Enhanced anticancer potential of encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles of TPD: a novel triterpenediol from Boswellia serrata.

A pentacyclic triterpenediol (TPD) from Boswellia serrata has significant cytotoxic and apoptotic potential in a large number of human cancer cell lines. To enhance its anticancer potential, it was successfully formulated into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) by the microemulsion method with 75% drug entrapment efficiency. SEM and TEM studies indicated that TPD-SLNs were regular, solid, and spherical particles in the range of 100-200 nm, and the system indicated that they were more or less stable upon storing up to six months. TPD loaded SLNs showed significantly higher cytotoxic/antitumor potential than the parent drug. TPD-SLNs have 40-60% higher cytotoxic and apoptotic potential than the parent drug in terms of IC(50), extent of apoptosis, DNA damage, and expression of pro-apoptotic proteins like TNF-R1, cytochrome-c, and PARP cleavage in HL-60 cells. Moreover, blank SLNs did not have any cytotoxic effect on the cancer as well as in normal mouse peritoneal macrophages. The in vivo antitumor potential of TPD-SLNs was significantly higher than that of TPD alone in Sarcoma-180 solid tumor bearing mice. Therefore, SLNs of TPD successfully increased the apoptotic and anticancer potential of TPD at comparable doses (both in vitro and in vivo). This work provides new insight into improvising the therapeutic efficacy of TPD by adopting novel delivery strategies such as solid lipid nanoparticles.

Synthesis and in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of N-alkylbromo and N-alkylphthalimido-isatins.

The manuscript pertains to the synthesis and in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of a series of N-alkylbromo and N-alkylphthalimido-isatins against four different human cancer cell lines namely Colon: HCT-15; Liver: Hep-2; Lung: A-549 and Leukemia: THP-1 at 10 and 100 µM concentrations. The active compounds based on preliminary studies were evaluated for their IC(50) value against six cell lines viz. Colo-205, HCT-15 (Colon), THP-1 (Leukemia), A-549 (Lung), PC-3 (Prostate) and HeLa (Cervix). The active analogue IS-4 exhibited IC(50) values of 4.57, 10.90, 11.75, 12.40 and 54.20 µM against HeLa, PC-3, HCT-15, THP-1 and Colo-205, respectively.

ALKBH5 Regulates SPHK1-Dependent Endothelial Cell Angiogenesis Following Ischemic Stress.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial cells dysfunction has been reported in many heart diseases including acute myocardial infarction, and atherosclerosis. The molecular mechanism for endothelial dysfunction in the heart is still not clearly understood. We aimed to study the role of m6A RNA demethylase alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) in ECs angiogenesis during ischemic injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: ECs were treated with ischemic insults (lipopolysaccharide and 1% hypoxia) to determine the role of ALKBH5 in ECs angiogenesis. siRNA mediated ALKBH5 gene silencing was used for examining the loss of function. In this study, we report that ALKBH5 levels are upregulated following ischemia and are associated with maintaining ischemia-induced ECs angiogenesis. To decipher the mechanism of action, we found that ALKBH5 is required to maintain eNOS phosphorylation and SPHK1 protein levels. ALKBH5 silencing alone or with ischemic stress significantly increased SPHK1 m6A mRNA methylation. In contrast, METTL3 (RNA methyltransferase) overexpression resulted in the reduced expression of SPHK1. CONCLUSION: We reported that ALKBH5 helps in the maintenance of angiogenesis in endothelial cells following acute ischemic stress via reduced SPHK1 m6A methylation and downstream eNOS-AKT signaling.

Immune up regulatory response of a non-caloric natural sweetener, stevioside.

