Search Results (82)

Cancer-induced cardiac dysfunction has become a major clinical challenge as advances in cancer therapies continue to extend patient survival. Once regarded as a secondary concern, cardiotoxicity is now recognized as a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality among cancer patients and survivors. Its pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving systemic inflammation (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), oxidative stress driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS), neurohormonal imbalances (e.g., angiotensin II, endothelin-1), and metabolic disturbances. These mechanisms collectively promote cardiomyocyte apoptosis, atrophy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired cardiac output. Cardiac complications may arise directly from cancer itself or as adverse effects of oncologic therapies such as anthracyclines, trastuzumab, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. These agents have been linked to heart failure (HF), systolic dysfunction, and cardiac atrophy, often progressing insidiously and underscoring the importance of early detection and careful monitoring. Current preventive and therapeutic strategies include pharmacological interventions such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, statins, dexrazoxane, and endothelin receptor antagonists like atrasentan. Emerging compounds, particularly Withaferin A (WFA), have shown potential through their anti-inflammatory and cardiac protective properties. In addition, antioxidants and lifestyle modifications may provide supplementary cardioprotective benefits, while interventional cardiology procedures are increasingly considered in selected patients. Despite encouraging progress, standardized treatment protocols and robust long-term outcome data remain limited. Given the heterogeneity of cancer types and cardiovascular responses, a personalized and multidisciplinary approach is essential. Continued research and close collaboration between oncologists, cardiologists, and basic scientists will be the key to advancing care, reducing treatment-related morbidity, and ensuring that improvements in cancer survival are matched by preservation of cardiovascular health. Full article

Inhibitors of the tyrosine kinase Zap70 are actively searched to improve treatments of lymphoid malignancies and autoimmune diseases associated with an abnormal T-cell response. The natural product withaferin A (WFA) has been characterized as a covalent inhibitor of Zap70 capable of blocking the migration of human T-cells. By analogy, we postulated that other withanolides equipped with a thiol-reactive, α,β-unsaturated ketone may form covalent complexes with Zap70. The hypothesis was tested using a molecular modeling approach with a panel of 12 withanolides docked onto the kinase domain of Zap70. Seven natural products revealed a capability to form stable complexes with Zap70 comparable to that of WFA, including withangulatin A, 4β-hydroxywithanolide E, withaperuvin, and ixocarpalactone A. Withangulatin A surpassed all the other withanolides for its ability to engage an interaction with Zap70 kinase and to form covalent complexes via bonding to the Cys346 residue close to the enzyme active site. The physicochemical and ADMET properties of withangulatin A were analyzed via Density Functional Theory calculations and an analysis of its Fukui function descriptors. The C3 position of the enone moiety was identified as the most reactive (nucleophilic) site of the molecule. Withangulatin A revealed a satisfactory ADMET profile with no major toxicity anticipated. It represents a potential hit to guide the design of Zap70 inhibitors. Full article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as double-edged swords in cancer biology—facilitating tumor growth, survival, and metastasis at moderate levels while inducing oxidative damage and cell death when exceeding cellular buffering capacity. To survive under chronic oxidative stress, cancer cells rely on robust antioxidant systems such as the glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (Trx), and superoxide dismutases (SODs). These systems maintain redox homeostasis and sustain ROS-sensitive signaling pathways including MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, STAT3, and HIF-1α. Targeting the antioxidant defense mechanisms of cancer cells has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Inhibiting the glutathione system induces ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, with compounds like withaferin A and altretamine showing strong preclinical activity. Disruption of the Trx system by agents such as PX-12 and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) impairs redox-sensitive survival signaling. Trx reductase inhibition by auranofin or mitomycin C further destabilizes redox balance, promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. SOD1 inhibitors, including ATN-224 and disulfiram, selectively enhance oxidative stress in tumor cells and are currently being tested in clinical trials. Mounting preclinical and clinical evidence supports redox modulation as a cancer-selective vulnerability. Pharmacologically tipping the redox balance beyond the threshold of cellular tolerance offers a rational and potentially powerful approach to eliminate malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue, highlighting novel strategies for targeted cancer therapy at the interface of redox biology and oncology. Full article

