Molecular Mechanism of Natural Food Antioxidants to Regulate ROS in Treating Cancer: A Review.

Cancer is the second-highest mortality rate disease worldwide, and it has been estimated that cancer will increase by up to 20 million cases yearly by 2030. There are various options of treatment for cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. All of these options have damaging adverse effects that can reduce the patient's quality of life. Cancer itself arises from a series of mutations in normal cells that generate the ability to divide uncontrollably. This cell mutation can happen as a result of DNA damage induced by the high concentration of ROS in normal cells. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause oxidative stress, which can initiate cancer cell proliferation. On the other hand, the cytotoxic effect from elevated ROS levels can be utilized as anticancer therapy. Some bioactive compounds from natural foods such as fruit, vegetables, herbs, honey, and many more have been identified as a promising source of natural antioxidants that can prevent oxidative stress by regulating the level of ROS in the body. In this review, we have highlighted and discussed the benefits of various natural antioxidant compounds from natural foods that can regulate reactive oxygen species through various pathways.

Pentagamavunone-1 inhibits aggressive breast cancer cell proliferation through mitotic catastrophe and ROS-mediated activities: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Pentagamavunone-1 (PGV-1), an analog of curcumin, has been studied for its cytotoxic effects in 4T1, MCF7, MCF7/HER2, and T47D breast cancer cells. Its antiproliferative effect is partly mediated through G2/M arrest; however, its molecular mechanism during cell cycle progression remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine whether PGV-1 has any anticancer effects on highly aggressive breast cancer cells, with a focus on cell cycle regulatory activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and their mediated effects on cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative) and HCC1954 (overexpressed HER2) immortalized human breast cancer cells were used in the study. PGV-1 exhibited cytotoxic activity with an irreversible antiproliferative impact on treated cells and had good selectivity when tested in fibroblast cells. Oral PGV-1 administration suppressed tumor growth in a cell-derived xenograft mouse model. PGV-1 induced the phosphorylation of Aurora A kinase and PLK1 in MDA-MB-231 cells, while PLK1 and cyclin B1 phosphorylation were enhanced in the PGV-1-treated HCC1954 cells during prometaphase arrest. Intracellular ROS production was substantially higher upon PGV-1 treatment following mitotic arrest, and this activity caused impairment of mitochondrial respiration, induced senescence, and subsequently triggered early-to-late apoptosis. Collectively, these results suggest that the molecular mechanism of PGV-1 involves the regulation of mitotic kinases to cause cell cycle arrest and the enhancement of ROS production to impair mitochondrial activity and induce cellular senescence. The therapeutic activities demonstrated by PGV-1 in this study show its potential as an appealing candidate for chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment.

Tumour-suppressive effects of curcumin analogs CCA-1.1 and Pentagamavunone-1 in colon cancer: In vivo and in vitro studies.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Chemoprevention Curcumin Analog-1.1 (CCA-1.1) and Pentagamavunone-1 (PGV-1) in vivo and in vitro in colorectal cancer model. CCA-1.1 or PGV-1 was administered orally to 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced rats for 16 weeks. The cytotoxicity of both compounds was tested on Caco-2, CT26, and NIH/3T3 cells using the MTT method. The cell cycle, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were analyzed through flow cytometry. X-gal staining was used to examine the compound's effect on senescence. Oral co-administration of CCA-1.1 or PGV-1 significantly suppressed the carcinogenic characteristics and symptoms of premalignant colon cancer relative to DMH-only and untreated groups. CCA-1.1 and PGV-1 administration did not affect the blood profile. CCA-1.1 and PGV-1 demonstrated great cytotoxicity on Caco-2 and CT26 cells, with 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) values of 4.3 ± 0.2 and 3.1 ± 0.1 µM for CCA-1.1 and 11.2 ± 1.1 and 4.8 ± 0.1 µM for PGV-1, respectively, while not toxic against fibroblast cells. Both compounds instigated G2/M arrest and efficiently induced cell senescence and apoptosis. Moreover, these analogs selectively elevated oxidative stress in colon cancer cells without inducing noticeable changes in fibroblasts. In conclusion, PGV-1 and CCA-1.1 suppressed colorectal tumor formation and induced mitotic arrest.

Chemoprevention curcumin analog 1.1 promotes metaphase arrest and enhances intracellular reactive oxygen species levels on TNBC MDA-MB-231 and HER2-positive HCC1954 cells.

