Potential of green-synthesized ZnO NPs against human ovarian teratocarcinoma: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer leads to devastating outcomes, and its treatment is highly challenging. At present, there is a lack of clinical symptoms, well-known sensitivity biomarkers, and patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Currently, available therapeutics against ovarian cancer are inefficient, costly, and associated with severe side effects. The present study evaluated the anticancer potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) that were successfully biosynthesized in an ecofriendly mode using pumpkin seed extracts. METHODS AND RESULTS: The anticancer potential of the biosynthesized ZnO NPs was assessed using an in vitro human ovarian teratocarcinoma cell line (PA-1) by well-known assays such as MTT assay, morphological alterations, induction of apoptosis, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and inhibition of cell adhesion/migration. The biogenic ZnO NPs exerted a high level of cytotoxicity against PA-1 cells. Furthermore, the ZnO NPs inhibited cellular adhesion and migration but induced ROS production and cell death through programmed cell death. CONCLUSION: The aforementioned anticancer properties highlight the therapeutic utility of ZnO NPs in ovarian cancer treatment. However, further research is recommended to envisage their mechanism of action in different cancer models and validation in a suitable in vivo system.

Screening of Cu4 O3 NPs efficacy and its anticancer potential against cervical cancer.

Cu4 O3 is the least explored copper oxide, and its nanoformulation is anticipated to have important therapeutic potential especially against cancer. The current study aimed to biosynthesize Cu4 O3 nanoparticles (NPs) using an aqueous extract of pumpkin seeds and evaluate its antiproliferative efficacy against cervical cells after screening on different cancer cell lines. The obtained NPs were characterized by different spectroscopic analyses, such as UV-vis, thermogravimetric, energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, high-resolution transmission electron microscopes (HR-TEM) were used to observe the morphology of the biosynthesized NPs. The UV-vis spectra showed a peak at around 332 nm, confirming the formation of Cu4 O3 NPs. Moreover, FTIR and TAG analyses identified the presence of various bioactive phytoconstituents that might have worked as capping and stabilization agents and comparative stable NPs at very high temperatures, respectively. The HR-TEM data showed the spherical shape of Cu4 O3 NPs in the range of 100 nm. The Cu4 O3 NPs was screened on three different cancer cell lines viz., Hela, MDA-MB-231, and HCT-116 using cytotoxicity (MTT) reduction assay. In addition, Vero was taken as a normal epithelial (control) cell. The high responsive cell line in terms of least IC50 was further assessed for its anticancer potential using a battery of biological tests, including morphological alterations, induction of apoptosis/ROS generation, regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and suppression of cell adhesion/migration. Vero cells (control) showed a slight decline in % cell viability even at the highest tested Cu4 O3 NPs concentration. However, all the studied cancer cells viz., MDA-MB-231, HCT 116, and HeLa cells showed a dose-dependent decline in cell viability after the treatment with Cu4 O3 NPs with a calculated IC50 value of 10, 11, and 7.2 µg/mL, respectively. Based on the above data, Hela cells were chosen for further studies, that showed induction of apoptosis from 3.5 to 9-folds by three different staining techniques acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB), 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and propidium iodide (PI). The enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (>3.5-fold), modulation in MMP, and suppression of cell adhesion/migration were observed in the cells treated with Cu4 O3 NPs. The current study obtained the significant antiproliferative potential of Cu4 O3 NPs against the cervical cancer cell line, which needs to be confirmed further in a suitable in vivo model. Based on our results, we also recommend the green-based, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative method for synthesizing novel nanoformulation.

Association of IL-6 promoter polymorphism hotspots (- 174G/C and - 572G/C) with cardiovascular disease risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, despite the recent advancements in clinical research. Early diagnosis of CVD and prevention of future complications are important for the management of CVD. In the present study, we determined the genotypic linkage of interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoters with the clinical, biochemical, and inflammatory markers of CVD in the Saudi population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 89 patients (male and female) with CVD who were admitted at the King Abdulaziz university hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The biochemical parameters were evaluated using an automated chemistry analyzer, and inflammatory markers were measured using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. For genotypic analysis, Sanger sequencing was performed. We observed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between GG (66.29%), GC (30.34%), and CC (3.37%) genotypes at the - 174G/C (rs1800795) hotspot and neopterin levels. However, the genotypes at the - 572G/C (rs1800796) hotspot did not show any association with age, gender, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and coronary artery status. In addition, no significant association was observed with biochemical and inflammatory markers, namely fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin A1c, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, IL-6, and C-reactive protein. The comparison between different possible genotypic groups and CVD risk factors showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association between the male gender and HDL with GG, rs1800795 group vs. GC, rs1800796 group. Similarly, neopterin level was also found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the genotypes GC, rs1800795, and GG, rs1800796. Additionally, the male gender (p < 0.01), age (p < 0.05), serum creatinine (p < 0.001), and neopterin (p < 0.05) were found to be significantly associated with GG, rs1800795 + GG, rs1800796, GC, rs1800795 + GC, and rs1800796 GC. CONCLUSION: The direct association of neopterin level with IL-6 promoter polymorphism at - 174G/C (rs1800795) hotspot indicated the role of inflammation in CVD pathogenesis in the Saudi population.

