Fraisinib: a calixpyrrole derivative reducing A549 cell-derived NSCLC tumor in vivo acts as a ligand of the glycine-tRNA synthase, a new molecular target in oncology.

Background and purpose: Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women, constituting a major public health problem worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer accounts for 85%-90% of all lung cancers. We propose a compound that successfully fights tumor growth in vivo by targeting the enzyme GARS1. Experimental approach: We present an in-depth investigation of the mechanism through which Fraisinib [meso-(p-acetamidophenyl)-calix(4)pyrrole] affects the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line. In a xenografted model of non-small-cell lung cancer, Fraisinib was found to reduce tumor mass volume without affecting the vital parameters or body weight of mice. Through a computational approach, we uncovered that glycyl-tRNA synthetase is its molecular target. Differential proteomics analysis further confirmed that pathways regulated by Fraisinib are consistent with glycyl-tRNA synthetase inhibition. Key results: Fraisinib displays a strong anti-tumoral potential coupled with limited toxicity in mice. Glycyl-tRNA synthetase has been identified and validated as a protein target of this compound. By inhibiting GARS1, Fraisinib modulates different key biological processes involved in tumoral growth, aggressiveness, and invasiveness. Conclusion and implications: The overall results indicate that Fraisinib is a powerful inhibitor of non-small-cell lung cancer growth by exerting its action on the enzyme GARS1 while displaying marginal toxicity in animal models. Together with the proven ability of this compound to cross the blood-brain barrier, we can assess that Fraisinib can kill two birds with one stone: targeting the primary tumor and its metastases "in one shot." Taken together, we suggest that inhibiting GARS1 expression and/or GARS1 enzymatic activity may be innovative molecular targets for cancer treatment.

Evaluation of eventual toxicities of treated textile wastewater using anoxic-aerobic algal-bacterial photobioreactor.

Water pollution is one of the major challenges and is of serious concern in the world. Toxicities generated by industrial activities severely deteriorate aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems during their uncontrolled discharge and accentuate water scarcity problems. An adequate treatment of released effluents seems to be mandatory. This study investigated the effect of synthetic textile wastewater (STWW) before and after an innovative algal-bacterial treatment occurred under anoxic-aerobic conditions on growth and mineral contents of radish plants. The health risk assessment was performed after the consumption of irrigated plants by rats. Results revealed a significant reduction in heavy metals content in plants irrigated with treated STWW, and rats fed with these plants showed normal health status. Rats fed with plants irrigated with raw STWW showed a disturbance of their homeostasis. The innovative treatment using algal-bacteria under anoxic-aerobic conditions succeeds to reduce the toxicity of raw STWW and provide an alternative water resource able to tackle water shortage.

Assessment of Rhamnus alaternus Leaves Extract: Phytochemical Characterization and Antimelanoma Activity.

Rhamnus alaternus (Rhamnaceae) has been used as a laxative, purgative, diuretic, antihypertensive, and depurative. However, few scientific research studies on its antimelanoma activity have been reported. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antimelanoma effect of an enriched total oligomer flavonoid (TOF) extract, from R. alaternus, and to identify its phytochemical compounds. The chemical composition of TOF extract was assessed by HPLC-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS2) analysis. Antimelanoma activity was determined on cultured tumor cell B16F10 by the crystal violet assay, the alkaline comet assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB), annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/ propidium iodide (V-FITC/PI) staining, the cell cycle distribution, and the wound healing assay. Regarding chemical composition, a mixture of quercetin diglucoside, quercetin-3-O-neohesperidoside, kaempferol-3-O-(2G-α-L-rhamnosyl)-rutinoside, rhamnetin hexoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, rhamnocitrin hexoside, pilosin hexoside, apigenin glucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside was identified as major phytochemical compounds of the extracts. TOF extract inhibits melanoma B16F10 cell proliferation in dose-dependent manner. The induction of apoptosis was confirmed by comet assay, AO/EB, and annexin V-FITC/PI test. TOF extract could also induce S phase cell cycle, inhibit, and delay the cell migration of B16F10 cells. The findings showed that TOF extract from R. alaternus could be a potentially good candidate for future use in alternative antimelanoma treatments.

