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Guo X, Zhang RR, Sun JY, Liu Y, Yuan XS, Chen YY, Sun H, Liu C. The molecular mechanism of action for the potent antitumor component extracted using supercritical fluid extraction from Croton crassifolius root. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:117835. [PMID: 38490290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The root of Croton crassifolius has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), called Radix Croton Crassifolius, and commonly known as "Ji Gu Xiang" in Chinese. Its medicinal value has been recorded in several medical books or handbooks, such as "Sheng Cao Yao Xing Bei Yao", "Ben Cao Qiu Yuan" and "Zhong Hua Ben Cao". It has been traditional employed for treating sore throat, stomach-ache, rheumatism and cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY At present, there are limited studies on the evaluation of low-polarity extracts of roots in C. crassifolius. Consequently, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor effect of the low-polarity extract of C. crassifolius root. MATERIALS AND METHODS Extracts were obtained by supercritical fluid extraction. The extracts were tested for antitumor effects in vitro on several cancer cell lines. A CCK-8 kit was used for further analysis of cell viability. A flow cytometer and propidium iodide staining were used to evaluate the cell cycle and apoptosis. Hoechst staining, JC-1 staining and the fluorescence probe DCFH-DA were used to evaluate apoptotic cells. Molecular mechanisms of action were analyzed by quantitative RT‒PCR and Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was used for the evaluation of xenograft tumors in male BALB/c mice. Finally, molecular docking was employed to predict the bond between the desired bioactive compound and molecular targets. RESULTS Eleven diterpenoids were isolated from low-polarity C. crassifolius root extracts. Among the compounds, chettaphanin II showed the strongest activity (IC50 = 8.58 μM) against A549 cells. Evaluation of cell viability and the cell cycle showed that Chettaphanin II reduced A549 cell proliferation and induced G2/M-phase arrest. Chttaphanin II significantly induced apoptosis in A549 cells, which was related to the level of apoptosis-related proteins. The growth of tumor tissue was significantly inhibited by chettaphanin II in experiments performed on naked mice. The antitumor mechanism of chettaphanin II is that it can obstruct the mTOR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in A549 cells. Molecular docking established that chettaphanin II could bind to the active sites of Bcl-2 and Bax. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the natural diterpenoid chettaphanin II was identified as the major antitumor active component, and its potential for developing anticancer therapies was demonstrated for the first time by antiproliferation evaluation in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Guo
- Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province/Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202 Gongye North Road, Jinan, PR China.
| | - Rui-Rui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province/Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202 Gongye North Road, Jinan, PR China.
| | - Jin-Yue Sun
- Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province/Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202 Gongye North Road, Jinan, PR China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Tai'an City Central Hospital, Tai'an, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xian-Shun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No.324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Ying-Ying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province/Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202 Gongye North Road, Jinan, PR China.
| | - Hui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province/Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202 Gongye North Road, Jinan, PR China.
| | - Chao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province/Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202 Gongye North Road, Jinan, PR China.
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Strzelecka M, Wiatrak B, Jawień P, Czyżnikowska Ż, Świątek P. New Schiff bases derived from dimethylpyridine-1,2,4-triazole hybrid as cytotoxic agents targeting gastrointestinal cancers: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies. Bioorg Chem 2023; 139:106758. [PMID: 37540951 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
In this research, a series of novel hybrid structures of dimethylpyridine-1,2,4-triazole Schiff bases were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic potency on several human gastrointestinal cancer cells (EPG, Caco-2, LoVo, LoVo/Dx, HT29) and normal colonic epithelial cells (CCD 841 CoN). Schiff base 4h was the most potent compound against gastric EPG cancer cells (CC50 = 12.10 ± 3.10 μM), being 9- and 21-fold more cytotoxic than 5-FU and cisplatin, respectively. Moreover, it was not toxic to normal cells. Regarding the cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cells, compounds 4d and 4l exhibited good activity against HT29 cells (CC50 = 52.80 ± 2.80 μM and 61.40 ± 10.70 μM, respectively), and were comparable to or more potent than cisplatin and 5-FU. Also, they were less toxic to normal cells with a higher selectivity index (SI, CCD 841 CoN/HT29 = 4.20 and 2.85, respectively) than reference drugs (SI, CCD 841 CoN/HT29 < 1). Selected Schiff bases were subjected to the P-glycoprotein inhibition assay. Schiff bases 4d, 4e, and 4l influenced P-gp efflux function, significantly increasing the accumulation of rhodamine 123 in colon cancer cell lines. Further mechanistic studies showed that compound 4l induced apoptotic cell death through a caspase-dependent mechanism and by regulating the p53-MDM2 signaling pathway in HT29 cells. Also, physicochemical predictions of compounds 4d, 4e, 4h, and 4i were examined in silico. The results revealed that the compounds possessed promising drug-likeness profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Strzelecka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Benita Wiatrak
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Jawień
- Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25/27, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Czyżnikowska
- Department of Basic Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211a, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Świątek
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland.
