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Alabrahim OAA, Azzazy HMES. Synergistic anticancer effect of Pistacia lentiscus essential oils and 5-Fluorouracil co-loaded onto biodegradable nanofibers against melanoma and breast cancer. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:27. [PMID: 38353827 PMCID: PMC10866856 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-03962-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Chemoresistance and severe toxicities represent major drawbacks of chemotherapy. Natural extracts, including the essential oils of Pistacia lentiscus (PLEO), exhibit substantial anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities where different cancers are reported to dramatically recess following targeting with PLEO. PLEO has promising antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the therapeutic properties of PLEO are restricted by limited stability, bioavailability, and targeting ability. PLEO nanoformulation can maximize their physicochemical and therapeutic properties, overcoming their shortcomings. Hence, PLEO was extracted and its chemical composition was determined by GC-MS. PLEO and 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) were electrospun into poly-ε-caprolactone nanofibers (PCL-NFs), of 290.71 nm to 680.95 nm diameter, to investigate their anticancer and potential synergistic activities against triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), human adenocarcinoma breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and human skin melanoma cell line (A375). The prepared nanofibers (NFs) showed enhanced thermal stability and remarkable physical integrity and tensile strength. Biodegradability studies showed prolonged stability over 42 days, supporting the NFs use as a localized therapy of breast tissues (postmastectomy) or melanoma. Release studies revealed sustainable release behaviors over 168 h, with higher released amounts of 5FU and PLEO at pH 5.4, indicating higher targeting abilities towards cancer tissues. NFs loaded with PLEO showed strong antioxidant properties. Finally, NFs loaded with either PLEO or 5FU depicted greater anticancer activities compared to free compounds. The highest anticancer activities were observed with NFs co-loaded with PLEO and 5FU. The developed 5FU-PLEO-PCL-NFs hold potential as a local treatment of breast cancer tissues (post-mastectomy) and melanoma to minimize their possible recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obaydah Abd Alkader Alabrahim
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, AUC Avenue, SSE # 1184, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Hassan Mohamed El-Said Azzazy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, AUC Avenue, SSE # 1184, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt.
- Department of Nanobiophotonics, Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert Einstein Str. 9, Jena, Germany.
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Fahmy SA, Sedky NK, Ramzy A, Abdelhady MM, Alabrahim OAA, Shamma SN, Azzazy HMES. Green extraction of essential oils from Pistacia lentiscus resins: Encapsulation into Niosomes showed improved preferential cytotoxic and apoptotic effects against breast and ovarian cancer cells. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023; 87:104820. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Study of Stability, Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activity of Chios Mastic Gum Fractions (Neutral, Acidic) after Encapsulation in Liposomes. Foods 2022; 11:foods11030271. [PMID: 35159423 PMCID: PMC8834444 DOI: 10.3390/foods11030271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mastic gum is a resinous sap produced by Pistacia lentiscus growing in the island of Chios (Greece) and has been recognized since Antiquity for its distinctive aroma as well as medical properties (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ones). The oral absorption of Chios Mastic gum (an insoluble polymer of poly-β-myrcene is among the most abundant contents) is poor due to its low water-solubility. We report in this study, two different Chios mastic gum extracts, the acidic mastic gum extract—AMGE—and the neutral one—NMGE, both prepared after removal of the contained polymer in order to ameliorate solubility and enhance in vivo activity. Liposomes are presented as a promising delivery system due to their physicochemical and biophysical properties to increase stability and absorption efficiency of the mastic gum extracts within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability in GI simulated conditions together with cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of the two extracts (AMGE and NMGE) after encapsulation in a well characterized liposome formulation. Liposomes-AMGE complex showed an improved stability behavior in GI simulated conditions. Both assayed extracts showed significant dose dependent inhibition against the growth of liver cancer HepG2 cells and an interesting antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms. Conclusively, encapsulation could be evaluated as a beneficial procedure for further applications of mastic resin.
