Cancer Cell Line HCT116 Research Articles

Phytochemical composition, in vitro cytotoxicity, and in silico docking properties of Tamarix tetragyna L.

Tamarix tetragyna is a plant grows in Mediterranean area and some Arab countries. It possesses numerous medicinal values. Purpose of our study is to explore biological activity of tamarix tetragyna extracts of both leaves and stem with investigating their phytochemical composition. The investigated extracts’ phyto-constituent composition was determined using gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method. In addition, in vitro cytoxicity activity versus cancer cell lines such MCF-7, HepG-2, HCT-116, and A-549 was examined by MTT assay method, together with exploring its apoptosis effect by flow cytometry and western blot analysis techniques. Moreover, some phytochemical compounds were identified, and in-silico evaluated against anticancer molecular targets. Plant extracts showed good cytotoxic activity against both A-549 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines. With an IC50 value of 23.90 µg/ml that led to apoptosis and G2/M-phase arrest in A-549 cells, cytotoxicity data demonstrate leaves’ extract effectiveness against these cells. Upon GC-MS analysis, it revealed presence of some bioactive components such as Stigmast-5-en-3-ol and 2-methoxy-4-vinyl phenol, which are known for their cytotoxic activity. Our findings suggest that methanolic extracts of Tamarix tetragyna parts may have potential therapeutic uses as anticancer against A-549 cells, which opens up further avenues for investigation into its industrial applications.

Synthesis, antiproliferative activity, and in silico studies of quinoline-based pyrimidinedione and thiazolidinedione derivatives

Cancer affects millions of people worldwide. PDK1 enzyme (co-crystallized with BIM-1) controls the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Aiming to resemble BIM-1’s binding, quinoline-based pyrimidinediones and thiazolidinediones were synthesized starting from 2-chloro-3-formylquinoline. Compared with doxorubicin (reference), in vitro antiproliferative activity against MCF7 and HCT116 cancer cell lines showed the most potency of thiobarbiturate 3 and thiazolidinedione 4. In silico molecular docking, DFT, and pharmacokinetics simulations supported the findings. The docking analysis toward PDK1 enzyme showed that most amino acids interacting with co-crystallized ligand (BIM-1) were successfully bonded to our docked substances, especially thiobarbiturate 3 with highest S-score closer to BIM-1. In DFT calculations, this compound exhibited the lowest energy gap and highest softness leading to more response to radical surface interactions. The compounds with significant antiproliferative activity exhibited high electrophilicity values. ADME analysis showed its desirable drug-likeness and oral bioavailability. This work may contribute to developing new potent antiproliferative agents.

Phytochemical profiling and anticancer potential of Cymbopogon citratus extract

Objective: To evaluate the anticancer potential of Cymbopogon citratus extract. Methods: GC-MS analysis was used to identify phytocomponents in the methanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus. A fractionation method was employed to isolate and assess the bioactivity of different fractions and their cytotoxic activities against cancer cell lines HCT116, LoVo, Caco-2, and HT-29 were investigated. A dual staining method with acridine orange and ethidium bromide was used to assess the effect of the extract on cell apoptosis. Additionally, the expression levels of Bax and TP53 were quantified using realtime PCR in Caco-2 cells treated with the ethyl acetate fraction of Cymbopogon citratus extract. A protein array was employed to profile key pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins in Caco-2 cells. Moreover, molecular docking studies were conducted to investigate the interactions between key compounds of Cymbopogon citratus extract and specific apoptosis-related protein domains (PDB IDs: 7wql and 4bkx). Results: A significant growth inhibition was observed in Caco-2 cells treated with Cymbopogon citratus extract. Among the seven fractions of the plant extract, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells with an IC50 value of (6.16 ± 0.01) μg/mL. The immunofluorescence assay showed that the ethyl acetate fraction could induce apoptosis of Caco-2 cells. Moreover, the fraction upregulated the gene expressions of Bax and TP53 in a dose-dependent manner. The docking analysis demonstrated the interaction of five compounds isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction with key proteins in Caco-2 cells, indicating their anticancer properties. Conclusions: Cymbopogon citratus extract shows anticancer activity against Caco-2 cells by inducing apoptosis. It may be a promising candidate for the treatment of colon cancer, which needs further investigation.