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Khaleghi M, Khorrami S, Jafari-Nasab T. Pediococcus acidilactici isolated from traditional cheese as a potential probiotic with cytotoxic activity against doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 cells. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:170. [PMID: 37188290 PMCID: PMC10169992 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The considerable flexibility of cancerous cells to escape from chemical and biological drugs makes it clear that much is to be done to control and eliminate such cells. Probiotic bacteria, in this regard, have shown promising performance. In this study, we isolated and characterized lactic acid bacteria from traditional cheese. Then we evaluated their activity against doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/DOX) through MTT assay, Annexin V/PI protocol, real-time PCR, and western blotting. Among the isolates, one strain with more than 97% similarity with Pediococcus acidilactici showed considerable probiotics properties. Low pH, high bile salts, and NaCl could not significantly affect this strain while it was susceptible to antibiotics. Also, it had a potent antibacterial activity. Besides, the cell-free supernatant of this strain (CFS) significantly reduced the viability of MCF-7 and MCF-7/DOX cancerous cells (to about 10% and 25%, respectively), while it was safe for normal cells. Also, we found that CFS could regulate the Bax/Bcl-2 at mRNA and protein levels to induce apoptosis in drug-resistant cells. We determined 75% early apoptosis, 10% late apoptosis, and 15% necrosis in the cells treated with the CFS. These findings can accelerate the development of probiotics as promising alternative treatments to overcome drug-resistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moj Khaleghi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sadegh Khorrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Jafari-Nasab
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
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Sharma D, Mishra A. Apoptosis induction in leukemic cells by L-asparaginase preparation from Bacillus indicus: bench-scale production, purification and therapeutic application. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:21. [PMID: 36568498 PMCID: PMC9772365 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03440-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the emergence of multiple side effects on the usage of commercial L-asparaginase formulations, keen interest is provoked to investigate new sources of L-asparaginases that possess antileukemic properties with minimal side effects. The present study reports the cost-effective bench-scale production, homogeneity purification and apoptosis induction potential of a new L-asparaginase preparation from Bacillus indicus against human leukemia cells. The enzyme is highly specific toward the natural substrate L-asparagine. The study initiated with the enzyme production using cost-effective substrates in which a 3.28-fold enhancement of enzyme activity was achieved in comparison with an unoptimized medium using the central composite experimental design approach. The scale-up of the process in a 3.7-L batch bioreactor resulted in 16.42 ± 0.17 IU/mL of L-asparaginase activity in 24 h. The crude extracellular enzyme was purified to homogeneity using anion exchange chromatography followed by gel filtration chromatography. A single band of approximately 35 kDa molecular weight was obtained on SDS-PAGE, while native PAGE analysis confirmed it to be a tetramer of four identical subunits. The circular dichroism spectroscopic study revealed the α + β mixed type of secondary structure with 38.7% α-helices and 27.4% β pleated sheets. The antitumor toxicity exhibited on the MOLT-4 leukemia cells by the new L-asparaginase was revealed using the MTT assay and acridine orange/propidium iodide dual staining for live/dead cells. The flow cytometry analysis established the potential of the purified L-asparaginase to induce the apoptotic cell death mechanism in MOLT-4 leukemia cells. Conclusively, the L-asparaginase of Bacillus indicus is a highly promising candidate that can be introduced as a new enzyme therapeutic against various leukemia disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepankar Sharma
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Abha Mishra
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, 221005 India
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Jiang Y, Shang Z, Lv X, Du M, Ma L, Hou G, Chen J, Wang C, Zhao F. Structure elucidation and antitumor activity of a water soluble polysaccharide from Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 292:119718. [PMID: 35725190 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sea urchin nowadays serves as a delicacy around the world, and its gonads accumulate abundant polysaccharides before gametogenesis. However, the structure and bioactivity of these polysaccharides remain less well understood. Herein, a water soluble polysaccharide (HPP-1S) with a molecular weight of 2.996 × 107 Da was purified from the gonads of Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus. Chemical, spectroscopic and oligosaccharide sequencing analyses revealed that HPP-1S was a highly homogeneous polysaccharide featuring a linear backbone of 1,4-linked α-d-glucose with 1,6-α-d-glucose and 1,6-α-D-glucuronic acid side chains grafted on the backbone in an alternating pattern. In vitro, HPP-1S can arrest the cell cycle at G2/M and sub-G1 phases, and induce apoptosis in Hela cells potentially by increasing expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. In vivo, HPP-1S exhibited obvious antitumor efficacy in Hela xenograft-bearing nude mice with low toxicity. These findings indicated that HPP-1S might serve as a potential low toxic antitumor agent.
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Qin YL, Zhang SB, Lv YY, Zhai HC, Hu YS, Cai JP. The antifungal mechanisms of plant volatile compound 1-octanol against Aspergillus flavus growth. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022. [PMID: 35779097 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12049-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The exploitation of active ingredients from plant volatile organic compounds as natural gaseous fungicides shows remarkable potential for controlling fungal decay in postharvest agroproducts. Although 1-octanol is a common component of cereal volatiles, its antifungal potency against spoilage fungi in postharvest grains remains unclear. In this study, we studied the effectiveness of 1-octanol against Aspergillus flavus growth in postharvest grains and its mechanisms of action. 1-Octanol vapor and liquid contact dose-dependently inhibited A. flavus spore germination and mycelial growth at a low concentration. The simulated storage experiment demonstrated that 300 μL/L of 1-octanol vapor completely controlled A. flavus growth in wheat, corn, and paddy grains with 20% moisture content. 1-Octanol treatment irreversibly damaged the conidial and mycelial morphology of A. flavus and caused electrolyte leakage due to reduced plasma membrane integrity. It induced apoptosis along with morphological abnormalities, phosphatidylserine externalization, mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, and DNA fragmentation in A. flavus cells. Metabolomic analysis revealed that 1-octanol treatment disrupted the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, ATP-binding cassette transporters, amino acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. This study demonstrated the promising application potential of 1-octanol as a biofumigant for preventing fungal spoilage of postharvest cereal grains. KEY POINTS: • (1) 1-Octanol inhibits Aspergillus flavus growth in the vapor phase and liquid contact; • (2) 1-Octanol damages membrane integrity and induces apoptosis of A. flavus; • (3) Metabolomic changes in A. flavus mycelia were analyzed after 1-octanol treatment.
