Chemopreventive Research Articles

Aloysia citrodora extract as a chemopreventive agent against HPV16-induced lesions: findings from K14-HPV16 mice

Aim: Aloysia citrodora has a long history of traditional use in treating various ailments. This study evaluated the in vivo chemopreventive efficacy and systemic toxicity of an extract of A. citrodora in a transgenic mouse model of HPV16 (human papillomavirus type 16)-induced cancer. Methods: The experiment involved six groups (n = 5): group 1 (G1, wild-type (WT), water), group 2 (G2, HPV, water), group 3 (G3, WT, 0.013 g/mL), group 4 (G4, HPV, 0.006 g/mL), group 5 (G5, HPV, 0.008 g/mL), and group 6 (G6, HPV, 0.013 g/mL). Throughout the assay, humane endpoints, body weight, food, and water consumption were recorded weekly. The internal organs and skin of the mice were collected for analysis after they were sacrificed. Toxicological parameters that were studied included hematological and biochemical blood markers, splenic and hepatic histology, and hepatic oxidative stress. Results: A. citrodora extract seems to reduce the incidence of dysplastic and in situ carcinoma skin lesions induced by HPV16 in this model, suggesting that dietary supplementation with concentrations of 0.008 g/mL and 0.013 g/mL may have beneficial chemopreventive effects. Conclusions: The extract did not induce any concentration-dependent toxicological effects on any of the parameters included in the study, indicating a favorable toxicological profile under these experimental conditions.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Marine Phlorotannins and Bromophenols Supportive of Their Anticancer Potential.

Following the goal of optimizing nutrition, the food industry has been continuously working on food reformulation, nutritional patterns, functional foods development, and the general promotion of a healthy lifestyle. To this end, the scientific community has been increasingly investigating natural compounds that could prevent or treat chronic diseases. Phlorotannins and bromophenols are phenolic compounds particularly present in marine organisms. There is extensive evidence that shows their potential in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, the second cause of mortality worldwide. Numerous studies have demonstrated the anticarcinogenic activity of polyphenolic algae compounds both in cell culture and experimental animal models. Although recent reviews are also available, the present update focuses on the most recent findings related to the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effect of seaweed phenolics, as well as their regulatory capacity for new molecular targets. Additionally, the review addresses and discusses the close link between inflammation and oxidative stress, along with their relationship with tumor onset and progression, including the most recent findings supporting this correlation. Although clinical studies are still needed to support this evidence, phlorotannins and bromophenols constitute an emerging bioactive group with high potential as chemopreventive agents and/or potential adjuvants for existing cancer therapies.

Synergistic anticancer activity of Sulphoraphane and Teriflunomide co loaded lignin nanoparticles against triple negative breast cancer: Targeted nanoparticle delivery and drug repurposing

Triple negative breast cancer stands out as the most aggressive subtype within the spectrum of breast malignancies, characterized by increased risks of recurrence, metastasis, and dismal prognosis. Notably, TNBC cells exhibit extensive overexpression of folate receptors, particularly folate receptor alpha, which drives tumor cell proliferation and migration. Addressing TNBC remains a formidable challenge in oncology, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. While chemotherapy serves as the cornerstone of TNBC treatment, its efficacy is often compromised by systemic toxicity, resulting in suboptimal clinical outcomes. This hypothesis proposes a novel approach utilizing lignin nanoparticles functionalized with folic acid for targeted delivery to FRα-overexpressing TNBC cells. These nanoparticles will encapsulate both the chemopreventive agent Sulphoraphane and the chemotherapeutic agent Teriflunomide, offering advantages such as enhanced drug targeting, synergistic therapeutic effects, cost-effectiveness, and reduced off-target toxicity. Additionally, this hypothesis highlights the repurposing of Teriflunomide to overcome drug resistance and the antioxidant properties of lignin. Furthermore, the ease of nanoparticle fabrication via self-assembly presents a promising avenue for streamlined production and clinical translation.

