Verbascoside: Identification, Quantification, and Potential Sensitization of Colorectal Cancer Cells to 5-FU by Targeting PI3K/AKT Pathway

A New Culture Medium Rich in Phenols Used for Screening Bitter Degrading Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Employ in Table Olive Production

The olive oil industry recently introduced a novel multi-phase decanter with the "Leopard DMF" series, which gives a by-product called pâté, made up of pulp and olive wastewater with a high content of phenolic substances and without pits. This study aims to create a new culture medium, the Olive Juice Broth (OJB), from DMF pâté, and apply it to select bacteria strains able to survive and degrade the bitter substances normally present in the olive fruit. Thirty-five different bacterial strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum from the CREA-IT.PE Collection of Microorganisms were tested. Seven strains characterized by ≥50% growth in OJB (B31, B137, B28, B39, B124, B130, and B51) showed a degradation of the total phenolic content of OJB ≥ 30%. From this set, L. plantarum B51 strain was selected as a starter for table olive production vs. spontaneous fermentation. The selected inoculant effectively reduced the debittering time compared to spontaneous fermentation. Hydroxytyrosol, derived from oleuropein and verbascoside degradation, and tyrosol, derived from ligstroside degradation, were produced faster than during spontaneous fermentation. The OJB medium is confirmed to be useful in selecting bacterial strains resistant to the complex phenolic environment of the olive fruit.

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Centella asiatica and Madecassic Acid Reverse Depressive-Like Behaviors, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Adult Rats Submitted to Stress in Early Life

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe disorder that causes enormous loss of quality of life, and among the factors underlying MDD is stress in maternal deprivation (MD). In addition, classic pharmacotherapy has presented severe adverse effects. Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) demonstrates a potential neuroprotective effect but has not yet been evaluated in MD models. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of C. asiatica extract and the active compound madecassic acid on possible depressive-like behavior, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the hippocampus and serum of young rats submitted to MD in the first days of life. Rats (after the first day of birth) were separated from the mother for 3 h a day for 10 days. When adults, these animals were divided into groups and submitted to treatment for 14 days. After subjecting the animals to protocols of locomotor activity in the open field and behavioral despair in the forced swimming test, researchers then euthanized the animals. The hippocampus and serum were collected and analyzed for the inflammatory cytokines and oxidative markers. The C. asiatica extract and active compound reversed or reduced depressive-like behaviors, inflammation in the hippocampus, and oxidative stress in serum and hippocampus. These results suggest that C. asiatica and madecassic acid have potential antidepressant action, at least partially, through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profiles.

Verbascoside inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by the methyltransferase 3-mediated microRNA-31-5p/homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 axis

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the effects of verbascoside on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cellular behaviors and underlying molecular mechanisms.

DESIGN

For this purpose, SCC9 and UM1 cell lines were treated with verbascoside, and their biological behaviors, including proliferation, migration, and invasion, were evaluated using cell counting kit-8, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, and Transwell assays. The expression of methyltransferase-3 (METTL3), microRNA (miR)- 31-5p, and homeodomain interacting protein kinase-2 (HIPK2) were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The interaction between METTL3 and miR-31-5p was evaluated by RNA immunoprecipitation and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, while the interaction between miR-31-5p and HIPK2 was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter analysis.

RESULTS

The results indicated inhibition of OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion post verbascoside treatment. Similarly, METTL3 was upregulated in OSCC cells and was inhibited post-verbascoside treatment. Overexpressing METTL3 promoted the cellular processes. Moreover, miR-31-5p was upregulated in OSCC cells, where METTL3 facilitated the processing of miR-31-5p in an N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-dependent manner. The HIPK2 served as miR-31-5p target, where overexpressing miR-31-5p or HIPK2 knockdown reversed the suppression of verbascoside-induced biological behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Verbascoside inhibited the progression of OSCC by inhibiting the METTL3-regulated miR-31-5p/HIPK2 axis. These findings suggested that verbascoside might be an effective drug for OSCC therapy.

Comment on the "Eco-friendly and efficient extraction of polyphenols from Ligustrum robustum by deep eutectic solvent assisted ultrasound"

Qin et al. have proposed an ecological and efficient method of extraction polyphenols from the leaves of Ligustrum robustum using eutectic solvents, assisted by ultrasounds. The authors tested a number of solvents, optimized the extraction parameters and explored the extraction mechanism. According to the results of biological activity experiments of the prepared Ligustrum robustum leaves extracts, they seem promising for practical applications. The issue which is disputable is the identification of the phenolic compounds by using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, as described in details in this comment.

Storage Effects on Bioactive Phenols in Calabrian Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oils Based on the EFSA Health Claim

The beneficial properties of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on lipids blood levels were recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) with a health claim, specifically referring to EVOOs containing at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its secoiridoids derivatives per 20 g of oil. The main purpose of the work was to characterize the phenolic profile of two commercially available Calabrian monovarietal EVOOs (Nocellara del Belice, VN; Dolce di Rossano, VDR), and to study the effect of one-year storage on secoiridoids composition, by monthly controls. A new UHPLC-ESI-HRMS method was developed and validated, thus facilitating the EFSA claim application and allowing producers to valorize their products. Seven biologically active compounds were chosen: tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal, oleacein, oleuropein aglycone, verbascoside, and oleuropein. LODs and LOQs were 0.001-0.02 mg g-1 and 0.002-0.08 mg g-1, respectively. The variation coefficients were ≤20% and the percentage of recovery was between 89-109%. During the 12-month storage period, the concentration of selected compounds ranged between 1258.78-1478.91 mg Kg-1 for VN, and 1408.22-2071.45 mg Kg-1 for VDR, with a decrease of 15% and 32% respectively. The method allows an accurate quantification of EVOO phenols thus being useful to certify the nutraceutical properties of olive oil.