Ferroptosis, a regulated form of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation-induced cell death, has emerged as a compelling therapeutic strategy to overcome treatment resistance in head and neck cancer (HNC). Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a selenoenzyme responsible for detoxifying phospholipid hydroperoxides, plays a central role in blocking ferroptosis and is frequently upregulated in therapy-resistant HNC subtypes. In this review, we examine the multifaceted regulation of GPX4 expression and function, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, epigenetic, and proteostatic mechanisms. We explore how GPX4 suppression through pharmacologic inhibitors (e.g., RSL3, withaferin A, statins), metabolic stress, or combined therapies (e.g., radiotherapy, EGFR inhibitors, immunotherapy) induces ferroptosis and resensitizes resistant tumors. We also summarize emerging biomarkers, including GPX4, ACSL4, SLC7A11, and NCOA4, that predict ferroptosis sensitivity and may guide patient selection for ferroptosis-targeted therapies. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal significant intratumoral heterogeneity in ferroptosis susceptibility, underscoring the need for precision approaches. Despite promising preclinical data, challenges such as drug delivery, toxicity, and resistance mechanisms remain. Nevertheless, the ferroptosis-GPX4 axis represents a unique vulnerability in HNC that can be therapeutically exploited. Integrating ferroptosis modulation into personalized oncology may transform outcomes for patients with refractory disease. Full article

Prostate cancer (PCa) therapy faces challenges due to tumor heterogeneity, plasticity, and progression. Metabolic reprogramming, a dynamic process, has emerged as a key focus in PCa treatment. However, conventional therapies targeting cancer-specific metabolic pathways or employing chemosensitizers are often limited by compensatory mechanisms and metabolic complexity. This review highlights the roles of transcription factors, including AR, p53, c-Myc, HIF-1, Nrf2, and PPARγ, in regulating PCa metabolism by influencing signaling pathways, enzymes, and gene expression. Multi-target compounds, particularly natural products, show potential for disrupting multiple metabolic enzymes, opening up new research possibilities. Notable examples include β-elemene, juglone, tannic acid, and withaferin A, which target critical metabolic processes through enzyme inhibition, transcription factor modulation, epigenetic changes, and protein interaction disruption. Naturally derived metabolites can elicit transversal responses in diverse metabolic pathways, particularly in p53 and MYC transcription factors. Additionally, compounds such as pentacyclic terpenoids (ursolic acid with ursane skeleton), sulforaphane, and isothiocyanate-related moieties may induce metabolic and epigenetic changes through S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) and acetyl-CoA modulation, potentially affecting new areas of research through metabolic processes. We propose a cooperative crosstalk between metabolic reprogramming and transcription factors/epigenetic modulation in PCa. This approach holds potential for expanding PCa therapeutics and opening new avenues for research. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is considered one of the main pathologies of our time, whose incidence and prevalence are suggested to be strongly underestimated. AD presents as a complex neurodegenerative condition characterized by marked neuroinflammation and a significant decline in the cognitive and mnemonic functions of affected patients. Recognized AD pathological hallmarks include amyloid beta plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, synaptic dysfunction with considerable apoptosis of cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons, and high levels of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The available pharmacological treatments are represented by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to treat the mild to moderate form of the disease and N-methyl-D-aspartate inhibitors alone or in combination with the previously cited ones in the late stage of the neurodegenerative condition. Furthermore, emerging drug therapies such as monoclonal antibodies are promising agents in AD management. Although scientific evidence highlights these chemicals as effective in slowing down disease progression, significant limitations behind their employment derive from the notable dose-dependent side effects and the single-target mechanism of action. In this context, two well-studied phytotherapeutics, W. somnifera (W. somnifera) and fungi belonging to the genus Cordyceps, have gained attention for their chemical composition regarding their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Ashwagandha (obtained principally from the roots of W. somnifera) is an adaptogen that relieves stress and anxiety. It contains several ergostane-type steroidal lactones—such as withanolides and withaferin A—and various alkaloids, contributing to its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Likewise, cordycepin is the main bioactive principle found in Cordyceps fungi. This natural nucleoside has been reported to possess therapeutic potential as an anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory agent, with some studies suggesting a beneficial role in AD treatment. The purpose of the present review is to investigate the pharmacological properties of W. somnifera and Cordyceps species in the context of AD treatment and explore the therapeutic potential of the constitutive bioactive molecules in preclinical models mimicking this neurodegenerative condition. Full article

