Selenium nanoparticles and quercetin suppress thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats: Attenuation of inflammation involvement

Carvacrol potentiates immunity and sorafenib anti-cancer efficacy by targeting HIF-1α/STAT3/ FGL1 pathway: in silico and in vivo study

Hypoxia and tumor cell immunological escape greatly hinder the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment efficiency. This study is designed to investigate the capability of carvacrol (CVR) to enhance sorafenib (SOR) anti-cancer efficacy and modulate anti-HCC immunity. CVR target and biological activities were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction website and PASS web server. UALCAN and LinkedOmics databases were used to examine hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) expression and the relationship between studied genes and tumor clinical features. Kaplan-Meier plotter (KM plotter) and TISIDB databases were used to illustrate correlation of HIF-1α with HCC prognosis and immune infiltration. The binding affinities of CVR to p300, KAT2B, CREBBP, and Hsp90 were demonstrated by molecular docking. In vivo analysis was performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The STAT3, JAK2, and fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) expressions were assessed by qRT-PCR. FGL1 was determined by ELISA. CD8+ T cell number was counted by flow cytometry. HIF-1α was determined by immunohistochemistry. CVR showed an HIF-1α inhibitory potential, which is highly expressed in HCC tissues. Also, elevated HIF-1α expression has been found to be correlated with clinicopathological characteristics, poor survival in HCC patients, and tumor immune cell infiltration. CVR/SOR enhanced liver functions and decreased AFP level. CVR/SOR hindered HCC progression by downregulating STAT3, JAK2, and FGL1. CVR/SOR induced tumor immunity via increasing CD8+ T cells. CVR/SOR is a powerful combination for tumor repression and enhancing SOR efficiency in HCC by modulating FGL1. Moreover, CVR/SOR might exert the aforementioned effects through HIF-1α/STAT3/FGL1 pathway.

Periodic Table of Immunomodulatory Elements and Derived Two-Dimensional Biomaterials

Periodic table of chemical elements serves as the foundation of material chemistry, impacting human health in many different ways. It contributes to the creation, growth, and manipulation of functional metallic, ceramic, metalloid, polymeric, and carbon-based materials on and near an atomic scale. Recent nanotechnology advancements have revolutionized the field of biomedical engineering to tackle longstanding clinical challenges. The use of nano-biomaterials has gained traction in medicine, specifically in the areas of nano-immunoengineering to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have been found to possess high bioactive surface area and compatibility with human and mammalian cells at controlled doses. Furthermore, these biomaterials have intrinsic immunomodulatory properties, which is crucial for their application in immuno-nanomedicine. While significant progress has been made in understanding their bioactivity and biocompatibility, the exact immunomodulatory responses and mechanisms of these materials are still being explored. Current work outlines an innovative "immunomodulatory periodic table of elements" beyond the periodic table of life, medicine, and microbial genomics and comprehensively reviews the role of each element in designing immunoengineered 2D biomaterials in a group-wise manner. It recapitulates the most recent advances in immunomodulatory nanomaterials, paving the way for the development of new mono, hybrid, composite, and hetero-structured biomaterials.

Physical/mechanical and antibacterial properties of composite resin modified with selenium nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

Accumulation of biofilm over composite resin restorations is one of the principal causes of recurrent caries. Therefore, this study aimed to develop antibacterial composite resins by crystalline selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), assessing the antibacterial, mechanical, and physical properties of the composite resin after SeNPs incorporation.

METHODS

SeNPs were synthesized via a green method. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nano-filled composite (Filtek™ Z350XT ) was considered as a control group (G0). Two concentrations of SeNPs (0.005 wt% and 0.01 wt%.) were added to the tested resin composite (G1& G2), respectively. The physical/mechanical and antibacterial properties of the composite specimens (n = 10/group) were characterized. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to analyze these data followed by Bonferroni post hoc test for pairwise comparison.

