Anticancer effect of cucurbitacin B on MKN-45 cells via inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Chaetocin inhibits the progression of neuroblastoma by targeting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in SH-SY5Y cells

Chaetocin is a fungal mycotoxin that extensively found in various natural products and has anticancer and anti‑inflammatory activities. Herein, the anticancer effects of chaetocin against the progression of neuroblastoma were studied with SHSY-5Y human neuroblastoma cells and examined the underlying molecular mechanisms. The effects of chaetocin on cellular viability, apoptosis, cell migration, and invasion were investigated. The underlying mechanism of anticancer effects of chaetocin was found to mediate via activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, when SHSY-5Y cells were exposed to a higher concentration of chaetocin, the induction of cell apoptosis significantly increased by enhancing the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, resulting in anticancer activity against neuroblastoma. In addition, chaetocin significantly decreased the SHSY-5Y cell invasion and migration at 50 μM treatment. Moreover, it was shown that increasing chaetocin treatments greatly decreased the activity of proteins connected to the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, chaetocin exhibits a diverse range of actions on neuroblastoma cells, including the inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, perturbation of cellular morphology, and modulation of critical signaling pathways, with a specific focus on the JAK/STAT3 pathway. These results contribute valuable insights that underscore the potential therapeutic utility of chaetocin in the context of neuroblastoma treatment, suggesting its multifaceted impact on key cellular processes involved in cancer progression.

MALAT1/miR-582-5p/GALNT1/MUC1 axis modulates progression of AML leukemia stem cells by regulating JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by uncontrolled clonal expansion and differentiation block of immature myeloid cells. Some studies have shown that leukemia stem cells (LSC) are thought to be responsible for the initiation and development of leukemia. Moreover, abnormal O-glycosylation is a key modification in the process of cancer malignancy. In this study, GALNT1 expression was significantly upregulated in LSCs, while knockdown of GALNT1 inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis. Importantly, GALNT1 was the direct target of miR-582-5P, and MALAT1 directly interacted with miR-582-5P. In addition, Our investigation corroborated that MALAT1 functioned as an endogenous sponge of miR-582-5P to regulate mucin1 (MUC1) expression, catalyzed by GALNT1, which modulated the activity of JAK2/STAT3 pathway. MALAT1 and MUC1 were targets of transcription factor STAT3 and were regulated by STAT3. In general, these new findings indicated that MALAT1/miR-582-5P/GALNT1 axis is involved in the progression of LSCs, illuminating the possible mechanism mediated by O-glycosylated MUC1 via JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Cucurbitacin B and Its Derivatives: A Review of Progress in Biological Activities

The emergence of natural products has provided extremely valuable references for the treatment of various diseases. Cucurbitacin B, a tetracyclic triterpenoid compound isolated from cucurbitaceae and other plants, is the most abundant member of the cucurbitin family and exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and even agricultural applications. Due to its high toxicity and narrow therapeutic window, structural modification and dosage form development are necessary to address these issues with cucurbitacin B. This paper reviews recent research progress in the pharmacological action, structural modification, and application of cucurbitacin B. This review aims to enhance understanding of advancements in this field and provide constructive suggestions for further research on cucurbitacin B.

Linoleic Acid Modulates the Expression of Metastatic and Angiogenic Markers MMP-2 and Talin-2 in Gastric Cancer Cell Line MKN-45

Background

Linoleic acid (LA) has modulatory effects on gastric cancer cell lines. This study aimed to investigate the effects of linoleic acid on the expression of metastatic and angiogenic molecular markers in gastric cancer cell line MKN-45.

Methods

In this study performed in Tabriz, Iran in 2021, MKN-45 cells were treated with LA in the presence or absence of docetaxel. Total RNA was extracted, and cDNA synthesized from the cells before and after treatment. The expression levels of Talin-2 and MMP-2 genes and mir-20, mir-30, mir-126, and mir-194, were determined by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

LA treatment reduced the expression levels of mir-126, mir-194, mir-30, and MMP-2, while increased the expression levels of Talin-2 mRNA. Docetaxel treatment could decrease the expression levels of mir-20, Talin-2, and MMP-2 mRNA levels while increasing the expression levels of mir-126, mir-194, and mir-30. Additionally, the combined treatment of MKN-45 cells with LA and docetaxel could reduce the expression levels of mir-20 and mir-126 and increased the expression levels of mir-194, mir-30, Talin-2, and MMP-2 mRNAs.

Conclusion

Modulation of the expression levels of gastric cancer involved microRNAs, Talin-2, and MMP-2 may be a mechanism through which LA may exert its biological effects on GC cell line MKN-45. LA may have an antimetastatic effect by reducing the MMP-2 expression and pro-angiogenic effect through increasing Talin-2 expression levels.

