[The use of antioxidants in combination therapy of chronic prostatitis].

Currently, the significance of the chronic prostatitis (CP) is undoubted. Oxidative stress is considered as one of the standard mechanisms of cellular damage that is associated with inflammatory diseases such as CP. When choosing the combination therapy for this group of patients, a correction of oxidative stress is pathogenetically justified. Literature data about the pathogenetic feasibility and prospects of using a biologically active complex containing flavonoids and carotenoids quercetin, lycopene and naringin as part of the combination treatment of patients with CP are presented in the article. Considering the various effects of the biologically active complex Querceprost, containing quercetin, lycopene and naringin, among which antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory are of greatest importance, as well as taking into account the synergistic effect of flavonoids and carotenoids, we suggest that Querceprost is promising component of combination treatment of patients with CP.

Preventive effects of crocin, a natural compound from saffron, against nicotine­induced oxidative stress and neurobehavioral disturbances.

Nicotine is a psychostimulant that induces neurochemical and behavioral changes upon chronic administration, leading to neurodegenerative conditions associated with smoking. As of now, no preventive or therapeutic strategies are known to counteract nicotine­induced neurodegeneration. In this study, we explore the neuroprotective effects of crocin, a bioactive agent commonly found in saffron - a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus - using a rat model. The dose­dependent effects of crocin were evaluated in nicotine­induced neurodegeneration and compared with a control group. Neurobehavioral changes, assessed through the elevated plus maze, the open field test, the forced swim test, and the Morris water maze, as well as oxidative stress in the hippocampus, were evaluated. Interestingly, nicotine administration resulted in depression, anxiety, and abnormal motor and cognitive functions, while crocin treatment protected the rat brain from these abnormalities. The beneficial effects of crocin were associated with reduced oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, along with increases in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities. These results demonstrate that crocin can mitigate nicotine­induced neurodegeneration by reducing oxidative stress, potentially offering a protective measure against neurodegenerative effects in smokers.

Dual Role of Stratum Corneum Carotenes/Lycopene Against the Development of Chemotherapy-induced PPE in Patients With Cancer.

Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia (PPE) is a common side effect of chemotherapy treatment in patients with cancer. The exact pathophysiologic mechanisms of the development of PPE remain unclear. Here, we report two important physiological functions of carotenoids without hydroxyl groups (α-carotene, ß-carotene, γ-carotene, ξ-carotene, lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene and their isomers) in the stratum corneum (SC) of glabrous skin: The powerful antioxidant protection of the integrity of the SC components against the destructive action of free radicals and maintaining the skin barrier function by the creation of an orthorhombic organization of intercellular lipids within lamellae using carotenoids as a skeleton. The dual protective role of carotenoids without hydroxyl groups is important for both healthy skin and, in the authors' opinion, for the skin of chemotherapy-treated patients against the development of PPE, as the chemotherapy-induced reduction of the carotenoid concentration in the stratum corneum considerably weakens the skin resistance to cytotoxic and other adverse reactions.

Protective Role of Lycopene in Subjects with Liver Disease: NUTRIHEP Study.

BACKGROUND: Liver diseases are constantly increasing throughout the world and are often associated with other diseases, but above all they are caused by improper diet. Adherence to a diet with abundant vegetables has now been widely demonstrated to be important in combating this pathological condition. The aim of this study was to explore the protective role of lycopene (LYC) extracts from cooked and fresh tomato. METHODS: The study cohort included 969 participants assessed in the NUTRIHEP cohort (2005-2006) and the associated follow-up (2014-2016), divided into two groups, based on liver condition: NAFLD, or AFLD and FLD. RESULTS: The results indicated a statistical significance of LYC consumption, showing a protective role against liver disease, the best concentration being 9.50 mg/die, with an RR value of 0.59, p = 0.01, 0.39 to 0.90 at 95% C.I., and RRR = 0.40, p = 0.002, 0.22 to 0.71 at 95% C.I. CONCLUSIONS: The protective role of LYC extracts from tomato has not been amply demonstrated in humans. We conclude that this is one of the few papers in the literature to evaluate the protective effect of LYC against liver disease, as well as how this molecule could be used in future possible treatments. Utilizing lycopene as a supplement alone or in combination with other foods could be useful for developing treatments with reduced contraindications.