Anticancer potential of yohimbine in drug-resistant oral cancer KB-ChR-8-5 cells.

BACKGROUND: The demand for environmentally friendly and cost-effective plant-based products for the development of cancer therapeutics has been increasing. Yohimbine (α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist) is a stimulant and aphrodisiac used to improve erectile dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anticancer potential of yohimbine in drug-resistant oral cancer KB-ChR-8-5 cells using different biomolecular techniques. METHODS: We estimated the anticancer efficacy of yohimbine using different assays, such as MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) cell cytotoxicity, cell morphology, cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and modulation in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). RESULTS: Yohimbine showed a dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 44 µM against KB-ChR-8-5 cancer cell lines. Yohimbine treatment at 40 µM and 50 µM resulted in a considerable change in cell morphology, including shrinkage, detachment, membrane blebbing, and deformed shape. Moreover, at the dose of IC50 and above, a significant induction was observed in the generation of ROS and depolarization of MMP. The possible mechanisms of action of yohimbine underlying the dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity may be due to the induction of apoptosis, ROS generation, and modulation of MMP. CONCLUSION: Overall, yohimbine showed a significant anticancer potential against drug-resistant oral cancer KB-ChR-8-5 cells. Our study suggests that besides being an aphrodisiac, yohimbine can be used as a drug repurposing agent. However, more research is required in different in vitro and in vivo models to confirm the feasibility of yohimbine in clinics.

Association of autoimmunity and cancer: An emphasis on proteolytic enzymes.

Cancer and autoimmune diseases are the two devastating conditions that together constitute a leading health problem worldwide. The rising burden of these disorders in the developing world demands a multifaceted approach to address the challenges it poses. Understanding the root causes and specific molecular mechanisms by which the progression of the diseases takes place is need of the hour. A strong inflammatory background and common developmental pathways, such as activation of immune cells, proliferation, increased cell survival and migration which are controlled by growth factors and inflammatory cytokines have been considered as the critical culprits in the progression and complications of these disorders. Enzymes are the potential immune modulators which regulate various inflammatory events and can break the circulating immune complexes via macrophages production. In the current manuscript, we have uncovered the possible role of proteolytic enzymes in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer and autoimmune diseases. In the light of the available scientific literature, we advocate in-depth comprehensive studies which will shed light towards the role of proteolytic enzymes in the modulation of inflammatory responses in cancer and autoimmune diseases together.

Identification of novel cardiovascular disease associated metabolites using untargeted metabolomics.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Early diagnosis of CVD could provide the opportunity for sensible management and better clinical outcome along with the prevention of further progression of the disease. In the current study, we used an untargeted metabolomic approach to identify possible metabolite(s) that associate well with the CVD and could serve either as therapeutic target or disease-associated metabolite. We identified 26 rationally adjusted unique metabolites that were differentially present in the serum of CVD patients compared with healthy individuals, among them 15 were found to be statistically significant. Out of these metabolites, we identified some novel metabolites like UDP-l-rhamnose and N1-acetylspermidine that have not been reported to be linked with CVD directly. Further, we also found that some metabolites like ethanolamide, solanidine, dimethylarginine, N-acetyl-l-tyrosine, can act as a discriminator of CVD. Metabolites integrating pathway enrichment analysis showed enrichment of various important metabolic pathways like histidine metabolism, methyl histidine metabolism, carnitine synthesis, along with arginine and proline metabolism in CVD patients. Our study provides a great opportunity to understand the pathophysiological role and impact of the identified unique metabolites and can be extrapolated as specific CVD specific metabolites.

Genotyping of interleukins-18 promoters and their correlation with coronary artery stenosis in Saudi population.