Withanolides are a class of naturally occurring C-28 ergostane steroidal lactones with an abundance of biological activities, and their members are promising candidates for antineoplastic drug development. The ADMET properties of withanolides are still largely unknown, and in silico predictions can play a crucial role highlighting these characteristics for drug development, shortening time and resources spent on the development of a drug lead. In this work, ADMET properties of promising antitumoral withanolides were assessed. Each chemical structure was submitted to the prediction tools: SwissADME, pkCSM–pharmacokinetics, admetSAR v2.0, and Molinspiration Cheminformatics. The results indicate a good gastrointestinal absorption rate, inability to cross the blood–brain barrier, CYP3A4 metabolization, without inhibition of other P450 cytochromes, high interaction with nuclear receptors, and a low toxicity. It was also predicted for the inhibition of pharmacokinetics transporters and some ecotoxicity. This demonstrates a viability for oral drug development, with low probabilities of side effects. Full article

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common dementia, characterized by significant cognitive impairments and neural network dysfunction. Currently, multiple therapeutic strategies are being developed to design effective anti-AD drugs. Among them, Withaferin A (WA), a natural steroidal lactone extracted from Withania somnifera leaves, has been shown to reduce amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide levels in vitro. However, its potential to improve cognitive function in AD remains unclear. Methods: In this study, 5xFAD mice were administered WA (2 mg/kg intraperitoneally every 2 days) for 14 days, and its neuroprotective effects were evaluated through behavioral tests, wide-field imaging, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Results: WA significantly improved short-term memory, as evidenced by enhanced performance in the Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) (p < 0.001, n = 10), Novel Location Recognition Test (NLRT) (p < 0.01, n = 14), and Three-Chamber Social Test (TCST) (p < 0.001, n = 8). WA also ameliorated long-term memory deficits in the Morris Water Maze Test (MWMT) (p < 0.05, n = 7). Furthermore, cortical wide-field Ca²⁺ imaging revealed that WA treatment rescued slow-wave impairments by enhancing long-range coherence (0.8363 ± 0.0185, p < 0.01, n = 8) and reducing the frequency of slow-wave activity (0.6578 ± 0.0512 Hz, p < 0.01, n = 8). Additionally, WA treatment significantly reduced Aβ plaque deposition in both cortical and hippocampal regions. Conclusions: These findings suggest that WA may be a promising therapeutic agent for AD, exerting neuroprotective effects. Full article

Breast cancer remains a leading global cause of cancer-related mortality among women, requiring the development of safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. Herbal medicines have gained increasing attention as complementary approaches due to their multi-targeted actions, more limited toxicities, and the potential ability to overcome resistance associated with conventional treatments. This review highlights the antitumor properties and underlying mechanisms of several well-studied herbal compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, withaferin A, thymoquinone, baicalin, berberine, Oldenlandia diffusa, and Salvia miltiorrhiza. These phytochemicals exert antitumor effects by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation and metastasis, modulating immune responses, and sensitizing tumor cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, many of these agents regulate key signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT, p53, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, and the tumor microenvironment. Despite promising preclinical and early clinical evidence, challenges remain regarding the bioavailability, standardization, and large-scale clinical validation of these phytochemicals. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of herbal medicines in breast cancer treatment and advocates for further research to facilitate their integration into evidence-based oncology practice. Full article