RESULTS

Modified composites with SeNPs showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. mutans. Mechanical properties including diametral tensile strength, compressive strength, or surface roughness were not affected by nano-incorporation compared to control. Furthermore, the degree of conversion showed no statistical difference. However, SeNPs incorporation into resin composite produces color change that can be visually perceived.

CONCLUSIONS

The green synthesized SeNPs significantly improved the antimicrobial properties of the dental composite without compromising mechanical performance. However, it shows color change after SeNPs incorporation.

Immune-inflammatory modulation by natural products derived from edible and medicinal herbs used in Chinese classical prescriptions

BACKGROUND

Edible and medicinal herbs1 (EMHs) refer to a class of substances with dual attribution of food and medicine. These substances are traditionally used as food and also listed in many international pharmacopoeias, including the European Pharmacopoeia, the United States Pharmacopoeia, and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Some classical formulas that are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine include a series of EMHs, which have been shown to be effective with obvious characteristics and advantages. Notably, these EMHs and Chinese classical prescriptions2 (CCPs) have also attracted attention in international herbal medicine research because of their low toxicity and high efficiency as well as the rich body of experience for their long-term clinical use.

PURPOSE

Our purpose is to explore the potential therapeutic effect of EMHs with immune-inflammatory modulation for the study of modern cancer drugs.

STUDY DESIGN

In the present study, we present a detailed account of some EMHs used in CCPs that have shown considerable research potential in studies exploring modern drugs with immune-inflammatory modulation.

METHODS

Approximately 500 publications in the past 30 years were collected from PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect using the keywords, such as natural products, edible and medicinal herbs, Chinese medicine, classical prescription, immune-inflammatory, tumor microenvironment and some related synonyms. The active ingredients instead of herbal extracts or botanical mixtures were focused on and the research conducted over the past decade were discussed emphatically and analyzed comprehensively.

RESULTS

More than ten natural products derived from EMHs used in CCPs are discussed and their immune-inflammatory modulation activities, including enhancing antitumor immunity, regulating inflammatory signaling pathways, lowering the proportion of immunosuppressive cells, inhibiting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, immunosuppressive factors, and inflammatory mediators, are summarized.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate the immune-inflammatory modulating role of those EMHs used in CCPs and provide new ideas for cancer treatment in clinical settings.

Molecular Mechanisms of the Therapeutic Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This review describes and summarizes, for the first time, the molecular mechanisms of the cytotoxic effect of selenium nanoparticles of various origins on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The text provides information from recent years indicating the regulation of various signaling pathways and endoplasmic reticulum stress by selenium nanoparticles; the pathways of cell death of liver cancer cells as a result of exposure to selenium nanoparticles are considered. Particular attention is paid to the participation of selenoproteins and selenium-containing thioredoxin reductases and glutathione peroxidases in these processes. Previously, there were no reviews that fully reflected the cytotoxic effects of selenium nanoparticles specifically in hepatocellular carcinoma, despite the fact that many reviews and experimental articles have been devoted to the causes of this disease and the molecular mechanisms of regulation of cytotoxic effects by other agents. The relevance of this review is primarily explained by the fact that despite the development of various drugs and approaches for the treatment and prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma, this disease is still the fourth leading cause of death in the world. For this reason, a complete understanding of the latest trends in the treatment of oncology of various etiologies, especially hepatocellular carcinoma, is extremely important.

