1H-NMR metabolomics reveals a multitarget action of Crithmum maritimum ethyl acetate extract in inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is nowadays the sixth cause of tumour-related deceases worldwide, estimated to become the third in Western countries by 2030. New drugs for HCC treatment still have many adverse effects. Several lines of evidence indicate that plant metabolites offer concrete opportunities for developing new therapeutic strategies for many diseases, including cancer. We previously reported that ethyl acetate extract of a spontaneous edible plant harvested in Apulia, Crithmum maritimum, significantly inhibited cell growth in HCC cells. By 1H-NMR spectroscopy, here we show that Crithmum maritimum ethyl acetate extract counteracts the Warburg effect, by reducing intracellular lactate, inhibits protein anabolism, by decreasing amino acid level, and affects membrane biosynthesis by lowering choline and phosphocholine. Also, we observed an effect on lipid homeostasis, with a reduction in triglycerides, cholesterol, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and diunsaturated fatty acids (DUFA), and an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Taken together, these data demonstrate that Crithmum maritimum-induced cytostasis is exerted through a multi-effect action, targeting key metabolic processes in HCC cells. Overall, our findings highlight the role of Crithmum maritimum as a promising tool for the prevention and the improvement of the therapeutic options for HCC and other types of tumours.

Rock Samphire, a Candidate Crop for Saline Agriculture: Cropping Practices, Chemical Composition and Health Effects

“…The main constituents of sea fennel identified in this study were epigallocatechin, vanillic acid and chlorogenic acid [109]. The extracts from sea fennel plants exhibited notable anticancer properties [110]. In particular, Gnocchi et al [111] reported that the ethyl acetate extracts from sea fennel plants collected on the Apulian coast, Italy at a concentration of 0.5 µM showed anticancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (Huh7 and HepG2) by causing cell necrosis and apoptosis on the one hand and by reducing cancel cell growth on the other hand.…”

The regular pattern of metabolite changes in mushroom Inonotus hispidus in different growth periods and exploration of their indicator compounds

“…It is worth noting that mass spectrometry can’t detect all the metabolites, not because the mass spectrometry is not sensitive enough, but because mass spectrometry can only detect ionized substances, but some metabolites can’t be ionized in the mass spectrometer. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is needed to make up for the lack of chromatography in the future, and further research is needed 36 – 38 . Through the metabonomic and natural product research combined, the content of ergosterol peroxide and (22E)-ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one showed a linear trend increase, which indicated the feasibility of their use as an indicator for fruiting body maturation, but whether this indicator can be applied for the commercial production of mushroom I. hispidus requires the verification of large-scale fruiting experiences.…”

DNA Damage Response Protein CHK2 Regulates Metabolism in Liver Cancer

“…At the time of collection, the cells were washed twice with ice cold PBS and lysed in ice-cold PBS by sonication. After removing the insoluble particles by centrifugation, the supernatants were immediately frozen at À80 C. Both cell lysates and culture media (500 mL samples) were added to 100 mL D 2 O buffer (0.1 M K 2 HPO 4 , 0.5 mmol/L DSS and 2 mmol/L sodium azide, pH 7.4) and transferred in 5-mm outer diameter NMR tubes (14,15,16). bacterial Fo F1-ATP synthase sandwiched by cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) variants.…”