Protective effects of [6]-paradol on histological lesions and immunohistochemical gene expression in DMBA induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

LC-MS metabolomic evidence metabolites from Oenothera rosea L´ Hér. ex Ait with antiproliferative properties on DU145 human prostate cancer cell line

Prostate cancer remains one of the leading health issues without a fully effective treatment. Medicinal plants are one of the primary sources of compounds for treating numerous ailments. In this sense, the Oenothera genus contains metabolites with antiproliferative activity on cancer cells. For this, the study aimed to explore the antiproliferative activity of its extracts against prostate cancer and identify its metabolites (under metabolomics analyses) associated with anticancer and/or antiproliferative properties. For this reason, a LC-MS/MS-based metabolomic analysis was performed to demonstrate the possible metabolites present in O. rosea. In addition, the antiproliferative activity of different extracts in the human prostate cancer cell line DU145 was evaluated. All extracts have antiproliferative effects on DU145 cells at 72 h, with moderate activity being the best ethanolic either 48 or 72 h. Finally, by LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics, 307 compounds from aqueous, methanolic, ethanolic, and ethyl acetate extracts from which 40 putative metabolites identified were organized as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and/or antiproliferative activities according to previously reported. These results provide evidence that O. rosea could be used as an antiproliferative agent due to its chemical contents used as polypharmacy with low concentration levels.

A comprehensive review on Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as a potential source of nutraceuticals for food formulations: Towards the polishing of gingerol and other present biomolecules

Currently, ginger is one the most consumed plants when dealing with the treatments of various illnesses. So far, it is known that various biologically active molecules, such as gingerols, shogaols and zingerone, among others, are the main responsible for specific biological activities, opening a new window for its utilization as a nutraceutical in foods. In pioneering extraction processes, solvent extraction has been initially used for these applications; however, the drawbacks of this typical extraction method compared with other emergent separation techniques make it possible for the exploration of new extraction pathways, including microwave, ultrasound, supercritical, subcritical and pressurized-assisted extraction, along with three phase partitioning, high-speed counter current chromatography and magnetic solid phase extraction. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report documenting the recent studies and cases of study in this field. Therefore, we comprehensively review the progress and the latest findings (over the last five years) on research developments, including patents and emerging extraction methods, aiming at the purification of biologically active molecules (gingerols, shogaols and zingerone) contained in ginger. Over the course of this review, particular emphasis is devoted to breakthrough strategies and meaningful outcomes in ginger components extraction. Finally, dosage and safety concerns related to ginger extracts are also documented.

6-Paradol Alleviates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats by Inhibiting AKT/mTOR Axis

INTRODUCTION

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease among elderly men. Its pharmacological treatment is still unsatisfactory. 6-Paradol (6-PD) is an active metabolite found in many members of the Zingiberaceae family. It was reported to possess anti-proliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aimed at exploring the potential of 6-PD to inhibit testosterone-induced BPH in rats as well as the probable underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups and treated as follows: Group 1 (control group) received vehicles only, Group 2 testosterone only, Groups 3 and 4 received 6-PD (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg; respectively) and testosterone, and Group 6 received finasteride and testosterone.

RESULTS

Daily treatment of animals with 6-PD at the two dose levels of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg significantly ameliorated a testosterone-induced rise in prostate index and weight. This was confirmed by histological examinations of prostatic tissues that indicated a reduction in the pathological changes as well as inhibition of the rise in glandular epithelial height in 6-PD treated rats. Immunohistochemical investigations showed that 6-PD prevented the up-regulation of cyclin D1 induced by testosterone injections. Further, 6-PD significantly modulated mRNA expression of both Bcl2 and Bax in prostate tissues of testosterone-treated rats in favor of anti-proliferation. It also showed antioxidant activities as evidenced by inhibition of accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and exhaustion of catalase (CAT) activity. In addition, 6-PD displayed significant anti-inflammatory activities as it prevented up-regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Immunoblotting analysis revealed that 6-PD significantly inhibited testosterone-induced activation of AKT and mTOR in prostate tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

6-PD protects against testosterone-induced BPH in rats. This can be attributed, at least partly, to its antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to inhibit activation of the AKT/mTOR axis.

Stereoselective Biocatalyzed Reductions of Ginger Active Components Recovered from Industrial Wastes

Ginger is among the most widespread and widely consumed traditional medicinal plants around the world. Its beneficial effects, which comprise e. g. anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities as well as gastrointestinal regulatory effects, are generally attributed to a family of non-volatile compounds characterized by an arylalkyl long-chained alcohol, diol, or ketone moiety. In this work, ginger active components have been successfully recovered from industrial waste biomass of fermented ginger. Moreover, their recovery has been combined with the first systematic study of the stereoselective reduction of gingerol-like compounds by isolated alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs), obtaining the enantioenriched sec-alcohol derivatives via a sustainable biocatalytic path in up to >99 % conversions and >99 % enantiomeric/diastereomeric excesses.

