Extract In Human Cells Research Articles

Evaluation of the anti-breast cancer properties of Origanum majorana aqueous extract green-mediated nanoparticles

This research details the synthesis of biogenic silver nanoparticles utilizing Origanum majorana as a supporting material. The leaves of the plant served as a natural reducing agent and a proficient stabilizer for the generated silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The formulated NPs were analyzed through the analysis of their physicochemical properties utilizing UV–Vis, FT-IR, and FE-SEM techniques. The investigation of the antioxidant characteristics of the Ag NPs was followed using the DPPH assay. The results revealed that the silver nanoparticles exhibited considerable antioxidant activity, as evidenced by the IC50 value. Recent findings suggest that the effectiveness of nanoparticles in treating human breast cancer can be linked to their antioxidant characteristics. An evaluation was followed on the ability of biologically synthesized Ag NPs to combat breast cancer in various cell lines. The silver nanoparticles exhibited significant anti-breast cancer properties, successfully eradicating the MCF10 cancer cell line in a manner that was influenced by both time and concentration, as assessed through the MTT assay. Ag NPs facilitate cell apoptosis, a process linked to elevated levels of pro-apoptotic markers, including Bax and cleaved caspase-8, while concurrently reducing the concentration of the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles exhibit a decrease in colony formation in comparison to the respective control group. The examination of molecular pathways in cells exposed to Ag NPs revealed a significant elevation in p53 expression, coupled with a decrease in both total and phosphorylated levels of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) in the studied cell lines. This suggests that p53 and STAT3 play essential roles in the biological responses triggered by the extract in human breast cancer cells.

Comprehensive Analysis of Berberis aristata DC. Bark Extracts: In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Bioaccessibility and Safety.

Berberine (BER) is an alkaloid found, together with other protoberberinoids (PROTBERs), in several species used in medicines and food supplements. While some herbal preparations containing BER and PROTBERs, such as Berberis aristata DC. bark extracts, have shown promising potential for human health, their safety has not been fully assessed. Recently, the EFSA issued a call for data to deepen the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic understanding of products containing BER and PROTBERs and to comprehensively assess their safety, especially when used in food supplements. In this context, new data were collected in this work by assessing: (i) the phytochemical profile of 16 different commercial B. aristata dry extracts, which are among the most widely used preparations containing BER and PROTBERs in Europe; (ii) the In Vitro and In Silico investigation of the pharmacokinetic properties of BER and PROTBERs; (iii) the In Vitro cytotoxicity of selected extracts in different human cell lines, including tests on hepatic cells in the presence of CYP450 substrates; (iv) the effects of the extracts on cancer cell migration; and (v) the In Vitro molecular effects of extracts in non-cancer human cells. Results showed that commercial B. aristata extracts contain BER as the main constituent, with jatrorrhizine as main secondary PROTBER. BER and jatrorrhizine were found to have a good bioaccessibility rate, but they interact with P-gp. B. aristata extracts showed limited cytotoxicity and minimal interaction with CYP450 substrates. Furthermore, tested extracts demonstrated inhibition of cancer cell migration and were devoid of any pro-tumoral effects in normal cells. Overall, our work provides a valuable overview to better elucidate important concerns regarding botanicals containing BER and PROTBERs.

Evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-gastric cancer properties of Pistacia atlantica aqueous extract green-mediated silver nanoparticles

