep insight into enhancing focus accessibility of multi-targeted drugs for an efficient inhibition of tumor metastasis.

The Anticancer Properties of Silibinin: Its Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Effect in Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Silibinin (SB), the main component of Silymarin (SM), is a natural substance obtained from the seeds of the milk thistle. SM contains up to 70% of SB as two isoforms: A and B. It has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on hepatocytes and is known to inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and curb angiogenesis. SB has demonstrated activity against many cancers, such as skin, liver, lung, bladder, and breast carcinomas.

METHODS

This review presents current knowledge of the use of SM in breast cancer, this being one of the most common types of cancer in women. It describes selected molecular mechanisms of the action of SM; for example, although SB influences both Estrogen Receptors (ER), α and β, it has opposite effects on the two. Its action on ERα influences the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/ERK signaling pathways, while by up-regulating ERβ, it increases the numbers of apoptotic cells. In addition, ERα is involved in SB-induced autophagy, while ERβ is not. Interestingly, SB also inhibits metastasis by suppressing TGF-β2 expression, thus suppressing Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). It also influences migration and invasive potential via the Jak2/STAT3 pathway.

RESULTS

SB may be a promising enhancement of BC treatment: when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs such as carboplatin, cisplatin, and doxorubicin, the combination exerts a synergistic effect against cancer cells. This may be of value when treating aggressive types of mammary carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Summarizing, SB inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and restrains metastasis via several mechanisms. It is possible to combine SB with different anticancer drugs, an approach that represents a promising therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from BC.

Network pharmacology-based evaluation of natural compounds with paclitaxel for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is a prevalent life-threatening disease. Paclitaxel (PTX) is widely used in metastatic breast cancer therapy, but the side effects limit its chemotherapeutic application. Multidrug strategies have recently been used to maximize potency and decrease the toxicity of a particular drug by reducing its dosage. Therefore, we have evaluated the combined anti-cancerous effect of PTX with tested natural compounds (andrographolide (AND), silibinin (SIL), mimosine (MIM) and trans-anethole (TA)) using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, trypan blue dye exclusion assay, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining, network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) and in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis assay. We observed a reduction in the IC₅₀ value of PTX with tested natural compounds. Further, the network pharmacology-based analysis of compound-disease-target (C-D-T) network showed that PTX, AND, SIL, MIM and TA targeted 55, 61, 56, 31 and 18 proteins of metastatic breast cancer, respectively. Molecular docking results indicated that AND and SIL inhibited the C-D-T network's core target kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) protein more effectively than others. While MD showed that the binding of AND with KDR was stronger and more stable than others. In trypan blue dye exclusion assay and PCNA staining, AND and SIL along with PTX were found to be more effective than PTX alone. CAM assay results suggested that AND, SIL and TA increase the anti-angiogenic potential of PTX. Thus, natural compounds can be used to improve the anti-cancer potential of PTX.

Paclitaxel-Based Chemotherapy Targeting Cancer Stem Cells from Mono- to Combination Therapy

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapeutical agent commonly used to treat several kinds of cancer. PTX is known as a microtubule-targeting agent with a primary molecular mechanism that disrupts the dynamics of microtubules and induces mitotic arrest and cell death. Simultaneously, other mechanisms have been evaluated in many studies. Since the anticancer activity of PTX was discovered, it has been used to treat many cancer patients and has become one of the most extensively used anticancer drugs. Regrettably, the resistance of cancer to PTX is considered an extensive obstacle in clinical applications and is one of the major causes of death correlated with treatment failure. Therefore, the combination of PTX with other drugs could lead to efficient therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of PTX, and the current studies focusing on PTX and review promising combinations.

