Verbascoside inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of prostate cancer cells through high-mobility group box 1/receptor for advanced glycation end-products/TGF-β pathway

Bioinformatic analysis of hippocampal histopathology in Alzheimer's disease and the therapeutic effects of active components of traditional Chinese medicine

Background and aim

Pathological changes in the central nervous system (CNS) begin before the clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) manifest, with the hippocampus being one of the first affected structures. Current treatments fail to alter AD progression. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown potential in improving AD pathology through multi-target mechanisms. This study investigates pathological changes in AD hippocampal tissue and explores TCM active components that may alleviate these changes.

Methods

GSE5281 and GSE173955 datasets were downloaded from GEO and normalized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Key functional modules and hub genes were analyzed using Cytoscape and R. Active TCM components were identified from literature and the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Enrichment analyses were performed on target genes overlapping with DEGs.

Result

From the datasets, 76 upregulated and 363 downregulated genes were identified. Hub genes included SLAMF, CD34, ELN (upregulated) and ATP5F1B, VDAC1, VDAC2, HSPA8, ATP5F1C, PDHA1, UBB, SNCA, YWHAZ, PGK1 (downregulated). Literature review identified 33 active components from 23 herbal medicines. Target gene enrichment and analysis were performed for six components: dihydroartemisinin, berberine, naringenin, calycosin, echinacoside, and icariside II.

Conclusion

Mitochondrial to synaptic vesicle dysfunction pathways were enriched in downregulated genes. Despite downregulation, UBB and SNCA proteins accumulate in AD brains. TCM studies suggest curcumin and echinacoside may improve hippocampal pathology and cognitive impairment in AD. Further investigation into their mechanisms is needed.

Verbascoside inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by the methyltransferase 3-mediated microRNA-31-5p/homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 axis

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the effects of verbascoside on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cellular behaviors and underlying molecular mechanisms.

DESIGN

For this purpose, SCC9 and UM1 cell lines were treated with verbascoside, and their biological behaviors, including proliferation, migration, and invasion, were evaluated using cell counting kit-8, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, and Transwell assays. The expression of methyltransferase-3 (METTL3), microRNA (miR)- 31-5p, and homeodomain interacting protein kinase-2 (HIPK2) were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The interaction between METTL3 and miR-31-5p was evaluated by RNA immunoprecipitation and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, while the interaction between miR-31-5p and HIPK2 was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter analysis.

RESULTS

The results indicated inhibition of OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion post verbascoside treatment. Similarly, METTL3 was upregulated in OSCC cells and was inhibited post-verbascoside treatment. Overexpressing METTL3 promoted the cellular processes. Moreover, miR-31-5p was upregulated in OSCC cells, where METTL3 facilitated the processing of miR-31-5p in an N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-dependent manner. The HIPK2 served as miR-31-5p target, where overexpressing miR-31-5p or HIPK2 knockdown reversed the suppression of verbascoside-induced biological behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Verbascoside inhibited the progression of OSCC by inhibiting the METTL3-regulated miR-31-5p/HIPK2 axis. These findings suggested that verbascoside might be an effective drug for OSCC therapy.

Potential inhibitory effect of Auricularia auricula polysaccharide on advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)

In this study, a novel polysaccharide, AAP-2S, was extracted from Auricularia auricula, and the anti-glycosylation effect of AAP-2S and its underlying mechanisms were investigated using an in vitro BSA-fructose model and a cellular model. The results demonstrated the inhibiting formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in vitro by AAP-2S. Concurrently, it attenuated oxidative damage to proteins in the model, preserved protein sulfhydryl groups from oxidation, reduced protein carbonylation, prevented structural alterations in proteins, and decreased the formation of β-crosslinked structures. Furthermore, AAP-2S demonstrated metal-chelating capabilities. GC-MS/MS-based metabolomics were employed to analyze changes in metabolic profiles induced by AAP-2S in a CML-induced HK-2 cell model. Mechanistic investigations revealed that AAP-2S could mitigate glycosylation and ameliorate cell fibrosis by modulating the RAGE/TGF-β/NOX4 pathway. This study provides a foundational framework for further exploration of Auricularia auricular polysaccharide as a natural anti-AGEs agent, paving the way for its potential development and application as a food additive.

