Cruciferous vegetables and colorectal cancer prevention through microRNA regulation: A review

Deciphering the impact of dietary habits and behavioral patterns on colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor that originates from the epithelial cells of the colon and rectum. Global epidemiological data shows that in 2020, the incidence and mortality rate of CRC ranked third and second, respectively, posing a serious threat to people's health and lives. The factors influencing CRC are numerous and can be broadly categorized as modifiable and non-modifiable based on whether they can be managed or intervened upon. Non-modifiable factors include age, gender, family history, among others. Among the modifiable factors, dietary habits and behavioral practices are the main intervention measures that people can take to prevent CRC. Numerous studies indicate that a high intake of red and processed meats, fats, as well as habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and prolonged sitting, increase the risk of developing CRC. Conversely, consuming ample vegetables, fruits, high dietary fiber, and engaging in moderate regular exercise may reduce the risk of CRC. This article primarily discusses the impact of dietary habits and behavioral practices on the occurrence and development of CRC, along with possible mechanisms, laying the foundation and providing direction for the prevention and control of CRC occurrence and development.

Glucosinolate Hydrolytic Products-A Multi-Arm Warrior

BACKGROUND

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are the most controversial yet ignored class of phytochemicals. These are the middleman phytochemicals that have low bioactivity. But once there is any injury in the plant-manmade, insect caused, or natural-magic happens. The compound is broken down into smaller phytochemicals referred to as glucosinolate hydrolytic products (GHPs; nitriles, isothiocyanates [ITCs], and thiocyanates). These hydrolytic products are like a showstopper of the fashion industry. These compounds have some of the highest bioactivity in nature. They have been associated with a varied range of bioactivities (anticancer, antioxidant, insecticidal, weedicide, etc.) by researchers across the globe.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the current article is to provide a critical review to highlight some of the important bioactivities of these ignored compounds and for promoting researchers to at least give these compounds a chance-to glow in the dark.

METHODS

This review has been written from analysis of accessible literature, mostly from the last 5 years (2018-2023), with some critically essential exceptions.

RESULTS

The review highlighted a brief background of GSLs and its hydrolysis. Efforts were made to include most of the biological properties of the compound. Special emphasis has been given to the anticancer activities of the compound with details of the involved mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the wide array of bioactivities of GHPs, it is essential to consider it as a prospective medicinal compound. More GHPs-in a similar manner as sulforaphane-can be proceeded to phase trials.

HIGHLIGHTS

The mechanistic pathway for production of GHPs and related biological activities have been discussed in detail. The bioactivities have been further explained using the involved mechanism.

Effect of cruciferous vegetable intake on cancer: An umbrella review of meta-analysis

Previous systematic evaluations and meta-analyses of the relationship between cruciferous vegetable (CV) intake and cancer risk have yielded inconsistent results. Herein, we summarize and evaluate the existing data and examine the relationship between CV intake and cancer risk. We searched four databases for cancer risk as a key outcome indicator. AMSTAR-2 was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included systematic reviews, PRISMA 2020 was used to evaluate the report quality, and corrected coverage area analysis was used to evaluate the duplication rate of the original documents. Overall, 22 meta-analyses involving 175 independent cancer studies were included. Evidence on lung, gastric, prostate, breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer, as well as renal cell carcinoma, suggests a potential association between cancer and CV intake, which influences the risk of various cancers. Future research should focus on improving methods and techniques, controlling influencing factors, elucidating underlying mechanisms, and improving evidence quality to demonstrate the association between CV intake and cancer. The potential role of dietary CVs in cancer control has implications for public health policies.

miR-4529-3p Promotes the Progression of Retinoblastoma by Inhibiting RB1 Expression and Activating the ERK Signaling Pathway

