Effect of carotenoid lutein on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma and its mechanism of action

Lutein Production and Extraction from Microalgae: Recent Insights and Bioactive Potential

Microalgae have been reported to be excellent producers of bioactive molecules. Lutein is a pigment reported to have various beneficial effects for humans, and especially for eye well-being. In the current review, we summarize various methods that have been developed to optimize its extraction and bioactivities reported for human health. Several protective effects have been reported for lutein, including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective activity. This review also reports attempts to increase lutein production by microalgae by changing culturing parameters or by using pilot-scale systems. Genetic engineering lutein production is also discussed. Considering the increasing aging of the worldwide population will create an increased need for lutein, a viable economic and eco-sustainable method to produce lutein is needed to face this market demand.

Lutein Induces Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Apoptosis in Gastric Cancer AGS Cells via NADPH Oxidase Activation

Disruption of apoptosis leads to cancer cell progression; thus, anticancer agents target apoptosis of cancer cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce apoptosis by activating caspases and caspase-dependent DNase, leading to DNA fragmentation. ROS increase the expression of apoptotic protein Bax, which is mediated by activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF--κB). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is an important source of endogenous ROS, and its activation is involved in apoptosis. Lutein, an oxygenated carotenoid and known antioxidant, is abundant in leafy dark green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, and in yellow-colored foods, such as corn and egg yolk. High amounts of lutein increase ROS levels and exhibit anticancer activity. However, its anticancer mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether lutein activates NADPH oxidase to produce ROS and induce apoptosis in gastric cancer AGS cells. Lutein increased ROS levels and promoted the activation of NADPH oxidase by increasing the translocation of NADPH oxidase subunit p47 ^phox to the cell membrane. It increased NF-κB activation and apoptotic indices, such as Bax, caspase-3 cleavage, and DNA fragmentation, and decreased Bcl-2, cell viability, and colony formation in AGS cells. The specific NADPH oxidase inhibitor ML171, and the known antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine reversed lutein-induced cell death, DNA fragmentation, and NF-κB DNA-binding activity in AGS cells. These results suggest that lutein-induced ROS production is dependent on NADPH oxidase, which mediates NF-κB activation and apoptosis in gastric cancer AGS cells. Therefore, lutein supplementation may be beneficial for increasing ROS-mediated apoptosis in gastric cancer cells.

Biochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Various Population of Brassica tournefortii Growing Wild in Tunisia

Brassica tournefortii Gouan, commonly known (Aslooz) in Tunisia, is an annual plant, native to the North Africa and Middle East. Brassica species are used as food, their young leaves can be cooked, providing nutrients and health-giving phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds, polyphenols and carotenoids. Phytochemical composition and bioactivity of Brassica tournefortii leaf extracts, collected from four different bioclimatic zones in Tunisia, are investigated in the present study. Results showed that location and climatic variations can alter the phytochemical composition of B. tournefortii. Interestingly, HPLC analysis enabled identifying lutein and beta-carotene at high concentrations, especially in extracts of B. tournefortii collected from Gabes (B2) (344 µg/g of lutein) and B. tournefortii collected from Zarzis (B3) (1364 µg/g of beta-carotene). In particular, the antioxidant activity measured by DPPH assay showed that the extract of the plants collected from the growing region of Zarzis exhibits the highest antioxidant activities (0.99 mg/mL). All the Brassica tournefortii extracts showed a relevant antiproliferative activity, especially toward the Caco-2 cell line. These preliminary data resulted in being useful to correlate growth environmental conditions with different accumulation of metabolites in Brassica species still being poorly studied.

Lutein inhibits tumor progression through the ATR /Chk1/p53 signaling pathway in non‐small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. In particular, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. Due to tumor resistance and the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents, it is increasingly critical to discover novel, potent antitumorigenic drugs for treating NSCLC. Lutein, a carotenoid, has been reported to exert toxic effects on cells in several tumor types. However, the detailed functions and underlying mechanisms of lutein in NSCLC remain elusive. The present study showed that lutein significantly and dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation, arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, and induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that the p53 signaling pathway was the most significantly upregulated in lutein-treated A549 cells. Mechanistically, lutein exerted antitumorigenic effects by inducing DNA damage and subsequently activating the ATR/Chk1/p53 signaling pathway in A549 cells. In vivo, lutein impeded tumor growth in mice and prolonged their survival. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the antitumorigenic potential of lutein and reveal its molecular mechanism of action, suggesting that lutein is a promising candidate for clinical NSCLC treatment.