Phytochemical Profiling by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS of Kalaharia uncinata (Schinz) Moldenke, Widely Used in Traditional Medicine in DR Congo

Kalaharia uncinata (Schinz) Moldenke, is a tropical erect bushy shrub or subshrub of the Lamiaceae family. It is an endemic plant species of Southern Africa, widely used in the pharmacopoeia against upper respiratory tract infections. A previously conducted ethnobotanical survey revealed that it is believed to contain bioactive substances. However, no relevant phytochemical information was available. This study aimed to perform a phytochemical characterization of K. uncinata and also to discuss the potential bioactivity of the identified phytochemical constituents based on documented data. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) was used for profiling and identification of the main phytochemical constituents from leaf extracts (MeOH 90 %, DCM, AcOEt, BuOH, hexane and residue) of K.uncinata. Twenty-four constituents, representing mainly flavonoids (14), followed by phenylethanoid glycosides (7), phenolic acids (2), and an iridoid glycoside (1) were tentatively identified. Most of the identified compounds are documented to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which could possibly be the rationale behind the use of K. uncinata against upper respiratory tract infections.

Metabolomics analysis reveals the differences between Abrus cantoniensis Hance and Abrus mollis Hance

BACKGROUND

Abrus cantoniensis Hance. (Ac) and Abrus mollis (Am), two edible and medicinal plants with economic value in southern China, belong to the Abrus genus. Due to its growth characteristics, Am often replaces Ac in folk medicine. However, the latest National Pharmacopeia of China only recommends Ac. The differences in the metabolite composition of the plants are directly related to the differences in their clinical efficacy.

RESULTS

The difference in metabolites were analyzed using an untargeted metabolomic approach based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‒ESI‒MS/MS). The roots (R), stems (S) and leaves (L) of the two varieties were examined, and 635 metabolites belonging to 8 classes were detected. A comparative study revealed clear variations in the metabolic profiles of the two plants, and the AmR group had more active ingredients (flavonoids and terpenoids) than the AcR group. The metabolites classified as flavonoids and triterpene saponins showed considerable variations among the various samples. Both Ac and Am had unique metabolites. Two metabolites (isovitexin-2''-xyloside and soyasaponin V) specifically belong to Ac, and nine metabolites (vitexin-2"-O-galactoside, ethyl salicylate, 6-acetamidohexanoic acid, rhein-8-O-glucoside, hederagenin-3-O-glucuronide-28-O-glucosyl(1,2)-glucoside, methyl dioxindole-3-acetate, veratric acid, isorhamnetin-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-rhamnoside, and isorhamnetin-3-O-sophoroside) specifically belong to Am.

CONCLUSIONS

The metabolite differences between Ac and Am cause the differences in their clinical efficacy. Our findings serve as a foundation for further investigation of biosynthesis pathways and associated bioactivities and provide guidance for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Verbascoside from Clerodendrum glandulosum Leaves for Analysis of Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities

Verbascoside (VER) is a phenylethanoid glycoside compound found in Clerodendrum species and is an important part of traditional medicine. It is found in the leaves of Clerodendrum glandulosum, which is taken as a soup or vegetable and also utilized in traditional medicine by the people of Northeast India, especially against hypertension and diabetes. In the present study, VER was extracted from C. glandulosum leaves using ultrasound-assisted extraction through the solvent extraction method (ethanol-water, ethanol, and water). The ethanol extract had the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents, viz., 110.55 mg GAE/g and 87.60 mg QE/g, respectively. HPLC and LC-MS were used to identify the active phenolic compound, and VER was found to be the main component present in the extraction with a molecular weight of 624.59 g/mol. NMR (¹H, 2D-COSY) analysis showed the presence of hydroxytyrosol, caffeic acid, glucose, and rhamnose in the VER backbone. Further, different antioxidant activities and antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemia enzyme markers' inhibition against VER-enriched ethanol extract were evaluated. The results showed that ultrasound extraction of polyphenols using ethanol from C. glandulosum could be a promising technique for the extraction of bioactive compounds.

Phytochemical profiling of polyphenols and thyroid stimulatory activity of Ficus religiosa leaf extract in 6-propyl-thiouracil-induced hypothyroid rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The plant, Ficus religiosa (L.) from the family Moraceae, has been extensively used in Ayurveda and Unani. Traditionally this plant is known for the treatment of constipation, liver diseases and neurological disorders that are related to hypothyroidism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was primarily designed to evaluate the effect of Ficus religiosa leaf (FL) extract in ameliorating hypothyroidism in rats and to identify the major bioactive compounds in the test extract that might be responsible for the thyroid-altering activity. In addition, the probable mechanism underlying the thyroid regulation of the main FL constituents were analyzed by molecular docking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult female Wistar rats were used. LC-ESI-MS/MS was performed to identify the compounds present in the extract. HPLC analysis of FL extract was also performed. A pilot study was made using 3 doses of FL extract. Out of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg appeared to be the most effective one as it could increase thyroid hormones and decreased TSH levels. In the final experiment, propyl-thiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroid rats were orally treated with FL extract (100 mg/kg) or L-thyroxine (100 μg/kg, i.p.) daily for 28 consecutive days. On 29th day, all rats were sacrificed and the serum levels of triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), thyrotropin (TSH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and hepatic 5' deiodinase-1(5'D1) were estimated by ELISA. Liver marker enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, ALT and aspartate aminotransferase, AST); total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG); hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activities of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) content were estimated in liver tissues.

RESULTS

LC-MS-MS analyses of the leaf extract identified 11 compounds including the three major compounds, betulinic acid (BA), chlorogenic acid (CGA), and quinic acid (QA). While the PTU treatment decreased the levels of thyroid hormones and 5'D1 activity, it increased the TSH, ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-6, TC, and TG levels. Furthermore, hepatic LPO significantly increased with a decrease in reduced GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx. However, FL treatment in PTU-induced animals nearly reversed these adverse effects and improved liver function by decreasing ALT, AST, hepatic LPO and increasing the levels of antioxidants. FL not only improved the liver histology, but also suppressed the inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6 in PTU-induced animals. A molecular docking study towards the understanding of the thyroid stimulatory mechanism of action revealed that BA, CGA, and QA might have augmented thyroid hormones by interacting with the thyroid hormone receptor (TRβ1) and TSH receptor (TSHR).

CONCLUSION

For the first time, we report the pro-thyroidal potential of Ficus religiosa leaf extract. We postulate that its main bioactive compounds, BA, CGA, and QA involved in this action may serve as novel thyroid agonists in ameliorating hypothyroidism.

