scholarly journals Saponins in Cancer Treatment: Current Progress and Future Prospects

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-272
Author(s):  
Olusola Olalekan Elekofehinti ◽  
Opeyemi Iwaloye ◽  
Femi Olawale ◽  
Esther Opeyemi Ariyo
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cellular Invasion ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Triterpenoid Glycoside ◽  
Invasion Inhibition

Saponins are steroidal or triterpenoid glycoside that is distinguished by the soap-forming nature. Different saponins have been characterized and purified and are gaining attention in cancer chemotherapy. Saponins possess high structural diversity, which is linked to the anticancer activities. Several studies have reported the role of saponins in cancer and the mechanism of actions, including cell-cycle arrest, antioxidant activity, cellular invasion inhibition, induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Despite the extensive research and significant anticancer effects of saponins, there are currently no known FDA-approved saponin-based anticancer drugs. This can be attributed to a number of limitations, including toxicities and drug-likeness properties. Recent studies have explored options such as combination therapy and drug delivery systems to ensure increased efficacy and decreased toxicity in saponin. This review discusses the current knowledge on different saponins, their anticancer activity and mechanisms of action, as well as promising research within the last two decades and recommendations for future studies.

Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gago ◽  
Danilo M. Daloso ◽  
Marc Carriquí ◽  
Miquel Nadal ◽  
Melanie Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Mesophyll Conductance ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cell Structures ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Change Framework ◽  
Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

scholarly journals The p53/miR-34a/SIRT1 Positive Feedback Loop in Quercetin-Induced Apoptosis

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 2192-2202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guohua Lou ◽  
Yanning Liu ◽  
Shanshan Wu ◽  
Jihua Xue ◽  
Fan Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Feedback Loop ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Huh7 Cells ◽  
Mirnas Expression ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Background: The anti-tumor effects of quercetin have been reported, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The aim of present study was to explore the role of miRNA in the anticancer effects of quercetin. Methods: The differential miRNAs expression between the HepG2 and Huh7 cells treated by quercetin were detected by microarray. The xCELLigence, Flow cytometry, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to analyze the cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, anti-tumor genes, and protein expression. Results: miR-34a was up-regulated in HepG2 cells treated by quercetin exhibiting wild-type p53. When inhibiting the miR-34a, the sensitivity of the cells to quercetin decreased and the expression of the SIRT1 was up-regulated, but the acetylation of p53 and the expression of some genes related to p53 down-regulated. Conclusion: miR-34a plays an important role in the anti-tumor effects of querctin in HCC, miR-34a may be a tiemolecule between the p53 and SIRT1 and is composed of a p53/miR-34a/SIRT1 signal feedback loop, which could enhance apoptosis signal and significantly promote cell apoptosis.

scholarly journals Autophagy Inhibition Potentiates the Anticancer Effects of a Bendamustine Derivative NL-101 in Acute T Lymphocytic Leukemia

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hang Gao ◽  
Siyue Lou ◽  
Huanwu Hong ◽  
Qiufu Ge ◽  
Huajun Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Acid Group ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Cyclin E1 ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Histone Hyperacetylation ◽  
Autophagy Inhibition

Acute T lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic resulting from the malignant transformation of T-cell progenitors. Drug resistance and relapse are major difficulties in the treatment of T-ALL. Here, we report the antitumor potency of NL-101, a compound that combines the nitrogen mustard group of bendamustine with the hydroxamic acid group of vorinostat. We found NL-101 exhibited efficient antiproliferative activity in T-ALL cell lines (IC50 1.59–1.89 μM), accompanied by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased expression of Cyclin E1, CDK2, and CDK4 proteins and cleavage of PARP. In addition, this bendamustine-derived drug showed both a HDACi effect as demonstrated by histone hyperacetylation and p21 transcription and a DNA-damaging effect as shown by an increase in γ-H2AX. Intriguingly, we found that NL-101-induced autophagy in T-ALL cells through inhibiting Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, as indicated by an increase in LC3-I to LC3-II conversion and decrease of p62. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine increased apoptotic cell death by NL-101, suggesting a prosurvival role of autophagy. In summary, our finding provides rationale for investigation of NL-101 as a DNA/HDAC dual targeting drug in T-ALL, either as a single agent or in combination with autophagy inhibitors.