Nanoscale Delivery Systems of Lutein: An Updated Review from a Pharmaceutical Perspective

Carotenoids are natural lipid-soluble pigments that produce yellow to red colors in plants as well as providing bright coloration in vegetables and fruits. Lutein belongs to the xanthophyll subgroup of the carotenoid family, which plays an essential role in photosynthesis and photoprotection in nature. In the human body, lutein, together with its isomer zeaxanthin and its metabolite meso-zeaxanthin, accumulates in the macula of the eye retina, which is responsible for central, high-resolution, and color vision. As a bioactive phytochemical, lutein has essential physiological functions, providing photoprotection against damaging blue light, along with the neutralization of oxidants and the preservation of the structural and functional integrity of cellular membranes. As a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, lutein unfortunately has a low bioavailability because of its lipophilicity and a low stability as a result of its conjugated double bonds. In order to enhance lutein stability and bioavailability and achieve its controlled delivery to a target, nanoscale delivery systems, which have great potential for the delivery of bioactive compounds, are starting to be employed. The current review highlights the advantages and innovations associated with incorporating lutein within promising nanoscale delivery systems, such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, polymer nanoparticles, and polymer–lipid hybrid nanoparticles, as well as their unique physiochemical properties.

Linoleic acid pathway disturbance contributing to potential cancerization of intrahepatic bile duct stones into intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy with poor prognosis. Intrahepatic bile duct stone (IBDS) is one of the key causes to ICC occurrence and can increase morbidity rate of ICC about forty times. However, the specific carcinogenesis of IBDS is still far from clarified. Insight into the metabolic phenotype difference between IBDS and ICC can provide potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets, which is expected to inhibit the carcinogenesis of IBDS and improve the prognosis of ICC.

Methods

A total of 34 participants including 25 ICC patients and 9 IBDS patients were recruited. Baseline information inclusive of liver function indicators, tumor biomarkers, surgery condition and constitution parameters etc. from patients were recorded. ICC and IBDS pathological tissues, as well as ICC para-carcinoma tissues, were collected for GC–MS based metabolomics experiments. Multivariate analysis was performed to find differentially expressed metabolites and differentially enriched metabolic pathways. Spearman correlation analysis was then used to construct correlation network between key metabolite and baseline information of patients.

Results

The IBDS tissue and para-carcinoma tissue have blurred metabolic phenotypic differences, but both of them essentially distinguished from carcinoma tissue of ICC. Metabolic differences between IBDS and ICC were enriched in linoleic acid metabolism pathway, and the level of 9,12-octadecadienoic acid in IBDS tissues was almost two times higher than in ICC pathological tissues. The correlation between 9,12-octadecadienoic acid level and baseline information of patients demonstrated that 9,12-octadecadienoic acid level in pathological tissue was negative correlation with gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level in peripheral blood. These two indicators were all cancerization marker for hepatic carcinoma and disease characteristic of IBDS.

Conclusion

Long-term monitoring of metabolites from linoleic acid metabolism pathway and protein indicators of liver function in IBDS patients has important guiding significance for the monitoring of IBDS carcinogenesis. Meanwhile, further insight into the causal relationship between linoleic acid pathway disturbance and changes in liver function can provide important therapeutic targets for both IBDS and ICC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-022-02354-2.

Hyperglycaemia-induced human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell proliferation through ROS-mediated P38 activation is effectively inhibited by a xanthophyll carotenoid, lutein

AIMS

Diabetic population have a twofold to threefold increased risk of developing liver cancer, and hyperglycaemia is a prime causative factor that propends the tumour cells to undergo aggressive metabolic growth. In this study, we aimed to examine the molecular mechanism by which lutein inhibits hyperglycaemia-induced human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cell proliferation.

