scholarly journals Anticancer Activities of Thymus vulgaris L. in Experimental Breast Carcinoma in Vivo and in Vitro

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kubatka ◽  
Uramova ◽  
Kello ◽  
Kajo ◽  
Samec ◽  
...  

Naturally-occurring mixtures of phytochemicals present in plant foods are proposed to possess tumor-suppressive activities. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the antitumor effects of Thymus vulgaris L. in in vivo and in vitro mammary carcinoma models. Dried T. vulgaris (as haulm) was continuously administered at two concentrations of 0.1% and 1% in the diet in a chemically-induced rat mammary carcinomas model and a syngeneic 4T1 mouse model. After autopsy, histopathological and molecular analyses of rodent mammary carcinomas were performed. In addition, in vitro evaluations using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were carried out. In mice, T. vulgaris at both doses reduced the volume of 4T1 tumors by 85% (0.1%) and 84% (1%) compared to the control, respectively. Moreover, treated tumors showed a substantial decrease in necrosis/tumor area ratio and mitotic activity index. In the rat model, T. vulgaris (1%) decreased the tumor frequency by 53% compared to the control. Analysis of the mechanisms of anticancer action included well-described and validated diagnostic and prognostic markers that are used in both clinical approach and preclinical research. In this regard, the analyses of treated rat carcinoma cells showed a CD44 and ALDH1A1 expression decrease and Bax expression increase. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and VEGFR-2 expression were decreased in rat carcinomas in both the T. vulgaris treated groups. Regarding the evaluations of epigenetic changes in rat tumors, we found a decrease in the lysine methylation status of H3K4me3 in both treated groups (H3K9m3, H4K20m3, and H4K16ac were not changed); up-regulations of miR22, miR34a, and miR210 expressions (only at higher doses); and significant reductions in the methylation status of four gene promoters—ATM serin/threonine kinase, also known as the NPAT gene (ATM); Ras-association domain family 1, isoform A (RASSF1); phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) (the paired-like homeodomain transcription factor (PITX2) promoter was not changed). In vitro study revealed the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of essential oils of T. vulgaris in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (analyses of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) (MTS); 5-bromo-20-deoxyuridine (BrdU); cell cycle; annexin V/PI; caspase-3/7; Bcl-2; PARP; and mitochondrial membrane potential). T. vulgaris L. demonstrated significant chemopreventive and therapeutic activities against experimental breast carcinoma.

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Kubatka ◽  
Martin Kello ◽  
Karol Kajo ◽  
Marek Samec ◽  
Karin Jasek ◽  
...  

Comprehensive oncology research suggests an important role of phytochemicals or whole plant foods in the modulation of signaling pathways associated with anticancer action. The goal of this study is to assess the anticancer activities of Cinnamomum zeylanicum L. using rat, mouse, and cell line breast carcinoma models. C. zeylanicum (as bark powder) was administered in the diet at two concentrations of 0.1% (w/w) and 1% (w/w) during the whole experiment in chemically induced rat mammary carcinomas and a syngeneic 4T1 mouse model. After autopsy, histopathological and molecular evaluations of mammary gland tumors in rodents were carried out. Moreover, in vitro analyses using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were performed. The dominant metabolites present in the tested C. zeylanicum essential oil (with relative content over 1%) were cinnamaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde dimethyl acetal, cinnamyl acetate, eugenol, linalool, eucalyptol, limonene, o-cymol, and α-terpineol. The natural mixture of mentioned molecules demonstrated significant anticancer effects in our study. In the mouse model, C. zeylanicum at a higher dose (1%) significantly decreased tumor volume by 44% when compared to controls. In addition, treated tumors showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in mitotic activity index by 29% (0.1%) and 45.5% (1%) in comparison with the control group. In rats, C. zeylanicum in both doses significantly reduced the tumor incidence by 15.5% and non-significantly suppressed tumor frequency by more than 30% when compared to controls. An evaluation of the mechanism of anticancer action using valid oncological markers showed several positive changes after treatment with C. zeylanicum. Histopathological analysis of treated rat tumor specimens showed a significant decrease in the ratio of high-/low-grade carcinomas compared to controls. In treated rat carcinomas, we found caspase-3 and Bax expression increase. On the other hand, we observed a decrease in Bcl-2, Ki67, VEGF, and CD24 expressions and MDA levels. Assessment of epigenetic changes in rat tumor cells in vivo showed a significant decrease in lysine methylation status of H3K4m3 and H3K9m3 in the high-dose treated group, a dose-dependent increase in H4K16ac levels (H4K20m3 was not changed), down-regulations of miR21 and miR155 in low-dose cinnamon groups (miR22 and miR34a were not modulated), and significant reduction of the methylation status of two out of five gene promoters—ATM and TIMP3 (PITX2, RASSF1, PTEN promoters were not changed). In vitro study confirmed results of animal studies, in that the essential oil of C. zeylanicum displayed significant anticancer efficacy in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (using MTS, BrdU, cell cycle, annexin V/PI, caspase-3/7, Bcl-2, PARP, and mitochondrial membrane potential analyses). As a conclusion, C. zeylanicum L. showed chemopreventive and therapeutic activities in animal breast carcinoma models that were also significantly confirmed by mechanistic evaluations in vitro and in vivo.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Kubatka ◽  
Martin Kello ◽  
Karol Kajo ◽  
Marek Samec ◽  
Alena Liskova ◽  
...  