HMGB1/RAGE axis in tumor development: unraveling its significance

High mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) plays a complex role in tumor biology. When released into the extracellular space, it binds to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) located on the cell membrane, playing an important role in tumor development by regulating a number of biological processes and signal pathways. In this review, we outline the multifaceted functions of the HMGB1/RAGE axis, which encompasses tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, and angiogenesis. This axis is instrumental in tumor progression, promoting tumor cell proliferation, autophagy, metastasis, and angiogenesis while inhibiting apoptosis, through pivotal signaling pathways, including MAPK, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, ERK, and STAT3. Notably, small molecules, such as miRNA-218, ethyl pyruvate (EP), and glycyrrhizin exhibit the ability to inhibit the HMGB1/RAGE axis, restraining tumor development. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the HMGB1/RAGE axis in tumors is of great importance, and the development of inhibitors targeting this axis warrants further exploration.

RAGE as a Novel Biomarker for Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) has been implicated in driving prostate cancer (PCa) growth, aggression, and metastasis through the fueling of chronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes and analyzes the current clinical and preclinical data to provide insight into the relationships among RAGE levels and PCa, cancer grade, and molecular effects. A multi-database search was used to identify original clinical and preclinical research articles examining RAGE expression in PCa. After screening and review, nine clinical and six preclinical articles were included. The associations of RAGE differentiating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) or normal prostate from PCa and between tumor grades were estimated using odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effect models due to study heterogeneity. The clinical meta-analysis found that RAGE expression was highly likely to be increased in PCa when compared to BPH or normal prostate (OR: 11.3; 95% CI: 4.4-29.1) and that RAGE was overexpressed in high-grade PCa when compared to low-grade PCa (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.8-3.4). In addition, meta-analysis estimates of preclinical studies performed by albatross plot generation found robustly positive associations among RAGE expression/activation and PCa growth and metastatic potential. This review demonstrates that RAGE expression is strongly tied to PCa progression and can serve as an effective diagnostic target to differentiate between healthy prostate, low-grade PCa, and high-grade PCa, with potential theragnostic applications.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Effects of Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. Flower Extracts

Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. flowers (OF-F) have been traditionally consumed as a functional food and utilized as folk medicine. This study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of OF-F extracts on prostate cancer cells (DU-145) and determined possible protein-ligand interactions of its compounds in silico. The crude OF-F extracts-water (W) and ethanol (E) were tested for phytochemical screening, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer. Network and molecular docking analyses of chemical markers were executed to establish their application for anticancer drug development. OF-F-E possessed higher total polyphenols (233.360 ± 3.613 g/kg) and tannin (93.350 ± 1.003 g/kg) contents than OF-F-W. In addition, OF-F-E extract demonstrated effective DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.173 ± 0.004 kg/L) and contained a high FRAP value (830.620 ± 6.843 g Trolox/kg). In cell culture experiments, OF-F-E significantly reduced NO levels and inhibited cell proliferation of RAW-264.7 and DU-145 cell lines, respectively. Network analysis revealed O. fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. metabolites could affect thirteen molecular functions and thirteen biological processes in four cellular components. These metabolites inhibited key proteins of DU-145 prostate cancer using molecular docking with rutin owning the highest binding affinity with PIKR31 and AR. Hence, this study offered a new rationale for O. fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. metabolites as a medicinal herb for anticancer drug development.

New insight in urological cancer therapy: From epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to application of nano-biomaterials

A high number of cancer-related deaths (up to 90) are due to metastasis and simple definition of metastasis is new colony formation of tumor cells in a secondary site. In tumor cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) stimulates metastasis and invasion, and it is a common characteristic of malignant tumors. Prostate cancer, bladder cancer and renal cancer are three main types of urological tumors that their malignant and aggressive behaviors are due to abnormal proliferation and metastasis. EMT has been well-documented as a mechanism for promoting invasion of tumor cells and in the current review, a special attention is directed towards understanding role of EMT in malignancy, metastasis and therapy response of urological cancers. The invasion and metastatic characteristics of urological tumors enhance due to EMT induction and this is essential for ensuring survival and ability in developing new colonies in neighboring and distant tissues and organs. When EMT induction occurs, malignant behavior of tumor cells enhances and their tend in developing therapy resistance especially chemoresistance promotes that is one of the underlying reasons for therapy failure and patient death. The lncRNAs, microRNAs, eIF5A2, Notch-4 and hypoxia are among common modulators of EMT mechanism in urological tumors. Moreover, anti-tumor compounds such as metformin can be utilized in suppressing malignancy of urological tumors. Besides, genes and epigenetic factors modulating EMT mechanism can be therapeutically targeted for interfering malignancy of urological tumors. Nanomaterials are new emerging agents in urological cancer therapy that they can improve potential of current therapeutics by their targeted delivery to tumor site. The important hallmarks of urological cancers including growth, invasion and angiogenesis can be suppressed by cargo-loaded nanomaterials. Moreover, nanomaterials can improve chemotherapy potential in urological cancer elimination and by providing phototherapy, they mediate synergistic tumor suppression. The clinical application depends on development of biocompatible nanomaterials.