Hepatoprotective impact of Nigella sativa silver nanocomposite against genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation induced by thioacetamide

Protection from liver damage and the repercussion of that harm is thought to be crucial for reducing the number of deaths each year. This work was developed to evaluate the possible role of silver nanocomposite prepared using Nigella sativa (N. sativa) aqueous extract against the hepatic damage brought on by thioacetamide (TAA), with particular attention to how they affect the NF-κβ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2 signaling pathways. There were seven groups of male Wistar rats used as follows: control, saline, N. sativa aqueous extract (NSAE; 200 mg/kg/d), N. sativa silver nanocomposite (NS-AgNC; 0.25 mg/kg/d), TAA (100 mg/kg; thrice weekly), NSAE + TTA, and NS-AgNC + TAA, respectively. The experiment continued for six weeks. The results showed that NS-AgNPs significantly enhanced liver functions (p<0.05) (albumin, ALP, LDH, AST, total protein, ALT, and globulin) and oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers (p<0.05) (H2O2, MDA, PCC, NO, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST and, GSH), contrasted with TAA group. Moreover, a significant (p<0.05) downregulation of the gene expressions (COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κβ) was also achieved by using silver nanocomposite therapy. These findings have been supported by histological analysis. Collectively, NS-AgNC exhibits more prominent and well-recognized protective impacts than NSAE in modulating the anti-inflammatory, genotoxicity and oxidative stress effects against TAA-induced liver injuries.

Regulation and mechanism of organic selenium on quorum sensing, biofilm, and antioxidant effects of Lactobacillus paracasei

Different organic compounds can have varying degrees of impact on the activity of Lactobacillus paracasei. The study focused on the impact and action mechanism of different organic selenium products on the bioactivity of two strains of L. paracasei. The growth, antioxidant activity, extracellular polysaccharide secretion, quorum sensing (QS), and biofilm formation of the strains before and after the addition of organic selenium crude products and three organic selenium standard were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of crude organic selenium promoted the various activities of the strain. l-selenocysteine had the strongest regulatory effect, with maximum GIM1.80 biofilm formation when it reached a critical concentration of 0.4 μg/mL; l-selenomethionine resulted in the highest activity of the signal molecule Auto inducer-2 of GDMCC1.155, when it reached a critical concentration of 0.4 μg/mL. The results of scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the addition of organic selenium effectively improved the morphological structure of the two bacterial cells. Molecular docking revealed that the mechanism by which organic selenium regulates QS in Lactobacillus was achieved by binding two crucial receptor proteins (histidine protein kinase HKP and periplasmic binding protein LuxP) from specific sites. Furthermore, organic selenium products have a beneficial regulatory effect on the biological activity of L. paracasei. Overall, these findings provide a new alternative (organic selenium) for regulating the viability and beneficial activity of L. paracasei.

Unveiling thioacetamide-induced toxicity: Multi-organ damage and omitted bone toxicity

Thioacetamide (TAA), a widely employed hepatotoxic substance, has gained significant traction in the induction of liver failure disease models. Upon administration of TAA to experimental animals, the production of potent oxidative derivatives ensues, culminating in the activation of oxidative stress and subsequent infliction of severe damage upon multiple organs via dissemination through the bloodstream. This review summarized the various organ damages and corresponding mechanistic explanations observed in previous studies using TAA in toxicological animal experiments. The principal pathological consequences arising from TAA exposure encompass oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid peroxidation, fibrosis, apoptosis induction, DNA damage, and osteoclast formation. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies on TAA bone toxicity have confirmed that long-term high-dose use of TAA not only induces liver damage in experimental animals but also accompanies bone damage, which was neglected for a long time. By using TAA to model diseases in experimental animals and controlling TAA dosage, duration of use, and animal exposure environment, we can induce various organ injury models. It should be noted that TAA-induced injuries have a time-dependent effect. Finally, in our daily lives, especially for researchers, we should take precautions to minimize TAA exposure and reduce the probability of related organ injuries.

