Grape seed extract induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cells

Seedless black Vitis vinifera polyphenols suppress hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo by targeting apoptosis, cancer stem cells, and proliferation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor and one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Here, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo ameliorating impacts of seedless black Vitis vinifera (VV) polyphenols on HCC. Following the preparation of the VV crude extract (VVCE) from seedless VV (pulp and skin), three fractions (VVF1, VVF2, and VVF3) were prepared. The anticancer potencies of the prepared fractions, compared to 5-FU, were assessed against HepG2 and Huh7 cells. In addition, the effects of these fractions on p-dimethylaminoazobenzene-induced HCC in mice were evaluated. The predicted impacts of selected phenolic constituents of VV fractions on the activity of essential HCC-associated enzymes (NADPH oxidase "NADPH-NOX2", histone deacetylase 1 "HDAC1", and sepiapterin reductase "SepR") were analyzed using molecular docking. The results showed that VVCE and its fractions induced apoptosis and collapsed CD133+ stem cells in the studied cancer cell lines with an efficiency greater than 5-FU. VVF1 and VVF2 exhibited the most effective anticancer fractions in vitro; therefore, we evaluated their influences in mice. VVF1 and VVF2 improved liver morphology and function, induced apoptosis, and lowered the fold expression of various crucial genes that regulate cancer stem cells and other vital pathways for HCC progression. For most of the examined parameters, VVF1 and VVF2 had higher potency than 5-FU, and VVF1 showed more efficiency than VVF2. The selected phenolic compounds displayed competitive inhibitory action on NADPH-NOX2, HDAC1, and SepR. In conclusion, these findings declare that VV polyphenolic fractions, particularly VVF1, could be promising safe anti-HCC agents.

Development of an efficient method for separation and purification of cordycepin from liquid fermentation of Cordyceps militaris and analysis of cordycepin antitumor activity

Cordycepin (3 '-deoxyadenosine) is the main active component of Cordyceps militaris, which is a chemical marker for quality detection of Cordyceps militaris and has important medicinal development value. Existing methods for obtaining cordycepin are complex and costly. In this study, an economical and simple method for separation and purification of cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris fermentation liquid through physical crystallization was explored. First, lyophilized powdered fermentation liquid (LPFL) and pure methanol (1 g/100 mL, w/v) were mixed, and then repeatedly dissolved and crystallized until the precipitation was white. Purified product was obtained by freeze-drying the precipitate. The substance was determined to be cordycepin by high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy, and the purity was 94.26%. Compared with the existing methods, this method is simple and low cost. In addition, the functional activity of cordycepin was determined by in vitro test. The results exhibited that cordycepin caused death and morphological changes in human colon cancer Caco-2 cells, and significantly inhibited the proliferation of Caco-2 cells, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 107.2 μg/mL. Cordycepin could induce early apoptosis of Caco-2 and caused cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase. Caco-2 cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest showed dose dependence to cordycepin over a certain range. These results improved cordycepin purification method, provided insights into the mechanism of cordycepin in cancer inhibition, and would provide important reference for further development and clinical application of cordycepin.

Correlation between antioxidant and anticancer activity and phenolic profile of new Apulian table grape genotypes (V. Vinifera L.)

Grapes represent a significant source of phenolic compounds known for their health-promoting properties, such as antioxidant capacity on normal cells and prooxidant activity on tumor cells. The genotype highly affects the polyphenolic composition in grapes and, consequently, the nutritional quality of berries. This work aimed to characterize the phenolic composition, the antioxidant, and anticancer activity of grape skin extracts (GSEs) of nine new table grape genotypes selected from a breeding program to obtain new cultivars of seedless table grapes, well adapted to the climatic change and with higher nutraceutical properties. The grape polyphenolic profile was characterized by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole-Time of Flight mass spectrometry analysis. GSE antioxidant activity was determined by the ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC assays; GSE cell growth inhibition test was carried out in the Caco2 human cancer cell line. The nine GSEs showed different flavonoid and non-flavonoid profiles, and all possessed antioxidant activity, with the 'Aika N.', 'Turese N.', and 'Egnatia N.' the most active. As anticancer activity against the tested cancer cell line, 'Daunia N.' and 'Apenestae N.' showed the EC50 after 24 h of 35.60 µg/mL and 150.91 µg/mL, respectively. The relationship between polyphenolic profile and the antioxidant and anticancer activity of GSE was also investigated. Interestingly, among the different classes of polyphenolics, flavan-3-ols e proanthocyanidins showed the highest positive correlation with the anticancer activity of extracts. These findings can be helpful for the preparation of new extracts for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry and geneticists working in vine breeding programs.

Anticancer Effects of Fucoxanthin through Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis Induction, Angiogenesis Inhibition, and Autophagy Modulation

Cancer accounts for one in seven deaths worldwide and is the second leading cause of death in the United States, after heart disease. One of the standard cancer treatments is chemotherapy which sometimes can lead to chemoresistance and treatment failure. Therefore, there is a great need for novel therapeutic approaches to treat these patients. Novel natural products have exhibited anticancer effects that may be beneficial in treating many kinds of cancer, having fewer side effects, low toxicity, and affordability. Numerous marine natural compounds have been found to inhibit molecular events and signaling pathways associated with various stages of cancer development. Fucoxanthin is a well-known marine carotenoid of the xanthophyll family with bioactive compounds. It is profusely found in brown seaweeds, providing more than 10% of the total creation of natural carotenoids. Fucoxanthin is found in edible brown seaweed macroalgae such as Undaria pinnatifida, Laminaria japonica, and Eisenia bicyclis. Many of fucoxanthin's pharmacological properties include antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, anticancer, and antihypertensive effects. Fucoxanthin inhibits many cancer cell lines' proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, it modulates miRNA and induces cell cycle growth arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy. Moreover, the literature shows fucoxanthin's ability to inhibit cytokines and growth factors such as TNF-α and VEGF, which stimulates the activation of downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt autophagy, and pathways of apoptosis. This review highlights the different critical mechanisms by which fucoxanthin inhibits diverse cancer types, such as breast, prostate, gastric, lung, and bladder development and progression. Moreover, this article reviews the existing literature and provides critical supportive evidence for fucoxanthin's possible therapeutic use in cancer.

