Sustainable remediation of chromium-contaminated soils: boosting radish growth with deashed biochar and strigolactone.

Chromium (Cr) stress significantly hinders crop production by disrupting nutrient uptake, impairing plant growth, and contaminating soil, posing a substantial threat to agricultural sustainability. The use of deashed biochar (DAB) and strigolactone can be an effective solution to mitigate this issue. Deashed biochar enhances crop production by improving soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability while mitigating the bioavailability of toxic substances. Strigolactone boosts plant growth by stimulating root growth, branching, shoot formation, and overall plant physiology. Nevertheless, the scientific rationale behind their collective use as an amendment to counter Cr stress remains to be substantiated. Therefore, in this study, a blend of DAB and strigolactone was employed as additives in radish cultivation, both in the absence of Cr stress and under the influence of 200Cr stress. Four treatments, i.e., 0, 20µM Strigolactone, DAB, and 20µM Strigolactone + DAB, were applied in four replications following a completely randomized design. Results demonstrate that 20µM Strigolactone + DAB produced significant improvement in radish shoot length (27.29%), root length (45.60%), plant fresh weight (33.25%), and plant dry weight (78.91%), compared to the control under Cr stress. Significant enrichment in radish chlorophyll a (20.41%), chlorophyll b (58.53%), and total chlorophyll (31.54%) over the control under Cr stress, prove the efficacy of 20µM Strigolactone + DAB treatment. In conclusion, 20µM Strigolactone + DAB is the recommended amendment for mitigating Cr stress in radish. Farmers should consider using Strigolactone + DAB amendments to combat Cr stress and enhance radish growth, contributing to a more resilient agricultural ecosystem.

Assessment of possible biomedical applications of green synthesized TiO2NPs-an in-vitro approach.

Biomedical applications for various types of nanoparticles are emerging on a daily basis. Hence this research was performed to evaluate the antifungal (Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Trichophyton sp., Candida sp., and Penicillium sp.), cytotoxicity (MCF10A cell lines), and antioxidant (DPPH) potential of Coleus aromaticus mediated and pre-characterized TiO2NPs were studied with respective standard methodology. Interestingly, the TiO2NPs exhibited significant antifungal activity on pathogenic fungal strains like Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp. (31 ± 1.4), Penicillium sp. (31 ± 1.9) Trichophyton sp. (27 ± 2.1), and Candida sp. (26 ± 2.3) at high concentration (250 µg mL-1). However, the considerable levels of zone of inhibitions on fungal pathogens were recorded at 100 µg mL-1 of TiO2NPs as well as it was considerably greater than positive control. It also demonstrated dose based anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities. The plant-mediated TiO2NPs demonstrated a maximum DPPH scavenging efficiency of 91% at a dosage of 250 µg mL-1, comparable to the positive control's 94%. Furthermore, TiO2NPs at 100 µg mL-1 concentration did not cause cytotoxicity in MCF10A cell lines. At higher concentrations (250 µg mL-1), the nanoparticles showed the lowest cytotoxicity (17%). These findings suggest that C. aromaticus-mediated TiO2NPs have significant biomedical applications. However, in-vivo studies are needed to learn more about their (C. aromaticus-mediated TiO2NPs) potential biomedical applications.

Spectroscopic characterization and pharmacokinetic evaluation of amorphous solid dispersions of glibenclamide for bioavailability enhancement in Wistar rats.

Oral bioavailability of glibenclamide (Glb) was appreciably improved by the formation of an amorphous solid dispersion with Poloxamer-188 (P-188). Poloxamer-188 substantially enhanced the solubility and thereby the dissolution rate of the biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class II drug Glb and simultaneously exhibited a better stabilizing effect of the amorphous solid dispersion prepared by the solvent evaporation method. The physical state of the dispersed Glb in the polymeric matrix was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared studies. In vitro drug release in buffer (pH 7.2) revealed that the amorphous solid dispersion at a Glb-P-188 ratio of 1:6 (SDE4) improved the dissolution of Glb by 90% within 3 h. A pharmacokinetic study of the solid dispersion formulation SDE4 in Wistar rats showed that the oral bioavailability of the drug was greatly increased as compared with the market tablet formulation, Daonil®. The formulation SDE4 resulted in an AUC0-24h ~2-fold higher. The SDE4 formulation was found to be stable during the study period of 6 months.