BACKGROUND: Complex coronary atherosclerotic lesions often lead to coronary occlusion, clinically represented as a single-vessel disease (SVD) and multivessel disease (MVD). These occlusions could hinder the blood flow in coronary arteries that affects appropriate management of the CVD. The current study intended to genotype interleukin (IL)-18 promoter's hotspots (rs187238, rs1946518, and rs1946519) and their possible association with coronary artery stenosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The IL-18 promoter genotyping was performed by the Sanger method along with the examination of biochemical parameters in 125 study subjects categorized into three groups, viz. controls, SVD and MVD. RESULTS: The current study observed a significant association of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia between the studied group's viz. healthy controls, SVD, and MVD. Fasting blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1C) were also significantly enhanced from 4.82 vs. 8.01 and 4.33 vs. 8.27, in SVD, and MVD respectively. Despite the visible differences in the pattern of genotypic and allelic expressions, the current study did not show any statistically significant correlation with IL-18 promoter polymorphism at its hotspots with controls, SVD, and MVD subjects. The only exception of the above results was the distribution of allelic frequency at the rs1946519 hotspot, where a significant change (P < 0.05) was observed. CONCLUSION: This study is of additional value to our previous reports, revealing the pattern of genotypes and allelic frequency of IL-18 promoters in a small cohort of Saudi ethnicity. Further investigations on larger sample size are recommended to envisage the presence of functional mutations in the IL-18 gene that could establish or rule out the possible association of IL-18 polymorphism with SVD and MVD.

An insight on the association of glycation with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide and dominant form of primary liver cancer. However, the reason behind a steady increase in the incidence of this form of cancer remains elusive. Glycation has been reported to play a significant role in the induction of several chronic diseases including cancer. Several risk factors that could induce HCC have been reported in the literature. Deciphering the complex patho-physiology associated with HCC is expected to provide new targets for the early detection, prevention, progression and recurrence. Even-though, some of the causative aspects of HCC is known, the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) related mechanism still needs further research. In the current manuscript, we have tried to uncover the possible role of glycation in the induction of HCC. In the light of the available scientific literature, we advocate in-depth comprehensive studies which will shed light towards mechanistic association of glycation with HCC.

Association of Plasma Fibrinogen Level with Insulin Resistance in Angiographically Confirmed Coronary Artery Disease Patients.

Fibrinogen is an important coagulation factor that plays a key role in thrombus formation. The co-existence of CAD, insulin resistance (IR) and coagulation incongruity are believed to exacerbate the existing condition towards more lethal pathological events.The purpose of current study was to find out a possible association between fibrinogen and IR in CAD patients. The study population consist of 135 participants; 82 angiographically confirmed CAD patients who visited the outpatient department at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah and 53 healthy control individuals. Peripheral blood samples were collected from CAD patients and healthy control individuals. Various biochemical parameters such as complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, C-peptide, lipid profile, platelet, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen and D-dimer levels were measured by the use of different analytical methods. Calculation of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and non-HDL were done by using online tools. Among the studied parameters, majority of the conventional risk factors were found to be significantly increased in CAD patients compared with control individuals. Different coagulation components such as fibrinogen (223.8 vs. 394 mg/dL), D-dimer (0.25 vs. 0.63 mg/L), platelet (222.9 vs. 245.9 K/uL) and PTT (27.6 vs. 29.6 seconds) were also found to be significantly enhanced in CAD patients. Based on the severity of IR [HOMA index up to 3 and ≥ 3], comparison with different parameters such as fibrinogen, D-dimer, C-peptide and insulin in CAD groups were also made. As per HOMA index, fibrinogen level was found to be significantly increased in below and above 3 categories. Moreover, C-peptide (P < 0.01) and insulin (P < 0.001) levels also showed significant association with both HOMA groups. Our study provides an insight towards the association of fibrinogen and IR in CAD patients with respect to severity.

Assessment of chemotherapy on various biochemical markers in breast cancer patients.