Phenol Derivatives Obtained from Grape Seed Extract Show Virucidal Activity against Murine Norovirus

Human noroviruses are the most common pathogens known to cause acute gastroenteritis, a condition that can lead to severe illness among immunocompromised individuals such as organ transplant recipients and the elderly. To date, no safe and effective vaccines or therapeutic agents have been approved for treating norovirus infections. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate the virucidal activity of grape seed extract (GSE), which contains >83% proanthocyanidins, against murine norovirus (MNV), a surrogate for human norovirus. GSE showed virucidal activity against MNV in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Atomic force microscopic analysis showed viral particle aggregates after treatment of MNV with GSE. MNV treated with 50 µg/mL of GSE for 10 min resulted in the absence of pathogenicity in an animal model of infection, indicating that GSE has irreversible virucidal activity against MNV particles. Thus, GSE may aid in the development of treatments for norovirus infections.

The Utilization of Physiologically Active Molecular Components of Grape Seeds and Grape Marc

Nutritional interventions may highly contribute to the maintenance or restoration of human health. Grapes (Vitis vinifera) are one of the oldest known beneficial nutritional components of the human diet. Their high polyphenol content has been proven to enhance human health beyond doubt in statistics-based public health studies, especially in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The current review concentrates on presenting and classifying polyphenol bioactive molecules (resveratrol, quercetin, catechin/epicatechin, etc.) available in high quantities in Vitis vinifera grapes or their byproducts. The molecular pathways and cellular signaling cascades involved in the effects of these polyphenol molecules are also presented in this review, which summarizes currently available in vitro and in vivo experimental literature data on their biological activities mostly in easily accessible tabular form. New molecules for different therapeutic purposes can also be synthesized based on existing polyphenol compound classes available in high quantities in grape, wine, and grape marc. Therefore an overview of these molecular structures is provided. Novel possibilities as dendrimer nanobioconjugates are reviewed, too. Currently available in vitro and in vivo experimental literature data on polyphenol biological activities are presented in easily accessible tabular form. The scope of the review details the antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, vasoprotective, and neuroprotective roles of grape-origin flavonoids. The novelty of the study lies in the description of the processing of agricultural by-products (grape seeds and skins) of industrial relevance, and the detailed description of the molecular mechanisms of action. In addition, the review of the clinical therapeutic applications of polyphenols is unique as no summary study has yet been done.

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

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

HRMS Characterization, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Polyphenols in Malus domestica Cultivars from Costa Rica

There is increasing interest in research into fruits as sources of secondary metabolites because of their potential bioactivities. In this study, the phenolic profiles of Malus domestica Anna and Jonagold cultivars from Costa Rica were determined by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) using a quadrupole-time-of-flight analyzer (UPLC-QTOF-ESI MS), on enriched-phenolic extracts from skins and flesh, obtained through Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE). In total, 48 different phenolic compounds were identified in the skin and flesh extracts, comprising 17 flavan-3-ols, 12 flavonoids, 4 chalcones, 1 glycosylated isoprenoid and 14 hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives. Among extracts, the flesh of Jonagold exhibits a larger number of polyphenols and is especially rich in procyanidin trimers, tetramers and pentamers. Evaluating total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities using ORAC and DPPH procedures yields higher values for this extract (608.8 mg GAE/g extract; 14.80 mmol TE/g extract and IC50 = 3.96 µg/mL, respectively). In addition, cytotoxicity evaluated against SW620 colon cancer cell lines and AGS gastric cancer cell lines also delivered better effects for Jonagold flesh (IC50 = 62.4 and 60.0 µg/mL, respectively). In addition, a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) was found between TPC and cytotoxicity values against SW620 and AGS adenocarcinoma (r = -0.908, and -0.902, respectively). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) was also found between the number of procyanidins and both antioxidant activities and cytotoxicity towards SW620 (r = -0.978) and AGS (r = -0.894) cell lines. These results align with Jonagold flesh exhibiting the highest abundance in procyanidin oligomers and yielding better cytotoxic and antioxidant results. In sum, our findings suggest the need for further studies on these Costa Rican apple extracts-and particularly on the extracts from Jonagold flesh-to increase the knowledge on their potential benefits for health.

Polyphenolic QTOF-ESI MS Characterization and the Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Prunus domestica Commercial Cultivars from Costa Rica

