Sulforaphane: A Broccoli Bioactive Phytocompound with Cancer Preventive Potential

There is substantial and promising evidence on the health benefits of consuming broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. The most important compound in broccoli, glucoraphanin, is metabolized to SFN by the thioglucosidase enzyme myrosinase. SFN is the major mediator of the health benefits that have been recognized for broccoli consumption. SFN represents a phytochemical of high interest as it may be useful in preventing the occurrence and/or mitigating the progression of cancer. Although several prior publications provide an excellent overview of the effect of SFN in cancer, these reports represent narrative reviews that focused mainly on SFN’s source, biosynthesis, and mechanisms of action in modulating specific pathways involved in cancer without a comprehensive review of SFN’s role or value for prevention of various human malignancies. This review evaluates the most recent state of knowledge concerning SFN’s efficacy in preventing or reversing a variety of neoplasms. In this work, we have analyzed published reports based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies to determine SFN’s potential as a chemopreventive agent. Furthermore, we have discussed the current limitations and challenges associated with SFN research and suggested future research directions before broccoli-derived products, especially SFN, can be used for human cancer prevention and intervention.

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Vascularized Lower Respiratory-Physiology-On-A-Chip

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10030900 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 900 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Hyoryung Nam ◽

Yoo-mi Choi ◽

Jinah Jang

Keyword(s):

Treatment Options ◽

Respiratory Physiology ◽

Future Research ◽

Research Directions ◽

Disease Mechanisms ◽

Chip Technology ◽

Future Research Directions ◽

Respiratory Systems

Recently, respiratory systems are increasingly threatened by high levels of environmental pollution. Organ-on-a-chip technology has the advantage of enabling more accurate preclinical experiments by reproducing in vivo organ physiology. To investigate disease mechanisms and treatment options, respiratory-physiology-on-a-chip systems have been studied for the last decade. Here, we delineate the strategic approaches to develop respiratory-physiology-on-a-chip that can recapitulate respiratory system in vitro. The state-of-the-art biofabrication methods and biomaterials are considered as key contributions to constructing the chips. We also explore the vascularization strategies to investigate complicated pathophysiological phenomena including inflammation and immune responses, which are the critical aggravating factors causing the complications in the respiratory diseases. In addition, challenges and future research directions are delineated to improve the mimicry of respiratory systems in terms of both structural and biological behaviors.

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Cannabinoid Quinones—A Review and Novel Observations

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26061761 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 1761

Author(s):

Natalya M. Kogan ◽

Maximilian Peters ◽

Raphael Mechoulam

Keyword(s):

Human Cancer ◽

Mechanisms Of Action ◽

High Efficacy ◽

Topoisomerase Iiα ◽

Human Cancer Cell Lines ◽

Structure Activity ◽

Related Compounds ◽

Very High

A cannabinoid anticancer para-quinone, HU-331, which was synthesized by our group five decades ago, was shown to have very high efficacy against human cancer cell lines in-vitro and against in-vivo grafts of human tumors in nude mice. The main mechanism was topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibition. Later, several groups synthesized related compounds. In the present presentation, we review the publications on compounds synthesized on the basis of HU-331, summarize their published activities and mechanisms of action and report the synthesis and action of novel quinones, thus expanding the structure-activity relationship in these series.

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Glioma-on-a-Chip Models

Micromachines ◽

10.3390/mi12050490 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 490

Author(s):

Merve Ustun ◽

Sajjad Rahmani Dabbagh ◽

Irem Sultan Ilci ◽

Tugba Bagci-Onder ◽

Savas Tasoglu

Keyword(s):

Future Research ◽

Cell Behavior ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Term Survival ◽

Research Directions ◽

Metabolic Functions ◽

Future Research Directions ◽

On Chip

Glioma, as an aggressive type of cancer, accounts for virtually 80% of malignant brain tumors. Despite advances in therapeutic approaches, the long-term survival of glioma patients is poor (it is usually fatal within 12–14 months). Glioma-on-chip platforms, with continuous perfusion, mimic in vivo metabolic functions of cancer cells for analytical purposes. This offers an unprecedented opportunity for understanding the underlying reasons that arise glioma, determining the most effective radiotherapy approach, testing different drug combinations, and screening conceivable side effects of drugs on other organs. Glioma-on-chip technologies can ultimately enhance the efficacy of treatments, promote the survival rate of patients, and pave a path for personalized medicine. In this perspective paper, we briefly review the latest developments of glioma-on-chip technologies, such as therapy applications, drug screening, and cell behavior studies, and discuss the current challenges as well as future research directions in this field.