Immunomodulation is a process, which alters the immune system of an organism by interfering with its functions. This interference results in either immunostimulation or immunosuppression. An immunomodulator is any substance that helps to regulate the immune system. This "regulation" is a normalization process, so that an immunomodulator helps to optimise immune response. Immunomodulators are becoming very popular in the worldwide natural health industry as these do not tend to boost immunity, but to normalize it. Keeping this in view, major efforts have to be directed to modulate the immune responses, to permit effective treatment of various ailments associated with immune system and thus the development of a safe and effective immunomodulator for clinical us. Leaves of Stevia rebaudiana are a source of several sweet glycosides of steviol. The major glycoside, stevioside, diterpenoid glycoside--is used in oriental countries as a food sweetener. Its medical use is also reported as a heart tonic. Besides, it is used against obesity, hypertension, and stomach burn and to lower uric acid levels. Here in this study, stevioside was tested for its immunomodulatory activity on different parameters of the immune system at three different doses (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg p.o.) on normal as well as cyclophosphamide treated mice. Stevioside was found effective in increasing phagocytic activity, haemagglutination antibody titre and delayed type hypersensitivity. In parallel, stevioside substantially increase proliferation in the LPS and Con A stimulated B and T cells, respectively. Present study, therefore, reveals that the drug holds promise as immunomodulating agent, which acts by stimulating both humoral as well as cellular immunity and phagocytic function.

Potential therapeutic targets of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in melanoma.

Melanoma is a cutaneous neoplastic growth of melanocytes with great potential to invade and metastasize, especially when not treated early and effectively. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process by which melanocytes lose their epithelial characteristics and acquire mesenchymal phenotypes. Mesenchymal protein expression increases the motility, invasiveness, and metastatic potential of melanoma. Many pathways play a role in promotion of mesenchymal protein expression including RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/ß-catenin, and several others. Downstream effectors of these pathways induce expression of EMT transcription factors including Snail, Slug, Twist, and Zeb that promote repression of epithelial and induction of mesenchymal character. Emerging research has demonstrated that a variety of small molecule inhibitors as well as phytochemicals can influence the progression of EMT and may even reverse the process, inducing re-expression of epithelial markers. Phytochemicals are of particular interest as supplementary treatment options because of their relatively low toxicities and anti-EMT properties. Modulation of EMT signaling pathways using synthetic small molecules and phytochemicals is a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing the aggressive progression of metastatic melanoma. In this review, we discuss the emerging pathways and transcription factor targets that regulate EMT and evaluate potential synthetic small molecules and naturally occurring compounds that may reduce metastatic melanoma progression.

Phytochemicals for the Management of Melanoma.

Melanoma claims approximately 80% of skin cancer-related deaths. Its life-threatening nature is primarily due to a propensity to metastasize. The prognosis for melanoma patients with distal metastasis is bleak, with median survival of six months even with the latest available treatments. The most commonly mutated oncogenes in melanoma are BRAF and NRAS accounting approximately 60% and 20% of cases, respectively. In malignant melanoma, accumulating evidence suggests that multiple signaling pathways are constitutively activated and play an important role in cell proliferation, cell survival, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, metastasis and resistance to therapeutic regimens. Phytochemicals are gaining considerable attention because of their low toxicity, low cost, and public acceptance as dietary supplements. Cell culture and animals studies have elucidated several cellular and molecular mechanisms by which phytochemicals act in the prevention and treatment of metastatic melanoma. Several promising phytochemicals, such as, fisetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, curcumin, proanthocyanidins, silymarin, apigenin, capsaicin, genistein, indole-3-carbinol, and luteolin are gaining considerable attention and found in a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, roots, and herbs. In this review, we will discuss the preventive potential, therapeutic effects, bioavailability and structure activity relationship of these selected phytochemicals for the management of melanoma.

The augmented anticancer potential of AP9-cd loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in human leukemia Molt-4 cells and experimental tumor.

