Quercetin: A natural compound for ovarian cancer treatment

Ovarian cancer is the main cause of death among all reproductive cancers in females. In 2018, ovarian cancer was the seventh most common cancer of women entire the world. A wide variety of molecular and genetic alterations as well as different response to therapies in the different types of ovarian cancer lead to problems in design a common therapeutic strategy. Besides, ovarian cancer cells have tendency to acquire resistance to common cancer treatments through multiple mechanisms. Various factors, including cytokines, growth factors, proteases, adhesion molecules, coagulation factors, hormones and apoptotic agents have been examined to find effective cancer treatment. Phytochemicals have been indicated to have great potential anti-cancer properties against various types of cancers. Quercetin is one of the phytochemicals that exists extensively in daily foods. Wide evidences revealed that quercetin is able to inhibit various types of cancers including breast, lung, nasopharyngeal, kidney, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer. Several in vitro and in vivo studied conducted to evaluate cytotoxic effects of quercetin on ovarian cancer. Since quercetin does not harm healthy cells and it is cytotoxic to cancer cells via various mechanisms, researchers suggest that it could be an ideal agent for ovarian cancer treatment or an adjuvant agent in combination with other anti-cancer drugs. Thus, in this review, we focused on chemo-preventive and curative attitude of quercetin for ovarian cancer and summarize some of the most recent findings which regard the possible molecular mechanisms by which this natural compound inhibits this cancer. © 2019 The Author(s)

Resveratrol is a promising agent for colorectal cancer prevention and treatment: Focus on molecular mechanisms

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and one of the main causes of cancer death entire the world. Environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors including red meat consumption, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake and family history are the most important risk factors of CRC. Multiple pathways including inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis are involved in its incidence and progression. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound, has different pharmacologic functions including anti-inflammation, cancer prevention, lipid-lowering effect, and hypoglycemic effect. Many studies have proved that resveratrol might also represent a chemo preventive effect on CRC. Thus, the aim of the current review is to depict the role of resveratrol in treatment of CRC in a molecular manner. © 2019 The Author(s)

The Influences of Chromium Supplementation on Metabolic Status in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Heart Disease

This investigation was conducted to determine the effects of chromium supplementation on metabolic status in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in 64 diabetic patients with CHD between October 2017 and January 2018. Patients were randomly divided into two groups to obtain either 200 μg chromium (n = 32) or placebo (n = 32) for 12 weeks. Chromium supplementation significantly reduced body weight (� 0.9 ± 1.6 vs. + 0.1 ± 0.8 kg, P = 0.001), BMI (� 0.4 ± 0.7 vs. + 0.1 ± 0.3 kg/m2, P = 0.002), fasting glucose (β � 11.03 mg/dL; 95 CI, � 18.97, � 3.09; P = 0.007), insulin (β � 1.33 μIU/mL; 95 CI, � 1.90, � 0.76; P < 0.001), and insulin resistance (β � 0.44; 95 CI, � 0.62, � 0.25; P < 0.001) and significantly increased insulin sensitivity (β 0.007; 95 CI, 0.003, 0.01; P < 0.001) compared with the placebo. In addition, taking chromium led to a significant reduction in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β � 0.49 mg/L; 95 CI, � 0.91, � 0.06; P = 0.02) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (β � 0.22 μmol/L; 95 CI, � 0.35, � 0.10; P = 0.001); also, a significant rise in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (β 84.54 mmol/L; 95 CI, 31.05, 138.02; P = 0.002) was observed in comparison with placebo. Additionally, chromium administration significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (β � 5.01 mmHg; 95 CI, � 9.04, � 0.97; P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. Overall, the 12-week supplementation of chromium to diabetic patients with CHD had beneficial impacts on weight, BMI, glycemic control, hs-CRP, TAC, MDA, and DBP. Trial Registration www.irct.ir: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170513033941N30. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature

Targeting regulatory T cells by curcumin: A potential for cancer immunotherapy

Immune system has critical roles in fighting against several diseases like cancer. Cancer cells evolve several ways to escape from the immune system to remain alive and trigger new phases of cancer progression. Regulatory T cells are one of the key components in tumor immune tolerance and contribute to the evasion of cancer cells from the immune system. Targeting regulatory T cells could provide new horizons in designing and development of effective therapeutic platforms for the treatment of various malignancies. Curcumin is the bioactive pigment of turmeric and a well-known phytochemical with a wide range of pharmacological activities. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that curcumin affects manifold molecular pathways that are implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis. In this regard, some studies have indicated that this phytochemical could target regulatory T cells and convert them into T helper 1 cells, which possess anti-tumor effects. On the contrary, curcumin is able to increase the number of regulatory T cells in other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Herein, we describe the anti-cancer roles of curcumin via targeting regulatory T cells. Moreover, we summarize the effects of curcumin on regulatory T cell population in other diseases. © 2019 Elsevier Lt

Effects of curcumin on body weight, glycemic control and serum lipids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of curcumin on body weight, glycemic control and serum lipids in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: The current randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 60 subjects with PCOS, aged 18�40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take 500 mg/day curcumin (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Glycemic control and serum lipids were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Using RT-PCR method, gene expression related to insulin and lipid metabolism was evaluated. Results: Curcumin significantly decreased weight (�0.8 ± 0.9 vs. �0.2 ± 0.8 kg, P = 0.03) and BMI (�0.3 ± 0.4 vs. �0.1 ± 0.3 kg/m2, P = 0.03). Curcumin, compared with the placebo, significantly reduced fasting glucose (β �2.63 mg/dL; 95 CI, �4.21, �1.05; P = 0.002), serum insulin (β �1.16 μIU/mL; 95 CI, �2.12, �0.19; P = 0.02), insulin resistance (β �0.26; 95 CI, �0.48, �0.03; P = 0.02), and significantly increased insulin sensitivity (β 0.006; 95 CI, 0.001, 0.01; P = 0.02). In addition, taking curcumin was associated with a significant reduction in total cholesterol (β �15.86 mg/dL; 95 CI, �24.48, �7.24; P = 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (β �16.09 mg/dL; 95 CI, �25.11, �7.06; P = 0.001) and total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (β �0.62; 95 CI, �0.93, �0.30; P < 0.001), and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol levels (β 2.14 mg/dL; 95 CI, 0.36, 3.92; P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. Additionally, curcumin administration up-regulated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P = 0.03) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (P < 0.001) compared with the placebo. Conclusions: Overall, curcumin administration for 12 weeks to women with PCOS had beneficial effects on body weight, glycemic control, serum lipids except triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol levels, and gene expression of PPAR-γ and LDLR. Registered under Clinical Trials.gov Identifier no. http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170513033941N50. © 2020 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolis

CFIm25 and alternative polyadenylation: Conflicting roles in cancer

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is now widely recognized to regulate gene expression. APA is an RNA-processing mechanism that generates distinct 3� termini on mRNAs, producing mRNA isoforms. Different factors influence the initiation and development of this process. CFIm25 (among others) is a cleavage and polyadenylation factor that plays a key role in the regulation of APA. Shortening of the 3�UTRs on mRNAs leads to enhanced cellular proliferation and tumorigenicity. One reason may be the up-regulation of growth promoting factors, such as Cyclin D1. Different studies have reported a dual role of CFIm25 in cancer (both oncogenic and tumor suppressor). microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in CFIm25 function as well as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). The present review focuses on the role of CFIm25 in cancer, cancer treatment, and possible involvement in other human diseases. We highlight the involvement of miRNAs and ceRNAs in the function of CFIm25 to affect gene expression. The lack of understanding of the mechanisms and regulation of CFIm25 and APA has underscored the need for further research regarding their role in cancer and other diseases. © 201

Melatonin is a potential inhibitor of ovarian cancer: Molecular aspects

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of morbidity related to gynecologic malignancies. Possible risk factors are including hereditary ovarian cancer, obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, aging, and smoking. Various molecular signaling pathways including inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and angiogenesis are involved in this progression of ovarian cancer. Standard treatments for recently diagnosed patients are Surgery and chemotherapy such as co-treatment with other drugs such that the exploitation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is expanding. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy-tryptamine), an endogenous agent secreted from the pineal gland, has anti-carcinogenic features, such as regulation of estradiol production, cell cycle modulation, stimulation of apoptosis as well as anti-angiogenetic properties, anti-inflammatory activities, significant antioxidant effects and modulation of various immune system cells and cytokines. Multiple studies have shown the significant beneficial roles of melatonin in various types of cancers including ovarian cancer. This paper aims to shed light on the roles of melatonin in ovarian cancer treatment from the standpoint of the molecular aspects. © 2019 The Author(s)

