The Potential Pharmacological Effects of Natural Product Withaferin A in Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges for Clinical Translation

Cancer is one of the biggest health concerns with a complex pathophysiology. Currently, available chemotherapeutic drugs are showing deleterious side effects, and tumors often show resistance to treatment. Hence, extensive research is required to develop new treatment strategies to fight against cancer. Natural resources from plants are at the forefront of hunting novel drugs to treat various types of cancers. Withaferin A (WA) is a naturally occurring withanolide, a biologically active component obtained from the plant Ashwagandha. Various in vitro and in vivo oncological studies have reported that Withaferin A (WA) has shown protection from cancer. WA shows its activity by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of malignant cells, apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis, metastasis, and cancer stem cells (CSCs). In addition, WA also showed chemo- and radio-sensitizing properties. Besides the beneficiary pharmacological activities of WA, a few aspects like pharmacokinetic properties, safety, and toxicity studies are still lacking, hindering this potent natural product from entering clinical development. In this review, we have summarized the various pharmacological mechanisms shown by WA in in vitro and in vivo cancer studies and the challenges that must be overcome for this potential natural product's clinical translation to be effective.

High mobility group box 1 cytokine targeted topical delivery of resveratrol embedded nanoemulgel for the management of atopic dermatitis

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound showing anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of high mobility group box 1 cytokine responsible for the activation of nuclear factor-κB pathway in atopic dermatitis. To evaluate the efficacy of resveratrol through topical route we have developed resveratrol-loaded nanoemulgel for the effective management of atopic dermatitis in mice model. The resveratrol-loaded nanoemulsion (0.5%, 0.75% and 1% w/w) was optimized by spontaneous nano-emulsification. The optimized resveratrol-loaded nanoemulsions showed average globule size in the 180-230 nm range and found to be monodispersed. The resveratrol nanoemulgel was prepared with a SEPINEO™ P 600 gel base and propylene glycol. Ex vivo permeation and retention study resulted in significantly higher skin retention of resveratrol from resveratrol-loaded nanoemulgel than free resveratrol-loaded gel. Preclinical efficacy of resveratrol nanoemulgel displayed promising therapeutic outcomes where, western blotting of skin tissues disclosed a significant reduction in the relative expression of high mobility group box 1, the receptor for advanced glycation end products, toll-like receptor-4 and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB. Further, real-time polymerase chain reaction also disclosed a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as thymic stromal lymphopoietin, interleukin-4, interleukin-13, interleukin-31, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. The histopathological examination of skin sections showed improvement in the skin condition. Collectively, the findings from our study showcased the significant improvement in the atopic dermatitis skin condition in mice model after topical application of resveratrol loaded nanoemulgel.

Anti-melanoma and antioxidant properties of the methanol extract from the leaves of Phragmenthera capitata (Spreng.) Balle and Globimetula braunii (Engl.) Van Tiegh

OBJECTIVES

Phragmenthera capitata (Spreng.) Balle and Globimetula braunii (Engler.) Van Tiegh are African mistletoe traditionally used in cancers treatment. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the anti-melanoma potential of the methanol extract of Phragmenthera capitata (Spreng.) Balle (PCMe-OH) and Globimetula braunii (Engler.) (GBMe-OH) Van Tiegh.

METHODS

Antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP and hydroxyl assays. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents was also determined. MTT assay was used to estimate the effects on cell viability using SK-MLE28 and B16-F10 cell lines. Colony formation and wound healing were also assessed. Fluorometry methods were used for qualitative analysis of apoptosis and estimate ROS production. Western blot analysis was used for protein expression.

RESULTS

Phragmenthera capitata (PCMe-OH) showed the highest antioxidant activity and possess the highest phenolic contents (1,490.80 ± 55 mgGAE/g extract) in comparison with G. braunii (GBMe-OH) and (1,071.40 ± 45 mgGAE/g extract). Flavonoid content was similar in both extracts (11.63 ± 5.51 mg CATE/g of extract and 12.46 ± 2.58 mg CATE/g of extract respectively). PC-MeOH showed the highest cytotoxicity effect (IC50 of 55.35 ± 1.17 μg/mL) and exhibited anti-migrative potential on B16-F10 cells. Furthermore, PC-MeOH at 55.35 and 110.7 μg/mL; promoted apoptosis-induced cell death in B16-F10 cells by increasing intracellular ROS levels and reducing Bcl-2 expression level at 110.7 μg/mL. Significant upregulation of P-PTEN expression was recorded with PC-MeOH at 110.7 μg/mL; inhibiting therefore PI3K/AKT/m-Tor signaling pathway. Moreover, at 55.37 μg/mL significant reduction of c-myc and cyclin D1 was observed; dysregulating the MAPK kinase signaling pathway and cell cycle progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Phragmenthera capitata may be developed into selective chemotherapy to fight against melanoma.