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a malignant ocular cancer that affects children. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in RB regulation. The present study aimed to investigate the role of miR-4529-3p in RB pathogenesis. Scratch, Transwell, and Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assays were conducted to assess the migratory, invasive, and proliferative abilities of RB cells. The expression levels of miR-4529-3p, RB1, and ERK pathway-related proteins were analyzed using western blotting and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Target relationships were verified using dual-luciferase reporter experiments. A murine RB model was developed to analyze the effects of miR-4529-3p on RB tumor growth in vivo. Our experiments revealed high levels of miR-4529-3p and low levels of RB1 in RB tissues. Functional analyses revealed that the migratory, invasive, and proliferative abilities of RB cells were repressed by miR-4529-3p inhibition. Similarly, p-ERK 1/2 protein levels were suppressed by miR-4529-3p inhibition. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-4529-3p limited tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, miR-4259-3p targets RB1. Interestingly, RB1 silencing abrogated the alleviative effects of miR-4529-3p downregulation in RB cells. MiR-4529-3p promotes RB progression by inhibiting RB1 and activating the ERK pathway. This evidence suggests that the miR-4529-3p/RB1 regulatory axis may be a prospective target for RB treatment in clinical settings.

Food Intake and Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for considerable mortalities worldwide. Several modifiable risk factors, including a high intake of certain foods and beverages can cause CRC. This review summarized the latest findings on the intake of various foods, nutrients, ingredients, and beverages on CRC development, with the objective of classifying them as a risk or protective factor. High-risk food items include red meat, processed meat, eggs, high alcohol consumption, sugar-sweetened beverages, and chocolate candy. Food items that are protective include milk, cheese and other dairy products, fruits, vegetables (particularly cruciferous), whole grains, legumes (particularly soy beans), fish, tea (particularly green tea), coffee (particularly among Asians), chocolate, and moderate alcohol consumption (particularly wine). High-risk nutrients/ingredients include dietary fat from animal sources and industrial trans-fatty acids (semisolid/solid hydrogenated oils), synthetic food coloring, monosodium glutamate, titanium dioxide, and high-fructose corn sirup. Nutrients/ingredients that are protective include dietary fiber (particularly from cereals), fatty acids (medium-chain and odd-chain saturated fatty acids and highly unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), calcium, polyphenols, curcumin, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, E, and B (particularly B6, B9, and B2). A combination of micronutrients and multi-vitamins also appears to be beneficial in reducing recurrent adenoma incidence.

Emerging evidence on the effects of plant-derived microRNAs in colorectal cancer: a review

Food nutrition and human health are still interesting international issues. Early detection, risk assessment and diet are vital to mitigate the load of intestinal diseases and enhance the quality of life. Plant-derived microRNAs could be transferred to mammalian organisms by cross-kingdom regulation which adjusts relevant target genes for their participation in the process of carcinogenesis. But the mechanism of plant-derived microRNAs in colorectal cancer is still unclear. This review aims to summarize the current pathways of plant-derived microRNAs in colorectal cancer including intestinal bacteria, the tumor microenvironment, plant active substances and protein, discuss the direct or indirect effects of plant-derived microRNAs on the occurrence and/or progression of colorectal cancer and explain why plant-derived microRNAs can be used as a potential anti-cancer agent. Moreover, the drawbacks of plant-derived microRNAs are also discussed in terms of both edible plants and synthetic delivery vectors for RNAi interference technology for human disease treatment. This review will provide a potential way for plant-derived microRNAs to target colorectal cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables as a treasure of functional foods bioactive compounds: Targeting p53 family in gastrointestinal tract and associated cancers

In the past few years, phytochemicals from natural products have gotten the boundless praise in treating cancer. The promising role of cruciferous vegetables and active components contained in these vegetables, such as isothiocyanates, indole-3-carbinol, and isothiocyanates, has been widely researched in experimental in vitro and in vivo carcinogenesis models. The chemopreventive agents produced from the cruciferous vegetables were recurrently proven to affect carcinogenesis throughout the onset and developmental phases of cancer formation. Likewise, findings from clinical investigations and epidemiological research supported this statement. The anticancer activities of these functional foods bioactive compounds are closely related to their ability to upregulate p53 and its related target genes, e.g., p21. As the “guardian of the genome,” the p53 family (p53, p63, and p73) plays a pivotal role in preventing the cancer progression associated with DNA damage. This review discusses the functional foods bioactive compounds derived from several cruciferous vegetables and their use in altering the tumor-suppressive effect of p53 proteins. The association between the mutation of p53 and the incidence of gastrointestinal malignancies (gastric, small intestine, colon, liver, and pancreatic cancers) is also discussed. This review contains crucial information about the use of cruciferous vegetables in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract malignancies.

