Gingerol and/or sorafenib attenuates the DAB-induced HCC and hepatic portal vein dilatation via ATG4/CASP3 and COIIV/COX-2/NF-κB expression

Ginger (Gin) has numerous therapeutic properties. One of Gin's most potent components is 6-gingerol, a naturally occurring phenol. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic impact of gingerol and/or sorafenib on the ATG4/CASP3 and COIIV/COX-2/NF-B Expression as a potential therapy for DAB-induced HCC. Gin was administered to HCC mice induced by p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene (DAB) alone or combined with sorafenib (Sor). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and oxidative stress malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as biochemical markers including AST, ALT, ALP, Albumin, and Bilirubin, were examined. The expression of oncogenes (COIIV, COX-2, NF-κB, and survivin) and tumor suppressor genes (ATG4 and CASP3) was evaluated using qPCR. According to the results, the levels of MDA have been markedly decreased, while SOD and CAT have been increased. Further, the expression levels of tumor suppressor genes were upregulated, whereas the expression levels of oncogene genes were downregulated. Furthermore, in a dose-dependent manner, gingerol has shown the potential to alleviate hepatic portal vein (PV) dilatation and could offer a reliable therapy for HCC. This suggests combining the two compounds may be more effective than alone and that Gin could be a promising therapeutic option for HCC. The binding of Gin and Sor to the active sites of the target genes prevents them from functioning normally, which in turn stops the pathways from carrying out their oncogenic functions. Additionally, COX-2 inhibition reduces the production of certain pro-inflammatory compounds, which further averts oncogenesis. Conclusively, this study indicated that Gin has cytoprotective properties and anti-cancer activity that may be related to controlling oxidative stress. This effect may be achieved by suppressing the COIIV/COX-2/NF-κB pathway and upregulating the ATG4 /CASP3 pathways.

Modulation of the oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis-related genes by dicinnamoyl-L-tartaric acid in liver cancer

Cancer cells can become resistant to existing treatments over time, so it is important to develop new treatments that target different pathways to stay ahead of this resistance. Many cancer treatments have severe side effects that can be debilitating and even life-threatening. Developing drugs that can effectively treat cancer while minimizing the risks of these side effects is essential for improving the quality of life of cancer patients. The study was designed to explore whether the combination of dicinnamoyl-L-tartaric (CLT) and sorafenib ((SOR), an anti-cancer drug)) could be used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the animal model and to assess whether this combination would lead to changes in certain biomarkers associated with the tumour. In this study, 120 male mice were divided into 8 groups of 15 mice each. A number of biochemical parameters were measured, including liver functions, oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, (MDA); nitric oxide (NO)), and antioxidative activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)). Furthermore, the hepatic expressions of Bax, Beclin1, TNF-α, IL1β, and BCl-2 genes were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The combination of SOR and CLT was found to reduce the levels of liver enzymes, such as AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT, and reduce the pathological changes caused by DAB and PB. The upregulation of TNF-α, IL1β, and Bcl-2 genes suggests that the CLT was able to initiate an inflammatory response to combat the tumor, while the downregulation of the Bax and Beclin1 genes indicates that the CLT was able to reduce the risk of apoptosis in the liver. Furthermore, the combination therapy led to increased expression of cytokines, resulting in an enhanced anti-tumor effect.

Diarylheptanoids/sorafenib as a potential anticancer combination against hepatocellular carcinoma: the p53/MMP9 axis of action

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious and potentially fatal form of cancer associated with liver damage. New anticancer drugs are increasingly needed due to the increasing number of cancer cases every year. In this study, diarylheptanoids (DAH) from Alpinia officinarum were examined for their antitumor activity against DAB-induced HCC in mice, as well as their ability to reduce liver damage. Assays for cytotoxicity were conducted using MTT. The DAB-induced HCC Swiss albino male mice were given DAH and sorafenib (SOR) either as single treatments or in combination, and the effects on tumour development and progression were monitored. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were evaluated along with biomarkers of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and GGT). The apoptosis-related gene (CASP8), the apoptosis-related gene (p53), the anti-inflammatory genes (IL-6), the migration-related gene matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP9), and the angiogenesis-related gene vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assessed using qRT-PCR in the hepatic tissue. As a final step, DAH and SOR were docked with CASP8 and MMP9 via molecular docking to propose potential mechanisms of action. Our results revealed that the combination of DAH and SOR has a potent inhibitory effect on the growth and viability of the HepG2 cell line. The outcomes demonstrated that DAH and SOR-treated HCC-bearing mice displayed a reduction in the tumour burden and liver damage as demonstrated by (1) parameters of repaired liver function; (2) low levels of hepatic MDA; (3) elevated levels of hepatic T-SOD; (4) p53, IL-6, CASP8, MMP9, and VEGF downregulation; and (5) enhanced hepatic structure. The best results were revealed in mice that were co-treated with DAH (given orally) and SOR (given intraperitoneally). The docking study also proposed that both DAH and SOR could inhibit CASP8 and MMP9's oncogenic activities and had a high affinity for these enzymes. In conclusion, according to study findings, DAH enhances SOR antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects and identifies their molecular targets. Furthermore, the results revealed that DAH was able to boost the anticancer effects of the drug SOR and reduce liver damage caused by HCC in mice. This suggests that DAH could be a potential therapeutic agent against liver cancer.

