Modulation of matrix metalloproteases by ciliary neurotrophic factor in human placental development

Importance of STAT3 signaling in preeclampsia (Review)

Placentation is a key process that is tightly regulated that ensures the normal placenta and fetal development. Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive pregnancy‑associated disorder characterized by increased oxidative stress and inflammation. STAT3 signaling plays a key role in modulating important processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion and apoptosis. The present review aimed to analyse the role of STAT3 signaling in PE pregnancies, discuss the main natural and synthetic compounds involved in modulation of this signaling both in vivo and in vitro and summarize the main cellular modulators of this signaling to identify possible therapeutic targets and treatments to improve the outcome of PE pregnancies.

The Role of Xenobiotic Caffeine on Cardiovascular Health: Promises and Challenges

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a leading cause of premature mortality and disability worldwide, with their incidence expected to rise, potentially reaching 24 million deaths per year by 2030. These multifactorial diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and heart failure, are often linked to metabolic disturbances such as diabetes, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. Natural compounds, such as caffeine, have been explored for their potential therapeutic effects on CVDs. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and various energy drinks, is a widely consumed psychoactive compound with noted analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its long history of use, caffeine's impact on cardiovascular health remains controversial, with both beneficial and harmful effects reported. This review examines the current literature on the effects of caffeine on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with an emphasis on preclinical and clinical studies, its pharmacokinetic properties, and the molecular mechanisms it modulates. There is evidence that moderate caffeine intake can be beneficial for some CVDs, such as hypertension, while for other CVDs, such as dyslipidemia, the evidence collected so far suggests that caffeine intake could be detrimental since it increases total cholesterol levels. But variability in dosage, intake patterns, and individual factors (such as genetics and diet) complicates the reliability of results. Additionally, challenges related to dose standardization and the absence of consistent clinical trial designs hinder the full utilization of caffeine in CVD treatment. Nonetheless, caffeine appears to be safe for individuals without significant cardiovascular conditions. Future research should aim for well-designed studies with precise patient cohorts and standardized methodologies to better assess caffeine's role in CVD management.

Dose-dependent effects of curcumin on 22Rv1 prostate cancer cell line

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent cancer type in the male population over 66 years. Curcumin is a polyphenolic natural compound extract from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa Linn (Zingiberaceae family) which showed important anticancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in several cancer types. Recently, some studies reported that oral curcumin lowered PSA levels, but it did not modify the clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer who received intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD). Other studies reported that high concentrations of curcumin were toxic for patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study we showed that low doses of curcumin can induce senescence-like effects in 22Rv1 cell line while higher concentrations have cytotoxic effects. Five,15 and 30 µM curcumin blocked cell cycle in G2/M phase but only 15 and 30 µM curcumin induced cell death. In addition, an increased expression of p21, a known senescence marker, was detected in 22Rv1 cells treated with curcumin in every experimental condition. However, the expression of p16, another known senescence marker, increased only to 30 µM curcumin.

CONCLUSION

In the context of personalized approach in PCa care, we suggest that the appropriate concentration of curcumin used in combination with radiotherapy or with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) could be taken into consideration.

Preeclampsia as a Study Model for Aging: The Klotho Gene Paradigm

Aging and pregnancy are often considered opposites in a woman's biological timeline. Aging is defined by a gradual decline in the functional capabilities of an organism over its lifetime, while pregnancy is characterized by the presence of the transient placenta, which fosters the cellular fitness necessary to support fetal growth. However, in the context of preeclampsia, pregnancy and aging share common hallmarks, including clinical complications, altered cellular phenotypes, and heightened oxidative stress. Furthermore, women with pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia tend to experience age-related disorders earlier than those with healthy pregnancies. Klotho, a gene discovered fortuitously in 1997 by researchers studying aging mechanisms, is primarily expressed in the kidneys but also to a lesser extent in several other tissues, including the placenta. The Klotho protein is a membrane-bound protein that, upon cleavage by ADAM10/17, is released into the circulation as soluble Klotho (sKlotho) where it plays a role in modulating oxidative stress. This review focuses on the involvement of sKlotho in the development of preeclampsia and age-related disorders, as well as the expression of the recently discovered Mytho gene, which has been associated with skeletal muscle atrophy.

The Multifaceted Role of the Polyphenol Curcumin: A Focus on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which often co-exists with other metabolic impairments. This condition can damage various tissues and organs, resulting in the development of severe complications, both microvascular, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, and macrovascular, responsible for an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Curcumin is the main bioactive molecule found in the rhizomes of turmeric. Many studies have reported curcumin to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, and anti-cancer properties; thus, there is an increasing interest in exploiting these properties in order to prevent the rise or the progression of T2DM, as well as its possible associated conditions. In this review, we have presented the current state-ofart regarding the clinical trials that have involved curcumin administration and analyzed the possible mechanisms by which curcumin might exert the beneficial effects observed in literature.

