Rosmarinic acid inhibits stem-like breast cancer through hedgehog and Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways

Probing the biological efficacy and mechanistic pathways of natural compounds in breast cancer therapy via the Hedgehog signaling pathway

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors affecting women worldwide, with its incidence rate continuously increasing. As a result, treatment strategies for this disease have received considerable attention. Research has highlighted the crucial role of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in the initiation and progression of BC, particularly in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, molecular targets within this pathway represent promising opportunities for the development of novel BC therapies. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms by which natural compounds modulate the Hh signaling pathway in BC. By conducting a comprehensive review of various natural compounds, including polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, we reveal both common and unique regulatory mechanisms that influence this pathway. This investigation represents the first comprehensive analysis of five distinct mechanisms through which natural compounds modulate key molecules within the Hh pathway and their impact on the aggressive behaviors of BC. Furthermore, by exploring the structure-activity relationships between these compounds and their molecular targets, we shed light on the specific structural features that enable natural compounds to interact with various components of the Hh pathway. These novel insights contribute to advancing the development and clinical application of natural compound-based therapeutics. Our thorough review not only lays the groundwork for exploring innovative BC treatments but also opens new avenues for leveraging natural compounds in cancer therapy.

The chemoprotective hormetic effects of rosmarinic acid

Rosmarinic acid is a polyphenol found in numerous fruits and vegetables, consumed in supplement form, and tested in numerous clinical trials for therapeutic applications due to its putative chemopreventive properties. Rosmarinic acid has been extensively studied at the cellular, whole animal, and molecular mechanism levels, presenting a complex array of multi-system biological effects. Rosmarinic acid-induced hormetic dose responses are widespread, occurring in numerous biological models and cell types for a broad range of endpoints. Consequently, this article provides the first assessment of rosmarinic acid-induced hormetic concentration/dose responses, their quantitative features, mechanistic foundations, extrapolative strengths/limitations, and their biomedical, clinical, and public health implications.

A recent update on the connection between dietary phytochemicals and skin cancer: emerging understanding of the molecular mechanism

Constant exposure to harmful substances from both inside and outside the body can mess up the body's natural ways of keeping itself in balance. This can cause severe skin damage, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. However, plant-derived compounds found in fruits and vegetables have been shown to protect against skin cancer-causing free radicals and other harmful substances. It has been determined that these dietary phytochemicals are effective in preventing skin cancer and are widely available, inexpensive, and well-tolerated. Studies have shown that these phytochemicals possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiangiogenic properties that can aid in the prevention of skin cancers. In addition, they influence crucial cellular processes such as angiogenesis and cell cycle control, which can halt the progression of skin cancer. The present paper discusses the benefits of specific dietary phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, as well as the signaling pathways they regulate, the molecular mechanisms involved in the prevention of skin cancer, and their drawbacks.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein knock-down in conjunction with a cholesterol-depleting agent decreases tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells

The cholesterogenic phenotype, encompassing de novo biosynthesis and accumulation of cholesterol, aids cancer cell proliferation and survival. Previously, the role of cholesteryl ester (CE) transfer protein (CETP) has been implicated in breast cancer aggressiveness, but the molecular basis of this observation is not clearly understood, which this study aims to elucidate. CETP knock-down resulted in a >50% decrease in cell proliferation in both 'estrogen receptor-positive' (ER+; Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF7) breast cancer cells) and 'triple-negative' breast cancer (TNBC; MDA-MB-231) cell lines. Intriguingly, the abrogation of CETP together with the combination treatment of tamoxifen (5 μM) and acetyl plumbagin (a cholesterol-depleting agent) (5 μM) resulted in twofold to threefold increase in apoptosis in both cell lines. CETP knockdown also showed decreased intracellular CE levels, lipid raft and lipid droplets in both cell lines. In addition, RT2 Profiler PCR array (Qiagen, Germany)-based gene expression analysis revealed an overall downregulation of genes associated in cholesterol biosynthesis, lipid signalling and drug resistance in MCF7 cells post-CETP knock-down. On the contrary, resistance in MDA-MB-231 cells was reduced through increased expression in cholesterol efflux genes and the expression of targetable surface receptors by endocrine therapy. The pilot xenograft mice study substantiated CETP's role as a cancer survival gene as knock-down of CETP stunted the growth of TNBC tumour by 86%. The principal findings of this study potentiate CETP as a driver in breast cancer growth and aggressiveness and thus targeting CETP could limit drug resistance via the reduction in cholesterol accumulation in breast cancer cells, thereby reducing cancer aggressiveness.