In the presence work, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile green procedure using Pistacia atlantica bark extract as natural reducing and pectin as stabilizing reagent. The physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized Pectin/Ag NPs are further confirmed by several characterization methods such as FT-IR, XRD, FESEM-EDX and TEM analyses. The Fourier transform infrared spectrometer was utilized to investigate the functional groups present in pectin capped silver nanoparticles that were responsible for the capping and remarkably dispersed nanoparticles with no aggregation. The latest research concentrated on the cellular and molecular components. The MTT test was done to assess the effectiveness of the Pectin/Ag NPs nanocomposite on inhibiting human gastric cancer cells and its cytotoxic effects on the treated cells. The evaluation was conducted on healthy (HUVEC) and stomach cancer cells, specifically NCI-N87 and MKN45. The nanocomposite exhibited IC50 values of 75 µg/mL against MKN45 and 152 µg/mL against NCI-N87. A decrease in the viability of gastric cancer cells was noted in the nanocomposite presence, which was dependent on the dosage. Additionally, the nanocomposite triggered a 70–90 % increase in cell apoptosis, resulting in elevated levels of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax and cleaved caspase-8) and reduced levels of the anti-apoptotic marker, Bcl-2. The Pectin/Ag NPs exhibited suppressive properties on colony formation. Our findings suggest that the Pectin/Ag NPs have the ability to enhance p53 expression while reducing the STAT3 expression in the cells that were treated. The findings suggest that STAT3 and p53 are essential factors in the biological responses triggered by the extract in human gastric carcinoma cells. The results suggest that the nanocomposite has the potential to serve as an effective treatment for human gastric cancer cells.

Anti-Growth and Anti-Metastatic Potential of Raw and Thermally Treated Eragrostis tef Extract in Human Cancer Cells.

Teff (Eragrostis tef), a gluten-free cereal crop cultivated originally in Northeast Africa, is increasingly utilized due to its nutritional and health benefits. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ethanol extract obtained from raw and thermally treated teff, referred to as RTE and TTE, respectively, on uncontrolled growth and activated metastasis using human cancer cell lines. Both RTE and TTE contained flavones, such as orientin (luteolin 8-C-glucoside) and vitexin (apigenin 8-C-glucoside), and phenolic acids, such as protocatechuic acid and p-coumaric acid. TTE showed higher total phenol, protocatechuic acid, and p-coumaric acid contents, but lower orientin content compared to RTE. RTE and TTE significantly suppressed cell growth of H1299 human lung cancer cells, with TTE exhibiting more pronounced effects than RTE, while both extracts had only minimal effects on the growth of non-malignant human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The growth-inhibitory activities of RTE and TTE in H1299 cells were associated with apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. TTE produced an additional effect on inducing cell cycle arrest at the S phase in H1299 cells, potentially contributing to its stronger growth-inhibitory effects. Moreover, both RTE and TTE effectively inhibited key events in metastasis, such as invasion, migration, and adhesion, in H1299 cells under non-cytotoxic conditions, with TTE showing stronger effects. In HCT116 human colon cancer cells, a similar pattern of inhibition was demonstrated against the metastatic events, accompanied by reduced levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9. Our results indicate that teff extracts exhibit in vitro anti-growth and anti-metastatic activities, which are enhanced by thermal treatment of teff.

Silver nanoparticles stabilized by chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol polymers mediated by Pistacia extract for treatment of functional dyspepsia and gastric cancer