An adjuvant effect of Metformin as an anti-fibrotic agent when administered with the anti-schistosomal Praziquantel in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice

Schistosomiasis is the second most common parasitic disease post Malaria around the world. Praziquantel (PZQ) is known as the most efficient anti- schistosomal drug but has no anti-fibrotic effect. Metformin (Met) is a well-known drug for type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Met as anti-schistosomal and anti-fibrotic agents alone or in combination with PZQ treatment. Forty male CD1 mice were divided into four groups (n=10 mice) as following; the first group (Gp1) was served as a negative control. Gp2, Gp3, Gp4, and Gp5 were infected with (60-80) S. mansoni cercariae. After a month of infection, Gp3 was administered orally with PZQ (500 mg/Kg) for 2 consecutive days. Gp4 was administered orally with Met (150 mg/Kg) for 15 consecutive days, and Gp5 was orally administered with PZQ followed by Met for 15 consecutive days at the same doses as in Gp 3 and 4. The results showed that PZQ had potent worms and egg reduction in liver and intestine tissues with no anti-fibrotic effect of the granuloma formation. However, Met or PZQ/Met treatment postinfection led to a reduction in egg count in both liver and intestine tissues with a significant reduction in granuloma site. Treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with Met or PZQ/Met ameliorated the hematological and biochemical alterations induced by S. mansoni infection. Collectively, Met has no anti-schistosomal activity but led to a reduction in egg deposition and showed an anti-fibrotic effect on granulomatous development either when used alone or in combination with PZQ treatment. This study shed light on the possible role of Met as an anti-fibrotic agent when administered with PZQ for S. mansoni infected humans.

Toxicity of bean cooking media containing EDTA in mice

The possible renal and hepatic toxicities of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in bean cooking media were studied using 100 male albino mice. Two sublethal doses of EDTA were used to explore their toxic effects; 20 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, which corresponded to 1/100th and 1/10th of LD₅₀, respectively. Accordingly, the toxicity study was performed using 50 mice, divided into five groups (n = 10/group) as follows: group 1 (Gp1) served as a negative control and was orally administered normal saline; group 2 (Gp2) was administered the bean cooking medium; group 3 (Gp3) was administered EDTA (200 mg/kg); group 4 (Gp4) was administered bean cooking medium containing 20 mg/kg of EDTA; and group 5 (Gp5) was administered bean cooking medium containing 200 mg/kg of EDTA. The results showed no significant changes in liver and kidney functions in Gp2 while Gp3, Gp4, and Gp5 exhibited significant increases in adverse liver and kidney function markers. Hematocrit values were significantly decreased in Gp3 and Gp5, while the total white blood cells counts were significantly decreased in Gp3 and significantly increased in Gp5. The number of platelets was decreased in Gp3, Gp4, and Gp5. The blood levels of sodium (Na⁺), iron (Fe²⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺) were decreased in Gp3, Gp4, and Gp5 due to the chelating effects of EDTA. The hepatic and renal architectures were disorganized in Gp3, Gp4, and Gp5 with some hemorrhagic manifestations in livers and kidneys of mice. These results demonstrate that EDTA in bean cooking is harmful in mice under the conditions of this study, and the potentially harmful effects in humans supports restricting its use.

Cooking with EDTA reduces nutritional value of Vicia faba beans

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Chefs used EDTA to accelerate the cooking time of Vicia faba beans.

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By ESI-MS analysis, disodium EDTA disappeared after cooking process of beans.

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Up on EDTA addition during cooking, essential nutrients changed.

Ethylenediamine terta-acetic acid (EDTA) used to accelerate the cooking process of Vicia (V. faba) beans. In this study, the effect of cooking with EDTA on the nutritional value of V. faba beans was addressed. Water contents, total proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals and amino acids were determined before and after boiling with EDTA (2 g/L). In both of whole beans and seed coats, the water content was increased after boiling with EDTA. In contrast, the levels of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates were significantly decreased in both the whole beans and seed coats upon boiling with EDTA. Furthermore, the levels of sodium were increased while, the levels of other minerals were decreased. All amino acids were significantly decreased in the whole beans and increased in the seed coats after boiling with EDTA. EDTA addition to V. faba beans during the cooking process decreased the nutritional value of the cooked V. faba beans.