PLGA-Loaded Gold-Nanoparticles Precipitated with Quercetin Downregulate HDAC-Akt Activities Controlling Proliferation and Activate p53-ROS Crosstalk to Induce Apoptosis in Hepatocarcinoma Cells

Quercetin nanoparticles as a therapeutic approach: pharmacological actions and potential applications in therapy

The utilization of quercetin nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic strategy has garnered significant attention in recent years. These nanoparticles offer a unique approach to enhancing delivery and effectiveness while overcoming the drawbacks of quercetin. By exploiting the advantages of nanotechnology, such as increased stability and improved bioavailability, quercetin nanoparticles hold significant potential for developing innovative treatments across various medical fields. Quercetin nanoparticles have emerged as an indispensable component in numerous pharmaceutical and medicinal formulations. They are recognized for their anticancer, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties, making them valuable in addressing allergic reactions, metabolic disorders, inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and arthritis. From a pharmacological perspective, quercetin nanoparticles have demonstrated beneficial effects against Alzheimer's disease, primarily through their inhibitory impact on acetylcholinesterase. Furthermore, these nanoparticles have been scientifically documented to possess antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, and cytotoxic activities. This comprehensive review aims to explore the pharmacokinetics and biological activities associated with quercetin nanoparticles. It also highlights their potential as therapeutic agents in treating a wide range of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Sinapic-Acid-Loaded Nanoparticles Optimized via Experimental Design Methods: Cytotoxic, Antiapoptotoic, Antiproliferative, and Antioxidant Activity

Nanoparticles are frequently investigated as carrier systems that increase the biological activities of hydrophobic molecules, especially by providing them with water solubility. Sinapic acid (Sa), commonly found in plants, is a phenolic compound with a wide spectrum of biological activities and extensive pharmacological properties. The aim of this study was the synthesis/characterization of optimized sinapic-acid-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (SaNPs) to improve the solubility of sinapic acid (Sa) that limit its use in the biological system and investigate the biological activities of these nanoparticles in the breast cancer cell line. For this purpose, sinapic-acid-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were obtained and optimized by experimental design methods. Then, cytotoxic (MTT method), antiapoptotic (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay), antiproliferative (immunocytochemically by PCNA assay), and antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities, glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA), and caspase-3 levels) of optimized nanoparticles were examined comperatively with free drug on MCF-7 cells. The IC50 values of the SaNPs (170.6 ± 3.6 nm size) in MCF-7 cells were determined at 180, 168, and 145 μg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, and at these doses, the nanoparticles did not show any toxic effect on the MCF10A cell line. Treatment of Sa and SaNPs at doses of 24 and 48 h showed a statistically significant reduction in the PCNA level in MCF-7 cells, with an increase in the number of cells leading to apoptosis. In MCF-7 cells treated with SaNP at concentrations of 150 and 200 μg/mL for 24 h, MDA levels were significantly increased, SOD activities were significantly decreased, and reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase levels were increased compared with control groups. The findings of this study indicate that polyphenolic compounds can contribute to the design of drugs for treatment by forming nanoparticle formulations. The developed nanoparticle formulation is thought to be a useful model for other hydrophobic biological active substances.

Nano-Formulations of Natural Antioxidants for the Treatment of Liver Cancer

Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathological processes that trigger various chronic liver diseases, and significantly contributes to the development of hepatocarcinogenesis. Natural antioxidants reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and play a crucial role in the treatment of free-radical-induced liver diseases. However, their efficacy is often limited by poor bioavailability and metabolic stability. To address these limitations, recent advances have focused on developing nano-drug delivery systems that protect them from degradation and enhance their therapeutic potential. Among the several critical benefits, they showed to be able to improve bioavailability and targeted delivery, thereby reducing off-target effects by specifically directing the antioxidant to the liver tumor site. Moreover, these nanosystems led to sustained release, prolonging the therapeutic effect over time. Some of them also exhibited synergistic effects when combined with other therapeutic agents, allowing for improved overall efficacy. This review aims to discuss recent scientific advances in nano-formulations containing natural antioxidant molecules, highlighting their potential as promising therapeutic approaches for the treatment of liver cancer. The novelty of this review lies in its comprehensive focus on the latest developments in nano-formulations of natural antioxidants for the treatment of liver cancer.

Hibiscus manihot L. flower extract induces anticancer activity through modulation of apoptosis and autophagy in A549 cells

Lung cancer is a major public health issue and heavy burden in China and worldwide due to its high incidence and mortality without effective treatment. It's imperative to develop new treatments to overcome drug resistance. Natural products from food source, given their wide-ranging and long-term benefits, have been increasingly used in tumor prevention and treatment. This study revealed that Hibiscus manihot L. flower extract (HML) suppressed the proliferation and migration of A549 cells in a dose and time dependent manner and disrupting cell cycle progression. HML markedly enhanced the accumulation of ROS, stimulated the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and that facilitated mitophagy through the loss of mitochondrial function. In addition, HML induced apoptosis by activation of the PTEN-P53 pathway and inhibition of ATG5/7-dependent autophagy induced by PINK1-mediated mitophagy in A549 cells. Moreover, HML exert anticancer effects together with 5-FU through synergistic effect. Taken together, HML may serve as a potential tumor prevention and adjuvant treatment for its functional attributes.

Nanoquercetin and Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Anticancer Therapeutics in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Despite world-class sophisticated technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning approaches, cancer-associated mortalities and morbidities have shown continuous increments posing a healthcare burden. Drug-based interventions were associated with systemic toxicities and several limitations. Natural bioactive compounds derived nanoformulations, especially nanoquercetin (nQ), are alternative options to overcome drug-associated limitations. Moreover, the EVs-based cargo targeted delivery of nQ can have enormous potential in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). EVs-based nQ delivery synergistically regulates and dysregulates several pathways, including NF-κB, p53, JAK/STAT, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/AKT, along with PBX3/ERK1/2/CDK2, and miRNAs intonation. Furthermore, discoveries on possible checkpoints of anticancer signaling pathways were studied, which might lead to the development of modified EVs infused with nQ for the development of innovative treatments for HCC. In this work, we abridged the control of such signaling systems using a synergetic strategy with EVs and nQ. The governing roles of extracellular vesicles controlling the expression of miRNAs were investigated, particularly in relation to HCC.