The role of the miR-30a-5p/BCL2L11 pathway in rosmarinic acid-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231-derived breast cancer stem-like cells

Background

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a natural phenolic acid, exhibits promising anti-cancer properties. The abnormal expression of microRNA (miRNA) regulates the gene expression and plays a role as an oncogenic or tumor suppressor in TNBC. However, the biological role of RA in miR-30a-5p on BCL2L11 during MDA-MB-231 induced breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs) progression and its regulatory mechanism have not been elucidated.

Objective

To investigate whether RA inhibited the silencing effect of miR-30a-5p on the BCL2L11 gene and promoted apoptosis in BCSCs.

Materials and Methods

We assessed the migration, colony formation, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of BCSCs after RA treatment using the wound-healing assay, colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of mRNA and protein levels of BCL-2, Bax, BCL2L11, and P53 genes in BCSCs after RA treatment was obtained by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Differential miRNA expression in BCSCs was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. Targetscan was utilized to predict the targets of miR-30a-5p. The dual luciferase reporter system was used for validation of the miR-30a-5p target.

Results

Wound-healing assay, colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, and cell cycle assay results showed that RA inhibited migration, colony formation and viability of BCSCs, and cell cycle arrest in the G0-G1 phase. At the highest dose of RA, we noticed cell atrophy, while the arrest rate at 100 μg/mL RA surpassed that at 200 μg/mL RA. Apoptotic cells appeared early (Membrane Associated Protein V FITC+, PI-) or late (Membrane Associated Protein V FITC+, PI+) upon administration of 200 μg/mL RA, Using high-throughput sequencing to compare the differences in miRNA expression, we detected downregulation of miR-30a-5p expression, and the results of dual luciferase reporter gene analysis indicated that BCL2L11 was a direct target of miR-30a-5p.

Conclusion

RA inhibited the silencing effect of miR-30a-5p on the BCL2L11 gene and enhanced apoptosis in BCSCs.

Therapeutic Applications of Rosmarinic Acid in Cancer-Chemotherapy-Associated Resistance and Toxicity

Chemotherapeutic drugs and radiotherapy are fundamental treatments to combat cancer, but, often, the doses in these treatments are restricted by their non-selective toxicities, which affect healthy tissues surrounding tumors. On the other hand, drug resistance is recognized as the main cause of chemotherapeutic treatment failure. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a polyphenol of the phenylpropanoid family that is widely distributed in plants and vegetables, including medicinal aromatic herbs, consumption of which has demonstrated beneficial activities as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories and reduced the risks of cancers. Recently, several studies have shown that RA is able to reverse cancer resistance to first-line chemotherapeutics, as well as play a protective role against toxicity induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, mainly due to its scavenger capacity. This review compiles information from 56 articles from Google Scholar, PubMed, and ClinicalTrials.gov aimed at addressing the role of RA as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment.

Molecular Pathways of Rosmarinic Acid Anticancer Activity in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells: A Literature Review

Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in women. Oncogenic transcription factors promote the overproduction of cellular adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines during cancer development. Cancer cells exhibit significant upregulation of antiapoptotic proteins, resulting in increased cell survival, tumor growth, and metastasis. Research on the cell cycle-mediated apoptosis pathway for drug discovery and therapy has shown promising results. In fact, dietary phytoconstituents have been extensively researched for anticancer activity, providing indirect protection by activating endogenous defense systems. The role of polyphenols in key cancer signaling pathways could shed light on the underlying mechanisms of action. For instance, Rosmarinic Acid, a polyphenol constituent of many culinary herbs, has shown potent chemoprotective properties. In this review, we present recent progress in the investigation of natural products as potent anticancer agents, with a focus on the effect of Rosmarinic Acid on triple-negative BC cell lines resistant to hormone therapy. We highlight a variety of integrated chemical biology approaches aimed at utilizing relevant mechanisms of action that could lead to significant clinical advances in BC treatment.