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Concurrent Use of Crocin During Chemoradiation for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Crocin is the major active carotenoid of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Its pluripotent effects have led to a growing body of literature investigating its antitumor properties as well as its diverse potentials for mood stabilization, normal tissue protection, and inflammation reduction; However, there is a gap in clinical trials testing this substance in cancer patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, patients with newly diagnosed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were randomly assigned to either 30 mg/day of crocin or placebo, prescribed during the neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. The primary endpoints were pathological response and toxicity, and secondary endpoints were depression and anxiety levels and survival analysis.

Investigation of the effects of crocin on inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, NF-κB, TLR-4 and Nrf-2/HO-1 pathways in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

The primary limitation of gentamicin (Gm) treatment is its potential to induce nephrotoxicity, which can restrict both its duration and efficacy. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of Crocin (Cr) against Gm-induced nephrotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms, including inflammation, apoptosis, TLR-4, Nrf-2/HO-1 pathways. 36 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups for the study. Group I received only saline. Groups II and III were administered 25 and 50 mg/kg of crocin, respectively. Group IV was treated with 80 mg/kg of Gm. Groups V and VI received 25 and 50 mg/kg of crocin, respectively, in addition to Gm administration. Crocin demonstrated protective effects on kidney tissue. It down-regulated the genes NF-κB, COX-2, TLR-4, Bax, and Caspase-3, while up-regulating Bcl-2, Nrf-2, and HO-1. In conclusion, these findings hold promise for the prevention of Gm-induced nephrotoxicity through the modulation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.

Does crocin create new hope for the treatment of oral problems? A focus on periodontitis.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, oral health has an indispensable role in the maintenance of human public health. However, oral problems, especially periodontitis, are known as bad players in this issue. Periodontitis, as the most prevalent oral disease, is a type of chronic illness mediated by bacterial pathogens and immune system reactions, which is linked with the destruction of tooth-protecting tissues, such as alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Periodontitis has a high prevalence (over 40% in the United States) and can be associated with other systemic ailments, for instance, arthritis, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, cancer, respiratory diseases, chronic kidney disease, and Alzheimer's disease. The common treatments for periodontitis are classified into invasive (surgical) and noninvasive (antibiotic therapy, scaling, and root planning) methods; however, these therapies have not reflected enough effectiveness for related patients. New documents inform the beneficial effects of plant-based compounds in healing various disorders, like periodontitis. In conjunction with this subject, it has been revealed that crocin, as an active component of saffron, regulates the balance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts and has a stroking role in the accumulation of the most common collagen in teeth and bone (type 1 collagen). Besides, this carotenoid compound possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, which can be associated with the therapeutic processes of crocin in this oral disease. Hence, this narrative review study was performed to reflect the reparative/regenerative aspects of crocin agonist periodontitis.

Not all carotenoids can reduce the risk of gastric cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is characterized by high invasiveness, heterogeneity, and late diagnosis, leading to high incidence and mortality rates. It is a significant public health concern globally. Early prevention is crucial in reducing the occurrence of gastric cancer, and dietary prevention, particularly focusing on carotenoids, has been considered a convenient and effective approach. However, the association between carotenoid intake and gastric cancer incidence remains controversial. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from inception to January 5, 2023. Two reviewers independently screened search results, extracted relevant data, and evaluated study quality. Statistical analysis was performed using the "metan" command in STATA 16 software. Random-effects or fixed-effects models were chosen based on the magnitude of heterogeneity among studies. RESULTS: This study included a total of 35 publications, consisting of 23 case-control studies and 12 cohort studies. Meta-analysis of case-control studies showed that alpha-carotene (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55-0.92), beta-carotene (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.53-0.72), and lutein (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69-0.97) significantly reduced the risk of gastric cancer, while beta-cryptoxanthin (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.75-1.04) and lycopene (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.73-1.00) showed no significant correlation. Meta-analysis of cohort studies indicated no significant associations between any of the five carotenoids and gastric cancer incidence (alpha-carotene: RR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.54-1.23; beta-carotene: RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.64-1.16; beta-cryptoxanthin: RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.64-1.16; lutein: RR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.69-1.29; lycopene: RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.69-1.14). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between carotenoids and gastric cancer incidence may vary depending on the type of study conducted. Considering that evidence from cohort studies is generally considered stronger than evidence from case-control studies, and high-quality randomized controlled trials show no significant association between carotenoids and gastric cancer incidence, current evidence does not support the supplementation of carotenoids for gastric cancer prevention. Further targeted research is needed to explore the association between the two.