AP9-cd, a novel lignan composition from Cedrus deodara has significant anticancer potential, and to further enhance its activity, it was lucratively encumbered into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). These nanoparticles were formulated by micro-emulsion technique with 70% drug trap competence. AP9-cd-SLNs were regular, solid, globular particles in the range of 100-200 nm, which were confirmed by electron microscopic studies. Moreover, AP9-cd-SLNs were found to be stable for up to six months in terms of color, particle size, zeta potential, drug content and entrapment. AP9-cd-SLNs have 30-50% higher cytotoxic and apoptotic potential than the AP9-cd alone. The augmented anticancer potential of AP9-cd-SLNs was observed in cytotoxic IC50 value, apoptosis signaling cascade and in Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) model. AP9-cd-SLNs induce apoptosis in Molt-4 cells via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathway. Moreover, the dummy nanoparticles (SLNs without AP9-cd) did not have any cytotoxic effect in cancer as well as in normal cells. Consequently, SLNs of AP9-cd significantly augment the apoptotic and antitumor potential of AP9-cd. The present study provides a podium for ornamental the remedial latent via novel delivery systems like solid lipid nanoparticles.

Fisetin inhibits UVB-induced cutaneous inflammation and activation of PI3K/AKT/NFκB signaling pathways in SKH-1 hairless mice.

Solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation has been shown to induce inflammation, DNA damage, p53 mutations and alterations in signaling pathways eventually leading to skin cancer. In this study, we investigated whether fisetin reduces inflammatory responses and modulates PI3K/AKT/NFκB cell survival signaling pathways in UVB-exposed SKH-1 hairless mouse skin. Mice were exposed to 180 mJ cm(-2) of UVB radiation on alternate days for a total of seven exposures, and fisetin (250 and 500 nmol) was applied topically after 15 min of each UVB exposure. Fisetin treatment to UVB-exposed mice resulted in decreased hyperplasia and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells. Fisetin treatment also reduced inflammatory mediators such as COX-2, PGE2 as well as its receptors (EP1-EP4) and MPO activity. Furthermore, fisetin reduced the level of inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1ß and IL-6 in UVB-exposed skin. Fisetin treatment also reduced cell proliferation markers as well as DNA damage as evidenced by increased expression of p53 and p21 proteins. Further studies revealed that fisetin inhibited UVB-induced expression of PI3K, phosphorylation of AKT and activation of the NFκB signaling pathway in mouse skin. Overall, these data suggest that fisetin may be useful against UVB-induced cutaneous inflammation and DNA damage.

Targeting drivers of melanoma with synthetic small molecules and phytochemicals.

Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Traditional therapeutics and immunomodulatory agents have not shown much efficacy against metastatic melanoma. Agents that target the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) signaling pathway - the BRAF inhibitors vemurafenib and dabrafenib, and the MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib - have increased survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. Further, the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib has been shown to be superior to single agent therapy for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, resistance to these agents develops rapidly. Studies of additional agents and combinations targeting the MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PI3K), c-kit, and other signaling pathways are currently underway. Furthermore, studies of phytochemicals have yielded promising results against proliferation, survival, invasion, and metastasis by targeting signaling pathways with established roles in melanomagenesis. The relatively low toxicities of phytochemicals make their adjuvant use an attractive treatment option. The need for improved efficacy of current melanoma treatments calls for further investigation of each of these strategies. In this review, we will discuss synthetic small molecule inhibitors, combined therapies and current progress in the development of phytochemical therapies.

Fisetin, a phytochemical, potentiates sorafenib-induced apoptosis and abrogates tumor growth in athymic nude mice implanted with BRAF-mutated melanoma cells.

Melanoma is the most deadly form of cutaneous malignancy, and its incidence rates are rising worldwide. In melanoma, constitutive activation of the BRAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PI3K) signaling pathways plays a pivotal role in cell proliferation, survival and tumorigenesis. A combination of compounds that lead to an optimal blockade of these critical signaling pathways may provide an effective strategy for prevention and treatment of melanoma. The phytochemical fisetin is known to possess anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities. We found that fisetin treatment inhibited PI3K signaling pathway in melanoma cells. Therefore, we investigated the effect of fisetin and sorafenib (an RAF inhibitor) alone and in combination on cell proliferation, apoptosis and tumor growth. Combination treatment (fisetin + sorafenib) more effectively reduced the growth of BRAF-mutated human melanoma cells at lower doses when compared to individual agents. In addition, combination treatment resulted in enhanced (i) apoptosis, (ii) cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP, (iii) expression of Bax and Bak, (iv) inhibition of Bcl2 and Mcl-1, and (v) inhibition of expression of PI3K, phosphorylation of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, AKT and mTOR. In athymic nude mice subcutaneously implanted with melanoma cells (A375 and SK-MEL-28), we found that combination therapy resulted in greater reduction of tumor growth when compared to individual agents. Furthermore, combination therapy was more effective than monotherapy in: (i) inhibition of proliferation and angiogenesis, (ii) induction of apoptosis, and (iii) inhibition of the MAPK and PI3K pathways in xenograft tumors. These data suggest that simultaneous inhibition of both these signaling pathways using combination of fisetin and sorafenib may serve as a therapeutic option for the management of melanoma.