Background and purpose: Previous studies highlighted that chemoprevention curcumin analog-1.1 (CCA-1.1) demonstrated an antitumor effect on breast, leukemia, and colorectal cancer cells. By utilizing immortalized MDA-MB-231 and HCC1954 cells, we evaluated the anticancer properties of CCA-1.1 and its mediated activity to promote cellular death. Experimental approach: Cytotoxicity and anti-proliferation were assayed using trypan blue exclusion. The cell cycle profile after CCA-1.1 treatment was established through flow cytometry. May-Grünwald-Giemsa and Hoechst staining were performed to determine the cell cycle arrest upon CCA-1.1 treatment. The involvement of CCA-1.1 in mitotic kinases (aurora A, p-aurora A, p-PLK1, and p-cyclin B1) expression was investigated by immunoblotting. CCA-1.1-treated cells were stained with the X-gal solution to examine the effect on senescence. ROS level and mitochondrial respiration were assessed by DCFDA assay and mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, respectively. Findings/Results: CCA-1.1 exerted cytotoxic activity and inhibited cell proliferation with an irreversible effect, and the flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that CCA-1.1 significantly halted during the G2/M phase, and further assessment revealed that CCA-1.1 caused metaphase arrest. Immunoblot assays confirmed CCA-1.1 suppressed aurora A kinase in MDA-MB-231 cells. The ROS level was elevated after treatment with CCA-1.1, which might promote cellular senescence and suppress basal mitochondrial respiration in MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion and implications: Our data suggested the in vitro proof-of-concept that supports the involvement in cell cycle regulation and ROS generation as contributors to the effectiveness of CCA-1.1 in suppressing breast cancer cell growth.

Different Modes of Mechanism of Gamma-Mangostin and Alpha-Mangostin to Inhibit Cell Migration of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Concerning CXCR4 Downregulation and ROS Generation.

Background: Two mangostin compounds, gamma-mangostin and alpha-mangostin, show anticancer properties through the inhibition of cell proliferation and cell migration. Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, including MDA-MB-231, highly express C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) to maintain reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell migration. Objectives: This study was performed to analyze and compare different modes of action of γ-mangostin and α-mangostin as antimigratory effects targeted on CXCR4 in MDA-MB-231 as a model of TNBC cell. Methods: This study investigated the effect of γ-mangostin and α-mangostin using a series of assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay for cytotoxicity, wound healing assay for migration study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for gene expression analysis, and flow cytometry for ROS measurement, along with in silico study to observe the binding between the compound and CXCR4. Results: The findings revealed half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 25 and 20 µM for γ-mangostin and α-mangostin in MDA-MB 231 cells, respectively. Moreover, a concentration of 10 µM was used for the migration assay. Both γ-mangostin and α-mangostin significantly suppressed cell migration within 24 hours. The present gene expression studies revealed the downregulation of key migration-associated genes, namely Farp, CXCR4, and LPHN2, upon γ-mangostin treatment but not α-mangostin. Additionally, both γ-mangostin and α-mangostin increased cellular ROS generation, highlighting the same effect of γ-mangostin and α-mangostin ROS elevation to inhibit cancer cell migration. Molecular docking simulations further suggested a potential interaction between γ-mangostin and α-mangostin with CXCR4 in high affinity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that both γ-mangostin and α-mangostin inhibit breast cancer cell migration and induce cellular ROS levels in MDA-MB-231 cells; notably, γ-mangostin suppresses CXCR4 mRNA expression that might correlate to its activity to inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell migration.

Preparation and Cytotoxic Evaluation of PGV-1 Derivative, CCA-1.1, as a New Curcumin Analog with Improved-Physicochemical and Pharmacological Properties.

Purpose: This study aimed to challenge the anticancer potency of pentagamavunone-1 (PGV- 1) and obtain a new compound (Chemoprevention-Curcumin Analog 1.1, CCA-1.1) with improved chemical and pharmacological properties. Methods: CCA-1.1 was prepared by changing the ketone group of PGV-1 into a hydroxyl group with NaBH4 as the reducing agent. The product was purified under preparative layer chromatography and confirmed with HPLC to show about 93% purity. It was tested for its solubility, stability, and cytotoxic activities on several cancer cells. The structure of the product was characterized using 1HNMR, 13C-NMR, FT-IR, and HR-mass spectroscopy. Results: Molecular docking analysis showed that CCA-1.1 performed similar or better interaction to NF-κB pathway-related signaling proteins (HER2, EGFR, IKK, ER-alpha, and ER-beta) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolic enzymes (NQO1, NQO2, GSTP1, AKC1R1, and GLO1) compared with PGV-1, indicating that CCA-1.1 exhibits the same or better anticancer activity than PGV-1. CCA-1.1 also showed better solubility and stability than PGV-1 in aqueous solution at pH 1.0-7.4 under light exposure at room temperature. The cytotoxic activities of CCA-1.1 against several (10) cancer cell lines revealed the same or better potency than PGV-1. Conclusion: In conclusion, CCA-1.1 performs better chemical and anticancer properties than PGV-1 and shows promise as an anticancer agent with high selectivity.

Synthesis and cytotoxicity of the boron carrier pentagamaboronon-0-ol for boron neutron capture therapy against breast cancer.

