2D and 3D anticancer properties of C2-functionalised glucosamine-Pt (IV) prodrugs based on cisplatin scaffold

A series of C2-functionalied Pt (IV) glycoconjugates based on glucosamine have been synthesised, characterised and tested as anticancer agents on a series of different 2D and 3D cancer cell lines. The carbohydrate will act as a targeted delivery system to improve the selectivity, exploiting the Warburg Effect and the GLUTs receptors that are overexpressed in most of the cancer cells. The hydroxyl at C2 of the carbohydrates does not participate in hydrogen bonding with the GLUTs receptors, making C2 an attractive position for drug conjugation as seen in literature. In this study, we use the amino functionality at the C2 position in glucosamine and Copper-catalysed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition "click" (CuAAC) reaction to connect the prodrug Pt (IV) scaffold to the carbohydrate. We have investigated complexes with different linker lengths, as well as acetyl protected and free derivatives. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first series of Pt (IV) glucosamine-conjugates functionalised at C2.

Oridonin from Rabdosia rubescens: An emerging potential in cancer therapy - A comprehensive review

Cancer incidences are rising each year. In 2020, approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer-related deaths were recorded. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2024 the incidence of cancer will increase to 30.2 million individuals annually. Considering the invasive characteristics of its diagnostic procedures and therapeutic methods side effects, scientists are searching for different solutions, including using plant-derived bioactive compounds, that could reduce the probability of cancer occurrence and make its treatment more comfortable. In this regard, oridonin (ORI), an ent-kaurane diterpenoid, naturally found in the leaves of Rabdosia rubescens species, has been found to have antitumor, antiangiogenesis, antiasthmatic, antiinflammatory, and apoptosis induction properties. Extensive research has been performed on ORI to find various mechanisms involved in its anticancer activities. This review article provides an overview of ORI's effectiveness on murine and human cancer populations from 1976 to 2022 and provides insight into the future application of ORI in different cancer therapies.

Phytosterols and the Digestive System: A Review Study from Insights into Their Potential Health Benefits and Safety

Phytosterols are a large group of substances belonging to sterols-compounds naturally occurring in the tissues of plants, animals, and humans. The most well-known animal sterol is cholesterol. Among phytosterols, the most significant compounds are β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol. At present, they are mainly employed in functional food products designed to counteract cardiovascular disorders by lowering levels of 'bad' cholesterol, which stands as their most extensively studied purpose. It is currently understood that phytosterols may also alleviate conditions associated with the gastrointestinal system. Their beneficial pharmacological properties in relation to gastrointestinal tract include anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. Also, the anti-cancer properties as well as the impact on the gut microbiome could be a very interesting area of research, which might potentially lead to the discovery of their new application. This article provides consolidated knowledge on a new potential use of phytosterols, namely the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. The cited studies indicate high therapeutic efficacy in conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, IBD or liver failure caused by hepatotoxic xenobiotics, however, these are mainly in vitro or in vivo studies. Nevertheless, studies to date indicate their therapeutic potential as adjunctive treatments to conventional therapies, which often exhibit unsatisfactory efficacy or serious side effects. Unfortunately, at this point there is a lack of significant clinical study data to use phytosterols in clinical practice in this area.

Nutritional Sources and Anticancer Potential of Phenethyl Isothiocyanate: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Insights

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, has garnered attention for its anticancer properties. This review synthesizes existing research on PEITC, focusing on its mechanisms of action in combatting cancer. PEITC has been found to be effective against various cancer types, such as breast, prostate, lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Its anticancer activities are mediated through several mechanisms, including the induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibition of cell proliferation, suppression of angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors), and reduction of metastasis (spread of cancer cells to new areas). PEITC targets crucial cellular signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, notably the Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), Protein Kinase B (Akt), and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways. These findings suggest PEITC's potential as a therapeutic agent against cancer. However, further research is necessary to determine the optimal dosage, understand its bioavailability, and assess potential side effects. This will be crucial for developing PEITC-based treatments that are both effective and safe for clinical use in cancer therapy.

Recent Developments in Nanoparticle Formulations for Resveratrol Encapsulation as an Anticancer Agent

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound that has gained considerable attention in the past decade due to its multifaceted therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, its anticancer efficacy is impeded by low water solubility, dose-limiting toxicity, low bioavailability, and rapid hepatic metabolism. To overcome these hurdles, various nanoparticles such as organic and inorganic nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, solid lipid nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, carbon nanotubes, bioactive glass nanoparticles, and mesoporous nanoparticles were employed to deliver resveratrol, enhancing its water solubility, bioavailability, and efficacy against various types of cancer. Resveratrol-loaded nanoparticle or resveratrol-conjugated nanoparticle administration exhibits excellent anticancer potency compared to free resveratrol. This review highlights the latest developments in nanoparticle-based delivery systems for resveratrol, focusing on the potential to overcome limitations associated with the compound's bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness.

Targeting autophagy with tamoxifen in breast cancer: From molecular mechanisms to targeted therapy

BACKGROUND

Tamoxifen (TAM) is often recommended as a first-line treatment for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (BC). However, TAM resistance continues to be a medical challenge for BC with hormone receptor positivity. The function of macro-autophagy and autophagy has recently been identified to be altered in BC, which suggests a potential mechanism for TAM resistance. Autophagy is a cellular stress-induced response to preserve cellular homeostasis. Also, therapy-induced autophagy, which is typically cytoprotective and activated in tumor cells, could sometimes be non-protective, cytostatic, or cytotoxic depending on how it is regulated.

OBJECTIVE

This review explored the literature on the connections between hormonal therapies and autophagy. We investigated how autophagy could develop drug resistance in BC cells.

METHODS

Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar were used to search articles for this study.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that protein kinases such as pAMPK, BAX, and p-p70S6K could be a sign of autophagy in developing TAM resistance. According to the study's findings, autophagy plays an important role in BC patients' TAM resistance.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, by overcoming endocrine resistance in estrogen receptor-positive breast tumors, autophagy inhibition may improve the therapeutic efficacy of TAM.

Cellular Mechanisms of Singlet Oxygen in Photodynamic Therapy

In this review, we delve into the realm of photodynamic therapy (PDT), an established method for combating cancer. The foundation of PDT lies in the activation of a photosensitizing agent using specific wavelengths of light, resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), notably singlet oxygen (1O2). We explore PDT's intricacies, emphasizing its precise targeting of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. We examine the pivotal role of singlet oxygen in initiating apoptosis and other cell death pathways, highlighting its potential for minimally invasive cancer treatment. Additionally, we delve into the complex interplay of cellular components, including catalase and NOX1, in defending cancer cells against PDT-induced oxidative and nitrative stress. We unveil an intriguing auto-amplifying mechanism involving secondary singlet oxygen production and catalase inactivation, offering promising avenues for enhancing PDT's effectiveness. In conclusion, our review unravels PDT's inner workings and underscores the importance of selective illumination and photosensitizer properties for achieving precision in cancer therapy. The exploration of cellular responses and interactions reveals opportunities for refining and optimizing PDT, which holds significant potential in the ongoing fight against cancer.

Experimental and theoretical investigations of Erbium complex: DNA/BSA interaction, anticancer and antibacterial studies

To assess the biological potential of an Er complex that contains a 2,2'-bipyridine ligand, various techniques such as multispectral and molecular modeling procedures were utilized to examine its DNA-binding ability, BSA binding affinity, antimicrobial effects, and anticancer properties. By analyzing fluorescent information and employing the vant' Hoff equation, important parameters such as the innate docking coefficient (Kb), Stern-Volmer coefficient (KSV), and thermodynamic properties including modifications in liberated energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (∆H°), and entropy (∆S°) were determined. The trial findings suggest that the compound can bind to DNA, primarily through groove binding. Additionally, the engagement between the Er compound and the protein BSA was examined using emission spectroscopy technique, revealing a powerful binding affinity between the compound and BSA. The Er complex binds to BSA primarily via hydrogen links and van der Waals forces, as indicated by the adverse values of ΔH° and ∆S°. Through a static quenching process, the complex significantly reduces the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA. Molecular binding calculations and rivalrous binding trials confirm that this compound dock to hydrophobic remains found in site III of BSA. Additionally, the Er complex demonstrates promising results in terms of its anticancer and antimicrobial activities based on screening tests.

