Sesamin manifests chemopreventive effects through the suppression of NF-kappa B-regulated cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and angiogenic gene products

The Emerging Role of Natural Products in Cancer Treatment

The exploration of natural products as potential agents for cancer treatment has garnered significant attention in recent years. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the diverse array of natural compounds, including alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, lignans, polyketides, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, highlighting their emerging roles in cancer therapy. These compounds, derived from various botanical sources, exhibit a wide range of mechanisms of action, targeting critical pathways involved in cancer progression such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Through a meticulous examination of preclinical and clinical studies, we provide insights into the therapeutic potential of these natural products across different cancer types. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and challenges associated with their use in cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and delivery methods. Overall, this review underscores the importance of natural products in advancing cancer therapeutics and paves the way for future investigations into their clinical applications.

Unveiling the Power of Gabapentin-Loaded Nanoceria with Multiple Therapeutic Capabilities for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye (DE) disease, which is primarily linked to aqueous deficiency, is an escalating health issue worldwide, mainly due to the widespread use of electronic devices. The major obstacles in DE pharmacotherapy include insufficient therapeutic efficacy and low ocular bioavailability. This study presents the development of a ceria-based nanosystem to carry gabapentin (GBT), aiming to offer comprehensive relief from DE symptoms. We prepared multifunctional nanoceria capped with thiolated gelatin followed by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde, yielding a nanocarrier with desirable biocompatibility and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, antiapoptotic, and neuronal protective activities. Specifically, the highly abundant thiol groups on gelatin increased the cellular uptake of the nanocarrier by 2.3-fold and its mucin-binding efficiency by 10-fold, thereby extending ocular retention and amplifying therapeutic activity. Moderate cross-linking of the thiolated gelatin not only enhanced the ocular bioavailability of the nanoceria but also provided slow, degradation-controlled release of GBT to promote the lacrimal stimulation to restore the tear film. In a rabbit model of DE, topical administration of our GBT/nanoceria nanoformulation resulted in comprehensive alleviation of symptoms, including repairing corneal epithelial damage, preserving corneal nerve density, and stimulating tear secretion, demonstrating superior performance in comparison to the free drug. These results underscore the safety and potential of this innovative nanoformulation for DE pharmacotherapy.

Sesamin Protects against APAP-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response via Deactivation of HMGB1/TLR4/NFκB Signal in Mice

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose would lead to liver toxicity and even acute liver failure in severe cases by triggering an inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Sesamin has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in several animal disease models. In the present study, the effects and mechanisms of sesamin on APAP-induced acute liver injury (ALI) were explored. The results showed that pretreatment with sesamin significantly alleviated APAP-induced ALI, as indicated by decreased serum aminotransferase activities, hepatic pathological damages, and hepatic cellular apoptosis. But sesamin has no significant effects on the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), APAP-cysteine adducts (APAP-CYS) production, and glutathione content in the liver of APAP-administered mice. Moreover, APAP-induced liver oxidative stress and inflammatory response also were remarkedly attenuated by sesamin, including reducing hepatic reactive oxygen species levels, promoting antioxidant generation, and inhibiting the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as decreasing inflammatory cell recruitment. Notably, sesamin inhibited serum high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) releases and blocked hepatic activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 3-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in APAP-administered mice. These findings indicated that sesamin could mitigate APAP-induced ALI through suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory response, which might be mediated by the deactivation of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling in mice.

Effects of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and bioactive compounds (sesamin and sesamolin) on inflammation and atherosclerosis: A review

Inflammation, oxidative stress, obesity, infection, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes are the main causes of atherosclerosis, which in the long term lead to hardening of the arteries. In the current study, we reviewed recent findings of the mechanism of sesame and its active compounds of sesamin and sesamolin regulates on atherosclerosis. Sesame can decrease the lipid peroxidation and affect the enzymes, which control the balance of oxidative status in the body. Besides modulating the inflammatory cytokines, sesame regulates the main mediators of the signaling pathways in the process of inflammation, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). Sesame decreases the growth of different pathogens. It fights against obesity and helps to reduce weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and lipid count of serum and liver. In addition to lowering fasting blood sugar (FBS), it decreases the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glucose levels and improves insulin function. With high content of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), sesame efficiently controls the blood plasma lipids and changes the lipid profile. In the case of hypertension, it maintains the health of endothelium through multiple mechanisms and conserves the response of the arteries to vasodilation. PUFA in sesame suppresses blood clotting and fibrinogen activity. All the mentioned properties combat atherosclerosis and hardening of blood vessels, which are detailed in the present review for sesame.

Identification of Sesamin from Sesamum indicum as a Potent Antifungal Agent Using an Integrated in Silico and Biological Screening Platform

Due to the limited availability of antifungal drugs, their relevant side effects and considering the insurgence of drug-resistant strains, novel antifungal agents are urgently needed. To identify such agents, we have developed an integrated computational and biological screening platform. We have considered a promising drug target in antifungal drug discovery (exo-1,3-β-glucanase) and a phytochemical library composed of bioactive natural products was used. These products were computationally screened against the selected target using molecular docking and molecular dynamics techniques along with the evaluation of drug-like profile. We selected sesamin as the most promising phytochemical endowed with a potential antifungal profile and satisfactory drug-like properties. Sesamin was submitted to a preliminary biological evaluation to test its capability to inhibit the growth of several Candida species by calculating the MIC/MFC and conducting synergistic experiments with the marketed drug fluconazole. Following the screening protocol, we identified sesamin as a potential exo-1,3-β-glucanase inhibitor, with relevant potency in inhibiting the growth of Candida species in a dose-dependent manner (MIC and MFC of 16 and 32 µg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, the combination of sesamin with fluconazole highlighted relevant synergistic effects. The described screening protocol revealed the natural product sesamin as a potential novel antifungal agent, showing an interesting predicted pharmacological profile, paving the way to the development of innovative therapeutics against fungal infections. Notably, our screening protocol can be helpful in antifungal drug discovery.

Sesamin Attenuates VEGFA-Induced Angiogenesis via Inhibition of Src and FAK Signaling in Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane Model and Human Endothelial EA.hy926 Cells

Sesamin, a major phytochemical in sesame seeds and oil, has been reported to have effects on physiological and pathological angiogenesis in several studies. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of sesamin's effect on angiogenesis are not understood well enough. This study aimed to investigate its effect on both physiological and pathological angiogenesis using the in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model and the in vitro human endothelial cell line, EA.hy926, model. Sesamin inhibited the VEGFA-induced pathological angiogenesis significantly, although no effect was seen on angiogenesis without induction. It reduced the formation of vascular branches in the VEGFA-treated CAMs and also the proliferation and migration of EA.hy926 endothelial cells induced by VEGFA. Sesamin impeded the VEGF-mediated activation of Src and FAK signaling proteins, which may be responsible for sesamin-mediated reduction of pathological angiogenesis. Moreover, the effect of sesamin on the expressions of angiogenesis-related genes was then investigated and it was found that both mRNA and protein expressions of Notch1, the key pathway in vascular development, induced by VEGFA, were significantly reduced by sesamin. Our results altogether suggested that sesamin, by inhibiting pathological angiogenesis, has the potential to be employed in the prevention or treatment of diseases with over-angiogenesis, such as cancers.