Application of Nanoparticles for Efficient Delivery of Quercetin in Cancer Cells

Quercetin (Qu, 3,5,7,3', 4'-pentahydroxyflavanone) is a natural polyphenol compound abundantly found in health food or plant-based products. In recent decades, Qu has gained significant attention in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutic industries owning to its wide beneficial therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Despite the favorable roles of Qu in cancer therapy due to its numerous impacts on the cell signaling axis, its poor chemical stability and bioavailability, low aqueous solubility as well as short biological half-life have limited its clinical application. Recently, drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology have been developed to overcome such limitations and enhance the Qu biodistribution following administration. Several investigations have indicated that the nano-formulation of Qu enjoys more remarkable anticancer effects than its free form. Furthermore, incorporating Qu in various nano-delivery systems improved its sustained release and stability, extended its circulation time, enhanced its accumulation at target sites, and increased its therapeutic efficiency. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the anticancer properties of various Qu nano-formulation to augment their effects on different malignancies. Various targeting strategies for improving Qu delivery, including nanoliposomes, lipids, polymeric, micelle, and inorganic nanoparticle NPs, have been discussed in this review. The results of the current study illustrated that a combination of appropriate nano encapsulation approaches with tumor-oriented targeting delivery might lead to establishing QU nanoparticles that can be a promising technique for cancer treatment.

Epigenetic regulation by quercetin: a comprehensive review focused on its biological mechanisms

Epigenetics regulates gene expression and play significant roles across diverse disease states. Epigenetics mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, microRNAs/lncRNA, and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, elicit heritable but reversible modifications in gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. Recent research suggests that certain natural phytochemicals with chemopreventive properties have the potential to function as epigenetic regulators. Quercetin, a derivative of natural flavonoid glycosides and a constituent of the human diet, is linked to a variety of health benefits including anti-inflammatory, anticancer activity, antiapoptotic, antihypertensive, and neuroprotective effects. Recent findings suggest that quercetin possesses the ability to modulate canonical biochemical signaling pathways and exert an impact on epigenetic networks. This review aims to synthesize the most recent research findings that elucidate the potential biological effects of quercetin and its influence on in vitro and in vivo models via epigenetic mechanisms. In light of our findings, it is evident that quercetin possesses the potential to function as an exemplary instance of naturally derived phytochemicals, which can be effectively employed as a pivotal constituent in functional foods and dietary supplements aimed at the amelioration of various ailments. More specifically, its mechanism of action involves the alteration of diverse epigenetic targets.

Telomerase inhibitor MST-312 and quercetin synergistically inhibit cancer cell proliferation by promoting DNA damage

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with well-established anti-proliferative activities against a variety of cancers. Telomerase inhibitor MST-312 also exhibits anti-proliferative effect on various cancer cells independent of its effect on telomere shortening. However, due to their low absorption and toxicity at higher doses, their clinical development is limited. In the present study, we examine the synergistic potential of their combination in cancer cells, which may result in a decrease in the therapeutic dosage of these compounds. We report that MST-312 and quercetin exhibit strong synergism in ovarian cancer cells with combination index range from 0.2 to 0.7. Co-treatment with MST-312 and quercetin upregulates the DNA damage and augments apoptosis when compared to treatment with either compound alone or a vehicle. We also examined the effect of these compounds on the proliferation of normal ovarian surface epithelial cells (OSEs). MST-312 has a cytoprotective impact in OSEs at lower dosages, but is inhibitory at higher doses. Quercetin did not affect the OSEs proliferation at low concentrations while at higher concentrations it is inhibitory. Notably, combination of MST-312 and quercetin had no discernible impact on OSEs. These observations have significant implications for future efforts towards maximizing efficacy in cancer therapeutics as this co-treatment specifically affects cancer cells and reduces the effective dosage of both the compounds.

Potential mechanisms of quercetin in cancer prevention: focus on cellular and molecular targets

Over the past few years, the cancer-related disease has had a high mortality rate and incidence worldwide, despite clinical advances in cancer treatment. The drugs used for cancer therapy, have high side effects in addition to the high cost. Subsequently, to reduce these side effects, many studies have suggested the use of natural bioactive compounds. Among these, which have recently attracted the attention of many researchers, quercetin has such properties. Quercetin, a plant flavonoid found in fresh fruits, vegetables and citrus fruits, has anti-cancer properties by inhibiting tumor proliferation, invasion, and tumor metastasis. Several studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer mechanism of quercetin, and these mechanisms are controlled through several signalling pathways within the cancer cell. Pathways involved in this process include apoptotic, p53, NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. In addition to regulating these pathways, quercetin controls the activity of oncogenic and tumor suppressor ncRNAs. Therefore, in this comprehensive review, we summarized the regulation of these signalling pathways by quercetin. The modulatory role of quercetin in the expression of various miRNAs has also been discussed. Understanding the basic anti-cancer mechanisms of these herbal compounds can help prevent and manage many types of cancer.

Progress in the treatment of drug-induced liver injury with natural products

There are numerous prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs that cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI), which is the main cause of liver disease in humans around the globe. Its mechanism becomes clearer as the disease is studied further. For an instance, when acetaminophen (APAP) is taken in excess, it produces N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) that binds to biomacromolecules in the liver causing liver injury. Treatment of DILI with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown to be effective. For example, activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway as well as regulation of glutathione (GSH) synthesis, coupling, and excretion are the mechanisms by which ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) treats APAP-induced acute liver injury. Nevertheless, reducing the toxicity of TCM in treating DILI is still a problem to be overcome at present and in the future. Accumulated evidences show that hydrogel-based nanocomposite may be an excellent carrier for TCM. Therefore, we reviewed TCM with potential anti-DILI, focusing on the signaling pathway of these drugs' anti-DILI effect, as well as the possibility and prospect of treating DILI by TCM based on hydrogel materials in the future. In conclusion, this review provides new insights to further explore TCM in the treatment of DILI.

Gold nanoparticles induce apoptosis in HCT-116 colon cancer cell line

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the apoptotic and anti-cancer effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on apoptosis in HCT-116 colon cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The level of ROS and apoptosis were determined by fluorimetric method and flow cytometry and Hoechst 33,258 staining, respectively. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, CCNB1, P53 genes was evaluated by qRT-PCR method in HCT116 cells.

RESULTS

The experimental results of this study showed that treatment with nanoparticles led to a significant increase in expression of Bax, P53 genes and a significant decrease in the expression of Bcl-2, CCNB1 genes at concentrations of 25 and 50 µg/ml during 48 h of incubation, compared to control cells (p < 0.05). The flow cytometric results (Annexin-pI) and Hoechst 33,258 staining also showed a significant increase in the level of apoptosis in the treated cells, depending on the concentration and time.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that AuNPs cause apoptosis at the half-maximal inhibitory concentration in the HCT-116 tumor cells during 48 h of incubation.