Design of N-acetylcysteine vesicles as a potential chemopreventive tool in lung cancer: Characterization, Tc-99 m radiolabeling and in vivo evaluation

Lung cancer is a type of cancer which is characterized by high incidence and elevated mortality rate. In an attempt to counteract the carcinogens’ load and prevent the development of lung cancer especially in heavy smokers, chemoprevention has emerged as a promising strategy in this regard. Among the popular chemopreventive agents is N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which prevents the progression of lung damage by virtue of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In order to increase the amount of NAC reaching the lung following intravenous administration, the current work explored its formulation in transcutol-containing liposomes. The vesicles prepared using the ethanol injection method were characterized in vitro for their particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity, entrapment efficiency, storage stability, drug release, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, safety and morphology. Their in vivo biodistribution was assessed in body organs after radiolabeling with technetium-99 m. Results showed that the transcutol-containing liposomes exhibited a particle size of 250 ± 17 nm, a zeta potential of −18.90 ± 2.30, entrapment efficiency 41 % ± 3.4, sustained release, and they preserved the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the encapsulated NAC. The biodistribution study delineated that NAC was deposited about three-fold higher in the lung when administered in transcutol-containing liposomes compared to the solution form. Therefore, it can be concluded that transcutol-containing liposomes is a promising lung-targeting modality for delivering NAC, which is worthy of further exploration with other drugs targeting pulmonary diseases.

Assessing the impact of green and roasted coffee extracts on colorectal cancer cells in a 3D cell culture model

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadly malignant neoplasms worldwide. It is associated with multiple lifestyle risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol and red meat consumption, smoking, and obesity. Consequently, studies have been conducted on the protective activity of bioactive compounds present in some foods against CRC, making it necessary to understand how diet can affect human health. In this sense, coffee, the second most consumed beverage in the world, is a major source of phytochemicals associated with a possible antitumor effect on CRC cells. PurposeThis study aimed to analyze the chemopreventive potential of green and roasted coffee extracts on HT-29 CRC cells cultured in 2D and 3D models. MethodsFlow cytometry was employed to quantify propidium iodide and DiOC6 uptake, ROS production, phosphatidylserine exposure, and cell cycle progression. In addition, cells and spheroids were analyzed by light microscopy to identify morphological changes. ResultsThe results showed that, under the employed conditions, treatment with both extracts had a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect. Decreased cell viability was associated with mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization, prooxidant effect, increased phosphatidylserine exposure, and changes in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. ConclusionFor the evaluated cell markers, 3D cultures required higher doses to achieve significant cytotoxic effects when compared to monolayer cultures. Since 3D cultures favor the formation of complex cell–cell interactions, this model offers a closer look at in vivo conditions for evaluating the toxicity and preclinical efficacy of potential chemopreventive agents for CRC. The experimental evidence from this study supports the 3R principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement for toxicological research in the pharmaceutical industry.

Aspirin as a chemopreventive agent for cutaneous melanoma: a literature review.

Rising melanoma rates have spurred interest in preventive strategies. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly aspirin, show potential in reducing cancer risks. NSAIDs act on cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, impacting COX-2 associated with inflammation and cancer progression.This paper explores aspirin's role in cutaneous melanoma prevention, elucidating its mechanisms and acknowledging varying literature outcomes. Rather than providing conclusive recommendations, the review emphasizes the influence of individual factors, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on aspirin's complexities in melanoma prevention. A PubMed search using "Aspirin" AND "Cutaneous melanoma" yielded relevant English-language, peer-reviewed studies. Selection criteria focused exclusively on skin cancers, specifically cutaneous melanoma. Exclusions included studies covering various cancers, some non-dermatologic, and those not evaluating aspirin use independently but in conjunction with NSAIDs. The potential chemopreventive effects of aspirin and NSAIDs against melanoma have gained attention due to their association with a reduced risk of various cancers including gastric, colorectal, and breast. By inhibiting COX enzymes and the NF-κB pathway, these agents theoretically slow malignant cell activities, presenting a prospect for cancer prevention. Aspirin exhibits noteworthy effects, depleting growth-stimulating hormones, generating reactive oxygen species harmful to cancerous cells, and inhibiting COX-2 linked to cancer progression. Limited literature suggests survival benefits with aspirin use in stage II and III melanoma, possibly due to slowing disease progression, evident in smaller Breslow depths. Gender-specific responses to aspirin are notable, with some studies reporting a stronger chemopreventive correlation in females. It's crucial to note that geographic disparities, demographic cohorts, and individual-specific factors are confounding variables that may contribute to conflicting findings regarding aspirin's impact on melanoma. The association between aspirin use and melanoma risk is complex, with conflicting findings across diverse populations. Although it appears that more studies suggest a protective role for aspirin rather than not, evidence lacks consistency. Factors such as gender, geography, race, sun exposure, and health conditions play a role in shaping these varied outcomes, necessitating large-scale, prospective studies research and standardized parameters for more conclusive insights that may help guide tailored clinical strategies for melanoma prevention.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on a deep learning-based mammographic evaluation in SWOG S0812.