METHODS

The effect of lutein on high glucose-induced proliferation was measured using the WST-1 reagent. Its effect on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels was measured by DCF assay. The effect on the expression of antioxidant enzymes, cell cycle regulatory proteins and intracellular protein kinases was analysed by western blotting. The modulatory effect of lutein on different phases of the cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The data showed that lutein at 5 µM concentration significantly blocked glucose-promoted HepG2 cell proliferation. Suppression of high glucose-induced cell proliferation by lutein was not associated with apoptosis induction, but it was linked with inhibition of hyperglycaemia-mediated elevated ROS and upregulated expression of high glucose-mediated repressed heme oxygenase 1 (HO1). Furthermore, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and associated phosphorylation of Cdk1 and P53 were found to be linked with suppressed hyperglycaemia-mediated cell proliferation by lutein. In addition, lutein inhibited hyperglycaemia-induced activation of P38 which relates to high glucose-induced ROS-mediated growth suppression and modulated the phosphorylation of Erk, JNK and Akt in hyperglycaemic HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our findings portray that sufficient intake of lutein may offer a negative impact on diabetes-associated tumour growth.

Lutein induces an inhibitory effect on the malignant progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by targeting BAG3/cholesterol homeostasis

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal malignancy and patients with PDAC are mostly diagnosed at advanced stages. Lutein is a natural compound that belongs to the non-vitamin A carotenoids family and has presented antitumor effects on multiple cancer types. However, the function of lutein in PDAC and the mechanisms are not reported. Here, we explored the role of lutein in PDAC progression. Bioinformatic analysis identified that lutein is correlated with PDAC. Lutein suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PANC-1 cells. The upregulated genes in PDAC patients were identified and the overlap analysis predicted BAG3 as one target of lutein. Lutein repressed BAG3 expression and bioinformatics analysis predicted the interaction between lutein and BAG3. The inhibitory effects of lutein on PANC-1 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion are reversed by overexpression of BAG3. GSEA analysis identified that cholesterol homeostasis as one of the downstream signaling pathways of BAG3. In conclusion, lutein induced an inhibitory effect on the malignant progression of PDAC by targeting BAG3/cholesterol homeostasis. Lutein may be applied as a promising candidate for PDAC therapy.

Molecular alterations that precede the establishment of the hallmarks of cancer: An approach on the prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis

Chronic liver injury promotes the molecular alterations that precede the establishment of cancer. Usually, several decades of chronic insults are needed to develop the most common primary liver tumor known as hepatocellular carcinoma. As other cancer types, liver cancer cells are governed by a common set of rules collectively called the hallmarks of cancer. Although those rules have provided a conceptual framework for understanding the complex pathophysiology of established tumors, therapeutic options are still ineffective in advanced stages. Thus, the molecular alterations that precede the establishment of cancer remain an attractive target for therapeutic interventions. Here, we first summarize the chemopreventive interventions targeting the early liver carcinogenesis stages. After an integrative analysis on the plethora of molecular alterations regulated by anticancer agents, we then underline and discuss that two critical processes namely oxidative stress and genetic alterations, play the role of 'dirty work laborer' in the initial cell damage and drive the transformation of preneoplastic into neoplastic cells, respectively; besides, the activation of cellular senescence works as a key mechanism in attempting to prevent the onset and establishment of liver cancer. Whereas the detrimental effects of the binomial made up of oxidative stress and genetic alterations are either eliminated or reduced, senescence activation is promoted by anticancer agents. We argue that collectively, oxidative stress, genetic alterations, and senescence are key events that influence the fate of initiated cells and the establishment of the hallmarks of cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects of Microalgal Carotenoids