Bioactive Compounds of Verbascum sinuatum L.: Health Benefits and Potential as New Ingredients for Industrial Applications

Verbascum sinuatum (V. sinuatum) is a plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family that has been used as an ingredient in traditional medicine infusions for the treatment of many diseases. The aerial part of this plant is a source of bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols and iridoids. Moreover, antioxidant activity studies have shown that V. sinuatum phenolic and flavonoid composition is higher than those in other plants of the same genus. V. sinuatum bioactive compound composition could vary according to the harvesting location, growing conditions of the plants, sample preparation methods, type and concentration of the extraction solvent, and the extraction methods. The obtention of these compounds can be achieved by different extraction techniques, most commonly, maceration, heat assisted extraction, and infusion. Nevertheless, since conventional extraction techniques have several drawbacks such as long times of extraction or use of large amounts of solvents, the use of green extraction techniques is suggested, without affecting the efficiency of the extraction. Moreover, V. sinuatum bioactive compounds have several biological activities, such as antioxidant, anticancer, cardiovascular, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities, that may be increased by encapsulation. Since the bioactive compounds extracted from V. sinuatum present good potential as functional food ingredients and in the development of drugs or cosmetics, this review gives an approach of the possible incorporation of these compounds in the food and pharmacological industries.

Phenylethanoid Glycoside-Enriched Extract Prepared from Clerodendrum chinense Leaf Inhibits A549 Lung Cancer Cell Migration and Apoptosis Induction through Enhancing ROS Production

This study aims to investigate the antioxidant and anti-cancer activities of Clerodendrum chinense leaf ethanolic extract. The phenylethanoid glycoside-enriched extract, namely verbascoside and isoverbascoside, was determined in the ethanolic C. chinense leaf extract using the validated HPLC method. The ethanolic extract showed DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities with the IC₅₀ values of 334.2 ± 45.48 μg/mL and 1012.77 ± 61.86 µg/mL, respectively, and a FRAP value of 88.73 ± 4.59 to 2480.81 ± 0.00 µM. C. chinense leaf extract exhibited anti-proliferative activity against A549 lung cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with the IC₅₀ value of 340.63 ± 89.43, 210.60 ± 81.74, and 107.08 ± 28.90 µg/mL after treatment for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The IC₅₀ values of verbascoside, isoverbascoside, and hispidulin were 248.40 ± 15.82, 393.10 ± 15.27, and 3.86 ± 0.87 µg/mL, respectively, indicating that the anti-proliferative effects of the C. chinense leaf extract mainly resulted from hispidulin and verbascoside. The selectivity index (SI) of C. chinense leaf extract against A549 lung cancer cells vs. normal keratinocytes were 2.4 and 2.8 after incubation for 24 and 48 h, respectively, suggesting the cytotoxic selectivity of the extract toward the cancer cell line. Additionally, the C. chinense leaf extract at 250 µg/mL induced late apoptotic cells up to 21.67% with enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction. Furthermore, the lung cancer cell colony formation was significantly inhibited after being treated with C. chinense leaf extract in a dose-dependent manner. The C. chinense leaf extract at 250 µg/mL has also shown to significantly inhibit cancer cell migration compared with the untreated group. The obtained results provide evidence of the anti-lung cancer potentials of the C. chinense leaf ethanolic extract.

Phytochemicals, Biological Activities, Molecular Mechanisms, and Future Prospects of Plantago asiatica L

Plantago asiatica L. has been used as a vegetable and nutritious food in Asia for thousands of years. According to recent phytochemical and pharmacological research, the active compositions of the plant contribute to various health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer. This article reviews the 87 components of the plant and their structures, as well as their biological activities and molecular research progress, in detail. This review provides valuable reference material for further study, production, and application of P. asiatica, as well as its components in functional foods and therapeutic agents.

CCL3-CCR5 axis promotes cell migration and invasion of colon adenocarcinoma via Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can promote tumorigenesis and development. C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) was reported to be derived from TAMs and tumor cells and facilitate the progression of several cancers. Nevertheless, whether CCL3 can be derived from TAMs and tumor cells of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is unclarified.

