Lupeol modulates NF-kappaB and PI3K/Akt pathways and inhibits skin cancer in CD-1 mice

Broad-Spectrum Therapeutic Potentials of the Multifaceted Triterpene Lupeol and Its Derivatives

Lupeol (LUP), a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene, is found in various fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants and is evident to possess diverse pharmacological activities. This study aimed to consolidate its findings based on updated database reports. Findings suggest that LUP and some of its derivatives have promising biological roles, including anticancer effects. Notably, LUP induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells while sparing normal cells, highlighting its selective cytotoxicity. By modifying pathways such as NF-κB and phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, LUP demonstrates anticancer activity, reducing LDL oxidation by 34.4% and causing cancer cells to undergo apoptosis while leaving healthy cells unaffected. Moreover, it has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; thus, it may act against conditions like arthritis, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. It has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities and can be used as an alternative to conventional antibiotics. LUP and its nanoformulations (PEGylated liposomes) improved biopharmaceutical profiles in test systems. It also showed neuroprotective effects, particularly against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Taken together, LUP has multi-target therapeutic approaches against various diseases and pathological conditions, advocating for its inclusion in future clinical trials.

Development of validated HPTLC methods for determination of triterpenoids and flavan-3-ols in leaf and stembark of Manilkara hexandra Dubard

Manilkara hexandra Dubard is a highly reputed medicinal plant of Ayurveda. In the current study, High-performance Thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) techniques were established for the analysis of triterpenoids like lupeol (LU), betulinic acid (BA), epimeric flavan-3-ols (+)-catechin (CA), and (-)-epicatechin (ECA), in its leaf and stembark. HPTLC separation was performed using petroleum ether: ethyl acetate: toluene: formic acid (7:2:1:0.3, v/v/v/v) as a mobile phase to resolve LU and BA at Rf 0.51 and 0.34, respectively. Further, derivatization was done using a 1% anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent. For CA and ECA, the mobile phase was di-isopropyl ether: ethyl acetate: formic acid (9:0.5:1, v/v/v), resulting in sharp bands at Rf 0.43 and 0.38. The result showed that the leaf contains high levels of BA and CA, while the stem bark is rich in LU and ECA. Both methods were simple, accurate, and reproducible and would potentially be useful for the standardisation of M. hexandra Dubard.

Lupeol: A dietary and medicinal triterpene with therapeutic potential

Lupeol, a triterpene derived from various plants, has emerged as a potent dietary supplement with extensive therapeutic potential. This review offers a comprehensive examination of lupeol's applications across diverse health conditions. By meticulously analyzing current scientific literature, we have synthesized findings that underscore lupeol's impact on cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological diseases, dermatological conditions, nephrological issues, and cardiovascular health. The review delves into molecular studies that reveal lupeol's ability to modulate disease pathways and alleviate symptoms, positioning it as a promising therapeutic agent. Moreover, we discuss the potential role of lupeol in clinical practice and public health strategies, emphasizing its substantial benefits as a natural compound. This thorough analysis serves as a critical resource for researchers, providing insights into the multifaceted therapeutic properties of lupeol and its potential to significantly enhance health outcomes.

A recent update on the connection between dietary phytochemicals and skin cancer: emerging understanding of the molecular mechanism

Constant exposure to harmful substances from both inside and outside the body can mess up the body's natural ways of keeping itself in balance. This can cause severe skin damage, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. However, plant-derived compounds found in fruits and vegetables have been shown to protect against skin cancer-causing free radicals and other harmful substances. It has been determined that these dietary phytochemicals are effective in preventing skin cancer and are widely available, inexpensive, and well-tolerated. Studies have shown that these phytochemicals possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiangiogenic properties that can aid in the prevention of skin cancers. In addition, they influence crucial cellular processes such as angiogenesis and cell cycle control, which can halt the progression of skin cancer. The present paper discusses the benefits of specific dietary phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, as well as the signaling pathways they regulate, the molecular mechanisms involved in the prevention of skin cancer, and their drawbacks.

Chemotherapeutic potential of lupeol against cancer in pre-clinical model: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Extensive research on Lupeol's potential in cancer prevention highlights its ability to target various cancer-related factors. It regulates proliferative markers, modulates signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and influences inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms. Additionally, Lupeol demonstrates selectivity in killing cancer cells while sparing normal cells, thus minimizing the risk of toxic effects on healthy tissues.

HYPOTHESIS

Therefore, we aimed to explore Lupeol's potential roles as a chemotherapeutic agent and as a sensitizer to chemotherapy by reviewing various animal-based studies published on its effects.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a comprehensive search across databases, including PubMed, PMC, Cochrane, EuroPMC, and ctri.gov.in to identify pertinent articles. Our focus was solely on published animal studies examining Lupeol's anti-cancer effects, with reviewers independently assessing bias risk and resolving discrepancies through consensus.

RESULT

20 studies were shortlisted. The results demonstrated that Lupeol brings changes in the tumor volume by [Hedges's g: -6.62; 95 % CI: -8.68, -4.56; τ2: 24.36, I2: 96.50 %; p < 0.05] and tumor weight by [Hedges's g: -3.97; 95 % CI: -5.20, -2.49; τ2: 2.70, I2: 79.27 %; p <0.05]. The high I2, negative Egger's value, and asymmetrical funnel plot show the publication bias among the studies. Further, Lupeol in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents showed better outcomes as compared to them alone [Hedges's g: -6.38; 95 % CI: -11.82, -0.94; τ2: 46.91; I2: 98.68 %; p <0.05]. Lupeol also targets various signaling molecules and pathways to exert an anti-cancer effect.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Lupeol significantly reduces tumor volume and weight. Combining Lupeol with other chemotherapy agents shows promise for enhancing anti-cancer effects. However, high variability among studies and evidence of publication bias suggest caution in interpreting results.

Protective effects of lupeol in rats with renal ischemia‑reperfusion injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by ischemia and, exogenous or endogenous nephrotoxic agents poses a serious health issue. AKI is seen in 1% of all hospital admissions, 2-5% of hospitalizations and 67% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The in-hospital mortality rates for AKI is 40-50, and >50% for ICU patients. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in the kidney can activate inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, resulting in AKI. The common endpoint in acute tubular necrosis is a cellular insult secondary to ischemia or direct toxins, which results in effacement of brush border, cell death and decreased function of tubular cells. The aim of the present study was to assess if the reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent lupeol can exert any effects against renal I/R damage. In total, 24 Wistar Albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups of 6, namely Sham, lupeol, ischemia and therapy groups. In the lupeol group, intraperitoneal administration of 100 mg/kg lupeol was given 1 h before laparotomy, whilst only laparotomy was conducted in the sham group. The renal arteries of both kidneys were clamped for 45 min, 1 h after either intraperitoneal saline injection (in the ischemia group) or 100 mg/kg lupeol application (in the therapy group). The blood samples and renal tissues of all rats were collected after 24 h. In blood samples, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was measured by the urease enzymatic method, and creatinine was measured by the kinetic Jaffe method. Using ELISA method, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were measured in the blood samples, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), caspase-3 levels were measured in kidney tissues. In addition, kidney histopathological analysis was performed by evaluating the degree of degeneration, tubular dilatation, interstitial lymphocyte infiltration, protein cylinders, necrosis and loss of brush borders. It was determined that renal damage occurred due to higher BUN, creatinine, MDA, TNF-α and caspase-3 values observed in the kidney tissues and blood samples of rats in ischemia group compared with the Sham group. Compared with those in the ischemia group, rats in the therapy group exhibited increased levels of GSH and reduced levels of BUN, TNF-α, MDA. Furthermore, the ischemia group also had reduced histopathological damage scores. Although differences in creatinine, IL-6 and caspase-3 levels were not statistically significant, they were markedly reduced in the treatment group. Taken together, these findings suggest that lupeol can prevent kidney damage as mainly evidenced by the reduced histopathological damage scores, decreased levels of oxidative stress and reduced levels of inflammatory markers. These properties may allow lupeol to be used in the treatment of AKI.