Fisetin inhibits human melanoma cell invasion through promotion of mesenchymal to epithelial transition and by targeting MAPK and NFκB signaling pathways.

Malignant melanoma is responsible for approximately 75% of skin cancer-related deaths. BRAF plays an important role in regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade in melanoma with activating mutations in the serine/threonine kinase BRAF occurring in 60-70% of malignant melanomas. The BRAF-MEK-ERK (MAPK) pathway is a key regulator of melanoma cell invasion. In addition, activation of NFκB via the MAPK pathway is regulated through MEK-induced activation of IKK. These pathways are potential targets for prevention and treatment of melanoma. In this study, we investigated the effect of fisetin, a phytochemical present in fruits and vegetables, on melanoma cell invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and delineated the underlying molecular mechanism. Treatment of multiple human malignant melanoma cell lines with fisetin (5-20 µM) resulted in inhibition of cell invasion. BRAF mutated melanoma cells were more sensitive to fisetin treatment, and this was associated with a decrease in the phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. In addition, fisetin inhibited the activation of IKK leading to a reduction in the activation of the NFκB signaling pathway. Treatment of cells with an inhibitor of MEK1/2 (PD98059) or of NFκB (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) also reduced melanoma cell invasion. Furthermore, treatment of fisetin promoted mesenchymal to epithelial transition in melanoma cells, which was associated with a decrease in mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, vimentin, snail and fibronectin) and an increase in epithelial markers (E-cadherin and desmoglein). Employing three dimensional skin equivalents consisting of A375 cells admixed with normal human keratinocytes embedded onto a collagen-constricted fibroblast matrix, we found that treatment of fisetin reduced the invasive potential of melanoma cells into the dermis and increased the expression of E-cadherin with a concomitant decrease in vimentin. These results indicate that fisetin inhibits melanoma cell invasion through promotion of mesenchymal to epithelial transition and by targeting MAPK and NFκB signaling pathways.

Delphinidin reduces cell proliferation and induces apoptosis of non-small-cell lung cancer cells by targeting EGFR/VEGFR2 signaling pathways.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) have emerged as two effective clinical targets for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the present study, we found that delphinidin, an anthocyanidin, present in pigmented fruits and vegetables, is a potent inhibitor of both EGFR and VEGFR2 in NSCLC cells that overexpress EGFR/VEGFR2. Using these cells, we next determined the effects of delphinidin on cell growth and apoptosis in vitro and on tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. Delphinidin (5-60 µM) treatment of NSCLC cells inhibited the activation of PI3K, and phosphorylation of AKT and MAPKs. Additionally, treatment of NSCLC cells with delphinidin resulted in inhibition of cell growth without having significant toxic effects on normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Specifically, treatment of NCI-H441 and SK-MES-1 cells with delphindin (5-60 µM) resulted in (i) cleavage of PARP protein, (ii) activation of caspase-3 and -9, (iii) downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1), (iv) upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bak), and (v) decreased expression of PCNA and cyclin D1. Furthermore, in athymic nude mice subcutaneously implanted with human NSCLC cells, delphinidin treatment caused a (i) significant inhibition of tumor growth, (ii) decrease in the expression of markers for cell proliferation (Ki67 and PCNA) and angiogenesis (CD31 and VEGF), and (iii) induction of apoptosis, when compared with control mice. Based on these observations, we suggest that delphinidin, alone or as an adjuvant to current therapies, could be used for the management of NSCLC, especially those that overexpress EGFR and VEGFR2.