TAK1 blockade as a therapy for retinal neovascularization

Retinal neovascularization, or pathological angiogenesis in the retina, is a leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) activated by TGF-β1 and other proinflammatory cytokines. TAK1 is also a key mediator of proinflammatory signals and plays an important role in maintaining vascular integrity upon proinflammatory cytokine stimulation such as TNFα. However, its role in pathological angiogenesis, particularly in retinal neovascularization, remains unclear. Here, we investigate the regulatory role of TAK1 in human endothelial cells responding to inflammatory stimuli and in a rat model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) featured retinal neovascularization. Using TAK1 knockout human endothelial cells that subjected to inflammatory stimuli, transcriptome analysis revealed that TAK1 is required for activation of NFκB signaling and mediates its downstream gene expression related to endothelial activation and angiogenesis. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of TAK1 by 5Z-7-oxozeaenol attenuated angiogenic activities of endothelial cells. Transcriptome analysis also revealed enrichment of TAK1-mediated NFκB signaling pathway in the retina of OIR rats and retinal neovascular membrane from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Intravitreal injection of 5Z-7-oxozeaenol significantly reduced hypoxia-induced inflammation and microglial activation, thus attenuating aberrant retinal angiogenesis in OIR rats. Our data suggest that inhibition of TAK1 may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of retinal neovascular pathologies.

A Comprehensive Review on Distribution, Pharmacological Properties, and Mechanisms of Action of Sesamin

Sesamin is a kind of fat-soluble lignan extracted from sesame seeds or other plants. It has attracted more and more attention because of its extensive pharmacological activities. In this study, we systematically summarized the pharmacological activities of sesamin including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, protection of liver and kidney, prevention of diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Studies focus on the abilities of sesamin to attenuate oxidative stress by reducing the levels of ROS and MDA, to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, etc.), and to induce apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells through a variety of signaling pathways such as NF-κB, JNK, p38 MAPK, PI3K/AKT, caspase-3, and p53. By inhibiting the production of ROS, sesamin can also enhance the biological activities of NO in blood vessels, improve endothelial dysfunction and hypertension, and change the process of atherosclerotic lesion formation. In line with this, the various pharmacological properties of sesamin have been discussed in this review so that we can have a deeper understanding of the pharmacological activities of sesamin and clear the future development direction of sesamin.

Genesis and Mechanism of Some Cancer Types and an Overview on the Role of Diet and Nutrition in Cancer Prevention

Cancer is a major disease with a high mortality rate worldwide. In many countries, cancer is considered to be the second most common cause of death after cardiovascular disease. The clinical management of cancer continues to be a challenge as conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have limitations due to their toxicity profiles. Unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits are the key risk factors for cancer; having a healthy diet and lifestyle may minimize the risk. Epidemiological studies have shown that a high fruit and vegetable intake in our regular diet can effectively reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers due to the high contents of antioxidants and phytochemicals. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that phytochemicals exert significant anticancer effects due to their free radical scavenging capacity potential. There has been extensive research on the protective effects of phytochemicals in different types of cancers. This review attempts to give an overview of the etiology of different types of cancers and assesses the role of phytonutrients in the prevention of cancers, which makes the present review distinct from the others available.

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

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

Pharmacological Properties to Pharmacological Insight of Sesamin in Breast Cancer Treatment: A Literature-Based Review Study

The use of dietary phytochemical rather than conventional therapies to treat numerous cancers is now a well-known approach in medical science. Easily available and less toxic dietary phytochemicals present in plants should be introduced in the list of phytochemical-based treatment areas. Sesamin, a natural phytochemical, may be a promising chemopreventive agent aiming to manage breast cancer. In this study, we discussed the pharmacological properties of sesamin that determine its therapeutics opportunity to be used in breast cancer treatment and other diseases. Sesamin is available in medicinal plants, especially in Sesamum indicum, and is easily metabolized by the liver. To better understand the antibreast cancer consequence of sesamin, we postulate some putative pathways related to the antibreast cancer mechanism: (1) regulation of estrogen receptor (ER-α and ER-β) activities, (2) suppressing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) overexpression, (3) growth factor receptor inhibition, and (4) some tyrosine kinase pathways. Targeting these pathways, sesamin can modulate cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, cell growth and viability, metastasis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oncogene inactivation in various in vitro and animal models. Although the actual tumor intrinsic signaling mechanism targeted by sesamin in cancer treatment is still unknown, this review summarized that this phytoestrogen suppressed NF-κB, STAT, MAPK, and PIK/AKT signaling pathways and activated some tumor suppressor protein in numerous breast cancer models. Cotreatment with γ-tocotrienol, conventional drugs, and several drug carriers systems increased the anticancer potentiality of sesamin. Furthermore, sesamin exhibited promising pharmacokinetics properties with less toxicity in the bodies. Overall, the shreds of evidence highlight that sesamin can be a potent candidate to design drugs against breast cancer. So, like other phytochemicals, sesamin can be consumed for better therapeutic advantages due to having the ability to target a plethora of molecular pathways until clinically trialed standard drugs are not available in pharma markets.

10Z‑Hymenialdisine inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing NF‑κB activation in pancreatic cancer cell lines

10Z-Hymenialdisine is a natural product derived from the marine sponge Axinella carteri. 10Z-Hymenialdisine has anti-inflammatory effects exerted through NF-κB; however, it is unclear whether 10Z-Hymenialdisine has anti-angiogenic effects in cancer cells. In the present study, both the anti-angiogenic and antimetastatic effects of this compound in pancreatic cancer were investigated. It was initially confirmed that 10Z-Hymenialdisine significantly inhibited the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Next, using both reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and ELISA, it was demonstrated that 10Z-Hymenialdisine significantly suppressed the expression of VEGF and IL-8 mRNAs and proteins in pancreatic cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that 10Z-Hymenialdisine inhibited NF-κB activity in pancreatic cancer cell lines. It was also identified that 10Z-Hymenialdisine inhibited tube formation in EA.hy926 cells. In vivo, 10Z-Hymenialdisine significantly inhibited the growth of BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cells that were subcutaneously injected into model mice. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that 10Z-Hymenialdisine exerted anti-angiogenic effects by suppressing NF-κB activity and angiogenic factors, such as VEGF and IL-8, in pancreatic cancer cell lines. 10Z-Hymenialdisine has potential applications as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Sesamin inhibits hypoxia-stimulated angiogenesis via NF-κB p65/HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway in human colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Tumor angiogenesis plays a critical role in CRC metastasis, and hypoxia, widely existed in the tumor mass, drives tumor...

