Apoptotic and anti-Warburg effect of Morusin via ROS mediated inhibition of FOXM1/c-Myc signaling in prostate cancer cells

Unveiling vitamin C: A new hope in the treatment of diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (Review)

Lymphoma is a malignancy of the immune system, which originates from lymphatic tissues and lymph nodes. Diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common type of non‑Hodgkin lymphoma, occurring in 30‑40% of all cases, which has persistent clinical challenges. The treatment of DLBCL is challenging due to its diverse genetic and biological characteristics and complex clinical physiology. Despite advancements in overall prognosis, 20‑25% of patients continue to experience relapse and 10‑15% of patients experience refractory disease. Vitamin C is a water‑soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties and notable pharmacological activity, with potential applications in cancer therapy. Pharmacological doses of vitamin C (1‑4 g/kg) can induce apoptosis in malignant cells by inhibiting and/or reversing gene mutations that are associated with hematological malignancies. For example, 10‑25% of patients with myeloid malignancies have tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) gene mutations and vitamin C can regulate blood stem cell frequency and leukemia production by enhancing TET2 function. Consequently, pharmacological doses of vitamin C can inhibit the development and progression of hematological malignancies. Therefore, the present review aimed to investigate the role of vitamin C in the pathophysiology and treatment of DLBCL, whilst highlighting the potential challenges and future perspectives.

circDHX33 suppresses glycolysis, malignant proliferation, and metastasis in prostate cancer by interacting with RNA-binding protein IGF2BP2 to destabilize its protein

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignant tumor characterized by dependence on androgens and enhanced glycolytic processes in response to the energy demands of rapid proliferation. This study delved into the role of circDHX33 interacting with IGF2BP2 in regulating the malignant behavior of PCa. circRNA expression data from PCa tissues and normal tissues were selected from the GEO database, and differentially expressed circRNAs were screened out. circDHX33 expression in clinical PCa samples was verified by RT-qPCR. Cellular experiments included cell culture, RNA interference and overexpression assays, as well as the use of Transwell migration invasion assay and EdU cell proliferation assay to assess the effect of circDHX33 on the proliferation and migration of PC-3 cells. In addition, its regulatory effect on energy metabolism in tumor cells was assessed by glycolysis assay. FISH assay, RNA pull-down, silver staining assay, and RIP were used to evaluate the interaction between circDHX33 and IGF2BP2. circDHX33 expression was significantly reduced in PCa tissues relative to normal tissues. Overexpression of circDHX33 significantly inhibited the glycolytic activity, proliferative capacity, and migratory and invasive abilities of PC-3 cells, and this effect was closely related to its reduction of IGF2BP2 protein stability. Knockdown of IGF2BP2 could reverse the malignant behavior of cells enhanced by circDHX33 knockdown. In addition, the direct intracellular interaction between circDHX33 and IGF2BP2 was verified. circDHX33 inhibits glycolysis and malignant proliferation in PCa through interaction with IGF2BP2, suggesting its potential as a potential therapeutic target.

ZCCHC4 regulates esophageal cancer progression and cisplatin resistance through ROS/c-myc axis