Synergistic Effect of Quercetin Magnetite Nanoparticles and Targeted Radiotherapy in Treatment of Breast Cancer

Quercetin is a potent cancer therapeutic agent present in fruits and vegetables. The pharmaceutical uses of quercetin are limited due to many problems associated with low solubility, bioavailability, permeability, and instability. In addition, the high doses of quercetin show toxic effects in clinical and experimental studies. Therefore, a new strategy is warranted to overcome these problems without the use of toxic doses. The iron oxide nanoparticles can be used as a drug delivery system. This study aimed to prepare quercetin-conjugated magnetite nanoparticles (QMNPs) using biological simple nanoprecipitation and mediated by fungus Aspergillus oryzae. Also, we initiated in vitro and in vivo studies to determine whether QMNPs might sensitize breast cancer to radiotherapy treatment. The structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of the prepared nanoparticles were studied. The results indicated that QMNPs were spherical in shape and 40 nm in diameter. The in vitro studies showed that the incubation of MCF-7, HePG-2, and A459 cancer cells with QMNPs for 24 h effectively inhibited the growth of cancer cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 11, 77.5, and104 nmol/mL, respectively. The combination of QMNPs with irradiation (IR) potently blocked MCF-7 cancer cell proliferation and showed significant changes in the morphology of these cells as observed by bright-field inverted light microscopy. Focusing on the long-term toxicity of QMNPs (20 ml/kg), the assessment of hematological, hepatic, and renal markers indicated no toxic effect. Besides, QMNPs inhibited tumor growth and potently enhanced the lateral radiotherapy treatment in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced breast cancer in female white albino rats. These anticancer and radiosensitizing activities were ascribed to cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, immunomodulation, and efficiency through induction of apoptosis. In a conclusion, these observations suggest that the QMNPs combined with LRT could act as a potential targeted therapy in breast cancer.

Research Progress of Quercetin Delivery Systems

Quercetin is the main dietary flavonoid with a wide range of pharmacological activities. However, the poor gastrointestinal absorption and low bioavailability of quercetin curtails its clinical applications.. Enhancement the bioavailability of quercetin focuses on the application of delivery systems technologies such as microparticle delivery systems, solid dispersions, encapsulation, phospholipid complexes, and hydrogels , which have been systematically reviewed .And theirapplications in vitro and in vivo animal experiments also been described, promoting the development and optimization of drug delivery system for clinical applications.

Cinnamaldehyde induces autophagy-mediated cell death through ER stress and epigenetic modification in gastric cancer cells

Previous reports suggested that cinnamaldehyde (CA), the bioactive ingredient in Cinnamomum cassia, can suppress tumor growth, migratory, and invasive abilities. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of CA in GC are not completely understood. In the present study, we found that CA-induced ER stress and cell death via the PERK-CHOP axis and Ca²⁺ release in GC cells. Inhibition of ER stress using specific-siRNA blocked CA-induced cell death. Interestingly, CA treatment resulted in autophagic cell death by inducing Beclin-1, ATG5, and LC3B expression and by inhibiting p62 expression whereas autophagy inhibition suppressed CA-induced cell death. We showed that CA induces the inhibition of G9a and the activation of LC3B. Moreover, CA inhibited G9a binding on Beclin-1 and LC3B promoter. Overall, these results suggested that CA regulates the PERK-CHOP signaling, and G9a inhibition activates autophagic cell death via ER stress in GC cells.

Decoding the Mechanism of Shen Qi Sha Bai Decoction in Treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been shown to be efficacious in treating leukemia for thousands of years. It has been shown that Shen Qi Sha Bai Decoction (SQSBD) has been extensively used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the mechanism of SQSBD in treating AML remains unclear. In this study, we employed network pharmacology to analyze the potential active components and elucidate molecular mechanism of SQSBD in treating AML. A total of 268 active components were identified from SQSBD, among which 9 key components (Quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, licochalcone A, formononetin, wogonin, β-sitosterol, oroxylin A, naringenin, and baicalein) were hit by the 6 hub targets (CDK1, MAPK1, JUN, PCNA, HSB1, STAT3) associated with leukemia. Molecular docking showed that two core active components, quercetin and licochalcone A, exhibited the highest component-like properties (DL), and could bind well to CDK1 and MAPK1 protein. The experimental validation of these two components showed that quercetin inhibited cell growth through CDK1 dephosphorylation-mediated cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in human AML U937 and HL60 cells, and licochalcone A induced cell differentiation in these leukemia cells via activation of MAPK1 and upregulation of CD11b. All these results indicate that SQSBD is effective in the treatment of AML, and quercetin and licochalcone A are the major candidate compounds for AML treatment.

Functional Depletion of HSP72 by siRNA and Quercetin Enhances Vorinostat-Induced Apoptosis in an HSP72-Overexpressing Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Cell Line, Hut78

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are one of the therapeutic options for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), but they have limited effects. We previously demonstrated that HSP72 overexpression is associated with chemoresistance to HDACis in lymphoma cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the functional depletion of HSP72 enhances the effect of the HDACi vorinostat. First, we established a stable HSP72-knockdown CTCL cell line and confirmed the influence of HSP72 reduction on the antitumor effects of vorinostat. Next, we studied the effect of quercetin, an inhibitor of HSP72, on the antineoplastic effects of vorinostat. In five CTCL cell lines examined, HSP72 expression was highest in Hut78 cells, and HSP72 knockdown enhanced vorinostat-induced apoptosis in these cells. Low-dose quercetin reduced HSP72 expression, increased HDAC activity, and enhanced vorinostat-induced suppression of Hut78 cell proliferation. A single low dose of quercetin induced G2 arrest and only slightly increased the sub-G1 cell fraction. Quercetin also significantly enhanced vorinostat-induced apoptosis, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activity, and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. HSP72 knockdown enhanced vorinostat-induced apoptosis in an HSP72-overexpressing CTCL cell line, and thus, quercetin may be a suitable candidate for combination therapy with vorinostat in clinical settings.

Nanotechnology Innovations to Enhance the Therapeutic Efficacy of Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonol present in many vegetables and fruits. Generally, quercetin can be found in aglycone and glycoside forms, mainly in leaves. The absorption of this compound occurs in the large and small intestine, where it suffers glucuronidation, sulfidation, and methylation to improve hydrophilicity. After metabolization, which occurs mainly in the gut, it is distributed throughout the whole organism and is excreted by feces, urine, and exhalation of carbon dioxide. Despite its in vitro cytotoxicity effects, in vivo studies with animal models ensure its safety. This compound can protect against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegenerative diseases due to its radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its poor bioavailability dampens the potential beneficial effects of this flavonoid. In that sense, many types of nanocarriers have been developed to improve quercetin solubility, as well as to design tissue-specific delivery systems. All these studies manage to improve the bioavailability of quercetin, allowing it to increase its concentration in the desired places. Collectively, quercetin can become a promising compound if nanotechnology is employed as a tool to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.