Enhancing Healthcare Outcomes and Modulating Apoptosis- and Antioxidant-Related Genes through the Nano-Phytosomal Delivery of Phenolics Extracted from Allium ampeloprasum

The application of nano drug delivery systems, particularly those utilizing natural bioactive compounds with anticancer properties, has gained significant attention. In this study, a novel nano-phytosome-loaded phenolic rich fraction (PRF) derived from Allium ampeloprasum L. was developed. The antitumor activity of the formulation was evaluated in BALB/c mice with TUBO colon carcinoma. The PRF-loaded nano-phytosome (PRF-NPs) exhibited a sphere-shaped structure (226 nm) and contained a diverse range of phenolic compounds. Animal trials conducted on TUBO tumor-bearing mice demonstrated that treatment with PRF-NPs at a dosage of 50 mg TPC/Kg/BW resulted in significant improvements in body weight and food intake, while reducing liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation. The expression of apoptosis-related genes, such as Bax and caspase-3, was upregulated, whereas Bcl2 was significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of GPx and SOD genes in the liver was notably increased compared to the control group. The findings suggest that the phytosomal encapsulation of the phenolic rich fraction derived from Allium ampeloprasum L. can enhance the bioavailability of natural phytochemicals and improve their antitumor properties. The development of PRF-NPs as a nano drug delivery system holds promise for effective breast cancer treatment.

5-Amino-8-hydroxyquinoline-containing Electrospun Materials Based on Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Their Cu2+ and Fe3+ Complexes with Diverse Biological Properties: Antibacterial, Antifungal and Anticancer

Novel fibrous materials with diverse biological properties containing a model drug of the 8-hydroxyquinoline group-5-amino-8-hydroxyquinoline (5A8Q)-were fabricated using a one-pot method by electrospinning poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/5A8Q solutions. Experiments were performed to prepare Cu²⁺ (Fe³⁺) complexes of the crosslinked PVA/CMC/5A8Q materials. The formation of complexes was proven by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The release of 5A8Q and 5A8Q.Cu²⁺ (Fe³⁺) was studied and their in vitro release profiles were mostly impacted by the hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of the materials. The performed microbiological assays revealed that fibrous materials containing 5A8Q and their complexes exhibited good antibacterial and antifungal efficacy. Their activity was stronger against bacteria S. aureus than against bacteria E. coli and fungi C. albicans. Cell viability tests using MTT showed that the presence of 5A8Q and its complexes in the fibrous materials resulted in a significant decrease in the HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell viability for the various times of cell incubation. Moreover, the observed cytotoxicity of the mats against cancer cells was greater than that against non-cancer HaCaT keratinocytes. All these properties make the novel materials potential candidates for the design of wound healing materials and as drug delivery systems for local therapy of cervical and breast cancer.

Synthesis and Determination of Anticancer Activity of Dicobalt Hexacarbonyl 2'-Deoxy-5-alkynylfuropyrimidines

Dicobalt hexacarbonyl 5-alkynyl furopyrimidine nucleoside analogs, with 4-methylphenyl (p-tolyl) and 4-pentylphenyl substituents attached at the C-6 base position, designed in the form of ribose acetyl esters, were synthesized (42-96%). Attached at the C-5 position were propargyl alcohol, its methyl ether and acetate derivatives, butynol, and the 4-methylphenyl- (p-tolyl) and 4-pentylphenyl-substituted alkynyl groups, which were coordinated to a dicobalt hexacarbonyl unit. The structure of 5-(3-acetoxyprop-1-yn-1-yl)-6-p-tolyl-2'-deoxyribofuranosyl-furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2-one was determined by X-ray crystallography. Density functional theory calculations performed on the corresponding derivative yielded geometric parameters for the dicobalt hexacarbonyl adduct of this ligand. The cytotoxic activity of each of dicobalt modified nucleosides on cancer cells of different phenotypes was determined in vitro. The investigated compounds showed antiproliferative effects with median inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values in the ranges of 14-90 and 9-50 μM for HeLa and K562 cells, respectively. The formation of reactive oxygen species in the presence of modified nucleosides was determined in K562 cells. The results indicate that the mechanism of action for the studied compounds may be related to the induction of oxidative stress.

A Systematic Ex-Vivo Study of the Anti-Proliferative/Cytotoxic Bioactivity of Major Olive Secoiridoids' Double Combinations and of Total Olive Oil Phenolic Extracts on Multiple Cell-Culture Based Cancer Models Highlights Synergistic Effects

Several individual olive oil phenols (OOPs) and their secoiridoid derivatives have been shown to exert anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity in treatments of human cancer cell lines originating from several tissues. This study evaluated the synergistic anti-proliferative/cytotoxic effects of five olive secoiridoid derivatives (oleocanthal, oleacein, oleuropein aglycone, ligstroside aglycone and oleomissional) in all possible double combinations and of total phenolic extracts (TPEs) on eleven human cancer cell lines representing eight cell-culture-based cancer models. Individual OOPs were used to treat cells for 72 h in half of their EC₅₀ values for each cell line and their synergistic, additive or antagonistic interactions were evaluated by calculating the coefficient for drug interactions (CDI) for each double combination of OOPs. Olive oil TPEs of determined OOPs' content, originating from three different harvests of autochthonous olive cultivars in Greece, were evaluated as an attempt to investigate the efficacy of OOPs to reduce cancer cell numbers as part of olive oil consumption. Most combinations of OOPs showed strong synergistic effect (CDIs < 0.9) in their efficacy, whereas TPEs strongly impaired cancer cell viability, better than most individual OOPs tested herein, including the most resistant cancer cell lines evaluated.

Effects of Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii Supernatant on Viability, Nano-Mechanical Properties of Cytoplasmic Membrane and Pro-Inflammatory Gene Expression in Human Gastric Cancer AGS Cells

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer has been recognized as the second most probable cause of death in humans from cancer diseases around the world. Postbiotics, supernatant, and metabolites from probiotic microorganisms have recently been used widely to prevent and treat cancer diseases in humans, without any undesirable side effects. This study explores the antiproliferative and antitumor activities of the probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii supernatant (SBS) against AGS cancer cells, a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line.

METHODS

We evaluated cell growth inhibitory and mechanical properties of the cytoplasmic membrane and the downregulation of survivin and proinflammatory genes in AGS cells treated with SBS after 24 and 48 h.

RESULTS

SBS significantly inhibits the AGS cell growth, and the concentrations with IC₅₀ values after 24 and 48 h treatments are measured as 2266 and 1956 µg/mL, respectively. Regarding the AFM images and Young`s modulus analysis, SBS significantly induces morphological changes in the cytoplasmic membrane of the treated AGS cells. Expression of survivin, NFƙB, and IL-8 genes is significantly suppressed in AGS cells treated with SBS.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the antitumor activities of SBS on AGS cell line, it can be regarded as a prospective therapeutic and preventive strategy against human stomach cancer disease.