Modulation of NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling by Phytotherapeutics in Periodontitis

Periodontitis affects up to 40% of adults over 60 years old and is a consequence of gingivitis. Periodontitis is characterized by a chronic inflammation, periodontal damage, and alveolar bone resorption. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2 or NRF2)/Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) (NRF2/KEAP1) signaling pathway plays a key role in periodontitis by modulating redox balance and inflammation of the periodontium. However, NRF2 expression is decreased in gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis while oxidative stress is significantly increased in this pathology. Oxidative stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by gram-negative bacteria favor the production of inflammatory causing periodontal inflammation and favoring alveolar bone. In this review, we analyzed the current literature regarding the role of natural and synthetic compounds in modulating the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in in vitro and in vivo models of periodontitis in order to evaluate new potential treatments of periodontitis that can improve the outcome of this disease.

Escherichia coli induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and type IV collagen degradation is regulated by progesterone in human maternal decidual

BACKGROUND

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the main bacteria associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes by increasing pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (proMMP-9) and degradation of type IV collagen in human feto-maternal interface (HFMi). proMMP-9 is regulated by progesterone (P4) but it is unclear whether P4 inhibits proMMP in human maternal decidual (MDec). This study aimed to determine a role of P4 on proMMP-2 and - 9 and type IV collagen induced by E. coli infection in MDec.

METHODS

Nine HFMi were mounted in a Transwell system. MDec was stimulated with P4 or E. coli for 3-, 6-, or 24-hours. proMMP-2, -9 and type IV collagen were assessed.

RESULTS

Gelatin zymography revealed an increase in proMMP-9 after 3, 6, and 24 h of stimulating MDec with E. coli. Using immunofluorescence, it was confirmed the increase in the HFMi tissue and a reduction on the amount of type IV collagen leading to the separation of fetal amniochorion and MDEc. The degradative activity of proMMP-9 was reduced by 20% by coincubation with P4.

CONCLUSIONS

P4 modulates the activity of proMMP-9 induced by E. coli stimulation but it was unable to completely reverse the degradation of type IV collagen in human MDec tissue.

Evaluating the IL-6 Family of Cytokines Throughout Equine Gestation

INTRODUCTION

The interleukin (IL)-6 family of cytokines is grouped by a common receptor subunit (gp130), but functions in distinct but overlapping physiological activities, including regulation of acute phase reaction and the balance between effector and regulatory T cell populations-both of which play a role in successful pregnancy maturation.

METHODS

Here, we aim to assess the expression profiles of members of the IL-6 cytokine family throughout equine gestation. To do so, RNA Sequencing was performed on chorioallantois and endometrium of mares at 120, 180, 300, and 330 days of gestation (n = 4/stage), as well as 45-day chorioallantois (n = 4) and diestrus endometrium (n = 3). Expression levels of members of the IL-6 cytokine family including ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), cardiotrophin 1 (CT-1), cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1), galectin-10, oncostatin M (OSM), and IL-6, -11, and -27 were evaluated in addition to the receptors for IL-6 (IL-6R) and the common receptor subunit gp130. Additionally, peripheral concentration of IL-6 was assessed.

RESULTS

In the chorioallantois, differential expression of IL-6, IL-11, CNTF, CLCF1, OSM, and CT-1 was noted. In the endometrium, the gestational age of pregnancy impacted the expression of IL-11, CNTF, and CT-1. Circulatory IL-6 concentrations reached their highest concentrations at 120 days, with lesser concentrations noted at 45, 180, 300, and 330 days. Both IL-6R and gp130 altered in expression throughout equine gestation.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, members of the IL-6 cytokine family appear to fluctuate constantly throughout equine pregnancy, with varying expression profiles noted when comparing individual members. Additionally, different expression profiles were noted when comparing chorioallantois, endometrium, and circulation, indicating that the function of the cytokine is tissue-specific.

Circulating miRNAs and Preeclampsia: From Implantation to Epigenetics

In this review, we comprehensively present the literature on circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with preeclampsia, a pregnancy-specific disease considered the primary reason for maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. miRNAs are single-stranded non-coding RNAs, 20-24 nt long, which control mRNA expression. Changes in miRNA expression can induce a variation in the relative mRNA level and influence cellular homeostasis, and the strong presence of miRNAs in all body fluids has made them useful biomarkers of several diseases. Preeclampsia is a multifactorial disease, but the etiopathogenesis remains unclear. The functions of trophoblasts, including differentiation, proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, are essential for a successful pregnancy. During the early stages of placental development, trophoblasts are strictly regulated by several molecular pathways; however, an imbalance in these molecular pathways can lead to severe placental lesions and pregnancy complications. We then discuss the role of miRNAs in trophoblast invasion and in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and prediction of preeclampsia. We also discuss the potential role of miRNAs from an epigenetic perspective with possible future therapeutic implications.