Nanoencapsulation of Polyphenols as Drugs and Supplements for Enhancing Therapeutic Profile - A Review

Polyphenolic phytoconstituents have been widely in use worldwide since ages and are categorised as secondary metabolites of plants. The application of polyphenols such as quercetin, resveratrol. curcumin as nutritional supplement has been researched widely. The use of polyphenols, and specifically quercetin for improving the memory and mental endurance have shown significant effects among rats. Even though similar results has not been resonated among human but encouraging preclinical results have encouraged researchers to explore other polyphenols to study the effects as supplements among athletes. The phytopharmacological research has elucidated the use of natural polyphenols to prevent and treat various physiological and metabolic disorders owing to its free radical scavenging properties, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects. In spite of the tremendous pharmacological profile, one of the most dominant problem regarding the use of polyphenolic compounds is their low bioavailability. Nanonization is considered as one of the most prominent approaches among many. This article aims to review and discuss the molecular mechanisms of recently developed nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems for polyphenols and its application as drugs and supplements. Nanoformulations of natural polyphenols are bioactive agents, such as quercetin, kaempferol, fisetin, rutin, hesperetin, and naringenin epigalloccatechin-3-gallate, genistein, ellagic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, curcuminoids and stilbenes is expected to have better efficacy. These delivery systems are expected to provide higher penetrability of polyphenols at cellular levels and exhibit a controlled release of the drugs. It is widely accepted that natural polyphenols do demonstrate significant therapeutic effect. However, the hindrances in their absorption, specificity and bioavailability can be overcome using nanotechnology.

Quercetin against MCF7 and CAL51 breast cancer cell lines: apoptosis, gene expression and cytotoxicity of nano-quercetin

Aims: To evaluate the anti breast-cancer activity, biocompatibility and toxicity of poly(d,l)-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-encapsulated quercetin nanoparticles (Q-PLGA-NPs). Materials & methods: Quercetin was nano-encapsulated by an emulsion-diffusion process, and the nanoparticles were fully characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffractions, FESEM and zeta-sizer analysis. Activity against CAL51 and MCF7 cell lines were assessed by DNA fragmentation assays, fluorescence microscopy, and acridine-orange, and propidium-iodide double-stainings. Biocompatibility towards red blood cells and toxicity towards mice were also explored. Results: The Q-PLGA-NPs exhibited apoptotic activity against the cell lines. The murine in vivo studies showed no significant alterations in the liver and kidney's functional biomarkers, and no apparent abnormalities, or tissue damages were observed in the histological images of the liver, spleen, lungs, heart and kidneys. Conclusion: The study established the preliminary in vitro efficacy and in vivo safety of Q-PLGA-NPs as a potential anti-breast cancer formulation.

Quercetin as a protective agent for liver diseases: A comprehensive descriptive review of the molecular mechanism

Quercetin is the major representative of the flavonoid subgroup of flavones, with good pharmacological activities for the treatment of liver diseases, including liver steatosis, fatty hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. It can significantly influence the development of liver diseases via multiple targets and multiple pathways via antifat accumulation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, as well as the inhibition of cellular apoptosis and proliferation. Despite extensive research on understanding the mechanism of quercetin in the treatment of liver diseases, there are still no targeted therapies available. Thus, we have comprehensively searched and summarized the different targets of quercetin in different stages of liver diseases and concluded that quercetin inhibited inflammation of the liver mainly through NF-κB/TLR/NLRP3, reduced PI3K/Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress, mTOR activation in autophagy, and inhibited the expression of apoptotic factors associated with the development of liver diseases. In addition, quercetin showed different mechanisms of action at different stages of liver diseases, including the regulation of PPAR, UCP, and PLIN2-related factors via brown fat activation in liver steatosis. The compound inhibited stromal ECM deposition at the liver fibrosis stage, affecting TGF1β, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERs), and apoptosis. While at the final liver cancer stage, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and spread via the hTERT, MEK1/ERK1/2, Notch, and Wnt/β-catenin-related signaling pathways. In conclusion, quercetin is an effective liver protectant. We hope to explore the pathogenesis of quercetin in different stages of liver diseases through the review, so as to provide more accurate targets and theoretical basis for further research of quercetin in the treatment of liver diseases.

New Insights Toward Nanostructured Drug Delivery of Plant-Derived Polyphenol Compounds: Cancer Treatment and Gene Expression Profiles

The increasing prevalence of cancer has led to the expansion of traditional medicine objectives for developing novel drug delivery systems. A wide range of plant-derived polyphenol bioactive substances have been investigated in order to explore anti-cancer effects of these natural compounds and to promote effective treatment of cancer through apoptosis induction. In this regard, plant-derived polyphenol compounds including curcumin, silibinin, quercetin, and resveratrol have been the subject of intense interest for anti-cancer applications due to their ability in regulating apoptotic genes. However, some limitations of pure polyphenol compounds, such as poor bioavailability, short-term stability, low-cellular uptake, and insufficient solubility, have restricted their efficiency. Nanoscale formulations of bioactive agents have provided a novel platform to address these limitations. This paper reviews recent advances in nanoformulation approaches of polyphenolic drugs, and their effects on improving the delivery of chemotherapy agents to cancer cells.

Nanomaterial Complexes Enriched With Natural Compounds Used in Cancer Therapies: A Perspective for Clinical Application

Resveratrol and quercetin are natural compounds contained in many foods and beverages. Reports indicate implications for the health of the general population; on the other hand the use of both compounds has interesting results for the treatment of many diseases as cardiovascular affections, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, viral and bacterial infections among others. Based on their capacities described as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging, resveratrol and quercetin showed antiproliferative and anticancer activity specifically in maligned cells. These molecular characteristics trigger the pharmacological repurposing of both compounds and improved its research for treating different cancer types with interesting results at in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial studies. Meanwhile, the development of different systems of drug release in specific sites as nanomaterials and specifically the nanoparticles, potentiates the personal treatment perspective in conjunct with the actual cancer therapies; regularly invasive and aggressive, the perspective of nanomedicine as higher effective and lower invasive has gained popularity. Knowledge of molecular interactions of resveratrol and quercetin in diseases confirms the evidence of multiple benefits, while the multiple analyses suggested a positive response for the treatment and diagnostics of cancer in different stages, including at metastatic stage. The present work reviews the reports related to the impact of resveratrol and quercetin in cancer treatment and its effects when the antioxidants are encapsulated in different nanoparticle systems, which improve the prospects of cancer treatment.