Prenylated Acetophenone Derivatives from the Leaves of Acronychia pedunculata and Their Anti-Proliferative Activities.

Four new prenylated acetophenone derivatives, including one acetophenone dimer [acronyrone D (1)] and three acetophenone monomers [acronyrones E-G (2-4)], along with seven known analogues (5-11) were obtained from the leaves of Acronychia pedunculata. Their structures and absolute configurations were established by analysis of HRMS and NMR data, single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and quantum chemical calculations. In addition, the isolates were tested for their anti-proliferative acivity against HCT-116, RKO and SW480 cancer cell lines. Compound 5 exhibited significant anti-proliferative effects on the three cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 0.24-5.3 μM.

Cynbungenins A-K, structurally diverse steroids with cytotoxic activity from the roots of Cynanchum bungei Decne

Chemical investigation of the acid hydrolysate of Cynanchum bungei roots led to the isolation of eleven undescribed steroids, namely cynbungenins A-K (1–11), and seven previously described analogues (12–18). The complete structures of these compounds were elucidated using the comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and reference data. Structurally, compounds 1 and 2 represent the first example of androstane-type steroids found in the Cynanchum plants, and compounds 3–6 and 12 are characterized as pregnane-type steroids with a rare 8,14-seco-steroid core. In the cytotoxic activity assay, compound 16 displayed the strongest cytotoxic effect against MCF-7, HCT-116, HeLa, and HepG2 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 9.98-16.42 μM, and further research indicated that it induced both apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner toward HepG2 cells.

Microwave synthesis, density functional theory study and antiproliferative activity of the novel spiropyrazole derivatives

Different spiro-pyrazole-oxy-indoline substituted compounds I-IV have been synthesized. In Jaguar, Hybrid DFT using Becke’s three-parameter transfer possibility also,Lee-Yang-Parr correlated practical (B3LYP) viewwith a 6-31 G** basis set were utilized to improve the geometrical characteristics of the hit molecules and reference compound. The MTT test exhibited whether the prepared substance has an inhibitory impact on cell development or not. This was successfully represented that in hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG-2), colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116), and mammary gland breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) colorimetric test, the mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase in live cells transform yellow tetrazolium bromide (MTT) to a purple formazan product. Compound IV was found to be a better cytotoxic action against to the HEPG-2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, and it has been seen a strong activity against the colorectal carcinoma cell lines HCT-116 and MCF-7 mammary gland breast cancer cell lines. While the other three compounds I, II, and III showed a moderate cytotoxic action to high action against the same cell lines.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of 3‐Oxo‐Pyrimido[1,2‐b]indazoles

AbstractThe synthesis of substituted 3‐oxo‐pyrimido[1,2‐b]indazoles from 3‐aminoindazoles and ketones has been established. It involves one molecule of 3‐aminoindazoles and two molecules of ketones via a [3+2+1] three‐component annulation process. 3‐Oxo‐pyrimido[1,2‐b]indazoles exhibit strong yellow fluorescence in various solvents. A wide range of products have anti‐oxidant activities. Cytotoxicity studies indicate that compounds 3 a, 3 aa and 3 ab have obvious effects on both HCT116 and A549 cancer cell lines.

Pharmacological investigation of new niclosamide-based isatin hybrids as antiproliferative, antioxidant, and apoptosis inducers

A group of Niclosamide-linked isatin hybrids (Xo, X1, and X2) was created and examined using IR, 1HNMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. These hybrids' cytotoxicity, antioxidant, cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis-inducing capabilities were identified. Using the SRB assay, their cytotoxicity against the human HCT-116, MCF-7, and HEPG-2 cancer cell lines, as well as VERO (African Green Monkey Kidney), was evaluated. Compound X1 was the most effective compound. In HCT-116 cells, compound X1 produced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, promoted cell death, and induced apoptosis through mitochondrial membrane potential breakdown in comparison to niclosamide and the control. Niclosamide and compound X1 reduced reactive oxygen species generation and modulated the gene expression of BAX, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and PAR-4 in comparison to the control. Docking modeling indicated their probable binding modalities with the XIAP BIR2 domain, which selectively binds caspase-3/7, and highlighted their structural drivers of activity for further optimization investigations. Computational in silico modeling of the new hybrids revealed that they presented acceptable physicochemical values as well as drug-like characteristics, which may introduce them as drug-like candidates. The study proved that compound X1 might be a novel candidate for the development of anticancer agents as it presents antiproliferative activity mediated by apoptosis.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of artesunate-Se derivatives as anticancer agents by inducing GPX4-mediated ferroptosis