Traditional Herbal Medicine: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Adjuvant Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in the Future

Lung carcinoma is the primary reason for cancer-associated mortality, and it exhibits the highest mortality and incidence in developed and developing countries. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and SCLC are the 2 main types of lung cancer, with NSCLC contributing to 85% of all lung carcinoma cases. Conventional treatment mainly involves surgery, chemoradiotherapy, and immunotherapy, but has a dismal prognosis for many patients. Therefore, identifying an effective adjuvant therapy is urgent. Historically, traditional herbal medicine has been an essential part of complementary and alternative medicine, due to its numerous targets, few side effects and substantial therapeutic benefits. In China and other East Asian countries, traditional herbal medicine is increasingly popular, and is highly accepted by patients as a clinical adjuvant therapy. Numerous studies have reported that herbal extracts and prescription medications are effective at combating tumors. It emphasizes that, by mainly regulating the P13K/AKT signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the NF-κB signaling pathway, herbal medicine induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. The present review discusses the anti-NSCLC mechanisms of herbal medicines and provides options for future adjuvant therapy in patients with NSCLC.

Sesamin Acts as Anti-leukemic Compound Interacting with Novel Phosphoprotein Targets and Inducing Apoptosis in Leukemic Cells

Leukemia is one of the high-incidence cancers that is characterized by an abnormal production of immature white blood cells. Subject to many reports on the side effects of conventional chemotherapy, herbs and natural compounds have been studied as an alternative medicine. In this study, sesamin, a lignan in sesame seed with pharmaceutical functions including anti-cancer, was chosen and treated with MOLT-4 and NB4 leukemic cell lines in various concentrations for 24 and 48 hours. The effect of sesamin on cell inhibition and expression levels of apoptotic genes in leukemic cell lines were investigated by MTT assay and real-time PCR, respectively. Moreover, apoptotic proteins were studied by mass spectrometry and bioinformatics tools to investigate the relation between sesamin and targeted proteins. Results showed that sesamin increased cell inhibition in both cell lines in dose- and time-dependent manner. Levels of caspase-3, -7, -8, and -9 gene expressions significantly increased, while BCL-2 decreased drastically in sesamin-treated cells. From bioinformatics study, PARP4, IPPK and caspase family proteins were found to be involved in sesamin that induced apoptosis in leukemic cells. Besides, doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic drug, also shared the same protein targets as sesamin in apoptosis pathway. Sesamin demonstrates its potential to enhance cell inhibition and promotes cell apoptosis in both MOLT-4 and NB4 leukemic cell lines. This study will benefit the development of sesamin as an effective anti-leukemia drug in the future.

Sesame Extract Promotes Chemopreventive Effect of Hesperidin on Early Phase of Diethylnitrosamine-Initiated Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats

The combination of natural products is an alternative approach to achieving chemopreventive potential. Accordingly, citrus hesperidin exhibits numerous biological activities, including anticarcinogenic activities, while the sesamin in sesame exhibits potent anticancer activities and lipid-lowering effects. We investigated the cancer chemopreventive effects of mixed sesame and orange seed extract (MSO) containing hesperidin and sesamin in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Rats were injected with DEN once a week for 3 weeks to induce hepatocarcinogenesis. Rats were fed with MSO and various compositions that included sesame extract (SE) and hesperidin. The 10-week administration of MSO more effectively inhibited the number and size of hepatic GST-P-positive foci than hesperidin in DEN-initiated rats. MSO and hesperidin decreased the number of PCNA-positive hepatocytes but increased the apoptotic cells in DEN-induced rats. Furthermore, MSO and its constituents suppressed hepatic triglyceride content concurrently along with the expression of fatty acid synthase. Although the 5-week administration of MSO or hesperidin did not alter hepatic, preneoplastic lesion formation in DEN-initiated rats, it alleviated DEN-induced hepatotoxicity. MSO and its applied compositions did not impact upon the cytochrome P450 system. In conclusion, sesame extract promoted the chemopreventive effect of hesperidin on DEN-induced early stage of hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. The inhibitory mechanisms are likely involved with the induction of cell apoptosis, suppression of cell proliferation and modulation of hepatic lipogenesis. This study may provide revelations in the development of alternative treatments against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Delta-5-desaturase: A novel therapeutic target for cancer management

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D5D is an independent prognostic factor in cancer.

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D5D aggravates cancer progression via mediating AA/PGE₂ production from DGLA.

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AA/PGE₂ promotes cancer progression via regulating the tumor microenvironment.

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Inhibition of D5D redirects COX-2 catalyzed DGLA peroxidation, producing 8-HOA.

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8-HOA suppress cancer by regulating proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis.

Delta-5 desaturase (D5D) is a rate-limiting enzyme that introduces double-bonds to the delta-5 position of the n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid chain. Since fatty acid metabolism is a vital factor in cancer development, several recent studies have revealed that D5D activity and expression could be an independent prognostic factor in cancers. However, the mechanistic basis of D5D in cancer progression is still controversial. The classical concept believes that D5D could aggravate cancer progression via mediating arachidonic acid (AA)/prostaglandin E₂ production from dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), resulting in activation of EP receptors, inflammatory pathways, and immunosuppression. On the contrary, D5D may prevent cancer progression through activating ferroptosis, which is iron-dependent cell death. Suppression of D5D by RNA interference and small-molecule inhibitor has been identified as a promising anti-cancer strategy. Inhibition of D5D could shift DGLA peroxidation pattern from generating AA to a distinct anti-cancer free radical byproduct, 8-hydroxyoctanoic acid, resulting in activation of apoptosis pathway and simultaneously suppression of cancer cell survival, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Hence, understanding the molecular mechanisms of D5D on cancer may therefore facilitate the development of novel therapeutical applications. Given that D5D may serve as a promising target in cancer, in this review, we provide an updated summary of current knowledge on the role of D5D in cancer development and potentially useful therapeutic strategies.

