||| Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology |||

microRNA-370-5p inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and migration and promotes apoptosis by targeting KPNA3

2026-09-13T12:44:14+00:00

This study aimed to investigate the biological function of microRNA-370-5p (miR-370-5p) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its regulatory relationship with KPNA3. The expression levels of miR-370-5p and KPNA3 were examined in 72 NSCLC tissue samples and matched adjacent non-tumor tissues, as well as in cell lines (BEAS-2B, A549, H1299, and H460). A549 cells were transfected with miR-370-5p mimic, miR-370-5p inhibitor, or KPNA3 overexpression plasmids. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, migration was measured by Transwell assays, and apoptosis was evaluated via flow cytometry. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the direct binding between miR-370-5p and KPNA3. miR-370-5p was down-regulated, whereas KPNA3 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-370-5p inhibited cell proliferation and migration and increased apoptotic rates, while inhibition of miR-370-5p inhibition exerted opposite effects. KPNA3 overexpression partially reversed the effects of miR-370-5p, indicating that KPNA3 functions as a downstream effector of miR-370-5p. miR-370-5p suppresses NSCLC cell growth and migration while promoting apoptosis by directly targeting KPNA3.

Protective effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Medicago sativa against complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar rats

2026-09-15T04:35:30+00:00

This study evaluated the antiarthritic activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Medicago sativa through phytochemical screening and a complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model in Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, saponin glycosides, phytosterols, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. Six groups of six rats each were treated, and administration of the extract at 400 mg/kg significantly reduced paw swelling, arthritis severity scores, rheumatoid factor, and C-reactive protein levels compared to untreated arthritic controls. Motor coordination, as well as thermal and cold pain sensitivity, were restored at this dose, comparable to the effects of diclofenac sodium at 10 mg/kg. Imaging and histological examination confirmed protection of joint structure. These findings indicate that M. sativa extract possesses significant, dose-dependent, multi-parameter antiarthritic activity.

Effect of hydroethanolic extract of Butea monosperma flower on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via IL-6 modulation

2026-09-15T04:37:45+00:00

This study evaluates the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory potential of a hydroethanolic extract of Butea monosperma flowers in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in Swiss albino mice. The extract (100 and 200 mg/kg orally) was administered for 21 days following oropharyngeal aspiration of bleomycin (2.5 mg/kg) and compared to pirfenidone (100 mg/kg). Parameters assessed included lung index, serum IL-6 levels, and histopathological architecture (Ashcroft scoring). Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and glycosides. The disease control group exhibited severe fibrosis (Ashcroft score: 5), elevated lung index (1.3 ± 0.0%), and increased IL-6 levels (6.1 ± 0.2 pg/mL). The extract at 200 mg/kg significantly (p<0.001) reduced the lung index to 1.0 ± 0.0% and IL-6 levels to 4.6 ± 0.2 pg/mL, with preserved pulmonary architecture (Ashcroft score: 1–2), demonstrating dose-dependent antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects superior to pirfenidone.

Cuscuta chinensis ethanol extract suppresses H22 hepatoma growth in mice and reduces PI3K/AKT phosphorylation

2026-09-15T06:24:20+00:00

This study evaluated the effects of Cuscuta chinensis ethanol extract in H22 hepatoma-bearing mice. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with cyclophosphamide or varying doses of the extract for 14 days. Tumor growth was assessed using bioluminescence imaging and tumor weight measurements. The extract slowed the increase in bioluminescence and reduced tumor weight, achieving a maximum inhibition rate of 50.4%. It decreased the spleen index, increased the thymus index at the two higher doses, elevated serum interleukin-2 levels at the two higher doses, and increased tumor necrosis factor-α at all doses. Additionally, it reduced alpha-fetoprotein levels at the two higher doses. Histological analysis of tumor tissue revealed degenerative and necrotic changes. The extract increased Bax expression and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio at all doses while reducing Bcl-2 expression at the two higher doses. Total PI3K and AKT levels remained largely unchanged; however, their phosphorylated forms and phosphorylation ratios were reduced. Overall, the extract inhibited H22 tumor growth, accompanied by modulation of apoptosis-related proteins and decreased phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT.

Integrated LC–MS-guided phytochemical profiling, molecular docking, and in vitro validation of Sauromatum venosum extracts against colorectal cancer

2026-09-15T06:26:52+00:00

The antioxidant, phytochemical, and anti-colorectal cancer potential of Sauromatum venosum leaf and tuber extracts were investigated using experimental and computational approaches. Hydroalcoholic, aqueous, and ethyl acetate extracts were evaluated using DPPH assay. Hydroalcoholic leaf (L1) and tuber (T1) extracts exhibited superior concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. The LC–MS analysis identified bioactive phytoconstituents, including quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and rutin. Molecular docking revealed favorable interactions of these compounds with colorectal cancer-associated targets, particularly quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. The T1 extract exhibited the strongest antiproliferative activity against HT-29 and HCT-116 cells, while DAPI staining demonstrated apoptosis-associated nuclear changes. These findings suggest that S. venosum is a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential for the development of future anti-cancer drugs.