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Bougainvillea Genus: A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2018/9070927 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Rodolfo Abarca-Vargas ◽

Vera L. Petricevich

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Mechanisms Of Action ◽

Future Research ◽

Active Components ◽

Pharmacological Activities ◽

Toxicological Studies ◽

Pharmacology And Toxicology ◽

Active Substances

This review discusses the current knowledge of the phytochemistry and in vitro and in vivo evaluations carried out using the extracts and, where appropriate, the main active components isolated from the genus Bougainvillea. Out of 18 species, most phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies focused on four species with different cultivars and one hybrid. Some plants are used for the treatment of various health disorders. Numerous phytochemical investigations of plants in this genus confirm the presence of aliphatic hydrocarbons, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, volatile compounds, phenolic compounds, peltogynoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, terpenes, carbohydrates, and betalains. Various studies have confirmed that these extracts or active substances that were isolated from the genus Bougainvillea have multiple pharmacological activities. Some species of Bougainvillea have emerged as sources of traditional medicine in human health. More studies of the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties and their mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy in all Bougainvillea species, cultivars, and hybrids are advisable for future research.

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Phytomedicines Used for Diabetes Mellitus in Ghana: A Systematic Search and Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2019/6021209 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Michael Buenor Adinortey ◽

Rosemary Agbeko ◽

Daniel Boison ◽

William Ekloh ◽

Lydia Enyonam Kuatsienu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Medicinal Plants ◽

Cell Function ◽

Glucose Absorption ◽

Mechanisms Of Action ◽

Future Research ◽

Secretion Inhibition ◽

Preclinical And Clinical Studies

Background. Available data indicate that diabetes mellitus leads to elevated cost of healthcare. This imposes a huge economic burden on households, societies, and nations. As a result many Ghanaians, especially rural folks, resort to the use of phytomedicine, which is relatively less expensive. This paper aims at obtaining information on plants used in Ghana to treat diabetes mellitus, gather and present evidence-based data available to support their uses and their mechanisms of action, and identify areas for future research.Method. A catalogue of published textbooks, monographs, theses, and peer-reviewed articles of plants used in Ghanaian traditional medicine between 1987 and July 2018 for managing diabetes mellitus was obtained and used.Results. The review identified 76 plant species belonging to 45 families that are used to manage diabetes mellitus. Leaves were the part of the plants frequently used for most preparation (63.8%) and were mostly used as decoctions. Majority of the plants belonged to the Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Apocynaceae families. Pharmacological data were available on 23 species that have undergonein vitrostudies. Forty species have been studied usingin vivoanimal models. Only twelve plants and their bioactive compounds were found with data on both preclinical and clinical studies. The records further indicate that medicinal plants showing antidiabetic effects did so via biochemical mechanisms such as restitution of pancreaticβ-cell function, improvement in insulin sensitivity by receptors, stimulating rate of insulin secretion, inhibition of liver gluconeogenesis, enhanced glucose absorption, and inhibition of G-6-Pase,α-amylase, andα-glucosidase activities.Conclusion. This review contains information on medicinal plants used to manage diabetes mellitus, including their pharmacological properties and mechanisms of action as well as models used to investigate them. It also provides gaps that can form the basis for further investigations and development into useful medications for effective treatment of diabetes mellitus.

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Complicated grief therapy as a new treatment approach

Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience ◽

10.31887/dcns.2012.14.2/jwetherell ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 159-166 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Keyword(s):

Prolonged Exposure ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Complicated Grief ◽

Future Research ◽

Interpersonal Therapy ◽

Research Directions ◽

Grief Therapy ◽

Future Research Directions ◽

New Treatment

Complicated grief therapy (CGT) is a relatively new psychotherapy model designed to address symptoms of complicated grief. Drawn from attachment theory and with roots in both interpersonal therapy (IPT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy, CGT includes techniques similar to prolonged exposure (repeatedly telling the story of the death and in vivo exposure activities). The treatment also involves focusing on personal goals and relationships. CGT has been demonstrated to be effective in a trial in which participants with complicated grief were randomly assigned to CGT or IPT; individuals receiving CGT responded more quickly and were more likely to respond overall (51% vs 28%). This article briefly summarizes the conceptual underpinnings of CGT, discusses the empirical evidence for its efficacy, describes its techniques, and presents a case example of a client treated in a 16-session manualized CGT protocol. The article concludes with a description of future research directions for CGT.

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