Sesamin exerts anti-tumor activity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via inhibition of TRIM44 and NF-κB signaling

Tripartite motif-containing 44 (TRIM44) is known to play an oncogenic role in multiple human cancers, including esophageal cancer. Sesamin possesses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties for various cancers. This study is designed to unravel the biological functions of sesamin and TRIM44 in esophageal cancer. TRIM44 expression in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) cell lines and tissues was determined by RT-qPCR assay and Western blot. The effects of sesamin and TRIM44 on ESCC cell growth in vivo and in vitro were assessed by the mouse model and CCK-8 assay, respectively. We found that TRIM44 was significantly upregulated in ESCC cell lines and tissues when compared to their counterparts. Sesamin treatment or depletion of TRIM44 markedly reduced ESCC cell proliferation. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway may be involved in sesamin-mediated TRIM44 suppression. Finally, we showed that oral administration of sesamin dramatically inhibited tumor growth or ESCC in nude mice. Our results suggest that sesamin exerts anti-tumor activity in ESCC via inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway, demonstrating its potential for the treatment of esophageal cancer.

Natural Lignans Honokiol and Magnolol as Potential Anticarcinogenic and Anticancer Agents. A Comprehensive Mechanistic Review

Plant lignans constitute an important group of polyphenols, which have been demonstrated to significantly induce cancer cell death and suppress cancer cell proliferation with minimal toxicity against non-transformed cells. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that the intake of lignans is associated with lower risk of several cancers. These natural compounds have the potential to inhibit carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis by targeting various signaling molecules and pathways. Growing evidence indicates that honokiol and magnolol as natural lignans possess potent anticancer activities against various types of human cancer. The aim of present review is to provide the reader with the newest findings in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating anticancer effects of honokiol and magnolol. This review comprehensively elucidates the effects of honokiol and magnolol on the molecular targets and signal transduction pathways implicated in cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. The findings of current review indicate that honokiol and magnolol can be considered as promising carcinopreventive and anticancer agents.

TAK1 signaling is a potential therapeutic target for pathological angiogenesis

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in both physiological responses and disease pathogenesis. Excessive angiogenesis can promote neoplastic diseases and retinopathies, while inadequate angiogenesis can lead to aberrant perfusion and impaired wound healing. Transforming growth factor β activated kinase 1 (TAK1), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase family, is a key modulator involved in a range of cellular functions including the immune responses, cell survival and death. TAK1 is activated in response to various stimuli such as proinflammatory cytokines, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. Emerging evidence has recently suggested that TAK1 is intimately involved in angiogenesis and mediates pathogenic processes related to angiogenesis. Several detailed mechanisms by which TAK1 regulates pathological angiogenesis have been clarified, and potential therapeutics targeting TAK1 have emerged. In this review, we summarize recent studies of TAK1 in angiogenesis and discuss the crosstalk between TAK1 and signaling pathways involved in pathological angiogenesis. We also discuss the approaches for selectively targeting TAK1 and highlight the rationales of therapeutic strategies based on TAK1 inhibition for the treatment of pathological angiogenesis.

A comprehensive mechanistic insight into the dietary and estrogenic lignans, arctigenin and sesamin as potential anticarcinogenic and anticancer agents. Current status, challenges, and future perspectives

A large body of evidence indicates that lignans as polyphenolic compounds are beneficial against life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Plant lignans have the potential to induce cancer cell death and interfere with carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. Epidemiological studies have revealed that the intake of lignans is inversely associated with the risk of several cancers. Moreover, numerous experimental studies demonstrate that natural lignans significantly suppress cancer cell proliferation with minimal toxicity against non-transformed cells. Dietary lignans arctigenin and sesamin have been found to have potent antiproliferative activities against various types of human cancer. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying anticancer effects of arctigenin and sesamin. Our review comprehensively describes the effects of arctigenin and sesamin on the signaling pathways and related molecules involved in cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The findings of present review show that the dietary lignans arctigenin and sesamin seem to be promising carcinopreventive and anticancer agents. These natural lignans can be used as dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals for prevention and treatment of cancer.

Escin inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing interleukin‑8 and vascular endothelial growth factor production by blocking nuclear factor‑κB activation in pancreatic cancer cell lines

Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Thus, the development of new and more effective therapies is urgently required. Escin, a pentacyclic triterpenoid from the horse chestnut, has been reported to exhibit antitumor potential by reducing cell proliferation and blocking the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in several types of cancer. Our previous study reported that NF-κB enhanced the secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thereby inducing angiogenesis in PaCa cell lines. In the present study, it was examined whether escin inhibited angiogenesis by blocking NF-κB activation in PaCa. It was initially confirmed that escin, at concentrations >10 µM, significantly inhibited the proliferation of several PaCa cell lines. Next, using immunocytochemical staining, it was found that escin inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Furthermore, ELISA confirmed that NF-κB activity in the escin-treated PaCa cells was significantly inhibited and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR showed that the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced IL-8 and VEGF were significantly suppressed following escin treatment in the PaCa cell lines. ELISA also showed that escin decreased the secretion of IL-8 and VEGF from the PaCa cells. Furthermore, tube formation in immortalized human endothelial cells was inhibited following incubation with the supernatants from escin-treated PaCa cells. These results indicated that escin inhibited angiogenesis by reducing the secretion of IL-8 and VEGF by blocking NF-κB activity in PaCa. In conclusion, escin could be used as a novel molecular therapy for PaCa.

The Impact of Whole Sesame Seeds on the Expression of Key-Genes Involved in the Innate Immunity of Dairy Goats

Whole sesame seeds (WSS) are rich in both linoleic acid (LA) and lignans. However, their impact on the innate immunity of goats is not well studied. Twenty-four goats were divided into three homogeneous sub-groups; comprise one control (CON) and two treated (WWS5 and WWS10). In the treated groups, WSS were incorporated in the concentrates of the CON at 5 (WSS5) and 10% (WSS10) respectively, by partial substitution of both soybean meal and corn grain. The expression levels of MAPK1, IL6, TRIF, IFNG, TRAF3, and JUND genes in the neutrophils of WSS10 fed goats were reduced significantly compared with the CON. The same was found for the expression levels of IFNG and TRAF3 genes in the neutrophils of WSS5 fed goats. Both treated groups primarily affected the MYD88-independent pathway. The dietary supplementation of goats with WSS might be a good nutritional strategy to improve their innate immunity.

Anticancer medicinal plants used by Moroccan people: Ethnobotanical, preclinical, phytochemical and clinical evidence

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Drugs' side effects and high cost of treatment remain the main limitations of conventional therapy. Nowadays, developing new therapeutic strategies is necessary. Therefore, medicinal plants can be used to promote novel, safe, and potent anticancer drugs through their natural compounds.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to provide scientific evidence related to the anticancer activities of medicinal plants used by Moroccan people as well as approving their efficiency as an alternative cancer therapy.