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Bouslama L, Benzekri R, Nsaibia S, Papetti A, Limam F. Identification of an antiviral compound isolated from Pistacia lentiscus. Arch Microbiol 2020; 202:2569-2578. [PMID: 32671418 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-020-01980-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study screened mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus L.) for antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), coxsackievirus type B3, and adenovirus type 5. The organs of this plant (leaves, stem, and seed) were macerated sequentially using solvents of increasing polarity (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol). Only the methanol extract of stem exhibited significant activity against HSV-2. This extract showed anti-HSV-2 activity with a selectivity index of 51 (50% cytotoxic concentration = 186 µg/mL; 50% inhibitory concentration = 3.63 µg/mL), and demonstrated direct inhibition against this virus with a virucidal selectivity index of 620 (50% virucidal concentration = 0.30 µg/mL). A bio-guided assay involving thin-layer chromatography led to the isolation of two active compounds, which have been identified as dammaradienone and dammaradienol using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. P. lentiscus has been widely studied for other biological activities. However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of P. lentiscus L. exhibiting antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamjed Bouslama
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances-LR15CBBC03, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, University of Tunis El Manar, BP 901, Hammam Lif, 2050, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Roudaina Benzekri
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances-LR15CBBC03, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, University of Tunis El Manar, BP 901, Hammam Lif, 2050, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Siwar Nsaibia
- Regional Laboratory of Public Health, 8000, Nabeul, Tunisia
| | - Adele Papetti
- Nutraceutical and Food Chemical-Toxicological Analysis Laboratory, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ferid Limam
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances-LR15CBBC03, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, University of Tunis El Manar, BP 901, Hammam Lif, 2050, Tunis, Tunisia
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Gacem MA, Ould El Hadj-Khelil A, Boudjemaa B, Gacem H. Phytochemistry, Toxicity and Pharmacology of Pistacia lentiscus, Artemisia herba-alba and Citrullus colocynthis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-38881-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Agioutantis PC, Kotsikoris V, Kolisis FN, Loutrari H. RNA-seq data analysis of stimulated hepatocellular carcinoma cells treated with epigallocatechin gallate and fisetin reveals target genes and action mechanisms. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:686-695. [PMID: 32257052 PMCID: PMC7113608 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an essentially incurable inflammation-related cancer. We have previously shown by network analysis of proteomic data that the flavonoids epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and fisetin (FIS) efficiently downregulated pro-tumor cytokines released by HCC through inhibition of Akt/mTOR/RPS6 phospho-signaling. However, their mode of action at the global transcriptome level remains unclear. Herein, we endeavor to compare gene expression alterations mediated by these compounds through a comprehensive transcriptome analysis based on RNA-seq in HEP3B, a responsive HCC cell line, upon perturbation with a mixture of prototypical stimuli mimicking conditions of tumor microenvironment or under constitutive state. Analysis of RNA-seq data revealed extended changes on HEP3B transcriptome imposed by test nutraceuticals. Under stimulated conditions, EGCG and FIS significantly modified, compared to the corresponding control, the expression of 922 and 973 genes, respectively, the large majority of which (695 genes), was affected by both compounds. Hierarchical clustering based on the expression data of shared genes demonstrated an almost identical profile in nutraceutical-treated stimulated cells which was virtually opposite in cells exposed to stimuli alone. Downstream enrichment analyses of the co-modified genes uncovered significant associations with cancer-related transcription factors as well as terms of Gene Ontology/Reactome Pathways and highlighted ECM dynamics as a nodal modulation point by nutraceuticals along with angiogenesis, inflammation, cell motility and growth. RNA-seq data for selected genes were independently confirmed by RT-qPCR. Overall, the present systems approach provides novel evidence stepping up the mechanistic understanding of test nutraceuticals, thus rationalizing their clinical exploitation in new preventive/therapeutic modalities against HCC.