Cytotoxic Effect of Phenylethanoid Glycosides Isolated from Plantago lanceolata L

The aim of the study is to investigate whether the bioactive compounds isolated from P. lanceolata inflorescences, namely, phenylethanoid glucosides, acteoside, plantamajoside, and a flavonoid, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside-4'-O-glucoside, possessed cytotoxic activity against the selected cancer cell lines. The potential antitumor effects of two phenylethanoid glycosides and one flavonoid were evaluated via MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay on seven human carcinoma cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, Caco-2, HepG2, OVCAR-3, U138-MG, U251-MG) and one nontumorigenic mammary epithelial cell line (MCF-12A). For the first time, acteoside was studied in ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR-3, and plantamajoside in all cell lines except breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-281 and hepatocarcinoma HepG2. The phenylethanoid glycosides showed stronger cytotoxic activity than that of the glycoside flavonoid. Acteoside and plantamajoside, at concentrations of 200 and 300 μM, respectively, had a highly toxic effect on the selected two cancer cell lines of breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR-3, glioblastoma cell line U138-MG, and hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. Both glycosides were significantly less cytotoxic towards nontumorigenic cell line MCF-12A; the effect appeared at a concentration of 400 μM. For the first time, the activity of acteoside and plantamajoside was compared in one parallel investigation. The results are discussed against a broad background of existing knowledge on biological effects, their mechanisms, and structure-activity relationships. Phenylethanoids may be potential compounds with cytotoxic activity against the selected cancer types.

Contribution of Phenolics and Free Amino Acids on the Antioxidant Profile of Commercial Lemon Verbena Infusions

Lemon verbena infusions are widely appreciated due to their agreeable lemony flavor and medicinal properties. In this study, the antioxidant potential, phenolic profile, and free amino acid profile of lemon verbena infusions from different commercial brands were studied. Characterization by UHPLC-QTOF-HRMS allowed the identification of 34 phenolics. The free amino acid profile (by RP-HPLC-FLD) was assessed for the first time, allowing the quantification of 16 amino acids. Furthermore, the infusions showed high antioxidant activity by different assays (ferric reducing antioxidant power, DPPH^• scavenging, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays), which in turn were significantly correlated with total phenolics and total flavonoid contents. Notwithstanding, phenylalanine seemed to have also an impact on the antioxidant activity of the infusions, with significant correlations found. Finally, significant differences were found in all the evaluated parameters for one of the four commercial brands herein studied, which was possibly related to the different geographical origins of this sample. Overall, these lemon verbena infusions proved to be rich in a huge variety of bioactive compounds that can provide therapeutic potential.

Phytochemicals, Biological Activities, Molecular Mechanisms, and Future Prospects of Plantago asiatica L

Plantago asiatica L. has been used as a vegetable and nutritious food in Asia for thousands of years. According to recent phytochemical and pharmacological research, the active compositions of the plant contribute to various health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer. This article reviews the 87 components of the plant and their structures, as well as their biological activities and molecular research progress, in detail. This review provides valuable reference material for further study, production, and application of P. asiatica, as well as its components in functional foods and therapeutic agents.

Melatonin influences the biological characteristics of keloid fibroblasts through the Erk and Smad signalling pathways

Background

Keloids are abnormal fibrous hyperplasias that are difficult to treat. Melatonin can be used to inhibit the development of certain fibrotic diseases but has never been used to treat keloids. We aimed to discover the effects and mechanisms of melatonin in keloid fibroblasts (KFs).

Methods

Flow cytometry, CCK-8 assays, western blotting, wound-healing assays, transwell assays, collagen gel contraction assays and immunofluorescence assays were applied to demonstrate the effects and mechanisms of melatonin in fibroblasts derived from normal skin, hypertrophic scars and keloids. The therapeutic potential of the combination of melatonin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was investigated in KFs.

Results

Melatonin significantly promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, contractile capability and collagen production in KFs. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that melatonin could inhibit the cAMP/PKA/Erk and Smad pathways through the membrane receptor MT2 to alter the biological characteristics of KFs. Moreover, the combination of melatonin and 5-FU remarkably promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited cell migration and invasion, contractile capability and collagen production in KFs. Furthermore, 5-FU suppressed the phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, Smad3 and Erk, and melatonin in combination with 5-FU markedly suppressed the activation of the Akt, Erk and Smad pathways.

Conclusions

Collectively, melatonin may inhibit the Erk and Smad pathways through the membrane receptor MT2 to alter the cell functions of KFs, while combination with 5-FU could exert even more inhibitory effects in KFs through simultaneous suppression of multiple signalling pathways.

Metabolic profiling of Lantana camara L. using UPLC-MS/MS and revealing its inflammation-related targets using network pharmacology-based and molecular docking analyses

Lantana camara L. is widely used in folk medicine for alleviation of inflammatory disorders, but studies that proved this folk use and that revealed the molecular mechanism of action in inflammation mitigation are not enough. Therefore, this study aimed to identify L. camara phytoconstituents using UPLC-MS/MS and explain their multi-level mechanism of action in inflammation alleviation using network pharmacology analysis together with molecular docking and in vitro testing. Fifty-seven phytoconstituents were identified in L. camara extract, from which the top hit compounds related to inflammation were ferulic acid, catechin gallate, myricetin and iso-ferulic acid. Whereas the most enriched inflammation related genes were PRKCA, RELA, IL2, MAPK 14 and FOS. Furthermore, the most enriched inflammation-related pathways were PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. Molecular docking revealed that catechin gallate possessed the lowest binding energy against PRKCA, RELA and IL2, while myricetin had the most stabilized interaction against MAPK14 and FOS. In vitro cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory testing indicated that L. camara extract is safer than piroxicam and has a strong anti-inflammatory activity comparable to it. This study is a first step in proving the folk uses of L. camara in palliating inflammatory ailments and institutes the groundwork for future clinical studies.

The pharmacokinetic property and pharmacological activity of acteoside: A review

Acteoside (AC), a phenylpropanoid glycoside isolated from many dicotyledonous plants, has been demonstrated various pharmacological activities, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, neuroprotection, cardiovascular protection, anti-diabetes, bone and cartilage protection, hepatoprotection, and anti-microorganism. However, AC has a poor bioavailability, which can be potentially improved by different strategies. The health-promoting characteristics of AC can be attributed to its mediation in many signaling pathways, such as MAPK, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, TGFβ/Smad, and AMPK/mTOR. Interestingly, docking simulation study indicates that AC can be an effective candidate to inhibit the activity of SARS-CoV2 main protease and protect against COVID-19. Many clinical trials for AC have been investigated, and it shows great potentials in drug development.