METHODS

An ethnopharmacological review approach was conducted by analyzing Moroccan published ethnobotanical surveys from 1991 to 2019 and consulting peer-reviewed articles worldwide to investigate the pharmacological, phytochemical, and clinical effects related to the anticancer activities. Plants with anticancer proprieties were classified into four groups: (a) plants only cited as anticancer, (b) plants pharmacologically investigated, (c) plants with bioactive compounds tested as anticancer, and (d) plants clinically investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 103 plant species belonging to 47 botanical families used by Moroccans to treat cancer have been recorded. Aristolochia fontanesii Boiss. & Reut, Marrubium vulgare L., and Allium sativum L. are the most referred species in Morocco. Medicinal plants used for cancer treatment were classified into four groups: 48 species were used traditionally as anticancer (group a), 41 species pharmacologically investigated for their anticancer activities (group b), 32 plants with bioactive compounds tested against cancer (group c), and eight plants were clinically investigated for their anticancer effects (group d). Out of 82 plants' extracts pharmacologically tested (from plants of group b), only 24 ones show a significant cytotoxic effect. A total of seventy-seven compounds are isolated from plants of group (c). However, only six ones were clinically evaluated, and most of them exhibit a beneficial effect on cancerous patients with few side effects.

CONCLUSION

Medicinal plants can be a promising candidate for alternative cancer therapy. Nevertheless, it is critical to increasing the clinical trials to confirm their beneficial effect on patients with cancer. Overall, this review can serve as a database for further studies.

Lignans of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): A Comprehensive Review

Major lignans of sesame sesamin and sesamolin are benzodioxol--substituted furofurans. Sesamol, sesaminol, its epimers, and episesamin are transformation products found in processed products. Synthetic routes to all lignans are known but only sesamol is synthesized industrially. Biosynthesis of furofuran lignans begins with the dimerization of coniferyl alcohol, followed by the formation of dioxoles, oxidation, and glycosylation. Most genes of the lignan pathway in sesame have been identified but the inheritance of lignan content is poorly understood. Health-promoting properties make lignans attractive components of functional food. Lignans enhance the efficiency of insecticides and possess antifeedant activity, but their biological function in plants remains hypothetical. In this work, extensive literature including historical texts is reviewed, controversial issues are critically examined, and errors perpetuated in literature are corrected. The following aspects are covered: chemical properties and transformations of lignans; analysis, purification, and total synthesis; occurrence in Seseamum indicum and related plants; biosynthesis and genetics; biological activities; health-promoting properties; and biological functions. Finally, the improvement of lignan content in sesame seeds by breeding and biotechnology and the potential of hairy roots for manufacturing lignans in vitro are outlined.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of sesamin: mechanisms of action and future directions

Inflammation is associated with the development and progression of various disorders including atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and cancer. Sesamin, a fat-soluble lignan derived from Sesamum indicum seeds and oil, has received increased attention due to its wide array of pharmacological properties including its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential. To date, no review has been conducted to summarize or analyze the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory roles of sesamin. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of experimental findings that were reported with regards to the ability of sesamin to modulate inflammation, cellular and humoral adaptive immune responses and Th1/Th2 paradigm. The potential influence of sesamin on the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against cancer cells is also highlighted. The molecular mechanisms and the signal transduction pathways underlying such effects are underscored. The metabolism, pharmacokinetics, absorption, tissue distribution and bioavailability of sesamin in different species, including humans, are reviewed. Moreover, we propose future preclinical and clinical investigations to further validate the potential preventive and/or therapeutic efficacy of sesamin against various immune-related and inflammatory conditions. We anticipate that sesamin may be employed in future therapeutic regimens to enhance the efficacy of treatment and dampen the adverse effects of synthetic chemical drugs currently used to alleviate immune-related and inflammatory conditions.

Sesamin alleviates diabetes-associated behavioral deficits in rats: The role of inflammatory and neurotrophic factors

Neuroinflammation and loss of neurotrophic support have key roles in the pathophysiology of diabetes-associated behavioral deficits (DABD). Sesamin (Ses), a major lignan of sesame seed and its oil, shows anti-hyperglycemic, anti-oxidative, and neuroprotective effects. The present study was designed to assess the potential protective effects of Ses against DABD and investigate the roles of inflammatory markers and neurotrophic factors in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. After confirmation of diabetes, Ses (30 mg/kg/day; P.O.) or insulin (6 IU/rat/day; S.C.) was administered to rats for eight consecutive weeks. During the eighth-week period of the study, behavioral functions of the animals were evaluated by employing standard behavioral paradigms. Moreover, inflammation status, neurotrophic factors, and histological changes were assessed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal regions of the rats. The results of behavioral tests showed that STZ-induced diabetes increased anxiety-/depression-like behaviors, decreased locomotor/exploratory activities, and impaired passive avoidance learning and memory. These DABD were accompanied by neuroinflammation, lack of neurotrophic support, and neuronal loss in both cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the rats. Intriguingly, chronic treatment with Ses improved all the above-mentioned diabetes-related behavioral, biochemical, and histological deficits, and in some cases, it was even more effective than insulin therapy. In conclusion, the results suggest that Ses was capable of improving DABD, which might be ascribed, at least partly, to the reduction of blood glucose level, inhibition of neuroinflammation, and potentiation of neurotrophic factors.

Autophagy and apoptosis induction by sesamin in MOLT-4 and NB4 leukemia cells

Sesamin, the major furofuran lignan found in the seeds of Sesamum indicum L., has been investigated for its various medicinal properties. In the present study, the anti-leukemic effects of sesamin and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in MOLT-4 and NB4 acute leukemic cells. Leukemic cells were treated with various concentrations of sesamin. Cell viability was determined using an MTT assay. Flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and anti-LC3/FITC antibodies was applied to detect the level of apoptosis and autophagy, respectively. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to examine the alterations in the mRNA expression of apoptotic and autophagic genes. In addition, bioinformatics tools were used to predict the possible interactions between sesamin and its targets. The results revealed that sesamin inhibited MOLT-4 and NB4 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, sesamin induced both apoptosis and autophagy. In sesamin-treated cells, the gene expression levels of caspase 3 and unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) were upregulated, while those of mTOR were downregulated compared with in the control. Notably, the protein-chemical interaction network indicated that caspase 3, mTOR and ULK1 were the essential factors involved in the effects of sesamin treatment, as with anticancer agents, such as rapamycin, AZD8055, Torin1 and 2. Overall, the findings of the present study suggested that sesamin inhibited MOLT-4 and NB4 cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis and autophagy through the regulation of caspase 3 and mTOR/ULK1 signaling, respectively.

Health benefits of sesamin on cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors

Sesamin, a major lignin isolated from sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds and sesame oil, is known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies have revealed that oxidative stress and inflammation play a major role in a variety of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This comprehensive review summarizes the evidence on the effects of sesamin on CVD and its risk factors, principally due to its antioxidant properties. Specifically, this review highlights the mechanisms underlying the anti-hypertensive, anti-atherogenic, anti-thrombotic, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity, lipolytic effects of sesamin both in vivo and in vitro, and identifies the signaling pathways targeted by sesamin and its metabolites. The data indicates that RAS/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, p38, p53, IL-6, TNFα, and NF-κB signaling networks are all involved in moderating the various effects of sesamin on CVD and its risk factors. In conclusion, the experimental evidence suggesting that sesamin can reduce CVD risk is convincing. Thus, sesamin can be potentially useful as an adjuvant therapeutic agent to combat CVD and its multitude of risk factors.