Acute inflammation is a key component of the immune system's response to pathogens, toxic agents, or tissue injury, involving the stimulation of defense mechanisms aimed to removing pathogenic factors and restoring tissue homeostasis. However, uncontrolled acute inflammatory response may lead to chronic inflammation, which is involved in the development of many diseases, including cancer. Nowadays, the need to find new potential therapeutic compounds has raised the worldwide scientific interest to study the marine environment. Specifically, microalgae are considered rich sources of bioactive molecules, such as carotenoids, which are natural isoprenoid pigments with important beneficial effects for health due to their biological activities. Carotenoids are essential nutrients for mammals, but they are unable to synthesize them; instead, a dietary intake of these compounds is required. Carotenoids are classified as carotenes (hydrocarbon carotenoids), such as α- and β-carotene, and xanthophylls (oxygenate derivatives) including zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, lutein, α- and β-cryptoxanthin, and canthaxanthin. This review summarizes the present up-to-date knowledge of the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of microalgal carotenoids both in vitro and in vivo, as well as the latest status of human studies for their potential use in prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Amelioration of cyclophosphamide toxicity via modulation of metabolizing enzymes by avocado (Persea americana) extract

OBJECTIVES

Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is highly effective in treating several human tumours and autoimmune disorders; but, it triggers deleterious side effects. Avocado, Persea americana (Mill.), is a widely consumed fruit with pronounced nutritional and medicinal value. Though many studies examined the protective mechanisms of natural products against CPA toxicity, almost none investigated the modulation of CPA metabolism as a potential underlying mechanism for protection. Here, we investigated the modulating effect of avocado extract (AE) on certain CPA metabolizing enzymes and its correlation with the extent of CPA-induced pulmonary toxicity and urotoxicity.

METHODS

Rats received oral AE (0.9 g/kg body weight/day) 7 days before a single CPA injection (150 mg/kg body weight) and continued AE intake for 2, 7 or 28 days to study three phases of CPA-induced urotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity.

KEY FINDINGS

CPA acutely elevated then reduced hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) content and significantly suppressed bladder and lung glutathione-S-transferase activity. Furthermore, CPA elevated lung myeloperoxidase activity, DNA content and hydroxyproline level and bladder blood content. AE ameliorated CPA-induced derangements through suppression of CYP2B6 and myeloperoxidase and augmentation of glutathione-S-transferase activity in CPA-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

AE modulation of CPA metabolizing enzymes and potential anti-inflammatory effect may mitigate CPA-induced toxicity.

Lutein Treatment Effects on the Redox Status and Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in Oral Cancer Squamous Cells-Are There Therapeutical Hopes?

Carotenoids loaded in nanoparticles should be regarded as a promising way to increase the availability in healthy cells and to induce apoptosis in cancer. Lutein is a carotenoid that, in contrast to beta-carotene, has no known toxicities. Oral cancer represents one of the most frequent types of cancer world-wide with an incidence rate of about 9% of all types of cancer. Almost 95% of all oral cancers are represented by squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). The aim of this study was to review and analyse the effects of lutein and Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) Nps containing lutein (Lut Nps) on oxidative stress biomarkers (OXSR-1, FOXO-3, TAC) and collagen degradation biomarker-MMP-9, in human cells BICR10 of buccal mucosa squamous carcinoma. Lut Nps were prepared by the emulsion-solvent evaporation method. MMP, OXSR-1, TAC, FOXO-3 and MMP-9 were measured in tumour cell lysates by the ELISA technique. Our results have shown that in Lut 100 cells and Lut Nps the OXSR1 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) and TAC (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) values were significantly higher than in control cells. The Lut 100 and Lut Nps FOXO-3 levels revealed no significant differences versus the control. MMP-9 levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in the Lut Nps cells versus control cells. In our study conditions, lutein and lutein Nps did not trigger an oxidative stress by ROS induction. However, lutein Nps treatment seemed to have a positive effect, by downregulating the MMP-9 levels. Loaded in Nps, lutein could be regarded as a protective factor against local invasiveness, in whose molecular landscape MMPs, and especially MMP-9 are the main actors.

Breaking the Barrier of Cancer through Papaya Extract and their Formulation

Background:

In the last decade, many new avenues of cancer treatment have opened up but the costs of treatment have sky-rocketed too. Hence, screening of indigenously available plant and animal resources for anti-carcinogenic potential is an important branch of anticancer research. The effort has been made through this comprehensive review to highlight the recent developments of anticancer therapies using different parts of papaya plant extract.