The impact of the nanoparticles on the dyspepsia mice gut microbiota is evaluated through the utilization of the 16S rRNA technique. Various methods were employed to characterize the NPs. In the textile, culinary, paper, leather, and printing sectors, synthetic dyes are frequently employed as coloring agents. Because these dye molecules are harmful to both the environment and living things, it is difficult to remove them sustainably. Here, we have produced nanoparticles embedded in chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel (CS-PVA) by using bark's Pistacia under ultrasonic irradiation. The reduction of Ag + ions into Ag0 NPs was detected by a visual change in the colors. UV–Vis analysis indicated that the characteristic SPR band appeared near ∼440–450 nm. UV/Vis, EDX-elemental mapping, SEM, TEM, ICP-OES, and XRD analysis were applied to characterize the Ag NPs/CS-PVA nanocomposite. The recent study focused on the cellular and molecular aspects. The MTT assay was conducted for 48 h to evaluate the anti-human gastric cancer and cytotoxicity efficacies of the treated cells with nanocomposite. The assessment was performed on normal (HUVEC) and gastric cancer cells, namely MKN45 and NCI–N87. The IC50 values of nanocomposite against MKN45 and NCI–N87 were 180 and 151 μg/mL, respectively. The dose-dependent reduction in malignant gastric cell viability was observed in the nanocomposite presence. Furthermore, the nanocomposite induced cell apoptosis by 40–50%, leading to an increase in the expression of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax and cleaved caspase-8) and a decrease in the expression of the anti-apoptotic marker, Bcl-2. Furthermore, the nanocomposite showed inhibitory effects on colony formation. Our results indicate that the nanocomposite can increase p53 expression and decrease the expression of STAT3 in treated cells. This indicates that p53 and STAT3 play crucial roles in the biological effects induced by the extract in human gastric carcinoma cells. The data from the gut microbiome suggested that nanocomposites have the ability to control the rebalancing of homeostasis and microbiome composition by decreasing the levels of harmful bacteria, and at the same time, increasing the levels of beneficial bacteria. Following the introduction of nanocomposite, there was an observed rise in the levels of gastrointestinal hormones in the serum, including gastrin and motilin, while the levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide decreased. The application of nanocomposite led to an improvement in gastrointestinal movement, encompassing a rise in the rate of transit through the small intestine and the rate of gastric emptying. These findings offer that the Ag NPs/CS-PVA nanocomposite could be a promising anticancer treatment for functional dyspepsia and gastric cancer.

Anticancer Properties of Different Varieties of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Leaf Extracts in Human Tumor Cells: a Comparative Study.

Plant polyphenols are nutraceutical components with relevant biological effects on human health. They act against development of several diseases including cancer. In this study, the methanolic extracts of four date palm Phoenix dactylifera leaves (Deglet Noor (DN), Barhee (B), Khalas (KS) and Khunezi (KZ)) collected from south Tunisia were preliminary analyzed for their effects against U87 (human glioblastoma) and MDA-MB-231 (human breast cancer) cell line development. Results showed that Barhee extract (30μg/mL) was the most efficient to reduce the growth of both tumor cells to about 40% (p < 0.05) without inducing cytotoxicity. Significantly, KS, KZ, DN and B extracts (30μg/mL) decreased MDA-MB-231 and U87 cell adhesion towards fibrinogen and fibronectin. Using integrin blocking antibodies, leaf extracts competitively decreased human glioblastoma cell attachment to immobilized antibodies by interfering to αvβ3 and α5β1 integrin receptors. At the same concentration, extracts decreased MDA-MB-23 and U87 cell migration performed with wound healing assay. Particularly, Barhee and Deglet Noor leaf extracts (30μg/mL) significantly reduced U87 cell invasion by 52.92% (p < 0.01) and 74.56% (p < 0.01), respectively. Collegially, our findings revealed beneficial proprieties of four varieties of date palm leaf especially those displayed by DN and B extracts that may serve as active candidates against human glioblastoma and breast cancer progression.

Exploring the neuroprotective activity of a lignanamides-rich extract in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells under dimethyl sulfoxide-induced stress.

Introduction: Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used as a diluent and/or solvent for pharmacological compounds. Furthermore, DMSO crosses the blood-brain barrier acting on the nervous system. The natural compounds phenylamides and lignanamides (LnHS) have protective effects on neuronal health, being promising neuroprotective candidates. In this scenario, we evaluated the impact of DMSO and/or LnHS on SH-SY5Y and U-87 cells, taken as in vitro model of neurons and glia. Methods: Cells were treated with DMSO and/or LnHS at different doses and proliferation (MTT and trypan blue counting, colony forming ability, autophagy, oxidative stress (NO, ROS determination) and inflammatory (IL8, IL6, TNFα mRNA expression) response was evaluated. Results: We found that DMSO reduces both neuronal and glial cell viability, while LnHS does not affect viability of SH-SY5Y cells but reduces that of U-87 cells. Therefore, we focused on SHSY5Y cells and investigated whether LnHS could counteract DMSO toxicity. LnHS partially attenuates the inhibitory effects of DMSO on cell viability and restores the colony-forming ability of SH-SY5Y cells exposed to DMSO. Furthermore, we found that co-administration of LnHS modulates the expression of SIRT3 and SOD2 enzymes, reduces nitrite release and ROS generation increasing IL-8 levels. Interestingly, co-administration of LnHS counteracts the DMSO-induced production of IL-6, while no modification in TNF-α was found. Discussion: Our study indicates LnHS as a potential feasible compound to support neuronal health as it counteracts DMSO induced cytotoxic effects by improving SH-SY5Y cells survival. Further studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the LnHS biological activities.