scholarly journals Molecular Targets of Genistein and Its Related Flavonoids to Exert Anticancer Effects

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 2420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee-Sung Chae ◽  
Rong Xu ◽  
Jae-Yeon Won ◽  
Young-Won Chin ◽  
Hyungshin Yim
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Biological Targets ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase

Increased health awareness among the public has highlighted the health benefits of dietary supplements including flavonoids. As flavonoids target several critical factors to exert a variety of biological effects, studies to identify their target-specific effects have been conducted. Herein, we discuss the basic structures of flavonoids and their anticancer activities in relation to the specific biological targets acted upon by these flavonoids. Flavonoids target several signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT kinase, and metastasis. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) has been recognized as a valuable target in cancer treatment due to the prognostic implication of PLK1 in cancer patients and its clinical relevance between the overexpression of PLK1 and the reduced survival rates of several carcinoma patients. Recent studies suggest that several flavonoids, including genistein directly inhibit PLK1 inhibitory activity. Later, we focus on the anticancer effects of genistein through inhibition of PLK1.

scholarly journals Beverages in Rheumatoid Arthritis: What to Prefer or to Avoid

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mrinalini Dey ◽  
Maurizio Cutolo ◽  
Elena Nikiphorou
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Patient Management ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Signalling Pathways ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Downstream Effects ◽  
Controversial Topic ◽  
Diet And Lifestyle

Background: The role of nutrition in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), has gained increasing attention in recent years. A growing number of studies have focussed on the diverse nutritional contents of beverages, and their possible role in the development and progression of RA. Main body: We aimed to summarise the current knowledge on the role of a range of beverages in the context of RA. Beverages have a key role within the mosaic of autoimmunity in RA and potential to alter the microbiome, leading to downstream effects on inflammatory pathways. The molecular contents of beverages, including coffee, tea, and wine, have similarly been found to interfere with immune signalling pathways, some beneficial for disease progression and others less so. Finally, we consider beverages in the context of wider dietary patterns, and how this growing body of evidence may be harnessed by the multidisciplinary team in patient management. Conclusions: While there is increasing work focussing on the role of beverages in RA, integration of discussions around diet and lifestyle in our management of patients remains sparse. Nutrition in RA remains a controversial topic, but future studies, especially on the role of beverages, are likely to shed further light on this in coming years.

scholarly journals CHIRAL LATTICE GAUGE THEORIES VIA MIRROR–FERMION DECOUPLING: A MISSION (IM)POSSIBLE?

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (14) ◽  
pp. 2761-2813 ◽  
Author(s):  
ERICH POPPITZ ◽  
YANWEN SHANG
Keyword(s):  
Gauge Theories ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Chiral Symmetries ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Lattice Gauge ◽  
The Status ◽  
Lattice Gauge Theories ◽  
Wilson Fermions

This is a review of the status and outstanding issues in attempts to construct chiral lattice gauge theories by decoupling the mirror fermions from a vectorlike theory. In the first half, we explain why studying nonperturbative chiral gauge dynamics may be of interest, enumerate the problems that a lattice formulation of chiral gauge theories must overcome, and briefly review our current knowledge. We then discuss the motivation and idea of mirror–fermion decoupling and illustrate the desired features of the decoupling dynamics by a simple solvable toy model. The role of exact chiral symmetries and matching of 't Hooft anomalies on the lattice is also explained. The second, more technical, half of the paper is devoted to a discussion of the known and unknown features of mirror-decoupling dynamics formulated with Ginsparg–Wilson fermions. We end by pointing out possible directions for future studies.

scholarly journals Nanoparticles—Plant Interaction: What We Know, Where We Are?

