Ulcerative colitis is a major risk factor that increases the occurrence of colorectal cancer. In colorectal cancer due to colitis, intestinal inflammation plays an important role which causes DNA damage. The aim of this study is to investigate the anticancer effect of coelomic fluid of Eisenia fetida (CFEF) and cetuximab combinations. Colitis associated colon cancer was induced in BALB/c mice by DSS/AOM. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: group 1 received vehicle (control), groups 2–6 received DSS/AOM, groups 3–5 received cetuximab + CFEF (30, 60, or 120 mg/kgBW), and group 6 received CFEF only. After the 12th week of treatments, the colon tissues were removed for histological examination and immune‐fluorescence. Intestinal Epithelial Cells (CECs) were analyzed by flow cytometer. Administration of CFEF significantly decreased the severity of DSS/AOM‐induced CAC in a dose‐dependent manner. The combinations of CFEF‐cetuximab were revealed by histological change. The CFEF significantly reduced the severity scores (P < 0.05). The combinations of CFEF‐cetuximab significantly inhibited K‐Ras and vimentin expressions, whereas the percentage of RUNX3 significantly increased in CECs. The increasing of RUNX3 could prevent EMT, so that it can decrease K‐Ras and vimentin to suppressed cell invasion and migration by CFEF. Our results suggest that CFEF has the therapeutic potential to CAC.
1 March 2024 in Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research
Context: Breast cancer expresses high levels of the estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α). Aims: To investigate the potential anticancer activity of nanoliposome Hedyotis corymbosa in breast cancer cells by specifically targeting the ER-α through a combination of in silico and in vitro studies. Methods: This study used molecular docking to analyze the interaction between ER-α and active compounds from H. corymbosa. In vitro studies, the H. corymbosa extract was converted into nanoliposomes. The nanoliposomes' characteristics were examined, combined with tamoxifen, and applied to breast cancer cell cultures. Viability, proliferation, and ER-α expression were assessed, and statistical analysis was performed (p<0.05). Results: The findings show that H. corymbosa compounds, especially rutin, inhibit ER-α binding and act as a substrate for P-glycoprotein. Extract H. corymbosa selectively decreases viability in breast cancer cells (T47D) compared to non-cancerous cells (NIH3T3). Combining extracts with tamoxifen at 10 mg/mL enhances treatment efficacy. The combined treatment is effective for up to 72 h, reducing T47D breast cancer cell proliferation. Nanoliposomes derived from extract exhibit favorable characteristics, including a spherical shape, uniform size distribution, and stability. Using these nanoliposomes at 100 μg/mL with tamoxifen significantly reduces ER-α expression (p<0.05) without affecting cell viability. Conclusions: Compounds from H. corymbosa, especially rutin, inhibit ER-α binding. H. corymbosa nanoliposomes are stable for drug delivery. Combining tamoxifen with nanoliposomes at 100 μg/mL reduces ER-alpha expression. This shows potential for breast cancer treatment, but validation through further research and clinical trials is necessary.
1 July 2024 in Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research
Context: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has poor prognosis, high mortality, and recurrence rates. Ixabepilone or ixempra could be a promising agent for TNBC, especially in the taxane- and/or anthracycline-resistant population. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ixabepilone-based chemotherapy compared to ixabepilone-free chemotherapy in TNBC patients. Methods: This review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. The eligibility criteria included randomized control trials (RCTs) in 2013-2023 comparing ixabepilone-based with ixabepilone-free chemotherapy regimen in TNBC. Results: This study identified four eligible RCTs. One study showed that patients treated with ixabepilone had a significant improvement in disease-free survival, had a better response, and a lower risk of disease recurrence compared to those treated with taxane-based regimen. However, two studies showed no differences in terms of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, and pathological complete responses rates in both treatment arms. Ixabepilone addition to capecitabine significantly prolonged progression-free survival and objective response rate in TNBC patients, but did not significantly improve OS (n = 1). Conclusions: The effectiveness and safety of ixabepilone-based chemotherapy versus ixabepilone-free treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients vary among studies. More research is needed to better understand the effectiveness and safety of ixabepilone-based chemotherapy versus ixabepilone-free treatment in TNBC patients.
1 November 2024 in Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research
Context: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern as innovative therapeutic strategies to enhance treatment outcomes. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of the ethanol extract derived from Volvariella volvacea in combination with cetuximab for CRC. Aims: To evaluate the inhibition of topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) and include the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a key regulator of cell growth and differentiation. Methods: The method used computational modeling and molecular docking to assess the binding affinities and interactions between the bioactive components, cetuximab, TOP2A, and PPARγ. In vitro experiments were conducted using CRC cell lines. Cells were treated with cetuximab alone or in combination with V. volvacea extract. Cell viability and immunofluorescence were conducted to evaluate the effect of combination therapy on TOP2A and PPARγ. Results: The results unveiled compelling binding interactions, suggesting the potential for dual targeting of TOP2A and PPARγ. The results demonstrated a reduction in cell viability, downregulation of TOP2A, and modulation of PPARγ. These findings indicate the potential of V. volvacea extract as an adjuvant therapy to cetuximab in CRC. Targeting both TOP2A and PPARγ enhances the efficacy of CRC treatment. Conclusions: Moreover, it highlights the importance of harnessing natural compounds and molecular insights to develop innovative combinatorial therapies for complex diseases like CRC.
1 January 2025 in Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research
Context: Cancer represents a significant global health challenge, marked by elevated morbidity and mortality rates. Evodia suaveolens is a native medicinal plant from Papua, Indonesia. Earlier studies hinted at the possibility that E. suaveolens may have anticancer properties, likely due to its high levels of antioxidants. Aims: To evaluate anticancer potential of E. suaveolens from the bioactive compounds of E. suaveolens leaf extract. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Google Scholar databases without date restrictions. In silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies investigating the anticancer effects of E. suaveolens leaves were eligible for inclusion. Risk-of-bias assessments were conducted. Results presented descriptively. Results: Database screening identified 487 studies that generated six included studies. It comprised three bioinformatic studies and three in-vitro studies. In silico studies demonstrated the potential binding of E. suaveolens compounds to cancer-related targets like PI3K, EGFR, and ALK. In vitro studies showed cytotoxic effects against multiple cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 17-88 μg/mL. One study found E. suaveolens extract enhanced the antiproliferative and cell cycle arrest effects of doxorubicin on leukemia cells. No in vivo or clinical studies were identified. Most studies had a moderate to high risk of bias. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests E. suaveolens leaf extract may have anticancer potential, particularly in enhancing the effects of standard chemotherapy. However, the limited number of studies and lack of in vivo and clinical data highlight the need for further research to establish efficacy and safety.