Combination of Autophagy and Stem Cell Enhancing Properties of Natural Product Extracts in Human Dermal Papilla Stem Cells.

Dermal papilla (DP) stem cells are known for their remarkable regenerative capacity, making them a valuable model for assessing the effects of natural products on cellular processes, including stemness, and autophagy. Autophagy and stemness characteristics were assessed using real-time RT-PCR to analyze mRNA levels, along with immunofluorescence and western blot techniques for protein level evaluation. Butterfly Pea, Emblica Fruits, Kaffir Lime, and Thunbergia Laurifolia extracts induced autophagy in DP cells. Kaffir Lime-treated cells exhibited increase in the OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 mRNA (6-, 5, and 5.5-fold, respectively), and protein levels (4-, 3-, and 1.5-fold, respectively). All extracts activated the survival protein kinase B (Akt) in DP cells. Natural products are a promising source for promoting hair growth by rejuvenating hair stem cells.

PSAT1 promotes autophagy to resist insufficient autophagy caused by cigarette smoke extract in human airway epithelial cells

The inhaling of cigarette smoke (CS) causes damage to airway epithelial cells, which is related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has been established that CS induces autophagy, but it is still unclear whether excessive or insufficient autophagy results in cell death. This study discovered that CS significantly elevates PSAT1 expression in bronchial epithelial cells. Further studies using autophagy inhibitor, RNA interference, RT-qPCR, western blot, and CCK-8 assay in 16-HBE cells have confirmed that autophagy is temporarily initiated by cigarette smoke extract (CSE), but insufficient autophagy leads to cell death. PSAT1 induced by CSE promotes autophagy and resists insufficient autophagy caused by CSE through Akt/mTOR pathway in human bronchial epithelial cells, playing a protective role.

Long term administration of loquat leaves and their major component, ursolic acid, attenuated endogenous amyloid-β burden and memory impairment

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaves contain many bioactive components such as ursolic acid (UA) and amygdalin. We investigated the effects of loquat leaf powder and methanol extract in human neuroglioma H4 cells stably expressing the Swedish-type APP695 (APPNL-H4 cells) and C57BL/6 J mice. Surprisingly, the extract greatly enhanced cellular amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) 42 productions in APPNL-H4 cells. Administration of leaf powder increased Aβ42 levels after 3 months and decreased levels after 12 months compared to control mice. Leaf powder had no effect on working memory after 3 months, but improved working memory after 12 months. Administration of UA decreased Aβ42 and P-tau levels and improved working memory after 12 months, similar to the administration of leave powder for 12 months. Amygdalin enhanced cellular Aβ42 production in APPNL-H4 cells, which was the same as the extract. Three-month administration of amygdalin increased Aβ42 levels slightly but did not significantly increase them, which is similar to the trend observed with the administration of leaf powder for 3 months. UA was likely the main compound contained in loquat leaves responsible for the decrease in intracerebral Aβ42 and P-tau levels. Also, amygdalin might be one of the compounds responsible for the transiently increased intracerebral Aβ42 levels.