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Key Words
- ADAM, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs
- ADAMTS9, ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 9
- CLIC3, Chloride Intracellular Channel 3
- CTGF, Connective Tissue Growth Factor
- DEGs, differentially expressed genes
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EGCG, epigallocatechin gallate
- EMT, epithelial to mesenchymal transition
- Epigallocatechin gallate
- FIS, fisetin
- Fisetin
- GO, Gene Ontology
- Gene Ontology
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HSPA2, Heat Shock Protein Family A (Hsp70) Member 2
- HSPB1, Heat Shock Protein Family B (Small) Member 1
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- MEM, minimum essential medium
- MMP11, Matrix Metallopeptidase 11
- MMP9, Matrix Metallopeptidase 9
- MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases
- PDGFRB, Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Beta
- RNA-sequencing
- RT-qPCR, reverse transcription-quantitative real time PCR
- Reactome Pathways
- SD, standard deviation
- SEM, standard error of mean
- SERPINE1, Serpin Family E Member 1
- STIM, stimulated
- TF, transcription factor
- Transcription factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis C Agioutantis
- G.P. Livanos and M. Simou Laboratories, 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3 Ploutarchou Str., Athens 10675, Greece.,Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 5 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Zografou Campus, Athens 15780, Greece
| | - Vasilios Kotsikoris
- G.P. Livanos and M. Simou Laboratories, 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3 Ploutarchou Str., Athens 10675, Greece
| | - Fragiskos N Kolisis
- Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 5 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Zografou Campus, Athens 15780, Greece
| | - Heleni Loutrari
- G.P. Livanos and M. Simou Laboratories, 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3 Ploutarchou Str., Athens 10675, Greece
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Effects of the Essential Oil from Pistacia lentiscus Var. chia on the Lateral Line System and the Gene Expression Profile of Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24213919. [PMID: 31671694 PMCID: PMC6864543 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24213919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mastic essential oil exhibits anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. With the growing interest of the use of mastic oil in the food and pharmaceutical industry, systematic in vivo studies are needed to address controlled usage and safety issues. In the present work we evaluated the safety of mastic oil using as a model the zebrafish lateral line system. In addition, we studied the gene expression profile of zebrafish fed with mastic oil-supplemented diet using microarray analysis. Our results showed that the hair cells of lateral line neuromasts are functional upon exposure of zebrafish larvae up to 20 ppm of mastic essential oil, while treatment with higher concentrations, 100 and 200 ppm, resulted in increased larvae mortality. Dietary supplementation of zebrafish with mastic essential oil led to differential expression of interferon response-related genes as well as the immune responsive gene 1 (irg1) that links cellular metabolism with immune defense. Notably, mucin 5.2, a constituent of the mucus hydrogel that protects the host against invading pathogens, was up-regulated. Our in vivo work provides information concerning the safety of mastic essential oil use and suggests dietary effects on gene expression related with the physical and immunochemical properties of the gastrointestinal system.
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Anticancer Activity of Essential Oils and Other Extracts from Aromatic Plants Grown in Greece. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8080290. [PMID: 31394842 PMCID: PMC6720353 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8080290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatic plants have a long and significant history in the traditional medicine of many countries. Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in investigating the biological properties of aromatic plant extracts mainly due to their diversity, high availability, and low toxicity. Greece is abundant in aromatic plants, which can be attributed to the country’s geographical position, the morphology of its landscape, and its numerous mountainous and insular areas. In the past 15 years, a number of aromatic plant extracts of Greek origin have been studied for their bioactivities, including their antiproliferative potential against different types of cancer. Although the pharmacological activities of specific species of Greek origin have been reviewed before, no gathered information on explicitly Greek species exist. In this review, we summarize existing data on the antiproliferative activity of extracts isolated from Greek aromatic plants and discuss their molecular mode(s) of action, where available, in order to identify promising extracts for future research and link chemical constituents responsible for their activity. We conclude that essentials oils are the most frequently studied plant extracts exhibiting high diversity in their composition and anticancer potential, but also other extracts appear to be worthy of further investigation for cancer chemoprevention.