A series of organoselenium compounds based on the hybridization of artesunate (ART) scaffolds and Se functionalities (–SeCN and –SeCF3) were synthesized. The redox properties of artesunate-SeCN and artesunate-SeCF3 derivatives were conducted by 2, 2-didiphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the results showed that compounds 2c, 2f and 3e have a good free radical scavenging activity. Their cytotoxicity was evaluated against four types of cancer cell lines, SW480 (human colon adenocarcinoma cells), HCT116 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells), HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma cells), MCF-7 (human breast cancer cells). The MTT results showed that compared with ART and 5-FU, compound 2c exhibited potent in vitro antiproliferative activity in SW480, HCT116, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, and was thus chose for further antitumor mechanism investigation. The antitumor mechanism study revealed that compound 2c induced ferroptosis in HCT116 cells by inhibiting the expression of GPX4 protein, accompanying by the up-regulation of intracellular ROS levels. Mitochondria in HCT116 cells exhibit depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ultrastructural changes in morphology, which indicated that 2c resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis. Moreover, 2c could increase the levels of lipid peroxidation and ferrous ion, which further confirm that compound 2c may exert its antitumor effect through ferroptosis. Overall, these results suggest that the artesunate-Se candidates could provide promising new lead derivatives for further potential anticancer drug development.

Organoselenium-based Azomethines as Apoptosis Inducers in Colorectal Carcinoma via P53, BAX, Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9 Modulations.

Organoselenium (OSe) agents and Schiff bases have demonstrated immense potential in the pharmaceutical field due to their broad spectrum of medicinal activities. We herein report the antitumor activities of bis diselenide-based Schiff bases (3a-3c) derived from bis(4-aminophenyl)diselenide 2 and organoselenide-based Schiff bases (5a-c) derived from p-(methylselanyl)phenyl amine (4). The antitumor activity was estimated against fifteen cancer cell lines. Also, the growth inhibition percentage (GI%) of the Schiff bases tethered OSe compounds was evaluated against two normal cell lines, namely, human skin fibroblasts (HSF) and olfactory ensheathing cell line (OEC), to estimate the potential safety and selectivity. Furthermore, the cytotoxic inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) was assessed against the cancer cell lines with the most outstanding GI% using the SRB assay. Compounds 3a, 3b, 3c, and 5a showed the lowest IC50 values compared to those of doxorubicin (DOX) against HCT116, HEPG2, A549, MDA-MB-468, and FaDu cancer cell lines, respectively, especially against the HCT116 subtype, assuring their potential anticancer activity. On the other side, the apoptotic potentials of the most active compounds (3a, 3b, 3c, and 5a) were also evaluated for apoptosis-related genes (P53, BAX, caspases 3, 6, 8, and 9, MMP2, MMP9, and BCL-2). Interestingly, compounds 3a, 3b, 3c, and 5a upregulated P53, BAX, and caspases 3, 6, 8, and 9 by (2.66, 2.26, 2.44, and 2.57)-, (1.62, 1.52, 1.37, and 1.47)-, (1.87, 1.75, 2.02, and 1.75)-, (1.96, 1.74, 2.06, and 2.30)-, (4.25, 3.78, 3.53, and 3.96)-, and (2.04, 1.72, 1.90, and 1.63)-fold change, respectively. Furthermore, MMP2, MMP9, and BCL-2 were downregulated by (0.39, 0.51, 0.33, and 0.28)-, (0.29, 0.32, 0.37, and 0.41)-, and (0.42, 0.35, 0.29, and 0.38)-fold-change, upon treatment with compounds 3a, 3b, 3c, and 5a, respectively, assuring the apoptotic potentials. Finally, molecular docking also greatly recommends the potential activity of the examined candidates (especially 3a and 3c) against the GSTP1 receptor as a recommended mechanism for their antitumor activity. Our findings point to significant anticancer activities of Schiff bases tethered OSe agents, suggesting their promising potential for development as effective anticancer drugs.

Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking studies of novel N-substituted piperazine-tethered thiophene-3-carboxamide selenides as potent antiproliferative agents with EGFR kinase inhibitory activity

In the context of structural investigation and optimization of various potential EGFR inhibitors, a novel series of asymmetrical piperazine-tethered trisubstituted thiophene-3-carboxamide selenide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative potential against selected human cancer cell lines. These derivatives, built based on a previously identified hit molecule, were synthesized via multiple-step reactions, including optimization of the C-Se cross-coupling reaction. Two compounds, 17i and 18i, displayed significant cytotoxicity (IC50 value: 4.82 ± 0.80 µM and 1.43 ± 0.08 µM) against HCT116 and A549 cancer cell lines, respectively. Quantitative analysis of apoptotic stages using Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining validated their apoptotic potential. Further, compound 18i demonstrated a remarkable inhibition of EGFR kinase, with an IC50 concentration of 42.3 nM. The lead compound 18i, with remarkable in vitro cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction capability, and EGFR inhibition, emerges as a promising candidate for anticancer therapy.

Silver Nanoparticles with Modified Synthesis Use Sodium Borohydride Reducing Agent and Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.) Raw Polysaccharide Extract as an Anti-Colon Cancer

Nanomedicine using nanoparticles has become a new trend in the treatment of colon cancer. Nanosilver is known to have antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. The most common and easy way to make nanosilver is using the reducing agent sodium borohydride, but this inorganic compound element has high toxicity to the body. Polysaccharides have long been known as anticancer agents with low toxicity and few side effects. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), a flowering plant from the Malvaceae family found in tropical and subtropical areas, and the crude polysaccharide extract from the pods has the highest polysaccharide content. This research aims to determine the effect of raw okra polysaccharide extract (ORPE) as a reducing agent for making nanosilver on its ability as an anti-colon cancer cell line HCT 116. Experiments were carried out by modifying and optimizing the manufacture of AgNPs by reducing NaBH4 with ORPE, 16 concentrations each with repetition 3 times. Characteristic tests were carried out using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry, Particle Size Analyzer, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, cell viability testing with MTT assay, and evaluation of potential apoptosis and necrosis using Annexin V-PI flow cytometry. PSA test for average particle size. Two groups 1 (AgNP-NaBH4) and 2 (AgNP-ORPE) each had repeated measurements 3 times in 16 concentrations. The mean PSA test and zeta potential value for group 1 = 232.5 ± 25.47 nm / –42.23 ± 1.45 mV and 2 = 779.66 ± 112.45 nm / –23.15 ± 3.65 mV. TEM showed that the size of Group 1 was 50.85 nm (ꭓ = 113.14 nm) and Group 2 was 121.43 nm (ꭓ = 248.52 nm). SEM showed that the morphology of both groups was round in shape (group 2 with slight agglomeration). The absorbance spectrum is formed at a wavelength of 389 nm (group 1) and 281.5 nm (group 2). The IC50 value obtained by group 1 = 76.68 mmol/L with 60.3 % apoptotic cells, 3.74 % necrosis and group 2 = 92.58 mmol/L with 81.4 % apoptotic cells and 4.95 % necrosis. ORPE as a nanosilver-reducing agent has been proven to have the potential to induce cell death and cause changes in mitochondrial membrane permeability in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis.

Cytotoxic Peptaibols from Trichoderma strigosum.

Five new lipopeptaibols (1-5) and eight new 19-residue peptaibols (8-15) along with two known lipopeptaibols, lipovelutibols C (6) and D (7) were isolated from Trichoderma strigosum. The planar structures of the newly discovered peptaibols (1-5, 8-15) were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR, and UPLC-MS/MS data. The absolute configurations for new peptaibols (1-5, 8-15) were elucidated using the advanced Marfey's method and GITC (2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl isothiocyanate) derivatization. Through analysis of CD spectra, these peptabols were found to have right-handed helical conformations. While most of the new compounds were significantly more active than the positive control, 9, 10, 12, and 15 containing Ser and Leu at positions 10 and 11, respectively, were the most cytotoxic against MDA-MB-231, SNU449, SKOV3, DU145, and HCT116 cancer cell lines, and the 19-residue peptaibols were generally more potent than lipopeptaibols.

Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Novel Thiazolidine-2,4-Dione-Acridine Hybrids as Antitumor Agents.

This study focuses on the synthesis and structural characterization of new compounds that integrate thiazolidine-2,4-dione, acridine moiety, and an acetamide linker, aiming to leverage the synergistic effects of these pharmacophores for enhanced therapeutic potential. The newly designed molecules were efficiently synthesized through a multi-step process and subsequently transformed into their hydrochloride salts. Comprehensive spectroscopic techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and elemental analysis, were employed to determine the molecular structures of the synthesized compounds. Biological evaluations were conducted to assess the therapeutic potential of the new compounds. The influence of these derivatives on the metabolic activity of various cancer cell lines was assessed, with IC50 values determined via MTT assays. An in-depth analysis of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) revealed intriguing insights into their cytotoxic profiles. Compounds with electron-withdrawing groups generally exhibited lower IC50 values, indicating higher potency. The presence of the methoxy group at the linking phenyl ring modulated both the potency and selectivity of the compounds. The variation in the acridine core at the nitrogen atom of the thiazolidine-2,4-dione core significantly affects the activity against cancer cell lines, with the acridin-9-yl substituent enhancing the compounds' antiproliferative activity. Furthermore, compounds in their hydrochloride salt forms demonstrated better activity against cancer cell lines compared to their free base forms. Compounds 12c·2HCl (IC50 = 5.4 ± 2.4 μM), 13d (IC50 = 4.9 ± 2.9 μM), and 12f·2HCl (IC50 = 4.98 ± 2.9 μM) demonstrated excellent activity against the HCT116 cancer cell line, and compound 7d·2HCl (IC50 = 4.55 ± 0.35 μM) demonstrated excellent activity against the HeLa cancer cell line. Notably, only a few tested compounds, including 7e·2HCl (IC50 = 11.00 ± 2.2 μM), 7f (IC50 = 11.54 ± 2.06 μM), and 7f·2HCl (IC50 = 9.82 ± 1.92 μM), showed activity against pancreatic PATU cells. This type of cancer has a very high mortality due to asymptomatic early stages, the occurrence of metastases, and frequent resistance to chemotherapy. Four derivatives, namely, 7e·2HCl, 12d·2HCl, 13c·HCl, and 13d, were tested for their interaction properties with BSA using fluorescence spectroscopic studies. The values for the quenching constant (Ksv) ranged from 9.59 × 104 to 10.74 × 104 M-1, indicating a good affinity to the BSA protein.

Cardiac glycosides with cytotoxic activity from the seeds of Thevetia peruviana

Phytochemical investigation on the extract of the seeds of Thevetia peruviana resulted in the isolation of six new cardiac glycosides, namely theveperosides A-F (1–6), including a rare 19-nor-cardenolide (1), together with seven known analogues (7–13). The chemical structures of these compounds were determined based on detailed spectroscopic analysis. The cytotoxic activities of 1–13 were evaluated against MCF-7, HCT-116, HeLa, and HepG2 cancer cell lines, and their structure-activity relationships (SARs) were investigated. Compound 3 exhibited the significant cytotoxic effects with IC50 values ranging from 0.032 to 0.055 μΜ, which could induce HepG2 cells apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.

Synthesis and in silico studies of certain benzo[f]quinoline-based heterocycles as antitumor agents

A series of benzoquinoline-employing heterocycles was synthesized by treating 3-chlorobenzo[f]quinoline-2-carbaldehyde with N-phenyl-3-methylpyrazolone, 4-aminoacetophenone, 1,2-diaminoethane, and 2-cyanoethanohydrazide. Also, pyridine, chromene, α,β-unsaturated nitrile, thiosemicarbazone, and 1,2-bis-aryl hydrazine derivatives were prepared from the cyanoethanohydrazone obtained. The DFT calculations and experiment outcomes were consistent. In vitro screening of their antiproliferative efficacy was examined against HCT116 and MCF7 cancer cell lines. The pyrazolone 2 and cyanoethanohydrazone 5 derivatives exhibited the most potency, which was demonstrated by their molecular docking towards the CDK-5 enzyme. The binding energies of compounds 2 and 5 were − 6.6320 kcal/mol (with RMSD of 0.9477 Å) and − 6.5696 kcal/mol (with RMSD of 1.4889 Å), respectively, which were near to that of co-crystallized ligand (EFP). This implies a notably strong binding affinity towards the CDK-5 enzyme. Thus, pyrazolone derivative 2 would be considered a promising candidate for further optimization to develop new chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, the ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) analyses displayed its desirable drug-likeness and oral bioavailability properties.