Protein components of maple syrup as a potential resource for the development of novel anti‑colorectal cancer drugs

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener consumed worldwide. Active ingredients of maple syrup possess antitumor effects; however, these ingredients are phenolic compounds. The present study aimed to investigate components other than phenolic compounds that may have antitumor effects against colorectal cancer (CRC). Cell proliferation assays demonstrated that treatment with the more than 10,000 molecular weight fraction significantly inhibited viability in DLD‑1 cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that the protein components of maple syrup may be the active ingredients in maple syrup. We obtained protein components from maple syrup by ammonium sulfate precipitation, and treatment with the protein fraction of maple syrup (MSpf) was found to exhibit a potential antitumor effect. MSpf‑treated DLD‑1 colon adenocarcinoma cells exhibited significantly decreased proliferation, migration and invasion. In addition, upregulation of LC3A and E‑cadherin and downregulation of MMP‑9 expression levels were observed following MSpf treatment. Investigation of the components of MSpf suggested that it was primarily formed of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Therefore, whether AGEs in MSpf affected the STAT3 pathway through the binding to its receptor, receptor of AGE (RAGE), was assessed. MSpf treatment was associated with decreased RAGE expression and STAT3 phosphorylation. Finally, to determine whether autophagy contributed to the inhibitory effect of cell proliferation following MSpf treatment, the effect of MSpf treatment on autophagy induction following bafilomycin A1 treatment, a specific autophagy inhibitor, was assessed. The inhibitory effect of MSpf treatment on cell proliferation was enhanced through the inhibition of autophagy by bafilomycin A1 treatment. These results suggested that AGEs in MSpf suppressed cell proliferation and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition through inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway through decreased RAGE expression. Therefore, AGEs in MSpf may be potential compounds for the development of antitumor drugs for the treatment of CRC with fewer adverse effects compared with existing antitumor drugs.

Recent Advances in the Management of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Novel Biomarkers and Targeted Therapies

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) belongs to a heterogenous cancer group arising from renal tubular epithelial cells. Among RCC subtypes, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common variant, characterized by high aggressiveness, invasiveness and metastatic potential, features that lead to poor prognosis and high mortality rate. In addition, diagnosis of kidney cancer is incidental in the majority of cases, and this results in a late diagnosis, when the stage of the disease is advanced and the tumor has already metastasized. Furthermore, ccRCC treatment is complicated by its strong resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. Therefore, there is active ongoing research focused on identifying novel biomarkers which could be useful for assessing a better prognosis, as well as new molecules which could be used for targeted therapy. In this light, several novel targeted therapies have been shown to be effective in prolonging the overall survival of ccRCC patients. Thus, the aim of this review is to analyze the actual state-of-the-art on ccRCC diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic options, while also reporting the recent advances in novel biomarker discoveries, which could be exploited for a better prognosis or for targeted therapy.

Role of Natural and Synthetic Compounds in Modulating NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling Pathway in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Prostate cancer can be treated by surgery or active surveillance when early diagnosed but, when diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage, radiation therapy or androgen-deprivation therapy is needed to reduce cancer progression. However, both of these therapies can cause prostate cancer resistance to treatment. Several studies demonstrated that oxidative stress is involved in cancer occurrence, development, progression and treatment resistance. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/KEAP1 (Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1) pathway plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and NRF2 activation can determine cell fate. In particular, toxic levels of ROS lead physiological cell death and cell tumor suppression, while lower ROS levels are associated with carcinogenesis and cancer progression. On the contrary, a high level of NRF2 promotes cell survival related to cancer progression activating an adaptive antioxidant response. In this review, we analyzed the current literature regarding the role of natural and synthetic compounds in modulating NRF2/KEAP1 signaling pathway in prostate cancer.

The Role of NQO1 in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most dangerous gynecologic malignancies showing a high fatality rate because of late diagnosis and relapse occurrence due to chemoresistance onset. Several researchers reported that oxidative stress plays a key role in ovarian cancer occurrence, growth and development. The NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is an antioxidant enzyme that, using NADH or NADPH as substrates to reduce quinones to hydroquinones, avoids the formation of the highly reactive semiquinones, then protecting cells against oxidative stress. In this review, we report evidence from the literature describing the effect of NQO1 on ovarian cancer onset and progression.