Terpenoid-Mediated Targeting of STAT3 Signaling in Cancer: An Overview of Preclinical Studies

Cancer has become one of the most multifaceted and widespread illnesses affecting human health, causing substantial mortality at an alarming rate. After cardiovascular problems, the condition has a high occurrence rate and ranks second in terms of mortality. The development of new drugs has been facilitated by increased research and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind the emergence and advancement of the disease. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have repeatedly demonstrated the protective effects of natural terpenoids against a range of malignancies. Numerous potential bioactive terpenoids have been investigated in natural sources for their chemopreventive and chemoprotective properties. In practically all body cells, the signaling molecule referred to as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is widely expressed. Numerous studies have demonstrated that STAT3 regulates its downstream target genes, including Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, cyclin D1, c-Myc, and survivin, to promote the growth of cells, differentiation, cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, and immune suppression in addition to chemotherapy resistance. Researchers viewed STAT3 as a primary target for cancer therapy because of its crucial involvement in cancer formation. This therapy primarily focuses on directly and indirectly preventing the expression of STAT3 in tumor cells. By explicitly targeting STAT3 in both in vitro and in vivo settings, it has been possible to explain the protective effect of terpenoids against malignant cells. In this study, we provide a complete overview of STAT3 signal transduction processes, the involvement of STAT3 in carcinogenesis, and mechanisms related to STAT3 persistent activation. The article also thoroughly summarizes the inhibition of STAT3 signaling by certain terpenoid phytochemicals, which have demonstrated strong efficacy in several preclinical cancer models.

Recent Advances in the Application of Cucurbitacins as Anticancer Agents

Cucurbitacins are tetracyclic triterpenoid secondary metabolites, widely distributed in the Cucurbitaceae family. These bitter-tasting compounds act primarily as defense mechanisms against external injuries, and thus against herbivores, and furthermore, they have also found use in folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases. Many studies have acknowledged significant biological activities of cucurbitacins, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, antimicrobial properties, or antitumor potential. Overall, cucurbitacins have the ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to evaluate the anticancer activity of varied cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins offer a promising avenue for future cancer treatment strategies, and their diverse mechanisms of action make them attractive candidates for further investigation. The aim of the present study is to shed light on the chemical diversity of this group of compounds by providing the sources of origin of selected compounds and their chemical structure, as well as insight into their anticancer potential. In addition, within this paper molecular targets for cucurbitacins and signalling pathways important for cancer cell proliferation and/or survival that are affected by the described class of compounds have been presented.

Apoptotic and antimetastatic effect of cucurbitacins in cancer: recent trends and advancement

The Cucurbitaceae family produces a class of secondary metabolites known as cucurbitacins. The eight cucurbitacin subunits are cucurbitacin B, D, E, I, IIa, L glucoside, Q, and R with the most significant anticancer activity. They are reported to inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, and migration; induce apoptosis; and encourage cell cycle arrest, as some of their modes of action. The JAK-STAT3, Wnt, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways, which are essential for the survival and apoptosis of cancer cells, have also been shown to be suppressed by cucurbitacins. The goal of the current study is to summarize potential molecular targets that cucurbitacins could inhibit in order to suppress various malignant processes. The review is noteworthy since it presents all putative molecular targets for cucurbitacins in cancer on a single podium.

Cucurbitacins as Potent Chemo-Preventive Agents: Mechanistic Insight and Recent Trends

Cucurbitacins constitute a group of cucumber-derived dietary lipids, highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids, with potential medical uses. These compounds are known to interact with a variety of recognized cellular targets to impede the growth of cancer cells. Accumulating evidence has suggested that inhibition of tumor cell growth via induction of apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis are major promising chemo-preventive actions of cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins may be a potential choice for investigations of synergism with other drugs to reverse cancer cells' treatment resistance. The detailed molecular mechanisms underlying these effects include interactions between cucurbitacins and numerous cellular targets (Bcl-2/Bax, caspases, STAT3, cyclins, NF-κB, COX-2, MMP-9, VEGF/R, etc.) as well as control of a variety of intracellular signal transduction pathways. The current study is focused on the efforts undertaken to find possible molecular targets for cucurbitacins in suppressing diverse malignant processes. The review is distinctive since it presents all potential molecular targets of cucurbitacins in cancer on one common podium.

