Antiproliferative and apoptosis-induction studies of 5-hydroxy 3′,4′,7-trimethoxyflavone in human breast cancer cells MCF-7: an in vitro and in silico approach

Antitumor activity of 5-hydroxy-3',4',6,7-tetramethoxyflavone in glioblastoma cell lines and its antagonism with radiotherapy

5-Hydroxy-3',4',6,7-tetramethoxyflavone (TMF) is a plant-origin flavone known for its anti-cancer properties. In the present study, the cytotoxic effect of TMF was evaluated in the U87MG and T98G glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines. The effect of TMF on cell viability was assessed with trypan blue exclusion assay and crystal violet staining. In addition, flow cytometry was performed to examine its effect on the different phases of the cell cycle, and in vitro scratch wound assay assessed the migratory capacity of the treated cells. Furthermore, the effect of in vitro radiotherapy was also evaluated with a combination of TMF and radiation. In both cell lines, TMF treatment resulted in G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, reduced cell viability, and reduced cell migratory capacity. In contrast, there was an antagonistic property of TMF treatment with radiotherapy. These results demonstrated the antineoplastic effect of TMF in GBM cells in vitro, but the antagonistic effect with radiotherapy indicated that TMF should be further evaluated for its possible antitumor role post-radiotherapy.

Chitosan-encapsulated nickel oxide, tin dioxide, and farnesol nanoparticles: Antimicrobial and anticancer properties in breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women; however, it is curable in most cases (up to 80 %) when detected and treated at an early non-metastatic stage. Nanotechnology has led to the development of potential chemotherapeutic techniques, particularly for tumor treatment. Nanotechnology has therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications. Chitosan, a natural polymer derived from chitin, has been extensively studied for its potential applications in a wide range of fields. This includes medicine for its anticancer properties. In the present study, Chitosan-encapsulated-NiO-TiO2-Farnesol hybrid nanomaterials (CNTF HNMs) were synthesized and characterized using several techniques, including electron microscopy (TEM, FE-SEM), spectroscopy (UV-visible [UV-Vis], Fourier Transform Infrared [FT-IR] spectroscopy, and photoluminescence [PL]), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) composition analysis, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses. With an estimated average crystallite size of 34.8 nm, the face-cantered cubic crystalline structure of the CNTF HNMs is identified. Cell viability assay by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining, dual AO/EtBr (Acridine Orange/ Ethidium bromide), JC-1 (5,5,6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3' tetraethylbenzimi-dazoylcarbocyanine iodide), DCFH-DA (Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate), Annexin V-FITC (Fluorescein isothiocyanate) /PI (Propidium Iodide), and cell cycle study was used to assess the ability of nanoparticles (NPs) to kill MDA-MB-231 cells. The CNTF HNMs had high antibacterial effectiveness against multi-drug resistant extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing gram-negative bacterial pathogens and reference strains. The findings suggest that NPs increased the number of reactive oxygen species (ROS), changed the Δψm, and initiated apoptosis. There is enormous potential for CNTF HNMs as both antibacterial and anticancer agents.

New substances of Equisetum hyemale L. extracts and their in vivo antitumoral effect against oral squamous cell carcinoma

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE

Equisetum hyemale is used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic and anticancer agent. Recent studies have observed antiproliferative activity of this species in some tumor cell lines.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of the ethanol extract of E. hyemale and its partitions in oral squamous carcinoma cell lines, the death pathways induced by the most active partition, the acute toxicity and therapeutic activity, and the identification of the main compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethanol crude extract was prepared from the stems of E. hyemale and partitions were obtained from this extract with n-hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using MTT on human oral tumor lines SCC-9, SCC4 and SCC-25, and normal primary fibroblasts. The main pathways of programmed cell death were analyzed. Acute toxicity in mice was performed using the most active partition, ethyl acetate. Antitumor activity was accessed in xenotransplants grafts of SCC-9 cells in Balb/nude mice. Phytochemical analysis was performed using UHPLC-MS/MS and dereplication was done using Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) analysis.