Research Progress on the Anti-Cancer Effects of Astragalus membranaceus Saponins and Their Mechanisms of Action

Astragalus membranaceus saponins are the main components of A. membranaceus, a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, research on the anti-cancer effects of A. membranaceus saponins has received increasing attention. Numerous in vitro and in vivo experimental data indicate that A. membranaceus saponins exhibit significant anti-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, especially in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induction of apoptosis, etc. This review compiles relevant studies on the anti-cancer properties of A. membranaceus saponins from various databases over the past two decades. It introduces the mechanism of action of astragalosides, highlighting their therapeutic benefits in the management of cancer. Finally, the urgent problems in the research process are highlighted to promote A. membranaceus saponins as an effective drug against cancer.

Anti-inflammatory effects of immature Citrus unshiu fruit extracts via suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signal pathways in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage cells

This study examined the anti-inflammatory effects of 70% ethanol crude extract of immature Citrus unshiu fruits (ICE) and its solvent fractions in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, we analyzed the active compounds related to suppression of inflammation. It was found that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed the highest level of inhibition of NO production, and this inhibitory activity was concentration-dependent. Moreover, the EtOAc fraction not only inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 production but also inhibited iNOS and COX-2 protein expression. Furthermore, inhibition of NF-κB activity and MAPK phosphorylation was also observed. In addition, β-sitosterol, campesterol and isoferulic acid were identified as major anti-inflammatory components in the EtOAc fraction. These results suggested that the EtOAc fraction of immature C. unshiu fruit extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, and that this fruit could be used as a natural anti-inflammatory material.

Implication of Oxysterols and Phytosterols in Aging and Human Diseases

Cholesterol is easily oxidized and can be transformed into numerous oxidation products, among which oxysterols. Phytosterols are plant sterols related to cholesterol. Both oxysterols and phytosterols can have an impact on human health and diseases.Cholesterol is a member of the sterol family that plays essential roles in biological processes, including cell membrane stability and myelin formation. Cholesterol can be metabolized into several molecules including bile acids, hormones, and oxysterols. On the other hand, phytosterols are plant-derived compounds structurally related to cholesterol, which can also have an impact on human health. Here, we review the current knowledge about the role of oxysterols and phytosterols on human health and focus on the impact of their pathways on diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), vascular diseases, and cancer in both experimental models and human studies. We will first discuss the implications of oxysterols and then of phytosterols in different human diseases.

Atractylenolide III ameliorated reflux esophagitis via PI3K/AKT/NF-κB/iNOS pathway in rats

Reflux esophagitis (RE), an esophageal inflammation caused by reflux of gastric contents, often damages the lower esophagus, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of atractylenolide III (ATL III) on RE model rats. In this research, the RE rat model is established sequentially following hemipyloric ligation, cardia transection, and hydrochloric acid perfusion. Further, the RE-induced rats are intragastrically administrated with ATL III (0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 mg/kg/D) for 28 days to evaluate ATL III therapeutic effects. To study the molecular mechanism, RE rats are treated with a phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) agonist (740 Y-P) combined with ATL III. The histopathological changes in the esophagus are eventually observed by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. In addition to changes in gastric pH and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analyses are used to detect the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, mmol/L), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-1β in the esophageal tissues. As a result, the lesions in the esophageal tissues of RE rats are alleviated, decreasing the macroscopic observation scores of the esophageal mucosa after ATL III treatment,. The experimental results indicated significantly increased pH value of the gastric contents and reduced ROS, thiobarbituric acid reactants (TBARS), TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, and IL-1β levels, as well as expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, iNOS, and nuclear NF-κB proteins in esophageal tissues. In conclusion, the study indicated that ATL III could efficiently treat RE in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory damage through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB/iNOS pathway.

Anticancer Potential of the Plant-Derived Saponin Gracillin: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanistic Approaches

With the increasing prevalence of cancer and the toxic side effects of synthetic drugs, natural products are being developed as promising therapeutic approaches. Gracillin is a naturally occurring triterpenoid steroidal saponin with several therapeutic activities. It is obtained as a major compound from different Dioscorea species. This review was designated to summarize the research progress on the anti-cancer activities of gracillin focusing on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, as well as its pharmacokinetic features. The data were collected (up to date as of May 1, 2023) from various reliable and authentic literatures comprising PubMed, Springer Link, Scopus, Wiley Online, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The findings demonstrated that gracillin displays promising anticancer effects through various molecular mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects, apoptotic cell death, induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, induction of genotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, anti-proliferative effect, autophagy, inhibition of glycolysis, and blocking of cancer cell migration. Additionally, this review highlighted the pharmacokinetic features of gracillin, indicating its lower oral bioavailability. As a conclusion, it can be proposed that gracillin could serve as a hopeful chemotherapeutic agent. However, further extensive clinical research is recommended to establish its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.

Natural Inhibitors of P-glycoprotein in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains an insidious neoplasm due to the percentage of patients who develop resistance to both classic chemotherapy and emerging drugs. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a complex process determined by multiple mechanisms, and it is often caused by the overexpression of efflux pumps, the most important of which is P-glycoprotein (P-gp). This mini-review aims to examine the advantages of using natural substances as P-gp inhibitors, focusing on four molecules: phytol, curcumin, lupeol, and heptacosane, and their mechanism of action in AML.

New vegetable-waste biomaterials by Lupin albus L. as cellular scaffolds for applications in biomedicine and food

The reprocessing of vegetal-waste represents a new research field in order to design novel biomaterials for potential biomedical applications and in food industry. Here we obtained a biomaterial from Lupinus albus L. hull (LH) that was characterized micro-structurally by scanning electron microscopy and for its antimicrobial and scaffolding properties. A good adhesion and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) seeded on LH scaffold were observed. Thanks to its high content of cellulose and beneficial phytochemical substances, LH and its derivatives can represent an available source for fabrication of biocompatible and bioactive scaffolds. Therefore, a reprocessing protocol of LH was optimized for producing a new LH bioplastic named BPLH. This new biomaterial was characterized by chemico-physical analyses. The water uptake, degradability and antimicrobial properties of BPLH were evaluated, as well as the mechanical properties. A good adhesion and proliferation of both fibroblasts and hMSCs on BPLH were observed over 2 weeks, and immunofluorescence analysis of hMSCs after 3 weeks indicates an initial commitment toward muscle differentiation. Our work represents a new approach toward the recovery and valorization of the vegetal waste showing the remarkable properties of LH and BPLH as cellular waste-based scaffold with potential applications in cell-based food field as well as in medicine for topical patches in wound healing and bedsores treatment.