Nutraceuticals as Potential Therapeutic Modulators in Immunometabolism

Nutraceuticals act as cellular and functional modulators, contributing to the homeostasis of physiological processes. In an inflammatory microenvironment, these functional foods can interact with the immune system by modulating or balancing the exacerbated proinflammatory response. In this process, immune cells, such as antigen-presenting cells (APCs), identify danger signals and, after interacting with T lymphocytes, induce a specific effector response. Moreover, this conditions their change of state with phenotypical and functional modifications from the resting state to the activated and effector state, supposing an increase in their energy requirements that affect their intracellular metabolism, with each immune cell showing a unique metabolic signature. Thus, nutraceuticals, such as polyphenols, vitamins, fatty acids, and sulforaphane, represent an active option to use therapeutically for health or the prevention of different pathologies, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. To regulate the inflammation associated with these pathologies, intervention in metabolic pathways through the modulation of metabolic energy with nutraceuticals is an attractive strategy that allows inducing important changes in cellular properties. Thus, we provide an overview of the link between metabolism, immune function, and nutraceuticals in chronic inflammatory processes associated with obesity and diabetes, paying particular attention to nutritional effects on APC and T cell immunometabolism, as well as the mechanisms required in the change in energetic pathways involved after their activation.

12-week curcumin supplementation may relieve postexercise muscle fatigue in adolescent athletes

Introduction

High-intensity exercise causes oxidative stress, muscle soreness, and muscle fatigue, leading to reduced exercise performance. Curcumin possesses antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and thus alleviates postexercise damage. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of curcumin on athletes' postexercise recovery.

Methods

A non-randomized prospective cohort investigation was done. We recruited middle and high school athletes engaged in wrestling, soccer, and soft tennis. During the 12-week daily exercise training, the participants were assigned to receive curcumin supplementation (curcumin group) or not (control group). Body composition, exercise performance, inflammatory factors, muscle fatigue, and muscle soreness were recorded at the baseline and end of the study. We used the Mann-Whitney U test to compare the participants' demographics, such as age, height, weight, and training years. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the differences between the groups before and after curcumin supplementation.

Results

Of 28 participants (21 men and 7 women, with a mean age of 17 years), 13 were in the curcumin group and 15 in the control group. A significant decrease in muscle fatigue and muscle soreness scores was observed in the curcumin group after 12 weeks. Moreover, a significant decrease in the 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine level and a significant increase in basic metabolic rate and fat-free mass were observed in the curcumin group.

Conclusion

Curcumin can reduce muscle fatigue and soreness after exercise, indicating its potential to alleviate postexercise damage. It could be considered to cooperate with nutritional supplements in regular training in adolescent athletes.

NRF2 modulation in TRAMP mice: an in vivo model of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and oxidative stress is involved in its occurrence, development and progression. In fact, in transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice, prostate cancer onset is associated with the methylation of the first five CpG in the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) promoter, a key regulator of oxidative stress response, leading to its downregulation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been demonstrated that both natural and synthetic compounds can reactivate NRF2 expression inhibiting the methylation status of its promoter by downregulation of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). Interestingly, NRF2 re-expression significantly reduced prostate cancer onset in TRAMP mice highlighting an important role of NRF2 in prostate tumorigenesis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed the current literature regarding the role of natural and synthetic compounds in modulating NRF2 pathway in TRAMP mice, an in vivo model of prostate cancer, to give an overview on prostate carcinogenesis and its possible prevention.

CONCLUSION

We can conclude that specific natural and synthetic compounds can downregulate DNMTs and/or HDACs inhibiting the methylation status of NRF2 promoter, then reactivating the expression of NRF2 protecting normal prostatic cells from ROS damage and tumorigenesis.

Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Modulates Multiple Downstream Signaling Pathways in Prostate Cancer Inhibiting Cell Invasiveness

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains the most common diagnosed tumor and is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in men. If the cancer is organ-confined it can be treated by various ablative therapies such as RP (radical prostatectomy), RT (radiation therapy), brachytherapy, cryosurgery or HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound). However, advanced or metastatic PCa treatment requires systemic therapy involving androgen deprivation, but such patients typically progress to refractory disease designated as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been established as a driver of prostate carcinogenesis and tumor progression while less is known about the role of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), a member of the IL-6 cytokine family in prostate cancer. Moreover, MAPK/ERK, AKT/PI3K and Jak/STAT pathways that regulate proliferative, invasive and glucose-uptake processes in cancer progression are triggered by CNTF.

METHODS

We investigate CNTF and its receptor CNTFRα expressions in human androgen-responsive and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, we investigated the role of CNTF in proliferative, invasive processes as well as glucose uptake using two cell models mimicking the PCa (LNCaP cell line) and CRPC (22Rv1 cell line).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that CNTF and CNTFRa were expressed in PCa and CRPC tissues and that CNTF has a pivotal role in prostate cancer environment remodeling and as a negative modulator of invasion processes of CRPC cell models.