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Hamidi R, Ataei F, Hosseinkhani S. Inhibition of noncaspase proteases, calpain and proteasome, via ALLN and Bortezomib contributes to cell death through low degradation of pro-/anti-apoptotic proteins and apoptosis induction. Med Oncol 2022; 39:125. [PMID: 35716322 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01716-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction at any regulatory point along the apoptotic signaling pathway is closely related to many diseases including cancers. The apoptotic protein expression level is an important cause of cancer-related death, and the correct degradation of apoptotic proteins is involved in tumor development. Therefore, understanding of a regulatory point that underlying cancer-related death may help the development of new strategies to overcome the clinical challenges. Here, proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib and calpain inhibitor ALLN were examined on protein levels of caspase-3, caspase-9, XIAP, and E3-ligase PARC in HEK293T cells overexpressing XIAP and caspase-9. ATP depletion and caspase-3 activation were as a consequence of Bortezomib and ALLN function. Higher numbers of PI-stained cells provided evidence of cell death by both inhibitors. Western blotting analysis showed that both ALLN and Bortezomib equally inhibited degradation of XIAP, but only ALLN was effective at inhibiting caspase proteolytic degradation. Moreover, treatment of cells with both types of inhibitors significantly increased the level of E3-ligase PARC. Our findings showed that inhibition of proteasome and calpains enhanced the level of anti-apoptotic, XIAP and PARC, and pro-apoptotic, caspase-9 and 3 proteins, which totally promote cell death significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghaye Hamidi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farangis Ataei
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saman Hosseinkhani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Benedetti S, Catalani S, Canonico B, Nasoni MG, Luchetti F, Papa S, Potenza L, Palma F. The effects of Acyclovir administration to NCI-H1975 non-small cell lung cancer cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 79:105301. [PMID: 34923092 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The biochemical mechanisms by which the antiviral drug Acyclovir (ACV) may induce anticancer effects even without detecting human herpesviruses (HHVs) are still poorly understood. Herein, we investigated for the first time how NCI-H1975 non-small cell lung cancer cells responded in vitro to ACV administration by exploring mitochondrial damage and apoptosis induction. We confirmed ACV ability to cause the inhibition of cancer cell growth even without detecting intracellular HHVs; the drug also significantly inhibited the colony formation capacity of NCI-H1975 cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed an increase of the sub-G1 hypodiploid peak after ACV treatment; the activation of caspase-3 and the presence of DNA laddering sustained the capacity of the drug to induce apoptotic cell death. Regarding mitochondrial toxicity, a reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, altered mitochondrial size and shape, and mtDNA damage were found after ACV administration. Furthermore, an increment of intracellular reactive oxygen species levels as well as the upregulation of NudT3 involved in DNA repair mechanisms were observed. Altogether, these findings suggest that mitochondria may be possible initial targets and/or sites of ACV cytotoxicity within cancer cells in the absence of intracellular HHVs.
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Dar'in D, Kantin G, Kalinin S, Sharonova T, Bunev A, Ostapenko GI, Nocentini A, Sharoyko V, Supuran CT, Krasavin M. Investigation of 3-sulfamoyl coumarins against cancer-related IX and XII isoforms of human carbonic anhydrase as well as cancer cells leads to the discovery of 2-oxo-2H-benzo[h]chromene-3-sulfonamide - A new caspase-activating proapoptotic agent. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 222:113589. [PMID: 34147910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Herein we report the synthesis of a set of seventeen 3-sulfonamide substituted coumarin derivatives. Prepared compounds were tested in vitro for inhibition of four physiologically relevant isoforms of the metalloenzyme human carbonic anhydrase (hCA, EC 4.2.1.1). Several coumarin sulfonamides displayed low nanomolar KI values against therapeutically relevant hCA II, IX, and XII, whereas they did not potently inhibit hCA I. Some of these compounds exerted a concentration-dependent antiproliferative action toward RT4 human bladder cancer and especially A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cell lines. In the meantime, the viability of non-tumorigenic hTERT immortalized human foreskin fibroblast cell line Bj-5ta was not significantly affected by the obtained derivatives. Interestingly, compound 10q (2-oxo-2H-benzo [h]chromene-3-sulfonamide) showed a profound and selective dose-dependent inhibition of A431 cell growth with low nanomolar IC50 values. We demonstrated that 10q possessed a concentration-dependent apoptosis induction activity associated with caspase 3/7 activation in cancer cells. As carbonic anhydrase isoforms in question were not potently inhibited by this compound, its antiproliferative effects likely involve other mechanisms, such as DNA intercalation. Compound 10q clearly represents a viable lead for further development of new-generation anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Dar'in
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation
| | - Grigory Kantin
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation
| | - Stanislav Kalinin
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation
| | - Tatiana Sharonova
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander Bunev
- Medicinal Chemistry Center, Togliatti State University, Togliatti, 445020, Russian Federation
| | - Gennady I Ostapenko
- Medicinal Chemistry Center, Togliatti State University, Togliatti, 445020, Russian Federation
| | - Alessio Nocentini
- Neurofarba Department, Universita Degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, 50019, Italy
| | - Vladimir Sharoyko
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Universita Degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, 50019, Italy.
| | - Mikhail Krasavin
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation.
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Yarley OPN, Kojo AB, Zhou C, Yu X, Gideon A, Kwadwo HH, Richard O. Reviews on mechanisms of in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activities of water-soluble plant polysaccharides. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 183:2262-71. [PMID: 34062158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Degenerative diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and antimicrobial resistance are becoming prominent health problems needing utmost public health attention. Curative interventions such as the use of pharmaceutical drugs and alternative plant medicines are increasingly being explored. Plant polysaccharides have gained attention for their promising bioactivities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Bioactive plant polysaccharides are also being preferred for their relatively few side effects compared to conventional pharmaceuticals. The elucidation of the bioactive potential of plant polysaccharides in disease treatment entails an understanding of the factors that determine their biofunctional properties using functional and mechanistic assays. This review summarizes the literature on the composition, structural, functional, and mechanistic determinations of the antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activities of plant polysaccharides. The outcome of this review highlights the leading trends in the elucidation of the antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activities of plant polysaccharides and underscores the promising health benefits of plant polysaccharides.