Natural products as chemo-radiation therapy sensitizers in cancers

Cancer is a devastating disease and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy (CT), and/or radiation therapy (RT) are the treatment of choice for most advanced tumors. Unfortunately, treatment failure due to intrinsic and acquired resistance to the current CT and RT is a significant challenge associated with poor patient prognosis. There is an urgent need to develop and identify agents that can sensitize tumor cells to chemo-radiation therapy (CRT) with minimal cytotoxicity to the healthy tissues. While many recent studies have identified the underlying molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for CRT failure, using small molecule inhibitors to chemo/radio sensitize tumors is associated with high toxicity and increased morbidity. Natural products have long been used as chemopreventive agents in many cancers. Combining many of these compounds with the standard chemotherapeutic agents or with RT has shown synergistic effects on cancer cell death and overall improvement in patient survival. Based on the available data, there is strong evidence that natural products have a robust therapeutic potential along with CRT and their well-known chemopreventive effects in many solid tumors. This review article reports updated literature on different natural products used as CT or RT sensitizers in many solid tumors. This is the first review discussing CT and RT sensitizers together in cancer.

The Impact of Oxidative Stress and AKT Pathway on Cancer Cell Functions and Its Application to Natural Products

Oxidative stress and AKT serine-threonine kinase (AKT) are responsible for regulating several cell functions of cancer cells. Several natural products modulate both oxidative stress and AKT for anticancer effects. However, the impact of natural product-modulating oxidative stress and AKT on cell functions lacks systemic understanding. Notably, the contribution of regulating cell functions by AKT downstream effectors is not yet well integrated. This review explores the role of oxidative stress and AKT pathway (AKT/AKT effectors) on ten cell functions, including apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial morphogenesis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, DNA damage response, senescence, migration, and cell-cycle progression. The impact of oxidative stress and AKT are connected to these cell functions through cell function mediators. Moreover, the AKT effectors related to cell functions are integrated. Based on this rationale, natural products with the modulating abilities for oxidative stress and AKT pathway exhibit the potential to regulate these cell functions, but some were rarely reported, particularly for AKT effectors. This review sheds light on understanding the roles of oxidative stress and AKT pathway in regulating cell functions, providing future directions for natural products in cancer treatment.

Lupeol protects against cardiac hypertrophy via TLR4-PI3K-Akt-NF-κB pathways

Inflammation and apoptosis are main pathological processes that lead to the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Lupeol, a natural triterpenoid, has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities as well as potential protective effects on cardiovascular diseases. In this study we investigated whether lupeol attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis induced by pressure overload in vivo and in vitro, and explored the underlying mechanisms. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in mice by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery, and in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) by stimulation with phenylephrine (PE) in vitro. We showed that administration of lupeol (50 mg ·kg^-1· d^-1, i.g., for 4 weeks) prevented the morphological changes and cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in TAC mice, and treatment with lupeol (50 μg/mL) significantly attenuated the hypertrophy of PE-stimulated NRCMs, and blunted the upregulated hypertrophic markers ANP, BNP, and β-MHC. Furthermore, lupeol treatment attenuated the apoptotic and inflammatory responses in the heart tissue. We revealed that lupeol attenuated the inflammatory responses including the reduction of inflammatory cytokines and inhibition of NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, which was mediated by the TLR4-PI3K-Akt signaling. Administration of a PI3K/Akt agonist 740 Y-P reversed the protective effects of lupeol in TAC mice as well as in PE-stimulated NRCMs. Moreover, pre-treatment with a TLR4 agonist RS 09 abolished the protective effects of lupeol and restored the inhibition of PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling by lupeol in PE-stimulated NRCMs. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the lupeol protects against cardiac hypertrophy via anti-inflammatory mechanisms, which results from inhibiting the TLR4-PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling.

Synthesis, In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of New Oleanolic Acid and Lupeol Derivatives against Leukemia Cell Lines: Involvement of the NF-κB Pathway

Oleanolic acid (OA) and Lupeol (LU) belong to the class of natural triterpenes and are endowed with a wide range of biological activities, including cytotoxicity toward several cancer cell lines. In this context, we investigated a set of compounds obtained from the two natural precursors for the cytotoxicity against leukemia HL60 cells and the multidrug-resistant (MDR) variant HL60R. Six new semi-synthetic triterpenes have been synthetized, fully characterized, and were investigated together with other triterpenes compounds for their pharmacological mechanism of action. The interaction of the more cytotoxic compounds with the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway has been also evaluated with the aid of docking. The lupane-like compounds were more active than the precursor, while the oleane-like compounds showed more complex behavior. Both OA and LU derivatives possess a similar interaction pattern with the p65 subunit of NF-κB, justifying the similar trend in their ability to inhibit the binding of p65 to DNA. Further, some of the derivatives tested were able to increase IκB-α levels preventing the translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus. In conclusion, this study offers a deeper insight on the pharmacological action of triterpenes toward leukemia cells, and it improves the background useful for the development of new anti-cancer drugs.

Ethanolic Extract of Tridax procumbens Mitigates Pulmonary Inflammation via Inhibition of NF-κB/p65/ERK Mediated Signalling in an Allergic Asthma Model

BACKGROUND

Tridax procumbens is a traditionally used medicinal plant with high content of active phytoconstituents having anti-inflammatory activity. Accumulating evidences have shown that Tridax procumbens efficaciously diminished oxidative stress and inflammation. However the anti-inflammatory role of Tridax procumbens is not obscured in allergic asthma.

PURPOSE

Aim of this study was to decipher the anti-inflammatory role of Tridax procumbens in allergic asthma and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens (TP) was prepared and major phytoconstituents (flavonoids) were characterized by biochemical and UPLC/MS analysis. Rats were sensitized and challenged with environmental allergen ovalbumin (OVA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an allergic asthma model. Persuasive anti-inflammatory role of TP was demonstrated in vivo (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and in vitro (250, 125, 75 and 25 µg/ml) experiments.

RESULTS

Characterization by UPLC/MS analysis showed the presence of various bioactive flavonoids. In in vitro study, significant reduction in ROS production, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction were observed in alveolar type II cells upon pre-treatment with TP (250, 125, 75 and 25 µg/ml) in a concentration-dependant manner. In vivo, TP (200 mg/kg) oral administration showed robust anti-oxidative activity. TP treatment abrogated bronchial wall thickening, immune cell infiltration and bronchial wall fibre deposition. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the diminished expression of IL-1β, IL-6 in bronchial epithelium and vascular endothelium. TP abrogated inflammation by reducing the level of inflammatory cytokines including IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-6 and MCP-1, as well as inflammatory markers including TWEAK, TNF-α, TNF-R1 and its downstream transcription factor NF-ҡB/p65 activation and its nuclear translocation. Western blot analysis of TP treated lung tissue and alveolar type II cells showed reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 significantly.

CONCLUSION

TP exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of ROS production and down-regulation of NF-ҡB/ERK signalling in vitro and in vivo asthma model. Thus, TP can be envisaged as an effective anti-inflammatory agent for OVA-induced allergic asthma.