Boronic acid-containing curcumin analog, pentagamaboronon-0 (PGB-0), acts as a potential boron-carrier agent but has limited water solubility. Thus, a new compound (PGB-0-ol) with better chemical and pharmacological properties than PGB-0 has been synthesized. Molecular docking was performed using a molecular operating environment. Prediction of PGB-0-ol absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) was performed using pkCSM software. PGB-0-ol was synthesized by adding NaBH4 to PGB-0 and stirring for 1 h. The crude PGB-0-ol was purified using preparative layer chromatography. Cell viability was evaluated using the trypan blue exclusion assay. In comparison to PGB-0 based on molecular docking study, PGB-0-ol could interact in with several cancer biomarkers, such as human epidermal growth factor2 epidermal growth factor receptor, IκB kinase, folate receptor-α, and integrin αvß3. PGB-0-ol also showed an improved ADME profile because of its higher water solubility than PGB-0. PGB-0-ol was synthesized by selective ketone reduction of PGB-0 into primary alcohol by sodium borohydrate producing 30% yield. The cytotoxicity of PGB-0-ol against several breast cancer cells was lower than that of PGB-0. The novel compound PGB-0-ol was synthesized using simple steps. PGB-0-ol has low cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells and could be applied in boron neutron capture therapy as a boron carrier.

The integrative bioinformatic analysis deciphers the predicted molecular target gene and pathway from curcumin derivative CCA-1.1 against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

BACKGROUND: The poor outcomes from triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) therapy are mainly because of TNBC cells' heterogeneity, and chemotherapy is the current approach in TNBC treatment. A previous study reported that CCA-1.1, the alcohol-derivative from monocarbonyl PGV-1, exhibits anticancer activities against several cancer cells, as well as in TNBC. This time, we utilized an integrative bioinformatics approach to identify potential biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of CCA-1.1 in inhibiting proliferation in TNBC cells. METHODS: Genomics data expression were collected through UALCAN, derived initially from TCGA-BRCA data, and selected for TNBC-only cases. We predict CCA-1.1 potential targets using SMILES-based similarity functions across six public web tools (BindingDB, DINIES, Swiss Target Prediction, Polypharmacology browser/PPB, Similarity Ensemble Approach/SEA, and TargetNet). The overlapping genes between the CCA-1.1 target and TNBC (CPTGs) were selected and used in further assessment. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) network analysis were generated in WebGestalt. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established in STRING-DB, and then the hub-genes were defined through Cytoscape. The hub-gene's survival analysis was processed via CTGS web tools using TCGA database. RESULTS: KEGG pathway analysis pointed to cell cycle process which enriched in CCA-1.1 potential targets. We also identified nine CPTGs that are responsible in mitosis, including AURKB, PLK1, CDK1, TPX2, AURKA, KIF11, CDC7, CHEK1, and CDC25B. CONCLUSION: We suggested CCA-1.1 possibly regulated cell cycle process during mitosis, which led to cell death. These findings needed to be investigated through experimental studies to reinforce scientific data of CCA-1.1 therapy against TNBC.

CCA-1.1, a Novel Curcumin Analog, Exerts Cytotoxic anti- Migratory Activity toward TNBC and HER2-Enriched Breast Cancer Cells.

OBJECTIVE: Chemoprevention curcumin Analog-1.1 (CCA-1.1) demonstrates antineoplastic effect toward cancer cells. By using triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), 4T1, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-enriched metastatic cells (MCF-7/HER2), we evaluate the cytotoxic and antimigration activities from CCA-1.1. METHODS: The cytotoxic activities from a single treatment of CCA-1.1 and in combination with doxorubicin were determined through MTT assay. We also calculated the selectivity index and combination index of CCA-1.1 from the cytotoxic data. Migrating cells were evaluated using wound healing assay, and the MMP2 and MMP9 secretion levels were determined through gelatin zymography. RESULTS: As hypothesized, CCA-1.1 performed cytotoxic activity during treatment in 4T1 and MCF-7/HER2 cancer cells with good selectivity (Selectivity Index >2). In addition, CCA-1.1 demonstrated a synergistic effect in combinatorial treatment with a low dose of doxorubicin. A single treatment of CCA-1.1 repressed cell migration in 4T1 and MCF-7/HER2 cells. Under gelatin zymography, CCA-1.1 subsided the activities of MMP-9, thereby revealing the potency of CCA-1.1 as an anti-migratory agent. Moreover, MMP-9 was also eminently expressed in TNBC and HER2-enriched breast cancer cells when compared with that in other subtypes. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary study collectively reinforces the potential effect of CCA-1.1 through the inhibition of highly aggressive cell migration, particularly in breast cancer.

The Evaluation of Cytotoxic Properties from CCB-2 Sugar Complexes Against TNBC and Non-TNBC Cells.

OBJECTIVE: The progress from Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) development urged us to explore new targeted and selective boron carriers. Firstly, we reported the successful synthesis of CCB-2 which exerts a cytotoxic effect against triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. We introduced the new modification of CCB-2 with sugar and alcohol sugars to enhance its solubility in hoping to increase cellular uptake. METHODS: CCB-2 fructose complex (CCB-2-F), CCB-2 sorbitol complex (CCB-2-Sor), and CCB-2 xylitol complex (CCB-2-Xy) were obtained with small size within nano-specific particle. All the compounds were then determined for their cytotoxic activities through MTT assay. RESULTS: All compounds were performed cytotoxic activities against TNBC 4T1 and HER-2 positive MCF-7/HER2 cells with good selectivity when tested in immortalized fibroblast cells. CONCLUSION: Overall, we provided a new modification of CCB-2 through complexation with sugars. Still, further evaluations are needed to develop more efficient CCB-2 as the new candidate of anticancer agent, notably in breast cancer.