Investigation of Lupeol as Anti-Melanoma Agent: An In Vitro-In Ovo Perspective

Malignant melanoma (MM) represents the most life-threatening skin cancer worldwide, with a narrow and inefficient chemotherapeutic arsenal available in advanced disease stages. Lupeol (LUP) is a triterpenoid-type phytochemical possessing a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, including a potent anticancer effect against several neoplasms (e.g., colorectal, lung, and liver). However, its potential as an anti-melanoma agent has been investigated to a lesser extent. The current study focused on exploring the impact of LUP against two human MM cell lines (A375 and RPMI-7951) in terms of cell viability, confluence, morphology, cytoskeletal distribution, nuclear aspect, and migration. Additionally, the in ovo antiangiogenic effect has been also examined. The in vitro results indicated concentration-dependent and selective cytotoxicity against both MM cell lines, with estimated IC₅₀ values of 66.59 ± 2.20 for A375, and 45.54 ± 1.48 for RPMI-7951, respectively, accompanied by a reduced cell confluence, apoptosis-specific nuclear features, reorganization of cytoskeletal components, and inhibited cell migration. In ovo, LUP interfered with the process of angiogenesis by reducing the formation of neovascularization. Despite the potential anti-melanoma effect illustrated in our in vitro-in ovo study, further investigations are required to elucidate the underlying LUP-induced effects in A375 and RPMI-7951 MM cells.

Toxicological Profile of Biological Environment of Two Elastodontic Devices

Malocclusion and teething problems are common health problems globally, affecting people of all ages, especially children and adolescents. In addition to the pathophysiological complications associated with orthodontic problems, they also affect the well-being of the individual. Orthodontic appliances are frequently used, even from an early age, and their activity in different biological environments is very varied and incompletely described. Due to these considerations, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the toxicological profile of the biological environment (saliva at three pH values: 3, 7, and 10) of two elastodontic orthodontic appliances: Myobrace (MB) and LM TrainerTM 2 (LMD). In vitro techniques applied were conducted on human keratinocytes to evaluate cell viability (Alamar blue assay) and gene expression real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR technique). In addition, it was assessed the irritating effect on the vascular plexus using as a biological model the chorioallantoic membrane of the hen’s egg by applying the hen’s egg-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) method. The obtained results showed a decrease in cell viability up to 82% in the case of LMD at pH = 3, a slight increase in mRNA expression for the anti-apoptotic marker (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL), and a decrease in mRNA expression for the pro-apoptotic marker (Bad), and any type of toxic change at the capillary level (irritation score being below 0.9). Based on the data obtained, it can be stated that MB and LMD biological environments, at different pH values, present a safe toxicological profile.

Novel Synthesized N-Ethyl-Piperazinyl-Amides of C2-Substituted Oleanonic and Ursonic Acids Exhibit Cytotoxic Effects through Apoptotic Cell Death Regulation

A series of novel hybrid chalcone N-ethyl-piperazinyl amide derivatives of oleanonic and ursonic acids were synthesized, and their cytotoxic potential was evaluated in vitro against the NCI-60 cancer cell line panel. Compounds 4 and 6 exhibited the highest overall anticancer activity, with GI₅₀ values in some cases reaching nanomolar values. Thus, the two compounds were further assessed in detail in order to identify a possible apoptosis- and antiangiogenic-based mechanism of action induced by the assessed compounds. DAPI staining revealed that both compounds induced nuclei condensation and overall cell morphological changes consistent with apoptotic cell death. rtPCR analysis showed that up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bak gene combined with the down-regulation of the pro-survival Bcl-XL and Bcl-2 genes caused altered ratios between the pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins’ levels, leading to overall induced apoptosis. Molecular docking analysis revealed that both compounds exhibited high scores for Bcl-XL inhibition, suggesting that compounds may induce apoptotic cell death through targeted anti-apoptotic protein inhibition, as well. Ex vivo determinations showed that both compounds did not significantly alter the angiogenesis process on the tested cell lines.

Design, Synthesis and Biological Activity Evaluation of S-Substituted 1H-5-Mercapto-1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives as Antiproliferative Agents in Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer is a widespread pathology with complex biochemical etiology based on a significant number of intracellular signaling pathways that play important roles in carcinogenesis, tumor proliferation and metastasis. These pathways function due to the action of key enzymes that can be used as targets for new anticancer drug development. Herein we report the synthesis and biological antiproliferative evaluation of a series of novel S-substituted 1H-3-R-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles, on a colorectal cancer cell line, HT-29. Synthesized compounds were designed by docking based virtual screening (DBVS) of a previous constructed compound library against protein targets, known for their important role in colorectal cancer signaling: MEK1, ERK2, PDK1, VEGFR2. Among all synthesized structures, TZ55.7, which was retained as a possible PDK1 (phospholipid-dependent kinase 1) inhibitor, exhibited the most significant cytotoxic activity against HT-29 tumor cell line. The same compound alongside other two, TZ53.7 and TZ3a.7, led to a significant cell cycle arrest in both sub G0/G1 and G0/G1 phase. This study provides future perspectives for the development of new agents containing the 1,2,4-mercapto triazole scaffold with antiproliferative activities in colorectal cancer.