Triple Cross-linked Dynamic Responsive Hydrogel Loaded with Selenium Nanoparticles for Modulating the Inflammatory Microenvironment via PI3K/Akt/NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways

Modulating the inflammatory microenvironment can inhibit the process of inflammatory diseases (IDs). A tri-cross-linked inflammatory microenvironment-responsive hydrogel with ideal mechanical properties achieves triggerable and sustained drug delivery and regulates the inflammatory microenvironment. Here, this study develops an inflammatory microenvironment-responsive hydrogel (OD-PP@SeNPs) composed of phenylboronic acid grafted polylysine (PP), oxidized dextran (OD), and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The introduction of SeNPs as initiators and nano-fillers into the hydrogel results in extra cross-linking of the polymer network through hydrogen bonding. Based on Schiff base bonds, Phenylboronate ester bonds, and hydrogen bonds, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)/pH dual responsive hydrogel with a triple-network is achieved. The hydrogel has injectable, self-healing, adhesion, outstanding flexibility, suitable swelling capacity, optimal biodegradability, excellent stimuli-responsive active substance release performance, and prominent biocompatibility. Most importantly, the hydrogel with ROS scavenging and pH-regulating ability protects cells from oxidative stress and induces macrophages into M2 polarization to reduce inflammatory cytokines through PI3K/AKT/NF-κB and MAPK pathways, exerting anti-inflammatory effects and reshaping the inflammatory microenvironment, thereby effectively treating typical IDs, including S. aureus infected wound and rheumatoid arthritis in rats. In conclusion, this dynamically responsive injectable hydrogel with a triple-network structure provides an effective strategy to treat IDs, holding great promise in clinical application.

Norcantharidin potentiates sorafenib antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma rat model through inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 pathway

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib (Sora) efficacy is limited by primary and/or acquired resistance. Emerging evidence shows that the inflammatory factor interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a role in Sora resistance. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a derivative of cantharidine, was identified as a potent IL-6 inhibitor. Thus, in this study, we evaluated NCTD ability to improve the Sora efficacy in HCC and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Male Sprague Dawely rats were administered NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day; orally) or Sora (10 mg/kg day; orally) or combination for 6 weeks after HCC induction using thioacetamide (200 mg/kg; ip; 2 times/wk) for 16 weeks. Our results showed that NCTD greatly enhanced Sora activity against HCC and potentiated Sora-induced oxidative stress. NCTD enhanced Sora-induced tumor immunity reactivation by decreasing both fibrinogen-like protein 1 level and increasing both tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression along with CD8+ T cells number. Also, NCTD augmented Sora attenuation activity against TAA-induced angiogenesis and metastasis by decreasing VEGFA, HIF-1α, serum lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, and vimentin levels. The combined use of NCTD/Sora suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, neurogenic locus notch homolog protein, spalt-like transcription factor 4, and CD133. NCTD boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing Ccnd1 and BCL2 expressions along with increasing BAX and caspase-3 expressions. To our knowledge, this study represents the first study providing evidence for the potential novel therapeutic use of NCTD/Sora combination for HCC. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of NCTD on FGL1.

The Role of Selenium Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Liver Pathologies of Various Natures

The liver is the body's largest gland, and regulates a wide variety of physiological processes. The work of the liver can be disrupted in a variety of pathologies, the number of which is several hundred. It is extremely important to monitor the health of the liver and develop approaches to combat liver diseases. In recent decades, nanomedicine has become increasingly popular in the treatment of various liver pathologies, in which nanosized biomaterials, which are inorganic, polymeric, liposomal, albumin, and other nanoparticles, play an important role. Given the need to develop environmentally safe, inexpensive, simple, and high-performance biomedical agents for theragnostic purposes and showing few side effects, special attention is being paid to nanoparticles based on the important trace element selenium (Se). It is known that the metabolism of the microelement Se occurs in the liver, and its deficiency leads to the development of several serious diseases in this organ. In addition, the liver is the depot for most selenoproteins, which can reduce oxidative stress, inhibit tumor growth, and prevent other liver damage. This review is devoted to the description of the results of recent years, revealing the important role of selenium nanoparticles in the therapy and diagnosis of several liver pathologies, depending on the dose and physicochemical properties. The possibilities of selenium nanoparticles in the treatment of liver diseases, disclosed in the review, will not only reveal the advantages of their hepatoprotective properties but also significantly supplement the data on the role of the trace element selenium in the regulation of these diseases.