There is an increased interest in plum research because of their metabolites' potential bioactivities. In this study, the phenolic profiles of Prunus domestica commercial cultivars (Methley, Pisardii and Satsuma) in Costa Rica were determined by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High Resolution Mass Spectrometry using a quadrupole-time-of-flight analyzer (UPLC-ESI-QTOF MS) on enriched phenolic extracts obtained through Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) under acidic and neutral extraction conditions. In total, 41 different phenolic compounds were identified in the skin and flesh extracts, comprising 11 flavan-3-ols, 14 flavonoids and 16 hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives. Neutral extractions for the skins and flesh from all of the cultivars yielded a larger number of compounds, and were particularly rich in the number of procyanidin trimers and tetramers when compared to the acid extractions. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant potential using the DPPH and ORAC methods exhibited better results for neutral extracts with Satsuma skins and Methley flesh, which showed the best values (685.0 and 801.6 mg GAE/g extract; IC₅₀ = 4.85 and 4.39 µg/mL; and 12.55 and 12.22 mmol TE/g extract, respectively). A Two-Way ANOVA for cytotoxicity towards AGS gastric adenocarcinoma and SW620 colon adenocarcinoma indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) for PLE conditions, with better results for neutral extractions, with Satsuma skin delivering the best results (IC₅₀ = 60.7 and 46.7 µg/mL respectively) along with Methley flesh (IC₅₀ = 76.3 and 60.9 µg/mL, respectively). In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between TPC and ORAC (r = 0.929, p < 0.05), as well as a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) between TPC and cytotoxicity towards AGS and SW620 cell lines (r = -0.776, and -0.751, respectively). A particularly high, significant, negative correlation (p < 0.05) was found between the number of procyanidins and cytotoxicity against the AGS (r = -0.868) and SW620 (r = -0.855) cell lines. Finally, the PCA clearly corroborated that neutral extracts are a more homogenous group exhibiting higher antioxidant and cytotoxic results regardless of the part or cultivar; therefore, our findings suggest that PLE extracts under neutral conditions would be of interest for further studies on their potential health benefits.

Phenolic Fractions from Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. and Their Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities Assessment

Lingonberry leaves and fruits are associated with a range of potential bioactivities related to their phenolic content and composition, but the identification of major biological activity markers remains limited. The present study aimed at the isolation of lingonberry phenolic fractions and biological activity evaluation of them. Crude dry extracts of lingonberry leaves and fruits were fractionated by chromatography using Sephadex LH-20 and analyzed by validated HPLC-PDA method. For each fraction, the anticancer activity against human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CaKi-1), human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), and human malignant melanoma (IGR39) cell lines was determined using MTT assay, and the radical scavenging, reducing, and chelating activities were investigated using ABTS, FRAP, and FIC assays, respectively. Further, 28 phenolics were identified and quantified in the crude extract of lingonberry leaves and 37 in the extract of fruits. These compounds, during fractionation steps, were selectively eluted into active fractions, enriched with different groups of phenolics—monophenols, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, catechins, flavonols, or proanthocyanidins. Fractions of lingonberry leaves and fruits, obtained by the last fractionation step, proved to be the most active against tested cancer cell lines and possessed the greatest antioxidant activity. In this perspective, the predominant compounds of these fractions—polymeric and mainly A-type dimeric proanthocyanidins—also quercetin can be considered to be anticancer and antioxidant activity markers of lingonberries.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins Induce Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest of HepG2 Cells Accompanied by Induction of the MAPK Pathway and NAG-1

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common malignancies leading to death. Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy have certain effects, their side effects limit their therapeutic effect. Phytochemicals have recently been given more attention as promising resources for cancer chemoprevention or chemotherapy due to their safety. In this study, the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) on the apoptosis, cell cycle, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway-related proteins and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1) expression of HepG2 cells were investigated. The results showed that GSPs inhibited the viability of HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, induced apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, and regulated cell cycle-related proteins, cyclin B1, cyclin-dependent kinase 1, and p21. GSPs also increased reactive oxygen species production and caspase-3 activity. In addition, GSPs also increased the expression of p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38 MAPK and NAG-1, and GSPs-induced NAG-1 expression was related to the MAPK pathway-related proteins. These data suggest that GSPs may be promising phytochemicals for HCC chemoprevention or chemotherapy.

Anticancer activity of Neptunia oleracea methanolic extracts

Neptunia oleracea Lour (water mimosa) is an edible medicinal plant used in treating various diseases. According to Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases, Neptunia oleracea Lour is used in curing earaches, dysentery, syphilis, and tumour. The present study was aimed at demonstrating the anticancer activity of the Neptunia oleracea Lour methanolic extract. The methanolic extract was isolated and its anti-proliferative activity was studied on haematological cancer cell lines. The activity of the extract was further evaluated using cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assays. In addition to this, effect of the extract on c-Myc and PErk1/2 modulation was also evaluated. Neptunia oleracea Lour extract induced cell death in cancer cells while sparing normal cells. An increase in cleaved PARP and reduction in BCL-2 levels observed upon treatment. Neptunia oleracea causes reduction in c-Myc levels and pERK1/2 protein levels. Thus, our work highlights the methanolic extract of Neptunia oleracea Lour as a promising anti-cancer agent.

Health Effects of Grape Seed and Skin Extracts and Their Influence on Biochemical Markers

This review is focused on the study of the effects of grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) on human health. GSSE contains high concentrations of important polyphenolic substances with high biological activity. This review is a summary of studies that investigate the effects of GSSE on diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and cancer, its neuroprotective effect, and its effects on the gastrointestinal tract and other health complications related to these diseases. The results of the studies confirm that the anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and pro-proliferative effects of “Vitis vinifera L.” seed extract reduce the level of oxidative stress and improve the overall lipid metabolism.

Flavonoid and Non-Flavonoid Compounds of Autumn Royal and Egnatia Grape Skin Extracts Affect Membrane PUFA's Profile and Cell Morphology in Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines

Grapes contain many flavonoid and non-flavonoid compounds with anticancer effects. In this work we fully characterized the polyphenolic profile of two grape skin extracts (GSEs), Autumn Royal and Egnatia, and assessed their effects on Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) membrane levels of Caco2 and SW480 human colon cancer cell lines. Gene expression of 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), as well as cell morphology, were evaluated. The polyphenolic composition was analyzed by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole-Time of Flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOF) analysis. PUFA levels were evaluated by gas chromatography, and gene expression levels of 15-LOX-1 and PPAR-γ were analyzed by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Morphological cell changes caused by GSEs were identified by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and photomicrograph examination. We detected a different profile of flavonoid and non-flavonoid compounds in Autumn Royal and Egnatia GSEs. Cultured cells showed an increase of total PUFA levels mainly after treatment with Autumn Royal grape, and were richer in flavonoids when compared with the Egnatia variety. Both GSEs were able to affect 15-LOX-1 and PPAR-γ gene expression and cell morphology. Our results highlighted a new antitumor mechanism of GSEs that involves membrane PUFAs and their downstream pathways.

Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-1 Enzyme Inhibition by Grape Skin Extracts Affects Membrane Fluidity in Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines

The polyphenolic compounds present in grape extracts have chemopreventive and anticancer properties. Here, we studied the ability of two grape skin extracts (GSEs), Autumn Royal and Egnatia, to influence the cell motility and membrane fluidity regulated by the enzyme Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) which increases with the cancer aggressiveness. Caco2 and SW480 human colon cancer cell lines were treated with increasing concentrations of GSEs to evaluate cell proliferation and motility. SCD1 levels were evaluated in both treated cell lines, by membrane lipidomic analysis conducted by gas chromatography. The expression levels of SCD1 and other factors involved in the reorganization of the cytoskeleton and focal adhesions were assessed by Real-time PCR, Western Blotting, and Immunofluorescence staining. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses were performed to determine the phenolic composition in the GSEs, finding them more expressed in Autumn Royal than in Egnatia. Both treatments reduced the levels of SCD1, phospho-Rac1/Cdc42/Rac1/Cdc42 ratio, Cofilin, Vimentin, and phospho-Paxillin especially in Caco2 compared to SW480, showing a different behavior of the two cell lines to these natural compounds. Our findings show that GSEs block the cell migration and membrane fluidity through a new mechanism of action involving structural cellular components.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins Induce Autophagy and Modulate Survivin in HepG2 Cells and Inhibit Xenograft Tumor Growth in Vivo

Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy are effective in general, they present various side effects, significantly limiting the curative effect. Increasing evidence has shown that the dietary intake of phytochemicals plays an essential role in the chemoprevention or chemotherapy of tumors. In this work, HepG2 cells and nude mice with HepG2-derived xenografts were treated with grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs). The results showed that GSPs induced autophagy, and inhibition of autophagy increased apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In addition, GSPs also reduced the expression of survivin. Moreover, survivin was involved in GSPs-induced apoptosis. GSPs at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg significantly inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in nude mice without causing observable toxicity and autophagy, while inducing the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway-associated proteins, p-JNK, p-ERK and p-p38 MAPK and reducing the expression of survivin. These results suggested that GSPs might be promising phytochemicals against liver cancer.

Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of grape pomace and grape seed extracts on colorectal cancer cell lines

Grape pomace is the source of bioactive compounds (anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and stilbenes) which exhibit antiproliferative actions on cell cultures. We have investigated the antitumoral effects of grape pomace and grape seed extracts on colon cancer cells (Caco-2, HT-29) and fibroblasts. Crude extracts prepared from white and red pomace, and grape seeds, reduced the viability and proliferation of Caco-2. HT-29 cells were resistant to these actions. Purified extracts were then prepared from the same sources and compared with the LDH test; again, all three extracts were active and purified extract from grape seed was the most potent and specific on Caco-2 cells. HT-29 cells were more sensitive to these purified extracts. The biological activity resided almost exclusively in the flavonol and flavan-3-ols subfractions, rather than the anthocyanin subfraction. Preliminary results on the mechanisms involved in these effects revealed downregulation of Myc gene expression in HT-29 and upregulation of Ptg2 in Caco-2 cells.

Esculetin enhances the inhibitory effect of 5-Fluorouracil on the proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignant disease worldwide and thus new therapeutic approaches are needed. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) remains the most widely used agent to treat colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its clinical efficacy is currently limited by the development of drug resistance. Esculetin (EST), a coumarin, was found to have anti-proliferative and anti-migration activity in cancer.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to evaluated the influence and possible mechanism of EST on the proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of CRC cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human CRC cell lines HT-29, SW480, HCT-116, and Caco-2 were treated with various concentrations of EST (0.2, 2, 20, 200, 2000 μg/ml) or 5-FU (0.1, 1, 10, 100, 1000 μg/ml) for 48 h, and cell viability was determined by the MTT and CCK-8 assay. The motility of HCT-116 cells was detected by scratch assay. Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression. Besides, levels of Wnt3a and VEGF in HCT-116 cell culture medium supernatant were analyzed by ELISA. The anti-tumor effect was detected with HCT-116 subcutaneous tumor bearing tumor model by monitoring the tumor vomume in vivo. Finally, the tumoral expression of VEGF was measured by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of Ki67, PCNA, β-catenin, c-Myc, Cyclin D1, MMP2 and MMP7 was measured by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

EST inhibited HCT-116 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that EST decreased the expression of Ki67, PCNA, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, vimentin, fibronectin, β-catenin, c-Myc, Cyclin D1, MMP2 and MMP7. Furthermore, EST reduced the release of Wnt3a and VEGF into HCT-116 cells culture medium. After EST treatment, the tumor volume was significant smaller than that of the control group, and the tumoral levels of VEGF were decreased. Moreover, western blot analysis indicated that the expression of Ki67, PCNA, β-catenin, c-Myc, Cyclin D1, MMP2 and MMP7 were also significantly decreased after treated with EST. In addition, in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor results demonstrated that EST combined with 5-FU could increase the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on HCT-116 cells proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

CONCLUSIONS

EST enhances the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on the proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of CRC.