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Ramot Y, Hazan Z, Lucassen A, Adamsky K, Ross V, Young N, Saunders M, Ehall H, Nyska A. Toxicity and Toxicokinetic Study of Subcutaneously Administered RPh201 in Minipigs. Toxicol Pathol 2018; 46:693-705. [PMID: 30009686 DOI: 10.1177/0192623318786428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Mastic gum extracts are widely used as herbal remedies and are being tested for several clinical indications. Nevertheless, information on their safety is limited. RPh201 is an extract of the mastic gum, formulated and stabilized in a proprietary method, which is being developed as a novel drug candidate for neurological indications. The aim of this study was to assess the systemic toxic potential of RPh201, administered twice weekly by subcutaneous injections to minipigs, after 39 weeks of administration followed by a recovery period of 6 weeks. No clinical or dose-related signs were observed, but treatment-related findings were seen at the injection sites of the high-dose animals, composed of abscesses, chronic inflammation, and subcutaneous fibrosis. Abscesses >30 mm in size, graded as marked severity, were confined to the high-dose group and were considered as adverse. Minimal-slight subcutaneous and lymph nodes abscesses seen in control, low, and intermediate doses, related to the vehicle (cottonseed oil), were not considered as adverse. Additionally, minimal-to-slight cystic spaces or vacuolation related to the vehicle were observed in the skin, lymph nodes, kidney, and lungs. These findings were considered not to be adverse. The no-observed-adverse-effect level was considered to be 12.5 mg/kg/occasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Ramot
- 1 Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Vanessa Ross
- 3 Envigo Ltd, Alconbury, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Young
- 3 Envigo Ltd, Alconbury, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Saunders
- 3 Envigo Ltd, Alconbury, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Helmut Ehall
- 3 Envigo Ltd, Alconbury, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Abraham Nyska
- 4 Consultant in Toxicologic Pathology, Timrat, Israel.,5 Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Spyridopoulou K, Tiptiri-Kourpeti A, Lampri E, Fitsiou E, Vasileiadis S, Vamvakias M, Bardouki H, Goussia A, Malamou-Mitsi V, Panayiotidis MI, Galanis A, Pappa A, Chlichlia K. Dietary mastic oil extracted from Pistacia lentiscus var. chia suppresses tumor growth in experimental colon cancer models. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28630399 PMCID: PMC5476564 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03971-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-derived bioactive compounds attract considerable interest as potential chemopreventive anticancer agents. We analyzed the volatile dietary phytochemicals (terpenes) present in mastic oil extracted from the resin of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia and comparatively investigated their effects on colon carcinoma proliferation, a) in vitro against colon cancer cell lines and b) in vivo on tumor growth in mice following oral administration. Mastic oil inhibited - more effectively than its major constituents- proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro, attenuated migration and downregulated transcriptional expression of survivin (BIRC5a). When administered orally, mastic oil inhibited the growth of colon carcinoma tumors in mice. A reduced expression of Ki-67 and survivin in tumor tissues accompanied the observed effects. Notably, only mastic oil -which is comprised of 67.7% α-pinene and 18.8% myrcene- induced a statistically significant anti-tumor effect in mice but not α-pinene, myrcene or a combination thereof. Thus, mastic oil, as a combination of terpenes, exerts growth inhibitory effects against colon carcinoma, suggesting a nutraceutical potential in the fight against colon cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that orally administered mastic oil induces tumor-suppressing effects against experimental colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Spyridopoulou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus-Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece
| | - Angeliki Tiptiri-Kourpeti
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus-Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece
| | - Evangeli Lampri
- Department of Pathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, University Campus, Ioannina, 45110, Greece
| | - Eleni Fitsiou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus-Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece
| | - Stavros Vasileiadis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus-Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece
| | - Manolis Vamvakias
- VIORYL S.A., 28th km National Road Athens - Lamia, Afidnes, 19014, Greece
| | - Haido Bardouki
- VIORYL S.A., 28th km National Road Athens - Lamia, Afidnes, 19014, Greece
| | - Anna Goussia
- Department of Pathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, University Campus, Ioannina, 45110, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Malamou-Mitsi
- Department of Pathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, University Campus, Ioannina, 45110, Greece
| | - Mihalis I Panayiotidis
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building A516, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Galanis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus-Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece
| | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus-Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece
| | - Katerina Chlichlia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus-Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece.