Harnessing function of EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma: From biological view to nanotechnological standpoint

Management of cancer metastasis has been associated with remarkable reduction in progression of cancer cells and improving survival rate of patients. Since 90% of mortality are due to cancer metastasis, its suppression can improve ability in cancer fighting. The EMT has been an underlying cause in increasing cancer migration and it is followed by mesenchymal transformation of epithelial cells. HCC is the predominant kind of liver tumor threatening life of many people around the world with poor prognosis. Increasing patient prognosis can be obtained via inhibiting tumor metastasis. HCC metastasis modulation by EMT and HCC therapy by nanoparticles are discussed here. First of all, EMT happens during progression and advanced stages of HCC and therefore, its inhibition can reduce tumor malignancy. Moreover, anti-cancer compounds including all-trans retinoic acid and plumbaging, among others, have been considered as inhibitors of EMT. The EMT association with chemoresistance has been evaluated. Moreover, ZEB1/2, TGF-β, Snail and Twist are EMT modulators in HCC and enhancing cancer invasion. Therefore, EMT mechanism and related molecular mechanisms in HCC are evaluated. The treatment of HCC has not been only emphasized on targeting molecular pathways with pharmacological compounds and since drugs have low bioavailability, their targeted delivery by nanoparticles promotes HCC elimination. Moreover, nanoparticle-mediated phototherapy impairs tumorigenesis in HCC by triggering cell death. Metastasis of HCC and even EMT mechanism can be suppressed by cargo-loaded nanoparticles.

Carvacrol enhances anti-tumor activity and mitigates cardiotoxicity of sorafenib in thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma model through inhibiting TRPM7

AIMS

Sorafenib (Sora) represents one of the few effective drugs for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while resistance and cardiotoxicity limit its therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated the effect of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) inhibitor, carvacrol (CARV), on overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in thioacetamide (TAA) induced HCC in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TAA (200 mg/kg/twice weekly, intraperitoneal) was administered for 16 weeks to induce HCC. Rats were treated with Sora (10 mg/Kg/day; orally) and CARV (15 mg/kg/day; orally) alone or in combination, for six weeks after HCC induction. Liver and heart functions, antioxidant capacity, and histopathology were performed. Apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance were assessed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry.

KEY FINDINGS

CARV/Sora combination significantly improved survival rate, and liver functions, reduced Alpha-Fetoprotein level, and attenuated HCC progression compared with Sora group. CARV coadministration almost obviated Sora-induced changes in cardiac and hepatic tissues. The CARV/Sora combination suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, NOTCH1, Spalt like transcription factor 4, and CD133. CARV boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing cyclin D1 and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 and increasing BCL2-Associated X and caspase-3.

SIGNIFICANCE

CARV/Sora is a promising combination for tumor suppression and overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in HCC by modulating TRPM7. To our best knowledge, this study represents the first study to investigate the efficiency of CARV/ Sora on the HCC rat model. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of inhibiting TRPM7 on HCC.

Molecular mechanisms in thioacetamide-induced acute and chronic liver injury models

Thioacetamide (TAA) undergoes bioactivation in the liver by the CYP450 2E1 enzyme, resulting in the formation of TAA-S-oxide and TAA-S-dioxide. TAA-S-dioxide induces oxidative stress via lipid peroxidation of the hepatocellular membrane. A single TAA dose (50-300 mg/kg) administration initiates hepatocellular necrosis around the pericentral region after its covalent binding to macromolecules in the liver. Intermittent TAA administration (150-300 mg/kg, weekly thrice, for 11-16 weeks) activates transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/smad3 downstream signaling in injured hepatocytes, causing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to acquire myofibroblast like phenotype. The activated HSCs synthesize a variety of extracellular matrix, leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension. The TAA induced liver injury varies depending on the animal model, dosage, frequency, and routes of administration. However, TAA induces hepatotoxicity in a reproducible manner, and it is an ideal model to evaluate the antioxidant, cytoprotective, and antifibrotic compounds in experimental animals.

Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review of New Advances with Focus on Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

With an expected incidence of more than 1 million cases by 2025, liver cancer remains a problem for world health. With over 90% of cases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent kind of liver cancer. In this review, we presented the range of experimental therapeutics for patients with advanced HCC, the successes and failures of new treatments, areas for future development, the evaluation of dose-limiting toxicity in different drugs, and the safety profile in patients with liver dysfunction related to the underlying chronic liver disease. In addition to the unmet demand for biomarkers to guide treatment decisions and the burgeoning fields of immunotherapy and systemic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma, the development of old and new drugs, including their failures and current advancements, has been reviewed. This review aims to evaluate the updated optimal clinical treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinomas in clinical practice, mainly through targeted therapy. Although surgical treatment can significantly enhance the survival probability of early and intermediate-stage patients, it is unsuitable for most HCC patients due to a lack of donors. Due to their severe toxicity, the few first-line anti-HCC drugs, such as sorafenib, are often reserved for advanced HCC patients for whom other therapies have failed. The second-line drugs are usually alternatives for patients with intolerance or resistance. Consequently, the ongoing growth of possible preclinical drugs and studies on miRNAs, lncRNAs, and numerous other signaling pathway targets for developing novel drugs may introduce additional treatment prospects for HCC.

The advance anticancer role of polymeric core-shell ZnO nanoparticles containing oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer

We evaluated the activity of core-shell ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs@polymer shell) containing Oxaliplatin via polymerization through in vitro studies and in vivo mouse models of colorectal cancer. ZnO NPs were synthesized in situ when the polymerization step was completed by co-precipitation. Gadolinium coordinated-ZnONPs@polymer shell (ZnO-Gd NPs@polymer shell) was synthesized by exploiting Gd's oxophilicity (III). The biophysical properties of the NPs were studied using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), field emission electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and z-potential. (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) was used to determine the antiproliferative activity of ZnO-Gd-OXA. Moreover, a xenograft mouse model of colon cancer was exerted to survey its antitumor activity and effect on tumor growth. In the following, the model was also evaluated by histological staining (H-E; Hematoxylin & Eosin and trichrome staining) and gene expression analyses through the application of RT-PCR/ELISA, which included biochemical evaluation (MDA, thiols, SOD, CAT). The formation of ZnO NPs, which contained a crystallite size of 16.8 nm, was confirmed by the outcomes of the PXRD analysis. The Plate-like morphology and presence of Pt were obtained in EDX outcomes. TEM analysis displayed the attained ZnO NPs in a spherical shape and a diameter of 33 ± 8.5 nm, while the hydrodynamic sizes indicated that the particles were highly aggregated. The biological results demonstrated that ZnO-Gd-OXA inhibited tumor growth by inducing reactive oxygen species and inhibiting fibrosis, warranting further research on this novel colorectal cancer treatment agent.

Potential of Compounds Originating from the Nature to Act in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy by Targeting the Tumor Immunosuppressive Microenvironment: A Review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent subtype of liver cancer, is the second main reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent decades, sufficient evidence supported that immunotherapy was a safe and effective treatment option for HCC. However, tolerance and frequent recurrence and metastasis occurred in patients after immunotherapy due to the complicated crosstalk in the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) in HCC. Therefore, elucidating the TIME in HCC and finding novel modulators to target TIME for attenuating immune suppression is critical to optimize immunotherapy. Recently, studies have shown the potentially immunoregulatory activities of natural compounds, characterized by multiple targets and pathways and low toxicity. In this review, we concluded the unique role of TIME in HCC. Moreover, we summarized evidence that supports the hypothesis of natural compounds to target TIME to improve immunotherapy. Furthermore, we discussed the comprehensive mechanisms of these natural compounds in the immunotherapy of HCC. Accordingly, we present a well-grounded review of the naturally occurring compounds in cancer immunotherapy, expecting to shed new light on discovering novel anti-HCC immunomodulatory drugs from natural sources.