Exploring the therapeutic efficacy of crocetin in oncology: an evidence-based review.

With cancer being a leading cause of death globally, there is an urgent need to improve therapeutic strategies and identify effective chemotherapeutics. This study aims to highlight the potential of crocetin, a natural product derived from certain plants, as an anticancer agent. It was  conducted an extensive review of the existing literature to gather and analyze the most recent data on the chemical properties of crocetin and its observed effects in various in vitro and in vivo studies. The study  particularly focused on studies that examined crocetin's impact on cell cycle dynamics, apoptosis, caspases and antioxidant enzyme levels, tumor angiogenesis, inflammation, and overall tumor growth. Crocetin exhibited diverse anti-tumorigenic activities including inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis induction, angiogenesis suppression, and potentiation of chemotherapy. Multiple cellular and molecular pathways such as the PI3K/Akt, MAPK and NF-κB were modulated by it. Crocetin demonstrates promising anti-cancer properties and offers potential as an adjunctive or alternative therapy in oncology. More large-scale, rigorously designed clinical trials are needed to establish therapeutic protocols and ascertain the comprehensive benefits and safety profile of crocetin in diverse cancer types.

Exploring microalgal and cyanobacterial metabolites with antiprotozoal activity against Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) like Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis affect millions of people annually, while currently used antiprotozoal drugs have serious side effects. Drug research based on natural products has shown that microalgae and cyanobacteria are a promising platform of biochemically active compounds with antiprotozoal activity. These unicellular photosynthetic organisms are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments including phycocyanin, chlorophylls and carotenoids, polyphenols, bioactive peptides, terpenes, alkaloids, which have proven antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiplasmodial and antiprotozoal properties. This review provides up-to-date information regarding ongoing studies on substances synthesized by microalgae and cyanobacteria with notable activity against Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, and Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agents of Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and human African trypanosomiasis, respectively. Extracts of several freshwater or marine microalgae have been tested on different strains of Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites. For instance, ethanolic extract of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Tetraselmis suecica have biological activity against T. cruzi, due to their high content of carotenoids, chlorophylls, phenolic compounds and flavonoids that are associated with trypanocidal activity. Halophilic Dunaliella salina showed moderate antileishmanial activity that may be attributed to the high ß-carotene content in this microalga. Peptides such as almiramides, dragonamides, and herbamide that are biosynthesized by marine cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula were found to have increased activity in micromolar scale IC50 against L. donovani, T. Cruzi, and T. brucei parasites. The cyanobacterial peptides symplocamide and venturamide isolated from Symploca and Oscillatoria species, respectively, and the alkaloid nostocarbonile isolated from Nostoc have shown promising antiprotozoal properties and are being explored for pharmaceutical and medicinal purposes. The discovery of new molecules from microalgae and cyanobacteria with therapeutic potential against Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis may address an urgent medical need: effective and safe treatments of NTDs.

Association between carotenoid intake and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among US adults: A cross-sectional study.

Carotenoids have been recognized for their potential health benefits due to their antioxidant properties. There is limited research on the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and carotenoids. This study aimed to investigate the effect of carotenoid intake on the risk of MAFLD. We retrospectively analyzed 2722 adults aged ≥ 18 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018. Hepatic steatosis was identified by elastography, and carotenoid consumption was evaluated through two 24-hour dietary recall interviews. Weighted logistic regression models, subgroup analyses, and restricted cubic splines were used for analyses. The weighted prevalence of MAFLD was 51.90%. Weighted logistic regression analysis demonstrated that intake of ß-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene was associated with a lower risk of MAFLD after adjusting for various covariates. Compared to the lowest tertile, a significant inverse correlation was observed between the highest total lycopene intake and MAFLD among females in the gender subgroup analysis. Restricted cubic spline regression analysis revealed a U-shaped association between lycopene consumption and MAFLD risk (P < .001), with an inflection point of approximately 9.48 mg/day. Moreover, the nonlinear relationship was particularly significant in females and absent in males. In summary, increased ß-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene consumption was associated with a decreased risk of MAFLD. The relationship between total lycopene intake and MAFLD was nonlinear, primarily in females. These findings have significant implications for the potential prevention and management of MAFLD.