Pharmacokinetics and Biological Activity of Cucurbitacins

Cucurbitacins are a class of secondary metabolites initially isolated from the Cucurbitaceae family. They are important for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer biological actions. This review addresses pharmacokinetic parameters recently reported, including absorption, metabolism, distribution, and elimination phases of cucurbitacins. It includes recent studies of the molecular mechanisms of the biological activity of the most studied cucurbitacins and some derivatives, especially their anticancer capacity, to propose the integration of the pharmacokinetic profiles of cucurbitacins and the possibilities of their use. The main botanical genera and species of American origin that have been studied, and others whose chemo taxonomy makes them essential sources for the extraction of these metabolites, are summarized.

Synergistic effect of chidamide and venetoclax on apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells and its mechanism

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy with a low remission rate and high recurrence rate. Overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 is associated with a lower overall survival rate in AML patients. Venetoclax (ABT199) is a selective inhibitor of Bcl-2 that has a significant effect in AML, but single-drug resistance often occurs due to the high expression of Mcl-1 protein. Studies have confirmed that chidamide can downregulate the expression levels of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 and induce apoptosis.

Methods

This study aimed to use AML cell lines and primary cells to study the effects of venetoclax and chidamide combination therapy on AML cell apoptosis, the cell cycle, and changes in related signaling pathways in vitro; establish an AML mouse model to observe the efficacy and survival time of combination therapy in vivo; and analyze the drug effects with multi-omics sequencing technology. The changes in gene and protein expression before and after treatment were examined to clarify the molecular mechanism driving the synergistic effect of the two drugs.

Results

(I) Both venetoclax and chidamide promoted apoptosis in AML cell lines and primary cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The effect was further enhanced when the two drugs were combined, and a synergistic effect was observed (combination index <1). (II) At both the mRNA and protein levels, the expression of Mcl-1 was upregulated by venetoclax and downregulated by chidamide, and the expression of Mcl-1 decreased further after combination treatment. (III) Transcriptome sequencing showed that differentially expressed genes in the combination group compared with the venetoclax monotherapy group were mainly enriched in the PI3K-AKT pathway and JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Moreover, qRT-PCR and Western blot confirmed these results. (IV) The combination therapy group exhibited significantly inhibited disease progression and a prolonged survival time among AML mice.

Conclusions

Chidamide combined with venetoclax synergistically promoted apoptosis in AML cell lines and primary cells by inhibiting activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Cucurbitacin B Inhibits Cell Proliferation by Regulating X-Inactive Specific Transcript Expression in Tongue Cancer

Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a natural product, has anti-tumor effects on various cancers. In order to investigate the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), we carried out RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). The data indicated that CAL27 and SCC9 tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) cells had reduced expression of X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) after CuB treatment. Moreover, our results showed increased expression of XIST in human tongue cancer. In this study, CuB treatment inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of SCC9 cells, and induced cellular apoptosis. Interestingly, knockdown of XIST led to inhibition of cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro. In addition, reduced expression of XIST suppressed cell migration and invasion. MicroRNA 29b (miR-29b) was identified as a direct target of XIST. Previous reports indicated that miR-29b regulates p53 protein. Our results suggest that increased expression of miR-29b induces cell apoptosis through p53 protein. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system validated the role of XIST knockout in tumor development in vivo. Together, these results suggest that CuB exerts significant anti-cancer activity by regulating expression of XIST via miR-29b.

Cucurbitacin IIa: A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology

Cucurbitacin IIa was first found in plants and it belongs to tetracyclo triterpenoids. It is one of the most important active components in cucurbitaceae plants. Studies have found that cucurbitacin IIa has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antihepatitis B virus, inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus replication, and antidepressant effect. However, the underlying mechanisms, intracellular targets, and structure-activity relationships of cucurbitacin IIa remain to be completely elucidated. This review summarizes the current advances concerning the phytochemistry and pharmacology of cucurbitacin IIa. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and CNKI were used to find relevant information about cucurbitacin IIa using keywords such as "Cucurbitacin IIa," "Pharmacology," and "Phytochemistry." These pharmacological effects involve the actin cytoskeleton aggregation, the regulation of JAK2/STAT3, ERBB-MAPK, CaMKII α/CREB/BDNF signal pathways, as well as the regulation of survivin, caspases, and other cell cycles, apoptosis, autophagy-related cytokines, and kinases. It has high development and use value.

MLAA-34 knockdown shows enhanced antitumor activity via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in acute monocytic leukemia

MLAA-34 is a novel leukemia-associated gene closely related to the carcinogenesis of acute monocytic leukemia (AML). MLAA-34 over expression has been observed to inhibit apoptosis in vitro. JAK2/STAT3 pathway plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation and inhibition of apoptosis in number of cancers. However, the relationship and interaction between MLAA-34 and JAK2/STAT3 has never been investigated in AML.