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5473
Author(s):  
Ewa Kurczyńska ◽  
Kamila Godel-Jędrychowska ◽  
Katarzyna Sala ◽  
Anna Milewska-Hendel
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Plant Interaction ◽  
Plant Body

In recent years; the interaction of nanoparticles (NPs) with plants has been intensively studied. Therefore, more and more aspects related to both the positive and negative impact of NP on plants are well described. This article focuses on two aspects of NP interaction with plants. The first is a summary of the current knowledge on NP migration through the roots into the plant body, in particular, the role of the cell wall. The second aspect summarizes the current knowledge of the participation of the symplast, including the plasmodesmata (PD), in the movement of NP within the plant body. We highlight the gaps in our knowledge of the plant–NP interactions; paying attention to the need for future studies to explain the mechanisms that regulate the composition of the cell wall and the functioning of the PD under the influence of NP.

scholarly journals Potential Role of Seaweed Polyphenols in Cardiovascular-Associated Disorders

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Gómez-Guzmán ◽  
Alba Rodríguez-Nogales ◽  
Francesca Algieri ◽  
Julio Gálvez
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Edible Seaweed ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Crude Drugs ◽  
Preclinical And Clinical Studies

The beneficial effects of various polyphenols with plant origins on different cardiovascular-associated disorders, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2 and metabolic syndrome are well known. Recently, marine crude-drugs are emerging as potential treatments in many noncommunicable conditions, including those involving the cardiovascular system. Among the active compounds responsible for these activities, seaweed polyphenols seem to play a key role. The aim of the present review is to summarise the current knowledge about the beneficial effects reported for edible seaweed polyphenols in the amelioration of these prevalent conditions, focusing on both preclinical and clinical studies. This review will help to establish the basis for future studies in this promising field.

scholarly journals Tumor Dormancy and Interplay with Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (17) ◽  
pp. 4305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Butturini ◽  
Alessandra Carcereri de Prati ◽  
Diana Boriero ◽  
Sofia Mariotto
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Tumor Dormancy ◽  
Hypoxic Conditions ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Regulatory Machinery ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Hypoxic Tumor

The tumor microenvironment is a key factor in disease progression, local resistance, immune-escaping, and metastasis. The rapid proliferation of tumor cells and the aberrant structure of the blood vessels within tumors result in a marked heterogeneity in the perfusion of the tumor tissue with regions of hypoxia. Although most of the tumor cells die in these hypoxic conditions, a part of them can adapt and survive for many days or months in a dormant state. Dormant tumor cells are characterized by cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase as well as a low metabolism, and are refractive to common chemotherapy, giving rise to metastasis. Despite these features, the cells retain their ability to proliferate when conditions improve. An understanding of the regulatory machinery of tumor dormancy is essential for identifying early cancer biomarkers and could provide a rationale for the development of novel agents to target dormant tumor cell populations. In this review, we examine the current knowledge of the mechanisms allowing tumor dormancy and discuss the crucial role of the hypoxic microenvironment in this process.

scholarly journals Andrographolide Suppresses Proliferation of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells via Attenuating NF-κB Pathway

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Peng ◽  
Min Hu ◽  
Ting-Ting Wu ◽  
Cen Zhang ◽  
Zhe Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽  
Anticancer Activity ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Carcinoma Cells ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Target ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Proliferation And Invasion

Andrographolide (Andro) has been reported to have anticancer activity in multiple types of cancer due to its capacity to inactivate NF-κB pathway. Previous studies showed the therapeutic potential of targeting NF-κB pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the anticancer activity of Andro in NPC has not been reported. In this study, we defined the anticancer effects of Andro in NPC and elucidated its potential mechanisms of action. Our results showed that Andro significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of NPC cells (P<0.05, resp.). These anticancer activities were associated with cell apoptosis, cell death and induction of cell cycle arrest, and the downregulation of NF-κB target genes. This work provides evidence that NF-κB pathway is a potential therapeutic target and may also be indispensable in the Andro-mediated anticancer activities in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

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