Studies on the Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities of Resveratrol and Long-Chain Fatty Acid Esters

Resveratrol (RES) is gaining recognition as a natural bioactive compound. To expand the possible applications of RES with its enhanced bioactivity as well as to increase the health benefits of long-chain fatty acids, a lipophilization process of RES was performed using three fatty acids: palmitic acid (PA), oleic acid (OA), and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The obtained mono-, di-, and tri-esters of RES were evaluated for their anticancer and antioxidant properties against lung carcinoma (A549), colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BxPC3) cell lines. Human fibroblast (BJ) cells were used as a control. Several parameters were investigated: cell viability and apoptosis, including the expression of major pro- and anti-apoptotic markers, as well as the expression of superoxide dismutase, a key enzyme of the body's antioxidant barrier. Three of the obtained esters: mono-RES-OA, mono-RES-CLA, and tri-RES-PA, which significantly reduced the tumor cell viability up to 23%, at concentrations 25, 10, 50 μg/mL, respectively, turned out to be particularly interesting. The above-mentioned resveratrol derivatives similarly increased the tumor cells' apoptosis by modifying their caspase activity of pro-apoptotic pathways (p21, p53, and Bax). Moreover, among the mentioned esters, mono-RES-OA induced apoptosis of the analyzed cell lines most strongly, reducing the number of viable cells up to 48% for HT29 cells versus 36% for pure RES. Furthermore, the selected esters exhibited antioxidant properties towards the normal BJ cell line by regulating the expression of major pro-antioxidant genes (superoxide dismutases-SOD1 and SOD2) without the effect on their expression in the tumor, and therefore reducing the defense of cancer cells against increased oxidative stress induced by high ROS accumulation. The obtained results indicate that the esters of RES and long-chain fatty acids allow enhancement of their biological activity. The RES derivatives have the potential for being applied in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as for oxidative stress suppression.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Potential Anticancer Properties of Cu-Based Shape Memory Alloys

Due to the unique functional properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs) and current scientific interest in Cu-containing biomaterials, a continuously cast Cu-Al-Ni alloy in the form of rods has been investigated as a potential candidate for biomedical application. Additionally, the fact that Cu- complexes have an antitumour effect served as a cornerstone to develop more efficient drugs based on trace element complexes. In line with that, our study aimed to analyse the basic properties of the Cu-Al-Ni alloy, along with its anticancer properties. The detailed chemical analysis of the Cu-Al-Ni alloy was performed using XRF and SEM/EDX analyses. Furthermore, a microstructural and structure investigation was carried out, combined with hardness measurements using the static Vickers method. Observations have shown that the Cu-Al-Ni microstructure is homogeneous, with the presence of typical martensitic laths. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of two phases, β' (monoclinic) and γ' (orthorhombic). The viability of osteosarcoma cells in contact with the Cu-Al-Ni alloy was evaluated using epifluorescence microscopy, while their morphology and attachment pattern were observed and analysed using a high-resolution SEM microscope. Biocompatibility testing showed that the Cu-Al-Ni alloy exerted a considerable antineoplastic effect.

An Isothiazolanthrone based Self-Assembling Anticancer Color Changing Dye for Concurrent Imaging and Monitoring of Cell Viability

We report for the very first time the photophysical properties, self-assembly and biological evaluation of an isothiazolanthrone based dye 7-Amino-6H-anthra[9,1-cd]isothiazol-6-one (AAT) which reveal anticancer properties and can be potentially used as dye for monitoring cell viability. The solvent dependent photophysical studies suggest emission of AAT is sensitive to environment polarity due to which interesting changes in the colored emission may be observed owing to the charge transfer (CT) processes. AAT also self-assembles to tree-like branched morphologies and produce, a greenish emission inside the cells when imaged after short interval (15 mins) of incubation while a red fluorescence could be noted after 24 h. Interestingly, AAT also produce differential emission inside mouse normal cells as compared to its cancer cell lines since it possess anticancer activity. The experimental observations were also validated theoretically via computational modeling.

Salicylanilides and Their Anticancer Properties

Salicylanilides are pharmacologically active compounds with a wide spectrum of biological effects. Halogenated salicylanilides, which have been used for decades in human and veterinary medicine as anthelmintics, have recently emerged as candidates for drug repurposing in oncology. The most prominent example of salicylanilide anthelmintic, that is intensively studied for its potential anticancer properties, is niclosamide. Nevertheless, recent studies have discovered extensive anticancer potential in a number of other salicylanilides. This potential of their anticancer action is mediated most likely by diverse mechanisms of action such as uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase epidermal growth factor receptor, modulation of different signaling pathways as Wnt/β-catenin, mTORC1, STAT3, NF-κB and Notch signaling pathways or induction of B-Raf V600E inhibition. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge about the proposed mechanisms of action of anticancer activity of salicylanilides based on preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, or structural requirements for such an activity.

Bacterial-mediated synthesis and characterization of copper oxide nanoparticles with antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer potentials

The application of novel bacterial strains for effective biosynthesis of nanoparticles minimizes negative environmental impact and eliminates challenges of available approaches. In the present study, cell-free extract of Stenotrophomonas sp. BS95. was used for synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs). Characterization of crude and calcined CuONPs was carried out by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Afterward, biogenic CuONPs were evaluated for antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects using broth micro-dilution method, DPPH assay and alamarBlue assay, respectively. Finally, molecular mechanisms behind anticancer effects of CuONPs was ascertained by real time PCR. UV-vis absorbance spectra registered surface plasmon resonance peaks at 286 nm and 420 nm for crude and calcined CuONPs, respectively. FTIR spectra exhibited bands associated with organic functional groups of bacterial proteins, confirming capping and functionalization of CuONPs. The average crystallite size of crude and calcined CuONPs was determined as 18.24 and 21.3 nm by XRD, respectively. The average zeta potentials of crude and calcined CuONPs were as -28.57 ± 5.13 and -29.47 ± 4.78 mV, respectively, indicating their high stability. Electron microscopy revealed that crude and calcined CuONPs were roughly spherical particles with an average size of 35.24 ± 4.64 and 43.68 ± 2.31 nm, respectively. Biogenic CuONPs induced antibacterial effects with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 62.5 to 1,000 μg/ml against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains. The antioxidant activity of crude and calcined CuONPs was found to be 83% ± 2.64% and 78% ± 1.73%, respectively. More intriguingly, CuONPs exerted considerable cytotoxic effects on human colon and gastric adenocarcinoma cells, while induced low toxicity on normal cells. Anticancer effects of biogenic CuONPs were confirmed by significant changes induced in the expression of apoptosis-related genes, including P53, BAX, BCL2 and CCND1. Hence, biosynthesized CuONPs could be considered as potential antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer agents.

Molecular Mechanisms of Flavonoids against Tumor Gamma-Herpesviruses and Their Correlated Cancers-A Focus on EBV and KSHV Life Cycles and Carcinogenesis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are cancer-causing viruses that belong to human gamma-herpesviruses. They are DNA viruses known to establish lifelong infections in humans, with the ability to develop various types of cancer. Drug resistance remains the main barrier to achieving effective therapies for viral infections and cancer. Thus, new medications with dual antiviral and anticancer actions are highly needed. Flavonoids are secondary metabolites biosynthesized by plants with diverse therapeutic effects on human health. In this review, we feature the potential role of flavonoids (flavones, protoflavones, isoflavones, flavanones, flavonols, dihydroflavonols, catechins, chalcones, anthocyanins, and other flavonoid-type compounds) in controlling gamma-herpesvirus-associated cancers by blocking EBV and KSHV infections and inhibiting the formation and growth of the correlated tumors, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, gastric cancer, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and primary effusion lymphoma. The underlying mechanisms via targeting EBV and KSHV life cycles and carcinogenesis are highlighted. Moreover, the effective concentrations or doses are emphasized.