Peptidomic analysis of pilose antler and its inhibitory effect on triple-negative breast cancer at multiple sites

Pilose antler (PA) is a traditional Chinese functional food that has been reported to inhibit breast cancer; however, the specific substances that exert this effect and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study aims to identify the specific proteins in PA water-soluble polypeptides (PAWPs) that are involved in cancer inhibition and determine the effects of PAWPs on triple-negative breast cancer in mice. In this study, peptidomic analysis of 105 varieties of polypeptides from PAWPs was carried out using LC-MS, 22 of which had functions that could potentially suppress tumors, including endopeptidase inhibitors, metal ion-binding proteins, angiogenesis inhibitors, intercellular adhesion proteins, and extracellular matrix repair proteins. Furthermore, we showed that intragastric administration of PAWPs into mice inhibited the growth and metastasis of triple-negative 4T1 breast tumors. PAWPs activated the expression of cleaved-caspase3 and increased tumor apoptosis, resulting in the reduction of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1/CD31) expression and the number of blood vessels, as well as the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9, increasing the ratio of Cadherin-1 (CDH1)/Cadherin-2 (CDH2) and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in these tumors. Therefore, PAWPs inhibit the progression and metastasis of triple-negative 4T1 breast cancer at multiple key sites in mice and contain various tumor suppressor proteins that are potentially involved in these processes.

Monascin accelerates anoikis in circulating tumor cells and prevents breast cancer metastasis

Anoikis resistance has been observed in various types of cancers in which anchorage-independent growth is a crucial step for cancer metastasis. Therefore, agents interfering with this specific cancer cell behavior may be integrated into novel antimetastatic strategies. Monascin (MS), a secondary metabolite found in Monascus species, is a known potent chemopreventive compound used for treating metabolic complications; however, the effect of MS on anoikis resistance has not been investigated. In this study, 4T1 breast cells were treated with MS under either suspension or adhesion conditions. The higher cytotoxicity of MS was more potent against suspended cells than against adherent cells. This selective cytotoxicity was due to the induction of anoikis, which was evidenced by changes in cell aggregation, caspase activity, and Annexin V/propidium iodide binding as well as the results of systemic metastasis in an animal model. Furthermore, MS inhibited E-cadherin and β-catenin expression in the cells; the treated cells formed spherical aggregates, which suggested that anchorage-independent growth was prevented by MS. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the growth-preventing effect of MS on cancer cells and indicate the potential ability of MS to suppress metastasis.

Bidirect effects from cisplatin combine with rosmarinic acid (RA) or hot water extracts of Glechoma hederacea (HWG) on renal cancer cells

Background

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a chemotherapeutic drug which also causes adverse side effects. Glechoma hederacea is a traditional Chinese herb belonging to the Labiatae family and has many biological activities. Our previous study indicated that rosmarinic acid (RA) was the most abundant phytochemical in G. hederacea. However, the antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects of the combined treatment of G. hederacea, RA and CDDP on human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) 786-O cells have not been clearly demonstrated. We aimed to investigate the bioefficacy of hot water extracts of G. hederacea (HWG) and RA in inhibiting RCC 786-O cell activity and its synergism with CDDP against metastatic renal cancer cell.

Methods

Bioactivities of the combination treatment of HWG, RA, HWG/CDDP and RA/CDDP were assessed using the MTT assay and transwell migration, and the crude extract/compound efficacy was evaluated using wound healing migration assays, flow cytometry and western blotting.

Results

Our study indicates that CDDP inhibits 786-O cell proliferation and migration and HWG and RA protect against these effects. On the other hand, HWG and RA demonstrate a low cytotoxic effect in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line -2 (HK-2 cells). Cell cycle analysis found that HWG/CDDP and RA/CDDP combined treatment exerted cytotoxicity by inducing G2/M arrest and apoptosis. RA in combined with CDDP significantly inhibiting the expression of p-FAK (Tyr 925) in RCC 786-O cells in vitro.

Conclusion

We propose that the inhibition of RA on RCC 786-O cell invasion and migration may partly occur through the downregulation of FAK phosphorylation. The HWG/CDDP and RA/CDDP combined treatments may be effective strategies for intervention of RCC 786-O cell activity.

Phyto-sesquiterpene lactone deoxyelephantopin and cisplatin synergistically suppress lung metastasis of B16 melanoma in mice with reduced nephrotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapeutic drug for treating melanoma that also causes adverse side effects in cancer patients.

PURPOSE

This study investigated the bioefficacy of a phytoagent deoxyelephantopin (DET) in inhibiting B16 melanoma cell activity, its synergism with CP against metastatic melanoma, and its capability to attenuate CP side effects in animals.