Effect of docosahexaenoic acid as a chemopreventive agent on experimentally induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

PURPOSE

The current study was directed to investigate the effectiveness of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a chemopreventive agent on experimentally induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study we used 40 Syrian male hamsters, five weeks old, were divided into 4 groups (GI, GII, GIII, and GIV) of 10 animals in each as follows, GI: Topical application of liquid paraffin alone (thrice a week for 14 weeks), GII: Topical application of 7, 12 dimethyl benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) alone (0.5% in liquid paraffin, thrice a week for 14 weeks), GIII: Topical application of DMBA (0.5% in liquid paraffin, thrice a week for 14 weeks) + Oral administration of DHA (125 mg/kg b.w. in 1 ml distilled water by oral gavage, thrice a week for 14 weeks on alternative days of DMBA application), GIV: Oral administration of DHA alone (125 mg/kg b.w. in 1 ml distilled water by oral gavage, thrice a week for 14 weeks).

RESULTS

Gross observations and histopathological findings revealed that, in GI: normal stratified squamous epithelium, in GII: well and moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), in GIII: variable results ranges from hyperkeratosis, hyperkeratosis and focal hyperplasia, mild dysplasia, and well differentiated SCC with superficial invasion of tumor cells not extended to deeper areas, while in GIV: normal similar to GI. Immunohistochemical results indicated that oral DHA treatment to DMBA treated hamsters restored the normal expression of bcl-2.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that DHA has the potential to be a dietary chemopreventive agent due to its capacity to improve carcinogen detoxification and to block/suppress the initiation and promotion stages of experimentally produced HBP carcinogenesis.

Paradol Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cells

Despite being the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system, the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) is still remarkably poor. Paradol is a flavor phenolic constituent found in pepper and ginger, with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. However, the effects of paradol on GBM cells remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of paradol on U-87 and U-251 GBM cells. Cell viability and Transwell assays revealed that paradol treatment markedly inhibited the viability and migration of GBM cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, which was verified by the downregulation of CCNA and CCNB expression using western blotting. Paradol-induced cell apoptosis was confirmed by annexin V-FITC/PI staining and nuclear morphology. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was determined by western blotting. Collectively, our data revealed that paradol inhibited cell viability and migration of GBM cells by inducing G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis, and activating ERK and p38 MAPK signaling.

[6]-Paradol suppresses proliferation and metastases of pancreatic cancer by decreasing EGFR and inactivating PI3K/AKT signaling

Background

The underlying mechanism behind the tumorigenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer is not clear, and treatment failure is generally caused by early metastasis, recurrence, drug resistance and vascular invasion. Exploring novel therapeutic regimens is necessary to overcome drug resistance and improve patients outcomes.

Methods

Functional assays were performed to investigate the role of [6]-Paradol (6-P) in proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. The interaction between EGFR and 6-P was tested by KEGG enrichment analysis and molecular docking analysis. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of EGFR in 6-P treated groups. Involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway was measured by western blotting.

Results

6-P significantly suppressed pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. KEGG enrichment analysis and molecular docking analysis suggested that there existed certain interaction between EGFR and 6-P. In addition, 6-P obviously decreased EGFR protein expression level but did not change the mRNA expression level of EGFR. 6-P could induce degradation of EGFR through decreasing the protein stability of EGFR and enhancing the ubiquitin-mediated proteasome-dependent degradation, 6-P-mediated EGFR degradation led to inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. However, ectopic expression of EGFR protein resulted in resistance to 6-P-mediated inactivity of PI3K/AKT signaling and inhibition of malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer. Inversely, erlotinib could enhance the 6-P-mediated anticancer activity.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that 6-P/EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling axis might become one of the potential therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02118-0.

Betulin ameliorates 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced rat mammary cancer by modulating MAPK and AhR/Nrf-2 signaling pathway

The aim of the present study is to explore the preventive efficacy of betulin (BE) in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-administered mammary cancer by modulating Ahr/Nrf2 signaling in experimental models. The mammary cancer was stimulated by the addition of DMBA (25 mg/kg/b.Wt) mixed in 1 ml of vehicle solution (sunflower oil and saline 1:1) through subcutaneous injection. The DMBA-exposed mammary tumor models showed low bodyweight, elevated quantities of lipid peroxidation molecules (TBARS and LOOH), and low enzymatic (GPx, SOD, and CAT), and nonenzymatic (GSH, vitamin C, and vitamin E) antioxidant activities in plasma and mammary tissues. Moreover, histopathological studies confirmed that invasive ductal carcinoma was observed in DMBA-induced mammary tissue of the experimental model. Dietary oral supplementation of BE prevents the loss of bodyweight, overproduces lipid peroxidation, and restores the antioxidant activities in DMBA-exposed experimental animals. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a crucial antioxidant protein that involves preventing numerous cancers. Therefore, Nrf2-associated signaling concern is a significant target for preventing mammary cancer. This study observed an increased expression of MAPKs, Keap1, ARNT, AhR, and CYP1A1, whereas decreased expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 in DMBA-induced cancer-bearing experimental animals. The oral supplementation of BE effectively modulates the expression of MAPKs, AhR/Nrf2-associated protein expressions in DMBA-exposed experimental animals. This current study concluded that BE is a strong antioxidant, which triggers the MAPKs-mediated oxidative stress and inhibits proliferative markers by restoring the activity of Nrf2 signaling.

Modulating effect of hesperetin on the molecular expression pattern of apoptotic and cell proliferative markers in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced oral carcinogenesis

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is widespread malignant neoplasm and refractory cancers in worldwide. Here, we studied the chemopreventive potential of hesperetin on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis (HBPCs). Oral tumours were developed in the buccal pouches of male golden Syrian hamsters by topical application of 0.5% DMBA three times a week for 10 weeks. This causes sequentially hyperplasia, dysplasia and well differentiates squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with up-regulation of molecular markers like mutant-p53, Caspase-3 and caspase-9 and cyclin-D1. Histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), real time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis of hesperetin treated animals shows a reversal in the above expression pattern to near normal in buccal mucosal tissue. Therefore, hesperetin exhibits the potential protective effect against DMBA-induced oral cancer through apoptotic and anti-proliferative properties. However, a long-term observation would be needed to confirm the possibility of malignant change of the resulted dysplastic lesions upon hesperetin pretreatment.

Polydatin Encapsulated Poly [Lactic-co-glycolic acid] Nanoformulation Counteract the 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a] Anthracene Mediated Experimental Carcinogenesis through the Inhibition of Cell Proliferation

In the present study, the authors have attempted to fabricate Polydatin encapsulated Poly [lactic-co-glycolic acid] (POL-PLGA-NPs) to counteract 7,12-dimethyl benzyl anthracene (DMBA) promoted buccal pouch carcinogenesis in experimental animals. The bio-formulated POL-PLGA-NPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) pattern analysis, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). In addition, the nano-chemopreventive potential of POL-PLGA-NPs was assessed by scrutinizing the neoplastic incidence and analyzing the status of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, phase I, phase II detoxification status, and histopathological changes and in DMBA-treated animals. In golden Syrian hamsters, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was generated by painting with 0.5% DMBA in liquid paraffin three times a week for 14 weeks. After 100% tumor formation was observed, high tumor volume, tumor burden, and altered levels of biochemical status were observed in the DMBA-painted hamsters. Intra-gastric administration of varying concentration of POL-PLGA-NPs (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg b.wt) to DMBA-treated hamsters assumedly prevents oncological incidences and restores the status of the biochemical markers. It also significantly enhances the apoptotic associated and inhibits the cancer cell proliferative markers expression (p53, Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase 3, cyclin-D1). The present study reveals that POL-PLGA-NPs is a penitential candidate for nano-chemopreventive, anti-lipid peroxidative, and antioxidant potential, and also has a modulating effect on the phase I and Phase II detoxification system, which is associated with reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in experimental oral carcinogenesis.

Gingers and Their Purified Components as Cancer Chemopreventative Agents

Chemoprevention by ingested substituents is the process through which nutraceuticals and/or their bioactive components antagonize carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis is the course of action whereby a normal cell is transformed into a neoplastic cell. This latter action involves several steps, starting with initiation and followed by promotion and progression. Driving these stages is continued oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn, causes a myriad of aberrant gene expressions and mutations within the transforming cell population and abnormal gene expressions by the cells within the surrounding lesion. Chemoprevention of cancer with bioreactive foods or their extracted/purified components occurs primarily via normalizing these inappropriate gene activities. Various foods/agents have been shown to affect different gene expressions. In this review, we discuss how the chemoprevention activities of gingers antagonize cancer development.

Spices for Prevention and Treatment of Cancers

Spices have been widely used as food flavorings and folk medicines for thousands of years. Numerous studies have documented the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of spices, which might be related to prevention and treatment of several cancers, including lung, liver, breast, stomach, colorectum, cervix, and prostate cancers. Several spices are potential sources for prevention and treatment of cancers, such as Curcuma longa (tumeric), Nigella sativa (black cumin), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Allium sativum (garlic), Crocus sativus (saffron), Piper nigrum (black pepper) and Capsicum annum (chili pepper), which contained several important bioactive compounds, such as curcumin, thymoquinone, piperine and capsaicin. The main mechanisms of action include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion of tumors, and sensitizing tumors to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review summarized recent studies on some spices for prevention and treatment of cancers, and special attention was paid to bioactive components and mechanisms of action.

Pharmacokinetics of Paradol Analogues Orally Administered to Rats

The kinetics parameters of paradols with different acyl chain lengths have been evaluated to determine their antiobesity site of action. Rats were orally administered olive oil containing 0-, 6-, 8-, or 12-paradol, and blood samples were collected at different time points. The concentrations of the paradols in the plasma were analyzed both with and without β-glucuronidase treatment. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC(0-24h)) of the parent compounds decreased with increasing acyl chain length. Whereas 12-paradol showed the largest AUC(0-24h) with the longest time to reach its maximum plasma concentration of all of the compounds tested, the AUC(0-24h) values of the metabolites decreased with increasing acyl chain length. These results indicate that increasing acyl chain length leads to a decrease in the absorption of paradols via the intestinal tract, the wall of which was estimated to be their antiobesity site of action.