Effects of common dissolved anions on the efficiency of Fe0-based remediation systems.

Quiescent batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the influences of Cl-, F-, HCO3-, HPO42-, and SO42- on the reactivity of metallic iron (Fe0) for water remediation using the methylene blue (MB) method. Strong discoloration of MB indicates high availability of solid iron corrosion products (FeCPs). Tap water was used as an operational reference. Experiments were carried out in graduated test tubes (22 mL) for up to 45 d, using 0.1 g of Fe0 and 0.5 g of sand. Operational parameters investigated were (i) equilibration time (0-45 d), (ii) 4 different types of Fe0, (iii) anion concentration (10 values), and (iv) use of MB and Orange II (O-II). The degree of dye discoloration, the pH, and the iron concentration were monitored in each system. Relative to the reference system, HCO3- enhanced the extent of MB discoloration, while Cl-, F-, HPO42-, and SO42- inhibited it. A different behavior was observed for O-II discoloration: in particular, HCO3- inhibited O-II discoloration. The increased MB discoloration in the HCO3- system was justified by considering the availability of FeCPs as contaminant scavengers, pH increase, and contact time. The addition of any other anion initially delays the availability of FeCPs. Conflicting results in the literature can be attributed to the use of inappropriate experimental conditions. The results indicate that the application of Fe0-based systems for water remediation is a highly site-specific issue which has to include the anion chemistry of the water.

Unraveling the ecological threads: How invasive alien plants influence soil carbon dynamics.

Invasive alien plants (IAPs) pose significant threats to native ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide. However, the understanding of their precise impact on soil carbon (C) dynamics in invaded ecosystems remains a crucial area of research. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms through which IAPs influence soil C pools, fluxes, and C budgets, shedding light on their effects and broader consequences. Key mechanisms identified include changes in litter inputs, rates of organic matter decomposition, alterations in soil microbial communities, and shifts in nutrient cycling, all driving the impact of IAPs on soil C dynamics. These mechanisms affect soil C storage, turnover rates, and ecosystem functioning. Moreover, IAPs tend to increase gross primary productivity and net primary productivity leading to the alterations in fluxes and C budgets. The implications of IAP-induced alterations in soil C dynamics are significant and extend to plant-soil interactions, ecosystem structure, and biodiversity. Additionally, they have profound consequences for C sequestration, potentially impacting climate change mitigation. Restoring native plant communities, promoting soil health, and implementing species-specific management are essential measures to significantly mitigate the impacts of IAPs on soil C dynamics. Overall, understanding and mitigating the effects of IAPs on soil C storage, nutrient cycling, and related processes will contribute to the conservation of native biodiversity and complement global C neutrality efforts.

Evaluation of potassium-enriched biochar and GA3 effectiveness for Improving wheat growth under drought stress.

Osmotic stress is a significant concern in agricultural crop production as it can harm crop growth, development, and productivity. Agriculture crops are particularly vulnerable to osmotic stress due to their reliance on water availability for various physiological processes. Organic amendments like activated carbon biochar and growth hormone gibberellic acid (GA3) can play a vital role. However, the time needed is to modify the established amendment to achieve better results. That's why the current study used potassium-enriched biochar (KBC = 0.75%) with and without GA3 (15 mg/L) as amendments under no osmotic stress and osmotic stress in wheat. Results showed that GA3 + KBC caused significant enhancement in germination (9.44%), shoot length (29.30%), root length (21.85%), shoot fresh weight (13.56%), shoot dry weight (68.38), root fresh weight (32.68%) and root dry weight (28.79%) of wheat over control under osmotic stress (OS). A significant enhancement in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, while the decline in electrolyte leakage of wheat, also validated the effectiveness of GA3 + KBC over control in OS. In conclusion, GA3 + KBC is the most effective among all applied treatments for improving wheat growth attributes under no osmotic and osmotic stress. Further research is needed at the field level, focusing on various cereal crops, to establish GA3 + KBC as the optimal treatment for effectively mitigating the impacts of osmotic stress.