Medicinal Plants in Cancer Treatment: Contribution of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-kB) Inhibitors

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is one of the principal inducible proteins that is a predominant transcription factor known to control the gene expression in mammals and plays a pivotal role in regulating cell signalling in the body under certain physiological and pathological conditions. In cancer cells, such as colon, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, melanoma, and lymphoma, the NF-κB pathway has been reported to be active. In cellular proliferation, promoting angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis of tumour cells and blocking apoptosis, the constitutive activity of NF-κB signalling has been reported. Therefore, immense attention has been given to developing drugs targeting NF-κB signalling pathways to treat many types of tumours. They are a desirable therapeutic target for drugs, and many studies concentrated on recognizing compounds. They may be able to reverse or standstill the growth and spread of tumours that selectively interfere with this pathway. Recently, numerous substances derived from plants have been evaluated as possible inhibitors of the NF-κB pathway. These include various compounds, such as flavonoids, lignans, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, polyphenols, etc. A study supported by folk medicine demonstrated that plant-derived compounds could suppress NF-κB signalling. Taking this into account, the present review revealed the anticancer potential of naturally occurring compounds which have been verified both by inhibiting the NF-κB signalling and suppressing growth and spread of cancer and highlighting their mechanism of NF-κB inhibition.

Lupeol synergizes with doxorubicin to induce anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on breast cancer cells

PURPOSE

Anti-cancer and anti-migration effects of lupeol as a biological pentacyclic triterpenoid were investigated individually and in combination with Doxorubicin (DOX) on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and human foreskin fibroblasts.

METHODS

To uncover the anticancer effect of lupeol and the impact of its combination with DOX, cell viability and scratch assays and dual acridine-orange apoptotic staining were performed. Moreover, the expression of proapoptotic caspase-3 and metastasis-related MMP-9 at the mRNA and protein levels was analyzed using qPCR and western blot techniques.

RESULTS

Lupeol synergistically increased the anti-proliferative effect of DOX with IC50 values of 42.55, 62.24 and 65.9 μM on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and HFF cells, respectively. Lupeol reduced the cell migration and lowered the DOX-induced cell migration, significantly (p < 0.05). The number of apoptotic cells elevated significantly (p < 0.05) when cancer cells were treated with the combination of lupeol and DOX. Lupeol individually and in combination with DOX up-regulated the expression of caspase-3. The proposed combination therapy synergized (3-4 fold) the down-regulation of MMP-9 expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that lupeol could be considered as an anticancer agent and anticancer adjuvant in breast cancer-therapy. The anticancer properties of lupeol attribute to its antiproliferative, antimigrative and apoptotic effects.

Xanthorrhizol inhibits non-small cell carcinoma (A549) cell growth and promotes apoptosis through modulation of PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathway

Xanthorrhizol (XNT) is a sesquiterpenoid agent isolated from Curcuma xanthorrhiza; It is known to exhibit various pharmacological activities including anti-cancer. We investigated the anti-cell proliferative and proapoptotic effects of XNT on Non-small cell carcinoma (A549) cells were analyzed by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), oxidative DNA damage, and apoptosis morphological changes were explored by Hoechst and AO/EtBr staining. Our study demonstrated that XNT treatment significantly reduced the viability of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. We observed that XNT-induced oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic cell death by increasing intracellular ROS generation, depleting antioxidant levels, enhancing lipid peroxidation, increased apoptotic morphological changes, and % of DNA damage on human lung cancer cells. Furthermore, we observed that the XNT induce apoptosis through inhibits phosphorylation of PI3K, AKTand inhibit NF-κBp65 transcriptional signaling activity. In addition, XNT treatment alters the ΔΨm, thereby induces apoptosis was closely coordinated with the induction of pro-apoptotic markers Bax, Bad, caspase- 3, 9 and cytochrome c, and suppression of anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL) protein expression. According to our results, XNT-inducing apoptosis in A549 cells by causing oxidative damage and modulating apoptotic signaling events. Finally, XNT-induced apoptotic cell death was confirmed by the TUNEL assay. Therefore, XNT might be used as a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of lung cancer.

Function of selected natural antidiabetic compounds with potential against cancer via modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with growing global incidence, as 387 million people were diagnosed in 2014 with an expected projection of 642 million in 2040. Several complications are associated with DM including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and cancer. The latter is the second leading cause of death worldwide accounting for one in every six deaths, with liver, pancreas, and endometrium cancers are the most abundant among patients with diabetes. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a vital role in developing a wide array of pathological disorders, among them diabetes and cancer. Natural secondary metabolites that counteract the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway could be a promising approach in cancer therapy. Here, 717 medicinal plants with antidiabetic activities were highlighted along with 357 bioactive compounds responsible for the antidiabetic activity. Also, 43 individual plant compounds with potential antidiabetic activities against cancer via the modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade were identified. Taken together, the available data give an insight of the potential of repurposing medicinal plants and/or the individual secondary metabolites with antidiabetic activities for cancer therapy.

Anti-Metastatic Effects of Lupeol via the Inhibition of MAPK/ERK Pathway in Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

ERK pathway is one of the most crucial pathways in lung cancer metastasis. Targeting its pathway is decisive in lung cancer research. Thus, this study demonstrated for the first time for significant and selective anti-metastatic effects of lupeol against lung cancer A549 cells via perturbations in the ERK signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human protein targets of lupeol were predicted in silico. Migration and cytotoxicity assays were carried out in vitro. Expression levels of proteins Erk1/2 and pErk1/2 were ensured using Enzyme- Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Semi-quantitative RT-PCR technique was used to estimate changes in crucial mesenchymal marker gene expression levels of N-cadherin and vimentin.

RESULTS

Lupeol was found to target ERK and MEK proteins effectively. Despite having no cytotoxic effects, lupeol also significantly inhibited cell migration in A549 cells with decreased expression of the pErk1/2 protein along with N-cadherin and vimentin genes.

CONCLUSION

Lupeol inhibits cell migration, showed no cytotoxic effects on A549 cells, decreased pErk1/2 and EMT gene expression. Thus, it can serve as a potential ERK pathway inhibitor in lung cancer therapeutics.

Targeting the crosstalk between canonical Wnt/β-catenin and inflammatory signaling cascades: A novel strategy for cancer prevention and therapy

Emerging scientific evidence indicates that inflammation is a critical component of tumor promotion and progression. Most cancers originate from sites of chronic irritation, infections and inflammation, underscoring that the tumor microenvironment is largely orchestrated by inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory molecules. These inflammatory components are intimately involved in neoplastic processes which foster proliferation, survival, invasion, and migration, making inflammation the primary target for cancer prevention and treatment. The influence of inflammation and the immune system on the progression and development of cancer has recently gained immense interest. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved signaling strategy, has a critical role in regulating tissue development. It has been implicated as a major player in cancer development and progression with its regulatory role on inflammatory cascades. Many naturally-occurring and small synthetic molecules endowed with inherent anti-inflammatory properties inhibit this aberrant signaling pathway, making them a promising class of compounds in the fight against inflammatory cancers. This article analyzes available scientific evidence and suggests a crosslink between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inflammatory pathways in inflammatory cancers, especially breast, gastrointestinal, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. We also highlight emerging experimental findings that numerous anti-inflammatory synthetic and natural compounds target the crosslink between Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inflammatory cascades to achieve cancer prevention and intervention. Current challenges, limitations, and future directions of research are also discussed.

