||| Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology |||

Cytotoxicity of paeonenoide C isolated from Paeonia obovata on HT-29 human colon cancer cells

2025-05-11T11:02:24+00:00

In this study, an alternative approach to activity-based screening was employed to identify potential anti-cancer agent against colon cancer. As a result, Paeonia obovata was selected, and an active compound was isolated from its methanol extracts. Through structural and physicochemical analyses, the compound was identified as paeonenoide C, a triterpenoid. Various cell-based assays, including the MTT reduction assay, LDH release assay, and colony formation assay were conducted to assess its anti-cancer properties. Paeonenoide C exhibited cytotoxic effects in HT-29 human colon cancer cells at concentrations above 150 μM. Western blot analysis demonstrated that paeonenoide C-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by suppressing the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 while down-regulating extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 expression. These findings suggest that paeonenoide C possesses potential anti-cancer activity against colon cancer cell lines.

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 reduces uropathogenic E. coli persistence in bladder epithelial cells by restoring lysosome acidification

2025-05-11T00:40:52+00:00

This study aimed to examine the effect of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ [1,25(OH)₂D₃] on the intracellular persistence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. After establishing a cell infection model and conducting drug intervention, methods such as fluorescent probes, Western blot, and qPCR were used. The results showed that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ (10 nM) reduced the number of persistent E. coli (at 12 and 24 hours) (P<0.05), enhanced the acidification of intracellular lysosomes (p<0.05), and up-regulated the expression levels of transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3, ATPase H⁺ transporting V0 subunit C, and ATPase H⁺ transporting V0 subunit D2 (P<0.05). Therefore, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ may reduce bacterial persistence by enhancing lysosomal acidification and influencing the expression of these factors. These findings provide ideas for the potential application of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in reducing the recurrence rate of infectious diseases.

In vitro anti-cancer and antimicrobial activities of Abelmoschus esculentus root extracts

2025-05-11T11:32:01+00:00

This study explored the potential of Abelmoschus esculentus for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma and associated risk factors. The extract, obtained via soxhlet extraction, was formulated into a carbopol 940 gel for topical and oral mucosal delivery. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds. The Folin-Ciocalteu method showed high total phenolic content (R²=0.9953). The extract exhibited promising in vitro anti-cancer activity against a squamous cell carcinoma cell line, achieving a 52.9% inhibition rate at the highest concentration 100 µg/mL. Additionally, the extract demonstrated potential antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43501 compared to clarithromycin. The extract-loaded gel formulation with 1.5% carbopol was developed, exhibiting optimal viscosity (1245 cps) and a suitable pH (6.45) for topical use.

Carvacrol enhances the sensitıvity of cetuximab in lung cancer cells through inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest

2025-05-11T05:59:49+00:00

The intention of this work was to analyze that carvacrol could enhance cancer-inhibiting potency of cetuximab (monoclonal antibody) in lung cancer cells. The combination of cetuximab and carvacrol was found to co-operatively suppress cell proliferation by enhancing apoptosis and inducing cell cycle arrest in A-549 and H1299 cells. Furthermore, the combination therapy triggered cell death by inducing membrane disruption. The most effective combinations were IC₁₀ cetuximab + IC₁₀ carvacrol for A-549 and IC₂₀ cetuximab + IC₁₀ carvacrol for H1299 (CI = 2.0). LDH activity increased by 101% in A-549 and 239% in H1299 (p<0.05). Caspase-3 activity rose by 1.6-fold in A-549 and 1.4-fold in H1299 (p<0.05). The combination decreased PCNA, topoisomerase II-alpha, and cyclins D1, D2, E, A, and B (p<0.05). Overall, the combination of carvacrol and cetuximab appears to enhance anti-cancer efficacy and may significantly improve therapeutic outcomes in lung cancer cells.

Murrayafoline A inhibits inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS and poly (I:C) by targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

2025-04-26T16:41:27+00:00

No abstract