The Effect of the Stress-Signalling Mediator Triacontanol on Biochemical and Physiological Modifications in Dracocephalum forrestii Culture

Triacontanol (TRIA) has been reported to influence signal transduction in the crosstalk triggered by various stress factors. As a signal player, it is also known to affect many physiological processes, including enhancing the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Such knowledge can be used to direct or boost the production of bioactive secondary compounds without stress induction. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the use of TRIA as a factor stimulating the growth and production of bioactive compounds in the shoot culture of Dracocephalum forrestii. TRIA was applied at three concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 µM), alone or in combination with phytohormones (6-benzylaminopurine and indole-3-acetic acid). After five weeks, growth and physiochemical parameters (chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and phenolic acid level) were determined. The results indicate that TRIA application significantly increased shoot dry weight, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase), and total polyphenol level; it also influenced the multiplication ratio in combination with growth regulators. The greatest antioxidant enzyme activity was observed for 5 µM TRIA in hormone-free medium, while the most significant secondary metabolite production was obtained for phytohormone-containing medium supplemented with 10 µM TRIA: total phenolic acid content (19.4 mg/g dry weight) was twice that of the control. Hence, the TRIA application appears to be a valuable biotechnology technique for modifying plant metabolite production.

In Vitro Anti-Colorectal Cancer and Anti-Microbial Effects of Pinus roxburghii and Nauplius graveolens Extracts Modulated by Apoptotic Gene Expression

The use of phytochemicals is gaining increasing attention for treating cancer morbidity with minimal burden side effects. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities of Pinus roxburghii branch (P. roxburghii) and Nauplius graveolens (N. graveolens) extracts in vitro. Cell viability was estimated using MTT assay. DNA fragmentation was determined to detect apoptotic pathway initiation. Mechanistically, the apoptotic pathway was tracked by estimating the relative mRNA expression levels of the Bcl-2, Bax, Cas3, NF-κB, and PI3k genes by qRT-PCR. P. roxburghii exhibited moderate antioxidant activity, while N. graveolens possessed highly significant (p < 0.05) scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS assays. HPLC analysis demonstrated that catechin and chlorogenic acid were the predominant polyphenolic compounds in P. roxburghii and N. graveolens, respectively. The P. roxburghii and N. graveolens extracts inhibited the viability of HCT-116 cells with IC50 values of 30.6 µg mL−1 and 26.5 µg mL−1, respectively. DNA fragmentation analysis showed that the proposed extracts induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells. Moreover, the IC50 doses of the selected extracts significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated Bax and cleaved Cas-3, and downregulated Bcl-2, NF-κB, and PI3k genes versus the GAPDH gene as a housekeeping gene in comparison to the control group. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was raised upon treatment. The mentioned extracts exhibited antimicrobial action against all tested bacteria and fungi. The highest antibacterial effect was recorded against E. coli, with inhibition zones of 12.0 and 11.2 mm for P. roxburghii and N. graveolens, respectively. On the other hand, the highest antifungal action was registered for Penicillium verrucosum and A. niger, with inhibition zones of 9.8 and 9.2 mm for the tested extracts, respectively. In conclusion, the outcomes of this study indicate that P. roxburghii and N. graveolens extracts could potentially be used as anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal agents.

Pinus roxburghii and Nauplius graveolens Extracts Elevate Apoptotic Gene Markers in C26 Colon Carcinoma Cells Induced in a BALB/c Mouse Model

The present study aimed to evaluate the chemopreventive potential of Pinus roxburghii branch (P. roxburghii) and Nauplius graveolens (N. graveolens) extracts against human colorectal cancer (CRC) induced by C26 murine cells in a BALB/c mouse model. Real-time qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the apoptotic pathway by measuring the relative mRNA expression levels of the Bcl-2, Bax, Cas3, NF-κB, and PI3k genes. At the termination of the 30-day period, blood samples were collected to assay the biomarkers. The results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of TGF-β, CEA, CA19-9, malondialdehyde, ALT, AST, ALP, urea, and creatinine in the positive control compared to the negative control group. In addition, the glutathione reductase activity and total antioxidant activity were reduced in the positive control compared to the negative control. The biomarkers mentioned above were restored to almost normal levels after administering a safe dose (1/10) of a lethal dose of P. roxburghii and N. graveolens extracts. Administration of one-tenth of the LD50 of P. roxburghii and N. graveolens extracts caused a significant upregulation of the expression of Bax and Cas-3 and downregulation of the Bcl-2, NF-ĸB, and PI3k genes vs. the GAPDH gene as a housekeeping gene compared to the control group. Furthermore, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio increased upon treatment. After administration of P. roxburghii and N. graveolens at a safe dose (1/10) of a lethal dose, the results showed improvement in both body weight gain and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in tumor volume. Histopathological changes supported these improvements. Conclusively, the research outputs show that P. roxburghii and N. graveolens extracts can be utilized as potential chemopreventive agents for CRC treatment by stimulating cancer cell apoptosis and suppressing CRC survival and proliferation.