Colorectal microbiota after removal of colorectal cancer

The colonic microbiome has been implicated in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and intestinal microbiome alterations are not confined to the tumour. Since data on whether the microbiome normalises or remains altered after resection of CRC are conflicting, we studied the colonic microbiota of patients after resection of CRC. We profiled the microbiota using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in colonic biopsies from patients after resection of CRC (n = 63) in comparison with controls (n = 52), subjects with newly diagnosed CRC (n = 93) and polyps (i = 28). The colonic microbiota after surgical resection remained significantly different from that of controls in 65% of patients. Genus-level profiling and beta-diversity confirmed two distinct groups of patients after resection of CRC: one with an abnormal microbiota similar to that of patients with newly diagnosed CRC and another similar to non-CRC controls. Consumption levels of several dietary ingredients and cardiovascular drugs co-varied with differences in microbiota composition suggesting lifestyle factors may modulate differential microbiome trajectories after surgical resection. This study supports investigation of the colonic microbiota as a marker of risk for development of CRC.

Dietary Organosulfur-Containing Compounds and Their Health-Promotion Mechanisms

Dietary organosulfur-containing compounds (DOSCs) in fruits, vegetables, and edible mushrooms may hold the key to the health-promotion benefits of these foods. Yet their action mechanisms are not clear, partially due to their high reactivity, which leads to the formation of complex compounds during postharvest processing. Among postharvest processing methods, thermal treatment is the most common way to process these edible plants rich in DOSCs, which undergo complex degradation pathways with the generation of numerous derivatives over a short time. At low temperatures, DOSCs are biotransformed slowly during fermentation to different metabolites (e.g., thiols, sulfides, peptides), whose distinctive biological activity remains largely unexplored. In this review, we discuss the bioavailability of DOSCs in human digestion before illustrating their potential mechanisms for health promotion related to cardiovascular health, cancer chemoprevention, and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. In particular, it is interesting that different DOSCs react with glutathione or cysteine, leading to the slow release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which has broad bioactivity in chronic disease prevention. In addition, DOSCs may interact with protein thiol groups of different protein targets of importance related to inflammation and phase II enzyme upregulation, among other action pathways critical for health promotion.

Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, Volume 13 is March 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

miR-513b-5p inhibits the proliferation and promotes apoptosis of retinoblastoma cells by targeting TRIB1

MicroRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of various human malignant tumors. This study aims to explore the role of miR-513b-5p in the malignant proliferation of retinoblastoma (RB) cells and its potential molecular mechanisms. The function-gain and function-loss experiments were performed in Weri-RB1 cells using miR-513b-5 mimics and inhibitors. miR-513b-5p mimics inhibited the proliferation and clone formation and promoted apoptosis of Weri-RB1 cells. In contrast, the miR-513b-5p inhibitor promoted the proliferation and clone formation of Weri-RB1 cells and inhibited cell apoptosis. miR-513b-5p can directly bind to the 3'UTR region of TRIB1 mRNA, and inhibit its protein expression. Overexpression of TRIB1 promoted the proliferation and cloning of Weri-RB1 cells but inhibited their apoptosis. The knockdown of TRIB1 inhibited the proliferation and clone formation of Weri-RB1 cells and promoted cell apoptosis. In addition, miR-513b-5p mimics neutralized the effects of TRIB1 overexpression on the proliferation and apoptosis of Weri-RB1 cells. Finally, miR-513b-5p can inhibit the phosphorylation level of AKT, mTOR, and p70, while TRIB1 played the opposite role. miR-513b-5p inhibits the malignant proliferation of Weri-RB1 cells by repressing the expression of TRIB1. miR-513b-5p and TRIB1 may be the biomarkers and/or key targets for clinical diagnosis and treatment of RB.