Bio-Based Compounds from Grape Seeds: A Biorefinery Approach

Food and agricultural waste represents a growing problem with negative effects on the economy, environment, and human health. Winemaking produces byproducts with high added value, which can be used for new productions in several application fields. From the perspective of biorefinery and circular economy, grape seeds could be exploited by extracting bioactive compounds with high added value before using biomass for energy purposes. The markets concerned are, in addition to the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals sectors, which use bioactive compounds, the sector of biopolymeric materials and of energy for the production of biohydrogen and biomethane. Generally, bioactive components should be investigated through an integrated and multidisciplinary study approach based on emerging analytical techniques; in this context, attention is addressed towards green and sustainable procedures; an update of extraction techniques, innovative technologies, and chemometrics are described. Nowadays, processes so far tested on a pilot scale for grape waste are developed to enhance the extraction yields. Here, a picture of the Italian experience applied to the byproducts of the wine industry is given.

The comparative study among different fractions of muscadine grape 'Noble' pomace extracts regarding anti-oxidative activities, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer

As a by-product of wine making, pomace contains rich amounts of phenolic compounds that can be potentially utilized as raw materials to make beneficial products especially for the anti-cancer agents including the breast cancer. Muscadinia rotundifolia ‘Noble’ is a wine-making grape cultivar, and to better use ‘Noble’ pomace, the most effective phenolic fractions in cancer inhibition must be identified. In this study, anti-oxidative activities of three separated fractions of ‘Noble’ pomace (F1, F2 and F3) were compared in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2ʹ-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS) assays as well as the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The ability of different fractions to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was also evaluated by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. Fraction F3, which contained a mixture of anthocyanidins and ellagic acids, exhibited the strongest anti-oxidative activity, as determined at both low and high concentrations in the DPPH and FRAP assays. F3 also demonstrated the greatest ability to induce apoptosis via caspase activation and cell cycle arrest by downregulating cyclin A and upregulating p21. F3 was thus the most effective bioactive fraction among those prepared from muscadine grape ‘Noble’ pomace.

Prodelphinidins isolated from Chinese bayberry leaves induces apoptosis via the p53-dependent signaling pathways in OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer cells

Chinese bayberry leaves are rich in prodelphinidins. Since the isolation and purification of prodelphinidins is difficult, the association between the degree of prodelphinidin polymerization and their anti-carcinogenic activity remains ambiguous. The cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of prodelphinidin Chinese bayberry leaf extracts (PCBLs), oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPAs) and polymeric proanthocyanidins (PPAs), isolated by normal-phase preparative high-performance liquid chromatography were investigated in OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer cells. The PCBLs, OPAs and PPAs inhibited cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis via the caspase-dependent pathway. Apoptosis was triggered through the intrinsic pathway by upregulating the expression of several B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family proapoptotic proteins, including p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), Bcl-2-associated X protein and Bcl-2-associated agonist of cell death, and by downregulating the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-extra large. Apoptosis was also triggered through the extrinsic pathway via the upregulation of death receptor 5 (DR5) and Fas expression. In addition, OPAs and PPAs induced caspase-dependent apoptosis at least partially through the inhibition of the protein kinase B signaling pathway. The knockdown of p53 by specific small interfering RNA resulted in the depletion of p53, and inhibited the OPA and PPA treatment-induced increases in p53, which led to a decrease in the expression of p21, DR5, Fas, PUMA and phosphatase and tensin homolog proteins. These observations demonstrate that p53 is a mediator of OPA and PPA-induced apoptosis in OVCAR-3 cells. The PPAs exhibited stronger anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities compared with OPAs and PCBLs. These results suggest that PCBLs, OPAs and PPAs may be useful for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Radioprotective effect of green tea and grape seed extracts mixture on gamma irradiation induced immune suppression in male albino rats

PURPOSE

Green tea extract (GTE) and grape seed extract (GSE) have antioxidant and radioprotective effects. The current study aimed to investigate the radioprotective effect of GTE and GSE mixture on radiation-induced immune suppression in rats.

METHOD

A total of 35 male albino rats were divided into five groups: group 1 (control rats). The 2nd and 3rd groups rats were exposed to a single dose of gamma radiation (5 and 10 Gy), respectively. The 4th and 5th groups of rats were gamma-irradiated with 5 and 10 Gy, respectively, then administrated by gavage with GTE and GSE mixture (100 mg: 200 mg/kg BW), respectively, for 14 consecutive days.

RESULTS

Gamma irradiation induced hematological, immunological and biochemical effects in rats. Treated rats with GTE and GSE mixture (1:2) showed an increase in concentrations of immune cells including CD4 and CD8. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines Tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein elevated after γ-irradiation and significantly decreased by mixture administration. Moreover, groups treated with antioxidant mixture showed a significant increase in all hematological parameters and a significant decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

CONCLUSION

GTE and GSE mixture is a good radioprotector and immune modulator compound, indicating its possible use as an adjuvant during radiotherapy.

Anti-proliferative properties of commercial Pelargonium sidoides tincture, with cell-cycle G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in Jurkat leukaemia cells

Context Pelargonium sidoides DC (Geraniaceae) is an important medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa and Lesotho. Previous studies have shown that root extracts are rich in polyphenolic compounds with antibacterial, antiviral and immunomodulatory activities. Little is known regarding the anticancer properties of Pelargonium sidoides extracts. Objective This study evaluates the anti-proliferative effects of a Pelargonium sidoides radix mother tincture (PST). Materials and methods The PST was characterized by LC-MS/MS. Anti-proliferative activity was evaluated in the pre-screen panel of the National Cancer Institute (NCI-H460, MCF-7 and SF-268) and the Jurkat leukaemia cell line at concentrations of 0-150 μg/mL. The effect on cell growth was determined with sulphorhodamine B and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays after 72 h. The effect on cell cycle and apoptosis induction in Jurkat cells was determined by flow cytometry with propidium iodide and Annexin V: fluorescein isothiocyanate staining. Results Dihydroxycoumarin sulphates, gallic acid as well as gallocatechin dimers and trimers were characterized in PST by mass spectrometry. Moderate anti-proliferative effects with GI50 values between 40 and 80 μg/mL were observed in the NCI-pre-screen panel. Strong activity observed with Jurkat cells with a GI50 value of 6.2 μg/mL, significantly better than positive control 5-fluorouracil (GI50 value of 9.7 μg/mL). The PST arrested Jurkat cells at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and increased the apoptotic cells from 9% to 21%, while the dead cells increased from 4% to 17%. Conclusion We present evidence that P. sidoides has cancer cell type-specific anti-proliferative effects and may be a source of novel anticancer molecules.