Urine 8-Hydroxyguanine (8-OHG) in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE

Cellular RNA is less compact than DNA, more easily accessible to ROS and therefore could be more susceptible to oxidative damage. This study was conceived in order to analyze the RNA oxidative damage in the urine of patients undergoing operation for colorectal cancer (CRC), to compare with healthy controls, and correlate with the stage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population was constituted by a group of 147 patients and a group of 128 healthy controls. Urine and blood samples were collected before the colonoscopy in all participants and 24 hours post-operatively for those who underwent surgery. Urine 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHG) was determined as marker of RNA oxidation, and serum uric acid (UA) as antioxidant marker.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, 8-OHG (ng/ml) values of CRC patients were found to be significantly higher than those of controls (p = 0.001). More specifically, stages II/III had significantly higher 8-OHG values (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007) than stages 0/I. Post-operatively, 8-OHG values were similar to controls (p = 0.053). Preoperatively, UA values (mg/dl) were significantly lower (p = 0.001), while postoperatively were similar to controls (p = 0.069).

CONCLUSION

Oxidative RNA damage occurs in CRC patients. Stages II/III are associated with higher values of 8-OHG than stages 0/I. 8-OHG could act as a marker for the identification of patients with advanced disease.

Quercetin nanoformulations: a promising strategy for tumor therapy

Phytochemicals as dietary constituents are being widely explored for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Quercetin, a major constituent of various dietary products, has attracted extensive interest due to its anti-proliferative capability, reversal of multidrug resistance, autophagy promotion and tumor microenvironment modulation on different cancer types. Although quercetin has shown potent medical value, its application as an antitumor drug is limited. Problems like poor solubility, bioavailability and stability, short half-life and weak tumor-targeting biodistribution make quercetin an unreliable candidate for cancer therapy. Nanoparticle based platforms have shown a number of advantages in delivering a hydrophobic drug like quercetin to diseased tissues. Quercetin nanoparticles have demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency, stability, sustained release, prolonged circulation time, improved accumulation at tumor sites and therapeutic efficiency. Moreover, a combination of quercetin with other diagnostic or therapeutic agents in one nanocarrier has achieved enhancements in detecting or treating tumors. In this review, we have tried to summarize the pharmacological activities of quercetin with regard to tumor cells and microenvironments in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, various nanoformulations have been highlighted for quercetin delivery for cancer treatment. These results suggest that quercetin nanoparticles may be a promising antitumor therapeutic agent.

Herbal and Natural Dietary Products: Upcoming Therapeutic Approach for Prevention and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The most common tumor linked with elevated death rates is considered the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sometimes called the malignant hepatoma. The initiation and progression of HCC are triggered by multiple factors like long term alcohol consumption, metabolic disorders, fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and C infection, age, and oxidative stress. Sorafenib is the merely US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug used to treat HCC. Several treatment methods are available for HCC therapy such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and adjuvant therapy but they often lead to several side effects. Yet these treatment methods are not entirely adequate due to the increasing resistance to the drug and their toxicity. Many natural products help to prevent and treat HCC. A variety of pathways are associated with the prevention and treatment of HCC with herbal products and their active components. Accumulating research shows that certain natural dietary compounds are possible source of hepatic cancer prevention and treatments, such as black currant, strawberries, plum, grapes, pomegranate, cruciferous crops, tomatoes, French beans, turmeric, garlic, ginger, asparagus, and many more. Such a dietary natural products and their active constituents may prevent the production and advancement of liver cancer in many ways such as guarding against liver carcinogens, improving the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic medications, inhibiting the growth, metastasis of tumor cells, reducing oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. The present review article represents hepatic carcinoma etiology, role of herbal products, their active constituents, and dietary natural products for the prevention and treatment of HCC along with their possible mechanisms of action.

Cholesterol partially rescues the inhibition effect of pravastatin on keratinocytes proliferation by regulating cell cycle relative proteins through AKT and ERK pathway

Mevalonate pathway plays a key role in skin physiological process in human. Recently, it has been reported that mutation of some genes in the mevalonate pathway cause disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP). But the pathogenesis is still unknown. Pravastatin (PRA), one of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors, has been found to inhibit cells proliferation, including keratinocytes (KCs). In this study, we use PRA to block the mevalonate pathway in KCs with or without the down-stream intermediate products replenishment. The results demonstrated that PRA strongly inhibited proliferation of KCs and caused the G₀ /G₁ arrest. When some down-stream intermediate products were added, only cholesterol (CH) could partially rescue the inhibition effect of PRA on KCs proliferation, but not other products, such as mevalonic acid, farnesyl pyrophosphate or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. Mechanistic analysis revealed that PRA down-regulated expression of cyclin B1, but up-regulated cyclin E and p21 expression. And PRA increased the phosphorylation level of Protein Kinase B (AKT) but decreased the phosphorylation level of Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase (ERK1/2). CH could attenuate the elevated cyclin E and activated AKT induced by PRA. These results indicated that CH could rescue the proliferation inhibition of KCs caused by PRA, which laid a foundation for elucidating the pathogenesis of DSAP clearly.

Effective treatment of drug-resistant lung cancer via a nanogel capable of reactivating cisplatin and enhancing early apoptosis

Cisplatin resistance is a daunting obstacle in cancer therapy and one of the major causes for treatment failure due to the inadequate drug activity and apoptosis induction. To overcome cisplatin resistance, we proposed a multifunctional nanogel (designated as Valproate-D-Nanogel) capable of reactivating cisplatin and enhancing early apoptosis. This Valproate-D-Nanogel was prepared through copolymerizing carboxymethyl chitosan with diallyl disulfide and subsequent grafting with valproate to reverse the drug-resistance in cisplatin-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cancer. It can significantly increase the proportion of G2/M phase (up to 3.2-fold enhancement) to reactivate cisplatin via high level of G2/M arrest induced by valproate. Meanwhile, the intracellular ROS-P53 crosstalk can be upregulated by diallyl disulfide (up to 8-fold increase of ROS) and valproate (up to 18-fold increase of P53) to enhance early apoptosis. The synchronization of enhanced G2/M arrest and ROS-P53 crosstalk devotes to reverse the cisplatin resistance with a high level of resistance reversion index (50.22). As a result, improved in vivo tumor inhibition (up to 15-fold higher compared to free cisplatin) and decreased systemic toxicity was observed after treatment with Valproate-D-Nanogels. Overall, this nanogel can effectively inhibit cisplatin-resistance cancer through combined pathways and provides an effective approach for overcoming cisplatin-resistance in cancer treatment.