A Comprehensive Review of Rosmarinic Acid: From Phytochemistry to Pharmacology and Its New Insight

Polyphenolic acids are the widely occurring natural products in almost each herbal plant, among which rosmarinic acid (RA, C18H16O8) is well-known, and is present in over 160 species belonging to many families, especially the Lamiaceae. Aside from this herbal ingredient, dozens of its natural derivatives have also been isolated and characterized from many natural plants. In recent years, with the increasing focus on the natural products as alternative treatments, a large number of pharmacological studies have been carried out to demonstrate the various biological activities of RA such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-diabetes, anti-virus, anti-tumor, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, etc. In addition, investigations concerning its biosynthesis, extraction, analysis, clinical applications, and pharmacokinetics have also been performed. Although many achievements have been made in various research aspects, there still exist some problems or issues to be answered, especially its toxicity and bioavailability. Thus, we hope that in the case of natural products, the present review can not only provide a comprehensive understanding on RA covering its miscellaneous research fields, but also highlight some of the present issues and future perspectives worth investigating later, in order to help us utilize this polyphenolic acid more efficiently, widely, and safely.

Rosmarinic acid suppresses inflammation, angiogenesis, and improves paclitaxel induced apoptosis in a breast cancer model via NF3 κB-p53-caspase-3 pathways modulation

Rosmarinic acid is a natural polyphenolic compound that is found in different plant species and used for different medicinal purposes. This study aimed to investigate the chemo-preventive effect of rosmarinic acid and evaluate its antitumor efficacy alone or in combination with Paclitaxel in breast cancer mice model. Ehrlich induced mice mammary solid tumor model was used in the study. Mice were treated with oral rosmarinic acid and intraperitoneal Paclitaxel. Inflammation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis were checked. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real time PCR, and immunohistochemical methods were performed. Rosmarinic acid used prior to tumor induction suppressed NF-κB, TNF-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum levels, and VEGF receptors. It also triggered apoptosis by restoring the levels of P53, Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3. Furthermore, in Ehrlich solid tumor mice, rosmarinic acid, and/or Paclitaxel significantly suppressed tumor growth with an increase in apoptotic markers P53 and Caspase-3 levels, and suppressed the Bcl2/Bax ratio. Rosmarinic acid exerted chemo-preventive and therapeutic potential alone or in combination with Paclitaxel. Moreover, rosmarinic acid targets numerous signaling pathways associated with breast cancer.

An In Vitro Evaluation of the Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Medical Plants from the Lamiaceae Family as Effective Sources of Active Compounds against Human Cancer Cell Lines

It is predicted that 1.8 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed worldwide in 2020; of these, the incidence of lung, colon, breast, and prostate cancers will be 22%, 9%, 7%, and 5%, respectively according to the National Cancer Institute. As the global medical cost of cancer in 2020 will exceed about $150 billion, new approaches and novel alternative chemoprevention molecules are needed. Research indicates that the plants of the Lamiaceae family may offer such potential. The present study reviews selected species from the Lamiaceae and their active compounds that may have the potential to inhibit the growth of lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells; it examines the effects of whole extracts, individual compounds, and essential oils, and it discusses their underlying molecular mechanisms of action. The studied members of the Lamiaceae are sources of crucial phytochemicals that may be important modulators of cancer-related molecular targets and can be used as effective factors to support anti-tumor treatment.

Phytonanomedicine: a novel avenue to treat recurrent cancer by targeting cancer stem cells

Research suggests that tumor relapse and metastasis is caused by minor population of tumor-initiating cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which exhibit self-renewability, quiescence, antiapoptosis, and drug resistance. Conventional chemotherapeutics target rapidly proliferating cells but fail to exert cytotoxic effects on CSCs, thus enriching them and driving metastasis and relapse. Hence, targeting CSCs is essential for developing novel therapies for effective cancer treatment. Pertaining to this, several phytochemicals have been identified that exhibit anti-CSC activity. However, poor pharmacokinetics prevents their clinical translation. Hence, developing phytonanomedicine can help to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of these biologically active molecules. In this review, we summarize the current state of the art of phytonanomedicine in the context of CSCs and their clinical status in cancer treatment.