Comprehensive scientific data provide evidence that isolated phytochemicals or whole plant foods may beneficially modify carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncostatic activities of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) using animal models (rat and mouse), and cell lines of breast carcinoma. R. coriaria (as a powder) was administered through the diet at two concentrations (low dose: 0.1% (w/w) and high dose: 1 % (w/w)) for the duration of the experiment in a syngeneic 4T1 mouse and chemically-induced rat mammary carcinoma models. After autopsy, histopathological and molecular analyses of tumor samples in rodents were performed. Moreover, in vitro analyses using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were conducted. The dominant metabolites present in tested R. coriaria methanolic extract were glycosides of gallic acid (possible gallotannins). In the mouse model, R. coriaria at a higher dose (1%) significantly decreased tumor volume by 27% when compared to controls. In addition, treated tumors showed significant dose-dependent decrease in mitotic activity index by 36.5% and 51% in comparison with the control group. In the chemoprevention study using rats, R. coriaria at a higher dose significantly reduced the tumor incidence by 20% and in lower dose non-significantly reduced tumor frequency by 29% when compared to controls. Evaluations of the mechanism of oncostatic action using valid clinical markers demonstrated several positive alterations in rat tumor cells after the treatment with R. coriaria. In this regard, histopathological analysis of treated tumor specimens showed robust dose-dependent decrease in the ratio of high-/low-grade carcinomas by 66% and 73% compared to controls. In treated rat carcinomas, we found significant caspase-3, Bax, and Bax/Bcl-2 expression increases; on the other side, a significant down-regulation of Bcl-2, Ki67, CD24, ALDH1, and EpCam expressions and MDA levels. When compared to control specimens, evaluation of epigenetic alterations in rat tumor cells in vivo showed significant dose-dependent decrease in lysine methylation status of H3K4m3 and H3K9m3 and dose-dependent increase in lysine acetylation in H4K16ac levels (H4K20m3 was not changed) in treated groups. However, only in lower dose of sumac were significant decreases in the expression of oncogenic miR210 and increase of tumor-suppressive miR145 (miR21, miR22, and miR155 were not changed) observed. Finally, only in lower sumac dose, significant decreases in methylation status of three out of five gene promoters–ATM, PTEN, and TIMP3 (PITX2 and RASSF1 promoters were not changed). In vitro evaluations using methanolic extract of R. coriaria showed significant anticancer efficacy in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (using Resazurin, cell cycle, annexin V/PI, caspase-3/7, Bcl-2, PARP, and mitochondrial membrane potential analyses). In conclusion, sumac demonstrated significant oncostatic activities in rodent models of breast carcinoma that were validated by mechanistic studies in vivo and in vitro.