Sulforaphane as a potential remedy against cancer: Comprehensive mechanistic review

Sulforaphane belongs to the active class of isothiocyanates capable of delivering various biological benefits for health promotion and disease prevention. This compound is considered vital to curtail numerous metabolic disorders. Various studies have proven its beneficial effects against cancer prevention and its possible utilization as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment. Understanding the mechanistic pathways and possible interactions at cellular and subcellular levels is key to design and develop cancer therapeutics for humans. In this respect, a number of mechanisms such as modulation of carcinogen metabolism & phase II enzymatic activities, cell cycle arrest, activation of Nrf2, cytotoxic, proapoptotic and apoptotic pathways have been reported to be involved in cancer prevention. This article provides sufficient information by critical analysis to understand the mechanisms involved in cancer prevention attributed to sulforaphane. Furthermore, various clinical studies have also been included for design and development of novel therapies for cancer prevention and cure. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diet and dietary components are potential tools to address various lifestyle-related disorders. Due to plenty of environmental and cellular toxicants, the chances of cancer prevalence are quite large which are worsen by adopting unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer can be treated with various therapies but those are acquiring side effects causing the patients to suffer the treatment regime. Nutraceuticals and functional foods provide safer options to prevent or delay the onset of cancer. In this regard, sulforaphane is a pivotal compound to be targeted as a potential agent for cancer treatment both in preventive and therapeutic regimes. This article provides sufficient evidence via discussing the underlying mechanisms of positive effects of sulforaphane to further the research for developing anticancer drugs that will help assuage this lethal morbidity.

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Induces Apoptosis Through ROS Generation and Caspase-3 Activation in Cervical Cancer Cells

The latest research shows that current chemotherapeutics are ineffective because of the development of resistance in cervical cancer cells, and hence, their scope of use is limited. The main concern of researchers at the moment is the discovery of safe and effective antiproliferative plant chemicals that can aid in the battle against cervical cancer. Previous studies have shown the possible anticancer potential of phenethyl isothiocyanate obtained from cruciferous plants for many cancers, which targets various signaling pathways to exercise chemopreventive and therapeutic effects. This provides the basis for studying phenethyl isothiocyanate's therapeutic potential against cervical cancer. In the present study, cervical cancer cells were treated with various doses of phenethyl isothiocyanate, alone and in combination with cisplatin. Phenethyl isothiocyanate alone was sufficient to cause nucleus condensation and fragmentation and induce apoptosis in cervical cancer cells, but evident synergistic effects were observed in combination with cisplatin. In addition, phenethyl isothiocyanate treatment increased the production of intracellular ROS in a dose-dependent manner in cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, investigation of phenethyl isothiocyanate induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, and activation of caspases showed that phenethyl isothiocyanate significantly activated caspase-3.

Epigenetic dysregulation in various types of cells exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields

Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression, without changing the DNA sequence, and establish cell-type-specific temporal and spatial expression patterns. Alterations of epigenetic marks have been observed in several pathological conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that a variety of environmental factors may cause epigenetic alterations and eventually influence disease risks. Humans are increasingly exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs), which in 2002 were classified as possible carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the link between the exposure to ELF-MFs and epigenetic alterations in various cell types. In spite of the limited number of publications, available evidence indicates that ELF-MF exposure can be associated with epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, modifications of histones and microRNA expression. Further research is needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenomena.

The role of microRNA-33 as a key regulator in hepatic lipogenesis signaling and a potential serological biomarker for NAFLD with excessive dietary fructose consumption in C57BL/6N mice