Zinc finger CCHC-type containing 4 (ZCCHC4) is a newly discovered N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methyltransferase (MTase), which possesses an m6A MTase domain and an RNA-binding protein (RBP) Znf domain. Aberrantly expressed ZCCHC4 has been found to be correlated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance in various tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. However, the expression and functional analysis of the role of ZCCHC4 in esophageal cancer (ESCA) is still elusive. The expression of ZCCHC4 in esophageal cancer tissues was evaluated by qPT-PCR and western blot. Serum esophageal tumor markers are detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Relationship between ZCCHC4 expression and pathway enrichment analysis were analyzed by R. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of ZCCHC4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells tested by CCK8 assay and flow cytometry assay. Aberrant expression of ZCCHC4 is associated with cancer stages, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and tumor histology, and poorer Overall Survival (OS) in esophageal cancer. The mRNA level of ZCCHC4 in esophageal cancer patients correlates with serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) markers, and tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) levels. Knockdown of ZCCHC4 induces DNA damage, leading to an elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn triggers S-phase arrest, enhances apoptosis, augments sensitivity to cisplatin treatment, and inhibits proliferation in esophageal cancer cells. Conversely, overexpression of ZCCHC4 promotes proliferation, inhibits apoptosis, and increases resistance to cisplatin in esophageal cancer cells. Furthermore, scavenging ROS reverses the effects of ZCCHC4 downregulation on both proliferation and apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells. Additionally, downregulation of ZCCHC4 inhibits the progression of esophageal cancer and reduces cisplatin resistance in vivo. In summary, downregulation of ZCCHC4 leads to increased sensitivity of ESCC cells to cisplatin, inhibits proliferation, and promotes apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells, potentially via the ROS/c-myc axis. The study suggests a potential adjunctive role for ZCCHC4 in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer and aids in further understanding the underlying mechanisms in ESCA progression.

Bibliometric analysis of glycolysis and prostate cancer research from 2004 to 2024

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) ranks as the second most common disease among men and the fourth most prevalent cancer worldwide. Enhanced glycolysis and excessive lactate secretion are recognized as critical factors driving the progression of various cancers. This study systematically investigated the research trends associated with glycolysis in PCa through bibliometric analysis.

METHOD

In this study, we conducted a systematic search of the Web of Science and PubMed databases for literature pertaining to the glycolysis of PCa that was published between January 1, 2004, and June 30, 2024. To achieve this objective, we employed CiteSpace software to generate visualizations that illustrate countries/regions, institutions, journals, and keywords. Additionally, we extracted pertinent quantitative data. Furthermore, we utilized VOSviewer software to create a collaboration network map among various journals.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2024, a total of 408 research articles on glycolysis in PCa were published, indicating a consistent upward trend in the annual publication rate. In this field, the United States not only leads in the volume of research papers but also has the highest degree of centrality. The journal "Cancer Research" is recognized as the most influential in the field, whereas "Prostate and Cancer" serves as a significant platform for disseminating research related to glycolysis in PCa. Keyword analysis has identified four primary research directions that have dominated this field over the past two decades. The role of glycolysis and its associated enzymes in PCa underpins this research. Glycolysis has also demonstrated significant clinical value in the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa. Moreover, drugs targeting glycolytic inhibitors and natural products have exhibited therapeutic potential against this disease. By modulating glycolytic mechanisms, there is potential to increase resistance in PCa. Currently, leading research in this area encompasses the application of nanotechnology to PCa glycolysis, the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in this metabolic pathway, and the interactions between glycolysis and other biological processes in PCa.

CONCLUSION

This study employs bibliometric analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of research on glycolysis in PCa over the past two decades. It highlights the current state of knowledge in this field, identifies key research hotspots, and explores emerging frontiers, particularly nanotechnology, lncRNA, and miRNA, which are driving innovative research directions.

Assessing Therapeutic Value and Side Effects of Key Botanical Compounds for Optimized Medical Treatments

Due to the significance of variable chemical groups across a wide spectrum of modern medicine, it is imperative to determine what is the most widely used group in medical applications with the fewest side effects. Ten compounds from ten chemical groups that are most commonly known for their medical uses were compared in terms of their therapeutic potential and side effects. The comparison among the selected compounds indicated the superiority of the flavonoids over other groups in the multitude of their utilizations and the lower side effects. Kaempferol and quercetin showed higher medical utilization with lower side effects. Whereas alkaloid compounds showed the lowest levels of medical use and the highest levels of side effects. Based on the comparison conducted, it is concluded to give priority to flavonoid compounds being used in medical applications because they exhibit the highest medical uses with the lowest side effects. Within flavonoids, kaempferol and quercetin are the two compounds that are highly recommended to be used in the widest range of medical applications. Serious caution should be considered before applying alkaloids to any medical service. Understanding the characteristics of these compounds can aid in developing safer and more effective treatments for medicinal plants.