This study investigates and reports a novel relationship between MLAA-34 and JAK2/STAT3 pathway in AML both in vitro and in vivo. We constructed MLAA-34 knockdown vector and transfected U937 cells to observe its apoptotic activities in relation to JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in vitro and then in vivo in mouse model. Levels of expression of MLAA-34 and JAK2/STAT3 and its downstream targets were also measured in AML patients and a few volunteers.

We found that MLAA-34 knockdown increased U937 apoptosis in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Components of the canonical JAK2/STAT3 pathway or its downstream targets, including c-myc, bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3, were shown to be involved in the carcinogenesis of AML. We also found that the JAK2/STAT3 pathway positively regulated MLAA-34 expression. We additionally identified a STAT3 binding site in the MLAA-34 promoter where STAT3 binds directly and activates MLAA-34 expression. In addition, MLAA-34 was found to form a complex with JAK2 and was enhanced by JAK2 activation. Correlation of MLAA-34 and JAK2/STAT3 was further confirmed in AML patients.

In conclusion, MLAA-34 is a novel regulator for JAK2/STAT3 signaling, and in turn, is regulated by this interaction in a positive feedback loop. Thus we report a novel model of interaction mechanism between MLAA-34 and JAK2/STAT3 which can be utilized as a potential target for a novel therapeutic approach in AML.

STAT3 Pathway in Gastric Cancer: Signaling, Therapeutic Targeting and Future Prospects

Molecular signaling pathways play a significant role in the regulation of biological mechanisms, and their abnormal expression can provide the conditions for cancer development. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a key member of the STAT proteins and its oncogene role in cancer has been shown. STAT3 is able to promote the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells and induces chemoresistance. Different downstream targets of STAT3 have been identified in cancer and it has also been shown that microRNA (miR), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and other molecular pathways are able to function as upstream mediators of STAT3 in cancer. In the present review, we focus on the role and regulation of STAT3 in gastric cancer (GC). miRs and lncRNAs are considered as potential upstream mediators of STAT3 and they are able to affect STAT3 expression in exerting their oncogene or onco-suppressor role in GC cells. Anti-tumor compounds suppress the STAT3 signaling pathway to restrict the proliferation and malignant behavior of GC cells. Other molecular pathways, such as sirtuin, stathmin and so on, can act as upstream mediators of STAT3 in GC. Notably, the components of the tumor microenvironment that are capable of targeting STAT3 in GC, such as fibroblasts and macrophages, are discussed in this review. Finally, we demonstrate that STAT3 can target oncogene factors to enhance the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells.

Cucurbitacin B and cisplatin induce the cell death pathways in MB49 mouse bladder cancer model

IMPACT STATEMENT

Alternative agents that will increase the effectiveness of cisplatin, which are widely used in the advanced stage and metastatic bladder cancer, are being investigated. In previous studies, Cucurbitacin B (CuB), which is a natural compound from the Cucurbitaceae family has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and create synergistic effects with cisplatin. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effect of CuB with cisplatin for the first time in bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo models. Our findings showed that CuB treatment with cisplatin reduced cell proliferation, and reduced tumor development through activating apoptosis and autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Our results showed that CuB may be a new agent that can support conventional treatment in bladder cancer. Our study is important in terms of enlightening new pathways and developing new treatment methods in the treatment of bladder cancer.

Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine

Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.

Apoptotic Pathway as the Therapeutic Target for Anticancer Traditional Chinese Medicines

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death and it plays a vital role in human development and tissue homeostasis. Mounting evidence indicates that apoptosis is closely related to the survival of cancer and it has emerged as a key target for the discovery and development of novel anticancer drugs. Various studies indicate that targeting the apoptotic signaling pathway by anticancer drugs is an important mechanism in cancer therapy. Therefore, numerous novel anticancer agents have been discovered and developed from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) by targeting the cellular apoptotic pathway of cancer cells and shown clinically beneficial effects in cancer therapy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion for the role, pharmacology, related biology, and possible mechanism(s) of a number of important anticancer TCMs and their derivatives mainly targeting the cellular apoptotic pathway. It may have important clinical implications in cancer therapy.