Verbascoside potentiates the effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress via the Abl-mediated MAPK signalling pathway in chronic myeloid leukaemia

Verbascoside (Verb) may exhibit potential antitumour activities in leukaemia. The present study investigated the effect of Verb, in combination with imatinib (IM), dasatinib (Das), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TNF, on cell survival, Abl expression, apoptosis, oxidative stress and the MAPK pathway in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) cells. Cell viability was determined using the WST-8 assay in K562 and R-K562 cells treated with Verb and/or IM, Das, LPS and TNF. Apoptosis and DNA damage in CML cells was detected by caspase-3 and comet analysis. The protein levels of Abl (Phospho-Tyr412), and total/phosphorylated p38, JNK and ERK in CML cells were analysed using a Colorimetric Cell-Based Assay. Oxidative stress was examined using total antioxidant and oxidant status assays. Treatment with Verb and/or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), LPS and TNF resulted in a significant decrease in the Tyr-412 phosphorylation of Abl in K562 and R-K562 cells. In addition, cotreatment with Verb and IM or Das additively induced apoptosis by activating caspase-3 levels in both cell lines. Activation of p38 and JNK can result in growth arrest and cell death, whereas ERK stimulation results in cell division and differentiation. The present study demonstrated that cotreatment with Verb and TKIs suppressed phosphorylated-ERK1/2, whereas the levels of phosphorylated-p-38 and phosphorylated-JNK were significantly elevated by Verb and/or IM, Das, LPS and TNF, thus suggesting that Abl and Src inhibition could be involved in the effects of Verb on MAPK signalling in R-K562 cells. Furthermore, Verb elevated reactive oxygen species levels additively with TKIs in both cell lines by increasing the oxidant capacity and decreasing the antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, anti-leukemic mechanisms of Verb may be mediated by Abl protein and regulation of its downstream p38-MAPK/JNK pathway, caspase-3 and oxidative stress in CML cells.

Chemical profiling and unraveling of anti-COVID-19 biomarkers of red sage (Lantana camara L.) cultivars using UPLC-MS/MS coupled to chemometric analysis, in vitro study and molecular docking

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Red sage (Lantana camara L.) (Verbenaceae) is a widely spread plant that was traditionally used in Brazil, India, Kenya, Thailand, Mexico, Nigeria, Australia and Southeast Asia for treating several ailments including rheumatism and leprosy. Despite its historical role in relieving respiratory diseases, limited studies progressed to the plant's probable inhibition to respiratory viruses especially after the striking spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory activity of different L. camara cultivars to SARS-CoV-2, that was not previously inspected, and clarify their mechanisms of action in the metabolomics viewpoint, and to determine the biomarkers that are related to such activity using UPLC-MS/MS coupled to in vitro-studies and chemometric analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical profiling of different cultivars was accomplished via UPLC-MS/MS. Principle component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to latent structures (OPLS) models were built using SIMCA® (multivariate data analysis software). Cytotoxicity and COVID-19 inhibitory activity testing were done followed by TaqMan Real-time RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) assay that aimed to study extracts' effects on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and E-genes expression levels. Detected biomarkers from OPLS analysis were docked into potential targets pockets to investigate their possible interaction patterns using Schrodinger® suite.

RESULTS

UPLC-MS/MS analysis of different cultivars yielded 47 metabolites, most of them are triterpenoids and flavonoids. PCA plots revealed that inter-cultivar factor has no pronounced effect on the chemical profiles of extracts except for L. camara, cultivar Drap d'or flowers and leaves extracts as well as for L. camara cv Chelsea gem leaves extract. Among the tested extracts, flowers and leaves extracts of L. camara cv Chelsea gem, flowers extracts of L. camara cv Spreading sunset and L. camara cv Drap d'or showed the highest selectivity indices scoring 12.3, 10.1, 8.6 and 7.8, respectively, indicating their relative high safety and efficacy. Leaves and flowers extracts of L. camara cv Chelsea gem, flowers extracts of L. camara cv Spreading sunset and L. camara cv Drap d'or were the most promising inhibitors to viral plaques exhibiting IC₅₀ values of 3.18, 3.67, 4.18 and 5.01 μg/mL, respectively. This was incremented by OPLS analysis that related their promising COVID-19 inhibitory activities to the presence of twelve biomarkers. Inhibiting the expression of RdRp gene is the major mechanism behind the antiviral activity of most extracts at almost all concentration levels. Molecular docking of the active biomarkers against RdRp revealed that isoverbascoside, luteolin-7,4'-O-diglucoside, camarolic acid and lantoic acid exhibited higher docking scores of -11.378, -10.64, -6.72 and -6.07 kcal/mol, respectively, when compared to remdesivir (-5.75 kcal/mol), thus these four compounds can serve as promising anti-COVID-19 candidates.

CONCLUSION

Flowers and leaves extracts of four L. camara cultivars were recognized as rich sources of phytoconstituents possessing anti-COVID-19 activity. Combination of UPLC-MS/MS and chemometrics is a promising approach to detect chemical composition differences among the cultivars and correlate them to COVID-19 inhibitory activities allowing to pinpoint possible biomarkers. Further in-vitro and in-vivo studies are required to verify their activity.

Verbascoside extracted from Clerodendrum inerme: A natural monomer for the fabrication of a sensitive electrochemical Cu(II) sensor

Verbascoside is isolated from the whole plants of the Verbenaceae family and demonstrates significant levels of bioactivity. In this work, we report on the isolation of verbascoside, a phenolic glycoside, from the stems of Clerodendrum inerme collected in Vietnam and verify its structure by comparing its spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. Verbascoside is then applied as a monomer for the electrochemical deposition of a layer of polyverbascoside onto glassy carbon electrodes toward Cu2+ sensing. Electrochemical results demonstrate that the polyverbascoside-modified glassy carbon electrode is highly selective for Cu2+ ions compared to other evaluated ions including Ni2+ and Co2+. The developed sensor can detect Cu2+ in a concentration range from 0 to 175 μM with a sensitivity of 0.372 µA µM−1 and a limit of detection of 50 nM Cu2+ ions.