METHODS

Peripheral blood monocytes-derived macrophages were polarized by the conditioned medium from COAD cells to establish TAM-like macrophages (TAM1/2). RT-qPCR and western blotting were used for detection of expression levels of CCL3 and its receptors C-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) and CCR5 in TAM1/2 and COAD cells. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized for evaluating CCL3, CD163 and CCR5 expression. The Akt signaling pathway-associated protein levels were measured by western blotting. Transwell assays were used for assessing cell migration and invasiveness.

RESULTS

CCL3 displayed a high level in TAMs and cancer cells of COAD. CCL3 activated the Akt signaling pathway by binding to CCR5. CCL3-CCR5 axis facilitated COAD cell migration and invasiveness by activating the Akt signaling. CCL3 derived from both TAMs and cancer cells contributed to the malignant behaviors of COAD cells. High expression of CCL3/CCR5 was closely associated with poor prognoses of COAD patients.

CONCLUSION

CCL3-CCR5 interaction promotes cell migration and invasiveness, and functions as a prognostic biomarker for COAD.

The Promising Therapeutic Approaches for Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis: Targeting Radiation-Induced Mesenchymal Transition of Alveolar Type II Epithelial Cells

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a common consequence of radiation for thoracic tumors, and is accompanied by gradual and irreversible organ failure. This severely reduces the survival rate of cancer patients, due to the serious side effects and lack of clinically effective drugs and methods. Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis is a dynamic process involving many complicated and varied mechanisms, of which alveolar type II epithelial (AT2) cells are one of the primary target cells, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of AT2 cells is very relevant in the clinical search for effective targets. Therefore, this review summarizes several important signaling pathways that can induce EMT in AT2 cells, and searches for molecular targets with potential effects on RIPF among them, in order to provide effective therapeutic tools for the clinical prevention and treatment of RIPF.

The Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Verbascoside on Ovarian Cancer via Facilitating CCN1-AKT/NF-κB Pathway-Mediated M1 Macrophage Polarization

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related mortality. Verbascoside (VB) is a phenylpropanoid glycoside from Chinese herbs, with anti-tumour activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of VB on OC.

Methods

OC cell lines SKOV3 and A2780 were used in this study. Cell viability, proliferation, and migration were measured using CCK-8, clonogenic, and transwell assays, respectively. Apoptosis and M1/M2 macrophages were detected using flow cytometry. The interaction between VB and CCN1 was predicted by molecular docking. The mRNA expression of CCN1 was detected by RT-qPCR. The protein levels of CCN1, AKT, p-AKT, p65, and p-p65 were determined by western blotting. A xenograft mice model was established for in vivo validation.

Results

VB inhibited OC cell proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner, and promoted apoptosis and M1 macrophage polarization. VB downregulated CCN1 and inhibited the AKT/NF-κB pathway. LY294002, an AKT inhibitor, potentiated the anti-tumour effects of VB. CCN1 overexpression weakened the anti-tumour effects of VB and VB + LY294002. In vivo experiments verified that VB inhibited tumour growth and promoted M1 polarization, which is regulated by the CCN1-mediated AKT/NF-κB pathway.

Conclusion

VB triggers the CCN1-AKT/NF-κB pathway-mediated M1 macrophage polarization for protecting against OC.

The pharmacokinetic property and pharmacological activity of acteoside: A review

Acteoside (AC), a phenylpropanoid glycoside isolated from many dicotyledonous plants, has been demonstrated various pharmacological activities, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, neuroprotection, cardiovascular protection, anti-diabetes, bone and cartilage protection, hepatoprotection, and anti-microorganism. However, AC has a poor bioavailability, which can be potentially improved by different strategies. The health-promoting characteristics of AC can be attributed to its mediation in many signaling pathways, such as MAPK, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, TGFβ/Smad, and AMPK/mTOR. Interestingly, docking simulation study indicates that AC can be an effective candidate to inhibit the activity of SARS-CoV2 main protease and protect against COVID-19. Many clinical trials for AC have been investigated, and it shows great potentials in drug development.

The Beneficial Effects of Triterpenic Acid and Acteoside in an In Vitro Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Triterpenic acid (TA) and acteoside (ACT), the major components of APPLIVER and ACTEOS, respectively, have been reported to exert hepatoprotective effects, but the molecular mechanisms remain elusive, particularly in the NAFLD/NASH context. We assessed their effects in our well-established in vitro model resembling the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in NASH. Human hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells were exposed to free fatty acids (FFA) alone or in combination with APPLIVER and ACTEOS as a mono- or co-culture. Steatosis, inflammation, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and collagen deposition were determined. ACTEOS reduced both the TNF-α and ROS production, and, most importantly, attenuated collagen deposition elicited by the excess of FFA in the co-culture model. APPLIVER also showed inhibition of both TNF-α production and collagen deposition caused by FFA accumulation. The compounds alone did not induce any cellular effects. The present study showed the efficacy of APPLIVER and ACTEOS on pathophysiological mechanisms related to NASH. These in vitro data suggest that these compounds deserve further investigation for possible use in NASH treatment.

Natural Compounds for Counteracting Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Advantages and Limitations of the Suggested Candidates

The booming prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults and children will threaten the health system in the upcoming years. The "multiple hit" hypothesis is the currently accepted explanation of the complex etiology and pathophysiology of the disease. Some of the critical pathological events associated with the development of NAFLD are insulin resistance, steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Hence, attenuating these events may help prevent or delay the progression of NAFLD. Despite an increasing understanding of the mechanisms involved in NAFLD, no approved standard pharmacological treatment is available. The only currently recommended alternative relies on lifestyle modifications, including diet and physical activity. However, the lack of compliance is still hampering this approach. Thus, there is an evident need to characterize new therapeutic alternatives. Studies of food bioactive compounds became an attractive approach to overcome the reticence toward lifestyle changes. The present study aimed to review some of the reported compounds with beneficial properties in NAFLD; namely, coffee (and its components), tormentic acid, verbascoside, and silymarin. We provide details about their protective effects, their mechanism of action in ameliorating the critical pathological events involved in NAFLD, and their clinical applications.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in prostate cancer: A dual function mediator?

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a member of a family of secreted cytokines with vital biological functions in cells. The abnormal expression of TGF-β signaling is a common finding in pathological conditions, particularly cancer. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of death among men. Several genetic and epigenetic alterations can result in PCa development, and govern its progression. The present review attempts to shed some light on the role of TGF-β signaling in PCa. TGF-β signaling can either stimulate or inhibit proliferation and viability of PCa cells, depending on the context. The metastasis of PCa cells is increased by TGF-β signaling via induction of EMT and MMPs. Furthermore, TGF-β signaling can induce drug resistance of PCa cells, and can lead to immune evasion via reducing the anti-tumor activity of cytotoxic T cells and stimulating regulatory T cells. Upstream mediators such as microRNAs and lncRNAs, can regulate TGF-β signaling in PCa. Furthermore, some pharmacological compounds such as thymoquinone and valproic acid can suppress TGF-β signaling for PCa therapy. TGF-β over-expression is associated with poor prognosis in PCa patients. Furthermore, TGF-β up-regulation before prostatectomy is associated with recurrence of PCa. Overall, current review discusses role of TGF-β signaling in proliferation, metastasis and therapy response of PCa cells and in order to improve knowledge towards its regulation, upstream mediators of TGF-β such as non-coding RNAs are described. Finally, TGF-β regulation and its clinical application are discussed.

Anticancer effects of acteoside: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic status

Cancer, the uncontrolled proliferation and metastasis of abnormal cells, is a major public health issue worldwide. To date, several natural compounds have been reported with their efficacy in the treatment of different types of cancer. Chemotherapeutic agents are used in cancer treatment and prevention, among other aspects. Acteoside is a phenylethanoid glycoside, first isolated from Verbascum sinuatum, which has demonstrated multiple effects, including antioxidant, anti-epileptic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antihypertensive, and anti-leishmanial properties. This review gathered, analyzed, and summarized the literature on acteoside and its anticancer properties. All the available information about this compound and its role in different types of cancer was collected using different scientific search engines, including PubMed, Scopus, Springer Link, Wiley Online, Web of Science, Scifinder, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Acteoside is found in a variety of plants and has been shown to have anticancer activity in many experimental models through oxidative stress, apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, anti-invasion, anti-metastasis, synergism with other agents, and anti-proliferative effects through modulation of several pathways. In conclusion, acteoside exhibited potent anticancer activity against different cancer cell lines through modulating several cancer signaling pathways in different non- and pre-clinical experimental models and thus could be a strong candidate for further clinical studies.