Multifunctional Wound Curation Dressing Material FemuFrost─An Antioxidant-Loaded Nanoemulsion Frosted Patch of Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Hyaluronic Acid

The wound curation dressing material should own explicit elements to aggrandize wound cessation. The cryogel of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) is deemed to promote the angiogenesis, production of extracellular matrix components, granulation, and epithelialization. The research aims to tailor and evaluate the composite PVA/HA cryogel ingrained ferulic acid-loaded nanoemulsion patch labeled as PH-FemuFrost to improve the therapeutic properties and mechanical strength of the patches. The PH-FemuFrost exhibited a water uptake capacity of 268 ± 15.07%, porosity of 70.52 ± 7.4%, and 48.62 ± 2.2% in vitro degradation. The texture analysis revealed the improved mechanical properties of PH-FemuFrost in terms of burst strength and stiffness. The PH-FemuFrost exhibited in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans species. The wound healing efficiency of PH-FemuFrost patches was significantly increased than blank PVA-HA patches. The groups treated with PH-FemuFrost exhibited a dense network of collagen type 1 in comparison to negative and PVA-HA groups. The normal skin and healed skin exhibited parallel arrangement of type I collagen fibers toward the skin. The levels of inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 (p value < 0.0001), IL-22 (p value 0.0098), and TNF-α levels (p value < 0.0001) of PH-FemuFrost is significantly reduced compared to the negative group.

Triazolo-linked benzimidazoles as tubulin polymerization inhibitors and DNA intercalators: Design, synthesis, cytotoxicity, and docking studies

A simple "click" protocol was employed in the quest of synthesizing 1,2,3-triazole-linked benzimidazoles as promising anticancer agents on various human cancer cell lines such as A549, HCT116, SK-Mel-28, HT-29, and MCF-7. Compound 12j demonstrated significant cytotoxic potential towards SK-Mel-28 cancer cells (IC₅₀ : 4.17 ± 0.09 µM) and displayed no cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ : > 100 µM) against normal human BEAS-2B cells inferring its safety towards normal healthy cells. Further to comprehend the underlying apoptosis mechanisms, AO/EB, dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA), and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining were performed, which revealed the nuclear and morphological alterations. Compound 12j displayed impairment in cellular migration and inhibited colony formation. The annexin V binding assay and JC-1 were implemented to evaluate the scope of apoptosis and the loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential in SK-Mel-28 cells. Cell-cycle analysis revealed that compound 12j arrested the cells at the G2/M phase in a dose-dependent manner. Target-based assays established the inhibition of tubulin polymerization by 12j at an IC₅₀ value of 5.65  ± 0.05 μM and its effective binding with circulating tumor DNA as a DNA intercalator. The detailed binding interactions of 12j with tubulin and DNA were examined by docking studies on PDB ID: 3E22 and DNA hexamer (PDB ID: 1NAB), respectively.

Thymoquinone-Loaded Essential Oil-Based Emulgel as an Armament for Anti-psoriatic Activity

Essential oils consist of oxygenated structures of secondary metabolites of aromatic plants with anti-psoriatic activities. Tea tree oil (TTO) is an essential oil with good anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, exhibiting reduced levels of IL-1, IL-8, and PGE 2. Thymoquinone (TMQ) is popular herb in traditional medicine with known therapeutic benefits in several diseases and ailments. The ternary phase diagram was prepared with the weight ratio of S_mix (Tween® 80:Labrasol®): oil:water ratio for o/w emulsion preparation. The globule size was 16.54 ± 0.13 nm, and PDI around 0.22 ± 0.01 of the TTO-TMQ emulsion and found thermodynamically stable. The percentage drug content was found in the range of 98.97 ± 0.62 to 99.45 ± 0.17% with uniformity of the ThymoGel using Carbopol®. The extensive physicochemical properties were studied using different analytical techniques, and in vitro drug release was performed using Franz-diffusion apparatus. Anti-psoriatic activity of the formulations was studied using Imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation model in male Balb/c mice and parameters like PASI score, ear thickness, and spleen to body weight index were determined as well as histological staining, ELISA, skin compliance, and safety evaluation of TTO were performed. The combination of essential oils with TMQ shows synergistic activity and efficiently reduces the psoriasis disease condition.