Pomegranate fruit extract inhibits UVB-induced inflammation and proliferation by modulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in mouse skin.

There is considerable interest in the identification of natural agents capable of affording protection to skin from the adverse effects of solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit possesses as strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. Recently, we have shown that oral feeding of pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) to mice afforded substantial protection from the adverse effects of single UVB radiation via modulation in early biomarkers of photocarcinogenesis. This study was designed to investigate the photochemopreventive effects of PFE (0.2%, wt/vol) after multiple UVB irradiations (180 mJ cm(-2), on alternative day, for a total of seven treatments) to the skin of SKH-1 hairless mice. Oral feeding of PFE to SKH-1 mice inhibited UVB-induced epidermal hyperplasia, infiltration of leukocytes, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that oral feeding of PFE to mice inhibited UVB-induced (1) nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B/p65, (2) phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, (3) activation of IKKα/ΙΚΚß and (4) phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase proteins and c-Jun. PFE consumption also inhibited UVB-induced protein expression of (1) COX-2 and iNOS, (2) PCNA and cyclin D1 and (3) matrix metalloproteinases-2,-3 and -9 in mouse skin. Taken together, these data show that PFE consumption afforded protection to mouse skin against the adverse effects of UVB radiation by modulating UVB-induced signaling pathways.

Cytotoxic evaluation and induction of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human leukaemia HL-60 cells by Carissa spinarum stem isolate.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Carissa spinarum stem isolate for its anti-cancer therapeutic potential. METHODS: The n-butanol fraction of aqueous extract from Carissa spinarum stem was assessed for its cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activity. KEY FINDINGS: We report for the first time the anti-cancer potential of C. spinarum stem aqueous extract (CSE) and its n-butanol fraction (CSF). Both inhibited cell proliferation of various human cancer cell lines in which leukaemia HL-60 cells treated with CSF showed maximum growth inhibition having an inhibitory concentration (IC(50) ) value of 34.58±0.91 µg/ml. In addition, CSF induced concentration-dependent apoptosis in HL-60 cells as measured by various end-points (e.g. Annexin V binding, DNA laddering, apoptotic body formation and an increase in hypodiploid subG0 DNA content). Moreover, persistent levels of reactive oxygen species caused translocation of Bax to mitochondria and Bcl-2 degradation, which led to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c to the cytosol. These events were associated with significant activation of caspase-3, caspase-6 and caspase-9 leading to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. CONCLUSION: All the above parameters revealed that CSF induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial dependent pathway in HL-60 cells.

Activation of caspases and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage to induce apoptosis in leukemia HL-60 cells by Inula racemosa.

Inula racemosa Hook.f. commonly known as Pushkarmula (Compositae) has been used as a traditional drug in India, China and Europe. In the present study, 95% ethanolic extract of roots and its fractions (n-hexane, chloroform, n-butanol and aqueous) were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines of colon, ovary, prostate, lung, CNS and leukemia. The n-hexane fraction containing alantolactone and isoalantolactone as its major constituents was further studied for its mode of action in HL-60 cells. The lowest IC(50) value of n-hexane fraction was 10.25 microg/ml for Colo-205, a colon cancer cell line whereas, 17.86 microg/ml was the highest IC(50) value observed against CNS cancer cell line SF-295. Further studies on HL-60 cells treated with n-hexane fraction at 10, 25 and 50 microg/ml for 6h, revealed that it induces apoptosis through intrinsic as well as extrinsic pathways by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) intermediates. Mitochondrial dysfunction prompted the release of cytochrome c, translocation of pro-apoptotic protein (Bax), activation of caspase cascade, resulting in the cleavage of some specific substrates for caspase-3 such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), which eventually leads to apoptosis. The results of present study strongly support further research and development of bioactive constituents from Inula racemosa as potential anticancer agent with possible therapeutic implication.