The Beneficial Effects of Triterpenic Acid and Acteoside in an In Vitro Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Triterpenic acid (TA) and acteoside (ACT), the major components of APPLIVER and ACTEOS, respectively, have been reported to exert hepatoprotective effects, but the molecular mechanisms remain elusive, particularly in the NAFLD/NASH context. We assessed their effects in our well-established in vitro model resembling the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in NASH. Human hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells were exposed to free fatty acids (FFA) alone or in combination with APPLIVER and ACTEOS as a mono- or co-culture. Steatosis, inflammation, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and collagen deposition were determined. ACTEOS reduced both the TNF-α and ROS production, and, most importantly, attenuated collagen deposition elicited by the excess of FFA in the co-culture model. APPLIVER also showed inhibition of both TNF-α production and collagen deposition caused by FFA accumulation. The compounds alone did not induce any cellular effects. The present study showed the efficacy of APPLIVER and ACTEOS on pathophysiological mechanisms related to NASH. These in vitro data suggest that these compounds deserve further investigation for possible use in NASH treatment.

Anticancer effects of acteoside: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic status

Cancer, the uncontrolled proliferation and metastasis of abnormal cells, is a major public health issue worldwide. To date, several natural compounds have been reported with their efficacy in the treatment of different types of cancer. Chemotherapeutic agents are used in cancer treatment and prevention, among other aspects. Acteoside is a phenylethanoid glycoside, first isolated from Verbascum sinuatum, which has demonstrated multiple effects, including antioxidant, anti-epileptic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antihypertensive, and anti-leishmanial properties. This review gathered, analyzed, and summarized the literature on acteoside and its anticancer properties. All the available information about this compound and its role in different types of cancer was collected using different scientific search engines, including PubMed, Scopus, Springer Link, Wiley Online, Web of Science, Scifinder, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Acteoside is found in a variety of plants and has been shown to have anticancer activity in many experimental models through oxidative stress, apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, anti-invasion, anti-metastasis, synergism with other agents, and anti-proliferative effects through modulation of several pathways. In conclusion, acteoside exhibited potent anticancer activity against different cancer cell lines through modulating several cancer signaling pathways in different non- and pre-clinical experimental models and thus could be a strong candidate for further clinical studies.

Verbascoside attenuates experimental varicocele-induced damage to testes and sperm levels through up-regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis

CONTEXT

Verbascoside (VB), which is found in many medicinal plant families, exhibits biological activities in various diseases. However, its effects on varicocele (VCL)-induced damage remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects and mechanism of VB on experimental rats with varicocele (VCL)-induced damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty sexually mature male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups (n = 10): control, control-sham, VCL-vehicle (normal saline), and VCL + VB groups (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally). After 4 weeks of VB treatment, all animals were sacrificed, and the body and testicular weight, sperm quality parameters, histopathology, antioxidant status, and hormone levels were tested. The levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone in the hypothalamus were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the VCL-vehicle group (41.14%), administration of VB significantly increased the sperm viability (59.29, 65.45, 84.93%). VB groups showed higher Johnson's score (3.57 ± 0.15, 4.71 ± 0.26, 7.93 ± 0.37) than VCL-vehicle group (2.72 ± 0.24). Antioxidant status and hormone levels alterations were also observed. Meanwhile, the mean number of apoptotic tubules (8.15 ± 0.96, 6.61 ± 1.05, 2.17 ± 0.08) and apoptotic index showed a marked decrease. Compared with the VCL-vehicle group (0.21 ± 0.09), the VB groups (0.36 ± 0.07, 0.42 ± 0.06, 0.88 ± 0.10) showed considerable increases in GnRH.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

VB has protective effects on reproductive organs and VB may be therapeutically useful in the treatment of varicocele through up-regulation of the HPG axis.

Lantana canescens (Kunth) inhibits inflammatory and hyperalgesic responses in murine models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lantana canescens is popularly known in Brazil as "cidreirinha" or "chumbinho-branco". It is found in Pantanal biome and its flowers and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat pain and inflammation. Information about this species is limited to the activity of isolated essential oils. Studies with different extracts, composition, and biological properties are still scarce.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic activity of the hydroethanolic extract of L. canescens aerial parts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hydroethanolic extract L. canescens aerial parts (HELc) was analyzed using HPLC-DAD-EM. Male and female Swiss mice weighing 18-25 g were used in the in vivo assays. Acute toxicity was assessed (2000 mg/kg); anti-inflammatory activity through paw edema, mast cell degranulation and peritonitis, and anti-hyperalgesic activity through abdominal writhing assays induced by acetic acid and formalin sensitization, were evaluated using the doses of 3, 30 and 300 mg/kg.

RESULTS

The phytochemical characterization of HELc confirmed the presence of glycosylated iridoids (theveside, theviridoside), verbascosides and flavonoids. The HELc did not present toxicity in the evaluated dose. HELc reduced formation of paw edema, degranulation of peritoneal mast cells and infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells into the animals peritoneal cavity. In addition, HELc decreased the number of abdominal writhing induced by acetic acid and the time of paw licking in the evaluation of formalin sensitization.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm the anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic effects of hydroethanolic extract of L. canescens, validating the use of this plant in folk medicine.

Verbascoside alleviates renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction rats by inhibiting macrophage infiltration

Objective(s):

To explore the effect of verbascoside on renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into sham-operated, UUO, and UUO+Verbascoside groups. After two weeks of rat model construction, urine and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis while kidney tissues were harvested for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s Trichrome, and immunohistochemistry staining. Pearson coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between the two proteins.

Results:

Verbascoside improved UUO-induced renal dysfunction as detected by decreased serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and urinary protein excretion rate. In UUO rats, H&E staining result revealed increased total nucleated cell number, and Masson’s Trichrome staining results showed tubular interstitial fibrosis with the deposition of collagen fibrils. Besides, expressions of fibrosis-related proteins including collagen type I (COL-I), α-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) expressed higher in the UUO group. Moreover, macrophage infiltration-related factors such as CD68+, F4/80+ cells, and suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) were significantly higher in the UUO group than in sham-operated rats. However, after administration with verbascoside, the accumulation of collagen fibrils and total nucleated cell numbers were mitigated. Likewise, macrophage infiltration was extenuated and fibrosis-related proteins were down-regulated in the UUO+Verbascoside rats. Correlation analysis indicated that macrophage infiltration-related markers were related to fibrosis-related factors.