Limited studies reported mechanisms by which microRNAs (miRNA) are interlinked in the etiology of fructose-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we aimed to investigate the significance of miRNAs in fructose-induced NAFLD pathogenesis through unbiased approaches. In experiment I, C57BL/6N mice were fed either water or 34% fructose for six weeks ad libitum. In experiment II, time course effects of fructose intervention were monitored using the same conditions; mice were killed at the baseline, fourth, and sixth weeks. Bioinformatic analyses for hepatic proteomics revealed that SREBP1 is the most significant upstream regulator influenced by fructose; miR-33-5p (miR-33) was identified as the key miRNA responsible for SREBP1 regulation upon fructose intake, which was validated by in vitro transfection assay. In experiment II, we confirmed that the longer mice consumed fructose, the more severe liver injury markers (e.g., serum AST) appeared. Moreover, hepatic Srebp1 mRNA expression was increased depending upon the duration of fructose consumption. Hepatic miR-33 was time-dependently decreased by fructose while serum miR-33 expression was increased; these observations indicated that miR-33 from the liver might be released upon cell damage. Finally we observed that fructose-induced ferroptosis might be a cause of liver toxicity, resulting from oxidative damage. Collectively, our findings suggest that fructose-induced oxidative damage induces ferroptosis, and miR-33 could be used as a serological biomarker of fructose-induced NAFLD.

MicroRNAs Regulate Intestinal Immunity and Gut Microbiota for Gastrointestinal Health: A Comprehensive Review

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The regulation of microRNA expression in the gut intestine is gradually recognized as one of the crucial contributors of intestinal homeostasis and overall health. Recent studies indicated that both the microRNAs endogenous in the gut intestine and exogenous from diets could play influential roles in modulating microbial colonization and intestinal immunity. In this review, we discuss the biological functions of microRNAs in regulating intestinal homeostasis by modulating intestinal immune responses and gut microbiota. We particularly focus on addressing the microRNA-dependent communication and interactions among microRNA, gut microbiota, and intestinal immune system. Besides, we also summarize the roles of diet-derived microRNAs in host-microbiome homeostasis and their benefits on intestinal health. A better understanding of the relationships among intestinal disorders, microRNAs, and other factors influencing intestinal health can facilitate the application of microRNA-based therapeutics for gastrointestinal diseases.

Mechanisms Underlying Biological Effects of Cruciferous Glucosinolate-Derived Isothiocyanates/Indoles: A Focus on Metabolic Syndrome

An inverse correlation between vegetable consumption and the incidence of cancer has long been described. This protective effect is stronger when cruciferous vegetables are specifically consumed. The beneficial properties of vegetables are attributed to their bioactive components like fiber, antioxidants vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and phenolic compounds. Cruciferous vegetables contain all these molecules; however, what makes them different are their sulfurous components, called glucosinolates, responsible for their special smell and taste. Glucosinolates are inactive biologically in the organism but are hydrolyzed by the enzyme myrosinase released as a result of chewing, leading to the formation of active derivatives such as isothiocyanates and indoles. A considerable number of in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that isothiocyanates and indoles elicit chemopreventive potency through multiple mechanisms that include modulation of phases I and II detoxification pathway enzymes, regulation of cell cycle arrest, and control of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, antioxidant activity, anti-angiogenic effects, and epigenetic regulation. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) are key and central regulators in all these processes with a main role in oxidative stress and inflammation control. It has been described that isothiocyanates and indoles regulate their activity directly and indirectly. Today, the metabolic syndrome (central obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension) is responsible for a majority of deaths worldwide. All components of metabolic syndrome are characterized by chronic inflammation with deregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK/EKR/JNK, Nrf2, and NF-κB signaling pathways. The effects of GLSs derivatives controlling these pathways have been widely described in relation to cancer. Changes in food consumption patterns observed in the last decades to higher consumption of ultra-processed foods, with elevation in simple sugar and saturated fat contents and lower consumption of vegetables and fruits have been directly correlated with metabolic syndrome prevalence. In this review, it is summarized the knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which cruciferous glucosinolate derivatives (isothiocyanates and indoles) directly and indirectly regulate these pathways. However, the review places a special focus on the knowledge of the effects of glucosinolates derivatives in metabolic syndrome, since this has not been reviewed before.

