Numerical and Biological Modeling Approach in the Analysis of the Cancer Viability and Apoptosis

Biomedicine is a multidisciplinary branch of science that requires a clear approach to the study and analysis of various life processes necessary for a deeper understanding of human health. This research focuses on the use of numerical simulations with the aim of an improved comprehension of cancer viability and apoptosis during treatment with commercial chemotherapeutic agents. In recent times, the usage of numerical models was successfully applied to predict the behavior of tumors. This study includes a wide range of numerical results that have been obtained by examining cell viability in real-time, determining the type of cell death and the genetic factors that control these processes. The results of the in vitro test were used to develop a numerical model that provides a new perspective on the proposed problem. In this study, colon, and breast cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and MDA-MB-231), as well as healthy lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5) were treated with commercial chemotherapeutic agents. The obtained results showed a decrease in viability and the occurrence of predominantly late apoptosis upon treatment, as well as a strong correlation between parameters. A mathematical model was developed and used to gain a better understanding of the investigated processes. This method can accurately simulate the behavior of cancer cells and reliably predict their growth.Book of abstract: 4th Belgrade Bioinformatics Conference, June 19-23, 202

Royal Jelly Suppresses Invasive Potential of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Attenuating Vimentin and Snail

Royal jelly (RJ), as an exclusive bee product, showed beneficial effects on various human pathological conditions, including cancer. Therefore, we examined the effects of RJ on the suppression of invasiveness of SW-480 cells and protein expression of Vimentin and Snail, markers of cancer cell invasive properties. This natural treatment suppressed the aggressive behavior of tested cells by inhibiting the expression of transcription factor Snail, and consequently the expression of cytoskeletal protein Vimentin with a key role in supporting invasive potential. In conclusion, our report indicates the possible molecular mechanism of anti-invasive activity of RJ on the colorectal carcinoma cell line via the inhibition of Vimentin and Snail protein expression

<i>Bifidobacterium animalis</i> and <i>Laetiporus sulphureus</i> Extract Induce a Strong Increase in GSH Levels in MRC-5 Cells in Response to Oxidative Stress

GSH (glutathione) is crucial for the removal and detoxification of carcinogens in healthy cells, while in cancer cells, GSH is associated with cancer expansion and increased resistance to drugs. O2•− acts as a secondary messenger and plays a major role in the cell signalling pathways of normal and cancer cells. Herein, the levels of O2•− and GSH were measured in MRC-5 and HCT-116 cells after incubation with BAL (Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis) and BAL/EALS (ethyl acetate extract of Laetiporus sulphureus) in co-culture systems, and for the first time, sensitivity was compared between these cell lines. The O2•− and GSH parameters were measured spectrophotometrically after 12 and 24 h. The levels of the O2•− were slightly increased in the MRC-5 cells after the effect of BAL and BAL/EALS (10 µg/mL), while the highest concentration of O2•− was recorded in treatment with BAL/EALS (50 µg/mL). On the other hand, the GSH values were elevated already after 12 h of incubation, and then further increased after 24 h in the MRC-5 cells. In the HCT-116 cells, the concentration of O2•− was not enhanced at 12 and 24 h of incubation compared to that of the control. The GSH level also remained relatively low. We observed a positive dose-dependent effect on the GSH levels in the MRC-5 and a negative dose-dependent effect in the HCT-116 cells. Generally, high GSH levels in the MRC-5 after 12 and 24 h indicate a strong reaction to oxidative stress and more sensitivity compared with the HCT-116 cells, where GSH stayed at a low concentration

Bee Product Royal Jelly Suppress EMT and Invasiveness of HCT-116 Cells

The most frequent type of cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), is widely recognized as the most common cause of death worldwide, due to the high invasive potential of cancer cells enabling metastasis. Cancer cells owe these properties to the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which requires the overexpressed markers Snail and vimentin. Considering that natural products have been intensively investigated from an anticancer point of view, we aimed to investigate the effects of royal jelly, a natural bee product, on the invasiveness of the colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116 and the expression of these two proinvasive/EMT markers. Our study reports on the inhibited expression of Snail and vimentin in tested cells, due to which suppressed aforementioned potential was detected

Expression of &beta;-Catenin Marker in Colorectal Cancer Cells after Treatment with Royal Jelly