Antimetastatic Effects of Sesamin on Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma through Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2

Background: Sesamin is a lignin present in sesame oil from the bark of Zanthoxylum spp. Sesamin reportedly has anticarcinogenic potential and exerts anti-inflammatory effects on several tumors. Hypothesis/Purpose: However, the effect of sesamin on metastatic progression in human head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unknown in vitro and in vivo; hence, we investigated the effect of sesamin on HNSCC cells in vitro. Methods and Results: Sesamin-treated human oral cancer cell lines FaDu, HSC-3, and Ca9-22 were subjected to a wound-healing assay. Furthermore, Western blotting was performed to assess the effect of sesamin on the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and proteins of the MAPK signaling pathway, including p-ERK1/2, P-p38, and p-JNK1/2. In addition, we investigated the association between MMP-2 expression and the MAPK pathway in sesamin-treated oral cancer cells. Sesamin inhibited cell migration and invasion in FaDu, Ca9-22, and HSC-3 cells and suppressed MMP-2 at noncytotoxic concentrations (0 to 40 μM). Furthermore, sesamin significantly reduced p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner in FaDu and HSC-3 cells. Conclusions: These results indicate that sesamin suppresses the migration and invasion of HNSCC cells by regulating MMP-2 and is thus a potential antimetastatic agent for treating HNSCC.

Sesamin Induces Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activation via Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1

Sesamin, the most abundant lignan in sesame seed oil, has many biological activities. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms behind the regulatory effects of sesamin on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) generation in endothelial cells (ECs) remain unclear. Sesamin induced the intracellular level of NO and eNOS phosphorylation in ECs in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, sesamin induced levels of intracellular calcium, leading to the phosphorylation of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) at Thr286, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase beta (CaMKKβ) at Ser511, protein kinase A (PKA) at Thr197, Akt at Ser473, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) at Thr172. In particular, blocking of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel by capsazepine (TRPV1 antagonist), as well as TRPV1 knockdown via TRPV1 silencing RNA, abrogated sesamin-induced PKA, Akt, AMPK, CaMKII, CaMKKβ, and eNOS phosphorylation and NO level in ECs. Furthermore, sesamin inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB translocation, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression, and monocyte adhesion. Sesamin triggered eNOS activity and NO production via activation of TRPV1-calcium signaling, which involved the phosphorylation of PKA, CaMKII, CaMKKβ, Akt, and AMPK. Sesamin may be useful for treating or preventing the endothelial dysfunction correlated with cardiovascular diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Sesamum indicum L.-A Review

The use of foodstuff as natural medicines has already been established through studies demonstrating the pharmacological activities that they exhibit. Knowing the nutritional and pharmacological significance of foods enables the understanding of their role against several diseases. Among the foods that can potentially be considered as medicine, is sesame or Sesamum indicum L., which is part of the Pedaliaceae family and is composed of its lignans such as sesamin, sesamol, sesaminol and sesamolin. Its lignans have been widely studied and are known to possess antiaging, anticancer, antidiabetes, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Modern chronic diseases, which can transform into clinical diseases, are potential targets of these lignans. The prime example of chronic diseases is rheumatic inflammatory diseases, which affect the support structures and the organs of the body and can also develop into malignancies. In line with this, studies emphasizing the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of sesame have been discussed in this review.

Supplementation of Sesamin Alleviates Stress-Induced Behavioral and Psychological Disorders via Reshaping the Gut Microbiota Structure

Sesamin, a lignan from sesame seed, has been reported to attenuate chronic mild stress-induced depressive-like behaviors. Gut microbiota play pivotal roles in mediating psychological behaviors by regulating gut barrier integrity and systemic inflammatory responses. Here, we found that oral sesamin administration (50 mg/kg·bodyweight/day) significantly attenuated depressive, aversive, repetitive, and anxiety-like behaviors in a long-term multiple nonsocial stress-treated mice model. Sesamin inhibited stress-induced gut barrier integrity damage, reduced circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, and suppressed neuroinflammatory responses. Moreover, sesamin treatment also restructured the gut microbiome by enhancing the relative abundances of Bacteroidales and S24-7. The correlation analysis indicated that the microbiota composition changes were strongly correlated with behavioral disorders, serotonin, norepinephrine, and LPS levels. In conclusion, sesamin has preventive effects on stress-induced behavioral and psychological disorders, which might be highly related to the reshaped microbiota composition. This study provides a clue for understanding the systemic mechanism of anti-depression effects of sesamin.

Dietary Compounds for Targeting Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the burden of the disease is increased. Although several chemotherapies have been used, concerns about the side effects have been raised, and development of alternative therapy is inevitable. The purpose of this study is to prove the efficacy of dietary substances as a source of anti-tumor drugs by identifying their carcinostatic activities in specific pathological mechanisms. According to numerous studies, dietary substances were effective through following five mechanisms; apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastasis, microRNA (miRNA) regulation, and anti-multi-drug-resistance (MDR). About seventy dietary substances showed the anti-prostate cancer activities. Most of the substances induced the apoptosis, especially acting on the mechanism of caspase and poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. These findings support that dietary compounds have potential to be used as anticancer agents as both food supplements and direct clinical drugs.

Sesamin Catechol Glucuronides Exert Anti-inflammatory Effects by Suppressing Interferon β and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression through Deconjugation in Macrophage-like J774.1 Cells

Sesamin, a representative sesame lignan, has health-promoting activities. Sesamin is converted into catechol derivatives and further into their glucuronides or sulfates in vivo, whereas the biological activities of sesamin metabolites remain unclear. We examined the inhibitory effects of sesamin metabolites on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse macrophage-like J774.1 cells and found that a monocatechol derivative SC1, (7α,7'α,8α,8'α)-3,4-dihydroxy-3',4'-methylenedioxy-7,9':7',9-diepoxylignane, has a much higher activity than sesamin and other metabolites. The inhibitory effects of SC1 glucuronides were time-dependently enhanced, associated with the intracellular accumulation of SC1 and the methylated form. SC1 glucuronides and SC1 attenuated the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and upstream interferon-β (IFN-β) in the LPS-stimulated macrophages. The inhibitory effects of SC1 glucuronides against NO production were canceled by the β-glucuronidase inhibitor and enhanced by the catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor. Our results suggest that SC1 glucuronides exert the anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the IFN-β/iNOS signaling through macrophage-mediated deconjugation.