Phytosterols: Targeting Neuroinflammation in Neurodegeneration

Plant-derived sterols, phytosterols, are well known for their cholesterol-lowering activity in serum and their anti-inflammatory activities. Recently, phytosterols have received considerable attention due to their beneficial effects on various non-communicable diseases, and recommended use as daily dietary components. The signaling pathways mediated in the brain by phytosterols have been evaluated, but little is known about their effects on neuroinflammation, and no clinical studies have been undertaken on phytosterols of interest. In this review, we discuss the beneficial roles of phytosterols, including their attenuating effects on inflammation, blood cholesterol levels, and hallmarks of the disease, and their regulatory effects on neuroinflammatory disease pathways. Despite recent advancements made in phytosterol pharmacology, some critical questions remain unanswered. Therefore, we have tried to highlight the potential of phytosterols as viable therapeutics against neuroinflammation and to direct future research with respect to clinical applications.

Lupeol induces autophagy and apoptosis with reduced cancer stem-like properties in retinoblastoma via phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the anticancer effects of lupeol in retinoblastoma cells.

METHODS

WERI-Rb-1 and Y-79 cell lines were used to evaluate the anticancer effect of lupeol. After lupeol treatment, the viability, proliferation, apoptosis, cancer stem-like properties, autophagy and in vivo tumour xenograft formation were detected.

KEY FINDINGS

In this study, lupeol decreased cell viability in both WERI-Rb-1 and Y-79 cell lines. Lupeol could also inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of RB cells, with increased Bax level and decreased Ki67, survivin and Bcl-2 levels. Furthermore, lupeol could suppress the spheroid formation and stem-like properties of RB cells. Moreover, LC3 II/LC3 I ratio and the levels of Beclin1 and ATG7 were increased after lupeol treatment, indicating that lupeol could induce autophagy in RB cells. Next, the inhibitory effect of lupeol on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway was observed. In tumour-bearing mice, lupeol suppressed tumour growth, and this might relate to its role in cell apoptosis, autophagy and stem-like properties.

CONCLUSIONS

Lupeol suppressed proliferation and cancer stem-like properties, and promoted autophagy and apoptosis of RB cells by restraining the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

PKCα/ERK/C7ORF41 axis regulates epidermal keratinocyte differentiation through the IKKα nuclear translocation

Aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes disrupts the skin barrier and causes a series of skin diseases. However, the molecular basis of keratinocyte differentiation is still poorly understood. In the present study, we examined the expression of C7ORF41 using tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry and found that C7ORF41 is specifically expressed in the basal layers of skin epithelium and its expression is gradually decreased during keratinocytes differentiation. Importantly, we corroborated the pivotal role of C7ORF41 during keratinocyte differentiation by C7ORF41 knockdown or overexpression in TPA-induced Hacat keratinocytes. Mechanismly, we first demonstrated that C7ORF41 inhibited keratinocyte differentiation mainly through formatting a complex with IKKα in the cytoplasm, which thus blocked the nuclear translocation of IKKα. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that inhibiting the PKCα/ERK signaling pathway reversed the reduction in C7ORF41 in TPA-induced keratinocytes, indicating that C7ORF41 expression could be regulated by upstream PKCα/ERK signaling pathway during keratinocyte differentiation. Collectively, our study uncovers a novel regulatory network PKCα/ERK/C7ORF41/IKKα during keratinocyte differentiation, which provides potential therapeutic targets for skin diseases.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Leptocarpha rivularis DC Flower Extracts

An evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activity was screened in Leptocarpha rivularis DC flower extracts using four solvents (n-hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (AcOEt), and ethanol (EtOH)). Extracts were compared for total extract flavonoids and phenol contents, antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), total reactive antioxidant properties (TRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)) across a determined value of reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), and cell viability (the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay). The most active extracts were analyzed by chromatographic analysis (GC/MS) and tested for apoptotic pathways. Extracts from Hex, DCM and AcOEt reduced cell viability, caused changes in cell morphology, affected mitochondrial membrane permeability, and induced caspase activation in tumor cell lines HT-29, PC-3, and MCF-7. These effects were generally less pronounced in the HEK-293 cell line (nontumor cells), indicating clear selectivity towards tumor cell lines. We attribute likely extract activity to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones, in combination with other components like steroids and flavonoids.

Avicennia marina a natural reservoir of phytopharmaceuticals: Curative power and platform of medicines

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. is a historic plant, well-known for many centuries in traditional and folk use medicine. A. marina is an evergreen tree belongs to Acanthaceae family. The plant is the most widespread mangrove in the tropical and subtropical regions of Indo-West-Pacific area. Current scientific data confirmed the medicinal values of A. marina. The pharmacological activity of the plant is attributed to the presence of several phytochemical classes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the link between the traditional use of the plant and the scientific data accumulated over time including both the phytochemical analysis and therapeutic activities. Additionally, to evaluate the usage of obtained data for further development of the plant and its products in the pharmaceutical market.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data related to traditional medicine, therapeutic uses, phytochemical analysis and market availability of A. marina and its products from different geographical regions were collected. The collected data was compared and the research gaps were identified in order to highlight areas that can be employed to improve plant-based research and development.

RESULTS

Although the wide geographical distribution of the plant, its historic traditional use, richness of phytochemicals and diverse pharmacological activities, the utilization of these data has never been exploited for human health and several gaps were identified. These gaps include the lack of phyto-geographical comparison of the plant, the lack of proper mapping of traditional use to the scientific data and inadequate exploration of plant phytochemicals by researchers.

CONCLUSIONS

A. marina is an old tree that has evolved over centuries and adapted diverse climates. It contains a pool of potential phytochemicals that can be employed for the discovery of drugs after careful studies. Scientists are required to invest money and time to explore these renewable and natural sources of drugs and design drug formulations to overcome current difficult to treat health issues and fight against the era of drug resistant.

Health benefits of 4,4-dimethyl phytosterols: an exploration beyond 4-desmethyl phytosterols

4,4-Dimethyl phytosterols possess two methyl groups at the carbon-4 atom of the aliphatic A-ring. The methyl groups are crucial for the molecular recognition of endogenous and exogenous bioactive compounds. Phytosterols have received worldwide attention owing to their recognized health benefits. However, 4,4-dimethyl phytosterols are less appreciated. Recent research studies revealed that 4,4-dimethyl phytosterols exert numerous beneficial effects on disease prevention, and are particularly involved in the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). The purpose of this review is to summarize and highlight the currently available information regarding the structures and sources of 4,4-dimethyl phytosterols, and to provide detailed preclinical studies performed to evaluate their potential for treating various diseases. Future research on 4,4-dimethyl phytosterols is warranted to confirm their relationship with the ECS, and to elucidate the mechanism directly toward clinical trials.