Rutin and selenium nanoparticles protected against STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats through downregulating Jak-2/Stat3 pathway and upregulating Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a renal complication of diabetic hyperglycemia. The Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a center molecule of the chronic inflammation causing DN progression. Therefore, the study investigated the possible inhibitory effects of Rutin (Ru) and Selenium (Se), formulated as nanoparticles (SeNPs), on Stat3 pathway in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN in Sprague-Dawley rats. Ru (100 mg/kg/orally) and SeNPs (equivalent to 5 mg of Se/kg/orally) were given as treatment for eight weeks. An assessment of fasting blood glucose, renal function biomarkers, GSH, and MDA was carried out spectrophotometrically. ELISA assessment of renal IL-6, NF-κB, TNF-α, Jak-2, and p-Stat3 was performed. Sirt-1, Nrf-2, and HO-1 were assessed immunohistochemically. DN group receiving Ru + SeNPs showed a decrease in fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, and urea (163.8 ± 22.8, 0.54 ± 0.1, and 53.6 ± 25.7 mg/dl, respectively), compared to the DN group (443.8 ± 42.72, 1.58 ± 0.4, and 281.8 ± 47.35 mg/dl, respectively). In addition, it exhibited elevation in the levels of Sirt-1, Nrf-2 and HO-1 compared to the DN group. Finally, Ru + SeNPs exhibited a significant reduction in IL-6, NF-κB, TNF-α, Jak-2, and p-Stat3 (42.8 ± 10.3, 1.2 ± 0.1, 53.4 ± 3.87, 0.8 ± 0.06 and 1.1 ± 0.2 U/g tissue, respectively) when compared to the DN group (155.3 ± 13.97, 2.8 ± 0.3, 105.5 ± 32.84, 2.03 ± 0.2 and 2.56 ± 0.15 U/g tissue, respectively). Therefore, combining Ru with SeNPs has a potential renoprotective effect against DN by upregulating Nrf-2/HO-1 and downregulating Jak-2/Stat3 Pathways.

Evaluation of Different Surface Coating Agents for Selenium Nanoparticles: Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Drug Loading Capacity

Background

Inflammation is the keystone in the disease’s pathological process in response to any damaging stimuli. Therefore, any agent that inhibits the inflammatory response is under focus, either a drug or a bioactive compound. Selenium nanoparticles have drawn attention in various biomedical applications, including the anti-inflammatory activity.

Purpose

In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the capacity of different surface coating materials (soybean lecithin, PEG 6000, and β-cyclodextrin) to enhance the anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The capability of the coated SeNPs to adsorb indomethacin (IND) on their surfaces compared to the uncoated SeNPs was also evaluated.

Methods

SeNPs were synthesized, coated with different materials, and characterized in vitro using X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and particle size and zeta potential measurements. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the uncoated/coated SeNPs loaded into hydrogel was evaluated using a carrageenan-induced paw edema rat model. The effect of SeNPs surface coatings was further evaluated for IND loading capacity.

Results

Our findings proved the superior anti-inflammatory activity of all coated SeNPs compared to the uncoated SeNPs, especially with β-cyclodextrin surface coating. Regarding the IND loading capacity of the prepared uncoated/coated SeNPs, the amount of drug loaded was 0.12, 1.12, 0.3, and 0.14 µg IND/µg SeNPs for the uncoated, lecithin-, PEG- and β-CD-coated SeNPs, respectively.

Conclusion

Surface functionalization of SeNPs can provide a synergistic therapeutic activity. Our results are promising for further investigation of the in vivo anti-inflammatory synergistic activity of the IND-loaded surface-coated SeNPs.