Investigation the Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Effect of Ranunculus Poluninii

Ranunculus plant species, one of the endemic plants, are used in the treatment of various diseases such as febrile diseases, rheumatism and inflammatory rashes due to their pharmacological and toxicological activities. Considering these features, it was aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of Ranunculus poluninii on cancer cell lines, bacteria and yeasts. For this purpose, the extract of the plant was obtained by methanol extraction. Different concentrations of stock were prepared from this plant and applied to A549 and HCT116 cancer cell lines, and MTT assay was performed to determine cell viability. In addition, MIC values were determined by applying the prepared plant extract to Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Our results showed that Ranunculus poluninii was reduced cell viability to 83.7% at 100 µg/mL and 79% at 200 µg/mL on A549 and HCT116 respectively. In addition, it decreased both Candida albicans and Candida glabrata growth to 91.5% at 800 µg/m and 95.1% at 50 µg/mL respectively. Our results suggest that Ranunculus poluninii has anticancer effect and antifungal activity.

An Efficient Synthesis of Novel Aminothiazolylacetamido-Substituted 3,5-Bis(arylidene)-4-piperidone Derivatives and Their Cytotoxicity Studies.

The expansion of 3,5-bis(arylidene)-4-piperidone derivatives with heterocyclic compounds such as 1,3-thiazole should take into account this correlation. The synthesized aminothiazolylacetamido-substituted 3,5-bis(arylidene)-4-piperidone derivatives 3a-j were found to have GI50 values in the range of 0.15-0.28 μM against HeLa and HCT116 cancer cell lines. In silico docking studies confirmed that the proteasome inhibition mechanism involves a nucleophilic attack from the N-terminal threonine residue of the β-subunits to the C=O group of compounds. A C=O group of amide was able to interact with the NH group of the alanine residue and the 5g NH group of amino thiazole, along with an OH group of the serine residue. These results strongly suggest that the synthesized compounds could be a potential candidate inhibitor of the 20S proteasome. These molecules have the potential to be developed as cytotoxic and anticancer agents, as revealed by this study.

Cytotoxicity of Physalis minima Linn (Solanaceae) fruit against HCT116 and HT29 colorectal cancer cell lines

The pantropical Physalis minima are traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of various illnesses, diseases, and cancers. While most earlier studies on the species have focused on the phytochemistry of the leaf and stem extracts, recent studies have indicated that its fruit may contain bioactive compounds of medical interest. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of extracts from the fruit of P. minima against colorectal cancer cell lines and revealed its phytochemical profile via high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Following a 24-h treatment with the fruit extract, cytoplasm shrinkage and nucleus condensation were observed in the colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and HT29, indicating the induction of programmed cell death. Phytochemically, 71 putative metabolites were identified. Some of these metabolites have been reported to inhibit cancers to varying degrees, further supporting the correlation of the putative metabolites with the cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cells demonstrated in this study.

Optimisation of Levilactobacillus brevis-fermented finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and evaluation of its effects on cancer cells (HCT116 and MDA-MB-231)

The objective of this study was to optimise the millet formulation using Levilactobacillus brevis and to evaluate its anticarcinogenic potential in vitro. The formula was developed in the course of the fermentation of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) using L. brevis MTTC 4460 and optimised by response surface methodology and validation by artificial neural networking (ANN). The optimised millet formulation could be obtained using 2 % of bacterial inoculum, 2 % of glucose, and a fermentation duration of 3.3 days with a yield of 5.98 mg/mL lactic acid and 3.38 log10 (CFU/mL) viable L. brevis with overall desirability value of 1. The fermented millet formulation exhibited antiproliferative and antimigratory effects on MDA-MB-231 and HCT116 cancer cell lines. In addition, the outcomes observed in western blot analysis revealed that the formulation elicited apoptotic responses mediated by the Bcl-2 family of proteins in MDA-MB-231 and HCT116 cell lines while demonstrating no discernible impact on HEK293 normal cells.