Lupeol Counteracts the Proinflammatory Signalling Triggered in Macrophages by 7-Keto-Cholesterol: New Perspectives in the Therapy of Atherosclerosis

Macrophage activation and polarization play a central role in atherosclerotic plaque fate. The M1/M2 activation phenotypes represent two profiles of the macrophage polarization state. During atherosclerosis regression or stabilization, macrophages switch from M1 proinflammatory phenotype to M2 anti-inflammatory reparative one. Here, we investigated whether the natural compound lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpene, induces phenotypical and functional changes in human M1 macrophages and counteracts the proinflammatory signalling triggered by 7-keto-cholesterol (7KC), a major product of oxidative stress-mediated cholesterol oxidation. Flow cytometric and immunochemical analysis showed that the treatment with lupeol of M1 monocyte-derived macrophages M_(IFN-γ/LPS) specifically stimulated these cells to upregulate the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin- (IL-)10 and TGF-β, and of the scavenger receptor CD36, whereas downregulated the proinflammatory cytokine IL-12 and the M1 activation marker HLA-DR. Pretreatment of macrophages with lupeol prevented the release of IL-12, IL-1β, and the upregulation of HLA-DR expression triggered by 7KC and increased the IL-10 production and CD36 expression. This treatment also prevented the impairment of endocytosis triggered by 7KC and prevented 7KC-induced foam cell formation by reducing the lipid droplet accumulation in M1-polarized THP-1 macrophages, whereas showed an additive effect in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Western blotting analysis of autophagy markers LC3-I/II and p62-SQSTM1 in M1-polarized THP-1 macrophages demonstrated that lupeol activated autophagy as indicated by increased LC3-II levels, and by marked inhibition of p62. These findings indicate that lupeol has a cytoprotective effect on 7KC-proinflammatory signalling by efficiently switching the macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype, probably through the activation of the autophagy pathway by increasing ROS production, the reduction of cellular lipid accumulation, and an overall reduction of proinflammatory phenotype. Thus, our data demonstrating an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of lupeol in human M1 macrophages suggest its usefulness as an adjunctive drug in the therapy of atherosclerosis.

β-Elemene inhibits 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced skin tumorigenesis through suppression of NF-κB-associated signaling events in the mouse skin model

β-Elemene (1-methyl-1-vinyl-2,4-diisopropenyl-cyclohexane), a natural sesquiterpene-derived curcumae radix, exhibits a variety of pharmacologic properties including anticancer. However, the molecular action of β-elemene in chemical-induced skin carcinogenesis remains unclear. Therefore, the present study executes to investigate a possible effect of β-elemene in the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-promoted skin tumor model. The experimental mice were subjected to execute two-stage skin carcinogenesis and it has been initiated by the addition of DMBA on the dorsal portion of the mouse skin. One week after, for chemical carcinogen of mice, topical exposure of DMBA has been induced following with TPA (5 nmol) in acetone (200 μL) given weekly twice for 20 weeks respectively. After completion of the experimental period, we noticed that 100% of tumor incidence, histopathological changes, decreased lipid peroxidation (LPO), and decreased antioxidant levels in DMBA/TPA-promoted skin carcinogenesis. Furthermore, enhanced activity of inflammatory protein markers (nuclear factor [NF]-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and nitric oxide synthase) and cell-proliferative messenger RNA markers (PCNA, cyclin D1), and increased antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2; decreased proapoptotic protein marker events Bax and caspase 3 and 9 expressions were noticed in DMBA/TPA promoted skin tissue. In this study, we noticed that β-elemene noticeably reversed the histopathological changes and antioxidant levels in tumor-bearing mice. Conversely, β-elemene effectively inhibits inflammation, cell proliferation events, and enhances proapoptotic factors, by suppression of NF-κB transcriptional activation in DMBA/TPA animals. Thus, we concluded that β-elemene prevents DMBA/TPA promoted skin carcinogenesis through its antioxidant and abate inflammation markers and cell-proliferative markers also activating proapoptotic molecules.

Celecoxib reduces Deoxynivalenol induced proliferation, inflammation and protein kinase C translocation via modulating downstream targets in mouse skin

Exposure to mycotoxins is mostly by ingestion but also occurs by the dermal and inhalation routes. The present study for the first time demonstrated that mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON), permeates through Swiss albino mice skin, which demands awareness of health risks in people who are dermally exposed to mycotoxins especially agricultural farmers. Despite the widespread contamination of DON in food commodities studies to alleviate DON's toxicity are sparsely reported. Thus effective measures to combat mycotoxins associated toxicity remains an imperative aspect to be considered from the angle of dermal exposure. Topical application of Celecoxib (1-2 mg), followed by DON (100 μg) application on the dorsal side of mice, resulted in substantial decrease in DON-induced (i) edema, hyperplasia, cell proliferation (ii) inhibition of cytokine and prostaglandin-E2 levels (iii) phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, p38, MAPKKs, CREB, P90-RSK (iv) downregulation of c-Jun, c- Fos, phospho-NF-kB and their downstream target proteins cyclin D1 and COX-2. Using Ro-31-8220 (Protein-Kinase-C inhibitor), it was observed PKC was responsible for DON induced upregulation of COX-2 and iNOS proteins. Treatment of Celecoxib decreased DON-induced translocation of Protein Kinase C isozymes (α,ε,γ), demonstrating the role of PKC in DON-mediated biochemical and molecular alterations responsible for its dermal toxicity. The present findings indicate that topical application of celecoxib is effective in the management of inflammatory skin disorders induced by foodborne fungal toxin DON. The skin permeation potential of Celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor NSAID, was also assessed, and the results indicated that the permeation was relatively lower as compared to the oral mode of administration. Hence topical use of celecoxib may be preferred over oral dosing because of lower systemic absorption and to avoid the unwanted side effects. This study provides a prospect for exploring the clinical efficacy of topically applied COX-2 inhibitors for the management of inflammatory skin disorders induced by foodborne fungal toxins.

Brazilian Red Propolis: Extracts Production, Physicochemical Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Profile for Antitumor Activity

Brazilian red propolis has been proposed as a new source of compounds with cytotoxic activity. Red propolis is a resinous material of vegetal origin, synthesized from the bees of the Appis mellifera family, with recognized biological properties. To obtain actives of low polarity and high cytotoxic profile from red propolis, in this work, we proposed a new solvent accelerated extraction method. A complete 2³ factorial design was carried out to evaluate the influence of the independent variables or factors (e.g., temperature, number of cycles, and extraction time) on the dependent variable or response (i.e., yield of production). The extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the identification of chemical compounds. Gas chromatography analysis revealed the presence of hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, ethers, and terpenes, such as lupeol, lupenone, and lupeol acetate, in most of the obtained extracts. To evaluate the cytotoxicity profile of the obtained bioactives, the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazole)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay was performed in different tumor cell lines (HCT116 and PC3). The results show that the extract obtained from 70 °C and one cycle of extraction of 10 min exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity against the tested cell lines. The highest yield, however, did not indicate the highest cytotoxic activity, but the optimal extraction conditions were indeed dependent on the temperature (i.e., 70 °C).

Chemosensitization of Therapy Resistant Tumors: Targeting Multiple Cell Signaling Pathways by Lupeol, A Pentacyclic Triterpene

Background:

The resistance of cancer cells to different therapies is one of the major stumbling blocks for successful cancer treatment. Various natural and pharmaceuticals drugs are unable to control drug-resistance cancer cell's growth. Also, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have several side effects and cannot apply to the patient in excess. In this context, chemosensitization to the therapy-resistant cells by non-toxic phytochemicals could be an excellent alternative to combat therapy-resistant cancers.

Objective:

To review the currently available literature on chemosensitization of therapy resistance cancers by Lupeol for clinically approved drugs through targeting different cell signaling pathways.