Anti-Warburg Mechanism of Ginsenoside F2 in Human Cervical Cancer Cells via Activation of miR193a-5p and Inhibition of β-Catenin/c-Myc/Hexokinase 2 Signaling Axis

Though Ginsenoside F2 (GF2), a protopanaxadiol saponin from Panax ginseng, is known to have an anticancer effect, its underlying mechanism still remains unclear. In our model, the anti-glycolytic mechanism of GF2 was investigated in human cervical cancer cells in association with miR193a-5p and the β-catenin/c-Myc/Hexokinase 2 (HK2) signaling axis. Here, GF2 exerted significant cytotoxicity and antiproliferation activity, increased sub-G1, and attenuated the expression of pro-Poly (ADPribose) polymerase (pro-PARP) and pro-cysteine aspartyl-specific protease (procaspase3) in HeLa and SiHa cells. Consistently, GF2 attenuated the expression of Wnt, β-catenin, and c-Myc and their downstream target genes such as HK2, pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 (PKM2), and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), along with a decreased production of glucose and lactate in HeLa and SiHa cells. Moreover, GF2 suppressed β-catenin and c-Myc stability in the presence and absence of cycloheximide in HeLa cells, respectively. Additionally, the depletion of β-catenin reduced the expression of c-Myc and HK2 in HeLa cells, while pyruvate treatment reversed the ability of GF2 to inhibit β-catenin, c-Myc, and PKM2 in GF2-treated HeLa cells. Notably, GF2 upregulated the expression of microRNA139a-5p (miR139a-5p) in HeLa cells. Consistently, the miR139a-5p mimic enhanced the suppression of β-catenin, c-Myc, and HK2, while the miR193a-5p inhibitor reversed the ability of GF2 to attenuate the expression of β-catenin, c-Myc, and HK2 in HeLa cells. Overall, these findings suggest that GF2 induces apoptosis via the activation of miR193a-5p and the inhibition of β-catenin/c-Myc/HK signaling in cervical cancer cells.

Implications of c-Myc in the pathogenesis and treatment efficacy of urological cancers

Urological cancers, including prostate, bladder, and renal cancers, are significant causes of death and negatively impact the quality of life for patients. The development and progression of these cancers are linked to the dysregulation of molecular pathways. c-Myc, recognized as an oncogene, exhibits abnormal levels in various types of tumors, and current evidence supports the therapeutic targeting of c-Myc in cancer treatment. This review aims to elucidate the role of c-Myc in driving the progression of urological cancers. c-Myc functions to enhance tumorigenesis and has been documented to increase growth and metastasis in prostate, bladder, and renal cancers. Furthermore, the dysregulation of c-Myc can result in a diminished response to therapy in these cancers. Non-coding RNAs, β-catenin, and XIAP are among the regulators of c-Myc in urological cancers. Targeting and suppressing c-Myc therapeutically for the treatment of these cancers has been explored. Additionally, the expression level of c-Myc may serve as a prognostic factor in clinical settings.

Investigating the molecular mechanism of Mori Cortex against osteosarcoma by bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experimental

OBJECTIVE

To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Mori Cortex against osteosarcoma (OS), we conducted bioinformatics prediction followed by in vitro experimental validation.

METHODS

Gene expression data from normal and OS tissues were obtained from the GEO database and underwent differential analysis. Active Mori Cortex components and target genes were extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database. By intersecting these targets with differentially expressed genes in OS, we identified potential drug action targets. Using the STRING database, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed. Subsequent analyses of these intersected genes, including Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment, were performed using R software to elucidate biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components, resulting in the simulation of signaling pathways. Molecular docking assessed the binding capacity of small molecules to signaling pathway targets. In vitro validations were conducted on U-2 OS cells. The CCK8 assay was used to determine drug-induced cytotoxicity in OS cells, and Western Blotting was employed to validate the expression of AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Survivin, and Cyclin D1 proteins.