Treatment of nerve cancer with the green synthesis of CuO NPs

With technological advances in molecular techniques and bioinformatics, many information has been gained that will help in the cancer early diagnosis. Studying and investigating agents of natural origin, such as plants nanocompounds is one of the most important research goals in the cancer treatment field. In the recent study, copper nanoparticles were synthesized according to green chemistry rules using the Boswellia thurifera aqueous extract. After doing the clinical trial studies, the recent nanoparticles may be used as an anti-carcinoma supplement in humans. The properties of copper nanoparticles against common human nerve carcinoma cell lines i.e. were determined. The green-synthesized copper nanoparticles were characterized using different techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The FE-SEM results confirm spherical morphology for the nanoparticles with size of 14.1 to 37.9 nm. The IC50 of the copper nanoparticles was 163 and 245 against S462 Human Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor and BL1391 cancer cells, respectively. Copper nanoparticles induce cell apoptosis, accompanied by the pro-apoptotic markers upregulation (cleaved caspase-8 and Bax) and anti-apoptotic marker downregulation, Bcl-2. Also, copper nanoparticles prevent colony formation compared to their matched control. More significantly, the molecular pathway analysis of copper nanoparticles-treated cells indicated that copper nanoparticles raises p53 expression, while preventing the expression of total and phosphorylated Signal Transducer and Activator Of Transcription 3 (STAT3) in cell lines, offering p53 and STAT3 are the main key players behind the biological events provoked by the extract in human cancer cells.

Mechanisms underlying the anti-aging activity of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) extract in human red blood cells.

Introduction: Aging is a process characterised by a decline in physiological functions. Reactive species play a crucial role in the aging rate. Due to the close relationship between aging and oxidative stress, functional foods rich in phytochemicals are excellent candidates to neutralise age-related changes. Aim: This investigation aims to verify the potential protective role of bergamot (Citrus bergamia, Femminello cultivar) peel and juice extract in a model of aging represented by human red blood cells (RBCs) exposed to D-Galactose (DGal). Methods: Bergamot peel and juice extracts were subjected to RP-HPLC/PDA/MS for determination of their composition in bioactive compounds. Markers of oxidative stress, including ROS production, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels -a marker of lipid peroxidation, oxidation of total protein sulfhydryl groups, as well as the expression and anion exchange capability of band 3 and glycated haemoglobin (A1c) production have been investigated in RBCs treated with D-Gal for 24 h, with or without pre-incubation for 15 min with 5 μg/mL peel or juice extract. In addition, the activity of the endogenous antioxidant system, including catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the diversion of the RBC metabolism from glycolysis towards the pentose phosphate pathway shunt, as denoted by activation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), have been explored. Results: Data shown here suggest that bergamot peel and juice extract i) prevented the D-Gal-induced ROS production, and consequently, oxidative stress injury to biological macromolecules including membrane lipids and proteins; ii) significantly restored D-Gal-induced alterations in the distribution and ion transport kinetics of band 3; iii) blunted A1c production; iv) effectively impeded the over-activation of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes CAT and SOD; and v) significantly prevented the activation of G6PDH. Discussion: These results further contribute to shed light on aging mechanisms in human RBCs and identify bergamot as a functional food rich in natural antioxidants useful for prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-related changes, which may lead to pathological states during aging.

The cytotoxic effects of Graptopetalum paraguayense (N.E.Br.) E. Walther extract on human melanoma cells