2021 ◽  
pp. 096032712199945
Author(s):  
AT Aliyev ◽  
S Ozcan-Sezer ◽  
A Akdemir ◽  
H Gurer-Orhan

Apigenin, a flavonoid, is reported to act as an estrogen receptor (ER) agonist and inhibit aromatase enzyme. However, amentoflavone, a biflavonoid bearing two apigenin molecules, has not been evaluated for its endocrine modulatory effects. Besides, it is highly consumed by young people to build muscles, enhance mood and lose weight. In the present study, apigenin was used as a reference molecule and ER mediated as well as ER-independent estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity of amentoflavone was investigated. Antitumor activity of amentoflavone was also investigated in both ER positive (MCF-7 BUS) and triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells and its cytotoxicity was evaluated in human breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A). Our data confirmed ER agonist, aromatase inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of apigenin in breast cancer cells, where no ER mediated estrogenic effect and physiologically irrelevant, slight, aromatase inhibition was found for amentoflavone. Although selective cytotoxicity of amentoflavone was found in MCF-7 BUS cells, it does not seem to be an alternative to the present cytotoxic drugs. Therefore, neither an adverse effect, mediated by an estrogenic/antiestrogenic effect of amentoflavone nor a therapeutical benefit would be expected from amentoflavone. Further studies could be performed to investigate its in vivo effects.


Drug Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (04) ◽  
pp. 205-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanqing Li ◽  
Zhiguo Li ◽  
Lisha Wei ◽  
Aiping Zheng

AbstractWe created a novel paclitaxel (PTX) nanoparticle drug delivery system and compared this to acommercial injection preparation to evaluate the antitumor effects for both formulations in vivo and in vitro.PTXnanocrystals were 194.9 nm with potential of −29.6 mV. Cytotoxicity tests indicated that both formulations had similar effects and cytotoxicity was dose- and time-dependent.Pharmacodynamics indicated that the drug concentration at the tumor was greater with PTX nanocrystals compared to commercial injection (P<0.01) and that drug accumulated more and for a longer duration. In vivo antitumor evaluation indicated significant antitumor effects and low toxicity of PTX nanocrystals. Moreover, bioimaging indicated that the PTX retention time in MCF-7-bearing mice was longer, especially at the tumor site, and this high drug concentration was maintained for a long time.Overall, PTX nanocrystalsare feasible and superior to traditional injection formulation chemotherapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Rita Corso ◽  
Maria Carolina Stipp ◽  
Débora Rasec Radulski ◽  
Marihá Mariott ◽  
Luisa Mota da Silva ◽  
...  

Abstract Natural products have been recognized as important bioactive compounds on the basis of their wide biological properties. Here we investigated the antitumor effect and molecular mechanisms of the diterpene Fruticuline A (fruti) from Salvia lachnostachys, in human cancer cell lineages and Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma in mice. Fruti reduced MCF-7 and HepG2 proliferation by the reduction of Cyclin D1 levels and decreased NF-κB gene levels in both cell types. Furthermore, fruti also induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells, reduced Bcl-2 gene expression and induced necroptosis by increasing Ripk in MCF-7 cells. In mice, fruti prevented tumor development and reduced Cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Rela gene levels, and reduced the p-NF-κB/NF-κB ratio in tumor tissue. Furthermore, fruti induced necrosis and apoptosis, increased N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and TNF-α levels and reduced IL-10 and Vegf levels in tumor tissue. Collectively, fruti exerts antitumor effects through the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, reducing Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 levels. In vitro the apoptosis and necroptosis pathways are involved in the cellular death, whereas in vivo, cells undergo necrosis by increased tumor inflammation and reduction of angiogenesis. Thus, fruticuline A acts in tumor cells by multiple mechanisms and represents a promising molecule for drug development in cancer treatment.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e13545-e13545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir Konstantinovich Bozhenko ◽  
Tatyana Michailovna Kulinich ◽  
Elena Aleksandrovna Kudinova ◽  
Andrey Boldyrev ◽  
Vladimir Alekseevich Solodkij