METHODS

DET and CP bioactivities were assessed by MTT assay, isobologram analysis, time-lapse microscopy, migration and invasion assays, flow cytometry and western blotting. In vivo bioluminescence imaging was used to detect lung metastasis of B16 cells carrying COX-2 reporter gene in syngeneic mice. H&E staining and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the compound/drug efficacy and CP side effects. Nephrotoxicity caused by CP treatment in mice was evaluated by UPLC/ESI-QTOF MS - based metabolomics and haematometry.

RESULT

DET, alone or in combination with cisplatin, inhibited B16 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced cell-cycle arrested at the G₂/M phase and de-regulated cell-cycle mediators in cancer cells. In a murine B16^COX-Luc metastatic allograft model, CP2 (2  mg/kg) treatment inhibited B16 lung metastasis accompanied by severe body weight loss, renal damage and inflammation, and haematological toxicity. DET10 and CP cotreatment (DET10 + CP1) or sequential treatment (CP2→DET10) significantly inhibited formation of pulmonary melanoma foci and reduced renal damage. DET pretreatment (Pre-DET10) or CP2→DET10 treatment had the longest survival (52  vs. 37 days for tumor control mice). CP treatment caused abnormally accumulated urea cycle metabolites and serotonin metabolite hippuric acid in renal tissues that were not seen with DET alone or in combination with CP.

CONCLUSION

The CP and DET combination may be an effective intervention for melanoma with reduced side effects.

Efficacy of punarnavine in restraining organ-specific tumour progression in 4T1-induced murine breast tumour model

Most of the breast cancer deaths occur when cancer cells depart from their tumour of origin and spread systemically and colonise distant organs. The present study was to find out whether punarnavine, the quinolizidine alkaloid, with already proven antimetastatic effect on spontaneous B16F10 pulmonary metastasis has got any effect on a drastic organ-specific breast cancer spread. For the study, we selected a syngenic mouse 4T1 breast tumour model that mimics stage four of human breast cancer. The metastatic progression of 4T1 to lymph nodes, lungs, and liver was reduced by punarnavine (40 mg/kg body weight) administration in BALB/c mice. This was evident from the histopathology of these organs as well as from the reduction in the metastatic cell density of cultured 6-thioguanine-resistant 4T1 cells in the punarnavine-treated group compared to the control group. There was also a significant (p < 0.0001) inhibition of the primary breast tumour growth in the orthotopic site of induction with a simultaneous increase (p < 0.0001) in the life span of treated animals. The assessment of biochemical parameters such as hydroxyproline, hexosamine, uronic acid, sialic acid and γ-glutamyl transferase and the analysis of various cytokines VEGF, IL-1β, TNF-α and GM-CSF showed a similar pattern of reduction in punarnavine (p < 0.0001) treated group compared to the control group. The gene expression study revealed the inhibitory effect of punarnavine on the major genes MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and VEGF involved in the metastatic process. These findings undeniably proved the potential of this quinolizidine alkaloid in combating breast tumour development and its progression in the studied murine model.

Enhancement of anticancer activity by silibinin and paclitaxel combination on the ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian carcinoma is the most lethal cancer among all gynaecological malignancies. One of the most chemotherapy drugs used for ovarian cancer is paclitaxel which induces apoptosis. Paclitaxel has been used for many years. Similar to the most cancers this responds to chemotherapy initially but in a long run, drug resistance happens which fails the treatment procedure. Combination of chemotherapy drugs has been suggested to deal with this issue. Silibinin, a plant extraction, has been used from ancient time in traditional medicine and identified to have powerful antioxidant activity.

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of paclitaxel and silibinin combination on SKOV-3 cancer cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The human epithelial ovarian cancer cell line, SKOV-3, was cultured and treated with paclitaxel, silibinin and paclitaxel plus silibinin for 48 hours. MTT assay was carried out to determine cell viability. For apoptotic process, we used real-time PCR to study P53 and P21 genes expression after drug treatment and network analysis was performed using Pathway Studio web tool (Elsevier).