Biochemical, Structural Analysis, and Docking Studies of Spiropyrazoline Derivatives

In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative potential, DNA damage, crystal structures, and docking calculation of two spiropyrazoline derivatives. The main focus of the research was to evaluate the antiproliferative potential of synthesized compounds towards eight cancer cell lines. Compound I demonstrated promising antiproliferative properties, especially toward the HL60 cell line, for which IC₅₀ was equal to 9.4 µM/L. The analysis of DNA damage by the comet assay showed that compound II caused DNA damage to tumor lineage cells to a greater extent than compound I. The level of damage to tumor cells of the HEC-1-A lineage was 23%. The determination of apoptotic and necrotic cell fractions by fluorescence microscopy indicated that cells treated with spiropyrazoline-based analogues were entering the early phase of programmed cell death. Compounds I and II depolarized the mitochondrial membranes of cancer cells. Furthermore, we performed simple docking calculations, which indicated that the obtained compounds are able to bind to the PARP1 active site, at least theoretically (the free energy of binding values for compound I and II were −9.7 and 8.7 kcal mol⁻¹, respectively). In silico studies of the influence of the studied compounds on PARP1 were confirmed in vitro with the use of eight cancer cell lines. The degradation of the PARP1 enzyme was observed, with compound I characterized by a higher protein degradation activity.

Evaluation of Anticancer and Antibacterial Activity of Four 4-Thiazolidinone-Based Derivatives

Heterocycles are commonly known for their unique features, e.g., antibacterial or anticancer properties. Although many synthetic heterocycles, such as 4-thiazolidinone (4-TZD), have been synthesized, their potential applications have not yet been fully investigated. However, many researchers have reported relevant results that can be a basis for the search for new potential drugs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic, cytostatic, and antibacterial effects of certain 4-thiazolidinone-based derivatives, Les-3166, Les-5935, Les-6009, and Les-6166, on human fibroblasts (BJ), neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y), epithelial lung carcinoma (A549), and colorectal adenocarcinoma (CACO-2) cell lines in vitro. All tested compounds applied in a concentration range from 10 to 100 µM were able to decrease metabolic activity in the BJ, A549, and SH-SY5Y cell lines. However, the action of Les-3166 was mainly based on the ROS-independent pathway, similarly to Les-6009. In turn, Les-5935 and Les-6166 were able to promote ROS production in BJ, A549, and SH-SY5Y cells, compared to the control. Les-3166, Les-6009, and Les-6166 significantly increased the caspase-3 activity, especially at the concentrations of 50 µM and 100 µM. However, Les-5935 did not induce apoptosis. Only Les-5935 showed a minor cytostatic effect on SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, the antibacterial properties of the tested compounds against P. aeruginosa bacterial biofilm can be ranked as follows: Les-3166 > Les-5935 > Les-6009. Les-6166 did not show any anti-biofilm activity. In summary, the study showed that Les-5935, Les-6009, and Les-6166 were characterized by anticancer properties, especially in the human lung cancer cell. In cases of BJ, SH-SY5Y, and CACO-2 cells the anticancer usage of such compounds is limited due to effect visible only at 50 and 100 µM.

Investigating the Anticancer Potential of Salvicine as a Modulator of Topoisomerase II and ROS Signaling Cascade

Salvicine is a new diterpenoid quinone substance from a natural source, specifically in a Chinese herb. It has powerful growth-controlling abilities against a broad range of human cancer cells in both in vitro and in vivo environments. A significant inhibitory effect of salvicine on multidrug-resistant (MDR) cells has also been discovered. Several research studies have examined the activities of salvicine on topoisomerase II (Topo II) by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling. As opposed to the well-known Topo II toxin etoposide, salvicine mostly decreases the catalytic activity with a negligible DNA breakage effect, as revealed by several enzymatic experiments. Interestingly, salvicine dramatically reduces lung metastatic formation in the MDA-MB-435 orthotopic lung cancer cell line. Recent investigations have established that salvicine is a new non-intercalative Topo II toxin by interacting with the ATPase domains, increasing DNA-Topo II interaction, and suppressing DNA relegation and ATP hydrolysis. In addition, investigations have revealed that salvicine-induced ROS play a critical role in the anticancer-mediated signaling pathway, involving Topo II suppression, DNA damage, overcoming multidrug resistance, and tumor cell adhesion suppression, among other things. In the current study, we demonstrate the role of salvicine in regulating the ROS signaling pathway and the DNA damage response (DDR) in suppressing the progression of cancer cells. We depict the mechanism of action of salvicine in suppressing the DNA-Topo II complex through ROS induction along with a brief discussion of the anticancer perspective of salvicine.

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of the Extracts from Two Oenanthe Species (O. aquatica and O. silaifolia)

This study presents the evaluation of biological activities and chemical profiling of Oenanthe aquatica (L.) Poir. and Oenanthe silaifolia M. Bieb. The phytochemical profile, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, cytotoxic and antiviral activities of the methanolic and aqueous extracts were investigated. The aqueous extract of O. aquatica possessing the highest content of phenolics (60.85 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), also exhibited the strongest radical scavenging potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (79.46 and 148.66 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, respectively), the highest reducing ability (207.59 and 107.27 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, for cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant activity, respectively), metal chelating potential (33.91 mg ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalent/g extract) and total antioxidant ability (1.60 mmol Trolox equivalent/g extract). Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) permitted tentative identification of compounds from simple organic acids, phenolic acids, coumarins, flavonoids and their glycosides in O. aquatica and O. silaifolia extracts. The methanolic extract of O. aquatica substantially depressed acetylcholinesterase (3.67 mg galantamine equivalent/g extract), tyrosinase (126.66 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), and α-amylase (0.83 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract) enzymes. The methanolic extract of O. silaifolia showed highest enzymatic inhibitory property against butyrylcholinesterase, and its aqueous extract depressed α-glucosidase activity (0.26 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract). All tested extracts exerted selective toxicity towards cancer cell lines, and the highest anticancer potential was found for O. aquatica aqueous extract on FaDu and HeLa cells with CC₅₀ of 57.36 and 47.16 µg/mL, respectively. Significant antiviral activity against HSV-1 (HHV-1) was found for both aqueous extracts in concentrations of 1000 µg/mL, which inhibited the HSV-1 cytopathic effect (CPE) in virus infected VERO cells and reduced the virus infective titer by more than 3 log (logCCID₅₀/mL). This study has produced critical scientific data on O. aquatica and O. silaifolia, which are potential contenders for the development of novel phyto-pharmaceuticals.

Synthesis of Al-Based Metal-Organic Framework in Water With Caffeic Acid Ligand and NaOH as Linker Sources With Highly Efficient Anticancer Treatment

In this study, novel nanostructures of aluminum base metal-organic framework (Al-MOF) samples were synthesized using a sustainable, non-toxic, and cost-effective green synthesis route. Satureja hortensis extract was used as an effective source of linker for the development of the Al-MOF structures. The Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectrum confirmed the presence of characterization bonds related to the Al-MOF nanostructures synthesized by the green synthesis route. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed that the sample synthesized by Na2-CA was composed of multilayers, although it was agglomerated, but it had dispersed and occurred in spherical particles, indicating active organic matter. N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms demonstrated the significant porosity of the Al-MOF samples that facilitate the high potential of these nanostructures in medical applications. The anticancer treatment of Al-MOF samples was performed with different concentrations using the MTT standard method with untreated cancer cells for 24 and 48 h periods. The results exhibited the significant anticancer properties of Al-MOF samples developed in this study when compared with other MOF samples. Thus, the development of a novel Al-MOF and its application as a natural linker can influence the anticancer treatment of the samples. According to the results, the products developed in this study can be used in more applications such as biosensors, catalysts, and novel adsorbents.

Stimulation of Sulfonamides Antibacterial Drugs Activity as a Result of Complexation with Ru(III): Physicochemical and Biological Study

Antibiotic resistance is a global problem, and one promising solution to overcome this issue is using metallodrugs, which are drugs containing metal ions and ligands. These complexes are superior to free ligands in various characteristics including anticancer properties and mechanism of action. The pharmacological potential of metallodrugs can be modulated by the appropriate selection of ligands and metal ions. A good example of proper coordination is the combination of sulfonamides (sulfamerazine, sulfathiazole) with a ruthenium(III) ion. This work aimed to confirm that the activity of sulfonamides antibacterial drugs is initiated and/or stimulated by their coordination to an Ru(III) ion. The study determined the structure, electrochemical profile, CT-DNA affinity, and antimicrobial as well as anticancer properties of the synthesized complexes. The results proved that Ru(III) complexes exhibited better biological properties than the free ligands.