Methods:

We reviewed relevant published articles in PubMed and other search engines from 1999 to 2019 to write this manuscript. The key words used for the search were “Lupeol and Cancer”, “Lupeol and Chemosensitization”, “Lupeol and Cell Signaling Pathways”, “Cancer Stem Cells and Lupeol” etc. The published results on the chemosensitization of Lupeol were compared and discussed.

Results:

Lupeol chemosensitizes drug-resistant cancer cells for clinically approved drugs. Lupeol alone or in combination with approved drugs inhibits inflammation in different cancer cells through modulation of expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Lupeol, through altering the expression levels of BCL-2, BAX, Survivin, FAS, Caspases, and PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, significantly induce cell deaths among therapy-resistant cells. Lupeol also modulates the molecules involved in cell cycle regulation such as Cyclins, CDKs, P53, P21, and PCNA in different cancer types.

Conclusion:

Lupeol chemosensitizes the therapy-resistant cancer cells for the treatment of various clinically approved drugs via modulating different signaling pathways responsible for chemoresistance cancer. Thus, Lupeol might be used as an adjuvant molecule along with clinically approved drugs to reduce the toxicity and increase the effectiveness.

Lupeol inhibits migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by suppressing RhoA-ROCK1 signaling pathway

Metastasis is the main cause of death in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, current treatment options for CRC metastasis are very limited. Lupeol, a triterpene that is widely found in vegetables and fruits, has been reported to possess the cancer-preventive and anti-inflammatory functions. However, the roles of Lupeol in the migration and invasion of colorectal cancer remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the effect of Lupeol treatment on colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW620, and delineated its underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that Lupeol induced a dose-dependent inhibition of HCT116 and SW620 cells viability, measured by CCK8 assay. Wound healing and Transwell migration and invasion assays revealed that Lupeol significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of CRC cells. Using laser confocal microscope, we observed that the pseudopods and protrusions of HCT116 and SW620 cells decreased and disrupted after treatment with Lupeol. In addition, the quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting results showed that Lupeol downregulated the expression of RhoA and RhoC, and their downstream effectors ROCK1, Cofilin, p-MLC, and the associated regulatory protein Cyclin A2. Interestingly, the migration and invasion capacity of CRC cells was reduced after RhoA knockdown. And there were no additional changes in CRC cells with RhoA knockdown to treat with Lupeol. These findings demonstrate that Lupeol can suppress the migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by remodeling the actin cytoskeleton via RhoA-ROCK1 pathway inhibition, which may provide an effective anti-metastatic agent for CRC patients.

Ras-Mediated Activation of NF-κB and DNA Damage Response in Carcinogenesis

Cancer is a multi-step process during which cells acquire mutations that eventually lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division and evasion of programmed cell death. The oncogenes such as Ras and c-Myc may be responsible in all three major stages of cancer i.e., early, intermediate, and late. The NF-κB has been shown to control the expression of genes linked with tumor pathways such as chronic inflammation, tumor cell survival, anti-apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. In the last few decades, various biomarker pathways have been identified that play a critical role in carcinogenesis such as Ras, NF-κB and DNA damage.

Progress in Drug and Formulation Development for the Chemoprevention of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a life-threatening global problem with high incidence rates. Prioritizing the prevention of cancer, chemopreventive agents have drawn much attention from the researchers.

OBJECTIVE

This review focuses on the discussion of the progress in the development of chemopreventive agents and formulations related to the prevention of oral cancer.

METHODS

In this perspective, an extensive literature survey was carried out to understand the mechanism, control and chemoprevention of oral cancer. Different patented agents and formulations have also exhibited cancer preventive efficacy in experimental studies. This review summarizes the etiology of oral cancer and developments in prevention strategies.

RESULTS

The growth of oral cancer is a multistep activity necessitating the accumulation of genetic as well as epigenetic alterations in key regulatory genes. Many risk factors are associated with oral cancer. Genomic technique for sequencing all tumor specimens has been made available to help detect mutations. The recent development of molecular pathway and genetic tools has made the process of diagnosis easier, better forecast and efficient therapeutic management. Different chemical agents have been studied for their efficacy to prevent oral cancer and some of them have shown promising results.

CONCLUSION

Use of chemopreventive agents, either synthetic or natural origin, to prevent carcinogenesis is a worthy concept in the management of cancers. Preventive measures are helpful in controlling the occurrence or severity of the disease. The demonstrated results of preventive agents have opened an arena for the development of promising chemopreventive agents in the management of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

A, Bava SV, Sundaram S, Retnakumari AP, Chittalakkottu S, Anto RJ. Pre-clinical evidences for the efficacy of tryptanthrin as a potent suppressor of skin cancer

OBJECTIVE

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of indigo naturalis, a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient, against psoriasis, a skin disease characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and inflammation. The present study investigates the efficacy of tryptanthrin, a bioactive compound in indigo naturalis, against non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and the signalling events involved.

METHODS

Efficacy of tryptanthrin against NMSC was assessed using DMBA/PMA-induced skin carcinogenesis model in Swiss albino mice. Immunostaining for PCNA and ki-67 was used to mark proliferating cells in tissues. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and toluidine staining were employed to assess inflammation, and TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptosis in tissues. The signalling events were evaluated using Western blot, imunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. MTT assay and clonogenic assay were performed to assess the viability and proliferation of cancer cells, in vitro.

RESULTS

In mice, topical application of tryptanthrin suppressed skin carcinogenesis. It attenuated inflammation, impeded the proliferation of hair follicle (HF) cells and suppressed the activation of β-catenin, a major driver of HF cell proliferation. Additionally tryptanthrin suppressed the activation of ERK1/2 and p38, both of which promote β-catenin activation and lowered the expression of c-Myc and cyclin-D1. Tryptanthrin suppressed the proliferation of the human NMSC cell line, A431 and abrogated EGF-induced activation of β-catenin and subsequent cytoskeletal rearrangement.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates with molecular evidence that tryptanthrin is an effective suppressor of NMSC.

Lupeol Alleviates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Correlation with Modulation of PI3K/Akt Pathway

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of lupeol on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

METHODS

The effects of lupeol on cerebral infarction, cerebral water content, neurological symptoms and cerebral blood flow in rats were evaluated. Nissl staining was carried out to assess the neuronal damage of ischemic brain after I/R in rats. Apoptosis of ischemic brain neurons after I/R was detected by TUNEL staining. Western blotting was carried out to detect the effects of lupeol on the expression of p-PDK1, p-Akt, pc-Raf, p-BAD, cleaved caspase-3 and p-PTEN.

RESULTS

Lupeol significantly increased cerebral blood flow after I/R in rats, reduced brain water content and infarct volume, and decreased neurological function scores. It significantly reduced neuronal damage after I/R in rats, and significantly reduced neuronal cell loss. PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) can eliminate the effect of lupeol on I/R in rats. In addition, lupeol significantly increased the protein expression of p-PDK1, p-Akt, pc-Raf, p-BAD, and down-regulated the expression of cleaved caspase-3. LY294002 reversed the effects of lupeol on the expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins and cleaved caspase-3 after I/R in rats.