Sesame Oil Attenuates Renal Oxidative Stress Induced by a High Fat Diet

The antioxidative effects of the bioactive compounds enriched sesame oil (e.g. lignans and tocopherols) are well established. This study aims to elucidate whether sesame oil could reduce renal oxidative stress induced by a high fat diet (HFD). Mice received HFD for 12 weeks (n=7 per group), which was prepared by adding 20% (w/w) lard (lard group) or sesame oil (sesame group) to the chow diet, respectively. Compared with mice in the lard group, renal lipid levels of those in the sesame group were reduced, shown by decreases in protein expression of transcription factors and enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis (sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase α) and an increase in β-oxidation (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I) (P<0.05). In the sesame group, levels of peroxynitrite and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were also reduced, whereas the level of glutathione was increased. In addition, there was elevated protein expression levels of antioxidant enzymes regulated by nuclear factor-like 2, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase (P<0.05), and decreased expression for nuclear factor kappa B and cyclooxygenase 2 (P<0.05). These results suggest that sesame oil could ameliorate HFD-induced renal damage by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Suppression of cyclooxygenase 2 increases chemosensitivity to sesamin through the Akt‑PI3K signaling pathway in lung cancer cells

Safe, affordable and efficacious agents are urgently required for cancer prevention. Sesamin, a lipid‑soluble lignan from sesame (Sesamum indicum) displays anticancer activities through an unknown mechanism. In the present study, the anticancer activity of sesamin via cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) was investigated in lung cancer. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the mRNA expression levels of COX2 in cells, while western blot analysis was used to determine its protein expression levels. Cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay, while apoptosis and cell cycle analyses were conducted by flow cytometry. The results indicated that COX2 expression was upregulated in lung cancer cell lines compared with human normal lung epithelial cell line BEAS‑2B and sesamin was demonstrated to decrease the levels of COX2, inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells and promote their apoptosis in a concentration‑dependent manner. Furthermore, decreased COX2 expression potentiated sesamin‑induced apoptosis and G1‑phase arrest, which was correlated with the suppression of gene products associated with cell apoptosis (Bcl‑2 and Bax) and the cell cycle (cyclin E1). In addition, cotreatment with the COX2 inhibitor CAY10404 and sesamin downregulated the expression of downstream molecules of COX2 [including interleukin (IL)1β, IL6 and tumor necrosis factor α] compared with CAY10404 or sesamin alone. Furthermore, cotreatment with sesamin and CAY10404 markedly reduced the levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAkt) and phosoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) in three lung cancer cell lines. PI3K expression was observed to be under the control of COX2, possibly forming a negative feedback loop. In addition, PI3K depletion induced apoptosis and G1‑phase arrest in A549 cells. These results suggested that sesamin blocked the pAkt‑PI3K signaling pathway by downregulating the expression of COX2, therefore resulting in cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis in vitro. In conclusion, inhibition of COX2 increased the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to sesamin by modulating pAkt‑PI3K signaling. These results may aid the development of more selective agents to overcome cancer.

Sesame seeds essential oil and Sesamol modulate the pro-inflammatory function of macrophages and dendritic cells and promote Th2 response

Background: Herbal medicine is becoming progressively accepted treatment for management of different diseases worldwide. Recognition of the active ingredients and mechanisms of herbal medicine against the immune system and related anomalies is highly favorable. This experimental study aimed to investigate the effects of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) essential oil and sesamol as effective components on mouse splenocytes subsets, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs).

Methods: Effective components of sesame were extracted and used to treat splenocytes, PHA (5μg/ml) and LPS (10 μg/ml) stimulated splenocytes, macrophages and DCs in different concentration (0.01–100 μg/ml). The cell proliferation/viability was measured using the MTT assay and nitrite levels were measured by the diazotization method. Moreover, TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines concentration were assayed by ELISA. Treated DCs also analysed for maturation marker levels and cytokine production.

Results: Analysis of the results indicated that sesame components suppress PHA-stimulated splenocytes with no effect on LPS-stimulated subsets. Furthermore, the sesame ingredients reduced the release of IFN-γ and increased secretion of IL-4 from lymphocytes. Macrophages viability was not affected and production of NO, TNF-α, and IL-1β were inhibited using sesame essential oil and sesamol. DCs phenotype skewed to immature and release of TNF-α and IL-1β were abrogated form DCs.

Conclusion: These results indicate that sesame essential oil and its effective component as sesamol may capable of suppressing the response of cellular immunity with the domination of Th2 responses and also could modulate macrophages and the dendritic cells proinflammatory functions.

Fermented Ganjangs (Soy Sauce and Sesame Sauce) Attenuates Colonic Carcinogenesis in Azoxymethane/Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Treated C57BL/6J Mice

The effects of different ganjangs (also designated as kanjang), including acid-hydrolyzed soy sauce (AHSS), fermented soy sauce (FSS), and fermented sesame sauce (FSeS), on azoxymethane (AOM, 10 mg/kg)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 2%)-induced colorectal carcinogenesis in C57BL/6J mice were studied. Low doses (4 mL/kg) of both FSeS and FSS significantly increased colon length, suppressed AOM/DSS-induced increases in colon weight/length ratios, and induced colorectal neoplasia compared with AHSS-treated and control mice. Fermented sauces, particularly low doses of FSeS and FSS, showed activity against AOM/DSS-induced colorectal carcinogenesis by abrogating serum and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-17α as well as by reducing mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in colon mucosa. FSeS significantly increased colonic p53 expression compared with other sauces. However, AHSS showed weak activity against AOM/DSS-induced colonic carcinogenesis. Overall, FSeS showed the strongest anticancer effect, followed by FSS and AHSS. Thus, fermentation with microorganisms rather than chemical processes is important, and raw materials are another factor influencing anticancer activity.

A comparison between lung carcinoma and a subcutaneous malignant tumor induced in rats by a 3,4-benzopyrene injection

Lung cancer is one of the most common carcinomas worldwide. It is of value to know whether lung is more vulnerable to carcinogens than other tissues. In this study we compared the carcinogenic potential of 3,4-benzopyrene administered by intrapulmonary injection or subcutaneous injection. Ninety rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=30/group). Rats under deep anesthesia were treated with 3,4-benzopyrene by intrapulmonary injection or scapular subcutaneous injection, or with the vehicle by subcutaneous injection. The Rats were sacrificed when they developed advanced somatic sarcomas or severe dyspnea and the rats without severe phenotypes were sacrificed after 1 year. The tumors were isolated and examined with H&E staining. The expression of Bcl-2, CYP1A1, and NF-κB mRNA and protein in somatic sarcoma and lung carcinoma tissues was examined by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. No tumor development was observed in the control rats. Fifteen of the 30 rats receiving an intrapulmonary injection of 3,4-benzopyrene developed lung carcinomas, whereas all 30 rats treated with subcutaneous injection developed a malignant neoplasm under the skin. Positive Bcl-2, CYP1A1, and NF-κB protein staining was observed in lung carcinoma and subcutaneous malignant neoplasm but Bcl-2 protein expression was much stronger in subcutaneous malignant neoplasms than in lung carcinoma. The expression pattern of Bcl-2, CYP1A1, and NF-κB mRNA in lung carcinoma and subcutaneous malignant neoplasms was consistent with its protein expression. Our results indicated that the lung is not more vulnerable to carcinogens than other tissues. The lung may acquire a protective mechanism against lung carcinogenesis through regulation of Bcl-2 expression.