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Mehdizadeh K, Ataei F, Hosseinkhani S. Treating MCF7 breast cancer cell with proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib restores apoptotic factors and sensitizes cell to Docetaxel. Med Oncol 2021; 38:64. [PMID: 33904968 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01509-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is the leading cause of limiting long-term treatment success in cancer cells. Anticancer drugs usually kill cells through apoptosis induction and defects in this signaling pathway lead to chemoresistance. Apoptotic protease activating factor 1 regulates cellular stress evoked by chemotherapeutic agents through facilitating apoptosome assembling but can be degraded by proteasome. This study examined the role of proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib in the cytotoxic effects of Docetaxel on MCF7 cells response and its correlation with Apaf-1 expression level. MTT assay, caspase 3/7 activity assay, propidium iodide staining, adenosine triphosphate and reactive oxygen species amount measurements were utilized to demonstrate the role of Bortezomib in Docetaxel efficacy with and without Apaf-1 overexpressing. Meanwhile, two-dimensional cell migration assay was performed by scratch wound assay. The combination of Docetaxel with Bortezomib was significantly more cytotoxic compared single drug, more effectively delayed cell growth, reduced ATP level and increased ROS production. In Apaf-1 overexpressing, Docetaxel was more efficient in preventing cell migration, however, Docetaxel plus Bortezomib were not significantly effective; and fluorescence images supported the interpretation. Our findings demonstrated MCF7 resistance to Docetaxel is due in part to low Apaf-1 level and Apaf-1 overexpression resulted in the increase of cell susceptibility to Docetaxel stimulus. We assume that proteasome inhibitor may restore apoptotic proteins like Apaf-1 and prevent the degradation of cytosolic cytochrome c released by Docetaxel, consequently triggering intrinsic apoptosis and promoting cancer cell death. Collectively, treating MCF7 breast cells with proteasome inhibitor sensitizes cells to Docetaxel-induced apoptosis and possibly overcomes chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayhan Mehdizadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farangis Ataei
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saman Hosseinkhani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Menezes JCJMDS, Diederich MF. Bioactivity of natural biflavonoids in metabolism-related disease and cancer therapies. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105525. [PMID: 33667686 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Natural biflavonoids, such as amentoflavone, bilobetin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, taiwaniaflavone, morelloflavone, delicaflavone, hinokiflavone, and other derivatives (~ 40 biflavonoids), are isolated from Selaginella sp., Ginkgo biloba, Garcinia sp., and several other species of plants. They are able to exert therapeutic benefits by regulating several proteins/enzymes (PPAR-γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α [C/EBPα], STAT5, pancreatic lipase, PTP1B, fatty acid synthase, α-glucosidase [AG]) and insulin signaling pathways (via PI3K-AKT), which are linked to metabolism, cell growth, and cell survival mechanisms. Deregulated insulin signaling can cause complications of obesity and diabetes, which can lead to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia; therefore, the therapeutic benefits of these biflavones in these areas are highlighted. Since biflavonoids have shown potential to regulate metabolism, growth- and survival-related protein/enzymes, their relation to tumor growth and metastasis of cancer associated with angiogenesis are highlighted. The translational role of biflavones in cancer with respect to the inhibition of metabolism-related processes/pathways, enzymes, or proteins, such as STAT3/SHP-1/PTEN, kinesins, tissue kallikreins, aromatase, estrogen, protein modifiers, antioxidant, autophagy, and apoptosis induction mechanisms, are discussed. Finally, considering their observed bioactivity potential, oral bioavailability studies of biflavones and related clinical trials are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- José C J M D S Menezes
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo, Nagasaki 859-3298, Japan
| | - Marc F Diederich
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea.
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Al-Shun SA, El-Senduny FF, Ismail MA, El-Sayed WM, Badria FA, Youssef MM. Anticancer activity of new cationic arylthiophenes against hepatocellular carcinoma. Life Sci 2021; 269:119028. [PMID: 33444618 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cancer-related death in the world. No effective curative option exists for the treatment of HCC. The available drugs exhibit severe toxic effects and low therapeutic index. AIM This work aimed to examine different monocationic arylthiophene derivatives for possible use as chemotherapeutic agents against HCC. METHODS The IC50 values for the compounds were determined. The mechanism of cytotoxicity was further investigated using different methods. RESULTS Compound 2j proved to retain the highest cytotoxicity in comparison to as a positive control. The selectivity index of compound 2j revealed the safety to normal cells. Moreover, compound 2j was able to inhibit HepG2 cells´ migration and division. The anticancer effect of compound 2j was found to be partially via cell cycle arrest, activation of the tumour suppressor p53 protein, and induction of apoptosis via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Compound 2j has a potential sensitization activity and significantly reduced the IC50 values for the anticancer drugs doxorubicin, cisplatin, and taxol. CONCLUSION The tested arylthiophenes showed a potent cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells and were safe to normal cells. The most active compound 2j was found to be able to inhibit cell division and migration and also to induce apoptosis. Compound 2j also proved to have a sensitization effect on standard anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Al-Shun
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Fardous F El-Senduny
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed A Ismail
- Division of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Wael M El-Sayed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia 11566, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Farid A Badria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Magdy M Youssef
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
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Mazloum-Ravasan S, Madadi E, Mohammadi A, Mansoori B, Amini M, Mokhtarzadeh A, Baradaran B, Darvishi F. Yarrowia lipolytica L-asparaginase inhibits the growth and migration of lung (A549) and breast (MCF7) cancer cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 170:406-14. [PMID: 33358949 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
L-asparaginase is an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia. L-asparaginase is widely used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and other cancers. Here, for the first time, the effects of a novel yeast L-asparaginase from Yarrowia lipolytica were studied on human lung (A549) and breast cancer (MCF7) cell lines as the solid cancer cell lines in terms of cell growth and metastasis inhibition. Functional analysis showed the L-asparagine deprivation mediated anti-proliferation effects by apoptosis induction and changes in the expression of target genes involved in apoptosis and migration pathways. The qRT-PCR analysis showed the higher expression levels of pro-apoptosis genes, including Bax, P53, caspase 3, caspase 8, and down-regulation of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic gene in treated cells. On the other hand, there was no increase in ROS production in the treated cells. However, L-asparaginase treatment was able to significantly induce autophagy activation in A549 cells. Besides, wound healing assay showed that L-asparaginase could considerably inhibit the migration of A549 and MCF7 cells. Taken together, our results suggested that Yarrowia lipolytica L-asparaginase might be considered for enzyme therapy against breast and lung cancers.