Chemotherapy is a standard treatment method for the patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Lately, cyclophosphamide (CYP) and doxorubicin (DOX) are used as the major chemotherapeutic agents especially for the treatment of breast cancer. Till date, no serum biomarker has been able to provide an early diagnosis of breast cancer. This study aimed to assess inflammatory, cardiac, renal and hematological markers in 56 breast cancer patients (BCP) before, during and after termination of chemotherapy with CYP and DOX. Blood samples were collected from the patients at the each treatment stages mentioned above. These samples were assessed for interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatinine, hemoglobin (Hb), leukocyte, platelet and Na+ /K+ -ATPase levels either by ELISA or colorimetric methods. The results suggest a significant increase in IL-6 level at all the stages in BCP as compared to control group. On the other hand, IL-10, CK and Na+ /K+ -ATPase levels were found to be significantly declined during all the stages. Moreover, the majority of hematological parameters remained unchanged throughout the treatment period with the exception of creatinine and Hb which showed slight modulation in their level at different stages. Based on the results, we conclude that breast cancer and co-treatment with CYP and DOX, interfere arious biological markers, thereby, showing the physiological imbalance.

Estimation of Interleukin-1ß Promoter (-31 C/T and -511 T/C) Polymorphisms and Its Level in Coronary Artery Disease Patients.

Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) is an inflammation-causing cytokine that exerts several unique biological effects and could lead to future adverse events of CAD. The piece of work presented herein is aimed at investigating possible association of IL-1ß levels to its polymorphic site viz. -511 and -31 at promoter region in Saudi CAD patients. The study included 155 confirmed CAD patients and 80 healthy control individuals both men and women. Concentration of IL-1ß in the patients' serum was measured by ELISA method. For single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, sanger method of DNA sequencing was followed. We observed variable numbers of SNPs at -31 C/T and -511 T/C promoter regions in Saudi patients suffering from CAD in comparison to the control set of individuals. However, the changes in the number of SNP-hotspots were determined to be non-significant with reference to the control set. The haplotype analysis at -31 and -511 also did not show any significant changes between control and CAD patients. Moreover, serum IL-1ß levels were observed to be expressively higher in patients suffering from CAD (P < 0.001) and its associated complications viz. STEMI (P < 0.001), NSTEMI (P < 0.001), and UA (P < 0.001). Our study provides the status of SNPs at IL-1ß promoter in Saudi population. As per our information, ours is the first article that shows the genetic diversity in IL-1ß promoters and its level in the Saudi CAD patients. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2977-2982, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Assessment of IL-18 Serum Level and Its Promoter Polymorphisms in the Saudi Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Patients.

The purpose of the current study was to find out the possible changes polymorphic site at the promoter region of IL-18 gene in Saudi CAD patients. We have also measured serum IL-18 level to find out, the likely association between its level and polymorphic site. The present study included total 197 subjects (98 confirmed CAD patients both men and women and 99 healthy control individuals). Serum concentration of IL-18 was measured by enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay. For SNPs analysis, sanger method of DNA sequencing was followed. We observed variable numbers of SNPs at -137 C/G, -607 A/C, and -656 T/G promoter sites in our studied samples. However, the observed changes in the number of SNP hotspots were found to be non-significant compared with control. IL-18 level was found to be significantly (P < 0.001) elevated in CAD patients compared with control individuals. The highest rise of around 36% (P < 0.001) in IL-18 level was recorded in unstable angina (UA) patients. Moreover, the group belonging to UA and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) showed only 6% rise. On the basis of our result, inflammation seems to have a role in the pathogenesis of CAD but not leading to the significant changes at the genetic level. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1849-1854, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A putative association of interleukin-10 promoter polymorphisms with cardiovascular disease.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti inflammatory cytokine involved in the ongoing coronary inflammation and related patho-physiological processes. The piece of work presented herein is aimed at investigating possible association of polymorphisms in IL-10 promoter with Saudi cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. The study included 80 confirmed CVD patients with diabetes and 75 healthy control individuals both men and women. Concentration of IL-10 in the serum samples were measured by ELISA method. For single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, Sanger method of DNA sequencing was followed. The IL-10 level was found to be significantly elevated in CVD patients (P < 0.001) and its associated complications viz. ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] (P <0.01), non ST-elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI] (P < 0.05), and unstable angina [UA] (P < 0.001). We also observed a significant association between polymorphisms in IL-10 promoter at -1082 and -819 locus with Saudi CVD patients. Moreover, at -1082 A/G locus, AA haplotype was found to be less frequent in the CVD patients compared with control individuals. On the other hand, highly significant rise in heterozygous (A/G genotype) condition was observed in patient samples compared with control ones (P < 0.001). Similarly, the genotypic frequencies at -819 C/T locus were also found to be significantly associated (P < 0.001) with CVD patients compared with control individuals. Our study provides the status of polymorphism in IL-10 promoter and its association with CVD risk in Saudi population. As per our information, ours is the first article that shows the genetic diversity in IL-10 promoters and its level in the Saudi CVD patients. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(7):522-527, 2017.