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Abidi A, Aissani N, Sebai H, Serairi R, Kourda N, Ben Khamsa S. Protective Effect of Pistacia lentiscus Oil Against Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress in Rat. Nutr Cancer 2017; 69:490-497. [PMID: 28287322 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2017.1283423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anouar Abidi
- Unit Research 03/UR/08-05, Pulmonary Fibrosis: Prevention & Treatment, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadhem Aissani
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology and Valorization of Bioresources, High Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Beja, Tunisia
| | - Hichem Sebai
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology and Valorization of Bioresources, High Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Beja, Tunisia
| | - Raja Serairi
- National School of Health Sciences of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Kourda
- Department of Anatomy and Pathology, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Saloua Ben Khamsa
- Unit Research 03/UR/08-05, Pulmonary Fibrosis: Prevention & Treatment, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
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Georgiadis I, Karatzas T, Korou LM, Katsilambros N, Perrea D. Beneficial health effects of Chios Gum Mastic and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: indications of common mechanisms. J Med Food 2015; 18:1-10. [PMID: 25133901 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2014.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For thousands of years, Chios Gum Mastic (CGM), the resin produced by the trunk of Pistachia lentiscus var Chia, has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes and several therapeutic properties have been attributed to it. CGM has been used in traditional medicine of various nations in the eastern Mediterranean area. This survey was carried out to identify biological mechanisms that could explain traditional usage and recent pharmacological findings. We reviewed the related scientific literature available from the NCBI PUBMED database on CGM studies and on natural products showing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist effects. We investigated whether CGM qualifies as a PPAR modulator. A large number of studies demonstrate that CGM has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and anticancer properties. Recently, the first evidence of CGM antidiabetic effect became known. CGM chemical composition has been extensively analyzed and the presence of several compounds, especially triterpenoids is well documented. Some of them, oleanonic acid, oleanolic acid, and gallic acid are considered to act as PPAR modulators. PPARs are nuclear receptors functioning as transcription factors and thereby controlling cellular functions at the level of gene expression. PPARs are involved in the pathways of significant diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, inflammation, atheromatosis, and neoplasias, constituting a key target for pharmacological interventions. This article proposes that the synergistic action of some constituents of CGM on PPARs and more precisely on both PPARs isotypes-α and -γ, may be one of the major biological mechanisms via which CGM exerts its multiple effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Georgiadis
- Department of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research "N.S. Christeas," Athens School of Medicine, University of Athens , Athens, Greece
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Vlastos D, Drosopoulou E, Efthimiou I, Gavriilidis M, Panagaki D, Mpatziou K, Kalamara P, Mademtzoglou D, Mavragani-Tsipidou P. Genotoxic and Antigenotoxic Assessment of Chios Mastic Oil by the In Vitro Micronucleus Test on Human Lymphocytes and the In Vivo Wing Somatic Test on Drosophila. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130498. [PMID: 26110900 PMCID: PMC4482422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chios mastic oil (CMO), the essential oil derived from Pistacia lentiscus (L.) var. chia (Duham), has generated considerable interest because of its antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant and other beneficial properties. In the present study, the potential genotoxic activity of CMO as well as its antigenotoxic properties against the mutagenic agent mitomycin-C (MMC) were evaluated by employing the in vitro Cytokinesis Block MicroNucleus (CBMN) assay and the in vivo Somatic Mutation And Recombination Test (SMART). In the in vitro experiments, lymphocytes were treated with 0.01, 0.05 and 0.10% (v/v) of CMO with or without 0.05 μg/ml MMC, while in the in vivo assay Drosophila larvae were fed with 0.05, 0.10, 0.50 and 1.00% (v/v) of CMO with or without 2.50 μg/ml MMC. CMO did not significantly increase the frequency of micronuclei (MN) or total wing spots, indicating lack of mutagenic or recombinogenic activity. However, the in vitro analysis suggested cytotoxic activity of CMO. The simultaneous administration of MMC with CMO did not alter considerably the frequencies of MMC-induced MN and wing spots showing that CMO doesn’t exert antigenotoxic or antirecombinogenic action. Therefore, CMO could be considered as a safe product in terms of genotoxic potential. Even though it could not afford any protection against DNA damage, at least under our experimental conditions, its cytotoxic potential could be of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Vlastos
- Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, Agrinio, Greece
| | - Elena Drosopoulou
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioanna Efthimiou
- Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, Agrinio, Greece
| | - Maximos Gavriilidis
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Panagaki
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Krystalenia Mpatziou
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Kalamara
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Despoina Mademtzoglou
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Penelope Mavragani-Tsipidou
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- * E-mail:
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Klibet F, Boumendjel A, Khiari M, El Feki A, Abdennour C, Messarah M. Oxidative stress-related liver dysfunction by sodium arsenite: Alleviation by Pistacia lentiscus oil. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2015; 54:354-363. [PMID: 25946016 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1043562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae) is an evergreen shrub widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region. Pistacia lentiscus oil (PLo) was particularly known in North African traditional medicine. Thus, people of these regions have used it externally to treat sore throats, burns and wounds, as well as they employed it internally for respiratory allergies. PLo is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E and polyphenols. As a very active site of metabolism, liver is reported to be susceptible to arsenic (As) intoxication. OBJECTIVE The present study evaluates the protective effect of PLo against sodium arsenite-induced hepatic dysfunction and oxidative stress in experimental Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-eight rats were equally divided into four groups; the first served as a control, the remaining groups were respectively treated with PLo (3.3 mL/kg body weight), sodium arsenite (5.55 mg/kg body weight) and a combination of sodium arsenite and PLo. After 21 consecutive days, cellular functions were evaluated by hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress markers. RESULTS A significant decrease in the levels of red blood cells, haemoglobin (p ≤ 0.001), hematocrit (p ≤ 0.001), reduced glutathione and metallothionein (p ≤ 0.05) associated with a significant increase of malondialdehyde (p ≤ 0.001) were noticed in the arsenic-exposed group when compared to the control. The As-treated group also exhibited an increase in hepatic antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (p ≤ 0.01) and catalase (p ≤ 0.05). However, the co-administration of PLo has relatively reduced arsenic effect. CONCLUSION The results showed that arsenic intoxication disturbed the liver pro-oxidant/antioxidant status. PLo co-administration mitigates arsenic-induced oxidative damage in rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahima Klibet
- a Laboratory of Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology , and
| | - Amel Boumendjel
- a Laboratory of Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology , and
| | - Mohamed Khiari
- b Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences , University of Badji Mokhtar , Annaba , Algeria
| | - Abdelfattah El Feki
- c Animal Ecophysiology Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences , Sfax , Tunisia , and
| | - Cherif Abdennour
- d Animal Ecophysiology Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of Badji Mokhtar , Annaba , Algeria
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15
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Katsanou ES, Kyriakopoulou K, Emmanouil C, Fokialakis N, Skaltsounis AL, Machera K. Modulation of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 hepatic enzymes after oral administration of Chios mastic gum to male Wistar rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100190. [PMID: 24950217 PMCID: PMC4065013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chios mastic gum (CMG), a resin derived from Pistacia lentiscus var. chia, is known since ancient times for its pharmacological activities. CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 enzymes are among the most involved in the biotransformation of chemicals and the metabolic activation of pro-carcinogens. Previous studies referring to the modulation of these enzymes by CMG have revealed findings of unclear biological and toxicological significance. For this purpose, the modulation of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 enzymes in the liver of male Wistar rats following oral administration of CMG extract (CMGE), at the levels of mRNA and CYP1A1 enzyme activity, was compared to respective enzyme modulation following oral administration of a well-known bioactive natural product, caffeine, as control compound known to involve hepatic enzymes in its metabolism. mRNA levels of Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2 were measured by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction and their relative quantification was calculated. CYP1A1 enzyme induction was measured through the activity of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD). The results indicated that administration of CMGE at the recommended pharmaceutical dose does not induce significant transcriptional modulation of Cyp1a1/2 and subsequent enzyme activity induction of CYP1A1 while effects of the same order of magnitude were observed in the same test system following the administration of caffeine at the mean daily consumed levels. The outcome of this study further confirms the lack of any toxicological or biological significance of the specific findings on liver following the administration of CMGE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrosini S. Katsanou
- Laboratory of Toxicological Control of Pesticides, Department of Pesticides Control and Phytopharmacy, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Kifissia, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Kyriakopoulou
- Laboratory of Toxicological Control of Pesticides, Department of Pesticides Control and Phytopharmacy, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Kifissia, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Emmanouil
- Laboratory of Toxicological Control of Pesticides, Department of Pesticides Control and Phytopharmacy, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Kifissia, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolas Fokialakis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios-Leandros Skaltsounis
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Machera
- Laboratory of Toxicological Control of Pesticides, Department of Pesticides Control and Phytopharmacy, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Kifissia, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
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Georgiadis I, Karatzas T, Korou LM, Agrogiannis G, Vlachos IS, Pantopoulou A, Tzanetakou IP, Katsilambros N, Perrea DN. Evaluation of Chios Mastic Gum on Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in Diabetic Mice. J Med Food 2014; 17:393-9. [DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2013.0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Georgiadis