Grape seed and skin extract protects against bleomycin-induced oxidative stress in rat lung

INTRODUCTION

Lung fibrosis is a common side effect of the chemotherapeutic agent bleomycin and current evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species play a key role in the development of lung injury. We examined whether grape seed and skin extract (GSSE), a polyphenolic mixture exhibiting antioxidant properties, is able to protect against bleomycin-induced lung oxidative stress and injury.

METHODS

Rats were pre-treated during three weeks either with vehicle (ethanol 10% control) or GSSE (4g/kg), then administered with a single high dose bleomycin (15mg/kg) at the 7th day.

RESULTS

Bleomycin increased lung lipoperoxidation, carbonylation and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Bleomycin also induced copper depletion from the lung and iron accumulation within the lung, but had no effect on either zinc nor manganese. Correlatively bleomycin decreased the copper associated enzyme tyrosinase, increased the zinc dependent lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and did not affect the manganese dependent glutamine synthetase. GSSE efficiently counteracted almost all bleomycin-induced oxidative stress, biochemical and morphological changes of lung tissue.

CONCLUSION

Data suggest that GSSE exerts potent antioxidant properties that could find potential application in the protection against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis.

Cancer Chemopreventive Potential of Procyanidin

Chemoprevention entails the use of synthetic agents or naturally occurring dietary phytochemicals to prevent cancer development and progression. One promising chemopreventive agent, procyanidin, is a naturally occurring polyphenol that exhibits beneficial health effects including anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antitumor activities. Currently, many preclinical reports suggest procyanidin as a promising lead compound for cancer prevention and treatment. As a potential anticancer agent, procyanidin has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cells in “in vitro and in vivo”. Procyanidin has numerous targets, many of which are components of intracellular signaling pathways, including proinflammatory mediators, regulators of cell survival and apoptosis, and angiogenic and metastatic mediators, and modulates a set of upstream kinases, transcription factors, and their regulators. Although remarkable progress characterizing the molecular mechanisms and targets underlying the anticancer properties of procyanidin has been made in the past decade, the chemopreventive targets or biomarkers of procyanidin action have not been completely elucidated. This review focuses on the apoptosis and tumor inhibitory effects of procyanidin with respect to its bioavailability.

Functional modification of adipocytes by grape seed extract impairs their pro-tumorigenic signaling on colon cancer stem cells and the daughter cancer cells

With global rise in obesity, it is imperative that we identify obesity-driven factors that increase growth and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), and also discover and develop agents with anti-CRC efficacy under obese conditions. Here in, we investigated grape seed extract (GSE), a well-defined agent with both preventive and anti-CRC efficacy, for its potential to impair pro-tumorigenic signaling of adipocytes on CRC/colon cancer stem cells (CSCs) and associated molecular mechanisms, to control CRC under obese conditions. GSE treatment significantly decreased the growth and invasion promoting effects of both mouse and human adipocytes on CRC cells. Moreover, GSE exerted a direct inhibitory effect, as well as it strongly reduced the growth promoting signals of adipocytes, on colon CSCs. These GSE effects were associated with a decrease in both mRNA and protein levels of various CSC-associated molecules. Notably, GSE effects on adipocytes were not due to changes in lipid content, but by inducing the ‘browning’ of adipocytes as evidenced by an increase in UCP-1 mRNA level and mitochondriogenesis. Together, these findings, for the first time, suggest the ability of GSE to induce ‘brown remodeling’ of white adipocytes, which causes functional modification of adipocytes thus impairing their pro-tumorigenic signals on colon CSCs/CRC cells.

Target identification of grape seed extract in colorectal cancer using drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) technique: role of endoplasmic reticulum stress response proteins

Various natural agents, including grape seed extract (GSE), have shown considerable chemopreventive and anti-cancer efficacy against different cancers in pre-clinical studies; however, their specific protein targets are largely unknown and thus, their clinical usefulness is marred by limited scientific evidences about their direct cellular targets. Accordingly, herein, employing, for the first time, the recently developed drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) technique, we aimed to profile the potential protein targets of GSE in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Unlike other methods, which can cause chemical alteration of the drug components to allow for detection, this approach relies on the fact that a drug bound protein may become less susceptible to proteolysis and hence the enriched proteins can be detected by Mass Spectroscopy methods. Our results, utilizing the DARTS technique followed by examination of the spectral output by LC/MS and the MASCOT data, revealed that GSE targets endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response proteins resulting in overall down regulation of proteins involved in translation and that GSE also causes oxidative protein modifications, specifically on methionine amino acids residues on its protein targets. Corroborating these findings, mechanistic studies revealed that GSE indeed caused ER stress and strongly inhibited PI3k-Akt-mTOR pathway for its biological effects in CRC cells. Furthermore, bioenergetics studies indicated that GSE also interferes with glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism in CRC cells. Together, the present study identifying GSE molecular targets in CRC cells, combined with its efficacy in vast pre-clinical CRC models, further supports its usefulness for CRC prevention and treatment.