Reduction in CD16/CD56 and CD16/CD3/CD56 Natural Killer Cells in Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells are the potential modulators of inflammatory reactions that exert several unique biological effects and could lead to future adverse events of coronary artery disease (CAD). HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to find out the possible association of modulation in NK cell, TNK cells, T cells, B cells, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in CAD patients and various forms of myocardial infarction. METHODS: The present study included total 190 subjects (98 confirmed CAD patients both men and women and 92 healthy control individuals). Serum concentration of TNF-α was measured by ELISA method. For the measurement of various immune cells, viz., NK cell, TNK cells, T cells, and B cells, flow-cytometric analysis was performed. RESULTS: A significant reduction by 15% (P < 0.001) in CD16/CD56 NK cells was observed in CAD patients. Moreover, non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), unstable angina (UA), and combined UA + NSTEMI group also showed a significant decline in NK cells compared with control individuals. CD16/CD56/CD3 TNK cells showed a significant reduction in CAD, NSTEMI, STEMI, and UA categories. However, UA + NSTEMI group did not show any significant change in TNK cells. On the other hand, the level of TNF-α was found to be significantly elevated in CAD, STEMI, and UA groups. NSTEMI and combined UA + NSTEMI group did not show any significant change in TNF-α level. CONCLUSION: Current study provides an insight toward the association of immune cells and inflammation with CAD.

Assessment of genetic diversity in IL-6 and RANTES promoters and their level in Saudi coronary artery disease patients.

BACKGROUND: The present study consisted of a total of 200 subjects (100 confirmed coronary artery disease (CAD) patients), both men and women, and 100 healthy control individuals. METHODS: Serum concentration of IL-6 and RANTES were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. For SNPs analysis, sanger method of DNA sequencing was followed. RESULTS: We observed variable numbers of SNP sites at -174 G/C, -572 G/C, and -597 G/A in IL-6 and -28 C/G and -109 C/T in RANTES promoters in CAD patients compared with control individuals. However, the observed changes in the number of SNPs were found to be non-significant compared with control individuals. The IL-6 level was found to be significantly (P<.001) elevated in CAD patients compared with control. Moreover, RANTES serum level did not show any significant change in CAD patients. CONCLUSION: Based on our result, it is quite clear that inflammation has a role in the pathogenesis of CAD but does not lead to significant changes at the genetic level in our population. As far as our knowledge goes, this is the first report that shows the genetic diversity in IL-6 and RANTES promoters and their respective levels in Saudi CAD patients.

Neopterin: An immune biomarker of coronary artery disease and its association with other CAD markers.

Neopterin has been considered as an important marker of cellular inflammation. The primary objective of the current study was to determine the role of neopterin in cardiovascular disease and its association with other well known cardiac markers. The study was composed of total 200 subjects (100 confirmed coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, 50 recently diagnosed, and 50 managed CAD patients) both men and women and 100 healthy control individuals of matching age and weight. Serum neopterin analysis was done using commercial available ELISA kits. Other cardiac markers viz. troponin, creatine kinase (CK), CK MB isoenzyme (CKMB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) estimation was done by standard routine biochemical methods. Neopterin level was found to be remarkably enhanced by 150% and 513% in the recently diagnosed and managed CAD patients, respectively. CK level also showed a significant rise by 62% in the managed patients. However, recently diagnosed patients did not show any significant change. Moreover, cross correlation study showed statistically significant (P < 0.01) change in neopterin and CK levels between recently and managed patients. In the other studied CAD markers such as CKMB, fibrinogen and LDH also showed a significant increase in both categories of patients. CRP level was also found to be significantly enhanced by 357% (P < 0.01) and 341% (P < 0.05) in recently diagnosed and managed patients respectively. Because of cost effectiveness, easy and quick analysis of neopterin in the serum sample, we propose neopterin as the prognostic as well as diagnostic biomarker of CAD before other markers could be tested especially in Saudi population.

Altered galectin glycosylation: potential factor for the diagnostics and therapeutics of various cardiovascular and neurological disorders.