Anticancer Properties of Eugenol: A Review

Conventional cancer treatments have shown several unfavourable adverse effects, as well as an increase in anticancer drug resistance, which worsens the impending cancer therapy. Thus, the emphasis is currently en route for natural products. There is currently great interest in the natural bioactive components from medicinal plants possessing anticancer characteristics. For example, clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) (Family Myrtaceae) is a highly prized spice that has been historically utilized as a food preservative and for diverse medical uses. It is reckoned amongst the valued sources of phenolics. It is indigenous to Indonesia but currently is cultivated in various places of the world. Among diverse active components, eugenol, the principal active component of S. aromaticum, has optimistic properties comprising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer actions. Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) is a musky oil that is mainly obtained from clove. It has long been utilized all over the world as a result of its broad properties like antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Eugenol continues to pique investigators’ interest because of its multidirectional activities, which suggests it could be used in medications to treat different ailments. Anticancer effects of eugenol are accomplished by various mechanisms like inducing cell death, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis on several cancer cell lines. Besides, eugenol might be utilized as an adjunct remedy for patients who are treated with conventional chemotherapy. This combination leads to a boosted effectiveness with decreased toxicity. The present review focuses on the anticancer properties of eugenol to treat several cancer types and their possible mechanisms.

Diversity of the Chemical Profile and Biological Activity of Capsicum annuum L. Extracts in Relation to Their Lipophilicity

Ethanol extracts of two types of pepper (sweet and hot) were separated into fractions with increasing lipophilicity. After drying the extracts and fractions, their chemical composition, anti-radical activity in the DPPH radical system, and cytotoxic activity against PC-3 and HTC-116 cells were determined. A detailed qualitative analysis of the fractions was performed with the LC-QTOF-MS method. It was found that the chemical composition of pepper fractions did not always reflect their biological activity. The highest antiradical activity was detected in the fraction eluted with 40% methanol from sweet pepper. The highest total content of phenolic compounds was found in an analogous fraction from hot pepper, and this fraction showed the strongest cytotoxic effect on the PC-3 tumour line. The LC-MS analysis identified 53 compounds, six of which were present only in sweet pepper and four only in hot pepper. The unique chemical composition of the extracts was found to modulate their biological activity, which can only be verified experimentally.

Scientometric and Methodological Analysis of the Recent Literature on the Health-Related Effects of Tomato and Tomato Products

The health benefits of tomato, a vegetable consumed daily in human diets, have received great attention in the scientific community, and a great deal of experiments have tested their utility against several diseases. Herein, we present a scientometric analysis of recent works aimed to estimate the biological effects of tomato, focusing on bibliographic metadata, type of testers, target systems, and methods of analysis. A remarkably variable array of strategies was reported, including testers obtained by standard and special tomatoes, and the use of in vitro and in vivo targets, both healthy and diseased. In vitro, 21 normal and 36 cancer human cell lines derived from 13 different organs were used. The highest cytotoxic effects were reported on cancer blood cells. In vivo, more experiments were carried out with murine than with human systems, addressing healthy individuals, as well as stressed and diseased patients. Multivariate analysis showed that publications in journals indexed in the agriculture category were associated with the use of fresh tomatoes; conversely, medicine and pharmacology journals were associated with the use of purified and formulate testers. Studies conducted in the United States of America preferentially adopted in vivo systems and formulates, combined with blood and tissue analysis. Researchers in Italy, China, India, and Great Britain mostly carried out in vitro research using fresh tomatoes. Gene expression and proteomic analyses were associated with China and India. The emerging scenario evidences the somewhat dichotomic approaches of plant geneticists and agronomists and that of cell biologists and medicine researchers. A higher integration between these two scientific communities would be desirable to foster the assessment of the benefits of tomatoes to human health.

Fragment-type 4-azolylcoumarin derivatives with anticancer properties

Several coumarin derivatives with a directly attached azole substituent at C-4 were synthesized and biologically studied for their anticancer properties. The cell lines used for this investigation (HeLa, K-562, MDA-MB-53, and MCF-7) demonstrated different sensitivities. The best response in the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay was shown by K-562 cells, with compounds displaying activity (3c, IC₅₀ 3.06 μM; 4a, IC₅₀ 5.24 μM; 4c, IC₅₀ 4.7 μM) similar to that of cisplatin (IC₅₀ ~6 μM), which was used as the standard. The studied azole-substituted coumarins demonstrated weaker activity toward other cell lines, except for compound 4c, which was equally potent in the case of MCF-7 cells. Additional biological evaluations supported interference with the cell cycle as a potential mechanism of action and confirmed the absence of toxicity in zebrafish embryos. On the basis of these initial results, 4-azole coumarins should be explored further. Although their activity would need additional optimization, the fact that these compounds are fragment-like structures with MW <300 and clog P <3 offers enough flexibility to fine-tune their drug-like properties.

Synthesis, Spectroscopic, and Theoretical Study of Copper and Cobalt Complexes with Dacarbazine

Dacarbazine (DAC) 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazenyl)imidazole-4-carboxamide is an imidazole-carboxamide derivative that is structurally related to purines. DAC belongs to the triazene compounds, which are a group of alkylating agents with antitumor and mutagenic properties. DAC is a non-cell cycle specific drug, active in all phases of the cellular cycle. In the frame of this work the 3d metal complexes (cobalt and copper) with dacarbazine were synthesized. Their spectroscopic properties by the use of FT-IR, FT-Raman, and ¹HNMR were studied. The structures of dacarbazine and its complexes with copper(II) and cobalt(II) were calculated using DFT methods. The effect of metals on the electronic charge distribution of dacarbazine was discussed on the basis of calculated NBO atomic charges. The reactivity of metal complexes in relation to ligand alone was estimated on the basis of calculated energy of HOMO and LUMO orbitals. The aromaticity of the imidazole ring in dacarbazine and the complexes were compared (on the basis of calculated geometric indices of aromaticity). Thermal stability of the investigated 3d-metal complexes with dacarbazine and the products of their thermal decomposition were analyzed.

Selective Anticancer Properties, Proapoptotic and Antibacterial Potential of Three Asplenium Species

The ferns Asplenium ceterach L., Asplenium scolopendrium L. and Asplenium trichomanes L. have wide application in traditional medicine worldwide. However, the scientific research on their anticancer and antibacterial properties is insufficient. The present article aims to provide more information on this topic. Extracts derived from the aerial parts of A. ceterach, A. scolopendrium and A. trichomanes were examined using a panel of in vitro assays with different bacterial and mammalian cells. The cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of the samples were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Trypan blue assays with three human (A549, FL, HeLa) and three murine (3T3, TIB-71, LS48) cell lines. Inhibitory effects on the growth of Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria were determined by the agar diffusion assay. Apoptosis-inducing properties of the extracts were analyzed by flow cytometry. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in extract-treated cells was investigated by ELISA. The obtained results demonstrate selective anticancer activity of all three Asplenium species. The extract from A. ceterach displayed the strongest inhibitory properties against human cervical cancer cells and bacterial cells. It induced a lower level of cytotoxicity against mouse cell lines, indicating a species-specific effect. The extract from A. trichomanes demonstrated better anticancer and antibacterial properties than the sample from A. scolopendrium. Further experiments linked the mechanism of action of A. ceterach extract with oxidative stress-inducing potential and strong proapoptotic potential against the cervical cancer cell line HeLa. A. trichomanes and A. scolopendrium extracts appeared to be potent inducers of necrotic cell death.