RESULTS

Ethanol extract, n-hexane and ethyl acetate partitions showed dose-dependent activity and selectivity towards oral tumor cells, with the ethyl acetate being the most bioactive. This medium polarity partition was shown to induce tumor cell death through apoptosis due to the presence of activated caspase 3/7, DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation and phosphatidylserine exposure. The ethyl acetate partition also produced low toxicity in mice, provoking mild hepatic changes, but without causing necrosis and significantly reduced tumors volume and weight in xenotransplants of SCC-9 cells. Phytochemical analysis allowed identification of kaempferol glycosides and cinnamic acid derivatives previously described for E. hyemale. In addition it was possible to identify 6 new non-glycolyzed flavonoids 5-Hydroxy-3',4',7,8-tetramethoxyflavone (14), 5,4'-Dihydroxy-7,8,3'-trimethoxyflavone (15), 5,7-Dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavone (16), 3',4,5,7-Tretramethoxyflavone (17), 5-Hydroxy-3'4',7-trimethoxyflavone (18), and 5,4'-Dihydroxy-3'-7'-dimethoxyflavone (19); besides 5 compounds already determined to be cytotoxic in other species, Isoferulic acid (1), Ferulic acid (2), Atractylenolide III (6), Dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavone (16), and 5-Hydroxy-3'4 ',7-trimethoxyflavone (18).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the E. hyemale extract and partitions inhibited 3 different cell lines of OSCC in a highly selective nontoxic way by inducing apoptosis of the cells. We identified 6 new non-glycosylated flavonoids and 5 other substances in this species.

Morelloflavone as Potential Anticancer Agent Against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Lines: In vitro and In silico Studies

Background:

Breast cancer is most commonly reported to contribute to people's death. Nowadays, cancer treatment is focused on investigating anticancer drugs from natural compounds. Various methods, including in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods, are used to assess the potential of anticancer compounds. The efficacy of bioactive compounds from medicinal plant origin lies in their affordability and minimized side effects. The Garcinia genus contains bioactive compounds, such as xanthones, benzophenones, triterpenes, biflavonoids, and benzoquinones.

Purpose:

The study aimed at investigating an active compound that can inhibit cancer cell growth and proteins that contribute to cancer cell growth, such as Caspase-9, TNF-α, ER-α, and HER-2.

Methods:

This study is divided into three steps. The first step is the isolation of the active compound from G. cymosa. The second step is an assessment of cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell by using MTT assay, and the last one is an investigation of the molecular mechanism of an active compound against Caspase-9, TNF-α, ER-α, and HER-2 by using in silico studies utilizing various programs, such as PyRx 0.8, PYMOL, and Discovery Studio.

Results:

Morelloflavone from G. cymosa stem barks has exhibited anticancer activity (55.84 μg/mL) eight times lower than doxorubicin (6.99 μg/mL), but it can block the activity of Caspase-9, TNF-α, ER- α, and HER-2. The binding affinity of morelloflavone is the strongest of all ligands.

Conclusion:

The natural flavonoid, morelloflavone, may be a new lead candidate for anticancer agent inhibiting action mechanism of Caspase-9, TNF-α, ER-α, and HER-2, respectively.

Effectiveness and Anticancer Activity of a Novel Phenolic Compound from Garcinia porrecta Against the MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line in vitro and in silico

Background

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with breast cancer being the most common invasive cancer type in women. Several therapeutic strategies have been explored to reduce the mortality rates of breast cancer. Chemotherapy is the most commonly used systemic treatment, but associated with numerous side-effects. Development of anticancer agents with high efficacy and minimal negative effects is therefore an important focus of research. Natural materials provide an excellent source of bioactive compounds. For instance, Garcinia porrecta from the Clusiaceae family has multiple pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-HIV, antidepressant, and anticancer properties.

Purpose

The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential anticancer effects of compounds extracted from the bark of G. porrecta.

Materials and Methods

Our experiments were divided into three steps: (1) chromatographic isolation of compounds using various separation techniques, such as extraction, separation and purification, (2) characterization via infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectroscopy, and (3) evaluation of anticancer activity in vitro (MTT assay) and in silico (via analysis of molecular docking against caspase-9, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)).