Utilisation of persistent chemical pollutant incorporating with nanoparticles to modify the properties of geopolymer and cement concrete.

The majority of industrial products are identified as persistent organic pollutants after their date of expiry, which is highly harmful to the ecosystem and human health and also going to be banned around the world. Paint latex is one of those pollutants which become a hazardous waste material after stocking for a long time. Approximately 20% of color paints do not get used for their desired purpose after getting sold out and end up in a landfill. Now a day's construction industry is inclining towards the various types of geo-polymer concrete since it does not require cement. But that geo-polymer concrete has too much less workability as compared to the same grade of control cement concrete. To achieve the desired workability as well as other properties of geo-polymer concrete by using waste paint latex as performance improving admixture is the main motive of the present research. Fourteen different mixes of control and calcined clay-based geo-polymer concrete have been prepared by adding up to 3% waste paint latex of weight of cementitious materials and a detailed study has been done on various properties such as workability, rheology, shrinkage, strength and its microstructure. The presence of nanoparticles of TiO2 in waste paint latex has helped to produce extra hydration products, by which the mechanical properties, durability and microstructure of both traditional and geo-polymer concrete have increased. It has been concluded that a higher dose of waste paint latex improves the workability but the strength and durability properties of traditional and geo-polymer concrete improve up to 2-2.5% of waste paint latex replaced to water.

Cobalt nanoparticles synthesizing potential of orange peel aqueous extract and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

The ability of cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) to absorb electromagnetic waves led to their use as potential biomedical agents in recent years. The properties of magnetic fluid containing cobalt nanoparticles are extraordinary. Hence, this research was designed to evaluate the Co(NO3)2 reducing the potential of orange peel aqueous extract and assessed their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The aqueous extract derived from orange peel had the potential to fabricate the CoNPs from 1 M Co(NO3)2 and the synthesized CoNPs were successfully characterized by standard nanoparticles characterization techniques such as UV-vis spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses. The FTIR analysis revealed that the synthesized CoNPs were capped with active functional groups. It was characterized by predominant peaks corresponding to carbonyl (CO), amide (CO = ), and C-O of alcohols or phenols. The size and shape of CoNPs were found as 14.2-22.7 nm and octahedral, respectively, under SEM analysis. Furthermore, at increased concentration, the CoNPs demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial activity against common bacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus subtilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungal (Aspergillus niger) pathogens. Furthermore, these CoNPs also showed considerable in-vitro antioxidant activities against various free articles such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). These results suggest that OP aqueous extract synthesized CoNPs possess considerable biomedical applications.

Antioxidant and anticancer potential of ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower of Tecoma stans (Linn) and In Silico studies on phytoligands against Bcl 2 and VEGFR2 factors.

This study was designed to appraise the antioxidant and anticancer competence of solvent extracts of Tecoma stans (Linn) and analyze the phytoligands interaction against Bcl 2 VEGFR2 through in silico studies. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the ethyl acetate extract contains more number of pharmaceutically valuable phytochemicals than other solvent extracts. Among the various phytochemicals, flavonoid was found as a predominant component, and UV-Vis- spectrophotometer analysis initially confirmed it. Hence, the column chromatogram was performed to purify the flavonoid, and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed. It revealed that the flavonoid enriched fraction by compared with standard flavonoid molecules. About 84.69% and 80.43% of antioxidant activity were found from ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower at the dosage of 80 µg mL-1 with the IC50 value of 47.24 and 43.40 µg mL-1, respectively. In a dose-dependent mode, the ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower showed cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell line MCF 7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) as up to 81.38% and 80.94% of cytotoxicity respectively. Furthermore, the IC50 was found as 208.507 µg mL-1 and 207.38 µg mL-1 for bark and flower extract correspondingly. About 10 medicinal valued flavonoid components were identified from bark (6) and flower (4) ethyl acetate extract through LC-MS analysis. Out of 10 components, the 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (ΔG -8.8) and Isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (ΔG -8.3) had the competence to interact with Bcl 2 (B-Cell Lymphoma 2) and VEGFR2 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2) respectively with more energy. Hence, these results confirm that the ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower of T. stans has significant medicinal potential and could be used as antioxidant and anticancer agent after some animal performance study.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antithrombotic, competency of saponins from the root of Decalepis hamiltonii.