Deep learning-based mammographic evaluations could noninvasively assess response to breast cancer chemoprevention. We evaluated change in a convolutional neural network-based breast cancer risk model applied to mammograms among women enrolled in SWOG S0812, which randomly assigned 208 premenopausal high-risk women to receive oral vitamin D3 20 000 IU weekly or placebo for 12 months. We applied the convolutional neural network model to mammograms collected at baseline (n = 109), 12 months (n = 97), and 24 months (n = 67) and compared changes in convolutional neural network-based risk score between treatment groups. Change in convolutional neural network-based risk score was not statistically significantly different between vitamin D and placebo groups at 12 months (0.005 vs 0.002, P = .875) or at 24 months (0.020 vs 0.001, P = .563). The findings are consistent with the primary analysis of S0812, which did not demonstrate statistically significant changes in mammographic density with vitamin D supplementation compared with placebo. There is an ongoing need to evaluate biomarkers of response to novel breast cancer chemopreventive agents.

Delineating the Antiapoptotic Property of Apigenin as an Antitumor Agent: A Computational and In Vitro Study on HeLa Cells.

Apigenin, a flavonoid, is reported to have multiple health benefits including cancer prevention; this study evaluates the drug likeliness and Swiss ADME properties of apigenin. Apoptosis, which is a key hallmark of cancer, is associated with the deregulation of the balance between proapoptotic proteins and antiapoptotic proteins such as BCL-2,BCL-xl, BFL-1, BCL-w, BRAG-16, and MCL-1. The docking studies of apigenin with the mentioned proteins was performed to identify the interactions between the ligand and proteins, which suggested that apigenin was able to bind to most of the proteins similar to the inhibitory molecules of its native structure. A remarkable reduction in the total energy after energy minimization of apigenin-antiapoptotic protein complexes suggested increased stability of the docked complexes. The same complexes were found to be stable over a 10 ns period of molecular simulation at 300 K. These findings advocated the study to evaluate apigenin's potential to inhibit the HeLa cells at 5, 10, and 15 μM concentrations in the clonogenic assay. Apigenin inhibited the colony-forming ability of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner over a fortnight. Light microscopy of the treated cells displayed the morphological evidence characteristic of apoptosis in HeLa cells such as blebbing, spike formation, cytoplasmic oozing, and nuclear fragmentation. Thus, these results clearly indicate that apigenin may be used as a potential chemopreventive agent in cervical cancer management.

Sulforaphane and ophthalmic diseases.