Methods:

In search of the naturally existing animals and plants for anticarcinogenic potential, papaya plant has been exploited by the scientist working in this research field. A widespread literature search was performed for writing this review.

Results:

Different constituents of Carica papaya responsible for anticancer activities have been discussed. Papaya extract for the treatment of breast, liver, blood, pancreas, skin, prostate, and colon cancer have also been reported. Finally, the various formulation approach using Carica papaya extract have been highlighted.

Conclusion:

The information provided in this review might be useful for researchers in designing of novel formulation of Carica papaya extract for the treatment of cancer.

Preventive effects of combinative natural foods produced by elite crop varieties rich in anticancer effects on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

The World Cancer Research Fund International has released 32 anticancer effects (ACEs) that targeted every stage of cancer processes. Thus, we designed two formulas of natural food combination Diet I and Diet II, mainly produced by elite crop varieties rich in ACEs with different mixture ratios, and evaluated their cancer preventive effects on N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. After 20 weeks of dietary intervention, Diet I and Diet II reduced incidence, size, and number of hepatic nodules (p < 0.01) and prevented hepatic tumor formation in NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis rats. Low-grade hepatic dysplasia incidence was 20% for Diet II and 40% for Diet I, and apparent hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) rates were both 0, while 90% HCC in control diet treatment group (p < 0.01). Diet I and Diet II ameliorated abnormal liver function enzymes, reduced serum alpha fetal protein, tumor-specific growth factor, dickkopf-related protein 1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 levels, regulated hepatic phase I and II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, enhanced antioxidant capacity, suppressed NDEA-initiated oxidative DNA damage, and induced apoptosis coupled to down-regulation of proinflammatory, invasion, and angiogenesis markers. Daily intake of combination diet produced from ACEs-rich elite crop varieties can effectively prevent or delay occurrence and development of NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

Burn-Induced Multiple Organ Injury and Protective Effect of Lutein in Rats

Thermal injury may lead to multiple organ dysfunction through release of proinflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen radicals. This study investigated the effects of thermal injury on remote organs of rats and the possible protective effect of lutein. Thermal trauma was induced in the back of rats by exposing them to 90 °C bath for 10 s. Rats were sacrificed 48 h after burn, and blood samples were collected to monitor liver and kidney functions. Tissue samples from liver, kidneys, and lungs were taken for studying oxidative stress parameters, gene expressions of TNF-α and Casp-3, besides histopathological examination. Skin scald injury caused significant elevations of liver and kidney function biomarkers in the serum. In tissue samples, increments of MDA, GPx, and 8-OHdG were recorded while GSH level and the activities of CAT and SOD were suppressed. The expressions of TNF-α and caspase-3 mRNA were increased, and histopathological results revealed remote organ injury. Oral administration of lutein (250 mg/kg) resulted in amelioration of the biochemical and molecular changes induced by burn as well as the histopathological alterations. According to the findings of the present study, lutein possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects that protect against burn-induced damage in remote organs.

Carotenoid Lutein Selectively Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Potentiates the Effect of Chemotherapeutic Agents through ROS-Mediated Mechanisms

Increasing evidence suggests that dietary carotenoids may reduce the risk of breast cancer. However, anti-breast cancer effects of carotenoids have been controversial, albeit understudied. Here, we investigated the effects of specific carotenoids on a wide range of breast cancer cell lines, and found that among several carotenoids (including β-carotene, lutein, and astaxanthin), lutein significantly inhibits breast cancer cell growth by inducing cell-cycle arrest and caspase-independent cell death, but it has little effect on the growth of primary mammary epithelial cells (PmECs). Moreover, lutein-mediated growth inhibition of breast cancer cells is quantitatively similar to that induced by chemotherapeutic taxanes, paclitaxel and docetaxel, and exposure to lutein plus taxanes additively inhibits breast cancer cell growth. Analysis of mechanisms showed that lutein treatment significantly increases the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, but not in normal PmECs. Lutein-induced growth inhibition is also attenuated by the radical oxygen scavenger N-acetyl cysteine, suggesting a role for ROS generation in the growth inhibitory effect of lutein on TNBC cells. Additionally, we found that the p53 signaling pathway is activated and HSP60 levels are increased by lutein treatment, which may contribute partly to the induction of growth inhibition in TNBC cells. Our findings show that lutein promotes growth inhibition of breast cancer cells through increased cell type-specific ROS generation and alternation of several signaling pathways. Dietary lutein supplementation may be a promising alternative and/or adjunct therapeutic candidate against breast cancer.