Genome-Protecting Compounds as Potential Geroprotectors

Throughout life, organisms are exposed to various exogenous and endogenous factors that cause DNA damages and somatic mutations provoking genomic instability. At a young age, compensatory mechanisms of genome protection are activated to prevent phenotypic and functional changes. However, the increasing stress and age-related deterioration in the functioning of these mechanisms result in damage accumulation, overcoming the functional threshold. This leads to aging and the development of age-related diseases. There are several ways to counteract these changes: 1) prevention of DNA damage through stimulation of antioxidant and detoxification systems, as well as transition metal chelation; 2) regulation of DNA methylation, chromatin structure, non-coding RNA activity and prevention of nuclear architecture alterations; 3) improving DNA damage response and repair; 4) selective removal of damaged non-functional and senescent cells. In the article, we have reviewed data about the effects of various trace elements, vitamins, polyphenols, terpenes, and other phytochemicals, as well as a number of synthetic pharmacological substances in these ways. Most of the compounds demonstrate the geroprotective potential and increase the lifespan in model organisms. However, their genome-protecting effects are non-selective and often are conditioned by hormesis. Consequently, the development of selective drugs targeting genome protection is an advanced direction.

Targeting epigenetics in cancer: therapeutic potential of flavonoids

Irrespective of sex and age, cancer is the leading cause of mortality around the globe. Therapeutic incompliance, unwanted effects, and economic burdens imparted by cancer treatments, are primary health challenges. The heritable features in gene expression that are propagated through cell division and contribute to cellular identity without a change in DNA sequence are considered epigenetic characteristics and agents that could interfere with these features and are regarded as potential therapeutic targets. The genetic modification accounts for the recurrence and uncontrolled changes in the physiology of cancer cells. This review focuses on plant-derived flavonoids as a therapeutic tool for cancer, attributed to their ability for epigenetic regulation of cancer pathogenesis. The epigenetic mechanisms of various classes of flavonoids including flavonols, flavones, isoflavones, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, and anthocyanidins, such as cyanidin, delphinidin, and pelargonidin, are discussed. The outstanding results of preclinical studies encourage researchers to design several clinical trials on various flavonoids to ascertain their clinical strength in the treatment of different cancers. The results of such studies will define the clinical fate of these agents in future.

Near IR responsive targeted integrated lipid polymer nanoconstruct for enhanced magnolol cytotoxicity in breast cancer

Advances in cancer nanotechnology aim at improving specificity and effectiveness for tumor treatment. Amalgamation of different treatment modalities is expected to provide better cancer combating. Herein, We developed a long circulating nanocarrier comprising trastuzumab (TZB) surface modified polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) co-encapsulating magnolol (Mag) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs). A modified single step nanoprecipitation method was adopted ensuring particle coating with D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) while co-encapsulating GNPs. TZB was then anchored on NPs surface using a carbodiimide chemistry. The cytotoxicity of the developed system was evaluated with and without photothermal irradiation. NPs cellular uptake was then followed using confocal microscopical imaging. A hybrid matrix composed of PLGA/TPGS and surface decorated with TZB with a conjugation efficiency of ˃65%, was confirmed via FTIR, ¹HNMR. GNPs could only be included in the NPs, when placed in the organic phase as evidenced by the shifted GNPs surface plasmonic resonance and confirmed via imaging coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Optimized NPs (136.1 ± 1.3 nm, −8.2 ± 1 mV and Mag encapsulation efficiency of 81.4 ± 1.8%) were able to boost Mag cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells while providing a selective multifunctional therapy with an added photothermal effect.

Nanoencapsulated dietary polyphenols for cancer prevention and treatment: successes and challenges

Many dietary polyphenols have been investigated for their therapeutic potential either as single agents or in combinations. Despite the significant anticancer potential of these polyphenols in in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models, their clinical applications have been limited because of challenges such as ineffective systemic delivery, stability and low bioavailability. Nanoencapsulation of these polyphenols could prolong circulation, improve localization, enhance efficacy and reduce the chances of multidrug resistance. This review summarized the use of various polyphenols especially epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, curcumin and resveratrol as nanoformulations for cancer prevention and treatment. Despite some success, more research is warranted to design a nanoencapsulated combination of polyphenols, effective in in vitro, in vivo and human systems.

Quercetin Loaded Nanoparticles in Targeting Cancer: Recent Development

The spread of metastatic cancer cell is the main cause of death worldwide. Cellular and molecular basis of the action of phytochemicals in the modulation of metastatic cancer highlights the importance of fruits and vegetables. Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid present in fruits, vegetables, seeds, berries, and tea. The cancer-preventive activity of quercetin is well documented due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic activities. However, poor water solubility and delivery, chemical instability, short half-life, and low-bioavailability of quercetin limit its clinical application in cancer chemoprevention. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism of controlled and regulated drug delivery is essential for the development of novel and effective therapies. To overcome the limitations of accessibility by quercetin, it can be delivered as nanoconjugated quercetin. Nanoconjugated quercetin has attracted much attention due to its controlled drug release, long retention in tumor, enhanced anticancer potential, and promising clinical application. The pharmacological effect of quercetin conjugated nanoparticles typically depends on drug carriers used such as liposomes, silver nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, PLGA (Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid), PLA (poly(D,L-lactic acid)) nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, chitosan nanoparticles, etc. In this review, we described various delivery systems of nanoconjugated quercetin like liposomes, silver nanoparticles, PLGA (Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid), and polymeric micelles including DOX conjugated micelles, metal conjugated micelles, nucleic acid conjugated micelles, and antibody-conjugated micelles on in vitro and in vivo tumor models; as well as validated their potential as promising onco-therapeutic agents in light of recent updates.