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an organosulfur compound categorized as an isothiocyanate (ITC), primarily extracted from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. The molecular formula of sulforaphane (SFN) is C6H11NOS2. SFN is generated by the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin (GRP) through the enzyme myrosinase, showing notable properties including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-angiogenic, and anticancer attributes. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating its potential in diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes-related complications, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and liver diseases. Several animal carcinogenesis models and cell culture models have shown it to be a very effective chemopreventive agent, and the protective effects of SFN in ophthalmic diseases have been linked to multiple mechanisms. In murine models of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, SFN delays retinal photoreceptor cell degeneration through the Nrf2 antioxidative pathway, NF-κB pathway, AMPK pathway, and Txnip/mTOR pathway. In rabbit models of keratoconus and cataract, SFN has been shown to protect corneal and lens epithelial cells from oxidative stress injury by activating the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway and the Nrf-2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway. Oral delivery or intraperitoneal injection at varying concentrations are the primary strategies for SFN intake in current preclinical studies. Challenges remain in the application of SFN in eye disorders due to its weak solubility in water and limited bioavailability because of the presence of blood-ocular barrier systems. This review comprehensively outlines recent research on SFN, elucidates its mechanisms of action, and discusses potential therapeutic benefits for eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), cataracts, and other ophthalmic diseases, while also indicating directions for future clinical research to achieve efficient SFN treatment for ophthalmic diseases.

Theoretical Exploration of the Antioxidant Activity, Chemopreventive, and Antineoplastic Potentials of Molecules Present in Morinda lucida, Momordica charantia, and Vernonanthura polyanthes

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and one of the top four causes of premature death in most countries. Several studies have shown that secondary metabolites found in medicinal plants have anticancer, antimutagenic, anti-genotoxic, and chemopreventive effects. Ethnobotany knowledge points to Morinda lucida, Momordica charantia, and Vernonanthura polyanthes as anticancer plants, turning them into promising candidates for cancer treatment. This study analyzed M. lucida, M. charantia, and V. polyanthes compounds to identify potential antioxidant, chemopreventive, and anticancer agents through in silico analysis. We performed pharmacokinetics, biological activities, and toxicological predictions besides molecular docking. Theoretical calculations on thermodynamic grounds of the antioxidant properties were determined using density functional theory. The molecules damnacanthal, momordicin I, and quercetin-3-[Formula: see text]-rutinoside identified in M. lucida, M. charantia, and V. polyanthes, respectively, presented good anticancer potential and were chosen for the molecular docking study and DFT calculations. According to Lipinski’s criteria, damnacanthal, momordicin I, and quercetin-3-[Formula: see text]-rutinoside were classified as potential drugs, especially for the pharmacokinetics criteria. Damnacanthal and momordicin I had high absorption in the gastrointestinal treatment, while quercetin-3-[Formula: see text]-rutinoside had low absorption. These compounds also demonstrated antineoplastic, antimutagenic, and cancer-preventive activity, according to the in silico analysis. In this sense, damnacanthal, momordicin I, and quercetin-3-[Formula: see text]-rutinoside were chosen to test their potential interactions with the beta estrogen receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, and xanthine dehydrogenase, respectively, and intermolecular interactions were determined. Regarding the antioxidant potential of the structures, two different mechanisms were scrutinized with the help of their respective molecular descriptors, such as hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and one-electron transfer (ET). In conclusion, this computational study revealed that damnacanthal, momordicin I, and quercetin-3-[Formula: see text]rutinoside are promising chemoprotective and anticancer molecules with favorable pharmacokinetics and toxicological properties.

Curcumin and its Analogues in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: State-of-the-art and Therapeutic Potential.

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer arising from squamous epithelium in the oral cavity and is characterized by high aggressiveness and metastatic potential, which together with a late diagnosis results in a 5-year survival rate of only 50% of patients. The therapeutic options for OSCC management are limited and largely influenced by the cancer stage. While radical surgery can be curative in early stage of disease, most cases require adjuvant therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy which, however, often achieve poor curative rates and are associated with important negative effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover new alternative treatment strategies to improve patients' outcomes. Several medicinal herbs are being studied for their preventive or therapeutic effect in several diseases, including cancer. In particular, the Indian spice curcumin, largely used in oriental countries, has been studied as a chemopreventive or adjuvant agent for different malignancies. Indeed, curcumin is characterized by important biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, which could also be exploited in OSCC. However, due to its limited bioavailability and poor aqueous solubility, this review is focused on studies designing new synthetic analogues and developing novel types of curcumin delivery systems to improve its pharmacokinetic and biological properties. Thus, this review analyses the potential therapeutic role of curcumin in OSCC by providing an overview of current in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating the beneficial effects of curcumin and its analogues in OSCC.

