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Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and is considered a major public health problem. Despite the significant advances in cancer research, the conventional cancer treatment approaches often lead to serious side effects that affect the quality of life of cancer patients. Thus, searching for new alternatives for cancer treatment is crucial to minimize these problems. Chalcone‐sulfonamide hybrids display a range of biological activities and have been widely investigated for their anticancer potential, being considered promising molecules for cancer treatment. This systematic review aimed to summarize the information available in the literature about the anticancer potential of chalcones‐sulfonamides in vitro and in vivo and their mechanisms of action. Our analysis demonstrated that chalcones‐sulfonamides have relevant cytotoxic potential against different cancer cell lines in vitro, especially against the human colorectal carcinoma cell line HCT‐116. These molecules have also reduced tumor growth in vivo. Some chalcones‐sulfonamides had improved cytotoxicity after chemical modification and could become more selective or even more potent than reference chemotherapeutics. The mechanisms underlying these effects demonstrated that chalcones‐sulfonamides may lead to cell death by different pathways, predominantly via apoptosis or necroptosis. This review may encourage researchers to advance studies with chalcones‐sulfonamides, especially to elucidate their mechanisms of action, contributing to the development of new alternatives to cancer treatment. Summary: Several studies have demonstrated that chalcones‐sulfonamides have promising anticancer potential, with different suggestions of mechanisms of action. However, no study has combined and analyzed these results. This systematic review discussed the anticancer potential of chalcones‐sulfonamides and their main mechanisms of action based on the results of different scientific publications. Adding functional groups to the chemical structure of chalcones‐sulfonamides can improve their cytotoxicity and selectivity. These molecules can exert their anticancer effects through several mechanisms, especially through ROS generation, triggering cell death pathways like apoptosis or necroptosis. This review may encourage researchers to perform detailed investigations about the mechanisms of these molecules to finally understand their pathways and contribute to the development of new drugs for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wounds represent a growing global issue demanding increased attention. To expedite wound healing, technologies are under development, and light emitting diode (LED) devices of varying wavelengths are being explored for their stimulating influence on the healing process. This article presents a systematic literature review aiming to compile, organize, and analyze the impacts of LED devices on wound healing. This review is registered on the PROSPERO platform [CRD42023403870]. Two blinded authors conducted searches in the Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases. In vitro and in vivo experimental studies assessing LED utilization in the wound healing process were included. The search yielded 1010 studies, of which 27 were included in the review. It was identified that LED stimulates different healing pathways, promoting enhanced cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis stimulation, increased collagen deposition, and modulation of the inflammatory response. Thus, it can be concluded that the LED stimulates cellular and molecular processes contingent on the utilized parameters. The effects depend on the standards used. Cell migration and proliferation were better influenced by green and red LED. The extracellular matrix components and angiogenesis were regulated by all wavelengths and the modulation of inflammation was mediated by green, red, and infrared LEDs. Significance statement: Several authors have studied the different mechanisms of action that justify the effect of light emitting diode (LED) on healing. However, no analysis was carried out combining these results. This systematic review analyzed and discussed the effects of LED based on the results of different studies, with an analysis of the action of wavelengths. LED acts in all phases of wound healing through different mechanisms. Cell migration, cell proliferation, and inflammation appear to be most influenced by green and red wavelengths. The extracellular matrix and angiogenesis can be influenced by all wavelengths. The results of this study may encourage the construction of new devices with wavelengths and enhance healing effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree-exuded gums are natural polymers that represent an abundant raw material in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The cashew gum can be obtained by exudation of trees of the genus Anacardium, a native species of the Brazilian northeast; its polymer consists of monosaccharide units propitious