Composite alginate-based hydrogel delivery of antioxidant pumpkin protein hydrolysate in simulated gastrointestinal condition.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in protein (24-36.5%). Some of them are consumed as nuts, while others are regarded as waste and used for feeding animals. Protein hydrolysates from pumpkin seeds possess some bioactive properties, such as anti-oxidant activity. In this work, various composite alginate hydrogels contain Aloe vera, CMC, and tragacanth have been employed to protect PSPH against degradation in simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGI) and regulate its release rate. The encapsulation efficiency of PSPH in plain alginate and beads with Aloe vera, CMC, and tragacanth combinations was 71.63, 75.63, 85.07, and 80.4%, respectively. The release rate of the plain alginate beads was %30.23 in the SGF and %52.26 in the SIF, and decreased in the composite-based beads. The highest decreasing rate in the antioxidant activity during SGI was observed in free PSPH, and the decreasing rate slowed down in the alginate-based composites. The swelling rate in plain alginate was %-23.43 and %25.43 in the SGF and SIF, respectively, and increased in the composite-based beads. The FTIR spectra of hydrogels before and after loading with PSPH showed identical absorption patterns and were similar to each other. Based on the data for SEM, it was revealed that substituting other polymers in polymer combinations with alginates resulted in a porosity reduction of the beads and smoother and more uniform surfaces. Based on the results, the combination of polysacchared with alginate could protect and increase the applicability of PSPH as a functional component in the food industry.

Bcl-2 expression in cell lines breast cancer and death program.

Breast cancer is a hormone-dependence and heterogenic disease. Drug resistance is the main reason for the failure of breast cancer treatment. Combinatory medications are methods for treatment but they are not sufficient in action. However, new approaches like molecular therapy reveal a new insight into cancer treatment. Studies show that Bcl-2 gene family inhibitors and ER blockers cause the improvement of recovery. Interfering molecules such as antisense ones can inhibit the expression of Bcl-2 and push the cancer cells to apoptosis. Our team designed a new Antisense Oligonucleotide (ASO) based on Antisense oligo G3139. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines were used to evaluate cellular proliferation. Liposomes and cationic nano-complex (Niosome) are used to increase the cellular delivery of ASO and Tamoxifen. We also investigated the cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects of Tamoxifen, naked ASO and Nano-packed ASO. The results indicated significant down-regulation of the Bcl-2 gene and inhibition of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cellular proliferation. Flow-cytometry showed early apoptosis in all cell groups. The newly designed ASO reduced the expression of the Bcl-2 gene. It also had a synergistic effect with the Tamoxifen. The cationic nano-complex (Niosome) was more efficient than the liposome in delivering designed oligo antisense Bcl-2 in the cancer cells.

Extracellular vesicles of cannabis with high CBD content induce anticancer signaling in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been the topic of interest in recent years due to their proven therapeutic properties. Intact or manipulated plant EVs have shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancerous activities as a result of containing bioactive metabolites and other endogenous molecules. Less is known about the EV efficacy with high levels of bioactive secondary metabolites derived from medicinal or non-edible plants. Numerous data suggest the functionality of Cannabis sativa extract and its phytocannabinoids in cancer treatment. Here, two chemotypes of cannabis with different levels of D-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) were selected. EVs were isolated from each chemotype via differential ultracentrifugation. HPLC analysis was illustrative of the absence of THC in EVs derived from both plants. Therefore, two types of EVs were classified according to their CBD content into high- (H.C-EVs) and low-CBD EVs (L.C-EVs). Electron microscopy and DLS showed both cannabis-derived EVs (CDEVs) can be considered as exosome-like nanovesicles. Cytotoxicity assay showed that H.C-EVs strongly decreased the viability of two hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, HepG2 and Huh-7, in a dose and time-dependent manner compared with L.C-EVs. H.C-EVs had no significant effect on HUVECs normal cell growth. The finding showed that the H.C-EVs arrested the G0/G1 phase in the cell cycle and significantly induced cell death by activating mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis signaling pathways in both HCC cell lines. Altogether, the current study highlights that CDEVs can be an ideal natural vehicle for bioactive phytocannabinoids and a promising strategy in cancer management.