Sesamol as a potent anticancer compound: from chemistry to cellular interactions.

Sesamol (SM), a well-known component isolated from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum), used in traditional medicines in treating numerous ailments. However, numerous molecular investigations revealed the various mechanisms behind its activity, emphasizing its antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and apoptosis-inducing properties, preventing cancer cell spread to distant organs. In several cells derived from various malignant tissues, SM-regulated signal transduction pathways and cellular targets have been identified. This review paper comprehensively describes the anticancer properties of SM and SM-viable anticancer drugs. Additionally, the interactions of this natural substance with standard anticancer drugs are examined, and the benefits of using nanotechnology in SM applications are explored. This makes SM a prime example of how ethnopharmacological knowledge can be applied to the development of contemporary drugs.

Effects of Chemotherapy on the Immune System: Implications for Cancer Treatment and Patient Outcomes.

Chemotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, but it can also induce immune suppression, which can have significant implications for patient outcomes. This review paper aims to give a general overview of how chemotherapy affects the immune system and how it affects cancer treatment. Chemotherapy can directly affect immune cells, leading to cytotoxic effects, cell differentiation and function alterations, and cell communication and signaling pathways disruptions. Such immune suppression can weaken the anti-tumor immune response and increase the risk of immune-related toxicities. Understanding the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced immune suppression is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies. Strategies to mitigate immune suppression include immunomodulatory agents as adjuvants to chemotherapy, combination therapies to enhance immune function, and supportive care measures of the immune system. Additionally, identifying potential biomarkers to predict immune suppression and guide treatment decisions holds promise for personalized cancer medicine. Future directions in this field involve further elucidating underlying mechanisms, exploring novel combination therapies, and developing targeted interventions to minimize immune suppression. By understanding and addressing chemotherapy-induced immune suppression, we can optimize cancer treatment strategies, enhance the anti-tumor immune response, and improve patient outcomes.

Chromium Bioaccumulation and Its Impacts on Plants: An Overview.

Chromium (Cr) is an element naturally occurring in rocky soils and volcanic dust. It has been classified as a carcinogen agent according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Therefore, this metal needs an accurate understanding and thorough investigation in soil-plant systems. Due to its high solubility, Cr (VI) is regarded as a hazardous ion, which contaminates groundwater and can be transferred through the food chain. Cr also negatively impacts the growth of plants by impairing their essential metabolic processes. The toxic effects of Cr are correlated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative stress in plants. The current review summarizes the understanding of Cr toxicity in plants via discussing the possible mechanisms involved in its uptake, translocation and sub-cellular distribution, along with its interference with the other plant metabolic processes such as chlorophyll biosynthesis, photosynthesis and plant defensive system.

Nematicidal potential of Streptomyces antibioticus strain M7 against Meloidogyne incognita.

Meloidogyne spp. are microscopic, obligatory endoparasites with worldwide distribution which cause severe damage to agricultural crops. The present study revealed the nematicidal activity of Streptomyces antibioticus strain M7 against Meloidogyne incognita. The culture supernatant of the isolate caused 100% J2 mortality after 24 h and inhibited egg hatching (only 3%). In addition, the nematicidal activity of actinomycins V, X2 and D purified from strain M7 was also checked. In vitro studies displayed 97.0-99.0% juvenile mortality and 28.0-44.0% egg hatching after 168 h at 240 µg/ml of actinomycin, with LD50 (lethal dose) values of 28-120 µg/ml. In vivo study further validated the nematicidal activity of strain M7, where nematode infested tomato plants treated with culture supernatant/cells/solvent extract showed reduction in root galls and egg masses per plant by 50.0-62.06% and 53.48-76.74%, respectively, and significantly enhanced the shoot length (54.67-76.39%), root length (36.45-64.88%), shoot fresh weight (111-171.77%), root fresh weight (120-163.33%), shoot dry weight (54.45-145.45%), and root dry weight (100-133.3%) over the nematode infested plants treated with water. Furthermore, tomato plants treated with cells/culture supernatant/extract of strain M7 without nematode infestation also showed significant increase in various plant growth parameters. Thus, the outcome of the study revealed the potential of S. antibioticus strain M7 and actinomycins produced from it to be developed as safe nematicidal agents to control the root knot nematodes, and to increase the crop yield.

Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo nematicidal potential of a multifunctional streptomycete, Streptomyces hydrogenans strain DH16 against Meloidogyne incognita.

The present work demonstrated the nematicidal potential of Streptomyces hydrogenans strain DH16 (a strain with strong antagonism against fungal phytopathogens and insect pest) against Meloidogyne incognita. The culture supernatant and solvent extract significantly inhibited egg hatching (almost 100%) along with J2 mortality of more than 95% after 96h. The nematicidal activity of 10-(2,2-dimethyl-cyclohexyl)-6,9-dihydroxy-4,9-dimethyl-dec-2-enoic acid methyl ester (SH2; a new antifungal compound) purified from this streptomycete was also evaluated using different concentrations. The juvenile mortality of the nematode increased with increasing concentration and exposure time and reached the maximum (95%) after 96h at concentration of 100µg/ml. After 160h of incubation, egg hatch of 16% was observed at concentration of 100µg/ml as compared to control where 100% egg hatching was achieved. However, at the highest concentration of the compound (200µg/ml), 100% J2 mortality and 0% egg hatching were observed after 72 and 160h of incubation, respectively. In vivo pot experiments further revealed the nematicidal potential of S. hydrogenans where soil drenching with its culture supernatant and cells effectively controlled root galls, egg masses in nematode infested tomato plants and at the same time promoted the growth of tomato plants. Additionally, in the absence of nematodes, soil drenching with culture supernatant and cells significantly enhanced the various agronomic traits of plants as compared to control plants. Thus, the outcomes of the current study endorse the potential of S. hydrogenans strain DH16 and its metabolites to be developed as safe nematicidal and plant growth promoting agents.

The common molecular players in plant hormone crosstalk and signaling.

Plant growth and development is under the control of mutual interactions among plant hormones. The five classical categories of plant hormones include auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid and ethylene. Additionally, newer classes of plant hormones have been recognized like brassinosteroids, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid and polyamines. These hormones play significant roles in regulating the plant growth and development. Various receptors and key signaling components of these hormones have been studied and identified. At genetic level, crosstalk among the various plant hormones is found to be antagonistic or synergistic. In addition, components of signaling pathway of one plant hormone interact with the signaling components of other hormone. Thus, an attempt has been made to review the literature regarding the role of plant hormones in plant physiology and the common molecular players in their signaling and crosstalk.