Metabolic and biological profile of autochthonous Vitis vinifera L. ecotypes

Vitis viniferaL. is a plant species rich in phenolic compounds that are usually associated with the health benefits of wine and grape consumption in the diet.

Effect of grape procyanidins on tumor angiogenesis in liver cancer xenograft models

BACKGROUND

In recent years a wide variety of flavonoids or polyphenolic substances have been reported to possess substantial anti-carcinogenic and antimutagenic activities. Grape proanthocyanidins (GPC) are considered as good examples for which there is evidence of potential roles as anti-carcinogenic agents.

METHODS

A xenograft model was established using H22 cells subcutaneously injected into mice and used to assess different concentrations of grape proanthocyanidins (GPC) and Endostar. Treatments were maintained for 10 days, then levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) were examined by immunohistochemistry, while VEGF mRNA was determined by real-time PCR in tumor tissue.

RESULTS

The expression of MVD and VEGF decreased gradually as the concentration of GPC increased.There was a significant positive correlation between MVD and VEGF.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that GPC restrains the growth of tumor, possibly by inhibiting tumour angiogenesis.

Grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) inhibit the growth of cervical cancer by inducing apoptosis mediated by the mitochondrial pathway

Grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs), a biologically active component of grape seeds, have been reported to possess a wide array of pharmacological and biochemical properties. Recently, the inhibitory effects of GSPs on various cancers have been reported, but their effects on cervical cancer remain unclear. Here, we explored the effect of GSPs on cervical cancer using in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro, the treatment of HeLa and SiHa cells with GSPs resulted in a significant inhibition of cell viability. Further investigation indicated that GSPs led to the dose-dependent induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. The underlying mechanism was associated with increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bak-1, decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and the activation of caspase-3, suggesting that GSPs induced cervical cancer cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. In addition, the administration of GSPs (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%, w/v) as a supplement in drinking water significantly inhibited the tumor growth of HeLa and SiHa cells in athymic nude mice, and the number of apoptotic cells in those tumors was also increased significantly. Taken together, our studies demonstrated that GSPs could inhibit the growth of cervical cancer by inducing apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, which provides evidence indicating that GSPs may be a potential chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic agent for cervical cancer.

Low molecular weight procyanidins from grape seeds enhance the impact of 5-Fluorouracil chemotherapy on Caco-2 human colon cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

Grape seed procyanidins (PC) are flavan-3-ol oligomers and polymers known for their biological activity in the gut. Grape seed extract (GSE) have been reported to reduce intestinal injury in a rat model of mucositis. We sought to investigate effects of purified PC fractions differing in mean degree of polymerization (mDP) combined with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy on the viability of colon cancer cells (Caco-2).

DESIGN

SixPC fractions (F1-F6) were isolated from Cabernet Sauvignon seeds at two ripeness stages: pre-veraison unripe (immature) and ripe (mature), utilizing step gradient, low-pressure chromatography on a Sephadex LH-20 resin. Fractions were tested on Caco-2 cells, alone and in combination with 5-FU. Eluted fractions were characterized by phloroglucinolysis and gel permeation chromatography. Cell viability was determined by the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay.

RESULTS

All isolated fractions significantly reduced Caco-2 cell viability compared to the control (P<0.05), but F2 and F3 (mDP 2-6) were the most active fractions (immature F2 = 32% mDP 2.4, F3 = 35% mDP 5.8 and mature F2 = 13% mDP 3.6 and F3 = 17% mDP 5.9; percentage of viable cells remaining) on Caco-2 cells. When combined with 5-FU, immature fractions F1-F3 enhanced the cell toxicity effects of 5-FU by 27-73% (P<0.05). Mature seed PC fractions (F1-F4) significantly enhanced the toxicity of 5-FU by 60-83% against Caco-2 cells (P<0.05). Moreover, some fractions alone were more potent at decreasing viability in Caco-2 cells (P<0.05; immature fractions = 65-68% and mature fractions = 83-87%) compared to 5-FU alone (37%).

CONCLUSIONS

PCs of mDP 2-6 (immature F1-F3 and mature F1 and F4)not only enhanced the impact of 5-FU in killing Caco-2 cells, but also surpassed standard 5-FU chemotherapy as an anti-cancer agent.The bioactivity of PC is therefore attributed primarily to lower molecular weight PCs.

Differential modulation of apoptotic processes by proanthocyanidins as a dietary strategy for delaying chronic pathologies

Apoptosis is a biological process necessary for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Several diseases can result if it is deregulated. For example, inhibition of apoptotic signaling pathways is linked to the survival of pathological cells, which contributes to cancer, whereas excessive apoptosis is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, partially via oxidative stress. The activation or restoration of apoptosis via extrinsic or intrinsic pathways combined with cell signaling pathways triggered by reactive oxygen specises (ROS) formation is considered a key strategy by which bioactive foods can exert their health effects. Proanthocyanidins, a class of flavonoids naturally found in fruits, vegetables, and beverages, have attracted a great deal of attention not only because they are strong antioxidants but also because they appear to exert a different modulation of apoptosis, stimulating apoptosis in damaged cells, thus preventing cancer or reducing apoptosis in healthy cells, and as a result, preserving the integrity of normal cells and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, proanthocyanidins could provide a defense against apoptosis induced by oxidative stress or directly inhibit apoptosis, and they could also provide a promising treatment for a variety of diseases. Emerging data suggest that proanthocyanidins, especially those that humans can be persuaded to consume, may be used to prevent and manage cancer and mental disorders.