CONCLUSION

Lupeol had significant neuroprotective effects on brain I/R injury and neuronal apoptosis, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Modulation of cell signaling pathways by Phyllanthus amarus and its major constituents: potential role in the prevention and treatment of inflammation and cancer

The causal and functional connection between inflammation and cancer has become a subject of much research interest. Modulation of cell signaling pathways, such as those involving mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor kappa β (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and Wnt, and their outcomes play a fundamental role in inflammation and cancer. Activation of these cell signaling pathways can lead to various aspects of cancer-related inflammation. Hence, compounds able to modulate inflammation-related molecular targets are sought after in anticancer drug development programs. In recent years, plant extracts and their metabolites have been documented with potential in the prevention and treatment of cancer and inflammatory ailments. Plants possessing anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties due to their bioactive constituents have been reported to modulate the molecular and cellular pathways which are related to inflammation and cancer. In this review we focus on the flavonoids (astragalin, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin), lignans (phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, and niranthin), tannins (corilagin, geraniin, ellagic acid, gallic acid), and triterpenes (lupeol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid) of Phyllanthus amarus, which exert various anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities via perturbation of the NF-κB, MAPKs, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt signaling networks. Understanding the underlying mechanisms involved may help future research to develop drug candidates for prevention and new treatment for cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Cytotoxic and apoptotic potential of Phyllodium elegans extracts on human cancer cell lines

The extract of Phyllodium (P.) elegans was investigated for its anti-cancer properties on brain astroglioma cells (U251-MG), colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116), and malignant melanoma cells (A375). P. elegans methanolic extract (PeME) showed cytotoxicity on all three cancer cell lines tested. The cell viability assay revealed that PeME significantly reduced the viability of these cells. Clear apoptotic features such as cellular morphology, cell shrinkage, and augmentation of dead cells were observed. Flow cytometry and fluorescence staining techniques confirmed the apoptotic property of PeME. In vitro scratch invasion assay showed that cell migration rate was significantly reduced. Fluorescence microscopic studies using 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining showed early and late signs of apoptosis after PeME treatment. Upon PeME stimulation, activation of caspase-3/-9 and Mu-2-related death-inducing gene (MUDENG, MuD) was observed by western blot analysis. JC-1 staining analysis by flow cytometry showed that PeME depolarized the mitochondria membrane potential (MMP). Collectively, these findings, for the first time, point to the fact that PeME has anti-cancer properties against brain, colon, and skin cancer cell lines by depolarizing the MMP and activating apoptotic signaling through the activation of caspase-3/-9 as well as MuD. This is the first report reporting the anticancer activity of this specific plant extract.[Figure: see text].

The Reparative Effect of Dendrobium officinale Protocorms against Photodamage Caused by UV-Irradiation in Hairless Mice

Dendrobium officinale protocorms (DOPs) are a specific developmental stage of Dendrobium officinale KIMURA et MIGO, which is used in folk medicine to ease skin issues, such as wrinkles and erythema. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of DOPs on UV irradiation-induced skin damage in bc_nu hairless mice, using matrixyl as a positive control. Hairless mice were randomly separated into 6 groups (8 mice per group). The normal control group received solvent and was not exposed to UV irradiation, while the model control group received solvent and was exposed to UV irradiation. The positive control group was subjected to UV irradiation and then received a 10 mg/mL formulation of matrixyl. The DOPs-treated groups received a transdermal application of a DOPs formulation after 4 weeks of UV irradiation. Relevant indicators, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), were then used to evaluate the ability of DOPs to repair photodamage. The results indicated that DOPs significantly reduced erythema and protected the skin from dryness and therefore exhibits a significant anti-photoaging effect. In addition, the expression of CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px increased while TBARS and MMPs levels decreased in DOPs-treated mice. This demonstrated that DOPs can inhibit photodamage in the skin of hairless mice. DOPs could be used as a potential therapeutic agent to protect the skin against UV-induced photoaging.

Lupeol alters viability of SK-RC-45 (Renal cell carcinoma cell line) by modulating its mitochondrial dynamics

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney cancer leading to 140,000 deaths per year. Among all RCCs 80% evolve from the epithelial proximal tubular cells within the kidney. There is a high tendency of developing chemoresistance and resistance to radiation therapy in most RCC patients. Therefore, kidney resection is considered as the most effective treatments for patients having localized RCC. There is a high tendency of post-operative recurrence among 20-40% of the patients and this recurrence is not curable. It is also clear that modern medicine has no curative treatment options against metastatic RCC. Lupeol [lup-20(29)-en-3β-ol] is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound naturally found in various edible fruits and in many traditionally used medicinal plants, and has been demonstrated as effective against highly metastatic melanoma and prostate cancers. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of lupeol to RCC with molecular details. Treatment with lupeol on SK-RC-45 (a RCC cell line) with the LC₅₀ dose of 40μM (for 48 h) induces mitochondrial hyper fission which eventually leads to apoptosis while SK-RC-45 counteracts by enhancing autophagy-mediated selective removal of fragmented mitochondria. This is the first study which concurrently reports the effects of lupeol on RCC and its effect on the mitochondrial dynamics of a cell. Herein, we conclude that lupeol has potential to be an effective agent against RCC with the modulation of mitochondrial dynamics.

Mechanism of Oleogel-S10: A triterpene preparation for the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare heterogeneous, genetic disorders. Currently, there is no effective pharmacological or genetic therapy for all EB subtypes. Dry extract from birch bark and betulin upregulate some pro‐inflammatory mediators and downregulate others. The increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokines is temporary and attenuated over long‐term treatment. This inflammatory stimulus is thought to be prerequisite for a secondary anti‐inflammatory response. Dry extract from birch bark and its active marker substances have also been shown to increase the migration of primary human keratinocytes, accelerate wound closure, and promote differentiation of keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo—processes that are essential for reepithelialization and maintenance of the skin barrier. Comprehensive clinical data are available to support the use of Oleogel‐S10 in the treatment of partial thickness wounds of different etiologies, and a proof‐of‐concept Phase 2 study in patients with dystrophic EB has suggested the potential for faster reepithelialization of wounds treated with Oleogel‐S10.

Reversing effect of Lupeol on vasculogenic mimicry in murine melanoma progression

Vasculogenic mimicry, an endothelia-independent tumor microcirculation has been found in various cancers and is thought to be achieved by cancer stem like cells. Dacarbazine resistance is one of the most common features of melanoma and recent studies suggest that the mode of resistance is closely related to the formation of vasculogenic mimicry. In our work, we examined the anticancer effect of Lupeol, a novel phytochemical with Dacarbazine in vivo and in vitro. Results demonstrated adequate cytotoxicity followed by down regulation of CD 133 expression in Lupeol treated B16-F10 cell line. In solid tumor model the drug also inhibited vasculogenic mimicry along with angiogenesis by altering both the cancer stem cell as well as the endothelial progenitor cell population. Lupeol hindered the maturation of bone marrow derived endothelial progenitors and thus, retarded the formation of rudimentary tumor microvessels. Notably, Dacarbazine treatment demonstrated unresponsiveness to B16-F10 cells in both in vivo and in vitro model via upregulation of CD 133 expression and increased formation of vasculogenic mimicry tubes. Together, these data indicate that Lupeol alone can become a proficient agent in treating melanoma, inhibiting vasculogenic mimicry and might play a significant role in subduing Dacarbazine induced drug resistance.