The development of advanced high-capacity nanoparticle-based drug loading, precise targeting, low toxicity, and excellent biocompatibility is critical for improving cancer therapeutics. Withaferin A, a natural steroidal lactone derived from Physalis minima, exhibits potential biological activity and holds promise as a therapeutic agent. In this study, a novel nanoconjugate (NC) was developed using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Withaferin A drug, and folic acid for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment. The AuNPs–PVP–Withaferin A–FA nanoconjugate was synthesized through a layer-by-layer assembly process and was confirmed using UV–visible and FTIR spectroscopy. The hydrodynamic radius, surface charge, and morphology of the NC were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, and electron microscopy, respectively. The nanoformulation demonstrated a pH-responsive drug release, with 92% of Withaferin A released at pH 5, mimicking the tumor microenvironment. In vitro cytotoxicity studies conducted on MCF-7 cells using MTT assays, dual dye staining, and protein expression analysis revealed that the nanoconjugate effectively induced apoptosis in cancer cells. These outcomes emphasize the prospect AuNPs–PVP–Withaferin A–FA nanoconjugate as a targeted and efficient Withaferin A delivery system for cancer therapy, leveraging the inherent anticancer properties of Withaferin A. Full article

Cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by severe muscle wasting and is a debilitating condition frequently associated with cancer. Previous studies from our group revealed that withaferin A (WFA), a steroidal lactone, mitigated muscle cachexia induced by ovarian tumors in NSG mice. However, it remains unclear whether WFA’s protective effects are direct or secondary to its antitumor properties. We developed a cachectic model through continuous angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion in C57BL/6 mice to address this issue. Ang II infusion resulted in profound muscle atrophy, evidenced by significant reductions in grip strength and in the TA, GA, and GF muscle mass. Molecular analyses indicated elevated expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, MIP-2, IL-18, IL-1β), NLRP3 inflammasome, and genes associated with the UPS (MuRF1, MAFBx) and autophagy pathways (Bacl1, LC3B), along with suppression of anti-inflammatory heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and myogenic regulators (Pax7, Myod1). Strikingly, WFA treatment reversed these pathological changes, restoring muscle mass, strength, and molecular markers to near-normal levels. These findings demonstrate that WFA exerts direct anti-cachectic effects by targeting key inflammatory and atrophic pathways in skeletal muscle, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for cachexia management. Full article

Breast cancer (BC) is a widespread malignancy that affects the lives of millions of women each year, and its resulting financial and healthcare hardships cannot be overstated. These issues, in combination with side effects and obstacles associated with the current standard of care, generate considerable interest in new potential targets for treatment as well as means for BC prevention. One potential preventive compound is Withaferin A (WFA), a traditional medicinal compound found in winter cherries. WFA has shown promise as an anticancer agent and is thought to act primarily through its effects on the epigenome, including, in particular, the methylome. However, the relative importance of specific genes’ methylation states to WFA function remains unclear. To address this, we utilized human BC cell lines in combination with CRISPR-dCas9 fused to DNA methylation modifiers (i.e., epigenetic editors) to elucidate the importance of specific genes’ promoter methylation states to WFA function and cancer cell viability. We found that targeted demethylation of promoters of the tumor suppressors p21 and p53 within MDA-MB-231/MCF7 cells resulted in around 1.7×/1.5× and 1.2×/1.3× increases in expression, respectively. Targeted methylation of the promoter of the oncogene CCND1 within MDA-MB-231/MCF7 cells resulted in 0.5×/0.8× decreases in gene expression. These changes to p21, p53, and CCND1 were also associated with decreases in cell viability of around 25%/50%, 5%/35%, and 12%/16%, respectively, for MDA-MB-231/MCF7 cells. When given in combination with WFA in both p53 mutant and wild type cells, we discovered that targeted methylation of the p21 promoter was able to modulate the anticancer effects of WFA, while targeted methylation or demethylation of the promoters of p53 and CCND1 had no significant effect on viability decreases from WFA treatment. Taken together, these results indicate that p21, p53, and CCND1 may be important targets for future in vivo studies that may lead to epigenetic editing therapies and that WFA may have utility in the prevention of BC through its effect on p21 promoter methylation independent of p53 function. Full article