The goal of this study was to extract saponins from the tuberous root of Decalepis hamiltonii and assess their potential clinical applications, which included antioxidant, antibacterial, antithrombotic, and anticancer properties. Surprisingly, the results of this study revealed that the extracted saponins have excellent antioxidant activities, as demonstrated by 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays. Nonetheless, at a concentration of 100 g/mL, crude saponin had excellent antibacterial activity, particularly against gramme positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Micrococcus luteus), followed by gramme negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumonia). Despite this, the crude saponin had no effect on Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The crude saponin also possesses outstanding in vitro antithrombotic activity on blood clot. Interestingly, the crude saponins have an outstanding anticancer activity of 89.26%, with an IC50 value of 58.41 µg/mL. Overall, the findings conclude that crude saponin derived from D. hamiltonii tuberous root could be used in pharmaceutical formulations.

Nanofabrication of cobalt-tellurium using Allium sativum extract and its protective efficacy against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HaCaT cells.

Allium sativum (A. sativum)is well known for its therapeutic and culinary uses. Because of their high medicinal properties, the clove extract was selected to synthesize cobalt-tellurium nanoparticles. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective activity of the nanofabricated cobalt-tellurium using A. sativum (Co-Tel-As-NPs) against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HaCaT cells. Synthesized Co-Tel-As-NPs were analyzed using UV-Visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, EDAX, XRD, DLS, and SEM. Various concentrations of Co-Tel-As-NPs were used as a pretreatment on HaCaT cells before H2O2 was added. Then, the cell viability and mitochondrial damage were compared between pretreated and untreated control cells using an array of assays (MTT, LDH, DAPI, MMP, and TEM), and the intracellular ROS, NO, and antioxidant enzyme production were examined. In the present research, Co-Tel-As-NPs at different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0µg/mL) were tested for toxicity using HaCaT cells. Furthermore, the effect of H2O2 on the viability of HaCaT cells was evaluated using the MTT assay for Co-Tel-As-NPs. Among those, Co-Tel-As-NPs at 4.0 µg/mL showed notable protection; with the same treatment, cell viability was discovered to be 91% and LDH leakage was also significantly decreased. Additionally, the measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly decreased by Co-Tel-As-NPs pretreatment against H2O2. The recovery of the condensed and fragmented nuclei brought about by the action of Co-Tel-As-NPs was identified using DAPI staining. TEM examination of the HaCaT cells revealed that the Co-Tel-As-NPs had a therapeutic effect against H2O2 keratinocyte damage.

Convalescent action of menthol against T-2 mycotoxin-induced toxicity: An in vitro study with HaCaT cells.

Only T-2 mycotoxin is emitted as an aerosol and is the most toxic fungal secondary metabolite among mycotoxins. In its clinical condition, the skin is severely irritated and painful due to lesions and alimentary toxic aleukia. Herein, we have assessed various bioactive molecules, viz. kaempferol, menthol, curcumin, and quercetin, against T-2-induced toxicity in HaCaT cells. Menthol offered exceptional protection, protecting 92% of HaCaT cells after exposure to 300 nM T-2 and reducing LDH leakage by up to 42%. Its pre-treatment provided considerable protection against T-2 toxicity, as evidenced by the assessment of mitochondrial membrane potential. Propidium iodide staining revealed a cell cycle halt at the G1, S, and M phases and a significant increase in the sub-G1 percentage in T-2-challenged cells, indicating cell death. However, pre-treatment with menthol promoted cell cycle progression in cells exposed to T-2. Immunoblotting results demonstrated that menthol resulted in a discernible down-regulation of i-NOS expression in T-2-challenged HaCaT cells.

Anti-diabetic efficacy and selective inhibition of methyl glyoxal, intervention with biogenic Zinc oxide nanoparticle.