DNA-Binding and Cytotoxicity of Copper(I) Complexes Containing Functionalized Dipyridylphenazine Ligands

A set of copper(I) coordination compounds with general formula [CuBr(PPh₃)(dppz-R)] (dppz-R = dipyrido[3,2-a:2’,3’-c]phenazine (Cu-1), 11-nitrodipyrido[3,2-a:2’,3’-c]phenazine (Cu-2), 11-cyanodipyrido[3,2-a:2’,3’-c]phenazine (Cu-3), dipyrido[3,2-a:2’,3’-c]phenazine-11-phenone (Cu-4), 11,12-dimethyldipyrido[3,2-a:2’,3’-c]phenazine (Cu-5)) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H-NMR and ³¹P-NMR spectroscopies as well as mass spectrometry. The structure of Cu-1 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The effect of incorporating different functional groups on the dppz ligand on the binding into CT-DNA was evaluated by absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence quenching of EtBr-DNA adducts, and viscosity measurements. The functional groups affected the binding modes and hence the strength of binding affinities, as suggested by the changes in the relative viscosity. The differences in the quenching constants (K_sv) obtained from the fluorescence quenching assay highlight the importance of the functional groups in altering the binding sites on the DNA. The molecular docking data support the DNA-binding studies, with the sites and mode of interactions against B-DNA changing with the different functional groups. Evaluation of the anticancer activities of the five copper compounds against two different cancer cell lines (M-14 and MCF-7) indicated the importance of the functional groups on the dppz ligand on the anticancer activities. Among the five copper complexes, the cyano-containing complex (Cu-3) has the best anticancer activities.

Biological Effect of Silver-modified Nanostructured Titanium Dioxide in Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Nanomedicine is a promising scientific field that exploits the unique properties of innovative nanomaterials, providing alternative solutions in diagnostics, prevention and therapeutics. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) have a great spectrum of photocatalytic antibacterial and anticancer applications. The chemical modification of TiO₂ optimizes its bioactive performance. The aim of this study was the development of silver modified NPs (Ag/TiO₂ NPs) with anticancer potential.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ag/TiO₂ NPs were prepared through the sol-gel method, were fully characterized and were tested on cultured breast cancer epithelial cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The MTT colorimetric assay was used to estimate cellular viability. Western blot analysis of protein expression along with a DNA-laddering assay were employed for apoptosis detection.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We show that photo-activated Ag/TiO₂ NPs exhibited significant cytotoxicity on the highly malignant MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, while MCF-7 cells that are characterized by low invasive properties were unaffected under the same conditions.

Effects of Drying Methods on Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Potentials of Phenolic Acids in Lovage Elicited by Jasmonic Acid and Yeast Extract

The study presents the effect of drying methods (traditional, convection, microwave, and freeze-drying) on the content and bioactivity (determined as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative potential) of potentially bioavailable fractions of phenolic acids contained in lovage elicited with jasmonic acid (JA) and yeast extract (YE) and in untreated control leaves. The highest amount of syringic acid was recorded in the convectionally dried lovage samples, while ethanolic extracts from lyophilized lovage had the highest content of protocatechuic and caffeic acids. The drying method significantly influenced the tested properties only in some cases. The traditional drying resulted in lower antioxidant potential, while convectional drying caused a reduction of the lipoxygenase inhibition ability of the samples after simulated digestion. Samples containing the control and elicited lovage leaves dried with convectional and traditional methods exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against a prostate cancer epithelial cell line.

Nutritional Value and Preventive Role of Nigella sativa L. and Its Main Component Thymoquinone in Cancer: An Evidenced-Based Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

In recent times, scientific attention has been paid to different foods and their bioactive components for the ability to inhibit the onset and progress of different types of cancer. Nigella sativa extract, powder and seed oil and its main components, thymoquinone and α-hederin, have showed potent anticancer and chemosensitizing effects against various types of cancer, such as liver, colon, breast, renal, cervical, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and skin tumors, through the modulation of various molecular signaling pathways. Herein, the purpose of this review was to highlight the anticancer activity of Nigella sativa and it constitutes, focusing on different in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies and projects, in order to underline their antiproliferative, proapoptotic, cytotoxic and antimetastatic effects. Particular attention has been also given to the synergistic effect of Nigella sativa and it constitutes with chemotherapeutic drugs, and to the synthesized analogs of thymoquinone that seem to enhance the chemo-sensitizing potential. This review could be a useful step towards new research on N. sativa and cancer, to include this plant in the dietary treatments in support to conventional therapies, for the best achievement of therapeutic goals.

Alteration of Anticancer and Protein-Binding Properties of Gold(I) Alkynyl by Phenolic Schiff Bases Moieties

A set of five gold complexes with the general formula Au(PR₃)(C≡C-C₆H₄-4-R′) (R = PPh₃, R′ = –CHO (1), R = PCy₃, R′ = –CHO (2), R = PPh₃, R′ = –N=CH-C₆H₄-2-OH (3), R = PPh₃, R′ = –N=CH-C₆H₄-4-OH (4), R = PCy₃, R′ = –N=CH-C₆H₄-2-OH (5)) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The structures of complexes 2 and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The effects of the structural modifications on the protein binding affinities and anticancer activities of the five gold complexes were assessed. Fluorescence quenching experiments to assess binding to human serum albumin (HSA) revealed that the Schiff base complexes (3, 4, and 5) had binding constants that were superior to their parent aldehyde complexes and highlighted the position of the hydroxy group because complex 4 (4-hydroxy) had a binding constant 6400 times higher than complex 3 (2-hydroxy). The anticancer activities of the complexes against the OVCAR-3 (ovarian carcinoma) and HOP-62 (non-small-cell lung) cancer cell lines showed that the Schiff bases (3–5) were more cytotoxic than the aldehyde-containing complexes (1 and 2). Notably, compound 4 had cytotoxic activity comparable to that of cisplatin against OVCAR-3, demonstrating the significance of the para position for the hydroxy group. Molecular docking studies against the enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and human serum albumin were conducted, with docking scores in good agreement with the experimental data. The current study highlights how small structural modifications can alter physiochemical and anticancer properties. Moreover, this simple design strategy using the aldehyde group can generate extensive opportunities to explore new gold(I)-based anticancer drugs via condensation, cyclization, or nucleophilic addition reactions of the aldehyde.

Synthesis, Antitumor and Antibacterial Studies of New Shortened Analogues of (KLAKLAK)2-NH2 and Their Conjugates Containing Unnatural Amino Acids

(1) Background: (KLAKLAK)2 is a representative of the antimicrobial peptide group which also shows good anticancer properties. (2) Methods: Herein, we report synthesis using SPPS and characterization by HPLC/MS of a series of shortened analogues of (KLAKLAK)2. They contain single sequence KLAKLAK as C-terminal amides. In addition, substitution of some natural amino acids with unnatural β-Ala and nor-Leu is realized. In addition, these structures are conjugated with second pharmacophore with well proven anticancer properties 1,8-naphthalimide or caffeic acid. Cytotoxicity, antiproliferative effect and antimicrobial activity of newly synthesized structures were studied. (3) Results: The obtained experimental results reveal significant selective index for substances with common chemical structure KLβAKLβAK-NH2. The antibacterial properties of newly synthesized analogues at two different concentrations 10 μM and 20 μM, were tested against Gram-negative microorganisms Escherichia coli K12 407. Only two of the studied compounds KLAKLAK-NH2 and the one conjugated with second pharmacophore 1,8-naphthalimide and unnatural amino acid nor-Leu showed moderate activity against tested strains at concentration of 20 μM. (4) Conclusions: The obtained results reveal that the introducing of 1,8-naphthalimideGly- and Caf- increase the cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity of the peptides but not their selectivity. Only two compounds KLAKLAK-NH2 and 1,8-naphthalimideGKnLAKnLAK-NH2 show moderate activity against Escherichia coli K12 at low concentration of 20μM.