Quercetin-loaded nanoparticles enhance cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity on C6 glioma cells

Quercetin (Qu) is a natural flavonoid present in many commonly consumed food items. The dietary phytochemical quercetin prevents tumor proliferation and is a potent therapeutic cancer agent. The purpose of this study was to synthesize and characterize quercetin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (Qu₁NP, Qu₂NP, and Qu₃NP) with different size and encapsulation properties and to evaluate their in vitro activity on C6 glioma cells. Nanoparticles were synthesized by single emulsion solvent evaporation method. Then, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles were determined. Particle size of Qu₁NP, Qu₂NP, and Qu₃NPs were determined as 215.2 ± 6.2, 282.3 ± 7.9, and 584.5 ± 15.2 nm respectively. Treating C6 glioma cells with all nanoparticle formulations effectively inhibited the cell proliferation. Qu₁NPs were showed the lowest IC₅₀ value in 48 h with 29.9 μg/ml and achieved higher cellular uptake among other nanoparticles and Qu. Additionally, 48-h treatment with Qu₁NPs significantly decreased MDA level (14.90 nmol/µg protein) on C6 glioma cells which is related to reduced oxidative stress in cells. Findings of this study revealed that quercetin's cellular uptake and anti-oxidant activity is improved by small-sized Qu₁NPs in C6 glioma cells.

Gold Nanoclusters, Gold Nanoparticles, and Analytical Techniques for Their Characterization

Many reliable and reproducible methods exist for manufacturing gold nanoparticles with the desired and specific compositions, structures, arrangements, and physicochemical properties. In this report, we review the key principles guiding the formation and growth of nanoclusters, their evolution into nanoparticles, and the role and contribution of coatings. We describe a range of imaging methods for characterization of nanoparticles at atomic resolution and a range of spectroscopy methods for structural and physicochemical characterization of such nanoparticles. This chapter concludes with a short review of the emergent applications of nanoparticles in biosciences.

A New Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, MHY4381, Induces Apoptosis via Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors represent a novel class of anticancer agents, which can be used to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in several types of cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of MHY4381, a newly synthesized HDAC inhibitor, against human prostate cancer cell lines and compared its efficacy with that of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a well-known HDAC inhibitor. We assessed cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and other biological effects in the prostate cancer cells. We also evaluated a possible mechanism of MHY4381 on the apoptotic cell death pathway. The IC50 value of MHY4381 was lower in DU145 cells (IC50=0.31 µM) than in LNCaP (IC50=0.85 µM) and PC-3 cells (IC50=5.23 µM). In addition, the IC50 values of MHY4381 measured in this assay were significantly lower than those of SAHA against prostate cancer cell lines. MHY4381 increased the levels of acetylated histones H3 and H4 and reduced the expression of HDAC proteins in the prostate cancer cell lines. MHY4381 increased G2/M phase arrest in DU145 cells, and G1 arrest in LNCaP cells. It also activated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which induced apoptosis in the DU145 and LNCaP cells by increasing the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and releasing cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. Our results indicated that MHY4381 preferentially results in antitumor effects in DU145 and LNCaP cells via mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and ROS-facilitated cell death pathway, and therefore can be used as a promising prostate cancer therapeutic.

Potential of nano-phytochemicals in cervical cancer therapy

Cervical cancer is common among women with a recurrence rate of 35% despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy routinely experience several side effects including toxicity, non-targeted damage of tissues, hair loss, neurotoxicity, multidrug resistance (MDR), nausea, anemia and neutropenia. Phytochemicals can interfere with almost every stage of carcinogenesis to prevent cancer development. Many natural compounds are known to activate/deactivate multiple redox-sensitive transcription factors that modulate tumor signaling pathways. Polyphenols have been found to be promising agents against cervical cancer. However, applications of phytochemicals as a therapeutic drug are limited due to low oral bioavailability, poor aqueous solubility and requirement of high doses. Nano-sized phytochemicals (NPCs) are promising anti-cancer agents as they are required in minute quantities which lowers overall treatment costs. Several phytochemicals, including quercetin, lycopene, leutin, curcumin, green tea polyphenols and others have been packaged as nanoparticles and proven to be useful in nano-chemoprevention and nano-chemotherapy. Nanoparticles have high biocompatibility, biodegradability and stability in biological environment. Nano-scale drug delivery systems are excellent source for enhanced drug specificity, improved absorption rates, reduced drug degradation and systemic toxicity. The present review discusses current knowledge in the involvement of phytochemical nanoparticles in cervical cancer therapy over conventional chemotherapy.

Antitumor Effects of Quercetin in Hepatocarcinoma In Vitro and In Vivo Models: A Systematic Review

Quercetin is a flavonoid present in fruits, vegetables and plants with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Its beneficial activities have been demonstrated in different human pathologies, including hepatoprotective effects against liver disorders. High mortality and late diagnosis of the primary liver tumor hepatocarcinoma (HCC) makes this cancer an interesting target for the study of quercetin effects. Our aim was to systematically review antitumor activities of quercetin in HCC preclinical studies employing single, encapsulated, combined or derived quercetin forms. Literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS), and 39 studies were finally included. We found that 17 articles evaluated quercetin effects alone, six used encapsulated strategy, 10 combined this flavonoid, two decided to co-encapsulate it and only four studied effects of quercetin derivatives, highlighting that only nine included in vivo models. Results evidence the quercetin antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties against HCC either alone and with the mentioned strategies; nevertheless, few investigations assessed specific activities on different processes related with cancer progression. Overall, further studies including animal models are needed to deeper investigate the precise mechanisms of action of quercetin as antitumor agent, as well as the potential of novel strategies aimed to improve quercetin effects in HCC.

Local anesthetics counteract cell proliferation and migration of human triple-negative breast cancer and melanoma cells

In different retrospective studies, a protective role of regional anesthetics in reducing cancer recurrence after surgery was indicated. Accordingly, it has been previously demonstrated a protective effect of anesthetics in breast cancer cells and in other types of cancer. On the other hand, how anesthetics influence cancer needs in-depth investigations. For this purpose, two different human cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231, triple-negative breast cancer, and A375, melanoma, were used in this study. By means of Western blotting and immunofluorescence and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling analyses, the signal transduction pathways activated by the anesthetics, such as ropivacaine and levobupivacaine, were analyzed. The data obtained demonstrated that both anesthetics are able to counteract cell proliferation by positively modulating cell death signaling and by decreasing cell proliferation and survival pathways.

Recent nanotechnological interventions targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway: A focus on breast cancer

Breast cancer is the major cause of deaths in women worldwide. Detection and treatment of breast cancer at earlier stages of the disease has shown encouraging results. Modern genomic technologies facilitated several therapeutic options however the diagnosis of the disease at an advanced stage claim more deaths. Therefore more research directed towards genomics and proteomics into this area may lead to novel biomarkers thereby enhancing the survival rates in breast cancer patients. Phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway was shown to be hyperactivated in most of the breast carcinomas resulting in excessive growth, proliferation, and tumor development. Development of nanotechnology has provided many interesting avenues to target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway both at the pre-clinical and clinical stages. Therefore, the current review summarizes the underlying mechanism and the importance of targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, novel biomarkers and use of nanotechnological interventions in breast cancer.

