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A Novel Strategy for Glioblastoma Treatment by Natural Bioactive Molecules Showed a Highly Effective Anti-Cancer
Alessandro Giammona1,2, Mauro Commisso2,3, Marcella Bonanomi1
1Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology (IBFM), National Research Council (CNR), Segrate, 20054 Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a severe form of brain tumor that has a high fatality rate. It grows aggressively and most of the time results in resistance to traditional treatments like chemo- and radiotherapy and surgery. Biodiversity, beyond representing a big resource for human well-being, provides several natural compounds that have shown great potential as anticancer drugs. Many of them are being extensively researched and significantly slow GBM progression by reducing the proliferation rate, migration, and inflammation and also by modulating oxidative stress. Here, the use of some natural compounds, such as Allium lusitanicum, Succisa pratensis, and Dianthus superbus, was explored to tackle GBM; they showed their impact on cell number reduction, which was partially given by cell cycle quiescence. Furthermore, a reduced cell migration ability was reported, accomplished by morphological cytoskeleton changes, which even highlighted a mesenchymal-epithelial transition. Furthermore, metabolic studies showed an induced cell oxidative stress modulation and a massive metabolic rearrangement. Therefore, a new therapeutic option was suggested to overcome the limitations of conventional treatments and thereby improve patient outcomes.
Insights
Natural compounds from biodiversity show promise in treating glioblastoma (GBM), a deadly brain cancer. These plant-derived compounds reduce GBM cell growth and migration, offering a potential new therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- * Oncology
- * Pharmacology
- * Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- * Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies.
- * Biodiversity offers a rich source of natural compounds with demonstrated anticancer potential.
- * Natural products can inhibit GBM progression by reducing proliferation, migration, inflammation, and modulating oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the therapeutic potential of natural compounds from *Allium lusitanicum*, *Succisa pratensis*, and *Dianthus superbus* against glioblastoma.
- * To explore the mechanisms by which these compounds affect GBM cell behavior and metabolism.
Main Methods:
- * In vitro studies using GBM cell lines.
- * Analysis of cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and cytoskeleton.
- * Metabolic profiling and oxidative stress assessment.
Main Results:
- * Tested natural compounds significantly reduced GBM cell numbers, partly via cell cycle arrest.
- * Reduced cell migration was observed, associated with cytoskeleton remodeling and mesenchymal-epithelial transition.
- * Metabolic studies revealed induced oxidative stress modulation and significant metabolic rearrangement.
Conclusions:
- * Natural compounds from *Allium lusitanicum*, *Succisa pratensis*, and *Dianthus superbus* exhibit anti-GBM activity.
- * These compounds offer a potential new therapeutic strategy to overcome limitations of current glioblastoma treatments.
- * Further research into these natural products could lead to improved patient outcomes for glioblastoma.
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