RESULTS

Cell growth was inhibited considerably (p < .05) by combination of paclitaxel and silibinin after 48 hours of treatment. Also silibinin and paclitaxel combination induced apoptosis in SKOV-3 cells. Expression analysis by real-time PCR showed the significant up-regulation of two tumour suppressor genes, P53 and P21 in response to combination of silibinin and paclitaxel. In addition, computational network analysis demonstrated the crosstalk between paclitaxel, silibinin and ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that combination of chemotherapy drugs of silibinin and paclitaxel can be more efficient in treatment of ovarian cancer cells.

ImageJ macros for the user-friendly analysis of soft-agar and wound-healing assays

Recent advances in biological imaging techniques and the enormous amount of data they generate call for the development of computational tools for efficient and reliable high-throughput analysis. Several software applications with this functionality are available, and one of the most commonly used is ImageJ. Here, we present two independent macros (WH_NJ and SA_NJ) for automating and facilitating the analysis of images acquired from two in vitro assays frequently used in cancer studies and drug screening: the wound-healing and soft-agar assays. These two algorithms combine, in a single command, the steps required for the individual analysis of each image using ImageJ. WH_NJ and SA_NJ allow fast, reproducible data analysis without the experimental bias inherent in manual analyses, thus guaranteeing the robustness and reliability of the results.

Novel sesquiterpene lactone analogues as potent anti-breast cancer agents

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with high grade, metastatic phenotype, younger patient age, and poor prognosis. The discovery of an effective anti-TNBC agent has been a challenge in oncology. In this study, fifty-eight ester derivatives (DETDs) with a novel sesquiterpene dilactone skeleton were organically synthesized from a bioactive natural product deoxyelephantopin (DET). Among them, DETD-35 showed potent antiproliferative activities against a panel of breast cancer cell lines including TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231, without inhibiting normal mammary cells M10. DETD-35 exhibited a better effect than parental DET on inhibiting migration, invasion, and motility of MDA-MB-231 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Comparative study of DETD-35, DET and chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel (PTX) showed that PTX mainly caused a typical time-dependent G2/M cell-cycle arrest, while DETD-35 or DET treatment induced cell apoptosis. In vivo efficacy of DETD-35 was evaluated using a lung metastatic MDA-MB-231 xenograft mouse model. DETD-35 significantly suppressed metastatic pulmonary foci information along with the expression level of VEGF and COX-2 in SCID mice. DETD-35 also showed a synergistic antitumor effect with PTX in vitro and in vivo. This study suggests that the novel compound DETD-35 may have a potential to be further developed into a therapeutic or adjuvant agent for chemotherapy against metastatic TNBC.

Chemopreventive and immunomodulatory effects of Murraya koenigii aqueous extract on 4T1 breast cancer cell-challenged mice

BACKGROUND

The progression of breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate, particularly in western countries. Meanwhile, the lower incidence in Asian countries could be attributed to the heavy incorporation of green leaves vegetables or spices in their diets. Murraya koenigii (MK) or often times known as curry leaves are common spice used mostly in tropical countries. Anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effects of MK aqueous extract on 4T1 breast cancer cell-challenged mice were evaluated.

METHODS

Herein, cytotoxic activity of MK was first tested on 4T1 cells in vitroby MTT assay. Then, in vivo chemopreventive study was conducted where mice were fed with extracts prior to and after inducing the tumor (inoculation). Tumor size was monitored post-4T1 inoculation. At the end of experiment, histopathology of tumor sections, T cell immunophenotyping, tumor nitric oxide level, serum cytokine level and qPCR analysis on expression of iNOS, iCAM, NF-kB and c-MYC were performed.

RESULTS

MK reduced the tumors' size and lung metastasis aside from inhibited the viability of 4T1 cells in vitro. Furthermore, it decreased the level of nitric oxide and inflammation-related cytokines and genes, including iNOS, iCAM, NF-kB and c-MYC.

CONCLUSION

The results propose that, MK managed to inhibit the progression of tumor via immunostimulatory effect and inflammatory reaction within the tumor samples. This suggests that MKconsumption could be a savior in the search of new chemopreventive agents.