Selenium nanoparticles produce a beneficial effect in psoriasis by reducing epidermal hyperproliferation and inflammation

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. Wide treatment options used to treat psoriasis is associated with various adverse effects. To overcome this nanoformulation is prepared. Selenium is an essential trace element and plays major role in oxidation reduction system. Toxicity and stability limits the applications of selenium. Toxicity can be reduced and stabilized upon preparation into nanoparticles.

Results

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) exhibit potent apoptosis through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with cell cycle arrest. SeNPs topical gel application produced significant attenuation of psoriatic severity with the abrogation of acanthosis and splenomegaly. SeNPs reduced the phosphorylation and expressions of MAPKs, STAT3, GSK-3β, Akt along with PCNA, Ki67, and cyclin-D1.

Conclusion

SeNPs inhibit various inflammation and proliferation mediated pathways and could be an ideal candidate for psoriasis therapy.

Materials and methods

SeNPs were characterized and various techniques were used to determine apoptosis and other molecular mechanisms. In vivo studies were performed by inducing psoriasis with imiquimod (IMQ). SeNPs were administered via topical route.

Graphic Abstract

BRD4 targeting nanotherapy prevents lipopolysaccharide induced acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life threatening respiratory disease associated with pulmonary edema, alveolar dysfunction, hypoxia, and inflammatory cell accumulation. The most contagious form of COVID-19 associated with ARDS caused by SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 majorly produces the cytokine storm and severe lung inflammation and ultimately leads to respiratory failure. ARDS is a complex disease and there is no proper therapeutics for effective therapy. Still, there is a huge scope to identify novel targets to combat respiratory illness. In the current study, we have identified the epigenetic regulating protein BRD4 and developed siRNA based nanomedicine to treat the ARDS. The liposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method, where BRD4 siRNA complexed with cationic lipid and exhibited 96.24 ± 18.01 nm size and stable even in the presence of RNase. BRD4 siRNA lipoplexes (BRD4-siRNA-LP) inhibited inflammatory cells in lungs and suppressed the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced the neutrophil infiltration and mast cell accumulation. Also, BRD4 siRNA based nanomedicine significantly reduced the LPS induced cytokine storm followed by inflammatory signaling pathways. Interestingly, BRD4-siRNA-LP suppressed the LPS-induced p65 and STAT3 nuclear translocation and ameliorated the lung inflammation. Thus, BRD4-siRNA-LP could be a plausible therapeutic option for treating ARDS and might be useful for combating the COVID-19 associated respiratory illness.

Targeting H3K9 methyltransferase G9a and its related molecule GLP as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer

H3K9 methyltransferase (G9a) and its relevant molecule GLP are the SET domain proteins that specifically add mono, di and trimethyl groups on to the histone H3K9, which lead to the transcriptional inactivation of chromatin and reduce the expression of cancer suppressor genes, which trigger growth and progress of several cancer types. Various studies have demonstrated that overexpression of H3K9 methyltransferase G9a and GLP in different kinds of tumors, like lung, breast, bladder, colon, cervical, gastric, skin cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma and hematological malignancies. Several G9a and GLP inhibitors such as BIX-01294, UNC0642, A-366 and DCG066 were developed to combat various cancers; however, there is a need for more effective and less toxic compounds. The current molecular docking study suggested that the selected new compounds such as ninhydrin, naphthoquinone, cysteamine and disulfide cysteamine could be suitable molecules as a G9a and GLP inhibitors. Furthermore, detailed cell based and preclinical animal studies are required to confirm their properties. In the current review, we discussed the role of G9a and GLP mediated epigenetic regulation in the cancers. A thorough literature review was done related to G9a and GLP. The databases used extensively for retrieval of information were PubMed, Medline, Scopus and Science-direct. Further, molecular docking was performed using Maestro Schrodinger version 9.2 software to investigate the binding profile of compounds with Human G9a HMT (PDB ID: 3FPD, 3RJW) and Human GLP MT (PDB ID: 6MBO, 6MBP).