Lutein inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration of hypoxic breast cancer cells via downregulation of HES1

An intratumoral hypoxic microenvironment is frequently observed in solid tumors, including breast cancer. Lutein, a plant-derived compound and non-vitamin A carotenoid, has been demonstrated to possess multiple protective properties including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress and antitumor effects. The main objective of the present research was to elucidate the involvement of lutein in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under hypoxia, the activation of hairy and enhancer of split 1 (HES1), and the proliferation, invasion and migration of breast cancer cells. The human breast cancer cell lines MDA‑MB‑157 and MCF‑7 were exposed to hypoxic conditions and various concentrations of lutein. An MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay was performed to examine cell proliferation, and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining was performed to analyze the apoptosis ratio. The levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF‑1α), NOTCH signaling molecules, HES1 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated factors were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were used to detect the invasion and migration of breast cancer cells. Intracellular ROS levels were examined using 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate and flow cytometry. The results revealed that cell proliferation was inhibited by lutein in a dose-dependent manner, and the apoptosis ratio gradually increased with lutein treatment under hypoxia as evident from flow cytometry-based analysis. Exposure to lutein inhibited hypoxia-mediated activation of HIF‑1α, NOTCH signaling and HES1 expression, and suppressed the hypoxia-induced expression of EMT-associated factors. Lutein markedly inhibited the invasion and migration of breast cancer cells under hypoxia. Hypoxia-induced production of ROS was also decreased by lutein. Furthermore, the ROS scavenger N‑acetylcysteine also suppressed hypoxia inducible factor 1α and HES1 expression in breast cancer cells during hypoxia, but hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were increased. Taken together, the results of the present study suggested that lutein may be a novel candidate for the chemoprevention of breast cancer. Furthermore, HES1 may be crucial in mediating the involvement of lutein in the suppression of hypoxia-driven ROS-induced breast cancer progression.

Gallium Nanoparticle-Mediated Reduction of Brain Specific Serine Protease-4 in an Experimental Metastatic Cancer Model

Purpose:

Tumor growth and metastasis depend on angiogenesis; therefore, efforts are being made to develop specific angiogenic inhibitors. Gallium (Ga) is the second most common metal ion, after platinum, used in cancer treatment. Its activities are numerous and various. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Ga on brain metastasis arising from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and methods:

Forty experimental rats (divided into 4 groups) received diethylnitrosamine (DEN) at a dose (20 mg/kg.b.wt.; for 6 weeks) to induce HCC and were treated with Ga nanoparticles (GaNPs) with the bacterium Bacillus licheniformis (1mg/kg.b.wt.). Liver functions (alanine aminotransferase; (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase; (AST) and gamma glutamyl transferase; (GGT) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)) were assessed with histopathological examination of liver sections to confirm the induction of HCC. In addtion, brain-specific serine protease 4 (BSSP4), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a microtubule-associated protein (Tau), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular cells adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), lipid peroxidation (MDA) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were measured in brain tissue.

Results:

GaNPs ranged from 5 to 7 nm. HCC was confirmed by elevation in liver enzymes and AFP. Additionally, histopathological examination of liver showed focal area of anaplastic hepatocytes with other cells forming acini associated with fibroblastic cell proliferation. In brain, compared to the DEN alone group, we found that GaNPs modulated brain metastasis by reducing CYP450 and BSSP4 mRNA, and protein expression of p-ERK and p-Tau, and angiogenesis mediators (VEGF and VCAM-1). Also, GaNPs elevated lipid peroxidation and GST activity.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that GaNPs may prevent metastasis via inhibition of BSSP4 mRNA expression leading to suppression of a variety of growth factors and cell adhesion molecules involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis.