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Anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa Elliot induce apoptosis in Caco‐2 cells through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway

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Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. In this study, the Caco‐2 in vitro cell model was used to study the effect and mechanism of Aronia melanocarpa Elliot anthocyanins (AMA) on colon cancer. The experimental results showed that the binding energy of anthocyanins on β‐Catenin was in the range of ‐5.92 to 4.95 kcal/mol, with good low energy parameters and binding positions. AMA can inhibit cell proliferation and cause cell cycle arrest. RT‐PCR and Western blot results showed that AMA can reduce cytolpasmic β‐Catenin and inhibit the expression of related proteins in Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. This study revealed the AMA inhibitory effect and mechanism of malignant biological behavior of Caco‐2 cells, in order to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer by Aronia melanocarpa Elliot.

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... Moreover, such effects have been assayed in diverse types of CC cell lines, such as Caco-2, DLD1-1, HT-29, HCT-116, SW480, or SW620, therefore covering a wide range of types of cells associated with CC development and progression (Table 3). Beyond the protective effects reported against PC [142], ACNs from Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) extracts were also reported to be effective against CC cells lines, inducing apoptosis in Caco-2 cells through the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway [146]. A similar effect was observed by Gill et al. [147], which assayed three different species of chokeberries (purple, red and black, the last one being the Aronia melanocarpa). ...
... Retarded carcinogenesis and castration-resistant PC growth (suppression of androgen receptor-mediated cell proliferation and metabolism) [143] Chokeberry extracts (ACNs) Caco-2 cells (CC) ↓ cell growth; G1/G0 and G2/M phases arrest; ↑ p21WAF1 and p27KIP1 expression; ↓ cyclin A and cyclin B expression [146] Chokeberry extracts (ACNs and phenolics) HT-29 (CC) ↓ cell proliferation [147] Coloured fruits and vegetables ...
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Anthocyanins are widespread and biologically active water-soluble phenolic pigments responsible for a wide range of vivid colours, from red (acidic conditions) to purplish blue (basic conditions), present in fruits, vegetables, and coloured grains. The pigments’ stability and colours are influenced mainly by pH but also by structure, temperature, and light. The colour-stabilizing mechanisms of plants are determined by inter- and intramolecular co-pigmentation and metal complexation, driven by van der Waals, π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and metal-ligand interactions. This group of flavonoids is well-known to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which explains the biological effects associated with them. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the role of anthocyanins as natural colorants, showing they are less harmful than conventional colorants, with several technological potential applications in different industrial fields, namely in the textile and food industries, as well as in the development of photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells, as new photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy, pharmaceuticals, and in the cosmetic industry, mainly on the formulation of skin care formulations, sunscreen filters, nail colorants, skin & hair cleansing products, amongst others. In addition, we will unveil some of the latest studies about the health benefits of anthocyanins, mainly focusing on the protection against the most prevalent human diseases mediated by oxidative stress, namely cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and diabetes. The contribution of anthocyanins to visual health is also very relevant and will be briefly explored.
... g/l) (Skupień et al., 2008). The Aronia anthocyanin-rich methanolic extract (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/ml of medium for 48 h) inhibited cell proliferation and caused cell cycle arrest in human colon cancer cell line Caco-2 (Wei, Yu, Hao, Fan, & Gao, 2020). The effect was associated with the reduction of cytoplasmic β-catenin and inhibition of the expression of proteins related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway . ...
... In a recent review, Dharmawansa, Hoskin, and Rupasinghe (2020) summarized the differences between anthocyanin-induced effects in normal and cancer cells. While in normal cells anthocyanins mediate processes, that contribute to cancer prevention, including antioxidant defence (via ROS scavenging, activation of glutathione antioxidant system and Nrf2 pathway) and reduction in the formation of oxidative DNA adducts (Amararathna, Hoskin, & Rupasinghe, 2020;Ferrari et al., 2016;Shih, Yeh, & Yen, 2007), suppression of inflammatory responses via downregulation of NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways (Ferrari et al., 2016;Jang, Lee, Choi, & Yim, 2020;Limtrakul, Yodkeeree, Pitchakarn, & Punfa, 2015), in cancer cells anthocyanins can induce DNA damages (via modulation the activity of DNA topoisomerases I and II) (Habermeyer et al., 2005), inhibit cell growth and proliferation (via modulation of MAPK, NF-κB, AMPK, insulin/IGF-1, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways) (Kim, Shin, & Park, 2005;Klein & Fischer, 2002;Vendrame & Klimis-Zacas, 2015;Wang, DeGroff, & Clinton, 2003;Wei et al., 2020;Yun-Kyoung, Park, Kim, Lee, & Park, 2010) and induce apoptosis (via mitochondrial pathway and activation of caspase-9) (Yun, Afaq, Khan, & Mukhtar, 2009). ...
Article
Background Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Micht.) Elliot) is a great dietary source of a wide range of biologically active compounds, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, other phenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals that have a wide range of health benefits. Scope and approach Here we provide an overview of the in vitro and in vivo effects of A. melanocarpa extracts to reveal its potential anti-aging properties in terms of meeting the criteria for a geroprotector. The possible mechanisms of the anti-aging action of black chokeberry extracts are highlighted. Key findings and conclusions A. melanocarpa extract exhibit geroprotective activity like lifespan extension, anti-proliferative activity, improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism, amelioration of neurodegenerative disorders, antiviral and antibacterial activity, protection of the gastrointestinal system. The mechanisms of A. melanocarpa anti-aging action may be associated with the hormesis effect, activation of antioxidant-defense, modulation of insulin/IGF-1 signaling, and anti-inflammatory activity.
... Aronia melanocorpa exerts anti-proliferative effects on human colon cancer cells by suppressing cell growth, inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and upregulating the expression of numerous cell cycle-related genes [10,[26][27][28]. Normal colon and human HT-29 colon cancer cell lines were exposed to Aronia melanocarpa extract for 24 hours. ...
... A study by Anwar et al. demonstrated that a berry anthocyanin-rich extract was capable of decreasing CRC cell viability by suppressing cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21Waf/Cif1), activating caspase-3, and enhancing ROS production [58]. Aronia melanocarpa Elliot anthocyanins inhibited Wnt/β-catenin activity in Caco-2 cells, resulting in inhibited cell growth and enhanced apoptosis induction [105]. Anthocyanins derived from purple-fleshed potatoes inhibited cell growth and sphere formation of colonic CSCs, which were also regulated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway [106]. ...
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent and serious gastrointestinal malignancy with high mortality and morbidity. Chemoprevention refers to a newly emerged strategy that uses drugs with chemopreventive properties to promote antioxidation, regulate cancer cell cycle, suppress proliferation, and induce cellular apoptosis, so as to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Natural polyphenols are currently recognized as a class of chemopreventive agents that have shown remarkable anticarcinogenic properties. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have elucidated the anti-CRC mechanisms of natural polyphenols, such as regulation of various molecular and signaling pathways. Natural polyphenols are also reportedly capable of modulating the gut microbiota and cancer stem cells (CSCs) to suppress tumor formation and progression. Combined use of different natural polyphenols is recommended due to their low bioavailability and instability, and combination treatment can exert synergistical effects, reduce side effects, and avoid drug resistance in CRC treatment. In summary, the application of polyphenols in the chemoprevention and treatment of CRC is promising. Further clinical evaluation of their effectiveness is warranted and anticipated.
... Hence, inhibition of this protein by an extract of Aronia berries implies some promise for the discovery of novel anticancer agents from these berries by targeting SLC1A5 [22]. In addition, anthocyanins of Aronia berries were found to inhibit Caco-2 cell growth through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway [23]. ...
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Aronia berry (black chokeberry) is a shrub native to North America, of which the fresh fruits are used in the food industry to produce different types of dietary products. The fruits of Aronia melanocarpa (Aronia berries) have been found to show multiple bioactivities potentially beneficial to human health, including antidiabetic, anti-infective, antineoplastic, antiobesity, and antioxidant activities, as well as heart-, liver-, and neuroprotective effects. Thus far, phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins, cyanidins, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, triterpenoids, and their analogues have been identified as the major active components of Aronia berries. These natural products possess potent antioxidant activity, which contributes to the majority of the other bioactivities observed for Aronia berries. The chemical components and the potential pharmaceutical or health-promoting effects of Aronia berries have been summarized previously. The present review article focuses on the molecular targets of extracts of Aronia berries and the examples of promising lead compounds isolated from these berries, including cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and ursolic acid. In addition, presented herein are clinical trial investigations for Aronia berries and their major components, including cancer clinical trials for chlorogenic acid and COVID-19 trial studies for quercetin. Additionally, the possible development of Aronia berries and their secondary metabolites as potential therapeutic agents is discussed. It is hoped that this contribution will help stimulate future investigations on Aronia berries for the continual improvement of human health.
... In addition, Aornia mealnocarpa also contains catechol, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and other functional components [11]. Based on previous studies in our laboratory, we found that AMA can effectively delay the aging of mice and has significant therapeutic effect on colon cancer mice [12]. So our research group are devoted to studying the preventive effect and mechanism of AMA on liver fibrosis. ...
Article
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In order to explore the effect and mechanism of Aornia mealnocarpa Elliot anthocyanins (AMA) at the cellular level on hepatic fibrosis (HF), molecular docking, RT-PCR and Western Blotting were used to explore the molecular mechanism and the effects of different doses AMA on HSC-T6 cells by TGF-β1 induction. The results showed that the binding energy of anthocyanins on TGF-β1 (PDB ID: 3KFD) was in the range of −9.5 to 8.6 kcal/mol, with good low energy parameters and binding positions. AMA could effectively inhibit the expressions of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total serum bilirubin (TSB), and improved the expressions of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB). RT-PCR and Western bloting results showed that AMA could inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2, and inhibit the expression of TGF-β1, P-Smad2, α-SMA and Collagen I in TGF-β /Smad signaling pathway. This study revealed the AMA’s inhibition effects and mechanism of malignant biological behavior of HSC-T6 cells, in order to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of HF by Aronia melanocarpa Elliot.
... The chokeberry anthocyanin extract inhibited the growth of HT-29 cells [38,40], and reduced the total number of ACF and colonic cellular proliferation in the AOM rat model [44]. A special black chokeberry (Aronia meloncarpa E) exhibited antioxidative effects, inhibited cell growth, promoted cell phase arrest, and upregulated several cell cycle-related genes [46][47][48][49]. ...
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is still a big health burden worldwide. Nutrition and dietary factors are known to affect colorectal cancer development and prognosis. The protective roles of diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been previously reported to contain high levels of cancer-fighting phytochemicals. Anthocyanins are the most abundant flavonoid compounds that are responsible for the bright colors of most blue, purple, and red fruits and vegetables, and have been shown to contribute to the protective effects of fruits and vegetables against cancer and other chronic diseases. Berries and grapes are the most common anthocyanin-rich fruits with antitumor effects. The antitumor effects of anthocyanins are determined by their structures and bioavailability as well as how they are metabolized. In this review, we aimed to discuss the preventive as well as therapeutic potentials of anthocyanins in CRC. We summarized the antitumor effects of anthocyanins and the mechanisms of action. We also discussed the potential pharmaceutical application of anthocyanins in practice.
... Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for the third highest cancerrelated mortalities worldwide [1]. Currently, conventional treatment that involves using chemotherapeutic drugs as oxaliplatin, Xeloda and 5-flurouracil (5-FU) exerts strong side effects, such as neurotoxicity, diarrhea and skin rash in addition to drug resistance [2,3]. Additionally, surgical treatment for CRC is always associated with post-operative tumour metastasis due to the migration of cancer cells to neighbouring tissues [4]. ...
Background Drawbacks and side effects of currently available therapies to colorectal cancer (CRC) devoted the researchers to search for new therapeutic strategies. Objective This study was designed to investigate the effects of zinc nanoparticles biosynthesized with berberine (ZnNPs-BER) on Caco-2 cells compared to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and explore the possible underlying pathways. Methods Caco-2 and Vero cells were treated with 5-FU, BER, or ZnNPs-BER for 24 h. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Oxidative stress and apoptotic markers and cell cycle were determined. Additionally, Cox-2 and NF-kB levels were also measured. Results The IC50 of 5-FU, BER, and ZnNPs-BER on Caco-2 cells were 34.65 µM, 19.86 µg/ml and 10.49 µg/ml, respectively by MTT assay. The IC50 value for 5-FU in Vero cells was 21.7 μg/ml, however, BER and BER-ZnNPs treatment showed non-toxic effects to the Vero cells. Further, ZnNPs-BER exerted significant induction of ROS besides exhaustion of the antioxidant capacity of tumor cells indicated by declined GSH and elevated NO and MDA contents. Marked increments in levels of Bax and caspase-3 were detected together with declines in Bcl-2 levels in Caco-2 cells submitted to BER-ZnNPs therapy. On the molecular basis, upregulation in mRNA levels of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, caspase-3, and tumor suppressor gene p53) with downregulation in the antiapoptotic gene (Bcl-2) were observed in ZnNPs-BER treated Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, ZnNPs-BER showed more pronounced effects on apoptosis increased cell percentage in the S and subG1 phases. In addition, green synthesis of ZnNPs with BER showed notable induction of Cox2 and NF-kB in Caco-2 cells. Conclusion Therefore, the antitumor potential of ZnNPs-BER in colon cancer cells may be endorsed for induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic changes in tumor cells. Our study documents the new therapeutic potential of Zn nanoparticles conjugated with BER, as a new option for combined chemotherapy.
... Also, emodin increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib via Akt signaling [53]. Also, in line with the results of the present work, previous studies have reported that some nature-derived compounds can modulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer cells and the liver of HCC animals [54][55][56]. One of the limitations of the present study is that we did not investigate the effect of R. turkestanicum on protein expression of PI3K, Akt, PTEN, Wnt4, and β-catenin. ...
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Aim of the study Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common cancer that causes many deaths worldwide. Recent studies have reported anti-cancer effects of R. turkestanicum against various cell lines including leukemia cervical tumor, and breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to identify the effect of R. turkestanicum against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC. Methods Wistar rats were divided into four groups of control, DEN, DEN + 100 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg of hydroethanolic extract of the plant roots. Results After four months, the animals in the DEN group showed HCC foci in the liver, an increase of hepatic lipid peroxidation, attenuation of hepatic antioxidant capacity, an increase of blood liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, glucose, and reduction of the body weight. The plant extract could decrease the levels of liver enzymes, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, albumin, urea, and creatinine in the blood. Also, the extract attenuated oxidative stress and improved pathological changes in the liver. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed a decrease in gene expression of Wnt/β-catenin and Akt and an increase in PTEN as the tumor suppressor gene. Conclusion The extract of R. turkestanicum reduced DEN-induced liver changes through inhibiting oxidative stress and attenuating the expression of Wnt/β-catenin and Akt and elevating PTEN expression.
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Anthocyanins have been reported to have potential as dietary or pharmaceutical supplements in the application of cancer prevention and adjunctive treatment. However, there are few studies on the effect of anthocyanins on melanoma, which have only been performed in cell lines. The objective of this work was to investigate the anticancer effects and mechanisms of bilberry anthocyanin extract (BAE) on melanoma In Vitro and In Vivo. Moreover, a primary study was done to investigate how BAE influenced C57BL/6 mice bearing subcutaneous B16-F10 tumors treated with dacarbazine (DTIC). BAE-induced apoptosis in B16-F10 cells was associated with activation of the mitochondrial pathway induced by increased reactive oxygen species. More, In Vivo anticancer activity studies indicated that BAE attenuated melanoma growth, as identified by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Ki-67, and TUNEL assays. Further western blot results revealed higher phospho-Akt expression with the combination of BAE and DTIC, indicating no suppression of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In summary, this study demonstrated the anti-melanoma activity of BAE and investigated its mechanism. Notably, it should be careful to use products enriching BAE for those melanoma patients treated with DTIC.
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The purpose of the present study was to evaluate small and high molecular phenolics (tannins) and antioxidant activity of Aronia melanocarpa berries, juice and pomace in order to find new potential sources of natural antioxidants. The fruits of Aronia melanocarpa Elliot were collected in the middle of October at a plantation near Wroclaw, Poland. The pomace has a much higher content of phenolics in comparision to juice and fruits. Results showed that polymeric proanthocyanins, predominantly of (−)epicatechin, are the major class of polyphenolic compounds in chokeberry, represent 66% of fruits polyphenols. The average concentration ranged from 1578.79mg/100g of DW for chokeberry juice up to 8191.58mg/100g in pomace. The concentration of phenolic acids (chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids) in juice was higher than in pomace. Anthocyanins in Aronia melanocarpa are second phenolic compound group and represent about 25% of total polyphenols, mixture of four different cyanidin glycosides: 3-galactoside, 3-glucoside, 3-arabinoside and 3-xyloside. The higher antioxidant activity expressed as TEAC was measured in pomace >fruit >juice.
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Introduction: Several regimens for treating hematologic malignancies are given inpatient due to multiple factors. Many clinicians are evaluating methods to deliver traditionally inpatient regimens in the outpatient setting to increase patient satisfaction, improve access to therapy, and reduce costs. A regimen traditionally administered inpatient, dexamethasone, cytarabine, and cisplatin (DHAP) is a common and effective salvage regimen for relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. DHAX, which substitutes oxaliplatin for cisplatin, has been identified as a reasonable alternative to DHAP and offers the potential for tolerable administration in the outpatient setting as well. Case description: A 74-year-old patient with double hit relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma was given rituximab, dexamethasone, high-dose cytarabine, and oxaliplatin (R-DHAX) in our outpatient clinic; however, this regimen is traditionally administered in the inpatient setting. Our main obstacle being cytarabine doses traditionally given 12 h apart. The outpatient regimen given to our patient was rituximab and oxaliplatin on day 1, cytarabine dose one late afternoon on day 2, cytarabine dose two early morning on day 3, and dexamethasone on days 1-4. Doses of oxaliplatin and cytarabine were reduced due to thrombocytopenia experienced with Cycle 1. He did not experience any increased toxicities or complications associated with the regimen moving forward. Discussion: This illustrates a unique administration of R-DHAX in an infusion center that operates during typical outpatient clinic hours. Both DHAP and DHAX, with or without rituximab, administered in the outpatient setting may be options to consider in relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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Aim: Aging is the greatest risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases. Cardiovascular circulatory system is an important part of maintaining normal human life activities. The core of the aging process is DNA damage, a food additive called Anthocyanin which has shown high efficacy in preventing aging, We examine whether anthocyanins could keep young mice from accelerated ageing of the heart. Materials and Methods: In order to accelerate ageing, Mice of Kunming were injected with D-galactose and they were given anthocyanins of 20 and 40 mg/kg as an intervention. Results: The whole function and structure of heart were evaluated after eight weeks and the expression levels of genes involved in the DNA damage signalling pathway were evaluated through Western blot analysis. Reduction of the heart index and the heart tissue damage was delayed by Anthocyanins. it maintained the stability of the redox system in serum such as GSH-PX, T-SOD and MDA and heart tissue. In the DNA damage signalling pathway, the expression levels of sensors such as ATM and ATR and effectors such as Chk1 and Chk2 were reduced. Conclusion: Anthocyanins can be diffusely used to slow ageing-related deterioration of heart structure and function by inhibiting DNA damage in the field of health products. © 2019, Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India. All right reserved.
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The effects of essential oil from Carpesium abrotanoides L. (CAEO) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatic cancer cells were investigated in this study. MTT assays indicated that CAEO inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells with the IC50 values ranging from 41.28±3.06 to 130.36±20.79 μg/mL. Moreover, many obviously nuclear morphological changes of apoptotic cells in CAEO-treated HepG2 cells were detected by Hoechst 33258 staining and fluorescence microscopy. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and cell cycle, and noticeable findings showed that CAEO arrested cell-cycle at S and G2/M phases. The decreased Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio and the activation of caspase-3, caspase-9 were also detected by Western blotting. All results suggested that CAEO is a potential agent to fight against liver cancer, and the mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway could be involved in CAEO-mediated apoptosis of human liver carcinoma cells.
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Aims Extending work with brain tumours, the hypothesis that micronutrients may usefully augment anticancer regimens, chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) extract was tested to establish whether it has pro-apoptotic effects in AsPC-1, an established human pancreatic cell line, and whether it potentiates cytotoxicity in combination with gemcitabine. Pancreatic cancer was chosen as a target, as its prognosis remains dismal despite advances in therapy. Methods An MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay was used to assess the growth of the single pancreatic cancer cell line AsPC-1, alone and in comparison or combination with gemcitabine. This was backed up by flow cytometric DRAQ7 cell viability analysis. TUNEL assays were also carried out to investigate pro-apoptotic properties as responsible for the effects of chokeberry extract. Results Chokeberry extract alone and its IC75 value (1 µg/mL) in combination with gemcitabine were used to assess the growth of the AsPC-1 cell line. Gemcitabine in combination with chokeberry extract was more effective than gemcitabine alone. TUNEL assays showed apoptosis to be a mechanism occurring at 1 µg/mL concentration of chokeberry, with apoptotic bodies detected by both colourimetric and fluorometric methods. Conclusions The implication of this study, using single cancer cell line, is that chemotherapy (at least with gemcitabine) might be usefully augmented with the use of micronutrients such as chokeberry extract.
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Sulphide-2-chloroethyl-3-chloropropyl is an alkylating agent. It posssesses mutagenic and carcino- genic properties, participates in oxidative processes and can induce lipid peroxidation.The aim of our investigation was to define antioxidative activity of natural anthocyanins after single experimental intoxi- cation with sulphide-2-chloroethyl-3-chloropropyl in mice. Catalase activity in hemolysate, thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) concentration in hemolysate and selected organs were determined. The study confirms increased lipid peroxidation as a result of sulphide-2-chloroethyl-3-chloropropyl intoxica- tion, but natural anthocyanines derived from Aronia Melanocarpa also seem to play a protective role as an antioxidative agent.