Soybean-derived miRNAs specifically inhibit proliferation and stimulate apoptosis of human colonic Caco-2 cancer cells but not normal mucosal cells in culture

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression in eukaryotes. Studies have shown that plant-derived miRNAs can be absorbed through diets and regulate gene expression in mammals. Although soybean-derived miRNAs have been reported, their biological functions are still unclear. In this study, we found that soybean-derived small RNAs (sRNAs) significantly inhibited the proliferation and stimulated the apoptosis of Caco-2 cells. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the target gene set of soybean miRNAs was extensively enriched in cancer pathways. Besides, we obtained 8 target genes, including Transcription factor 7 (TCF7), associated with colon cancer through prediction. Further studies showed that gma-miR159a inhibited the proliferation of Caco-2 cells and played an important role in the inhibitory effect of sRNAs by inhibiting TCF7 protein, which are upregulated in colon cancer cells but not normal mucosal cells in culture. These findings provide a novel molecular mechanism of soybean-derived miRNAs for potential application in tumor prevention.

Sensitivity of allyl isothiocyanate to induce apoptosis via ER stress and the mitochondrial pathway upon ROS production in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a bioactive phytochemical compound that is a constituent of dietary cruciferous vegetables, possesses promising chemopreventive and anticancer effects. However, reports of AITC exerting antitumor effects on apoptosis induction of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro are not well elucidated. The present study focused on the functional mechanism of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-based apoptotic machinery induced by AITC in human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells. Our results indicated that AITC decreased cell growth and number, reduced viability, and facilitated morphological changes of apoptotic cell death. DNA analysis by flow cytometry showed G2/M phase arrest, and alterations in the modulated protein levels caused by AITC were detected via western blot analysis. AITC also triggered vital intrinsic apoptotic factors (caspase-9/caspase-3 activity), disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and stimulated mitochondrial-related apoptotic molecules (e.g., cytochrome c, apoptotic protease activating factor 1, apoptosis-inducing factor, and endonuclease G). Additionally, AITC prompted induced cytosolic Ca²⁺ release and Ca²⁺-dependent ER stress-related signals, such as calpain 1, activating transcription factor 6α, glucose-regulated proteins 78 and 94, growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible protein 153 (GADD153), and caspase-4. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was found to induce the hallmark of ER stress GADD153, proapoptotic marker caspase-3, and calpain activity after AITC treatment. Our findings showed for the first time that AITC induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptotic death via ROS-based ER stress and the intrinsic pathway (mitochondrial-dependent) in HT-29 cells. Overall, AITC may exert an epigenetic effect and is a potential bioactive compound for CRC treatment.

The glucosinolates and their bioactive derivatives in Brassica: a review on classification, biosynthesis and content in plant tissues, fate during and after processing, effect on the human organism and interaction with the gut microbiota

The present study is a systematic review of the scientific literature reporting content, composition and biosynthesis of glucosinolates (GLS), and their derivative compounds in Brassica family. An amended classification of brassica species, varieties and their GLS content, organized for the different plant organs and in uniformed concentration measure unit, is here reported for the first time in a harmonized and comparative manner. In the last years, the studies carried out on the effect of processing on vegetables and the potential benefits for human health has increased rapidly and consistently the knowledge on the topic. Therefore, there was the need for an updated revision of the scientific literature of pre- and post-harvest modifications of GLS content, along with the role of gut microbiota in influencing their bioavailability once they are ingested. After analyzing and standardizing over 100 articles and the related data, the highest GLS content in Brassica, was declared in B. nigra (L.) W. D. J. Koch (201.95 ± 53.36 µmol g^-1), followed by B. oleracea Alboglabra group (180.9 ± 70.3 µmol g^-1). The authors also conclude that food processing can influence significantly the final content of GLS, considering the most popular methods: boiling, blanching, steaming, the latter can be considered as the most favorable to preserve highest level of GLS and their deriviatives. Therefore, a mild-processing strategic approach for GLS or their derivatives in food is recommended, in order to minimize the loss of actual bioactive impact. Finally, the human gut microbiota is influenced by Brassica-rich diet and can contribute in certain conditions to the increasing of GLS bioavailability but further studies are needed to assess the actual role of microbiomes in the bioavailability of healthy glucosinolate derivatives.