Quercetin shows anti-tumor effect in hepatocellular carcinoma LM3 cells by abrogating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinima is one of the most common tumors in clinic and also one of the leading causes of death from cancer worldwide. Quercetin shows significant effects on blocking the development of various cancers.

METHODS

We used the human hepatocellular carcinoma LM3 and nude mice tumor model to assess the effects of quercetin in hepatocellular carcinoma and clarify its mechanism of action. We collected LM3 cell line treated with different doses of quercetin at different time periods and determined the vital indexes. The liver tissues of mice were collected and used for western boltting (WB), Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and TUNEL staining.

RESULTS

Results indicated that quercetin suppressed the Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth both in vivo and in vitro. Quercetin could disturb LM3 cells proliferation and cell cycle distribution, thus inducing apoptosis. At the same time, quercetin inhibited LM3 cells migration and invasion and promoted HCC autophagy. These effects at least partly depended on the down-regulation of the activation of JAK2 and STAT3 by quercetin.

CONCLUSION

Quercetin inhibited hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating cell apoptosis, migration, invasion, and autophagy; and its effects were at least partly related with the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Pharmaceutical Topical Delivery of Poorly Soluble Polyphenols: Potential Role in Prevention and Treatment of Melanoma

Melanoma is regarded as the fifth and sixth most common cancer in men and women, respectively, and it is estimated that one person dies from melanoma every hour in the USA. Unfortunately, the treatment of melanoma is difficult because of its aggressive metastasis and resistance to treatment. The treatment of melanoma continues to be a challenging issue due to the limitations of available treatments such as a low response rate, severe adverse reactions, and significant toxicity. Natural polyphenols have attracted considerable attention from the scientific community due to their chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic efficacy. It has been suggested that poorly soluble polyphenols such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, coumarin, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate may have significant benefits in the treatment of melanoma due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and chemoprotective efficacies. The major obstacles for the use of polyphenolic compounds are low stability and poor bioavailability. Numerous nanoformulations, including solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, and liposomes, have been formulated to enhance the bioavailability and stability, as well as the therapeutic efficacy of polyphenols. This review will provide an overview of poorly soluble polyphenols that have been reported to have antimetastatic efficacy in melanomas.

Dietary Compounds as Epigenetic Modulating Agents in Cancer

Epigenetic mechanisms control gene expression during normal development and their aberrant regulation may lead to human diseases including cancer. Natural phytochemicals can largely modulate mammalian epigenome through regulation of mechanisms and proteins responsible for chromatin remodeling. Phytochemicals are mainly contained in fruits, seeds, and vegetables as well as in foods supplements. These compounds act as powerful cellular antioxidants and anti-carcinogens agents. Several dietary compounds such as catechins, curcumin, genistein, quercetin and resveratrol, among others, exhibit potent anti-tumor activities through the reversion of epigenetic alterations associated to oncogenes activation and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. In this review, we summarized the actual knowledge about the role of dietary phytochemicals in the restoration of aberrant epigenetic alterations found in cancer cells with a particular focus on DNA methylation and histone modifications. Furthermore, we discussed the mechanisms by which these natural compounds modulate gene expression at epigenetic level and described their molecular targets in diverse types of cancer. Modulation of epigenetic activities by phytochemicals will allow the discovery of novel biomarkers for cancer prevention, and highlights its potential as an alternative therapeutic approach in cancer.

Characterization and DNA methylation modulatory activity of gold nanoparticles synthesized by Pseudoalteromonas strain

Marine extremophiles are shown to tolerate extreme environmental conditions and have high metal reducing properties. Here, we report intracellular synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) by marine extremophilic bacteria Pseudoalteromonas sp. Bac178 which was isolated from the OMZ of Arabian Sea. Preliminary observations suggest that these bacteria use different pathways which may involves the membrane as well as intracellular proteins for the gold salt reduction. Characterization of the biosynthesised nanoparticles by various techniques such as Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the presence of crystalline gold. These biologically synthesized AuNP were investigated for cytotoxicity and oxidative stress generation in human normal fibroblast and melanoma cells (A375). As AuNP are envisaged to find many applications in the medical field, it was of interest to study the effect of AuNP at the epigenetic level. They were found to be non-cytotoxic, non-genotoxic and non-oxidative stress generating over a range of concentrations. Exposure to these AuNP is observed to cause alterations in global DNA methylation as well as in the expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) genes. Since biosynthesized AuNP are being used in various applications and therapies, their epigenetic modulatory activity needs careful consideration.

Regulation of the Intracellular ROS Level Is Critical for the Antiproliferative Effect of Quercetin in the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line HepG2

Quercetin, an antioxidant flavonoid, has been known that it can induce the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by the stabilization or induction of p53. Here, we found that quercetin reduced the proliferation of HepG2 cells significantly, but not Huh7 cells. Interestingly, quercetin down-regulated the intracellular ROS level in HepG2 cells, but not Huh7 cells. Functional study using siRNA showed that the proliferation of HepG2 cells was still regulated by quercetin in the absence of p53. Furthermore, we confirmed the effect of quercetin on HepG2 cells by H₂O₂ supplementation. This study demonstrates that the antiproliferative effect of quercetin on HCC cells can be mediated by reducing intracellular ROS, which is independent of p53 expression.

Food Bioactive HDAC Inhibitors in the Epigenetic Regulation of Heart Failure

Approximately 5.7 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with heart failure (HF). More concerning is that one in nine U.S. deaths included HF as a contributing cause. Current HF drugs (e.g., β-blockers, ACEi) target intracellular signaling cascades downstream of cell surface receptors to prevent cardiac pump dysfunction. However, these drugs fail to target other redundant intracellular signaling pathways and, therefore, limit drug efficacy. As such, it has been postulated that compounds designed to target shared downstream mediators of these signaling pathways would be more efficacious for the treatment of HF. Histone deacetylation has been linked as a key pathogenetic element for the development of HF. Lysine residues undergo diverse and reversible post-translational modifications that include acetylation and have historically been studied as epigenetic modifiers of histone tails within chromatin that provide an important mechanism for regulating gene expression. Of recent, bioactive compounds within our diet have been linked to the regulation of gene expression, in part, through regulation of the epi-genome. It has been reported that food bioactives regulate histone acetylation via direct regulation of writer (histone acetyl transferases, HATs) and eraser (histone deacetylases, HDACs) proteins. Therefore, bioactive food compounds offer unique therapeutic strategies as epigenetic modifiers of heart failure. This review will highlight food bio-actives as modifiers of histone deacetylase activity in the heart.