Recent progress in natural dietary non-phenolic bioactives on cancers metastasis

From several decades ago to now, cancer continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide, and metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related deaths. For health benefits, there is a great desire to use non-chemical therapy such as nutraceutical supplementation to prevent pathology development. Over 10,000 different natural bioactives or phytochemicals have been known that possessing potential preventive or supplementary effects for various diseases including cancer. Previously, the in vitro and in vivo anti-invasive and anti-metastatic activities of phenolic acids, monophenol, polyphenol and their derivatives and flavonoids and their derivatives have been reviewed. However, a vast number of natural dietary compounds other than phenolics have been demonstrated to potentially possess the ability to inhibit the invasion and metastasis of various cancers. In this review, we summarize the studies in recent decade on in vitro and in vivo effects and molecular mechanisms of natural bioactives, excluding the phenolics in food, in cancer invasion and metastasis. By combining this review of non-phenolics with the previous phenolics reviews, the puzzle for the contribution of natural dietary bioactives on cancer invasive or/and metastatic progress will be almost complete and more clear.

Medicinal Attributes of Lignans Extracted from Piper Cubeba: Current Developments

Lignans are a large class of natural products that have been isolated from many plants. They reveal diverse biological activities, especially antiviral and antitumor properties. From Piper cubeba, lignans of several classes can be isolated from the roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves, seeds, and fruits. Among its various chemical constituents, (-)-cubebin and (-)-hinokinin are found in significant quantities. Although they have been known for some time, during the last few decades their biological properties have been studied by several research groups. The cubebins have been identified as a lactol monomer and dimers as a mixture of diastereoisomers. Recently, their structural characterization and the synthesis of the possible structures have led to the correction of some earlier structural proposals. This review describes the more recent developments in the study of the medicinal attributes of cubebin and hinokinin extracted from Piper cubeba and the synthesis and biological testing of some analogues.

Sesamin prevents apoptosis and inflammation after experimental myocardial infarction by JNK and NF-κB pathways

Myocardial infarction is a devastating event, especially when reperfusion is not performed. The inflammatory response has been associated with the pathogenesis of left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. This study focused on the anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of sesamin on ligation of the left anterior descending artery in an experimental mouse model and the potential mechanism underlying the activation of JNK and NF-κB pathways. Mice with MI induced by surgical left anterior descending coronary artery ligation were treated with sesamin by gavage for 1 week. Results showed that after treatment with sesamin, MI-induced cardiac damage was alleviated significantly, indicated by the histopathological examination. The myocardial apoptosis in the border zone was dramatically reduced by sesamin, resulting from the altered expression of apoptosis factors. Moreover, treatment with sesamin also mitigated the inflammatory response, decreased expression of cytokines and the inactivation of NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) signaling. Sesamin decreased the levels of p-JNK protein, which in turn inactivated pro-apoptotic signaling events by restoring the balance between mitochondrial pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bax proteins. Thus, our study suggests that sesamin could alleviate MI-induced cardiac dysfunction through decrease of myocardial apoptosis and inflammatory response.

In vivo modulation of LPS induced leukotrienes generation and oxidative stress by sesame lignans

The role of inflammation and oxidative stress is critical during onset of metabolic disorders and this has been sufficiently established in literature. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of sesamol and sesamin, two important bioactive molecules present in sesame oil, on the generation of inflammatory and oxidative stress factors in LPS injected rats. Sesamol and sesamin lowered LPS induced expression of cPLA₂ (61 and 56%), 5-LOX (44 and 51%), BLT-1(32 and 35%) and LTC₄ synthase (49 and 50%), respectively, in liver homogenate. The diminished serum LTB₄ (53 and 64%) and LTC₄ (67 and 44%) levels in sesamol and sesamin administered groups, respectively, were found to be concurrent with the observed decrease in the expression of cPLA₂ and 5-LOX. The serum levels of TNF-α (29 and 19%), MCP-1 (44 and 57%) and IL-1β (43 and 42%) were found to be reduced in sesamol and sesamin group, respectively, as given in parentheses, compared to LPS group. Sesamol and sesamin offered protection against LPS induced lipid peroxidation in both serum and liver. Sesamol, but not sesamin, significantly restored the loss of catalase and glutathione reductase activity due to LPS (P<.05). However, both sesamol and sesamin reverted SOD activities by 92 and 98%, respectively. Thus, oral supplementation of sesamol and sesamin beneficially modulated the inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, as observed in the present study, in LPS injected rats. Our report further advocates the potential use of sesamol and sesamin as an adjunct therapy wherein, inflammatory and oxidative stress is of major concern.

Alleviation of doxorubicin–induced hepatorenal toxicities with sesamin via the suppression of oxidative stress

Hepatorenal toxicities are an important side effect of anthracycline antibiotics. The objective of this study was to determine whether sesamin (Ses) protects against acute doxorubicin (DOX)-induced hepatorenal toxicities. Rats received daily treatment with either 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (10 mL/kg) or Ses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) orally for 10 days, followed by an intravenous injection at day 8 of either saline (10 mL/kg) or DOX (20 mg/kg). Hepatorenal toxicity was assessed by measuring the levels of serum creatinine (Cre), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The protein expression of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in hepatorenal tissues was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content and antioxidant activity in the kidney and liver tissues were also measured. The results suggest that pretreatment with Ses ameliorated DOX-induced liver and kidney injury by lowering the serum ALT, AST, ALP, Cre and BUN levels ( p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), and the histological damage to the liver and kidney tissues induced by DOX compared to control were also significantly attenuated by Ses. Furthermore, Ses significantly decreased the DOX-induced increase of MDA and 4-HNE and increased the activity of CAT, SOD and GPX compared to the DOX-treated rats ( p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), whereas the change of DOX + Ses (10 mg/kg) group is not significant compared to the DOX-treated group ( p > 0.05). These findings indicate that Ses elicits a typical protective effect against DOX-induced acute hepatorenal toxicity via the suppression of oxidative stress.