Results

Depsidone (1) and benzophenone (2) from the ethyl acetate extract of bark of G. porrecta were identified as bioactive components. Examination of the activities of these compounds against MCF-7 cells revealed an IC₅₀ value of 119.3 µg/mL for benzophenone, whereas IC₅₀ for depsidone could not be estimated. Benzophenone activity was lower than that of the positive control doxorubicin (6.9 µg/mL). Depsidone showed the highest binding affinity for HER-2 (−9.2 kcal.mol-1) and benzophenone for ER-α (−8.0 kcal.mol-1).

Conclusion

Benzophenone displays potency as an anticancer agent through blocking ER-α.

In silico, in vitro, and ex vivo studies of the toxicological and pharmacological properties of the flavonoid 5,7-dihydroxy-3,8,4'-trimethoxy

Phytochemical studies of the species Pavonia glazioviana were performed. Quercetin, kaempferol, acacetin, and trimethoxylated flavonoid compounds (which present biological activity) were isolated. We aimed to evaluate the in silico, in vitro, and ex vivo toxicity of flavonoid 5,7-dihydroxy-3,8,4'-trimethoxy (Pg-1) obtained from P. glazioviana through chemical structure analyses, toxicity assessment, and predictive bioactive properties, using human samples in in vitro tests. In silico analysis suggested that Pg-1 presents a good absorption index for penetrating biological membranes (for oral bioavailability), while also suggesting potential antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemorrhagic, and apoptosis agonist bioactivities. Assessment of hemolytic and genotoxic effects revealed low hemolysis rates in red blood cells with no cellular toxicity in oral mucosa cells. The reduced cytotoxic activity suggested the safety of the concentrations used (500-1000 µg/mL), and demonstrated the varied interactions of Pg-1 with the analyzed cells. The data obtained in the present study suggested potential therapeutic application, and the non-toxic profile indicated viability for future studies.

Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Mitochondrial Dysfunction Triggers Sodium Valproate-Induced Cytotoxicity in Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. Currently used chemotherapeutic drugs have several side effects. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzyme inhibitors possess potential anti-cancer effects. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic potential of sodium valproate, a HDAC inhibitor in human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cells.

METHODS

MTT assay was used to analyze the cytotoxicity of HT-29 cells. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction was evaluated by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate staining. Dual staining with acridine orange/ethidium bromide was used to investigate the morphology-related apoptotic cell death. Mitochondrial membrane potential was analyzed by rhodamine 123 staining. E-cadherin protein expression was examined by immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

Sodium valproate at 2 and 4 mM/mL treatments significantly induced cytotoxicity. Increased intracellular ROS expression was observed in the cells treated with sodium valproate. This treatment also induced mitochondrial dissipation, apoptosis-related morphological damage, and E-cadherin expression in HT-29 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present results suggest that sodium valproate is cytotoxic to HT-29 cells due to its pro-oxidative and apoptosis inducing potential. Sodium valproate can be used as an adjuvant along with standard chemotherapeutic agents in CRC patients after necessary in vivo and clinical studies.

Bromelain with peroxidase from pineapple are more potent to target leukemia growth inhibition - A comparison with only bromelain

The natural anti-cancer agent bromelain is found to be beneficial for either single or multi-targeted therapy in gastric and skin carcinoma, by inhibiting cancer cell growth. Importantly, the presence of peroxidase enhances its biological efficiency. We have now evaluated a panel of cancer cell lines with bromelain in presence or absence of peroxidase to identify that the combination has higher apoptosis inducing potential in all those cell lines. Bromelain plus peroxidase (BM-PR) inhibited acute myeloid (K562) cell proliferation and altered the morphological features. Incidence of apoptosis was established by using annexin V exposure and this was confirmed that the cell cycle was arrested at G0/G1 phase in a concentration-dependent manner. BM-PR increased the intracellular ROS level and altered the mitochondrial membrane potential, as detected using dichlorofluores cin diacetate (DCFDA). It also regulated the expression of apoptosis-related proteins like Bax, Bcl2, caspase-3 and cytochrome besides causing up-regulation of p53 as determined by western blot analysis. These results suggest that BM-PR from pineapple induces apoptosis better than only bromelain in acute myeloid leukemia cells possibly via mitochondria dependent pathway.