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Turky A, Bayoumi AH, Ghiaty A, El-Azab AS, A-M Abdel-Aziz A, Abulkhair HS. Design, synthesis, and antitumor activity of novel compounds based on 1,2,4-triazolophthalazine scaffold: Apoptosis-inductive and PCAF-inhibitory effects. Bioorg Chem 2020; 101:104019. [PMID: 32615465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The antitumor activity of newly synthesised triazolophthalazines (L-45 analogues) 10-32 was evaluated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG-2), breast cancer (MCF-7), prostate cancer (PC3), and colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) cells. Compounds 17, 18, 25, and 32 showed potent antitumor activity (IC50, 2.83-13.97 μM), similar to doxorubicin (IC50, 4.17-8.87 μM) and afatinib (IC50, 5.4-11.4 μM). HePG2 was inhibited by compounds 10, 17, 18, 25, 26, and 32 (IC50, 3.06-10.5 μM), similar to doxorubicin (IC50, 4.50 μM) and afatinib (IC50, 5.4 μM). HCT-116 and MCF-7 were susceptible to compounds 10, 17, 18, 25, and 32 (IC50, 2.83-10.36 and 5.69-11.36 μM, respectively), similar to doxorubicin and afatinib (IC50 = 5.23 and 4.17, and 11.4 and 7.1 μM, respectively). Compounds 17, 25, and 32 exerted potent activities against PC3 (IC50, 7.56-12.28 μM) compared with doxorubicin (IC50, 8.87 µM) and afatinib (IC50 7.7 μM). Compounds 17 and 32 were the strongest PCAF inhibitors (IC50, 5.31 and 10.30 μM, respectively) and compounds 18 and 25 exhibited modest IC50 values (17.09 and 32.96 μM, respectively) compared with bromosporine (IC50, 5.00 μM). Compound 17 was cytotoxic to HePG2 cells (IC50, 3.06 μM), inducing apoptosis in the pre-G phase and arresting the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Molecular docking for the most active PCAF inhibitors (17 and 32) was performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Turky
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11884, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ashraf H Bayoumi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11884, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Adel Ghiaty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11884, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Adel S El-Azab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa A-M Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hamada S Abulkhair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11884, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University - Egypt, International Costal Road, New Damietta, Egypt.
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Nafie MS, Arafa K, Sedky NK, Alakhdar AA, Arafa RK. Triaryl dicationic DNA minor-groove binders with antioxidant activity display cytotoxicity and induce apoptosis in breast cancer. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 324:109087. [PMID: 32294457 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in cancer treatment modalities, DNA still stands as one of the targets for anticancer agents. DNA minor groove binders (MGBs) represent an important investigational chemotherapeutic class with promising cytotoxic capacity. Herein this study reports the potent cytotoxic effect of a series of repurposed flexible bis-imidamides 1-4, triaryl bis-guanidine 5 and bis-N-substituted guanidines 6,7 having a 1,4-diphenoxybenzene scaffold backbone on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Of these compounds, imidamide 4 was chosen for further in-vitro, in-vivo and molecular dynamics (MD) studies owing to its promising anti-tumor activity, with IC50 values on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines of 1.9 and 2.08 μM, respectively. Annexin V/propidium iodide apoptosis assay revealed apoptosis induction on imidamide 4 treated MCF-7 cells. RT-PCR assay results demonstrated the proapoptotic effect of compound 4 through increase of mRNA levels of the pro-apoptotic genes; p53, PUMA, and Bax, and inhibiting the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene expression in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, compound 4 induced a G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest in MCF-7 in a dose-dependent manner. Corroborating in-vivo experiments on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice, reflected the anticancer strength of derivative 4. For further target validation, molecular dynamics (MD) studies demonstrated an energetically favorable binding of imidamide 4 with the DNA minor groove AT rich site. In effect, imidamide 4 can be viewed as a promising hit dicationic compound with good cytotoxic and apoptotic inducing activity against breast cancer that can be adopted for future optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S Nafie
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Kholoud Arafa
- Center for Materials Science, Zewail City of Science and Technology, 12578, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nada K Sedky
- Drug Design and Discovery Laboratory, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, 12578, Cairo, Egypt; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, East Kantara Branch, New City, El Ismailia, 41611, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira A Alakhdar
- Drug Design and Discovery Laboratory, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, 12578, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem K Arafa
- Drug Design and Discovery Laboratory, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, 12578, Cairo, Egypt; Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, 12578, Cairo, Egypt.