A Narrative Review: The Effect and Importance of Carotenoids on Aging and Aging-Related Diseases.

Aging is generally defined as a time-dependent functional decline that affects most living organisms. The positive increase in life expectancy has brought along aging-related diseases. Oxidative stress caused by the imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants can be given as one of the causes of aging. At the same time, the increase in oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is main reason for the increase in aging-related diseases such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, liver, skin, and eye diseases and diabetes. Carotenoids, a natural compound, can be used to change the course of aging and aging-related diseases, thanks to their highly effective oxygen-quenching and ROS-scavenging properties. Therefore, in this narrative review, conducted using the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases and complying with the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines, the effects of carotenoids on aging and aging-related diseases were analyzed. Carotenoids are fat-soluble, highly unsaturated pigments that occur naturally in plants, fungi, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. A large number of works have been conducted on carotenoids in relation to aging and aging-related diseases. Animal and human studies have found that carotenoids can significantly reduce obesity and fatty liver, lower blood sugar, and improve liver fibrosis in cirrhosis, as well as reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and erythema formation, while also lowering glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose levels. Carotenoid supplementation may be effective in preventing and delaying aging and aging-related diseases, preventing and treating eye fatigue and dry eye disease, and improving macular function. These pigments can be used to stop, delay, or treat aging-related diseases due to their powerful antioxidant, restorative, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. As an increasingly aging population emerges globally, this review could provide an important prospective contribution to public health.

Carotenoids from Starfish Patiria pectinifera: Therapeutic Activity in Models of Inflammatory Diseases.

The carotenoids mixture (MC) isolated from the starfish Patiria. pectinifera contains more than 50% astaxanthin, 4-6% each zeaxanthine and lutein, and less pharmacologically active components such as free fatty acids and their glycerides. Astaxanthin, the major component of MC, belongs to the xanthophyll class of carotenoids, and is well known for its antioxidant properties. In this work, in vitro and in vivo studies on the biological activity of MC were carried out. The complex was shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and cancer-preventive activity, without any toxicity at a dose of 500 mg/kg. MC effectively improves the clinical picture of the disease progressing, as well as normalizing the cytokine profile and the antioxidant defense system in the in vivo animal models of inflammatory diseases, namely: skin carcinogenesis, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and systemic inflammation (SI). In the skin carcinogenesis induced by 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene, the incidence of papillomas was decreased 1.5 times; 1% MC ointment form in allergic contact dermatitis showed an 80% reduced severity of pathomorphological skin manifestations. Obtained results show that MC from starfish P. pectinifera is an effective remedy for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory processes.

The protective effect of crocin against testicular toxicity induced by ionizing radiation via AKT/FOXO pathway.

Crocin, a pharmacologically active component of Crocus sativus L. (saffron), has been informed to be beneficial in the treatment of stress-related oxidative impairment. In the present study, we examined the protective role of crocin against testicular damage induced by radiation (acute and fractionated) and the alteration of the AKT/FOXO signaling pathway. Male Wister albino rats were exposed to acute dose of 6 Gy and a fractionated dose of gamma radiation (2 Gy every 2 days up to 6 Gy total doses). Rats were pretreated intraperitoneally with crocin in a dose of 50 mg/kg for seven consecutive days prior to exposure to irradiation at a level of 6 Gy and during the fractionated irradiation of rats. Control groups were run concurrently. Ionizing radiation caused changes in the level of oxidative stress biomarkers manifested as elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, total nitrate/nitrite and reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated with a decrease in catalase as well as in the level of inflammatory parameters (decrease in expression of Nrf2 which was related to a significant increase in expression of NF-κB p65). Irradiation produced cellular damage characterized by an increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase. These findings were aligned with increased expression of the forkhead box O-1 (FOXO-1) and activation of protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. Irradiation of rats led to reduction in serum testosterone level and testicular weights. Pretreatment with the indicated dose of crocin shielded against the changes in all the evaluated parameters. Administration of crocin can be introduced as a novel preclinical approach for regulation of testicular damage induced by radiation; via controlling the ongoing oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction as well as activation FOXO/AKT signaling pathway.

