Juglone–ascorbic acid synergy inhibits metastasis and induces apoptotic cell death in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma by perturbing SOD and catalase activities

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) requires more innovative approaches as the current regimes for therapy are inadequate, also most anticancer drugs cause general suppression of physiological functions. However, therapy with limited nontarget tissue damage is desirable. In the present study, we show prooxidant ability of ascorbic acid, which enhances cytotoxicity induced by juglone. We decipher that juglone–ascorbate combination induces reactive oxygen species‐mediated apoptosis leading to cell death in ARO cell line originated from ATC. This combination also affects enzyme activity of catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase destabilizing redox balance in cell and thereby making juglone effective at a lower dose. We also show that juglone–ascorbate combination suppresses cell migration, invasion, and expression of tumor‐promoting, and angiogenic genes in ARO cell line, thereby disrupting epithelial–mesenchymal transition ability of the cells. Overall, we show that ascorbic acid increases cytotoxic potency of juglone through redox cycling when used in synergy.     

Adaptation of the Phytopathogenic Fungus Fusarium decemcellulare to Oxidative Stress

The adaptive response of the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium decemcellulare to the oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide and juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) was studied. At concentrations higher than 1 mM, H₂O₂ and juglone completely inhibited the growth of the fungus. The 60-min pretreatment of logarithmic-phase cells with nonlethal concentrations of H₂O₂ (0.25 mM) and juglone (0.1 mM) led to the development of a resistance to high concentrations of these oxidants. The stationary-phase cells were found to be more resistant to the oxidants than the logarithmic-phase cells. The adaptation of fungal cells to H₂O₂ and juglone was associated with an increase in the activity of cellular catalase and superoxide dismutase, the main enzymes involved in the defense against oxidative stress.     

Effects of juglone on growth of cucumber seedlings with respect to physiological and anatomical parameters

Effects of juglone on seedling growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Beith Alpha) with respect to physiological and anatomical parameters were investigated. Growth parameters (seedling elongation, fresh and dry weights) were reduced by 1 mM juglone. Juglone also decreased chlorophyll a and b contents and reduced some anatomical tissues (xylem vessel and bundle radius of stem, stomata length and stomata number of the cotyledons). The anatomical changes in stem and cotyledon of the seedlings were related to growth inhibiting effect of juglone. On the other hand, increase in catecholase and tyrosinase activities by the effect of juglone were also recorded.