IntroductionThis study was conducted to investigate the mechanisms of apoptosis inducing by 50% ethanolic G. paraguayense (N.E.Br.) E. Walther extract (GE50) in human melanoma cells. MethodsThe polyphenols in GE50 were analyzed by HPLC. After GE50 treatment, cell viability, cell cycle distribution, DNA damage, Ca2+, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspase-3 activity, and cellular redox status were determined. Additionally, the expression of cell cycle-regulated and apoptosis-related proteins in GE50-treated cells was determined by Western blotting. The translocation of GADD153, Endo G, AIF, and cytochrome c proteins was examined by immunostaining. ResultsHPLC analysis showed that flavone, quercetin, and daidzein were the major constituents in GE50. GE50 significantly prohibits cell proliferation and arrests the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Results of DAPI staining and DNA gel electrophoresis showed that GE50-treatment can cause chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation in the cells. GE50 stimulated Ca2+ release, decreased MMP, but inhibited ROS production. GE50 promoted caspase-3 activity in cells. The protein levels of cyclin A, cyclin B, CDC2, CDC25c, and Bcl-2 were decreased; and that of CHK1, CHK2, Weel, p21, p53, GRP78, GADD153, caspase-7, caspase-9, Bax, and AIF were increased in GE50-treated cells. The proteins of GADD153, Endo G, AIF, and cytochrome c were released in the nucleus or cytosol. The GE50-treatment can significantly decrease the glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme activity but significantly increase the MDA levels in the cells. ConclusionsGE50 may have potential cytotoxic effect in human melanoma through G2/M phase arrest, ER stress, and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.

Anticancer Activity of Endemic Phlomis Extracts in HCT116 Human Colon Cancer Cells

Aim: Previous studies have reported that Phlomis russeliana shows cytotoxic effects against several cancer cell lines; however, its anti cancer activity on HCT-116 cancer cells has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the present study is designed to explore anti-cancer properties of Phlomis russeliana against HCT-116 human colon cancer cell line and HUVEC normal cell line.&#x0D; Material and Methods: HCT-116 cells and HUVECs treated with different concentrations of Phlomis russeliana (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg/ml) and cell viability evaluated by the MTT assay. Anti-migratory and anti-colonigenic effects of Phlomis russeliana were assessed with wound healing and colony formation assays respectively. Quantitative determination of total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and caspase-3 activation were performed with colorimetric Elisa kits.&#x0D; Results: Phlomis russeliana significantly decreased cell viability of HCT-116 cells in a concentration dependent and showed weaker toxicity against normal HUVECs. Pholomis russeliana significantly inhibited migration and colony formation potential of HCT-116 cells. A significant increase in caspase-3 activation was observed after treatment with Phlomis russeliana. Phlomis russeliana did not significantly affect the TAS and TOS level in HCT-116 cells.&#x0D; Conclusion: These results revealed that Phlomis russeliana showed anti-cancer activity in human colon cancer cells, through the suppression of colony formation, inhibition of migration and induction of caspase-3 activation. Phlomis russeliana, could be a promising source for the development of new anti-cancer agents against cancer.

Abstract 201: Establishment of 3D co-culture spheroid model for in- vitro drug screening

Abstract Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that accounts for 75% of deaths of all skin cancers in the United States. Moreover, the number of cases is increasing at an alarming rate than any other cancer worldwide. But what is more alarming is the lack of chemo preventive or therapeutic drugs that are easily accessible to people and the absence of an efficient, effective and reliable model or platform for drug screening. A growing scientific and observational analyses suggests that antioxidants contain in blueberry inhibit tumor growth, and help slow down esophageal, lung, mouth, pharynx, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate, and colon cancers. Lately, the use of 3D multicellular spheroid culture has become a potential link to bridge the gap between monolayer culture and animal model. The treatment of blueberry extract (1mg) on the spheroids of A375 cells showed a disintegration of these spheroids and reduction in their growth. To optimize the culture conditions further herein, we used a novel three-dimensional (3D) coculture system with melanoma (A375), human fibroblast (HF-1) and Human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) to study the effectiveness of drug in vitro. The multicellular nature of the coculture spheroid stimulates the microenvironment of the original tumor which makes it more efficient in drug screening process. The immunofluorescence assay on the 3D spheroid co-culture shows the interactions among these three cells which mimics the tumor microenvironment. We further analyzed the combination of blueberry extract and resveratrol which proved the effectiveness of blueberry extract as a potential chemosensitizer with resveratrol for skin cancer therapy. The complementary effect on the inhibition of A375 cell proliferation were observed when treated with 8 mg blueberry and 10 mM of resveratrol. The results of MTT assay indicates that the blueberry extracts showed potential cytotoxic activity against A375 cell line. 3D spheroid assay and 3D spheroid co-culture assays further confirmed the effectiveness of blueberry and resveratrol combination. Therefore, this platform could be applied for in vitro based drug screening studies. To conclude cytotoxic effects of the blueberry extract in human melanoma cells make them good candidates for further pharmacological studies to discover effective drugs for melanoma therapy. Citation Format: Christella J. Nelson, Vino T. Cheriyan, Abhishek Pandit, Joseph Francis, Alan Tackett. Establishment of 3D co-culture spheroid model for in- vitro drug screening [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 201.