to the action of chemical reactions that tend to improve their intrinsic characteristics among them, as the degree of hydro-solubility. The objective of this work was to modify the exudate gum of Anacardium occidentale (cashew gum (CG)) through an amine reaction. The modification was confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), zeta potential, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). In addition, the chemical modification altered the molar mass and surface charge of the CG, and the amino group binding to the CG polymers was confirmed by FTIR spectra. In addition, cytotoxicity tests were performed where cell viability was estimated by an MTT assay on RAW 264.7 macrophages. Through these tests, it was found that the amine caused an increase in the thermal stability of the amino compounds and did not present cytotoxic potential at concentrations below 50.0 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The extracts presented similar phytochemical composition. • The Mimosa extracts presented antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. • First reports about the biological potential of Mimosa pteridifolia Benth. • The extracts did not show toxicity in cancer and normal cells. Plant extracts and components are commonly used in popular medicine to relieve the symptoms of several diseases. They can also be used scientifically for drug testing due to their wide biological potential, acting as antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer agents, for example. Some plants belonging to the Fabaceae family, Mimosa genus, which are popularly known as Jurema, have been used for a long time by indigenous people and are still widely used in popular medicine. The presence of different secondary metabolites, such as phenolic compounds, like flavonoids and tannins, for example, attribute to these plants several biological applications, such as antibacterial and antifungal properties, supporting their use in traditional medicine. In this study, ethanolic extracts were produced using the barks of three plants of the Mimosa genus. Phytochemical assays were performed to analyze the composition of the extracts and their antimicrobial, cytotoxic, hemolytic, and antioxidant activities were evaluated. To the best of our knowledge, the present study may be the pioneer in the investigation of the biological activities of Mimosa pteridifolia. Besides, all the extracts showed considerable biological activity, mainly because of their phytochemical composition, which consists of tannins and flavonoids. Further studies should be carried out to identify the active principle and investigate the mechanisms of action responsible for these biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to assess physicochemical and biological properties and the functionality of the green coconut coir dust (GCCD) as bedding for laboratory animals. GCCD has excellent water retention capacity (5.39 ± 0.27 g water.g-1 sample), low density (186.52 ± 11.19 g.L-1), low contents of proteins (5.59 ± 0.27%), lipids (0.97 ± 0.04%), ash (6.20 ± 2.17%), starch (16.73 ± 0.11%), total sugars (non-detected) and soluble protein and carbohydrates (0.14 ± 0.01 and 0.50 ± 0.014 mg.mL-1, respectively) and traces of tannins (<8.35 mg.mL-1). Conversely, the GCCD contains high levels of dietary fiber (70.51 ± 3.17%). GCCD has a great variety of particles size (0.5-1.0 mm = 39.96 ± 3.88%; 0.42-0.5 mm = 10.65 ± 0.97%; 0.25-0.42 mm = 29.20 ± 2.92% and <0.25 mm = 21.85 ± 2.18%). Among the nine assessed biological activities, the total extract of GCCD showed only hemolytic activity against mice erythrocytes that was much lower than of the pine shavings. GCCD was still able to retain water (2.48 ± 0.11 g water.g-1 sample) and be resistant to autoclaving after being processed into pellets. Thus, the GCCD is viable as a bedding material, especially in tropical regions where this biomass is abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractHydroxyurea (HU) exerts unique and diverse biological effects as an anti-leukemic agent, irradiation sensitizer, and HbS inducer in patients with sickle cell anemia. Herein, we assessed the potential toxicogenic and/or oxidant effects of hydroxyurea associated with ascorbic acid by in vivo examinations in Allium cepa and human cancer cells and systemically on mice tissues. Growing A. cepa roots and HCT-116 colorectal tumor cells were examined after HU and HU plus ascorbic acid exposure. DNA damage and antioxidant enzymatic activity were quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), bone marrow leukocytes and livers of mice after 7 day-HU treatment (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg/day) and Vitamin C 2 μM. Hydroxyurea presented toxic effects on meristematic Allium cepa cells, causing chromosomal abnormalities and reduction of mitotic index, killed HCT-116 colorectal carcinoma cells and induced DNA injuries upon mice cells (hepatocytes, bone marrow leukocytes and PBMC). Simultaneously, hydroxyurea decreased levels of CAT and GSH activities and expand