Nutritive implications of dietary microRNAs: facts, controversies, and perspectives

As a group of non-coding RNA molecules, microRNAs have recently become more well-known due to their pivotal role in gene regulation. A large number of endogenous microRNAs naturally occur in the human body, and some of them act as regulatory targets of diet and its components. The wide presence of microRNAs in various food materials has inspired food scientists and nutritionists to explore their nutritive and bioactive significance. This article comprehensively reports updated insights into the accessibility, stability, absorbability, and bioactivity of dietary microRNAs by combining the current knowledge into figures and tables for reader's convenience. As one frontier in food science and nutrition, the research platform on dietary microRNAs is imperfect and even defective as indicated by the inconsistent and even contradictory results concluded by different investigations. The pros and cons as well as the limitations of current investigations have been critically discussed with attention chiefly paid to experimental designs and protocols. Moreover, future research directions have been recommended. Thus, this paper may not only provide a quick glance at the state-of-the-art of dietary microRNAs but also guide further research to clarify the present controversies and make the results more credible and persuasive.

β-Cryptoxanthin induced anti-proliferation and apoptosis by G0/G1 arrest and AMPK signal inactivation in gastric cancer

β-Cryptoxanthin has been associated with reduced-risk of some cancers. However, the mechanisms of β-cryptoxanthin still remain unclearly understood in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we examined the effect of β-cryptoxanthin on AMPK signal in human gastric cancer cells. AGS and SGC-7901 cells were treated with β-cryptoxanthin (0-40 μM) and AGS cells were injected in BALB/c (nu/nu) mice to analyze the effect of β-cryptoxanthin on GC. We found that β-cryptoxanthin induced inhibitory effect on the cell viability in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The number of migrated cells and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and MMP-9 were obviously decreased. β-Cryptoxanthin treatment induced G0/G1 arrest, and reduced the expression of Cyclin E, Cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) of CDK4 and CDK6, and increased the expression of p53 and p21 in the two GC cells. Additionally, β-cryptoxanthin induced apoptosis and increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3, -8, -9 as well as cytochrome C (cyt C). β-Cryptoxanthin induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signal inactivation by the down-regulation of protein kinase A (PKA), p-AMPK, eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2k). Furthermore, β-cryptoxanthin inhibited tumor growth through suppressing the tumor volume and weight, inducing apoptotic cells. Besides, β-cryptoxanthin induced significant reductions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9). In conclusion, our data provide the novel evidence to understand the mechanism of anti-pcancer of β-cryptoxanthin and indicate that β-cryptoxanthin can serve as a promising chemopreventive agent against gastric cancer.

The role of dietary phytochemicals in the carcinogenesis via the modulation of miRNA expression

PURPOSE

Phytochemicals are naturally occurring plant-derived compounds and some of them have the potential to serve as anticancer drugs. Based on recent evidence, aberrantly regulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is closely associated with malignancy. MicroRNAs are characterized as small non-coding RNAs functioning as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. Accordingly, miRNAs regulate various target genes, some of which are involved in the process of carcinogenesis.

RESULTS

This comprehensive review emphasizes the anticancer potential of phytochemicals, either isolated or in combination, mediated by miRNAs. The ability to modulate the expression of miRNAs demonstrates their importance as regulators of tumorigenesis. Phytochemicals as anticancer agents targeting miRNAs are widely studied in preclinical in vitro and in vivo research. Unfortunately, their anticancer efficacy in targeting miRNAs is less investigated in clinical research.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant anticancer properties of phytochemicals as regulators of miRNA expression have been proven, but more studies investigating their clinical relevance are needed.

Effects of microRNA-513b on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration by targeting HMGB3 through regulation of mTOR signaling pathway in non-small-cell lung cancer

This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of miR-513b and HMGB3 in regulating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC tumor, adjacent tissues, and cell lines were extracted, and the expression of miR-513b and HMGB3 were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis. Then, miR-513b was overexpressed in NSCLC cell, and the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), wound healing, transwell, and flow cytometry, respectively. Regulatory relationship between miR-513b and HMGB3 was determined using luciferase activity reporter assay. Lastly, HMGB3 and/or miR-513b were overexpressed in NSCLC cells, and the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of cells were determined. Compared with the controls, the expression of miR-513b was significantly downregulated in the NSCLC tissues and cells lines by RT-qPCR ( p < 0.05). However, the expression of HMGB3 was significantly downregulated at both messenger RNA and protein levels ( p < 0.05). Overexpression of miR-513b could significantly inhibit the proliferation, invasion, migration, and promote apoptosis of NSCLC cells ( p < 0.05). HMGB3 was a target of miR-513b, and overexpression of HMGB3 could obviously reverse the effect of miR-513 on the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of NSCLC cells ( p < 0.05). The present results could suggest miR-513b was downregulated in NSCLC and could regulate the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of NSCLC cells via HMGB3.