Cucurbitacins extracted from Cucumis melo L. (CuEC) exert a hypotensive effect via regulating vascular tone

As an effective medicine for jaundice in traditional Chinese medicine, Cucumis melo L. has been widely used in China. However, its effect on vascular function is still unclear. In this study, we extracted the compounds of Cucumis melo L., and the major ingredients were identified as cucurbitacins (CuEC, cucurbitacins extracted from Cucumis melo L.), especially cucurbitacin B. We replicated the toxicity in mice by intraperitoneal injection of a high dose of CuEC (2 mg/kg) and demonstrated that the cause of death was CuEC-induced impairment of the endothelial barrier and, thus, increased vascular permeability via decreasing VE-cadherin conjunction. The administration of low doses of CuEC (1 mg/kg) led to a decline in systolic blood pressure (SBP) without causing toxicity in mice. More importantly, CuEC dramatically suppressed angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced SBP increase. Further studies demonstrated that CuEC facilitated acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation in mesenteric arteries of mice. In vitro studies showed that CuEC induced vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner in mesenteric arteries of both mice and rats. Pretreatment with CuEC inhibited phenylephrine-mediated vasoconstriction. In summary, a moderate dose of CuEC reduced SBP by improving blood vessel tension. Therefore, our study provides new experimental evidence for developing new antihypertensive drugs.

Luffa operculata fruit aqueous extract induces motor impairments, anxiety-like behavior, and testis damage in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Luffa operculata (L.) Cogn., Cucurbitaceae (buchinha-do-norte), aqueous extract (EBN) is popularly used to relieve symptoms of sinusitis and as abortive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

As neurotoxicity and toxicity studies on the male reproductive system are scarce, the present study aimed at quantitatively addressing the question.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male adult rats were observed in the open field (OF) and in the light-dark box test (LDB) to evaluate locomotion and anxiety. Macroscopical and microscopical alterations on the rats' testes were also studied. The rats were divided into two groups, control (GC) and experimental (GE). GE received 1.0 mg/kg per day of EBN, orally, for five consecutive days, whereas GC received water. On the 6th day, each animal was evaluated in OF and in LDB for 3 min in each apparatus. After that, the left testicles were studied.

RESULTS

In the OF, GE showed decreased locomotion, increased immobility time and decreased grooming and remained for less time in the center of the apparatus. In LDB, GE showed significant difficulty in moving into the light side of the device and remained longer in the dark side, exhibiting less displacement on both sides and less transitions between sides. Testicle weights, relative weights, testicular volume, cranial-caudal and lateral-lateral axes presented an increase in relation to the GC. Microscopic changes were observed in parenchyma, lumen and diameter of seminiferous tubules. Leydig cell numbers were decreased in GE.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of EBN induced anxiety-like behavior, impaired locomotion and altered the testes morphology of rats.

Cucurbitacin-B attenuates CCl4 -induced hepatic fibrosis in mice through inhibition of STAT-3

Liver fibrosis is a major health concern worldwide. Inhibitors of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) have been reported to attenuate experimental liver fibrosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential ameliorative effect of cucurbitacin-B (Cucu-B) against CCl₄ -induced liver fibrosis in mice. Treatment with Cucu-B (5 mg/kg) preserved hepatocellular membrane integrity and amended the metabolic function as indicated by preventing the rise of serum liver function markers. This was confirmed histologically. CCl₄ -induced oxidative stress was improved by Cucu-B treatment (1 and 5 mg/kg). Furthermore, Cucu-B treatment ameliorated the fibrotic state as evidenced by inhibiting the rise of hydroxyproline liver content and mitigating the overexpressions of collagen-1α, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) as well as the downexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA. Importantly, STAT3 activity was inhibited by Cucu-B as confirmed by decreased phosphorylation of STAT3 without changing total STAT3 expression. This was substantiated by the reduced Bcl-2 together with increased Bax mRNA expressions with subsequent elevation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. In conclusion, Cucu-B hampers CCl₄ -induced liver fibrosis in mice. This can be attributed-at least partly-to inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation and STAT3 signalling.

Cucurbitacin B and cancer intervention: Chemistry, biology and mechanisms (Review)

Cancer is one of the most important healthcare matters, with the worst prognosis but the best possibilities for scientific development. It is likely to increase in the future and cause global havoc designating it as an epidemic. Cancer development requires urgent intervention. Past few decades have witnessed extensive research to challenge carcinogenesis. Treatment involving synthetic discipline is often associated with severe adverse effects, or even worsened prognosis. Accordingly, newer economic and patient friendly molecules are warranted. Many natural substances have proved their potential so far. Cucurbitacin B against cancer and other diseases has achieved towering popularity among the researchers around the world, as detailed in the below sections with summarized tables. In line with the fascinating role of cucurbitacin B against various types of cancers, through various molecular signaling pathways, it is justifiable to propose cucurbitacin B as a mainline chemotherapy before the onset and after the diagnosis of cancer.