Network pharmacology-based strategic prediction and target identification of apocarotenoids and carotenoids from standardized Kashmir saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract against polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, characterized by a range of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, excess male hormones (androgens), metabolic abnormalities such as hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic disturbances like glucose imbalance. Botanical supplements are perceived first and safe choice over available regimens to regulate PCOS. There are several reports available stating that apocarotenoids, carotenoids, and whole extracts of Crocus sativus were identified to have a potential role in the management of women health. This study aimed to propose a network pharmacology-based method to determine the potential therapeutic pathways of phytoconstituents (apocarotenoids and carotenoids) of UHPLC-PDA standardized stigma-based Crocus sativus extract (CSE) for the management of PCOS. Furthermore, to validate the potential targets and signaling pathways, these apocarotenoids, and carotenoids were screened for molecular docking and in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions. The information regarding PCOS-related genes was retrieved from the PCOS knowledge database (PCOSKB), resulting in an established network between putative targets of PCOS and Crocus sativus extract phytochemicals to prevail the mechanism of action. Based on the screening conditions, 4 prominent targets namely, serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), were identified through network analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis suggested that MAP kinase and serine-threonine pathways were found prominent targets in PCOS. Further, a molecular docking study shows that crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal had the best binding affinity for the identified targets. In silico ADMET results revealed that carotenoids and apocarotenoids were found to have the maximum bioavailability and were able to cross the blood-brain barrier without any toxic effects. The combined results revealed that the apocarotenoids and carotenoids of Crocus sativus extract could act on various targets to regulate multiple pathways related to PCOS.

Comparative effects of the alcoholic extract of Terminalia chebula and crocin on stress­induced anxiety­like behavior and memory impairment in male rats.

Crocin and Terminalia chebula (T. chebula) were proven to have neuroprotective effects. In this study, we evaluated the preventive effects of crocin and alcoholic extract of the T. chebula alone and in combination to examine their efficacy against chronic restraint stress (CRS)­induced cognitive impairment, anxiety­like behaviors, hippocampal synaptic plasticity deficit as well as neuronal arborization damage in the hippocampal CA1 neurons. Over 14 consecutive days, animals received crocin, T. chebula, or their combination (5 min before CRS). The elevated plus­maze results showed that crocin and T. chebula alone and in combination treatment significantly increased the time spent in open arms, percentage of open arm entries, and head dipping as compared with the CRS group. Barnes maze results showed that administration of crocin and T. chebula alone and their combination significantly improves spatial memory indicators such as distance traveled, latency time to achieving the target hole, and the number of errors when compared to the CRS group. These learning deficits in CRS animals correlated with a reduction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal CA1 synapses, which both T. chebula and crocin treatment improved field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) amplitude and fEPSP slope reduction induced by CRS. Golgi­Cox staining showed that T. chebula and crocin treatment increased the number of dendrites and soma arbors in the CA1 neurons compared with the CRS group. Our results suggest that both T. chebula and crocin attenuated CRS­induced anxiety­like behaviors, memory impairment, and synaptic plasticity loss in hippocampal CA1 neurons. We found no significant difference between single treatments of T. chebula or crocin and their combination in protecting CRS­induced anxiety­like behaviors, memory impairment, and synaptic plasticity loss in hippocampal CA1 neurons.

Lycopene ­ the impact of supplementation on the skin aging process / Likopen ­ wplyw suplementacji na proces starzenia sie skóry.

The skin aging process is affected by multiple different factors (including sun exposure, smoking, poor diet) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under their influence, the skin becomes weaker, mainly elastin and collagen fibers are damaged. The amount of lipids is also reduced, leading to the death of the skin cells. The presence of free radicals also blocks the natural ability of the epidermis to regenerate. Each of these factors determines the acceleration of the signs of aging. To some extent, our body is able to deal with the free radicals by producing antioxidants. Regular supplementation is also a beneficial solution. Lycopene is a red pigment naturally found in tomatoes and is a known antioxidant. Among the carotenoids, it is the strongest singlet oxygen quencher and scavenger of peroxygen radicals, making it an important defense mechanism in the human body. The aim of this paper is to present the biological properties of lycopene in relation to its beneficial effect on the aging process of the skin.

