Triptolide-mediated downregulation of FLIP(S) in hepatoma cells occurs at the post-transcriptional level independently of proteasome-mediated pathways

Co‑treatment with triptolide and RSL3 induces hepatocellular carcinoma cell apoptosis and ferroptosis

Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4; also known as phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase) inhibits cell death, including apoptosis and ferroptosis, by reducing lipid peroxidation. In addition, western blot assays showed that GPx4 protein levels were elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells following triptolide (TPL) treatment. Therefore, it was hypothesized that HCC cells might develop partial resistance to TPL‑induced cytotoxicity through upregulation of the GPx4 protein. To enhance anti‑proliferative efficacy, the present study co‑treated HCC cells with a combination of TPL and RAS‑selective lethal 3 (RSL3), a well‑characterized GPx4 activity inhibitor. Subsequent experimental data produced from Cell Counting Kit‑8 and flow cytometric analyses demonstrated that co‑administration of TPL and RSL3 promoted HCC cell apoptosis, elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and induced ferroptosis. These collective findings suggested that co‑treatment with TPL and RSL3 may induce both apoptotic and ferroptotic pathways in HCC cells.

Antitumor mechanisms and future clinical applications of the natural product triptolide

Triptolide (TPL) is a compound sourced from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F., a traditional Chinese medicinal herb recognized for its impressive anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, immunosuppressive, and antitumor qualities. Notwithstanding its favorable attributes, the precise mechanism through which TPL influences tumor cells remains enigmatic. Its toxicity and limited water solubility significantly impede the clinical application of TPL. We offer a comprehensive overview of recent research endeavors aimed at unraveling the antitumor mechanism of TPL in this review. Additionally, we briefly discuss current strategies to effectively manage the challenges associated with TPL in future clinical applications. By compiling this information, we aim to enhance the understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in TPL and identify potential avenues for further advancement in antitumor therapy.

Harnessing the power of traditional Chinese medicine monomers and compound prescriptions to boost cancer immunotherapy

At present, cancer is the largest culprit that endangers human health. The current treatment options for cancer mainly include surgical resection, adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but their therapeutic effects and long-term prognosis are unsatisfactory. Immunotherapy is an emerging therapy that has completely transformed the therapeutic landscape of advanced cancers, and has tried to occupy a place in the neoadjuvant therapy of resectable tumors. However, not all patients respond to immunotherapy due to the immunological and molecular features of the tumors. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a new perspective for cancer treatment and is considered to have the potential as promising anti-tumor drugs considering its immunoregulatory properties. This review concludes commonly used TCM monomers and compounds from the perspective of immune regulatory pathways, aiming to clearly introduce the basic mechanisms of TCM in boosting cancer immunotherapy and mechanisms of several common TCM. In addition, we also summarized closed and ongoing trials and presented prospects for future development. Due to the significant role of immunotherapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), TCM combined with immunotherapy should be emphasized in NSCLC.