Molecular and Biological Functions of Quercetin as a Natural Solution for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a worldwide health problem with growing up rates of mortality and morbidity. Many risk factors, including high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia are responsible for CVD. CVD can be prevented by some simple and cost-effective steps such as smoking cessation, normalizing body weight, regular physical activity, and dietary changes, including decreasing saturated fats, increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits, and reducing sugar intake. In the last decades, growing up number of studies were performed to explain the possible function of non-nutrient substances from the diet which might prevent CVD. One of these natural compounds is quercetin which is widely present in vegetables, tea, fruits and wine. Many in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have indicated the cardioprotective functions of quercetin. They can be explained by quercetin’s reducing blood pressure, antioxidant potential and some other activities. This review evaluates the experimental and clinical studies that have studied the effect of quercetin in CVD and summarizes the molecular mechanisms of action as well as clinical effects of quercetin in CVD. © 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature

Could circRNA be a new biomarker for pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a devastating complication of pregnancy which is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria in pregnant women. Pre-eclampsia is important as it is the leading cause of death. Moreover, untreated pre-eclampsia might lead to other lethal complications, for both fetus and mother. Pre-eclampsia can also affect the quality of life in affected women. Despite a large number of risk factors for pre-eclampsia, these risk factors are able to detect just 30 of women who are susceptible to pre-eclampsia. Heterogeneous manifestations of pre-eclampsia necessitate the discovery of potential biomarkers required for its early detection. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of RNA which are more abundant, specific, and highly organized compared with other types of RNA. Accordingly, circRNAs have been suggested as one of the potential biomarkers for different diseases. Recently, researchers have shown interest in the effects of circRNAs in pre-eclampsia, although the current evidence is limited. The majority of obstetricians are probably not aware of circRNAs as a useful biomarker. Here, we aimed to summarize recent supporting evidence and assess the mechanisms by which circRNAs are involved in pre-eclampsia. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

The effects of nano-curcumin on metabolic status in patients with diabetes on hemodialysis, a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial

Introduction. This study evaluated the effects of nano-curcumin intake on metabolic status in patients with diabetes on hemodialysis (HD). Methods. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 60 patients with diabetes on HD. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to take either 80 mg/d nano-curcumin (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Results. Nano-curcumin significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (β =-19.68 mg/dL, 95 CI:-33.48 to-5.88; P <.05) and serum insulin levels (β =-1.70 µIU/mL, 95 CI:-2.96 to-0.44; P <.05) when compared with patients who received placebo. Nano-curcumin treatment was associated with a significant reduction in triglycerides (β =-16.13 mg/dL, 95 CI:-31.51 to-0.75; P <.05), VLDL-cholesterol (β =-3.22 mg/dL, 95 CI:-6.30 to-0.15; P <.05), total cholesterol (β =-17.83 mg/dL, 95 CI:-29.22 to-6.45; P <.05), LDL-cholesterol (β =-15.20 mg/dL, 95 CI:-25.53 to-4.87; P <.05), and total-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio (β =-1.15, 95 CI:-0.2.10 to-0.21; P <.05) when compared with the placebo. Nano-curcumin also resulted in a significant reduction of serum high sensitivity CRP (β =-0.78 mg/L, 95 CI:-1.41 to-0.15; P <.05), and plasma malondialdehyde (β =-0.25 µmol/L, 95 CI:-0.45 to-0.04; P <.05); but also with a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (β = 52.43 mmol/L; 95 CI: 4.52 to 100.35; P <.05) and total nitrite levels (β = 3.62 µmol/L, 95 CI: 2.17 to 5.08; P <.001) when compared with placebo. Conclusion. Nano-curcumin intake for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on metabolic profile in patients with diabetes on HD. © 2020, Iranian Society of Nephrology. All rights reserved