DNA-Binding Capabilities and Anticancer Activities of Ruthenium(II) Cymene Complexes with (Poly)cyclic Aromatic Diamine Ligands

Ruthenium(II) arene complexes of the general formula [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(diamine)]PF₆ (diamine = 1,2-diaminobenzene (1), 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (2), 9,10-diaminophenanthrene (3), 2,3-diaminophenazine (4), and 1,2-diaminoanthraquinone (5) were synthesized. Chloro/aqua exchange was evaluated experimentally for complexes 1 and 2. The exchange process was investigated theoretically for all complexes, revealing relatively fast exchange with no significant influence from the polycyclic aromatic diamines. The calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) binding of the complexes increased dramatically upon extending the aromatic component of the diamines, as evaluated by changes in absorption spectra upon titration with different concentrations of CT-DNA. An intercalation binding mode was established for the complexes using the increase in the relative viscosity of the CT-DNA following addition of complexes 1 and 2. Theoretical studies showed strong preference for replacement of water by guanine for all the complexes, and relatively strong Ru-N_guanine bonds. The plane of the aromatic systems can assume angles that support non-classical interactions with the DNA and covalent binding, leading to higher binding affinities. The ruthenium arenes illustrated in this study have promising anticancer activities, with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values comparable to or better than cisplatin against three cell lines.

Optimal Design of THEDES Based on Perillyl Alcohol and Ibuprofen

Therapeutic deep eutectic systems (THEDES) have dramatically expanded their popularity in the pharmaceutical field due to their ability to increase active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) bioavailability. However, their biological performance has not yet been carefully scrutinized. Herein, THEDES based on the binary mixture of perillyl alcohol (POH) and ibuprofen (IBU) were prepared using different molar ratios. Our comprehensive strategy includes the characterization of their thermal and structural behavior to identify the molar ratios that successfully form deep eutectic systems. The in vitro solubility of the different systems prepared has demonstrated that, unlike other reported examples, the presence of the terpene did not affect the solubility of the anti-inflammatory agent in a physiological simulated media. The biological performance of the systems was studied in terms of their antimicrobial activity against a wide panel of microorganisms. The examined THEDES showed relevant antimicrobial activity against all tested microbial strains, with the exception of P. aeruginosa. A synergistic effect from the combination of POH and IBU as a eutectic system was verified. Furthermore, the cytotoxic profile of these eutectic systems towards colorectal cancer (CRC) in vitro cell models was also evaluated. The results provide the indication that the cell viability varies in a dose-dependent manner, with a selective THEDES action towards CRC cells. With tunable bioactivities in a ratio-dependent manner, THEDES enhanced the antimicrobial and anticancer properties, representing a possible alternative to conventional therapies. Therefore, this study provides foreseeable indications about the utility of THEDES based on POH and IBU as strong candidates for novel active pharmaceutical systems.

Anticancer Potential and Capsianosides Identification in Lipophilic Fraction of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

This study aimed to determine the health-promoting properties of sweet pepper by comparing the activity of fractions with variable lipophilicity. Fractions from red pericarp: aqueous (F1), 40% MeOH (F2), and 70% MeOH (F3) were analyzed for antiradical activity (with DPPH^• and ABTS^+•), and the contents of total phenolic compounds (TP), flavonoids (TF), and dihydroxycinnamic acids (TDHCA). The anticancer potential of the fractions was evaluated in vitro using different cancer cell lines: human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116) and PC-3 (prostate cancer cell). Fibroblast-like cells of L929 obtained from subcutaneous adipose tissue of mouse were used as normal cells. The highest content of TP, TF, and TDHCA along with the strongest antiradical activity was observed for fraction F2, while the strongest anticancer properties against PC-3 were observed in fraction F3. Fraction F3 primarily contained capsianoside derivatives, which had been isolated through chromatographic methods and identified by spectral methods. These analyses helped in identifying 8 compounds, including 3 new compounds.

Combination Therapies of Artemisinin and its Derivatives as a Viable Approach for Future Cancer Treatment

BACKGROUND

Many anticancer drugs have been developed for clinical usage till now, but the major problem is the development of drug-resistance over a period of time in the treatment of cancer. Anticancer drugs produce huge adverse effects, ultimately leading to death of the patient. Researchers have been focusing on the development of novel molecules with higher efficacy and lower toxicity; the anti-malarial drug artemisinin and its derivatives have exhibited cytotoxic effects.

METHODS

We have done extensive literature search for artemisinin for its new role as anti-cancer agent for future treatment. Last two decades papers were referred for deep understanding to strengthen its role.

RESULT

Literature shows changes at 9, 10 position in the artemisinin structure produces anticancer activity. Artemisinin shows anticancer activity in leukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. Artemisinin and its derivatives have been studied as combination therapy with several synthetic compounds, RNA interfaces, recombinant proteins and antibodies etc., for synergizing the effect of these drugs. They produce an anticancer effect by causing cell cycle arrest, regulating signaling in apoptosis, angiogenesis and cytotoxicity activity on the steroid receptors. Many novel formulations of artemisinin are being developed in the form of carbon nanotubes, polymer-coated drug particles, etc., for delivering artemisinin, since it has poor water/ oil solubility and is chemically unstable.

CONCLUSION

We have summarize the combination therapies of artemisinin and its derivatives with other anticancer drugs and also focussed on recent developments of different drug delivery systems in the last 10 years. Various reports and clinical trials of artemisinin type drugs indicated selective cytotoxicity along with minimal toxicity thus projecting them as promising anti-cancer agents in future cancer therapies.

An Extract of Transgenic Senna obtusifolia L. Hairy Roots with Overexpression of PgSS1 Gene in Combination with Chemotherapeutic Agent Induces Apoptosis in the Leukemia Cell Line

Many biologically-active plant-derived compounds have therapeutic or chemopreventive effects. The use of plant in vitro cultures in conjunction with modern genetic engineering techniques allows greater amounts of valuable secondary metabolites to be obtained without interfering with the natural environment. This work presents the first findings concerning the acquisition of transgenic hairy roots of Senna obtusifolia overexpressing the gene encoding squalene synthase 1 from Panax ginseng (PgSS1) (SOPSS hairy loot lines) involved in terpenoid biosynthesis. Our results confirm that one of PgSS1-overexpressing hairy root line extracts (SOPSS2) possess a high cytotoxic effect against a human acute lymphoblastic leukemia (NALM6) cell line. Further analysis of the cell cycle, the expression of apoptosis-related genes (TP53, PUMA, NOXA, BAX) and the observed decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential also confirmed that the SOPSS2 hairy root extract displays the highest effects; similar results were also obtained for this extract combined with doxorubicin. The high cytotoxic activity, observed both alone or in combination with doxorubicin, may be due to the higher content of betulinic acid as determined by HPLC analysis. Our results suggest synergistic effects of tested extract (betulinic acid in greater amount) with doxorubicin which may be used in the future to develop new effective strategies of cancer chemosensitization.

8-Hydroxyquinoline Glycoconjugates: Modifications in the Linker Structure and Their Effect on the Cytotoxicity of the Obtained Compounds

Small molecule nitrogen heterocycles are very important structures, widely used in the design of potential pharmaceuticals. Particularly, derivatives of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) are successfully used to design promising anti-cancer agents. Conjugating 8-HQ derivatives with sugar derivatives, molecules with better bioavailability, selectivity, and solubility are obtained. In this study, 8-HQ derivatives were functionalized at the 8-OH position and connected with sugar derivatives (D-glucose or D-galactose) substituted with different groups at the anomeric position, using copper(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Glycoconjugates were tested for inhibition of the proliferation of cancer cell lines (HCT 116 and MCF-7) and inhibition of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase activity, which overexpression is associated with cancer progression. All glycoconjugates in protected form have a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells in the tested concentration range. The presence of additional amide groups in the linker structure improves the activity of glycoconjugates, probably due to the ability to chelate metal ions present in many types of cancers. The study of metal complexing properties confirmed that the obtained glycoconjugates are capable of chelating copper ions, which increases their anti-cancer potential.