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Abstract
Aim To test the anticancer potential of a combination of thymoquinone (TQ) and melatonin (MLT) against breast cancer implanted in mice. Materials and Methods The antiproliferative activity of TQ, MLT, and their combination was tested against mouse epithelial breast cancer cell line (EMT6/P) using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The combination index (CI) was calculated using isobolographic method. Balb/C mice were transplanted with EMT6/P cell line and in vivo antitumor activity was assessed for TQ, MLT, and their combination. Changes in tumor size were measured for each treatment. Histological examination of tumor sections was performed using standard hematoxylin/eosin staining protocol and TUNEL colorimetric assay was used to test the apoptosis induction ability for all treatments. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in tumor section and ELISA was used to measure serum levels of interferon gamma (INF-γ) and interleukin-4. Serum levels of the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were used as biomarkers of hepatotoxicity of the combination therapy. Results Synergistic anticancer effect was observed between TQ and MLT with CI value of 0.552. The combination of TQ and MLT caused a significant decrease in tumor size with a percentage cure of 60%. The combination therapy induced extensive necrosis, increased apoptosis rate, and decreased VEGF expression in tumor sections. Serum levels of INF-γ were increased in mice treated with combination therapy and AST and ALT levels were close to their normal values. Conclusions The combination TQ and MLT act synergistically to inhibit breast cancer implanted in mice. The anticancer effect of this combination is mediated by induction of apoptosis, angiogenesis inhibition, and activation of T helper 1 anticancer immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Hisham Odeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Wamidh H Talib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Iman A Basheti
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science University, Amman, Jordan
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Arumugam N, Almansour AI, Kumar RS, Al-Thamili DM, Periyasami G, Periasamy VS, Athinarayanan J, Alshatwi AA, Mahalingam SM, Menéndez JC. Regio and stereoselective synthesis of anticancer spirooxindolopyrrolidine embedded piperidone heterocyclic hybrids derived from one-pot cascade protocol. Chem Cent J 2018; 12:95. [PMID: 30173362 PMCID: PMC6119554 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-018-0462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spiropyrrolidine tethered piperidone heterocyclic hybrids were synthesized with complete regio- and stereoselectively in excellent yield via a tandem three-component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and subsequent enamine reaction in [bmim]Br. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity against FaDu hypopharyngeal tumor cells. Findings Interestingly, most compounds displayed cytotoxicities similar to the standard anticancer agent bleomycin, with two of them (5a and 5g) being slightly more active than the reference drug. Conclusion Synthesized compounds have also been evaluated for their apoptosis-inducing properties in a cancer cell model, finding that treatment with compounds 5a–e led to apoptotic cell death.![]() Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13065-018-0462-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natarajan Arumugam
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdulrahman I Almansour
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raju Suresh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dhaifallah M Al-Thamili
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Govindasami Periyasami
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - V S Periasamy
- Nanobiotecnology and Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jegan Athinarayanan
- Nanobiotecnology and Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali A Alshatwi
- Nanobiotecnology and Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - S M Mahalingam
- Department of Atomic and Molecular Physics, MIT Campus, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - J Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Talib WH. Consumption of garlic and lemon aqueous extracts combination reduces tumor burden by angiogenesis inhibition, apoptosis induction, and immune system modulation. Nutrition 2017; 43-44:89-97. [PMID: 28935151 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2017.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dietary agents play an important role in cancer prevention and therapy because of their low toxicity and the perception that they are not a medicine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticancer effect of the administration of garlic and lemon aqueous extracts against breast cancer implanted in mice. METHODS We used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay to determine the antiproliferative effect of both extracts and their combinations. Isobolographic method was used to calculate the combination index. Balb/C mice were inoculated with EMT6/P breast cancer cells and received intragastric administration of one of three treatments (garlic alone, lemon alone, or a combination of both). Change in tumor size and survival rates were measured. TUNEL assay was used to measure apoptosis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Serum levels of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and IL-10 were measured using ELISA and levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and creatinine were determined. RESULTS The combination of both extracts acts synergistically against breast cancer in mice. Of the treated mice, 80% were cured using this combination. This combination inhibited angiogenesis, induced apoptosis, and caused systemic activation in the immune system. CONCLUSIONS The combination of garlic and lemon aqueous extracts represents a promising option to develop an anticancer food for augmenting conventional anticancer therapies. However, further testing is essential to understand the exact molecular mechanisms of this combination and to test its therapeutic effect against other cancer models.
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Cao FJ, Zhu LF, Kuang Q, Li XQ, Zhou BH, Yang XJ, Zhou L. Cytotoxic activity, apoptosis induction and structure-activity relationship of 8-OR-2-aryl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2-ium salts as promising anticancer agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:55-60. [PMID: 27887841 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
As our continuing research, a series of 2-aryl-8-OR-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2-ium bromides were evaluated for cytotoxic activity on cancer cells and apoptosis induction in the present study. SAR was derived also. Among them, 23 compounds showed the higher cytotoxicity on MKN-45 cells with IC50 values of 1.99-11.3μM than a standard anticancer drug cis-platinum (IC50=11.4μM) or their natural model compound chelerythrine (IC50=12.7μM); 16 compounds possessed the medium to high activity on NB4 cells with IC50 values of 1.67-4.62μM. SAR analysis showed that both substitution patterns of the N-aromatic ring and the type of 8-OR significantly impact the activity. AO/EB staining and flow cytometry analysis with Annexin V/PI double staining showed that the compounds were able to induce apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. The results above suggested that the title compounds are a class of promising compounds for the development of new anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Jun Cao
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Li-Fei Zhu
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qian Kuang
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xing-Qiang Li
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Bo-Hang Zhou
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xin-Juan Yang
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Le Zhou
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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Ramos CJ, Gutierrez DA, Aranda AS, Koshlaychuk MA, Carrillo DA, Medrano R, McBride TD, U A, Medina SM, Lombardo MC, Lucena SE, Sanchez EE, Soto JG. Functional characterization of six aspartate (D) recombinant mojastin mutants (r-Moj): A second aspartate amino acid carboxyl to the RGD in r-Moj-D_ peptides is not sufficient to induce apoptosis of SK-Mel-28 cells. Toxicon 2016; 118:36-42. [PMID: 27105671 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Disintegrins are small peptides produced in viper venom that act as integrin antagonists. When bound to integrins, disintegrins induce altered cellular behaviors, such as apoptotic induction. Disintegrins with RGDDL or RGDDM motifs induce apoptosis of normal and cancer cells. We hypothesized that a second aspartate (D) carboxyl to the RGD is sufficient to induce apoptosis. Five recombinant mojastin D mutants were produced by site-directed mutagenesis (r-Moj-DA, r-Moj-DG, r-Moj-DL, r-Moj-DN, and r-Moj-DV). Stable αv integrin knockdown and shRNA scrambled control SK-Mel-28 cell lines were produced to test a second hypothesis: r-Moj-D_ peptides bind to αv integrin. Only r-Moj-DL, r-Moj-DM, and r-Moj-DN induced apoptosis of SK-Mel-28 cells (at 29.4%, 25.6%, and 36.2%, respectively). Apoptotic induction was significantly reduced in SK-Mel-28 cells with a stable αv integrin knockdown (to 2%, 17%, and 2%, respectively), but not in SK-Mel-28 cells with a stable scrambled shRNA. All six r-Moj-D_ peptides inhibited cell proliferation; ranging from 49.56% (r-Moj-DN) to 75.6% (r-Moj-DA). Cell proliferation inhibition by r-Moj-D_ peptides was significantly reduced in SK-Mel-28 cells with a stable αv integrin knockdown. All six r-Moj-D_ peptides inhibited SK-Mel-28 cell migration at high levels (69%-100%). As a consequence, rac-1 mRNA expression levels were significantly reduced as early as 1 h after treatment, suggesting that rac-1 is involved in the cell migration activity of SK-Mel-28.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla J Ramos
- Biological Sciences Department, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0100, USA
| | - Daniel A Gutierrez
- Biological Sciences Department, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0100, USA
| | - Ana S Aranda
- Biological Sciences Department, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0100, USA
| | - Melissa A Koshlaychuk
- Biological Sciences Department, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0100, USA
| | - David A Carrillo
- Biological Sciences Department, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0100, USA
| | - Rafael Medrano
- Biological Sciences Department, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0100, USA
| | - Terri D McBride
- Biological Sciences Department, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0100, USA
| | - Andrew U
- Biological Sciences Department, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0100, USA
| | - Stephanie M Medina
- Biological Sciences Department, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0100, USA
| | - Melissa C Lombardo
- Biological Sciences Department, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0100, USA
| | - Sara E Lucena
- National Natural Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Elda E Sanchez
- National Natural Toxins Research Center, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Julio G Soto
- Biological Sciences Department, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0100, USA.