Olive Mill Wastewater Inhibits Growth and Proliferation of Cisplatin- and Gemcitabine-Resistant Bladder Cancer Cells In Vitro by Down-Regulating the Akt/mTOR-Signaling Pathway

Bladder cancer patients whose tumors develop resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy often turn to natural, plant-derived products. Beneficial effects have been particularly ascribed to polyphenols, although their therapeutic relevance when resistance has developed is not clear. The present study evaluated the anti-tumor potential of polyphenol-rich olive mill wastewater (OMWW) on chemo-sensitive and cisplatin- and gemcitabine-resistant T24, RT112, and TCCSUP bladder cancer cells in vitro. The cells were treated with different dilutions of OMWW, and tumor growth and clone formation were evaluated. Possible mechanisms of action were investigated by evaluating cell cycle phases and cell cycle-regulating proteins. OMWW profoundly inhibited the growth and proliferation of chemo-sensitive as well as gemcitabine- and cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cells. Depending on the cell line and on gemcitabine- or cisplatin-resistance, OMWW induced cell cycle arrest at different phases. These differing phase arrests were accompanied by differing alterations in the CDK-cyclin axis. Considerable suppression of the Akt-mTOR pathway by OMWW was observed in all three cell lines. Since OMWW blocks the cell cycle through the manipulation of the cyclin-CDK axis and the deactivation of Akt-mTOR signaling, OMWW could become relevant in supporting bladder cancer therapy.

Verbascoside represses malignant phenotypes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by inhibiting CDC42 via the HMGB1/RAGE axis

BACKGROUND

As an aggressive human malignancy, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is prevalent globally, especially in China. Verbascoside (VE) exerts anti-cancer effects in several human cancers. This work was to investigate the effects of VE on ESCC cells.

METHODS

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed by CCK-8, TUNEL, and Transwell assays. Gene and protein levels were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. CDC42 activity was evaluated by G-lisa assay.

RESULTS

Verbascoside significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced cell apoptosis in ESCC cells. Furthermore, it was found that VE markedly inhibited HMGB1 and RAGE expression in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, HMGB1/RAGE upregulation partially reversed the anti-cancer effects of VE on ESCC cells. VE repressed HMGB1/RAGE-induced CDC42 activation in ESCC cells. In addition, ML141-mediated CDC42 inactivation further enhanced the effect of VE on ESCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that VE has significant anti-tumor potential in ESCC by suppressing HMGB1/RAGE-dependent CDC42 activation.

Downregulation of miR-487a-3p suppresses the progression of non-small cell lung cancer via targeting Smad7

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent type of lung cancer; however, the treatment efficacy of advanced NSCLC remains poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are closely associated with the pathogenesis of lung cancer, while the detailed function of miR-487a-3p in NSCLC remains unclear. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) between NSCLC and normal tissues. The effects of miR-487a-3p antagomir on the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells were explored with CCK-8 and Transwell assays. A total of 48 overlapping miRNAs were identified, including 9 commonly downregulated and 39 commonly upregulated miRNAs. MiR-487a-3p was found to be associated with poor survival rate of patients with NSCLC. MiR-487a-3p level was notably upregulated in NSCLC cells compared with that in human bronchial epithelial cells. Downregulation of miR-487a-3p inhibited the proliferation of NCI-H1299 and A549 cells via inducing apoptosis. In addition, miR-487a-3p antagomir significantly decreased the migration and invasion ability of NCI-H1299 cells. The results of the dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blotting indicated that miR-487a-3p antagomir exerted antitumor effects via targeting Smad7. The findings of the present study revealed that downregulation of miR-487a-3p suppressed the progression of NSCLC via inhibiting the Smads pathway, and it may serve as a novel promising target for the treatment of NSCLC.

Anti-Cancer Activity of Phytochemicals Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 Alpha

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is overexpressed in cancer, leading to a poor prognosis in patients. Diverse cellular factors are able to regulate HIF-1α expression in hypoxia and even in non-hypoxic conditions, affecting its progression and malignant characteristics by regulating the expression of the HIF-1α target genes that are involved in cell survival, angiogenesis, metabolism, therapeutic resistance, et cetera. Numerous studies have exhibited the anti-cancer effect of HIF-1α inhibition itself and the augmentation of anti-cancer treatment efficacy by interfering with HIF-1α-mediated signaling. The anti-cancer effect of plant-derived phytochemicals has been evaluated, and they have been found to possess significant therapeutic potentials against numerous cancer types. A better understanding of phytochemicals is indispensable for establishing advanced strategies for cancer therapy. This article reviews the anti-cancer effect of phytochemicals in connection with HIF-1α regulation.