Anticancer Activity of Natural Compounds from Plant and Marine Environment

This paper describes the substances of plant and marine origin that have anticancer properties. The chemical structure of the molecules of these substances, their properties, mechanisms of action, their structure⁻activity relationships, along with their anticancer properties and their potential as chemotherapeutic drugs are discussed in this paper. This paper presents natural substances from plants, animals, and their aquatic environments. These substances include the vinca alkaloids, mistletoe plant extracts, podophyllotoxin derivatives, taxanes, camptothecin, combretastatin, and others including geniposide, colchicine, artesunate, homoharringtonine, salvicine, ellipticine, roscovitine, maytanasin, tapsigargin, and bruceantin. Compounds (psammaplin, didemnin, dolastin, ecteinascidin, and halichondrin) isolated from the marine plants and animals such as microalgae, cyanobacteria, heterotrophic bacteria, invertebrates (e.g., sponges, tunicates, and soft corals) as well as certain other substances that have been tested on cells and experimental animals and used in human chemotherapy.

An Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties of Complex Compounds of Copper (II), Platinum (II), Palladium (II) and Ruthenium (III) for Use in Cancer Therapy

The incidence of head and neck cancer increases every year, and represents a significant problem for Molecular Biology at the beginning of the Twenty-first Century. Despite advances in treatment, most studies still strive to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of cancerogenesis. In order to develop more effective methods of diagnosis and therapy, it is necessary to understand the molecular basis of the neoplastic transformation process. Such findings obtained by research into Molecular Biology, Molecular Epidemiology and Genetics have brought significant progress in understanding the complex, multi- step process which takes place during tumor formation. For many years, there has been great interest in the use of complex compounds, particular complexes between heterocyclic compounds and the metals Pt (II), Pd (II), Cu (II) and Ru (III). One such compound is an azole called pyrazole; the azoles are known to have analgesic, antipyretic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects. Improved synthetic and separation methods and biochemical techniques have improved the identification of compounds with biological activity. The main aim of this review is to present complexes with Pt (II), Pd (II), Cu (II) and Ru (III) ions which demonstrate antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

Cloning and Characterization of Limonoid Glucosyltransferase from Kinnow Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is a popular citrus crop of northwestern India and it occupies maximum fruit area in Punjab. However, citrus juice processing industry is still suffering from delayed bitterness problem caused mainly by limonoid aglycones such as limonin. In order to study citrus limonoid metabolism, limonoid glucosyltransferase (LGT) gene, which encodes a natural debittering enzyme, was isolated from the fruit tissues of Kinnow mandarin. After confirmation and characterization, its full-length gene sequence (1533 bp) was submitted to National Centre for Biotechnology Information. Citrus reticulata limonoid glucosyltransferase (CrLGT) occupies a position on an independent branch in the largest subgroup and is phylogenetically different from those in other mandarin species like C. unshiu, showing its uniqueness in several features. The transcript expression of CrLGT, evaluated in different tissues such as young leaf, flavedo, albedo, sac covering and seed of Kinnow mandarin during early (90 days after flowering (DAF)), mid (150-210 DAF) and late (240 DAF) fruit developmental stages using semi-quantitative method, showed the highest expression in flavedo. Thus, it was concluded that the isolated LGT gene has an effect on limonoid metabolic engineering in citrus. Overexpression of this gene can reduce the delayed bitterness problem in citrus juice and enhance the accumulation of specific glucosides that have anticancer effects.

Anticancer and Antimigration Effects of a Combinatorial Treatment of 5-Fluorouracil and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 Fermented Skim Milk Extracts on Colorectal Cancer Cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Metabolites of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have anticancer and antimetastasis capacities. This study aimed to investigate the chemotherapeutic effects of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101-fermented skim milk (NTU101-FM) extracts in combination with the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in a cellular CRC model. The NTU101-FM extracts effectively reduced CRC cell viability but were not cytotoxic to colon epithelial cells. Moreover, they increased RAW 264.7 cell viability. Notably, the cell viability of CRC cells was decreased by 5-FU in combination with the NTU101-FM extracts; the combinatorial treatment inhibited cell viability significantly more than 5-FU alone ( p < 0.05). An ethanol extract of NTU101-FM effectively attenuated CT26 cell migration. In conclusion, the ethanol extract prepared from NTU101-FM has a potential application as an anticancer agent in CRC.

A Review of the Biomedical Applications of Zerumbone and the Techniques for Its Extraction from Ginger Rhizomes

Zerumbone (ZER) is a phytochemical isolated from the subtropical Zingiberaceae family and as a natural compound it has different biomedical properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory anti-proliferative activity. ZER also has effects on angiogenesis and acts as an antitumor drug in the treatment of cancer, showing selective toxicity toward various cancer cell lines. Several techniques also have been established for extraction of ZER from the rhizomes of ginger. This review paper is an overview of recent research about different extraction methods and their efficiencies, in vivo and vitro investigations of ZER and also its prominent chemopreventive properties and treatment mechanisms. Most of the studies mentioned in this review paper may be useful use as a knowledge summary to explain ZER extraction and anticancer activities, which will show a way for the development of strategies in the treatment of malignancies using ZER.

The Anticancer Properties of Herba Epimedii and Its Main Bioactive Componentsicariin and Icariside II

Cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. Compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicines have been an important source of anticancer drugs and adjuvant agents to potentiate the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs and improve the side effects of chemotherapy. HerbaEpimedii is one of most popular herbs used in China traditionally for the treatment of multiple diseases, including osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, hypertension and common inflammatory diseases. Studies show HerbaEpimedii also possesses anticancer activity. Flavonol glycosides icariin and icariside II are the main bioactive components of HerbaEpimedii. They have been found to possess anticancer activities against various human cancer cell lines in vitro and mouse tumor models in vivo via their effects on multiple biological pathways, including cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis, and a variety of signaling pathways including JAK2-STAT3, MAPK-ERK, and PI3k-Akt-mTOR. The review is aimed to provide an overview of the current research results supporting their therapeutic effects and to highlight the molecular targets and action mechanisms.

Novel Gold Nanoparticles Reduced by Sargassum glaucescens: Preparation, Characterization and Anticancer Activity

The current study investigated the anticancer properties of gold nanoparticles (SG-stabilized AuNPs) synthesized using water extracts of the brown seaweed Sargassum glaucescens (SG). SG-stabilized AuNPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The SG-stabilized AuNPs were stable and small at 3.65 ± 1.69 nm in size. The in vitro anticancer effect of SG-stabilized AuNPs was determined on cervical (HeLa), liver (HepG2), breast (MDA-MB-231) and leukemia (CEM-ss) cell lines using fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, caspase activity determination, and MTT assays. After 72 h treatment, SG-stabilized AuNPs was shown to be significant (p < 0.05) cytotoxic to the cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 values of SG-stabilized AuNPs on the HeLa, HepG2, CEM-ss, MDA-MB-231 cell lines were 4.75 ± 1.23, 7.14 ± 1.45, 10.32 ± 1.5, and 11.82 ± 0.9 μg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, SG-stabilized AuNPs showed no cytotoxic effect towards the normal human mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A). SG-stabilized AuNPs significantly (p < 0.05) arrest HeLa cell cycle at G2/M phase and significantly (p < 0.05) activated caspases-3 and -9 activities. The anticancer effect of SG-stabilized AuNPs is via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The study showed that SG-stabilized AuNPs is a good candidate to be developed into a chemotherapeutic compound for the treatment of cancers especially cervical cancer.