Galectins are ß-galactoside binding mammalian proteins characterized by the presence of a conserved carbohydrate recognition domain, expressed in almost all taxa of living organisms and involved in broad range of significant biological and physiological functions. Previously, we reported the purification and extensive characterization of galectin-1 from goat (Capra hircus) heart. Interestingly, the purified protein was found to have significant level of glycosylation. This intrigued us to evaluate the involvement of glycosylation in relation to protein's structural and functional integrity in its purified form. In the present study, an extensive comparative physicochemical characterization has been performed between the glycosylated and deglycosylated form of the purified protein. Deglycosylation resulted in an enhanced fluorescence quenching and marked reduction in pH and thermal stability of the purified galectin. Exposure to various biologically active chemicals showed significant differences in the properties and stability profile, causing significant deviations from its regular secondary structure in the deglycosylated form. These results clearly indicated enhanced structural and functional stabilization in the glycosylated galectin. The data revealed herein adds a vital facet demonstrating the significance of galectin expression and glycosylation in causation, progression, and possible therapeutics of associated clinical disorders. Our approach also allowed us to define some key interactions between the purified galectin and carbohydrate ligands that could well serve as an important landmark for designing new drug protocols for various cardiovascular and neurological disorders.

Cancer chemoprevention by polyphenols and their potential application as nanomedicine.

Today cancer is a leading cause of death among the developed countries. Its highly complex nature makes it difficult to understand as it entails multiple cellular physiological systems such as cell signaling and apoptosis. The biggest challenges faced by cancer chemoprevention/chemotherapy is maintaining drug circulation and avoiding multidrug resistance. Overall there is modest evidence regarding the protective effects of nutrients from supplements against a number of cancers. Numerous scientific literatures available advocate the use of polyphenols for chemoprevention. Some groups have also suggested use of combination of nutrients in cancer prevention. However, we have yet to obtain the desired results in the line of cancer chemotherapy research. Nanotechnology can play a pivotal role in cancer treatment and prevention. Moreover, nanoparticles can be modified in various ways to prolong circulation, enhance drug localization, increase drug efficacy, and potentially decrease the chances of multidrug resistance. In this communication, we will cover the use of various polyphenols and nutrients in cancer chemoprevention. The application of nanotechnology in this regard will also be included. In view of available reports on the potential of nanoparticles, we suggest their usage along with different combination of nutrients as cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Prioritization of bioactive compounds envisaging yohimbine as a multi targeted anticancer agent: insight from molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation.

Recently, multi-targeted drugs have attracted much attention in cancer therapy where several therapeutic proteins are targeted by a single agent. Using the published scientific literature, we selected sixteen well-known anticancer targets and seven potential phytobioactive chemicals to find a multitargeted compound by screening through molecular docking. The feasible protein-ligand interaction was further predicted by protein-ligand interaction analysis and molecular dynamic simulation. The phytochemical yohimbine exhibited the lowest docking score in the range of -8.3 to -10.0 kcal/mol over other ligands with all the studied protein targets. Molecular interaction data also revealed the feasible binding of yohimbine with all targets. Moreover, the molecular simulation data also confirmed the stability of protein-ligand complexes with three most scored targets viz. ERK2, PARP1 and PIK3α. Based on our results, yohimbine seems to be the most potent compound out of those selected compounds and can be considered as effective lead molecule against the studied target proteins.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Phenolic Acids-Mediated Regulation of Molecular Targets in Ovarian Cancer: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives.

Cancer is a global health concern with a dynamic rise in occurrence and one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Among different types of cancer, ovarian cancer (OC) is the seventh most diagnosed malignant tumor, while among the gynecological malignancies, it ranks third after cervical and uterine cancer and sadly bears the highest mortality and worst prognosis. First-line treatments have included a variety of cytotoxic and synthetic chemotherapeutic medicines, but they have not been particularly effective in extending OC patients' lives and are associated with side effects, recurrence risk, and drug resistance. Hence, a shift from synthetic to phytochemical-based agents is gaining popularity, and researchers are looking into alternative, cost-effective, and safer chemotherapeutic strategies. Lately, studies on the effectiveness of phenolic acids in ovarian cancer have sparked the scientific community's interest because of their high bioavailability, safety profile, lesser side effects, and cost-effectiveness. Yet this is a road less explored and critically analyzed and lacks the credibility of the novel findings. Phenolic acids are a significant class of phytochemicals usually considered in the nonflavonoid category. The current review focused on the anticancer potential of phenolic acids with a special emphasis on chemoprevention and treatment of OC. We tried to summarize results from experimental, epidemiological, and clinical studies unraveling the benefits of various phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid) in chemoprevention and as anticancer agents of clinical significance.