Allophylus africanus Stem Bark Extract Modulates the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway in Human Stomach Cancer Cells.

The present work aimed to detail the mechanisms elicited by Allophylus africanus P. Beauv. stem bark extract in human stomach cancer cells and to identify the bioactives underlying the cytotoxicity. MTT reduction and LDH leakage assays allowed characterizing the cytotoxic effects in AGS cells, which were further detailed by morphological analysis using phalloidin and Hoechst 33258. Proapoptotic mechanisms were elucidated through a mitochondrial membrane potential assay and by assessing the impact upon the activity of caspase-9 and -3. The extract displayed selective cytotoxicity against AGS cells. The absence of plasma membrane permeabilization, along with apoptotic body formation, suggested that pro-apoptotic effects triggered cell death. Intrinsic apoptosis pathway activation was verified, as mitochondrial membrane potential decrease and activation of caspase-9 and -3 were observed. HPLC-DAD profiling enabled the identification of two apigenin-di-C-glycosides, vicenin-2 (1) and apigenin-6-C-hexoside-8-C-pentoside (3), as well as three mono-C-glycosides-O-glycosylated derivatives, apigenin-7-O-hexoside-8-C-hexoside (2), apigenin-8-C-(2-rhamnosyl)hexoside (4) and apigenin-6-C-(2-rhamnosyl)hexoside (5). Isovitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside (5) is the main constituent, accounting for nearly 40% of the total quantifiable flavonoid content. Our results allowed us to establish the relationship between the presence of vicenin-2 and other apigenin derivatives with the contribution to the cytotoxic effects on the presented AGS cells. Our findings attest the anticancer potential of A. africanus stem bark against gastric adenocarcinoma, calling for studies to develop herbal-based products and/or the use of apigenin derivatives in chemotherapeutic drug development.

Anti-inflammatory potential of digested Brassica sprout extracts in human macrophage-like HL-60 cells.

Cruciferous vegetables have been reported to be a great source of anti-inflammatory compounds. Specifically, sprouts from the Brassicaceae family stand out for their high content of glucosinolates (and their bioactive derivatives, isothiocyanates), phenolic acids, and anthocyanins. Despite the evident anti-inflammatory activity of certain Brassica phytochemicals such as sulforaphane or phenolic acids, the effect of digested Brassica vegetables on inflammation remains understudied. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of the bioaccessible forms of cruciferous bioactives (from red cabbage sprouts (RCS) and red radish sprouts (RRS)) obtained upon in vitro gastrointestinal digestion in the HL-60 macrophage-like differentiated human cell line. The study was performed under basal conditions or stimulated with a low dose of LPS for 24 hours as a validated in vitro model of chronic inflammation. The cell viability was determined by MTT assay. The gene expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were determined by RT-qPCR and ELISA respectively. Our results revealed no cytotoxicity with any of the treatments in LPS-stimulated macrophage-like HL60 cells. Regarding cytokine production, digestates significantly decreased the production of the three pro-inflammatory cytokines at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg mL-1 except for IL-1β treated with RCS digestates. Furthermore, the RT-qPCR analysis showed a decrease in the relative expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated cells treated with RRS digestates at 100 μg mL-1 but not with red cabbage digestates. In conclusion, RRS bioaccessible compounds in the extracts could be used as dietary coadjuvants given their potential anti-inflammatory effect on this in vitro model of chronic inflammation.