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Machana S, Weerapreeyakul N, Barusrux S. Anticancer effect of the extracts from Polyalthia evecta against human hepatoma cell line (HepG2). Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2015; 2:368-74. [PMID: 23569932 DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(12)60058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2011] [Revised: 09/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the anticancer activity of Polyalthia evecta (P. evecta) (Pierre) Finet & Gagnep against human hepatoma cell line (HepG2). METHODS The anticancer activity was based on (a) the cytotoxicity against human hepatoma cells (HepG2) assessed using a neutral red assay and (b) apoptosis induction determined by evaluation of nuclei morphological changes after DAPI staining. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the crude extract was assessed by HPLC analysis. RESULTS The 50% ethanol-water crude leaf extract of P. evecta (EW-L) showed greater potential anticancer activity with high cytotoxicity [IC50 = (62.8 ± 7.3)µg/mL] and higher selectivity in HepG2 cells than normal Vero cells [selective index (SI) = 7.9]. The SI of EW-L was higher than the positive control, melphalan (SI = 1.6) and the apoptotic cells (46.4 ± 2.6) % induced by EW-L was higher than the melphalan (41.6 ± 2.1)% (P<0.05). The HPLC chromatogram of the EW-L revealed the presence of various kinds of polyphenolics and flavonoids in it. CONCLUSIONS P. evecta is a potential plant with anticancer activity. The isolation of pure compounds and determination of the bioactivity of individual compounds will be further performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasipawan Machana
- Graduate School, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
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Pereira Fde C, Lima BA, de Lima AP, Pires WC, Monteiro T, Magalhães LF, Costa W, Graminha AE, Batista AA, Ellena J, Siveira-Lacerda Ede P. Cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(N-N)(P-P)]PF6 complexes: Synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity: (BzCN=benzonitrile; N-N=2,2'-bipyridine; 1,10-phenanthroline; P-P=1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino) butane, 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, or 1,1'-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene). J Inorg Biochem 2015; 149:91-101. [PMID: 25873134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The motivation to use ruthenium complexes in cancer treatment has led our research group to synthesize complexes with this metal and test them against several types of tumor cells, yielding promising results. In this paper the results of biological tests, assessed by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, were carried out on the complexes cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(bipy)(dppe)]PF6 (1), cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(bipy)(dppb)]PF6 (2), cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(bipy)(dppf)]PF6 (3) and cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(phen)(dppb)]PF6 (4) which are described [BzCN = b enzonitrile; bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino) ethane; dppb = 1,4-bis-(diphenylphosphino)butane; dppf = 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]. The present study is focused on the cytotoxic activity of complexes (1)-(4) against four tumor cell lines and on the apoptosis and changes in the cell cycle and gene expression observed in the sarcoma 180 (S180) tumor cell line treated with complex (1). The results demonstrated that this complex inhibits S180 cell growth, with an IC50 of 17.02 ± 8.21 μM, while exhibiting lower cytotoxicity (IC50 = 53.73 ± 5.71 μM) towards lymphocytes (normal cells). Flow cytometry revealed that the complex inhibits the growth of tumor cells by inducing apoptosis as evidenced by an increase in the proportion of cells positive for annexin V staining and G0/G1 phase cell-cycle arrest. Further investigation showed that complex (1) induces a drop in the mitochondrial membrane potential and provokes a decrease in Bcl-2 protein expression and increase in caspase 3 activation, while the increased activation of caspase 8 caused a decrease in the gene expression in caspases 3 and 9. Increases in Tp53 and Bax expressions were also observed.