Conclusion:

Verbascoside could alleviate renal fibrosis in UUO rats probably through ameliorating macrophage infiltration.

Calotropis gigantea stem bark extract induced apoptosis related to ROS and ATP production in colon cancer cells

Conventional chemotherapeutic agents for colorectal cancer (CRC) cause systemic side effects and eventually become less efficacious owing to the development of drug resistance in cancer cells. Therefore, new therapeutic regimens have focused on the use of natural products. The anticancer activity of several parts of Calotropis gigantea has been reported; however, the effects of its stem bark extract on inhibition of cancer cell proliferation have not yet been examined. In this study, the anticancer activity of C. gigantea stem bark extract, both alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), was evaluated. A crude ethanolic extract was prepared from dry, powdered C. gigantea barks using 95% ethanol. This was then partitioned to obtain dichloromethane (CGDCM), ethyl acetate, and water fractions. Quantitative analysis of the constituent secondary metabolites and calotropin was performed. These fractions exhibited cytotoxicity in HCT116 and HT-29 cells, with CGDCM showing the highest potency in both the cell lines. A combination of CGDCM and 5-FU significantly enhanced the cytotoxic effect. Moreover, the resistance of normal fibroblast, HFF-1, cells to this combination demonstrated its safety in normal cells. The combination significantly enhanced apoptosis through the mitochondria-dependent pathway. Additionally, the combination reduced adenosine triphosphate production and increased the production of reactive oxygen species, demonstrating the mechanisms involved in the induction of apoptosis. Our results suggest that CGDCM is a promising anti-cancer agent and may enhance apoptosis induction by 5-FU in the treatment of CRC, while minimizing toxicity toward healthy cells.

Verbascoside inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of prostate cancer cells through high-mobility group box 1/receptor for advanced glycation end-products/TGF-β pathway

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer has significant mortality and metastasis rate in the male. Unfortunately, effective treatment for patients with advanced prostate cancer is still lacking. Verbascoside, a phenylethanoid glycoside, displays various pharmacological properties, such as the anti-cancer activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of purified verbascoside on human prostate cancer and the associated molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The human prostate cancer cell lines, Du-145 and PC-3, were treated with various concentrations of verbascoside (0.1, 1, 10 μM) for 24 h followed by the examination of cell viability using MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays. Cell migration and invasion capacities were assessed by wound healing assay and transwell system. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated factors, components of transforming growth factor (TGF-β)/Smad signaling, and high-mobility group box (HMGB)/receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) axis.

RESULTS

Verbascoside treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of Du-145 and PC-3 cells. We showed that verbascoside decreased the expression of EMT promotors, Snail and Slug, and increased the expression of E-cadherin. Moreover, the expression level of alpha-smooth muscle actin was downregulated by verbascoside as well. Besides, we found that the TGF-β pathway was suppressed, which was demonstrated by the diminished expression of type I and II TGF-β receptors and phosphorylated Smad2/3 along with the upregulated Smad7. Our data suggested that this downregulation of TGF-β signaling was mediated by repression of HMGB 1 (HMGB1)/RAGE axis.

CONCLUSION

Verbascoside mitigated the cell proliferation and aggressiveness of prostate cancer via downregulation of TGF-β-associated EMT progression through HMGB1/RAGE suppression. Collectively, our findings revealed that verbascoside may be a beneficial dietary supplement for prostate cancer patients.

Synergism and Subadditivity of Verbascoside-Lignans and -Iridoids Binary Mixtures Isolated from Castilleja tenuiflora Benth. on NF-κB/AP-1 Inhibition Activity

Pharmacodynamic interactions between plant isolated compounds are important to understand the mode of action of an herbal extract to formulate or create better standardized extracts, phytomedicines, or phytopharmaceuticals. In this work, we propose binary mixtures using a leader compound to found pharmacodynamic interactions in inhibition of the NF-κB/AP-1 pathway using RAW-Blue™ cells. Eight compounds were isolated from Castilleja tenuiflora, four were new furofuran-type lignans for the species magnolin, eudesmin, sesamin, and kobusin. Magnolin (60.97%) was the most effective lignan inhibiting the NF-κB/AP-1 pathway, followed by eudesmin (56.82%), tenuifloroside (52.91%), sesamin (52.63%), and kobusin (45.45%). Verbascoside, a major compound contained in wild C. tenuiflora showed an inhibitory effect on NF-κB/AP-1. This polyphenol was chosen as a leader compound for binary mixtures. Verbacoside-aucubin and verbascoside-kobusin produced synergism, while verbascoside-tenuifloroside had subadditivity in all concentrations. Verbascoside-kobusin is a promising mixture to use on NF-κB/AP-1 related diseases and anti-inflammatory C. tenuiflora-based phytomedicines.

Biological effects of verbascoside and its anti-inflammatory activity on oral mucositis: a review of the literature

Oral mucositis is among the most common tissue toxicities associated with both cytotoxic cancer regimens and head and neck radiotherapy. Current management of oral mucositis might comprise growth factors and cytokines, anti-inflammatory agents, anesthetics, analgesics, antimicrobial and coating agents, cryotherapy and mucosal protectants. Despite its long history and its impact on patients, there are currently no effective options for the prevention or treatment of mucositis. In recent years, more attention has been focused on the role of natural drugs. Verbascoside belongs to the phenylpropanoid glycosides family. Several biological properties have been described, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor and antioxidant. Verbascoside, particularly when in solution with polyvinylpyrrolidone and sodium hyaluronate, thanks to barrier effect, is useful in re-epithelialization and in reducing pain, oral mucositis score, burning and erythema.

Acteoside as a potential therapeutic option for primary hepatocellular carcinoma: a preclinical study

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with characteristics of poor prognosis, high morbidity and mortality worldwide. In particular, only a few systemic treatment options are available for advanced HCC patients, and include sorafenib and the recently described atezolizumab plus bevacizumab regimen as possible first-line treatments. We here propose acteoside, a phenylethanoid glycoside widely distributed in many medicinal plants as a potential candidate against advanced HCC.

Methods

Cell proliferation, colony formation and migration were analyzed in the three human HCC cell lines BEL7404, HLF and JHH-7. Angiogenesis assay was performed using HUVESs. The BEL7404 or JHH-7 xenograft nude mice model was established to analyze the possible antitumor effects of acteoside. qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to reveal the potential antitumor mechanisms of acteoside.