Enhancing Neurological Competence of Nanoencapsulated Cordyceps/Turmeric Extracts in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells.

Neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases, and brain cancers, are reportedly caused by genetic aberration and cellular malfunction. Herbs with bioactive compounds that have anti-oxidant effects such as cordyceps and turmeric, are of interest to clinical applications due to their minimal adverse effects. The aim of study is to develop the nanoencapsulated cordyceps and turmeric extracts and investigate their capability to enhance the biological activity and improve neuronal function. Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were utilized as a neuronal model to investigate the properties of nanoencapsulated cordyceps or turmeric extracts, called CMP and TEP, respectively. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with either CMP or TEP and examined the biological consequences, including neuronal maturation and neuronal function. The results showed that both CMP and TEP improved cellular uptake efficiency within 6h by 2.3 and 2.8 times, respectively. Besides, they were able to inhibit cellular proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells up to 153- and 218-fold changes, and increase the expression of mature neuronal markers (TUJ1, PAX6, and NESTIN). Upon the treatment of CMP and TEP, the expression of dopaminergic-specific genes (LMX1B, FOXA2, EN1, and NURR1), and the secretion level of dopamine were significantly improved up to 3.3-fold and 3.0-fold, respectively, while the expression of Alzheimer genes (PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP), and the secretion of amyloid precursor protein were significantly reduced by 32-fold and 108-fold, respectively. Importantly, the autophagy activity was upregulated by CMP and TEP at 6.3- and 5.5-fold changes, respectively. This finding suggested that the nanoencapsulated cordyceps and turmeric extracts accelerated neuronal maturation and alleviated neuronal pathology in human neural cells. This paves the way for nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems that could potentially be used as an alternative medicine in the future for neurological diseases.

Green immobilized Ag NPs over magnetic Fe3O4 NPs using Pomegranate juice induces apoptosis via P53 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathways in human gastric cancer cells

• The extract was used as a green reducing agent and an excellent stabilizer of the synthesized Ag NPs. • The anti-gastric cancer effects of biologically synthesized Fe 3 O 4 /Ag NPs against gastric cancer cell lines were assessed. • The antioxidant activity of Fe 3 O 4 /Ag NPs was determined by DPPH method. Herein, we demonstrate the bio-inspired synthesis Ag NPs over surface of magnetic Fe 3 O 4 NPs by using Pomegranate juice (PJ). The Pomegranate juice was used as an eco-friendly media which acted as green reductant and the in-situ stabilizer for the synthesized Ag NPs. The inherent structural and morphological properties of the as-synthesized Fe 3 O 4 @PJ/Ag NPs was analyzed by electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The anti-gastric cancer properties of the biogenic Fe 3 O 4 @PJ/Ag NPs were assessed against gastric cancer cell lines. The Fe 3 O 4 @PJ/Ag material could significantly combat the growth of GC1415, NCI-N87 and MKN45 cancer cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner, as determined by MTT assay. Fe 3 O 4 @PJ/Ag NPs induces cell apoptosis, accompanied by the up regulation of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax and cleaved caspase-8) and down regulation of the anti-apoptotic marker, Bcl-2. Moreover, Fe 3 O 4 @PJ/Ag NPs inhibits colony formation compared to their matched control. More significantly, the molecular pathway analysis of Fe 3 O 4 @PJ/Ag NPs-treated cells revealed that Fe 3 O 4 @PJ/Ag NPs enhances p53 expression, while inhibiting the expression of total and phosphorylated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) in cell lines, suggesting p53 and STAT3 are the main key players behind the biological events provoked by the extract in human gastric cancer cells. The antioxidant activity of Fe 3 O 4 @PJ/Ag NPs was also determined by DPPH method. The significantly good IC 50 value indicated the material as an excellent antioxidant.

Evaluation of radioprotective effects of Yanang leaves extract in human lymphocyte cells

Evaluation of radioprotective effects of Yanang leaves extract in human lymphocyte cells