Mechanisms of Action of Phytoestrogens and Their Role in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare disease characterized by the development of adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum already in adolescence. If left untreated, patients develop colorectal cancer (CRC) with a 100% probability. To date, the gold standard of FAP management is surgery, which is associated with morbidity and mortality. A chemopreventive agent capable of delaying, preventing and reversing the development of CRC has been sought. Several classes of drugs have been used but to date no chemopreventive drug has been found for the management of this disease. In recent years, the importance of estrogen receptors in FAP and CRC, particularly the β subtype, has emerged. Indeed, the expression of the latter is strongly reduced in adenomatous polyps and CRC and is inversely correlated with the aggressiveness of the disease. Since phytoestrogens have a high affinity for this receptor, they have been suggested for use as chemopreventive agents in FAP and CRC. A combination of phytoestrogens and insoluble fibres has proved particularly effective. In this review, the various mechanisms of action of phytoestrogens were analyzed and the effectiveness of using phytoestrogens as an effective chemopreventive strategy was discussed.

The Past and Future of Angiogenesis as a Target for Cancer Therapy and Prevention.

Cancer growth is dependent on angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which represents a hallmark of cancer. After this concept was established in the 1970s, inhibition of tumor development and metastases by blocking the neoangiogenic process has been an important approach to the treatment of tumors. However, antiangiogenic therapies are often administered when cancer has already progressed. The key to reducing the cancer burden is prevention. We noticed 20 years ago that a series of possible cancer chemopreventive agents showed antiangiogenic properties when tested in experimental models. This article reviews the relevant advances in the understanding of the rationale for targeting angiogenesis for cancer therapy, prevention, and interception and recently investigated substances with antiangiogenic activity that may be suitable for such strategies. Many compounds, either dietary derivatives or repurposed drugs, with antiangiogenic activity are possible tools for cancer angioprevention. Such molecules have a favorable safety profile and are likely to allow the prolonged duration necessary for an efficient preventive strategy. Recent evidence on mechanisms and possible use is described here for food derivatives, including flavonoids, retinoids, triterpenoids, omega fatty acids, and carotenoids from marine microorganisms. As examples, a number of compounds, including epigallocatechin, resveratrol, xanthohumol, hydroxytyrosol, curcumin, fenretinide, lycopene, fucoxanthin, and repurposed drugs, such as aspirin, β blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors, carnitines, and biguanides, are reviewed.

Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of the Role of Gut Microbiota and Bacterial Biofilms in Disease Pathogenesis.

The risk of colorectal cancer [CRC] is increased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], particularly in extensive ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's colitis. Gut microbiota have been implicated in the pathogenesis of CRC via multiple mechanisms, including the release of reactive oxygen species and genotoxins, and induction of inflammation, as well as activation of the immune response. Gut microbiota can enhance their carcinogenic and proinflammatory properties by organising into biofilms, potentially making them more resistant to the host's immune system and to antibiotics. Colonic biofilms have the capacity to invade colonic tissue and accelerate tumorigenesis in tumour-prone models of mice. In the context of IBD, the prevalence of biofilms has been estimated to be up to 95%. Although the relationship between chronic inflammation and molecular mediators that contribute to IBD-associated CRC is well established, the role of gut microbiota and biofilms in this sequence is not fully understood. Because CRC can still arise in the absence of histological inflammation, there is a growing interest in identifying chemopreventive agents against IBD-associated CRC. Commonly used in the treatment of UC, 5-aminosalicylates have antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties that might have a role in the chemoprevention of CRC via the inhibition or modulation of carcinogenic gut microbiota and potentially of biofilm formation. Whether biologics and other IBD-targeted therapies can decrease the progression towards dysplasia and CRC, via mechanisms independent of inflammation, is still unknown. Further research is warranted to identify potential new microbial targets in therapy for chemoprevention of dysplasia and CRC in IBD.