The molecular link between stress and carcinogenesis and the positive outcomes of stress intervention in cancer therapy have recently been well documented. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) facilitate cancer malignancy, drug resistance, and relapse and, hence, have emerged as a new therapeutic target. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of three previously described antistress compounds (triethylene glycol, TEG; Withanone, Wi-N, and Withaferin A, Wi-A) on the stemness and differentiation characteristics of cancer cells. Breast carcinoma, glioblastoma, and neuroblastoma cells were treated with a non-toxic concentration of TEG (0.1%), Wi-N (5 µM), and Wi-A (0.1 µM) in 2D and 3D cultures. The results demonstrated that TEG, Wi-N, and Wi-A suppressed the stemness properties, which was linked with their inhibition of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling. In particular, Wi-N and TEG caused a stronger reduction in the self-renewal capability of CSCs than Wi-A, as evidenced by a tumor spheroid formation assay and analyses of stemness-related genes (ALDH1, CD44, NANOG, CD133, SOX2). Furthermore, TEG and Wi-N caused the differentiation of cancer cells. Each of these was supported by (i) the upregulation of KRT18, KRT19, E-cadherin, and downregulation of vimentin in breast carcinoma; (ii) increased levels of GFAP, MAP2, and PSD-95 in astrocytoma; and (iii) increased NeuN, GAP-43, and NF200 levels in neuroblastoma. Furthermore, a reduction in cancer progression-related proteins (PI3K, N-myc) was recorded in treated cells. Our results suggest that TEG and Wi-N may be recruited to target cancer cell stemness and differentiation therapy. Full article

We investigated the effect of purified withanolides and extracts derived from Ashwagandha on steatosis, the abnormal accumulation of fat that can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Collaborator of ARF (CARF, also known as CDKN2AIP, a protein that regulates hepatic lipid metabolism, fat buildup, and liver damage) was used as an indicator. Six withanolides (Withaferin A, Withanone, Withanolide B, Withanoside IV, Withanoside V, and Withanostraminolide-12 deoxy) reversed the decrease in CARF caused by exposure to free fatty acids (FFAs) in liver-derived cells (HepG2 hepatocytes). After analyzing the effects of these withanolides on CARF mRNA and protein levels, FFA accumulation, protein aggregation, and oxidative and DNA damage stresses, we selected Withaferin A and Withanone for molecular analyses. Using the palmitic-acid-induced fatty acid accumulation stress model in Huh7 cells, we found a significant reduction in the activity of the key regulators of lipogenesis pathways, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARγ and PPARα). This in vitro study suggests that low, non-toxic doses of Withaferin A, Withanone, or Ashwagandha extracts containing these withanolides possess anti-steatosis and antioxidative-stress properties. Further in vivo and clinical studies are required to investigate the therapeutic potential of these Ashwagandha-derived bioactive ingredients for NAFLD. Full article

Withania somnifera (common name: ashwagandha; WS) is an Ayurvedic botanical that has become popular for its reputed effects on stress and insomnia. Research into the bioactive compounds responsible for the biological effects of WS has largely focused on withanolides, a group of steroidal lactones commonly found in the Solanaceae family. Until recently, however, it was unclear which, if any, withanolides were present in the plasma after the ingestion of WS products. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the plasma pharmacokinetics of withanolides found in WS and the analytical methods developed to detect them in plasma. Twenty studies (sixteen animal, four human) were identified in which isolated withanolides or withanolide-containing products were administered to animals or humans and quantified in plasma. Withanolides were commonly analyzed using reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Plasma concentrations of withanolides varied significantly depending on the substance administered, withanolide dose, and route of administration. Plasma pharmacokinetics of withaferin A, withanolide A, withanolide B, withanoside IV, 12-deoxywithastramonolide, and withanone have been reported in rodents (C_max range: 5.6–8410 ng/mL), while withaferin A, withanolide A, 12-deoxywithastramonolide, and withanoside IV pharmacokinetic parameters have been described in humans (C_max range: 0.1–49.5 ng/mL). Full article