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The WNT signal transduction cascade controls myriad biological phenomena throughout development and adult life of all animals. In parallel, aberrant Wnt signaling underlies a wide range of pathologies in humans. In this Review, we provide an update of the core Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, discuss how its various components contribute to disease, and pose outstanding questions to be addressed in the future.
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Palliative chemotherapy significantly reduces mortality in patients with stage IV colon cancer, but is less prescribed with rising age. In this paper, we highlight the pattern of palliative treatment and possible effects on survival among elderly patients. From January to December 2004, 78 files on the management of stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients over 70 years, collected from 10 Italian Centres, were retrospectively examined. Determinants of receipt of palliative chemotherapy and their relation to toxicity and survival were considered. The proportion of elderly patients receiving first-line palliative chemotherapy was 98.7% and it was evaluated according to age, gender, educational level and comorbidities; patients receiving second-line therapy comprised 47.4%, those receiving third-line therapy 14.1% and those treated with a fourth-line therapy totalled 2.6%. Forty-one percent of patients received best supportive care (BSC) alone. In Italy, a proportion of elderly patients with metastatic chemonaive CRC are usually treated with a tolerability and overall survival similar to those for the younger population. Among progressive patients after second-line therapy, 45.8% usually undergo third line therapy; the remaining 54.2% undergo BSC.
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Anthocyanins are one of the most important water-soluble plant pigments. They belong to flavonoids and are derivatives of 2-phenylo-benzo-gamma pyren. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and, therefore, may be potentially used to combat oxidative stress, frequently present in cardiovascular diseases. To assess the effects of anthocyanins from chokeberry (Aronia Melanocarpa) on some parameters of oxidation-reduction balance in an animal model. Of 20 male Wistar rats, 10 received for 3 months pure water, and the other rats 10-100 mg/l of anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa. Afterwards, blood samples were collected for assessment of the (1) content of substances reacting with thiobarbitural--TBARS, (2) antioxidant status and glutathione peroxidase activity, (3) concentration of sulphydryl groups, and (4) nitrite concentration. Anthocyanins significantly reduced the content of TBARS and thiol protein groups and non-significantly increased glutathione peroxidase activity, total content of antioxidants and nitrite concentration. Anthocyanins from chokeberry decrease lipid peroxidation which may be potentially used to combat oxidative stress.
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Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in the impairment of nitric oxide-mediated vascular functions and overall pathogenesis associated with cardiovascular disease. Plant pigment anthocyanins are exceptionally potent oxygen radical scavengers that produce beneficial effects in diseases outside the cardiovascular system. We examined for the first time the potential coronary vasoactive and vasoprotective properties of three anthocyanin enhanced extracts prepared from chokeberry (Ck), bilberry (B), or elderberry (E). Coronary arterial rings were isolated from 64 pigs and incubated in sterile tissue culture media overnight for use in one of four separate in vitro isometric force recording studies. Ck and B, but not E, produced dose- and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. (%maximal relaxation at 5 mg total anthocyanins per liter: Ck = 68 +/- 11, B = 59 +/- 10). Coronary vascular tone, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to A23187, and vasorelaxation to DEA NONOate were not affected by exposure of rings to any extract at 0.05 mg total anthocyanins per liter for 5 or 30 min. Ck extract at 0.05 mg total anthocyanins per liter showed the greatest protection against loss of A23187 relaxation following exposure to ROS from pyrogallol (Ck, % maximal relaxation and -logED50 to A23187, respectively, means +/- SE: Ck alone, 93 +/- 5%, 7.91 +/- 0.1; pyrogallol alone, 76 +/- 7%, 7.46 +/- 0.06; pyrogallol + Ck, 98 +/- 1%, 7.82 +/- 0.06; control: 99 +/- 1%, 7.86 +/- 0.07; P < 0.05 control vs. pyrogallol alone). Neither the extracts nor pyrogallol affected responses to DEA NONOate. Thus anthocyanin-enhanced extracts produce endothelium-dependent relaxation in porcine coronary arteries. Extract concentrations too low to directly alter coronary vascular tone protect coronary arteries from ROS without altering vasorelaxation to endogenous or exogenous NO. These results suggest that such extracts could have significant beneficial effects in vascular disease.