RESULTS

Through differential gene expression analysis between normal and OS tissues, we identified 12,364 differentially expressed genes. From the TCSMP database, 39 active components and 185 therapeutic targets related to OS were derived. The protein-protein interaction network indicated that AKT1, IL-6, JUN, VEGFA, and CASP3 might be central targets of Mori Cortex for OS. Molecular docking revealed that the active compound Morusin in Mori Cortex exhibits strong binding affinity to AKT and ERK. The CCK8 assay showed that Morusin significantly inhibits the viability of U-2 OS cells. Western Blot demonstrated a reduction in the p-AKT/AKT ratio, the p-ERK/ERK ratio, Survivin, and Cyclin D1.

CONCLUSION

Mori Cortex may exert its therapeutic effects on OS through multiple cellular signaling pathways. Morusin, the active component of Mori Cortex, can inhibit cell cycle regulation and promote cell death in OS cells by targeting AKT/ERK pathway.

Morusin-Cu(II)-indocyanine green nanoassembly ignites mitochondrial dysfunction for chemo-photothermal tumor therapy

Nanoscale drug delivery systems derived from natural bioactive materials accelerate the innovation and evolution of cancer treatment modalities. Morusin (Mor) is a prenylated flavonoid compound with high cancer chemoprevention activity, however, the poor water solubility, low active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) loading content, and instability compromise its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Herein, a full-API carrier-free nanoparticle is developed based on the self-assembly of indocyanine green (ICG), copper ions (Cu2+) and Mor, termed as IMCNs, via coordination-driven and π-π stacking for synergistic tumor therapy. The IMCNs exhibits a desirable loading content of Mor (58.7 %) and pH/glutathione (GSH)-responsive motif. Moreover, the photothermal stability and photo-heat conversion efficiency (42.8 %) of IMCNs are improved after coordination with Cu2+ and help to achieve photothermal therapy. Afterward, the released Cu2+ depletes intracellular overexpressed GSH and mediates Fenton-like reactions, and further synergizes with ICG at high temperatures to expand oxidative damage. Furthermore, the released Mor elicits cytoplasmic vacuolation, expedites mitochondrial dysfunction, and exerts chemo-photothermal therapy after being combined with ICG to suppress the migration of residual live tumor cells. In vivo experiments demonstrate that IMCNs under laser irradiation could excellently inhibit tumor growth (89.6 %) through the multi-modal therapeutic performance of self-enhanced chemotherapy/coordinated-drugs/ photothermal therapy (PTT), presenting a great potential for cancer therapy.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Therapeutics via Triggering Unfolded Protein Response and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by 2-Arylbenzofuran

Gastrointestinal cancers are a major global health challenge, with high mortality rates. This study investigated the anti-cancer activities of 30 monomers extracted from Morus alba L. (mulberry) against gastrointestinal cancers. Toxicological assessments revealed that most of the compounds, particularly immunotoxicity, exhibit some level of toxicity, but it is generally not life-threatening under normal conditions. Among these components, Sanggenol L, Sanggenon C, Kuwanon H, 3'-Geranyl-3-prenyl-5,7,2',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone, Morusinol, Mulberrin, Moracin P, Kuwanon E, and Kuwanon A demonstrate significant anti-cancer properties against various gastrointestinal cancers, including colon, pancreatic, and gastric cancers. The anti-cancer mechanism of these chemical components was explored in gastric cancer cells, revealing that they inhibit cell cycle and DNA replication-related gene expression, leading to the effective suppression of tumor cell growth. Additionally, they induced unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, potentially resulting in DNA damage, autophagy, and cell death. Moracin P, an active monomer characterized as a 2-arylbenzofuran, was found to induce ER stress and promote apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, confirming its potential to inhibit tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Morus alba L. monomers in gastrointestinal cancers, especially focusing on Moracin P as a potent inducer of ER stress and apoptosis.