Potential Anti-Tumorigenic Properties of Diverse Medicinal Plants against the Majority of Common Types of Cancer.

Globally, cancer is one of the primary causes of both morbidity and mortality. To prevent cancer from getting worse, more targeted and efficient treatment plans must be developed immediately. Recent research has demonstrated the benefits of natural products for several illnesses, and these products have played a significant role in the development of novel treatments whose bioactive components serve as both chemotherapeutic and chemo-preventive agents. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring molecules obtained from plants that have potential applications in both cancer therapy and the development of new medications. These phytochemicals function by regulating the molecular pathways connected to the onset and progression of cancer. Among the specific methods are immune system control, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, preventing proliferation, raising antioxidant status, and inactivating carcinogens. A thorough literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Google Patent, Patent Scope, and US Patent to obtain the data. To provide an overview of the anticancer effects of several medicinal plants, including Annona muricata, Arctium lappa, Arum palaestinum, Cannabis sativa, Catharanthus roseus, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hibiscus, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Moringa oleifera, Nerium oleander, Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Withania somnifera L., their availability, classification, active components, pharmacological activities, signaling mechanisms, and potential side effects against the most common cancer types were explored.

Rivea hypocrateriformis Plant Extract Mediated Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles: Characterization, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities

Nanomedicine has emerged as a promising approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study explores the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Rivea hypocrateriformis extract. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized through UV-vis, FT-IR, zeta potential, XRD, SEM with EDS and TEM analyses. These nanoparticles were also evaluated for their impact on A549 cell lines. The UV visible spectroscopy identified absorbance peaks, while FT-IR analysis detected various functional groups. SEM and XRD images confirmed the partial crystal spherical form and crystal nature. The cytotoxicity assessments revealed an enhanced cytotoxic effect, marking a significant step toward synthesizing ZnONPs as potential anticancer agents. This research suggests the potential of these nanoparticles as chemo-preventive agents in future cancer treatments, in addition to their strong antioxidant properties.

Potential and toxicity effects of fish omega-3 fatty acid as a chemopreventive agent in colorectal cancer: A scoping review

Colorectal cancer (CRC), a malignancy that affects the colon and rectum, is influenced by gene mutations, epigenetic changes, local inflammation, and lifestyle risk factors. New cases of CRC globally account for 10%, with mortality at 9.4%, while Indonesia occupies the top four incidence and mortality cases. A family history of CRC requires preventive measures, including consuming functional foods to maintain the colon microenvironment. This article aims to review the potency and toxicity effects of omega-3 fish fatty acids as a chemopreventive agent against CRC. The data sources were original articles about omega-3 fish fatty acids as CRC chemopreventive agents, published in 2012-2022 and in English or Indonesian. Databases used are Ovid, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, PubMed, Springer Link, EBSCO, and Google Scholar using Boolean search. The selection of studies followed the PRISMA-ScR method. Of the nine articles selected, fish omega-3 fatty acids had the potential as a chemopreventive agent against CRC, with several variations in daily dose ranges accompanied by a good lifestyle. Oral omega-3 fish supplementation gave benefits in the range of 96 mg–2,000 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and between 360 mg–1,000 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with a daily intake varying between 0–14 grams/day. One study reported a toxic effect of fish omega-3 fatty acids, which raised the risk of post-operative infection after parenteral (intravenous) administration. There are no reported side effects across eight studies following oral preparation administration. The omega-3 fish fatty acid shows potential as a chemopreventive therapy for CRC; further studies are required to explore the parenteral administration-associated toxic effects.

Berberis vulgaris L. Root Extract as a Multi-Target Chemopreventive Agent against Colon Cancer Causing Apoptosis in Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines.