Epicatechin gallate induces cell death via p53 activation and stimulation of p38 and JNK in human colon cancer SW480 cells

The tea flavonoid epicatechin gallate (ECG) exhibits a wide range of biological activities. In this study, the in vitro anticancer effects of ECG on SW480 colon cancer cell line was investigated by analyzing the cell cycle, apoptosis, key proteins involved in cellular survival/proliferation, namely AKT/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and the role of p53 in these processes. ECG induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1-S phase border associated with the stimulation of p21, p-p53, and p53 and the suppression of cyclins D1 and B1. Exposure of SW480 cells to ECG also led to apoptosis as determined by time-dependent changes in caspase-3 activity, MAPKs [extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK)], p21 and p53 activation, and AKT inhibition. The presence of pifithrin, an inhibitor of p53 function, blocked ECG-induced apoptosis as was manifested by restored cell viability and caspase-3 activity to control values and reestablished the balance among Bcl-2 anti- and proapoptotic protein levels. Interestingly, ECG also inhibited p53 protein and RNA degradation, contributing to the stabilization of p53. In addition, JNK and p38 have been identified as necessary for ECG-induced apoptosis, upon activation by p53. The results suggest that the activation of the p53-p38/JNK cascade is required for ECG-induced cell death in SW480 cells.

Anticarcinogenic activity of polyphenolic extracts from grape stems against breast, colon, renal and thyroid cancer cells

A major part of the wineries' wastes is composed of grape stems which are discarded mainly in open fields and cause environmental problems due mainly to their high polyphenolic content. The grape stem extracts' use as a source of high added value polyphenols presents great interest because this combines a profitable venture with environmental protection close to wine-producing zones. In the present study, at first, the Total Polyphenolic Content (TPC) and the polyphenolic composition of grape stem extracts from four different Greek Vitis vinifera varieties were determined by HPLC methods. Afterwards, the grape stem extracts were examined for their ability to inhibit growth of colon (HT29), breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-23), renal (786-0 and Caki-1) and thyroid (K1) cancer cells. The cancer cells were exposed to the extracts for 72 h and the effects on cell growth were evaluated using the SRB assay. The results indicated that all extracts inhibited cell proliferation, with IC₅₀ values of 121-230 μg/ml (MCF-7), 121-184 μg/ml (MDA-MD-23), 175-309 μg/ml (HT29), 159-314 μg/ml (K1), 180-225 μg/ml (786-0) and 134->400 μg/ml (Caki-1). This is the first study presenting the inhibitory activity of grape stem extracts against growth of colon, breast, renal and thyroid cancer cells.

CIZ1 regulates the proliferation, cycle distribution and colony formation of RKO human colorectal cancer cells

Cip1-interacting zinc finger protein 1 (CIZ1) is a nuclear protein that was observed to bind to p21Cip1/Waf1. p21Cip1/Waf1 regulates the cell cycle and is associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. However, the effect of CIZ1 on CRC cells remains unclear. In the present study, CIZ1 was observed to be highly expressed in RKO human CRC cells. Silencing of CIZ1 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed RKO cell proliferation. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that knockdown of CIZ1 decreased the percentage of cells in the S phase and increased the ratio of cells in the G0/G1 phase in parallel with upregulated cell apoptosis. Moreover, the number and size of RKO cell colonies was repressed by knockdown of the CIZ1 gene. These results suggested that CIZ1 may be involved in colon cancer progression by regulating cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and colony formation. Furthermore, CIZ1‑siRNA may provide a novel tool for CRC investigation and therapy.

Effect of black grape juice against heart damage from acute gamma TBI in rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential positive effect of black grape juice (BGJ) on lipid peroxidation considering Total Body Irradiation (TBI) in Wistar rats. As a potential feasible means of evaluation in situ, blood serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were evaluated as a marker for heart damage from acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Twenty rats were divided into four groups, two of them being irradiated by gamma-rays from a Co-60 source. Animals were treated by gavage with 2 mL per day of BGJ or placebo for one week before and 4 days after 6 Gy whole body gamma-irradiation, when they were euthanasiated. LDH on serum and lipid peroxidation on heart tissue were evaluated. High concentration of metabolites from lipid peroxidation in heart, and high LDH level on serum were found only in gamma-irradiated group given placebo, mainly at the first 24 h after radiation. Phytochemical analysis of BGJ was performed by determining total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins followed by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/DAD) analysis, which showed resveratrol as the major constituent. Results suggest that BGJ is a good protective candidate compound against heart damage from ARS and its effects suggest its use as a radiomodifier.

Role of oxidative stress in cytotoxicity of grape seed extract in human bladder cancer cells

In present study, we evaluated grape seed extract (GSE) efficacy against bladder cancer and associated mechanism in two different bladder cancer cell lines T24 and HTB9. A significant inhibitory effect of GSE on cancer cell viability was observed, which was due to apoptotic cell death. Cell death events were preceded by vacuolar appearance in cytoplasm, which under electron microscopy was confirmed as swollen mitochondrial organelle and autophagosomes. Through detailed in vitro studies, we established that GSE generated oxidative stress that initiated an apoptotic response as indicated by the reversal of GSE-mediated apoptosis when the cells were pre-treated with antioxidants prior to GSE. However, parallel to a strong apoptotic cell death event, GSE also caused a pro-survival autophagic event as evidenced by tracking the dynamics of LC3-II within the cells. Since the pro-death apoptotic response was stronger than the pro-survival autophagy induction within the cells, cell eventually succumbed to cellular death after GSE exposure. Together, the findings in the present study are both novel and highly significant in establishing, for the first time, that GSE-mediated oxidative stress causes a strong programmed cell death in human bladder cancer cells, suggesting and advocating the effectiveness of this non-toxic agent against this deadly malignancy.