Non-enzymatic glycation of biomolecules results in advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are responsible for secondary complications in diabetes. Inhibiting methyl glyoxal (MGO) induced advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation is the only way to alleviate diabetic complications. This study aimed to look into the abilities of herbal extract Kigelia africana and K. africana synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) to inhibit the emergence of MG-derived AGEs. The study intended to determine antioxidant and AGE inhibition of the plant extract and ZnONPs. ZnONPs were tested for the efficiency of anti-diabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wister rats. We discovered that the MGO-trapping effects on the prevention of AGE production were mediated by the downregulation of the amplification of MGO-trapping impacts on the hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic mechanisms of ZnONPs. According to histological findings, the treatment with ZnONPs also successfully lowers inflammation in the hepatic and renal tissues. Overall, future mechanistic research could establish ZnONPs potential anti-diabetic properties.

The chloroplast genome of Farsetia hamiltonii Royle, phylogenetic analysis, and comparative study with other members of Clade C of Brassicaceae.

BACKGROUND: Farsetia hamiltonii Royle is a medicinally important annual plant from the Cholistan desert that belongs to the tribe Anastaticeae and clade C of the Brassicaceae family. We provide the entire chloroplast sequence of F.hamiltonii, obtained using the Illumina HiSeq2500 and paired-end sequencing. We compared F. hamiltonii to nine other clade C species, including Farsetia occidentalis, Lobularia libyca, Notoceras bicorne, Parolinia ornata, Morettia canescens, Cochlearia borzaeana, Megacarpaea polyandra, Biscutella laevigata, and Iberis amara. We conducted phylogenetic research on the 22 Brassicaceae species, which included members from 17 tribes and six clades. RESULTS: The chloroplast genome sequence of F.hamiltonii of 154,802 bp sizes with 36.30% GC content and have a typical structure comprised of a Large Single Copy (LSC) of 83,906 bp, a Small Single Copy (SSC) of 17,988 bp, and two copies of Inverted Repeats (IRs) of 26,454 bp. The genomes of F. hamiltonii and F. occidentalis show shared amino acid frequencies and codon use, RNA editing sites, simple sequence repeats, and oligonucleotide repeats. The maximum likelihood tree revealed Farsetia as a monophyletic genus, closely linked to Morettia, with a bootstrap score of 100. The rate of transversion substitutions (Tv) was higher than the rate of transition substitutions (Ts), resulting in Ts/Tv less than one in all comparisons with F. hamiltonii, indicating that the species are closely related. The rate of synonymous substitutions (Ks) was greater than non-synonymous substitutions (Ka) in all comparisons with F. hamiltonii, with a Ka/Ks ratio smaller than one, indicating that genes underwent purifying selection. Low nucleotide diversity values range from 0.00085 to 0.08516, and IR regions comprise comparable genes on junctions with minimal change, supporting the conserved status of the selected chloroplast genomes of the clade C of the Brassicaceae family. We identified ten polymorphic regions, including rps8-rpl14, rps15-ycf1, ndhG-ndhI, psbK-psbI, ccsA-ndhD, rpl36-rps8, petA-psbJ, ndhF-rpl32, psaJ-rpl3, and ycf1 that might be exploited to construct genuine and inexpensive to solve taxonomic discrepancy and understand phylogenetic relationship amongst Brassicaceae species. CONCLUSION: The entire chloroplast sequencing of F. hamiltonii sheds light on the divergence of genic chloroplast sequences among members of the clade C. When other Farsetia species are sequenced in the future, the full F. hamiltonii chloroplast will be used as a source for comprehensive taxonomical investigations of the genus. The comparison of F. hamiltonii and other clade C species adds new information to the phylogenetic data and evolutionary processes of the clade. The results of this study will also provide further molecular uses of clade C chloroplasts for possible plant genetic modifications and will help recognise more Brassicaceae family species.

Spectral and structure characterization of Ferula assafoetida fabricated silver nanoparticles and evaluation of its cytotoxic, and photocatalytic competence.