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Machana S, Weerapreeyakul N, Barusrux S, Thumanu K, Tanthanuch W. Synergistic anticancer effect of the extracts from Polyalthia evecta caused apoptosis in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2015; 2:589-96. [PMID: 23569977 DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(12)60103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the anticancer activity of the extract fraction of Polyalthia evecta (P. evecta) (Pierre) Finet & Gagnep and the synergistic anticancer effect of the extracts from P. evecta by using the ATR/FT-IR spectroscopy. METHODS The 50% ethanol-water crude leaf extract of P. evecta (EW-L) was prepared and was further fractionated to isolate various fractions. The anticancer activity was investigated from cytotoxicity against HepG2 using a neutral red assay and apoptosis induction by evaluation of nuclei morphological changes after DAPI staining. Synergistic anticancer effects of the extracts from P. evecta were performed using the ATR/FT-IR spectroscopy. RESULTS The result showed that the EW-L showed higher cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in HepG2 cells than its fractionated extracts. The hexane extract exhibited higher cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction than the water extracts, but less than the EW-L. The combined water and hexane extracts apparently increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction. The %apoptotic cells induced by the extract mixture were increased about 2-fold compared to the single hexane extract. CONCLUSIONS The polar extract fraction is necessary for the anticancer activity of the non-polar extract fraction. The ATR/FT-IR spectra illustrates the physical interaction among the constituents in the extract mixture and reveals the presence of polyphenolic constituents in the EW-L, which might play a role for the synergistic anticancer effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasipawan Machana
- Graduate School, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
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Cao FJ, Yang R, Lv C, Ma Q, Lei M, Geng HL, Zhou L. Pseudocyanides of sanguinarine and chelerythrine and their series of structurally simple analogues as new anticancer lead compounds: Cytotoxic activity, structure-activity relationship and apoptosis induction. Eur J Pharm Sci 2014; 67:45-54. [PMID: 25444843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2014.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
6-Cyano dihydrosanguinarine (CNS) and 6-cyano dihydrochelerythrine (CNC) are respectively artificial derivatives of sanguinarine and chelerythrine, two anticancer quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids (QBAs) while 1-cyano-2-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines (CATHIQs) are a class of structurally simple analogues of CNS or CNC. This study investigated the inhibition activity of CNS, CNC and CATHIQs on cancer cells, apoptosis induction as well as their preliminary SAR. The results showed that CNS and 18 out of CATHIQs showed IC50 values of 0.53 and 0.62-2.24μM against NB4 and 1.53 and 2.99-11.17μM against MKN-45 cells, respectively, superior to a standard anticancer drug cis-platinum with IC50 of 2.39 and 11.36μM. CNC showed a higher activity against NB4 cells (IC50=1.85μM) and a moderate activity against MKN-45 cells (IC50=12.72μM). Among all CATHIQs, 2 and 17 gave the highest activity against NB4 cells and MKN-45 cells (IC50=0.62 and 2.99μM), respectively. DAPI staining, AO/EB staining and ultrastructure analysis of cells demonstrated that CATHIQs were able to induce apoptosis of the cells in a concentration-dependent manner. SAR showed that substitution patterns on the N-aromatic ring significantly influenced the activity of CATHIQs. The general trend was that the introduction of electron-withdrawing substituents like halogen atom, nitro, trifluoromethyl led to a significant improvement of the activity, while the presence of electron-donating groups like methyl, methoxyl caused a reduction of the activity. In most cases, the 2' site was the most favorable substitution position for the improvement of the activity. Thus, the present results strongly suggested that QBA-type pseudocyanides may serve as potential alternatives of anticancer QBAs while CATHIQs should be a class of promising lead compounds for the development of new QBA-like-type anticancer drugs. CNS exhibited the highest cytotoxicities with IC50 values of 0.53μM on NB4 cells and 1.53μM on MKN-45 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Jun Cao
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Rui Yang
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chao Lv
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qun Ma
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ming Lei
- College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hui-Ling Geng
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Le Zhou
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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Zhang Z, Wu Q, Wu XH, Sun FY, Chen LM, Chen JC, Yang SL, Mei WJ. Ruthenium(II) complexes as apoptosis inducers by stabilizing c-myc G-quadruplex DNA. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 80:316-24. [PMID: 24793882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.04.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Two ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(L)2(p-tFMPIP)](ClO4)2 (L = bpy, 1; phen, 2; p-tFMPIP = 2-(4-(trifluoromethyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5f][1,10] phenanthroline)), were prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis technology. The inhibitory activity evaluated by MTT assay shown that 2 can inhibit the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells with inhibitory activity (IC50) of 16.3 μM, which was related to the induction of apoptosis. Besides, 2 exhibit low toxicity against normal HAcat cells. The inhibitory growth activity of both complexes related to the induction of apoptosis was also confirmed. Furthermore, the studies on the interaction of both complexes with c-myc G4 DNA shown that 1 and 2 can stabilize the conformation of c-myc G4 DNA in groove binding mode, which has been rational explained by using DFT theoretical calculation methods. In a word, this type of ruthenium(II) complexes can act as potential apoptosis inducers with low toxicity in clinic by stabilizing c-myc G4 DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Qiong Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Fen-Yong Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, PR China.
| | - Lan-Mei Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524023, PR China
| | - Jin-Chan Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524023, PR China
| | - Shu-Ling Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Wen-Jie Mei
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China.
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Mansoor TA, Borralho PM, Dewanjee S, Mulhovo S, Rodrigues CMP, Ferreira MJU. Monoterpene bisindole alkaloids, from the African medicinal plant Tabernaemontana elegans, induce apoptosis in HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells. J Ethnopharmacol 2013; 149:463-470. [PMID: 23872252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tabernaemontana elegans is a medicinal plant used in African traditional medicine to treat several ailments including cancer. The aims of the present study were to identify anti-cancer compounds, namely apoptosis inducers, from Tabernaemontana elegans, and hence to validate its usage in traditional medicine. METHODS AND MATERIALS Six alkaloids, including four monomeric indole (1-3, and 6) and two bisindole (4 and 5) alkaloids, were isolated from the methanolic extract of Tabernaemontana elegans roots. The structures of these compounds were characterized by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data. Compounds 1-6 along with compound 7, previously isolated from the leaves of the same species, were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells by the MTS metabolism assay. The cytotoxicity of the most promising compounds was corroborated by Guava-ViaCount flow cytometry assays. Selected compounds were next studied for apoptosis induction activity in HCT116 cells, by evaluation of nuclear morphology following Hoechst staining, and by caspase-3 like activity assays. RESULTS Among the tested compounds (1-7), the bisindole alkaloids tabernaelegantine C (4) and tabernaelegantinine B (5) were found to be cytotoxic to HCT116 cells at 20 µM, with compound 5 being more cytotoxic than the positive control 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), at a similar dose. In fact, even at 0.5 µM, compound 5 was more potent than 5-FU. Compounds 4 and 5 induced characteristic patterns of apoptosis in HCT116 cancer cells including, cell shrinkage, condensation, fragmentation of the nucleus, blebbing of the plasma membrane and chromatin condensation. Further, general caspase-3-like activity was increased in cells exposed to compounds 4 and 5, corroborating the nuclear morphology evaluation assays. CONCLUSIONS Bisindole alkaloids tabernaelegantine C (4) and tabernaelegantinine B (5) were characterized as potent apoptosis inducers in HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells and as possible lead/scaffolds for the development of anti-cancer drugs. This study substantiates the usage of Tabernaemontana elegans in traditional medicine to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayyab A Mansoor
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
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