e13545 Background: MM-D37K is a synthetic peptide which consists of p16INK4a-specific inhibitor of complex cyclin D- CDK4 and CDK6 and cell penetrating peptide (CPP) – Antp (Penetratin). We investigated in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic, cytostatic and antitumor activity of MM-D37K. The level of cyclin A, Ki67,bax, bcl-2 and pRb phosphorylation was investigated. Full range of Toxicology tests and Pharmacokinetics experiments in mice, rats and rabbits were performed. Methods: Different cell lines (Jurcat, Raji, A549, MCF-7, Hct-116, Ht-29, HEK293) were incubated with 0.1-100 mM MM-D37K for 24-48 hrs. Proliferation (MTT), DNA-content, cell cycle (flow cytometry) and mRNA level of appropriate proteins (RT PCR) were investigated. In vivo experiments were conducted on xenograft model of HCT116, A-549 at concentration 5 and 10 mg/kg of MM-D37K. Toxicology experiments were made under RF Law and included 3 types of animals. LC-MS MMD37K method of detection in plasma was developed. Results: MM-D37K prevented pRb phosphorilation and proliferation activation in all investigated cell lines. Cell cycle was blocked in G1 phase. Cytostatic effect did not depend on p16 mutation or expression. MM-D37K induced apoptosis in 20-82% of investigated cells at 40 mM with lowest level for MCF-7. LD10 for rats was 100 mg/kg and no deaths were registered for rabbits (highest dose was 50 mg/kg). Concentration of MMD-37K in plasma after 2 min and bolus i.v. injection in dose 10 mg/kg was 72.16±5.64 mcg/ml. Concentration decreased in two phases. 1st – t1/2 = 2.39±0.39 min and for 2nd t1/2=2.39±0.39 hr. Antitumor effects in xenograft model were 53% for A-549 and 67% for HCT116. Conclusions: Our results proved cytotoxic, cytostatic and antitumor effects of MM-D37K in investigated cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Toxicological and pharmacokinetics results allow us recommend for I/IIa Phase clinical trial. (Support: MetaMax Ltd., RFFI, Minpromtorg RF.)


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenyang He ◽  
Guo Yu ◽  
Anil Kumar Mondru ◽  
Tania Chakraborty ◽  
Souvik Roy

Abstract Background: Our recent investigation directed to synthesize and characterize a novel ruthenium– phloretin complex accompanied by the study of antioxidant in addition to DNA binding capabilities, and to determine the chemotherapeutic activity against breast carcinoma in vitro and in vivo approach.Methods: Ruthenium–phloretin complex was synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic methods. The complex was further investigated to determine its efficacy in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human cancer cell lines and finally in an in vivo model of DMBA induced mammary carcinogenesis in ratsResults: Our studies confirm that the chelation of the metal and ligand was materialize by the 3-OH and 9-OH functional groups of the ligand and the complex is found crystalline and was capable of intercalating with CT-DNA. The complex was capable of reducing cellular propagation and initiate apoptotic events in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cell lines. Additionally, ruthenium-phloretin complex could modulate p53 intervene apoptosis in the breast carcinoma, initiated by the intrinsic apoptotic trail facilitated by the Bcl2 and Bax and at the same time down regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway coupled with MMP9 regulated tumor invasive pathways.Conclusions: Ruthenium-phloretin chemotherapy could interrupt, revoke or suspend the succession of breast carcinoma by altering intrinsic apoptosis along with the antiangiogenic pathway, hence fulfilling the role of a prospective candidate in cancer chemotherapeutics in the in the near future.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenyang He ◽  
Junli Wang ◽  
Tania Chakraborty ◽  
Souvik Roy

Abstract Background: Our recent investigation directed to synthesize and characterize a novel ruthenium– phloretin complex accompanied by the study of antioxidant in addition to DNA binding capabilities, and to determine the chemotherapeutic activity against breast carcinoma in vitro and in vivo approach.Methods: Ruthenium–phloretin complex was synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic methods. The complex was further investigated to determine its efficacy in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human cancer cell lines and finally in an in vivo model of DMBA induced mammary carcinogenesis in ratsResults: Our studies confirm that the chelation of the metal and ligand was materialize by the 3-OH and 9-OH functional groups of the ligand and the complex is found crystalline and was capable of intercalating with CT-DNA. The complex was capable of reducing cellular propagation and initiate apoptotic events in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cell lines. Additionally, ruthenium-phloretin complex could modulate p53 intervene apoptosis in the breast carcinoma, initiated by the intrinsic apoptotic trail facilitated by the Bcl2 and Bax and at the same time down regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway coupled with MMP9 regulated tumor invasive pathways.Conclusions: Ruthenium-phloretin chemotherapy could interrupt, revoke or suspend the succession of breast carcinoma by altering intrinsic apoptosis along with the antiangiogenic pathway, hence fulfilling the role of a prospective candidate in cancer chemotherapeutics in the in the near future.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. e50342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Margheri ◽  
Nicola Schiavone ◽  
Laura Papucci ◽  
Lucia Magnelli ◽  
Simona Serratì ◽  
...  
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