This study aims to develop an eco-friendly method for rapidly synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Asafoetida ethanol extracts and to validate AgNPs synthesis using UV-vis spectroscopy (absorption spectrum), FTIR (functional groups), XRD (crystallinity), FE-SEM (size of the particles) and SEM-EDAX (Purity). Furthermore, to evaluate the anti-proliferative effect of Ag NPs against grown cultured L6 cell lines, studies have shown that AgNPs biosynthesis inhibits cancer cell growth compared to control cell lines. UV-vis absorption verified the existence of Ag NPs, and the spectrum was observed at 480 nm. Functional groups are present in the synthesized Ag NPs were shifted on 528.48 cm-1 confirmed using an FT-IR spectrum. Consequently, anti-cancer efficacy observed the IC50 value of As Ag NPs against L6 cells was 1.0 µg/mL for 48 h. Finally, using a halogen lamp, studies explored the photocatalytic degradation of AgNPs against the methylene blue radioactive dye and achieved a 96 percent degradation rate in 90 min. Asafoetida mediated silver nanoparticles show grater photodegradation for methylene blue dye, which is present in textile industries, when exposed to solar light, and it has a wide range of potential applications in wastewater treatment. As a whole, biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed excellent cytotoxic, antioxidant, and photocatalytic dye degradation effects.

Hepatoprotective potential of kirenol on ethanol-induced liver toxicity in albino rats and acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in hepatic HepG2 cells.

Liver diseases are a major health issue in both men and women and cause significant mortality worldwide. The hepatoprotective effects of kirenol were evaluated in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells and ethanol (EtOH)- induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The cytotoxicity of kirenol (IC50 , 25 µM/ml) and APAP (20 µg/ml) with sylimarin (IC50 , 15 µg/ml) was observed in HepG2 cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species formation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and oxidative stress markers such as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance, suproxide dismutase, and catalase were assayed. Rats were administered a different dose (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg/day) for a period of 4 weeks before a single dose of EtOH (40% vol/vol) 3 g/kg/day. EtOH administered rats appeared to have lower body weight gain, severe hepatic and kidney damage as proved by elevated aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, uric acid, increased malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory markers, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Results showed that the kirenol treatment enhanced the GSH and reduced MDA in the liver and renal tissues and restored TNF-α and IL-6. Histoanalysis proved the protective effects of kirenol. In conclusion, it was proved that the kirenol demonstrated a hepato-protective effect in APAP- and EtOH-induced liver toxicity in HepG2 cells and rats, respectively.

Phyllanthin inhibits MOLT-4 leukemic cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis through the inhibition of AKT and JNK signaling pathway.

Among cancers, leukemia is a multistep progression that involves genetic modifications of normal hematopoietic progenitor cells to cancerous cells. In recent times, leukemia cases and their mortality rate have increased rapidly. Therefore, the immense need for a therapeutic approach is crucial that can control this type of cancer. Phyllanthin is a lignan compound constituent from the Phyllanthus species and has numerous beneficial effects as a dietary component. The present study aims to determine the impact of phyllanthin on the MOLT-4 cytotoxic effect. MOLT-4 cells and MS-5 cells were cultured at different concentrations of phyllanthin (5, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µM/ml), and the viability was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method. The level of reactive oxygen species, the membrane potential of mitochondria, apoptosis by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin-diacetate (DCF-DA), rhodamine, acridine orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EB), 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)/propidium iodide (PI) staining, gene expression of signaling molecules, and protein levels were assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Phyllanthin did not show toxicity toward MS-5 cells and significantly decreased the cell viability of MOLT-4 cells with an IC50 value of 25 µM/ml. Also, phyllanthin induced the production of reactive oxygen species and led to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. AO/EB and DAPI/PI staining fluorescent image confirmed the induction of apoptosis by phyllanthin treatment. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of cell cycle regulator cyclin D1, antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2, NF-κB, and TNF-α decreased, but the proapoptotic Bax mRNA expression was increased. The phosphorylated protein levels of p-PI3K1/2, p-ERK1/2, and p-AKT were decreased, whereas the levels of p-p38 and p-JNKT1/2 increased. Our results confirmed that phyllanthin inhibits the MOLT-4 cells, increases apoptosis, and inhibits MOLT-4 migration and cell invasion. Therefore, phyllanthin can be used as a potential target for leukemia treatment.

Chemopreventive effect of dieckol against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced skin carcinogenesis model by modulatory influence on biochemical and antioxidant biomarkers.