lipid peroxidation. All these biochemical and physiological changes were ameliorated when associated with ascorbic acid, indicating it restored antioxidant enzymes, decreased MDA levels, removed peroxides and, consequently, presented cytoprotection against HU-provoked cellular damage in normal cells. On the other hand, antioxidants compounds may interfere on effectiveness of HU during anticancer chemotherapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical investigation of the brown alga Dictyota menstrualis provided three previously unreported prenylated guaiane diterpenes derivatives named as dictyols K, M and N (1 - 3), along with five structurally known diterpenoids (4 - 8). The structures of the new compounds, including their relative stereochemistry, were established by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) data analysis. In addition, their structures were improved by quantum mechanical calculations. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cytotoxic assays were performed with the isolated compounds, however, only the anti-inflammatory activity was particularly prominent. The cell viability effects of 1 - 8 on murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) showed IC 50 values ranging from 1.12 to 2.53 μM, and the inhibitory activity against the nitric oxide production over the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell was observed for all compounds with IC 50 values ranging to 0.12 - 0.23 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-8-substituted-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3(5H)-ones (3a–g) have been synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activities against four human cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-435 (breast), HL-60 (leukemia), HCT-8 (colon) and SF-295 (central nervous system). The results showed that the compounds 3b (2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-8-methyl-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3(5H)-one) and 3c (2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-8-bromo-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3(5H)-one) exhibited good cytotoxicity for three cell lines with IC50 values lower than 5μg/mL. Analysis of theoretical toxicity risks have shown medium tumorigenic and irritant risks related to 3b and 3c in contrast to doxorubicin, the positive control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Cordiaquinone E showed antileishmanial activity in vitro to L. amazonensis ; • Cordiaquinone E exhibited selectivity indexes (SI) greater than reference drugs; • Cordiaquinone E induced apoptosis in promastigotes forms; • Cordiaquinone E reduced the infection index of macrophages by L. amazonensis ; • Cordiaquinone E increased TNF-α, IL-12, NO and ROS production and reduced IL-10 levels in macrophages infected. Leishmaniasis is caused by several protozoan species of Leishmania , and being endemically present in 98 countries around the world, it is also a severe public-health problem. The available antileishmanial drugs are toxic and yet present risks of recurrent infection. Efforts to find new, effective, and safe oral agents for the treatment of leishmaniasis are continuing throughout the world. This work aimed to evaluate the antileishmania activity of cordiaquinone E (CORe), isolated from the roots of Cordia polycephala (Lam.) I. M. Johnston. Cytotoxicity, and possible mechanisms of action against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis were examined. CORe was effective in inhibiting promastigote (IC 50 4.5 ± 0.3 µM) and axenic amastigote (IC 50 2.89 ± 0.11 µM) growth in concentrations found non-toxic for the host cell (CC 50 246.81 ± 14.5 µM). Our results revealed that CORe presents direct activity against the parasite, inducing cell death by apoptosis. CORe present greater activity against intracellular amastigotes (EC 50 1.92 ± 0.2 µM), yet with much higher selectivity indexes than the reference drugs, being respectively more benign towards RAW 264.7 macrophages than meglumine antimoniate and amphotericin B, (respectively by 4.68 and 42.84 fold). The antiamastigote activity was associated with increased TNF-α, IL-12, NO, and ROS levels, as well as decreased IL-10 levels. These results encourage the progression of studies on this compound for the development of new leishmanicidal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new 3-hydroxy- N -methyl-2-oxindole (1 and 2) and 4-hydroxy-pyran-2-one (3) derivatives, along with the known 3-hydroxy- N -methyl-2-oxindole (4) and 6-methoxy- N -methylisatin (5) were isolated from a marine Salinispora arenicola strain from sediments of the St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago, Brazil. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESIMS) data, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for 2 and 3. Compounds 1 to 5 were assayed for their antimicrobial properties, but only 4 and 5 were active against Enterococcus faecalis with MIC value of 15.6 μg/mL. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]