A Methanol Extract of Scabiosa atropurpurea Enhances Doxorubicin Cytotoxicity against Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells In Vitro.

Colorectal cancer is a malignancy with a high incidence. Currently, the drugs used in chemotherapy are often accompanied by strong side effects. Natural secondary metabolites can interfere with chemotherapeutic drugs and intensify their cytotoxic effects. This study aimed to profile the secondary metabolites from the methanol extract of Scabiosa atropurpurea and investigate their in vitro activities, alone or in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxic activities. Annexin-V/PI double-staining analysis was employed to evaluate the apoptotic concentration. Multicaspase assay, quantitative reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and ABC transporter activities were also performed. LC-MS analysis revealed 31 compounds including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and saponins. S. atropurpurea extract intensified doxorubicin anti-proliferative effects against resistant tumor cells and enhanced the cytotoxic effects towards Caco-2 cells after 48 h. The mRNA expression levels of Bax, caspase-3, and p21 were increased significantly whereas Bcl-2 expression level was decreased. Furthermore, the methanol extract reversed P-glycoprotein or multidrug resistance-associated protein in Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, S. atropurpurea improved chemosensitivity and modulated multidrug resistance in Caco-2 cells which makes it a good candidate for further research in order to develop a new potential cancer treatment.

Methanolic extract of Ephedra alata ameliorates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity through reducing oxidative stress and genotoxicity.

Cisplatin (CP) is a powerful anticancer agent used in the treatment of a diverse type of cancers. Oxidative stress is one of the most important side effects limiting the use of cisplatin. The protective effects of methanolic extract (ME) and ephedrine (EP), major compound, of Ephedra alata on CP-induced damages were here assessed. Treatment with CP-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity characterized by biochemical alterations. In fact, using CP reduced significantly glutathione (GSH) levels, enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Nonetheless, CP-treatment induced DNA damage at renal, hepatic, and blood cells and increased interferon gamma (IFNγ) level in serum. Co-treatments of mice with ME normalized relative kidney/body weight, restored biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, reduced DNA damage and IFNγ level. In conclusion, ME exhibited the best protective effect against CP damage compared with ephedrine. This is could be attributed to the presence of polysaccharides, organic acids, flavonoids, and tannins in addition to ephedrine alkaloids. These compounds were reported to play a major role in inhibiting and scavenging free radicals, providing an effective protection against CP- induced oxidative damage. Graphical abstract.

Antitumoral Potency by Immunomodulation of Chloroform Extract from Leaves of Nitraria retusa, Tunisian Medicinal Plant, via its Major Compounds ß-sitosterol and Palmitic Acid in BALB/c Mice Bearing Induced Tumor.

This study evaluated the antitumoral effect of Chloroform extract from Nitraria retusa leaves, via its major compounds ß-sitosterols and palmitic acid. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously inoculated with B16-F10 cells, then treated intra-peritoneally after 7 days with the chloroform extract for 21 days. They were then euthanized, and the tumors were weighed. Lung parenchyma was analyzed. Lymphocyte and macrophages proliferation, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activities were evaluated using the MTT assay. Macrophage phagocytosis was evaluated by measuring the lysosomal activity and nitric oxide production. Antioxidant activity was studied by cellular antioxidant activity on macrophage and splenocytes and by lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity in liver cells, kidney, and serum. ß-sitosterols and palmitic acid, major compounds of chloroform extract, impeded remarkably the expansion of the transplantable tumor, protected the lung parenchyma, and increased splenocytes proliferation and both CTL activities in tumor-bearing mice. ß-sitosterols and palmitic acid were also seen to have enhanced lysosomal activity of host macrophages and antioxidant cellular activity. Also, they showed an inhibitory effect of lipid peroxidation. Our results suggest that antitumoral effect of ß-sitosterols and palmitic acid from chloroform extract is related with its immunomodulatory activity, and opens the way for a nutrition application and coprocessing phytotherapy against cancer.