Isolation, structure elucidation, and synthesis of (±)-millpuline A with a suppressive effect in miR-144 expression

A pair of natural biflavone enantiomers stereo-selectively inhibit pre-miR-144 dicing to modulate the miR-144-3p/Nrf2 pathway.

Home food preparation techniques impacted the availability of natural antioxidants and bioactivities in kale and broccoli

This study evaluated the effects of grinding and chopping with/without microwaving on the health-beneficial components, and antioxidant, anti-inflammation and anti-proliferation capacities of commercial kale and broccoli samples. The availability of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) was evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography. The total phenolic contents, the scavenging activities against DPPH, oxygen, hydroxyl and ABTS cation radicals, and cell-based antioxidant activities were determined for the antioxidant capacities. The results indicated that chopping released the least nutraceutical components and antioxidant compounds. Microwaving had no effect on the I3C release from kale, but resulted in an elevated (more than 2-fold) release of I3C from broccoli. In addition, the choice of a blender affected the availability of the anti-proliferative compounds from the vegetables, while it had no effect on the availability of their anti-inflammatory compounds. In summary, different food preparation methods could strongly impact the availability of bioactive factors in the selected vegetables. These findings suggest that choosing an appropriate food processing method for each vegetable might be critical to obtain desirable health-beneficial effects.

Advances in Understanding the Molecular Basis of the Mediterranean Diet Effect

Increasingly, studies showing the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on different diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes, some cancers, and even total mortality and aging indicators) are being published. The scientific evidence level for each outcome is variable, and new studies are needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms whereby the MedDiet may exercise its effects. Here, we present recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of MedDiet effects, mainly focusing on cardiovascular diseases but also discussing other related diseases. There is heterogeneity in defining the MedDiet, and it can, owing to its complexity, be considered as an exposome with thousands of nutrients and phytochemicals. We review MedDiet composition and assessment as well as the latest advances in the genomic, epigenomic (DNA methylation, histone modifications, microRNAs, and other emerging regulators), transcriptomic (selected genes and whole transcriptome), and metabolomic and metagenomic aspects of the MedDiet effects (as a whole and for its most typical food components). We also present a critical review of the limitations of the studies undertaken and propose new analyses and greater bioinformatic integration to better understand the most important molecular mechanisms whereby the MedDiet as a whole, or its main food components, may exercise their protective effects.

The Role of MicroRNAs in the Chemopreventive Activity of Sulforaphane from Cruciferous Vegetables

Colorectal cancer is an increasingly significant cause of mortality whose risk is linked to diet and inversely correlated with cruciferous vegetable consumption. This is likely to be partly attributable to the isothiocyanates derived from eating these vegetables, such as sulforaphane, which is extensively characterised for cytoprotective and tumour-suppressing activities. However, its bioactivities are likely to extend in complexity beyond those currently known; further insight into these bioactivities could aid the development of sulforaphane-based chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic strategies. Evidence suggests that sulforaphane modulates the expression of microRNAs, many of which are known to regulate genes involved at various stages of colorectal carcinogenesis. Based upon existing knowledge, there exist many plausible mechanisms by which sulforaphane may regulate microRNAs. Thus, there is a strong case for the further investigation of the roles of microRNAs in the anti-cancer effects of sulforaphane. There are several different types of approach to the wide-scale profiling of microRNA differential expression. Array-based methods may involve the use of RT-qPCR or complementary hybridisation probe chips, and tend to be relatively fast and economical. Cloning and deep sequencing approaches are more expensive and labour-intensive, but are worth considering where viable, for their greater sensitivity and ability to detect novel microRNAs.