- N.S. Christeas Department for Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodore Karatzas
- N.S. Christeas Department for Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Laskarina-Maria Korou
- N.S. Christeas Department for Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis S. Vlachos
- N.S. Christeas Department for Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Alkisti Pantopoulou
- N.S. Christeas Department for Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Irene P. Tzanetakou
- N.S. Christeas Department for Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Katsilambros
- N.S. Christeas Department for Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Despina N. Perrea
- N.S. Christeas Department for Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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Bozorgi M, Memariani Z, Mobli M, Salehi Surmaghi MH, Shams-Ardekani MR, Rahimi R. Five Pistacia species (P. vera, P. atlantica, P. terebinthus, P. khinjuk, and P. lentiscus): a review of their traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:219815. [PMID: 24453812 PMCID: PMC3876903 DOI: 10.1155/2013/219815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pistacia, a genus of flowering plants from the family Anacardiaceae, contains about twenty species, among them five are more popular including P. vera, P. atlantica, P. terebinthus, P. khinjuk, and P. lentiscus. Different parts of these species have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes like tonic, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, antihypertensive and management of dental, gastrointestinal, liver, urinary tract, and respiratory tract disorders. Scientific findings also revealed the wide pharmacological activities from various parts of these species, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antidiabetic, antitumor, antihyperlipidemic, antiatherosclerotic, and hepatoprotective activities and also their beneficial effects in gastrointestinal disorders. Various types of phytochemical constituents like terpenoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and sterols have also been isolated and identified from different parts of Pistacia species. The present review summarizes comprehensive information concerning ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of the five mentioned Pistacia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbubeh Bozorgi
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
| | - Zahra Memariani
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
| | - Masumeh Mobli
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Salehi Surmaghi
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Shams-Ardekani
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Roja Rahimi
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
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NMR and pattern recognition methods in metabolomics: From data acquisition to biomarker discovery: A review. Anal Chim Acta 2012; 750:82-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2012.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 303] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Vallianou I, Peroulis N, Pantazis P, Hadzopoulou-Cladaras M. Camphene, a plant-derived monoterpene, reduces plasma cholesterol and triglycerides in hyperlipidemic rats independently of HMG-CoA reductase activity. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20516. [PMID: 22073134 PMCID: PMC3207810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central to the pathology of coronary heart disease is the accumulation of lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides, within the intima of arterial blood vessels. The search for drugs to treat dislipidemia, remains a major pharmaceutical focus. In this study, we evaluated the hypolipidemic properties of the essential oil from Chios mastic gum (MGO). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The hypolipidemic effect of MGO was investigated in naïve as well as in rats susceptible to detergent-induced hyperlipidemia. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were determined using commercial kits. HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase activity was measured in HepG2 cell extracts using a radioactive assay; cellular cholesterol and cholesterol esters were assessed using gas chromatography. MGO administration into naïve rats resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the constitutive synthesis of serum cholesterol and triglycerides. In hyperlipidemic rats, MGO treatment had also a strong hypolipidemic effect. By testing various components of MGO, we show for the first time that the hypolipidemic action is associated with camphene. Administration of camphene at a dose of 30 µg/gr of body weight in hyperlipidemic rats resulted in a 54.5% reduction of total cholesterol (p<0.001), 54% of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (p<0.001) and 34.5% of triglycerides (p<0.001). Treatment of HepG2 cells with camphene led to a decrease in cellular cholesterol content to the same extend as mevinolin, a known HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. The hypolipidemic action of camphene is independent of HMG-CoA reductase activity, suggesting that its hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic effects are associated with a mechanism of action different than that of statins. CONCLUSIONS Given the critical role that the control of hyperlipidemia plays in cardiovascular disease, the results of our study provide insights into the use of camphene as an alternative lipid lowering agent and merits further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Vallianou
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Peroulis
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Margarita Hadzopoulou-Cladaras
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- * E-mail:
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Giaginis C, Theocharis S. Current evidence on the anticancer potential of Chios mastic gum. Nutr Cancer 2011; 63:1174-84. [PMID: 22044444 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2011.607546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Chios mastic gum derived from the plant Pistacia lentiscus L. variation chia has been shown to exert beneficial effects on a wide range of human disorders. The most comprehensive data so far have indicated that mastic gum provides protection against gastrointestinal malfunctions and bacterial infections. Substantial evidence has also suggested that mastic gum exhibits hepatoprotective and cardioprotective, antiinflammatory/antioxidant, and antiatherogenic properties. In the last decade, an increasing number of studies further evaluated the potential antiproliferative properties of mastic gum against several types of human neoplasia. The present review aims to summarize the current data concerning the anticancer activities of mastic gum and their major constituents, highlighting also the molecular mechanisms through which they exert anticancer function. Mastic gum constituents that belong to the chemical class of triterpenoids appear to be mainly responsible for its anticancer potential. Thus, a brief discussion is dedicated to the anticancer activity of synthetic and naturally occurring triterpenoid analogues with similar chemical structure to mastic gum constituents. Taking into consideration the available data so far, Chios mastic gum could be considered as a conglomeration of effective anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Moutselos K, Maglogiannis I, Chatziioannou A. Delineation and interpretation of gene networks towards their effect in cellular physiology- a reverse engineering approach for the identification of critical molecular players, through the use of ontologies. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2011; 2010:6709-12. [PMID: 21096082 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2010.5626249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Exploiting ontologies, provides clues regarding the involvement of certain molecular processes in the cellular phenotypic manifestation. However, identifying individual molecular actors (genes, proteins, etc.) for targeted biological validation in a generic, prioritized, fashion, based in objective measures of their effects in the cellular physiology, remains a challenge. In this work, a new meta-analysis algorithm is proposed for the holistic interpretation of the information captured in -omic experiments, that is showcased in a transcriptomic, dynamic, DNA microarray dataset, which examines the effect of mastic oil treatment in Lewis lung carcinoma cells. Through the use of the Gene Ontology this algorithm relates genes to specific cellular pathways and vice versa in order to further reverse engineer the critical role of specific genes, starting from the results of various statistical enrichment analyses. The algorithm is able to discriminate candidate hub-genes, implying critical biochemical cross-talk. Moreover, performance measures of the algorithm are derived, when evaluated with respect to the differential expression gene list of the dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Moutselos
- Department of Informatics with Applications in Biomedicine, University of Central Greece, Papasiopoulou 2-4, 35100, Lamia, Greece.
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Mastic oil inhibits the metastatic phenotype of mouse lung adenocarcinoma cells. Cancers (Basel) 2011; 3:789-801. [PMID: 24212641 PMCID: PMC3756390 DOI: 10.3390/cancers3010789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mastic oil from Pistacia lentiscus variation chia, a natural combination of bioactive terpenes, has been shown to exert anti-tumor growth effects against a broad spectrum of cancers including mouse Lewis lung adenocarcinomas (LLC). However, no studies have addressed its anti-metastatic actions. In this study, we showed that treatment of LLC cells with mastic oil within a range of non-toxic concentrations (0.01–0.04% v/v): (a) abrogated their Matrigel invasion and migration capabilities in transwell assays; (b) reduced the levels of secreted MMP-2; (c) restricted phorbol ester-induced actin remodeling and (d) limited the length of neo-vessel networks in tumor microenvironment in the model of chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. Moreover, exposure of LLC and endothelial cells to mastic oil impaired their adhesive interactions in a co-culture assay and reduced the expression of key adhesion molecules by endothelial cells upon their stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Overall, this study provides novel evidence supporting a multipotent role for mastic oil in prevention of crucial processes related to cancer metastasis.
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Chatziioannou AA, Moulos P. Exploiting Statistical Methodologies and Controlled Vocabularies for Prioritized Functional Analysis of Genomic Experiments: the StRAnGER Web Application. Front Neurosci 2011; 5:8. [PMID: 21293737 PMCID: PMC3032379 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2011.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
StRAnGER is a web application for the automated statistical analysis of annotated gene profiling experiments, exploiting controlled biological vocabularies, like the Gene Ontology or the KEGG pathways terms. Starting from annotated lists of differentially expressed genes and gene enrichment scores, regarding the terms of each vocabulary, StRAnGER repartitions and reorders the initial distribution of terms to define a new distribution of elements. Each element pools terms holding the same enrichment score. The new distribution thus derived, is reordered in a decreasing order to the right, according to the observation score of the elements, while elements with the same score, are sorted again in a decreasing order of their enrichment scores. By applying bootstrapping techniques, a corrected measure of the statistical significance of these elements is derived, which enables the selection of terms mapped to these elements, unambiguously associated with respective significant gene sets. The selected terms are immunized against the bias infiltrating statistical enrichment analyses, producing technically very high statistical scores, due to the finite nature of the data population. Besides their high statistical score, another selection criterion for the terms is the number of their members, something that incurs a biological prioritization in line with a Systems Biology context. The output derived, represents a detailed ranked list of significant terms, which constitute a starting point for further functional analysis.
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