Cancer Studies

Recombinant Phaseolus vulgaris phytohemagglutinin L-form expressed in the Bacillus brevis exerts in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity through potentiation of apoptosis and immunomodulation.

Researchers have successfully created a new form of Leukocyte phytohemagglutinin (PHA-L) through recombinant protein production. PHA-L, known for its antitumor and immunomodulatory effects, has potential as an antineoplastic agent in cancer treatment. However, previous acquisition methods have led to negative consequences such as toxicity and immunogenicity. The recombinant PHA-L protein demonstrated stronger antitumor effects and lower toxicity compared to natural PHA-L. This study provides a new strategy for developing drugs with immune regulation and direct antitumor activity.

Cancer Phaseolus vulgaris
Wang P et al (2023).
Int Immunopharmacol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110322
PubMed:
37269742

Withania somnifera inhibits photorefractoriness which triggers neuronal apoptosis in both pre-optic and paraventricular hypothalamic area of Coturnix coturnix japonica: involvement of oxidative stress induced p53 dependent Caspase-3 mediated low immunoreactivity of estrogen receptor alpha.

Study on quails reveals Withania somnifera root extract increases estrogen, decreases corticosterone, reduces neuronal apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Prolonged light exposure causes apoptosis and stress, but WS root extract reverses these effects through increased estrogen and ERα expression.

CancerEndocrinologyImmunologyNeuroscience Withania somnifera
Baghel K, Niranjan MK and Srivastava R (2023).
Photochem Photobiol Sci.
DOI:
10.1007/s43630-023-00442-0
PubMed:
37266906

Effect of Smilax spp. and Phellinus linteus combination on cytotoxicity and cell proliferation of breast cancer cells.

In the pursuit of reducing the mortality rate of breast cancer, researchers investigated the effects of combining PL with extracts from Smilax corbularia and S. glabra (PSS) on various breast cancer cell lines. The study aimed to uncover a more effective therapeutic regimen for breast cancer treatment. By observing the effects of PSS on MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468 cell lines, the researchers hope to contribute to the development of improved treatment options for this prevalent disease.

Cancer Smilax glabra
Chalertpet K et al (2023).
BMC Complement Med Ther.
DOI:
10.1186/s12906-023-04003-x
PubMed:
37264344

Antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effect of an optimized extract of isabella grape (Vitis labrusca) on breast cancer cells.

Isabella grapes contain phenolic compounds that have beneficial effects on human health, including potential anti-breast cancer properties. A study conducted in Colombia used ultrasound-assisted extraction to obtain a crude extract with antioxidant properties and high polyphenol content. The extract induced a decrease in the viability of breast cancer cells by affecting mitochondrial function and increasing reactive oxygen species. Molecular docking simulations also suggested that the phenolic compounds could interact with proteins involved in apoptosis. These findings highlight the potential of Isabella grape phenolic compounds as adjuvant chemopreventive agents for breast cancer treatment.

CancerImmunology Vitis labrusca
Vélez MD et al (2023).
Heliyon.
DOI:
10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16540
PubMed:
37260897

Anticancer efficacy of hirsuteine against colorectal cancer by opposite modulation of wild-type and mutant p53.

This study investigates the potential of hirsuteine, an indole alkaloid found in a traditional Chinese herbal medicine called Uncaria rhynchophylla, as an anticancer agent for colorectal cancer (CRC). The researchers aim to understand how HST works against CRC and its underlying mechanism. This research is important as it may provide insight into new treatment options for CRC, a common and potentially deadly cancer.

CancerGastroenterology Uncaria rhynchophylla
Zhang Y et al (2023).
Discov Oncol.
DOI:
10.1007/s12672-023-00688-1
PubMed:
37256374

Eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Aegle marmelos leaf extract and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer and photocatalytic degradation activity.

In this research, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized using leaf extract as the reducing and capping agent. The formation of Ag NPs was confirmed by UV-vis spectrophotometry, and the nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with a size range of ∼30-50 nm. The synthesized Ag NPs exhibited potential anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity, showing cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the Ag NPs acted as an excellent photocatalyst, degrading environmentally polluted Basic Fuchsin dye in just 18 minutes. This research demonstrates the potential applications of green-synthesized Ag NPs in various fields.

AntimicrobialCancerImmunology Aegle marmelos
Rama P et al (2023).
Heliyon.
DOI:
10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16277
PubMed:
37255978

Synthesised thymoquinone-oxime induces cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and apoptosis in hepatocellular cancer cells: in vitro study.

Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common liver tumor. They synthesized a compound called thymoquinone-oxime and tested its effects on liver cancer cells. The results showed that thymoquinone-oxime has anti-tumor properties, increasing cell death, DNA damage, and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. It also decreased mitochondrial function and glutathione levels. These findings offer hope for developing new therapeutic strategies to combat this deadly form of cancer.

Cancer Nigella sativa
Guler EM and Bozali K (2023).
Nat Prod Res.
DOI:
10.1080/14786419.2023.2217705
PubMed:
37254835

Breast cancer prevention with liquiritigenin from licorice through the inhibition of aromatase and protein biosynthesis in high-risk women's breast tissue.

Licorice root extract, specifically Glycyrrhiza inflata (GI), shows promise in preventing breast cancer in high-risk postmenopausal women. This natural product has high aromatase inhibition potency, which is important for suppressing estrogen and preventing cancer growth. Phytoestrogens found in licorice, such as liquiritigenin, also inhibit aromatase and reduce uterine growth in vivo. Liquiritigenin further decreases RNA translation, protein biosynthesis, and metabolism in breast tissue, and slows down cell proliferation. These findings suggest that liquiritigenin could be an effective preventive measure for breast cancer in high-risk postmenopausal women.

Cancer Humulus lupulus
Hajirahimkhan A et al (2023).
Sci Rep.
DOI:
10.1038/s41598-023-34762-z
PubMed:
37253812
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