Skin cancer is the commonly found type, which contributes to 40% of whole cancer incidences worldwide. Dieckol is an active compound occurs in the marine algae with many biological benefits. In this exploration, we intended to investigate the therapeutic potency of dieckol against the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-triggered skin carcinogenesis in mice. The skin cancer was stimulated to the animals via injecting the 25 µg of DMBA in 100 µL of acetone in shaved dorsal portion along with the 30 mg/kg of dieckol supplementation for 25 week. The antioxidant enzymes and phase-I and -II detoxifying enzymes in the test animals were inspected via standard protocols. Pro-inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) level was examined via ELISA kits and the expression of inflammatory molecular markers like p-NF-ƙB, IƙBα and p-IƙBα were studied through western blotting. The expression status of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins (p53, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-9, COX-2, TGF-ß1) was investigated via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our results revealed that the 30 mg/kg of dieckol supplementation noticeably regained the body and liver weight and also diminished the tumor incidence in the DMBA-incited animals. Dieckol treatment exhibited an enhanced antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH) and reduced phase-I enzymes Cyt-p450 and Cyt-b5 in the DMBA-induced animals. Dieckol also diminished the pro-inflammatory modulators like IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α. Western blotting result evidenced that the dieckol was inhibited the IƙB/NF-ƙB signaling pathway. RT-PCR study proved the enhanced expression of pro-apoptotic protein (p53, Bax, caspase-3 and -9) in the dieckol treated animals. Histological study also confirmed the therapeutic benefits of Dieckol. Altogether with these findings, it was clear that the dieckol has appreciably allayed the DMBA activated skin tumorigenesis in the mice and it could be a promising agent to treat the human skin cancer in future.

Chemomodulatory effect of neferine on DMBA-induced squamous cell carcinogenesis: Biochemical and molecular approach.

BACKGROUND: Neferine (NEF) is nontoxic, bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid is derived from the seed embryo of lotus, a familiar medicinal plant. Although several mechanisms have been planned, an evident antitumor action pathway of NEF on the oral tumor is still not known. In the current study, we aimed at investigating the protecting effect of NEF against experimental oral carcinoma and clarify its possible mechanism through the induction of apoptosis, proliferation, and inflammatory signaling pathways. METHODS: The experimental hamsters were divided into four groups (I-IV) containing six hamsters each. The group I was control group, group II and III hamsters treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) (0.5%) alone, thrice in a week for 10 weeks, and group III and IV hamsters received oral supplementation of NEF at a concentration of 15 mg/kg bw. All the hamsters were sacrificed after 16 weeks. RESULTS: Our results revealed that DMBA treated hamsters exhibited 100% oral tumor cell formation with high-tumor incidence (TI), tumor number (TN), tumor volume (TV), decreased levels of antioxidants, increased status of lipid peroxidation (LPO), and modulated the activities of liver marker agents as well as NF-kB, cell proliferation (PCNA), and p53 proteins. NEF supplementation in DMBA treated hamsters, resulted in delayed lesion synthesis, and brought back the levels of the biochemical parameters. In addition, immunostaining of NF-kB, PCNA, and p53 showed that they were inhibited by NEF. CONCLUSION: Thus, NEF might be considered a better chemopreventive drug in an experimental model of home-based primary care (HBPC). More research is necessary to study other pathways implicated in oral carcinomas and their modulation by NEF.

Casticin inhibits growth and enhances ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis through the suppression of STAT3 signaling cascade.

Casticin (CTC), one of the major components of Vitex rotundifolia L., has been reported to exert significant beneficial pharmacological activities and can function as an antiprolactin, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, analgesic, and immunomodulatory agent. This study aimed at investigating whether the proapoptotic effects of CTC may be mediated through the abrogation of signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in a variety of human tumor cells. We found that CTC significantly decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner and suppressed cell proliferation in 786-O, YD-8, and HN-9 cells. CTC also induced programmed cell death that was found to be mediated via caspase-3 activation and induction of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Interestingly, CTC repressed both constitutive and interleukin-6-induced STAT3 activation in 786-O and YD-8 cells but only affected constitutive STAT3 phosphorylation in HN-9 cells. Moreover, CTC could potentiate ionizing radiation-induced apoptotic effects leading to the downregulation of STAT3 activation and thus may be used in combination with radiation against diverse malignancies.