Results

Acteoside inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation and migration in all the three human HCC cell lines BEL7404, HLF and JHH-7. The prohibition of angiogenesis by acteoside was revealed by the inhibition of tube formation and cell migration of HUVECs. The combination of acteoside and sorafenib produced stronger inhibition of cell colony formation and migration of the HCC cells as well as of angiogenesis of HUVECs. The in vivo antitumor efficacy of acteoside was further demonstrated in BEL7404 or JHH-7 xenograft nude mice model, with an enhancement when combined with sorafenib in inhibiting the growth of JHH-7 xenograft. Further treatment of JHH-7 cells with acteoside revealed an increase in the level of tumor suppressor protein p53 as well as a decrease of kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK1, 2, 4, 9 and 10) gene level with no significant changes of the rest of KLK1–15 genes.

Conclusions

Acteoside exerts an antitumor effect possibly through its up-regulation of p53 levels as well as inhibition of KLK expression and angiogenesis. Acteoside could be useful as an adjunct in the treatment of advanced HCC in the clinic.

Metabolome classification via GC/MS and UHPLC/MS of olive fruit varieties grown in Egypt reveal pickling process impact on their composition

The role of variety and effects of pickling on Egyptian olive fruit metabolome was determined using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics targeting nutrients and bioactive metabolities. The analyzed fresh olive fruit varieties included Manzanilo, Picual, Koroneiki, and Coratina, while the pickled samples included the Manzanilo and Picual varieties. Profiling of primary and secondary metabolites resulted in the detection of 201 metabolites. Variation between varieties was mostly observed among sugars, sugar alcohols, secoiridoids, and flavonoids. An abundance of carbohydrates and O-glycosides in Picual and Manzanilo versus enrichment of secoiridoids in Picual and Coratina olives viz. dehyro-oleuropein could account for the difference in palatability and health benefits among varieties. Herein, 13 new compounds are reported in the tested varieties, of which 10 appeared exclusively in pickled samples. Generally, pickled samples were characterized by the relative abundance of secoiridoids regarded as important markers for the pickling process. Metabolites profiling provided greater insight into the pickling process as a preservation method and accounted for the improved organoleptic characters in pickled fruits.

Polysaccharides like pentagalloylglucose, parishin a and stevioside inhibits the viral entry by binding the Zika virus envelope protein

ZIKV belongs to a flavivirus family in which class II fusion proteins involve a low pH-dependent membrane fusion leading to infection of host cells. Envelope (E) protein is primarily responsible for the viral host membrane fusion and is the major target for inhibiting viral entry. Our findings reveal that compounds like PGG, Parishin A, and Stevioside have shown a high affinity for E protein and found to be active against various other viral infections. The binding of these molecules to E protein was found to decrease the RMSD and RMSF values of the ligand protein complex and restricted the Radius of Gyration in molecular dynamics simulation analysis. Further, the binding free energy calculations suggested the stability of complexes throughout simulations trajectory that could reduce the flexibility of the linker so as to block the folding back event of membrane fusion. A recent study has shown that PGG inhibits the early stages of viral entry in HCV and ZIKV. Therefore, we propose that PGG inhibits the entry of virion via binding the E protein and restricting the conformational rearrangement during membrane fusion.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Formulation of a Phenol-Rich Extract from Unripe Olives (Olea europaea L.) in Microemulsion to Improve Its Solubility and Intestinal Permeability

The beneficial properties of phenolic compounds from Olea europaea L. are well-known. An olive extract (OE) was prepared from unripe olives (Moraiolo cultivar). The study aimed to formulate OE into a microemulsion (ME) in oral dosage form. OE was extracted from olives with EtOH:H₂O (80:20) and characterized by HPLC-DAD. ME composition was stated by a solubility and pseudo-ternary diagram. The ME was chemically and physically characterized, and its stability at 4 °C was analyzed for three months. The ability of the formulation to ameliorate the solubility and the intestinal permeability of OE was evaluated by a Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay (PAMPA) assay and Caco-2 cells. The total phenolic content of the extract was 39% w/w. The main constituent was oleuropein (31.0%), together with ligstroside (3.1%) and verbascoside (2.4%). The ME was prepared using Capryol 90 as the oily phase, and Cremophor EL and Transcutol (2:1) as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. ME droplet size was 14.03 ± 1.36 nm, PdI 0.20 ± 0.08, ζ-potential −1.16 ± 0.48. Stability of ME was confirmed for at least three months. The formulation was loaded with 35 mg/mL of OE, increasing the solubility of the extract by about four times. The enhanced permeability of OE was evaluated by PAMPA, as demonstrated by the Pe value (1.44 ± 0.83 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s for OE hydroalcoholic solution, 3.74 ± 0.34 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s for OE-ME). Caco-2 cell transport studies confirmed the same results: P_app was 16.14 ± 0.05 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s for OE solution and 26.99 ± 0.45 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s for OE-ME. ME proved to be a suitable formulation for oral delivery.

Predicting the effect of 5-fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy on colorectal cancer recurrence: A model using gene expression profiles

It is critical to identify patients with stage II and III colorectal cancer (CRC) who will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) after curative surgery, while the only use of clinical factors is insufficient to predict this beneficial effect. In this study, we performed genetic algorithm (GA) to select ACT candidate genes, and built a predictive model of support vector machine (SVM) using gene expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The model contained four ACT candidate genes (EDEM1, MVD, SEMA5B, and WWP2) and TNM stage (stage II or III). After using Subpopulation Treatment Effect Pattern Plot to determine the optimal cutoff value of predictive scores, the validated patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database can be divided into the predictive ACT-benefit/-futile groups. Patients in the predictive ACT-benefit group with 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu)-based ACT had significantly longer relapse-free survival (RFS) compared to those without ACT (P = .015); However, the difference in RFS in the predictive ACT-futile group was insignificant (P = .596). The multivariable analysis found that the predictive groups were significantly associated with the effect of ACT (P_interaction  = .011). Consequently, we developed a predictive model based on the SVM and GA algorithm which was further validated to define patients who benefit from ACT on recurrence.

CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides Induces Apoptosis of Human Bladder Cancer Cells via Caspase-3-Bax/Bcl-2-p53 Axis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anti-cancer effect of unmethylated cytosine-phosphorothioate-guanine (CpG)-containing oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on human bladder cancer UM-UC-3 cells, our study was carried out.

METHODS

The viability of cells (UM-UC-3, T24 and SV-HUC-1) with CpG ODN treatments was examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle phase were determined by flow cytometry analysis. Pre-apoptosis factors of caspase-3, p53, B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein (Bax) and anti-apoptosis factor of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

Experimental results showed that the viability of human bladder cancer cells (UM-UC-3 and T24) with CpG ODN treatment was decreased and the viability of human normal urothelial cells (SV-HUC-1) with CpG ODN treatment was increased with time-dependance manner. Moreover, CpG ODN increased the apoptosis rate of UM-UC-3 cells and arrested more cells in G0G1 phase. Furthermore, the expression of caspase-3, p53 and Bax were increased and the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased with CpG ODN treatment on UM-UC-3 cells.

CONCLUSION

CpG ODN promoted the proliferation of normal urinary transitional epithelial cells (SV-HUC-1) and inhibited the cell viability of human bladder cancer cells (UM-UC-3 and T24) in vitro. CpG ODN induced the apoptosis of human bladder cancer (UM-UC-3) cells in a cascade progress via enhancing the expression of caspase-3, p53 and Bax, and inhibiting the expression of Bcl-2 with significant time-dependancy. CpG ODN inhibited cell cycle distribution of human bladder cancer (UM-UC-3) cells with more cells were arrested in G0G1 phase. This study suggested that the CpG ODN is the potential candidate on human bladder cancer.

Pleiotropic Biological Effects of Dietary Phenolic Compounds and their Metabolites on Energy Metabolism, Inflammation and Aging

Dietary phenolic compounds are considered as bioactive compounds that have effects in different chronic disorders related to oxidative stress, inflammation process, or aging. These compounds, coming from a wide range of natural sources, have shown a pleiotropic behavior on key proteins that act as regulators. In this sense, this review aims to compile information on the effect exerted by the phenolic compounds and their metabolites on the main metabolic pathways involved in energy metabolism, inflammatory response, aging and their relationship with the biological properties reported in high prevalence chronic diseases. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated their pleiotropic molecular mechanisms of action and these findings raise the possibility that phenolic compounds have a wide variety of roles in different targets.

6-O-(3″, 4″-di-O-trans-cinnamoyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranosylcatalpol and verbascoside: Cytotoxicity, cell cycle kinetics, apoptosis, and ROS production evaluation in tumor cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact that 6-O-(3″, 4″-di-O-trans-cinnamoyl)-α- l-rhamnopyranosylcatalpol (Dicinn) and verbascoside (Verb), two compounds simultaneously reported in Verbascum ovalifolium, have on tumor cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle kinetics, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. At 100 µg/mL and 48 hours incubation time, Dicinn and Verb produced good cytotoxic effects in A549, HT-29, and MCF-7 cells. Dicinn induced cell-cycle arrest at the G₀ /G₁ phase and apoptosis, whereas Verb increased the population of subG₁ cells and cell apoptosis rates. Furthermore, the two compounds exhibited time-dependent ROS generating effects in tumor cells (1-24 hours). Importantly, no cytotoxic effects were induced in nontumor MCF-10A cells by the two compounds up to 100 µg/mL. Overall, the effects exhibited by Verb in tumor cells were more potent, which can be correlated with its structural features, such as the presence of phenolic hydroxyl groups.

PI3K/ Akt/ mTOR Pathway as a Therapeutic Target for Colorectal Cancer: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

Background:

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Ks) is a member of intracellular lipid kinases and involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation and survival. Overexpression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling has been reported in various forms of cancers, especially in colorectal cancers (CRC). Due to their significant roles in the initiation and progression events of colorectal cancer, they are recognized as a striking therapeutic target.

Objective:

The present review is aimed to provide a detailed outline on the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in the initiation and progression events of colorectal cancers as well as its function in drug resistance. Further, the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs, in alleviating colorectal cancer is also discussed. The review contains preclinical and clinical evidence as well as patent literature of the pathway inhibitors which are natural and synthetic in origin.

Methods:

The data were obtained from PubMed/Medline databases, Scopus and Google patent literature.

Results:

PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling is an important event in colorectal carcinogenesis. In addition, it plays significant roles in acquiring drug resistance as well as metastatic initiation events of CRCs. Several small molecules of natural and synthetic origin have been found to be potent inhibitors of CRCs by effectively downregulating the pathway. Data from various clinical studies also support these pathway inhibitors and several among them are patented.

Conclusion:

Inhibitors of the PI3K/mTOR pathway have been successful for the treatment of primary and metastatic colorectal cancers, rendering the pathway as a promising clinical cancer therapeutic target.

Altered morphokinetics in equine embryos from oocytes exposed to DEHP during IVM

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer with endocrine-disrupting properties. In this study, we used an equine model to investigate DEHP concentrations in ovarian follicular fluid (FF), and to determine the effects of exposure of oocytes to potentially toxic concentrations of DEHP during in vitro maturation (IVM) on embryo development and quality. Embryo development was evaluated using time-lapse monitoring (TLM), a photomicroscopic tool that reveals abnormalities in cleavage kinetics unobservable by conventional morphology assessment. Blastocyst bioenergetic/oxidative status was assessed by confocal analysis. The possibility that verbascoside (VB), a bioactive polyphenol with antioxidant activity, could counteract DEHP-induced oocyte oxidative damage, was investigated. DEHP was detected in FF and in IVM media at concentrations up to 60 nM. Culture of oocytes in the presence of 500 nM DEHP delayed second polar body extrusion, reduced duration of the second cell cycle, and increased the percentage of embryos showing abrupt multiple cleavage, compared with controls. Mitochondrial activity and intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species were reduced in blastocysts from DEHP-exposed oocytes. VB addition during IVM limited DEHP-induced blastocyst damage. In conclusion, DEHP is detectable in equine FF and culture medium, and oocyte exposure to increased concentrations of DEHP during IVM affects preimplantation embryo development. Moreover, TLM, reported for the first time in the horse in this study, is an efficient tool for identifying altered morphokinetic parameters and cleavage abnormalities associated with exposure to toxic compounds.