Berberis vulgaris L. (Berberidaceae) is a shrub that has been widely used in European folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. The purpose of our study was to elucidate the mechanisms of the chemopreventive action of the plant's methanolic root extract (BVR) against colon cancer cells. Studies were conducted in human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines (LS180 and HT-29) and control colon epithelial CCD841 CoN cells. According to the MTT assay, after 48 h of cell exposure, the IC50 values were as follows: 4.3, 46.1, and 50.2 µg/mL for the LS180, HT-29, and CCD841 CoN cells, respectively, showing the greater sensitivity of the cancer cells to BVR. The Cell Death Detection ELISAPLUS kit demonstrated that BVR induced programmed cell death only against HT-29 cells. Nuclear double staining revealed the great proapoptotic BVR properties in HT-29 cells and subtle effect in LS180 cells. RT-qPCR with the relative quantification method showed significant changes in the expression of genes related to apoptosis in both the LS180 and HT-29 cells. The genes BCL2L1 (126.86-421.43%), BCL2L2 (240-286.02%), CASP3 (177.19-247.83%), and CASP9 (157.99-243.75%) had a significantly elevated expression, while BCL2 (25-52.03%) had a reduced expression compared to the untreated control. Furthermore, in a panel of antioxidant tests, BVR showed positive effects (63.93 ± 0.01, 122.92 ± 0.01, and 220.29 ± 0.02 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g in the DPPH•, ABTS•+, and ORAC assays, respectively). In the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition test, BVR revealed 62.60 ± 0.87% of enzyme inhibition. The chemical composition of BVR was determined using a UHPLC-UV-CAD-MS/MS analysis and confirmed the presence of several known alkaloids, including berberine, as well as other alkaloids and two derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid (ferulic and sinapic acid hexosides). The results are very promising and encourage the use of BVR as a comprehensive chemopreventive agent (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-apoptotic) in colorectal cancer, and were widely discussed alongside data from the literature.

Can Compounds of Natural Origin Be Important in Chemoprevention? Anticancer Properties of Quercetin, Resveratrol, and Curcumin-A Comprehensive Review.

Malignant tumors are the second most common cause of death worldwide. More attention is being paid to the link between the body's impaired oxidoreductive balance and cancer incidence. Much attention is being paid to polyphenols derived from plants, as one of their properties is an antioxidant character: the ability to eliminate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, chelate specific metal ions, modulate signaling pathways affecting inflammation, and raise the level and activity of antioxidant enzymes while lowering those with oxidative effects. The following three compounds, resveratrol, quercetin, and curcumin, are polyphenols modulating multiple molecular targets, or increasing pro-apoptotic protein expression levels and decreasing anti-apoptotic protein expression levels. Experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo on animals and humans suggest using them as chemopreventive agents based on antioxidant properties. The advantage of these natural polyphenols is low toxicity and weak adverse effects at higher doses. However, the compounds discussed are characterized by low bioavailability and solubility, which may make achieving the blood concentrations needed for the desired effect challenging. The solution may lie in derivatives of naturally occurring polyphenols subjected to structural modifications that enhance their beneficial effects or work on implementing new ways of delivering antioxidants that improve their solubility and bioavailability.

When sustainability meets health and innovation: The case of Citrus by-products for cancer chemoprevention and applications in functional foods

Peel, pomace and seeds represent secondary products derived from production and manufacturing processes of Citrus spp. However, thanks to the novel policies of circular economy, sustainability and valorization of agro-wastes, Citrus by-products have become a precious source of energy and natural beneficial compounds used for manifold applications, from biofuels to dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, to food additives and bio-preservatives. Several studies have been carried out to investigate the bioactivities, functionalize, stabilize and use these products or part of them (e.g., extracts, oils, powders, purified compounds). In this context, this study discusses properties, technological processing and extraction, functions and health implications of Citrus by-products as cancer chemopreventive agents, and lays a special emphasis on the stabilization, encapsulation and delivering of Citrus by-products phytochemicals and formulations. As the extraction and isolation are key aspects of phytochemicals availability the first objective of this study was to critically examine innovative and non-conventional techniques. Subsequently, to have a comprehensive understanding of bioactivity underlying the complex anticancer actions through various mechanisms, the methods/assays for antiproliferative, proapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity evaluation were introduced, and the models and biomolecules were presented, using the methodologies of extensive literature search and meta-analysis. Upcoming perspectives and the current and future framework were also discussed.