The deregulation of a Wnt/&beta;-catenin signal pathway is common in colorectal cancer, while &beta;-catenin, its crucial component, is the target for the development of many anticancer therapies. Here, we showed that royal jelly, as a well-known beneficial natural product, can affect &beta;-catenin at both the gene and protein level in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell line. Our results indicate the effectiveness of royal jelly in targeting crucial markers responsible for the development and progression of cancer. Therefore, royal jelly presents a promising agent for the development of supplementary anticancer therapy

<i>Laetiporus sulphureus</i> Mushroom Enhances Cytotoxic Effect of <i>Bifidobacterium animalis</i> spp. <i>lactis</i> on HCT-116 Cells in a Co-Culture System

The study aimed to test the effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis (BAL) on the HCT-116 cell line viability and to compare its effect with co-treatment BAL/Laetiporus sulphureus (EALS). The trypan blue staining method was used to estimate HCT-116 viability. The levels of NO2− were determined using 0.1% N-(1-naphthyl) ethylenediamine, as well as 1% sulfanilic acid. The determination of H2O2 was based on the oxidation of phenol red. Our results showed the significant cytotoxicity of the BAL on the HCT-116 cells in a co-culture system, while the BAL/EALS co-treatment further enhanced the cytotoxicity on the HCT-116 cells. We detected higher H2O2 and NO2− values in treatments with BAL, especially in the BAL/EALS co-treatment. The death of the HCT-116 cells may be due to elevated levels of H2O2 and NO2− and their products (peroxynitrites)

Effects of Laetiporus sulphureus on Viability of HeLa Cells in Co-Culture System with Saccharomyces boulardii

The aim of this study was to the evaluate impact of ethyl acetate extract of Laetiporus sulphureus on the viability of HeLa cells in 2D cell cultures and in a co-culture system with Saccharomyces boulardii. Also, the migratory potential of S. boulardii through agar in this co-culture system was investigated. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue staining after 12 and 24 h. Tested extract had no cytotoxicity on HeLa cells in the 2D cell cultures. Our results indicate a potential cytotoxic effect of S. boulardii on HeLa cells which could be a consequence of physical contact between yeast and cancer cells, after migration of S. boulardii through agar toward cancer cells, or metabolic activity of S. boulardii. Also, L. sulphureus extract induced strong migration of yeast in co-culture after 12 h, compared to control. Further studies should be conducted regarding this mushroom in a co-culture system with S. boulardii

Expression of β-Catenin Marker in Colorectal Cancer Cells after Treatment with Royal Jelly

The deregulation of a Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway is common in colorectal cancer, while β-catenin, its crucial component, is the target for the development of many anticancer therapies. Here, we showed that royal jelly, as a well-known beneficial natural product, can affect β-catenin at both the gene and protein level in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell line. Our results indicate the effectiveness of royal jelly in targeting crucial markers responsible for the development and progression of cancer. Therefore, royal jelly presents a promising agent for the development of supplementary anticancer therapy

Laetiporus sulphureus Affects Migration and Superoxide Anion Radical Levels in HeLa Cervical Cancer Cells

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common female malignancy worldwide. The treatment of cancer cells with metastatic potential is an important issue in cancer therapy. In this study, we investigate the edible and medicinal mushroom Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.) Murrill, which has known biological properties for human health. Two selected concentrations (10 and 50 &micro;g/mL) of L. sulphureus ethanolic extract were used to determine the levels of the superoxide anion radical (NBT test) and migratory potential (Wound healing test) on a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). The effects were measured after 24 and 72 h. The extract induced an acute pro-oxidative effect on HeLa cells, with a significant reduction in the migratory potential of these cells in both tested concentrations. A higher concentration (50 &micro;g/mL) had a slightly stronger antimigratory activity. Laetiporus sulphureus is a very important source of biologically active substances and should be reconsidered for the development of promising anticancer therapeutics

Antimigratory Activity of Royal Jelly on HCT-116 Colorectal Cancer Cells

Royal jelly (RJ) is a natural product, consumed as a functional food and in the form of a food supplement with multiple biological potentials. Apitherapy presents a complementary medical approach using bee products in the treatment of diseases, including cancer. Cancer metastasis implies the acquisition of migratory potential of cancer cells, and RJ already showed remarkable antimetastatic effects. We aimed to investigate the effects of RJ on the migration of colorectal cancer cells and key proteins involved in this process, E- and N-cadherin. Experiments were done 24 h after treatment with two selected concentrations. RJ suppressed the migratory potential of colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116, and enhanced the expression of anti-migratory protein, E-cadherin, while significantly inhibiting the promigratory marker, N-cadherin