Animal Tissue Culture and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamilnadu, India.
Published: December 2013
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Previously we have reported that neferine from the medicinal plant Nelumbo nucifera, inhibited cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. The present study was focused on the action mechanism of neferine in inducing autophagy in lung cancer cells. Neferine markedly inhibited A549 cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner. Acidic vesicular accumulation was observed in neferine treated cells as an indication of autophagy. Neferine could induce the conversion of LC3B-I to LC3B-II without affecting the expression levels of PI3KCIII and Beclin1. It has been observed that neferine mediated autophagy is dependent on inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling by neferine. Neferine treatment could also lead to the ROS hypergeneration and depletion of cellular antioxidant, GSH. The results demonstrate that neferine-induced autophagy is mediated through ROS hypergeneration and mTOR inhibition. Taken together, the present study unveils a novel mechanism of action of neferine on lung cancer cells in the induction of autophagy.
Cellular aging causes declining cell functionality, gradually disrupting cellular homeostasis. Mitochondria are crucial in numerous metabolic processes, including the electron transport chain and fatty acid β-oxidation. Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely linked to aging-related liver dysfunction because it impairs fatty acid metabolism, potentially leading to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Dementia Science, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:
Hyperpigmentation disorders are linked to excess melanin production, and current treatments often fall short, prompting the investigation of Lotus sprout extract (LSE) as a potential solution.
This study explored how LSE and its active compounds, neferine and liensinine, affect melanin accumulation and found that they reduce pigmentation by enhancing autophagic degradation rather than inhibiting melanin production.
The research indicates that LSE and its components could serve as effective treatments for hyperpigmentation by promoting melanosome degradation through autophagy, paving the way for new skin-brightening therapies.
Endometrial cancer is a common but serious condition in women, and while neferine (Nef), a substance from lotus seeds, shows promise for treatment, its specific anti-cancer properties are not well understood.
The research involved testing how Nef affects cancer cells through various methods, like analyzing cell growth, apoptosis (cell death), and changes in protein expression.
Results indicated that Nef triggers apoptosis in endometrial cancer cells by disrupting the cell cycle and influencing critical signaling pathways related to calcium levels and cancer cell survival, suggesting it could be an effective treatment for this type of cancer.
The NF-κB pathway plays a pivotal role in impeding the diabetic wound healing process, contributing to prolonged inflammation, diminished angiogenesis, and reduced proliferation. In contrast to modern synthetic therapies, naturally occurring phytoconstituents are well-studied inhibitors of the NF-κB pathway that are now attracting increased attention in the context of diabetic wound healing because of lower toxicity, better safety and efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. This study explores recent research on phytoconstituent-based therapies and delve into their action mechanisms targeting the NF-κB pathway and potential for assisting effective healing of diabetic wounds.