Thiolated chitosan hydrogel-embedded niosomes: A promising crocin delivery system toward the management of aphthous stomatitis.

Aphthous stomatitis is a common inflammatory oral disease with challenging management. Crocin is a natural carotenoid that has shown great anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to develop thiolated chitosan (TCS)-based hydrogels containing niosomes to serve as a mucoadhesive crocin delivery system for aphthous stomatitis. Crocin-loaded niosomes were prepared and the impact of surfactant type, cholesterol content, and lipid to drug ratio on the characteristics of niosomes was evaluated. TCS was synthesized and the success of thiolation was investigated. The optimum niosomal formulation was loaded into the hydrogel and the hybrid system was characterized regarding the morphology, mucoadhesive properties, viscosity, chemical structure, in vitro drug release, and in vivo efficacy. The optimized niosome formulation showed 77% crocin entrapment, a particle diameter of 59 nm, and a zeta potential of -18 mV. The niosome-containing hydrogel exhibited pseudoplastic rheological behavior, mucoadhesive properties, suitable swelling, and sustained release of crocin. In vivo study revealed that the niosome-containing hydrogel improved ulcer healing and decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and p53 while increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Collectively, TCS hydrogel-embedded crocin-loaded niosomes is a promising therapeutic option for aphthous stomatitis. CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS STUDIED IN THIS ARTICLE: Crocin (PubChem CID: 5281233) Chitosan (PubChem CID: 71853) Thioglycolic acid (PubChem CID: 1133) 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (PubChem CID: 2723939) 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (PubChem CID: 6254) Cholesterol (PubChem CID: 5997).

Haloarchaeal carotenoids exert an in vitro antiproliferative effect on human breast cancer cell lines.

Oxidative stress has been linked to the onset and progression of different neoplasia. Antioxidants might help prevent it by modulating biochemical processes involved in cell proliferation. Here, the aim was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effect of Haloferax mediterranei bacterioruberin-rich carotenoid extracts (BRCE) (0-100 µg/ml) in six BC cell lines, representative of the intrinsic phenotypes and a healthy mammary epithelium cell line. Cell index values were obtained using xCELLigence RTCA System. Furthermore, cell diameter, viability, and concentration were measured at 12 h, 24 h, and 30 h. We found that BC cells were selectively affected by BRCE (SI > 1, p < 0.005). After 30 h, the population of BC cells exposed to 100 µg/ml was 11.7-64.6% of the control (p = 0.0001-0.0009). Triple-negative cells were significantly affected [MDA-MB-231 (IC50 51.8 µg/ml, p < 0.0001) and MDA-MB-468 (IC50 63.9 µg/ml, p < 0.0001)]. Cell size was also reduced after 30 h treatment in 3.8 (± 0.1) µm and 3.3 (± 0.02) µm for SK-BR-3 (p < 0.0001) and MDA-MB-468 (p < 0.0001), respectively. In conclusion, Hfx. mediterranei BRCE exerts a cytotoxic effect on BC cell lines representative of all studied intrinsic subtypes. Furthermore, results obtained for MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 are very promising, considering the aggressive behaviour of the triple-negative BC subtype.

Carotenoids for lung cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy: Promises and controversies.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of malignancy in the world. Several therapeutical and chemopreventive approaches have been practised to mitigate the disease. The use of phytopigments including carotenoids is a well-known approach. However, some of the prominent clinical trials interrogated the efficacy of carotenoids in lung cancer prevention. METHODS: A elaborate literature survey have been performed investigating in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reported on the administration of carotenoids for chemoprevention and chemotherapy. RESULTS: Tobacco consumption, genetic factors, dietary patterns, occupational carcinogens, lung diseases, infection, and sex disparities are some of the prominent factors leading to lung cancer. Significant evidence has been found underlining the efficiency of carotenoids in alleviating cancer. In vitro studies have proven that carotenoids act through PI3K/ AKT/mTOR, ERK-MAPK pathways and induce apoptosis through PPAR, IFNs, RAR, which are p53 intermediators in lung cancer signaling. Animal models and cell lines studies showed promising results, while the outcomes of clinical trials are contradictory and require further verification. CONCLUSION: The carotenoids exert chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive effects on lung tumors which has been evidenced in numerous investigations. However, further analyses are necessary to the answer the uncertainties raised by several clinical trials.